Microstructure and strength modelling of Al–Cu–Mg alloys during non-isothermal treatments Part 1 – Controlled heating and cooling

A model is developed to predict the precipitation kinetics and strengthening in Al–Cu–Mg alloys during non-isothermal treatments consisting of controlled heating and cooling. The prediction of the precipitation kinetics is based on the Kampmann and Wagner model. The precipitation strengthening by the shearable Cu–Mg co-clusters is modelled on the basis of the modulus strengthening mechanism and the strengthening by the non-shearable S phase precipitates is based on the Orowan looping mechanism. The model predictions are verified by comparing with hardness, transmission electron microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry data on 2024T351 aluminium alloys. The microstructural development and strength predictions of the model are generally in close agreement with the experimental data.