An Age-Hardening Model for Al-Mg-Si Alloys Considering Needle-Shaped Precipitates

Abstract In the present study, an age-hardening model for Al-Mg-Si alloys was developed considering cylindrical morphology with constant aspect ratio for precipitates. It is assumed that the precipitate distribution during underaging is controlled by simultaneous nucleation and growth, and after peak age, the process becomes coarsening controlled. The transition from the nucleation/growth regime to the coarsening regime takes place when the equilibrium fraction of the precipitating phase is reached. The microstructural model is combined with a precipitation-strengthening model to predict the evolution of yield strength of Al-Mg-Si alloys during aging. The predictions of the model on the evolution of yield strength and length, radius, and volume fraction of precipitates are presented and compared with experimental data.