Texture and mechanical property anisotropy in an Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy

This work describes the correlation of microstructure-texture and texture-mechanical properties of a hot rolled Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloy in T-6 condition. Texture measurement was carried out on both the surfaces and mid thickness levels of the specimen using conventional pole figure as well as orientation distribution function (ODF) methods. Tensile properties and fracture toughness of the alloys were evaluated at different orientations with respect to the rolling directions. High cycle fatigue properties were evaluated in the rolling direction. From these observations, the in plane anisotropy factor (%IPA), K(IQ) values and fatigue life were calculated and correlated with textures and microstructures/fracture features of the alloy.