Abstract:The influences of process parameters on mechanical properties of AA6082 in the hot forming and cold-die quenching (HFQ) process were analysed experimentally. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the precipitate distribution and to thus clarify strengthening mechanism. A new model was established to describe the strengthening of AA6082 by HFQ process in this novel forming technique. The material constants in the model were determined using a genetic algorithm tool. This strengthening model for AA6082 can precisely describe the relationship between the strengths of formed workpieces and process parameters. The predicted results agree well with the experimental ones. The Pearson correlation coefficient, average absolute relative error, and root-mean-square error between the calculated and experimental hardness values are 0.99402, 2.0054%, and 2.045, respectively. The model is further developed into an FE code ABAQUS via VUMAT to predict the mechanical property variation of a hot-stamped cup in various ageing conditions.

Key words: aluminium alloy AA6082; mechanical properties; strengthening model; hot forming