Microstructure and strength modelling of Al-Cu-Mg alloys during non-isothermal treatments: part 1 – controlled heating and cooling

A model is developed to predict the precipitation kinetics and strengthening in Al Cu Mg alloys during non-isothermal treatments consisting of controlled heating and cooling. The prediction of the precipitation kinetics is based on the Kampmann and Wagner model. The precipitation strengthening by the shearable Cu:Mg co clusters is modelled on the basis of the modulus strengthening mechanism and the strengthening by the non-shearable S phase precipitates is based on the Orowan looping mechanism. The model predictions are verified by comparing with hardness, transmission electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry data on 2024-T351 aluminium alloys. The microstructural development and strength predictions of the model are generally in close agreement with the experimental data