| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
2025 TMS Annual Meeting & Exhibition
|
| Symposium
|
Aluminum Alloys: Development and Manufacturing
|
| Presentation Title |
Simultaneously Improving Process Efficiency and Mechanical Properties in Aluminum Alloys with Applied Magnetic Fields |
| Author(s) |
Michael S. Kesler, Michael Thompson, Lisa Debeer-Schmitt, Kangcheng Lin, Yang Yang, David Weiss, Harrison Kim, Michele Manuel |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Michael S. Kesler |
| Abstract Scope |
In the aluminum heat-treat sector, large resistive batch furnaces are used for many heat treatment processes and are generally always running, operating at approximately 20-30% efficiency. The primary avenue for energy savings lies in shortening heat treatment times, which can be 24+ hours for solutionizing (450-625C) and aging treatments (150-250C), depending on the alloy and specification requirements. The application of high magnetic fields (< 9 T) has shown to significantly reduce aluminum alloy heat-treat times, while achieving enhanced mechanical properties. Here, we explore the effects of thermomagnetic processing on the heat-treat response of a commercial aluminum alloy A390.1 and demonstrate the process on a commercial component. Heat treatment times were reduced by >80%, while achieving >20% improvement in hardness, and these improvements persisted after longer thermal exposures simulating use. The microstructural evolution and resulting properties will be discussed along with the potential economic and environmental impacts of this disruptive technology. |
| Proceedings Inclusion? |
Planned: Light Metals |
| Keywords |
Aluminum, Characterization, Process Technology |