Clad Aluminum Alloy Core and Cladding Structure for Strength Corrosion Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
7xxx series aluminum alloys offer high strength but compromise on corrosion resistance and formability, making them unsuitable for applications requiring a balance of strength, corrosion resistance, and joining capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The development of clad aluminum alloy products with a core layer and one or more cladding layers, where the core layer is composed of specific aluminum alloys and the cladding layers are selected from various AA7xxx series alloys, enhancing corrosion resistance and formability while maintaining strength, and allowing for effective joining methods such as welding and riveting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If 7xxx series aluminum alloys are used to achieve high strength, then strength is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The aluminum alloy product is divided into a core layer (7xxx series for strength) and cladding layers (different series for corrosion resistance), allowing each layer to fulfill its specific function independently
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a composite structure combining 7xxx series aluminum alloy core with cladding layers of other aluminum alloy series, achieving a material that exhibits both high strength and excellent corrosion resistance properties
2Strength
If 7xxx series aluminum alloys are used to achieve high strength, then strength is improved, but formability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The product is segmented into core and cladding layers, where the cladding layer accommodates formability requirements while the core provides strength
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the product have different properties: the core layer is optimized for strength while the cladding layer is optimized for formability and surface quality
3Strength
If 7xxx series aluminum alloys are used to achieve high strength, then strength is improved, but joining ability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The product structure separates the joining function (handled by cladding layer) from the strength function (handled by core layer)
Solution Approach 2:
The cladding layer acts as an intermediary that facilitates joining operations, making it easier to join high-strength aluminum alloy products while the core layer maintains the required strength
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided herein are new clad aluminum alloy products and methods of making these alloys. These alloy products possess a combination of strength and other key attributes, such as corrosion resistance, formability, and joining capabilities. The alloy products can be used in a variety of applications, including automotive, transportation, and electronics applications.