Abstract
High strength 7xxx series Al-Zn-Mg alloy have been investigated for using light weight automotive parts especially for bump back beam. The composition of commercial 7xxx aluminum has the Zn/Mg ratio about 3 and Cu over 2 wt%, but this composition isn't adequate for appling to automotive bump back beam due to its high resistance to extrusion and bad weldability. In this study the Zn/Mg ratio was increased for better extrusion and Cu content was reduced for better welding. With this new composition we investigated the effect of composition on the resistivity against stress corrosion cracking. As the Zn/Mg ratio is increased fracture energy obtained by slow strain rate test was decreased, which means degradation of SCC resistance. While the fracture energy was increased with Cu contents although it is below 1%, which means improvement of SCC resistance. These effects of composition change on the SCC resistivity were identified by observing the fracture surface and crack propagation.