Precipitation Strengthening in Al-Ni-Mn Alloys

Precipitation hardening of eutectic and hypoeutectic Al-Ni alloys by 2 to 4 wt pct. manganese is investigated with focus on the effect of the alloys’ chemical composition and solidification cooling rate on microstructure and tensile strength. Within the context of the investigation, mathematical equations based on the Orowan Looping strengthening mechanism were used to calculate the strengthening increment contributed by each of the phases present in the aged alloy. The calculations agree well with measured values and suggest that the larger part of the alloy’s yield strength is due to the Al3Ni eutectic phase, this is closely followed by contribution from the Al6Mn particles, which precipitate predominantly at grain boundaries.