CHARACTERIZATION OF T6 HEAT TREATED AL-ALLOY BY ULTRASONIC WAVE TECHNIQUES

In this study, criteria for automotive Al-Mg-Si alloys are investigated in the context of commercial alloys with T6 heat treatment. The artificial aging of 6XXX [Al-Mg-Si] alloy at temperature 150, 180 and 200°C, is investigated through the use of ultrasonic velocity measurement. Development of the Mg2Si precipitates was understood by carrying out optical microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray [EDX] spectroscopy measurement. The present study is to explore the possibility of using ultrasonic velocity measurements and Micro hardness [HV] for investigating and correlating them for a complete characterization of the precipitation behavior in an aluminum alloy. The present study can be used for monitoring the strengthening process, phase distribution and as a result of the precipitation on aging at various time and temperature.