Microstructure and Fracture Toughness of 7175Al Heavy Forgings

7175Al 대형 단조재의 미세조직과 파괴인성

The 7175Al alloy is particularly interesting for its high strength and sufficient ductility, fracture toughness and corrosion resistance. Currently vigorous efforts have been made to develop large rockets usable for various purposes in the space. This has created the demand of big size of 7175Al billet which would be applied to heavy forgings. The aim of this study is to investigate the quality level of big billet and the effect of billet size on the mechanical properties of large 7175Al ring roll forgings. The billets range from 370 mm to 720 mm in diameter were homogenized and forged after direct chill casting. The size and volume fraction of second phase particles In ${\Phi}720$ mm billet are larger than those of ${\Phi}370$ mm billet, and its ductility is lower for the condition of homogenization and T6 treatment. The Cu-rich phases formed in interdendritic sites are considered to provide the preferential crack path during cold upsetting. The fracture toughness of ring roll forgings which are made by ${\Phi}370$ mm billet is higher than those of ${\Phi}720$ mm billet.