College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Materials Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Materials Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Materials Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Materials Engineering
Date
6-2023
Primary Advisor
Blair London, College of Engineering, Materials Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
Divergent developed a "Crashworthy Alloy," an aluminum-based alloy optimized for impact toughness and energy absorption in automotive applications, which could be 3D printed. However, it was still in the developmental stages with metallurgical challenges that needed to be addressed. These challenges included identifying microstructural differences between builds and developing a heat treatment process. Tensile testing and heat treatments were conducted to achieve properties that matched 7075-T6, including an ultimate yield strength of 510 MPa, a yield strength of 434 MPa, and a % elongation of 11%. Following the heat treatment, the samples underwent metallography and fractography to analyze the impact of the heat treatment on the microstructure. Additionally, the fracture surface was imaged to understand the failure mode of the material. The first heat treatment followed aluminum 7075-T6, while the second heat treatment consisted of a change of time and temperature for aging. The materials response to both heat treatments resulted in an increase in strength with a corresponding loss in ductility.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/matesp/268