Analysis of Strength Variation in Aluminium Alloys Due to Heat Treatment & Welding

Aluminium, in its pure state, is soft and ductile; not very strong. Addition of foreign elements like copper (Cu), magnesium (Mg), and silicon (Si) can easily change the physical and mechanical properties of pure aluminium. This foreign addition of these elements is typically very less (a few % of total solution) [1]. This doping of foreign elements like Si, Mg, Cu plays an important and crucial role in deciding the properties of aluminium alloy and cherish the alloys with desired properties. After giving desired properties these aluminium alloys become very useful for various products and application. Due to its extremely light-weight and corrosion resistance nature, the aluminium alloy is extensively being used in structural application [2]. The current example is aerospace industry, which is using these alloys to design aircrafts that are light-weight, faster than conventional aircrafts and more importantly fuel efficient. The first use of aluminium alloys in airplanes was in the early 1900's. At that time copper (Cu) was being used to strengthen the alloy. Copper (Cu) gave birth to new development series, now commonly used 2XXX series, of aluminium alloy (Al-Cu-Mg).