[SY-F8] Modeling the microstructure and electrical conductivity evolution during aging of Al-Mg-Si alloys
Aging is commonly performed after forming process to obtain better mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of Al-Mg-Si alloys (AA6xxx series) applied in the electrical wire. In this work, the nucleation, growth, coarsening and dissolution of different precipitate phases (MgxSiy) during aging treatment is simulated based on a Kampmann-Wagner Numerical (KWN) type precipitation model. By coupling with the CALPHAD, the thermodynamics of the metastable precipitate phases is well treated. Furthermore, the precipitation model is linked to an electrical conductivity model to predict the evolution of electrical conductivity based on the volume fraction, size and spatial distribution of different precipitates, solid solution level, etc. The modeling results are compared to the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) experimental results and electrical conductivity measurements. It is revealed that the present model can well address the influence of alloy composition, aging temperature and aging time on the microstructure and electrical conductivity of Al-Mg-Si alloys.