Experimental study and modelling of stress relaxation ageing behaviour and post-form mechanical properties in creep age forming of Al-Zn-Mg alloy

The stress relaxation ageing behaviour and post-form mechanical properties of an Al-Zn-Mg alloy, AA7B04, have been experimentally investigated and modelled. The stress relaxation ageing tests were carried out under different initial stress levels and durations at 165 °C and subsequent tensile tests were performed at room temperature. The detailed effects of stress and time on stress relaxation and main post-form mechanical properties (yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, and uniform elongation) have been analysed and discussed. Based on the results and analysis, a set of unified constitutive equations has been developed for the first time to simultaneously predict stress relaxation ageing behaviour of the aluminium alloy during the creep age forming (CAF) process and the main mechanical properties of the products after CAF. The model comprises three sub-models, including microstructure, stress relaxation ageing and post-form mechanical properties, and has successfully predicted corresponding behaviour. The developed model provides an effective tool to not only predict the forming process but also support possible industrial applications for CAF products