Lab report on Aluminum Alloy (AA6061) (Coursework Sample)

Lab report on Aluminum Alloy (AA6061) Name Instructor Lab report on Aluminum Alloy (AA6061) Objective The main objective of this laboratory test is to investigate the heat treatment on the aluminum allow (AA6061) provided. Investigation This laboratory test investigates metal hardness. It is metal property that is very simple and easy to perform. The method is very convenient and suitable for examining the ageing behavior of heat treatable metal alloys after performing a solution heat treatment (AMETEK, 2010). In the laboratory, development of a heat ageing curve for such a metal is a necessary requirement. The graph comes from the collected results alluding from different samples of aluminum alloy 6061 in a series of different times. A follow up of the given guidelines leads to achievement of the Rockwell B procedure. Assessment This report presents the outcome of the experiment performed with the aim of investigating the hardness of the metal aluminum alloy AA6061. During the test, the alloy is heat treated to investigate its ageing properties. The properties vary with different temperatures and times for which the sample of the alloy is tested. Then, from the results obtained, an ageing graphical representation of the exact properties of the metal is drawn. The graph contains temperature and time properties of the metal and this is what gives a clear evaluation of the sample. The experimental method. Aluminum alloy 6061 mainly contains Silicon and Magnesium. Due to its properties, it is also named a precipitation hardening metal, aluminum alloy. It exhibits good mechanical properties as well as good weldability and it is suitable for general usage. Its constituent elements are as tabled below. Constituent ElementsPercentageZincMax 0.25Aluminum95.85-98.56Copper0.15-0.4ManganeseMax 0.15Magnesium0.8-1.2Chromium0.04-0.35IronMax 0.7TitaniumMax 0.15Silicon0.4-0.8Other elements0.05 In this method, the process used for testing is Rockwell Hardness Test. The method is commonly used due to its simplicity. Given that hardness forms part of the fundamental characteristics of a material, Rockwell test investigates by measuring the permanent test of indentation (Anon, 2011). The method is suitable for all metals apart from metals surfaces likely to generate a variety of variations. The following are the correct steps used for evaluating the behavior of metal aluminum alloy using Rockwell hardness test technique. Use a diamond indenter to apply a minor or preload test force. The force is also dubbed preliminary test force. A test point has the capability of showing the reference point by crushing the plane to lower surface finish properties. Apply a load force on the mandatory test load for a relatively fixed duration from which an elastic resurgence is established. Release the major load and determine an ultimate pint. The distance of the point should be adjacent to the resulting point from preload. In this case, it is possible to experience a variation in the values of major load and preload. This marks the end to the procedures. Results should be recorded immediately they are established. The procedure is done for samples of metal Aluminum allows from A-H. Results

Figure 1: Sample (A) Figure 2: Sample (E)

Figure 3: Sample (B) Figure 4: Sample (D)

Figure 5: Sample (G) Figure 6: Sample (H)
Results TreatmentTimeSample IDRockwell B Hardness6061 alloy (as received)A49.3 , 50.9 , 52.1Solution heat treatment (SHT) 2 hours @ 530°CE14.5 , 7.9 , 9.9SHT, quench, natural age23.45 HoursB19.1 , 15.4 , 14.9SHT, quench, age @ 200°C, quench11.25 hours @ 200°CC35.3 , 35.4 , 33.1@ 200°C 1.50D24.8 , 23.2 , 25.7At @200 2.35 (11:25-2:05)F42.6 , 46.2 , 48.1@200 (1.40-2.30)G48.1 , 55.9 , 56@200H12.2 , 17.7 , 15.611.25- 2.45I50.2 , 52.4 , 54.5, 53.8 Discussion The results obtained above illustrates the properties of aluminum alloy at different temperatures using the Rock well method. The heating process happens at different times in a heated solution. The difference in the results illustrates there are different properties of metals allo...