Quenching size effect of high strength aluminum alloy bar in large size

The analysis of quenching size effect of high strength alumiuim alloy has been performed using temperature measurement, hardness test and transmission electron micrography (TEM). The results show that a significant quantity of coarse equilibrium phases (MgZn 2) are observed at grain interiorin and boundary after aging, closer to the bar centre. Large numbers of n' fine and dispersed precipitated phase are found at the bar surface, which contributes to the satisfied hardening effect. In this study, the quenching depth is calculated as 30 mm. © 2012 American Scientific Publishers All rights reserved.