metals

Article
Effects of Solution Treatment on Microstructure and
High-Cycle Fatigue Properties of 7075
Aluminum Alloy
Chi Liu 1 , Yilun Liu 1,2, *, Liyong Ma 3 and Jiuhuo Yi 1
1 College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China;
liuchi001@csu.edu.cn (C.L.); yijiuhuo@csu.edu.cn (J.Y.)
2 Light Alloy Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
3 School of Mechanical Engineering, Hebei University of Architecture, Zhangjiakou 075051, China;
maliyong0001@163.com
* Correspondence: ylliu@csu.edu.cn; Tel.: +86-731-88877991

Academic Editor: Filippo Berto

Received: 28 March 2017; Accepted: 22 May 2017; Published: 26 May 2017

Abstract: This research mainly focused on the effects of solution treatment on high-cycle fatigue
properties, microstructure evolution, and fatigue fracture morphology of the high strength aluminum
alloy (7075 aluminum alloy). The S-N curves and fatigue performance parameters of the alloy
were obtained. We found that longer solution treatment time significantly influences the high-cycle
(N ≥ 105 ) fatigue properties of the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy. Under the loading stress of 240 MPa, and
the solution treatment of 2 h compared to 1.5 h, 1 h, and 0.5 h, the fatigue life was respectively
improved by about 95.7%, 149%, and 359%. The microstructure observations conducted with a
scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) are as follows:
recrystallization occurs in the grains of the 7075 aluminum alloy under solution treatment, and the
grains become large with the length of the solution treatment time. Cracks mainly initiate from the
undissolved large phases, and prolonging the solution time can effectively promote the dissolution
of the T phase and S phase, decrease the number of dislocations, and lower the rate of the initiation
of fatigue cracks at the undissolved large phases due to dislocation glide and dislocation pile-up.
In the second stage of crack propagation, the secondary cracks reduce the driving force and the rate
of crack propagation, promoting the fatigue properties of the 7075 aluminum alloy, which can be
verified by the observation result that fatigue striation widths become narrower with longer solution
treatment times.

Keywords: 7075 aluminum alloy; solution treatment; high-cycle fatigue property; microstructure

1. Introduction
Solution treatment refers to the process of dissolving the coarse second phase in the alloy at a
certain temperature and time, and then using rapid cooling to obtain a supersaturated solid solution [1].
In solution treatment, the time and the temperature are the core parameters [2], which have direct
influences on the degree of the solid solution and the quality of the subsequent precipitated phase
during the ageing and strengthening stage.
The effect of solution treatment on the microstructure and the performance of the 7050 aluminum
alloy has been discussed in the literature [3–6]. The results show that solution treatment can have a
significant effect on the grain size and the morphology of the second phase. While the second phases
are dissolving into the base, the proportion of recrystallization and the size of the sub-grain increase,
causing the weakening of the mechanical properties of the alloy [3]. In these studies, Li [4] found

Metals 2017, 7, 193; doi:10.3390/met7060193 www.mdpi.com/journal/metals

Metals 2017, 7, 193 2 of 15

that the ideal solution treatment for the 7050 high strength aluminum is 470 ◦ C × 1 h; the results of
Deng [5] showed that the hardening layer of the 7050 aluminum alloy with a heat preservation solution
under 490 ◦ C tended to be 1.36 times deeper than that under 475 ◦ C. In addition, Wang [6] pointed
out that the ideal solution treatment for casting-rolling 7050 high strength aluminum is 480 ◦ C × 1 h;
References [7–9] obtained similar conclusions for the 7050 high strength aluminum alloy. Senkov et al.
focused on the effect of parameter changes of the solution treatment on the micromorphology and
volume fraction of the Al3 Sc phases and Al3 Zr phases [9]. Davies et al. [10] found that in the solution
treatment, the second phase would dissolve in the solid solution, and the recrystallization occurred
simultaneously. The recrystallized grain and the remaining large second phase significantly influenced
the fracture toughness properties of the aluminum alloy. After the solution treatment, the second phase
of the aluminum alloy, the recrystallization fraction, and the change of the grain morphology also
have a great influence on the material’s fatigue property [11–15]. The dissolution of the large second
phase is beneficial to the increase of the supersaturation degree of a supersaturated solid solution
before ageing, thus reducing the source of micro-cracks and promoting the fatigue performance of
the alloy [16]. Fan et al. [17,18] found that grain boundaries inhibit the propagation of the fatigue
cracks. The smaller the aluminum alloy grains are, the more boundaries exist and the more severe the
inhibition is, correspondingly leading to a higher fatigue life.
However, the current studies mostly focus on the effect of solution treatment on the structure
and mechanical properties, rather than on the fatigue properties of materials, especially the high-cycle
fatigue properties. In practical applications, aluminum alloy materials usually work under relatively
low cyclic stress loads, and the fracture patterns are often high-cycle fatigue fractures [19,20], in which
there is usually no obvious plastic deformation, and which is difficult to detect and prevent. In this
paper, the aviation-used 7075-T651 high strength aluminum alloy is taken as the object of study. Under
a certain solution temperature—480 ◦ C, the materials are solution treated with different times, and then
the effects of the solution treatment time on the high-cycle fatigue properties are observed. According
to the rules of alloy microstructure evolution and the analysis of fracture morphology, the influence
mechanism is discussed in order to provide a theoretical guidance for the optimization of parameters
in solution treatment and for the enhancement of the fatigue properties of aluminum alloys.

2. Material and Experiments

The material used in this study is a typical Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy (7075 aluminum alloy). The heat
treatment processing for this material is T651, which means conducting the solution treatment at
470 ◦ C for 1 h, quenching in cold water, artificial aging treatment at 120 ◦ C for 24 h, and then 5%
pre-stretching to release residual stress. The measured chemical composition of the studied aluminum
alloy is listed in Table 1.

Table 1. Chemical composition of the 7075 alloy (wt %).

Zn Mg Cu Cr Fe Si Mn Ti Al
5.71 2.45 1.5 0.18 0.17 0.06 0.034 0.019 Bal.

Metallographic samples (with the dimensions 14 mm × 14 mm × 4 mm) and fatigue samples

were prepared from the 7075 aluminum alloy plate (Southwest Aluminum Group Co., Ltd., Chongqing,
China). The fatigue samples were cut with wire electrical discharge machining (WEDM) to reduce the
residual stress and tissue damage [21], the shape and dimensions of which are shown in Figure 1, which
met American society for testing and materials standard ASTM E466-2007. In order to avoid notches
and micro-cracks in the specimens’ surface that may form during the machining processing [22],
surfaces were polished to an average surface roughness of less than 0.4 mm with metallographic
abrasive paper (1600#) and nylon cloth.
Metals 2017, 7, 193 3 of 15
Metals 2017, 7, 193 3 of 15

Metals 2017, 7, 193 3 of 15

Figure
Figure 1. Smoothrectangular
1. Smooth rectangular specimen
specimen of
ofthe
thefatigue sample
fatigue (mm).
sample (mm).

The solution treatment was conducted in a SX-12-10 resistance furnace (Cangyue Company,
The solution
Shanghai, treatment
China), inFigure
which was
the conducted
1. Smoothsolution inspecimen
a SX-12-10
temperature
rectangular was resistance
480
of the °C and
fatigue
furnace
the
sample solution(Cangyue
(mm). treatment Company,
times
Shanghai, China), in which the solution temperature was 480 ◦ C and the solution treatment times were
were 0.5 h, 1.0 h, 1.5 h, and 2.0 h, respectively. After quenching in the water at 25 °C, the artificial
0.5 h,aging
1.0 h, 1.5solution
was
The h, and 2.0
performed h, 120
at
treatment respectively.
°C
was 24 h.After quenching
forconducted in a SX-12-10 in resistance at 25 ◦ C,
the water furnace the artificial
(Cangyue aging was
Company,
The
at fatigue
Shanghai,
performed ◦ Ctest
China),
120 inwas
for h.conducted
which
24 on a MTS810
the solution temperature fatigue
wasmachine
480 °C (MTS
and the Systems
solutionCorporation, Eden
treatment times
Prairie,
were 0.5MN,
h, USA).
1.0 h, 1.5Theh, stress
and levels
2.0 h, for axial
respectively. stress
Afterfatigue performance
quenching
The fatigue test was conducted on a MTS810 fatigue machine (MTS Systems Corporation, in the were
water set
at 25between
°C, the 240 MPa
artificial
and
aging 320
wasMPa, with
performed a loading
at 120 °Cfrequency
for 24 h. of 40 Hz and a stress ratio
Eden Prairie, MN, USA). The stress levels for axial stress fatigue performance were set between of 0.1. Three horizontal samples
wereThetaken for each
fatigue test stress level. In order
was conducted to studyfatigue
on a MTS810 the initiation
machineand (MTS propagation of the cracks,
Systems Corporation, the
Eden
240 MPa and 320 MPa, with a loading frequency of 40 Hz and a stress ratio of 0.1. Three horizontal
fatigue
Prairie, fractures
MN, USA). wereThefully
stresscut off and
levels observed
for axial stressunder
fatigue a performance
TESCAN scanning were setelectron
betweenmicroscope
240 MPa
samples
(SEM)
were taken for each stress level. In order to studyMicrographs
the initiationofand propagation of phasethe cracks,
and 320(Tescan
MPa, with Company,
a loading Brno,frequency Czechof 40Republic).
Hz and a stress the precipitated
ratio of 0.1. Three horizontal samples
the fatigue fractures
characteristics
were taken forwere were fully
each observed
stress level.cut off
under and observed
a TecnaiG220
In order under
to study transmission a TESCAN
the initiation electron scanning
microscope
and propagation electron
of (TEM) microscope
(United
the cracks, the
(SEM)States
(Tescan
fatigue FEI Company,
limitedwere
fractures Brno,
liability Czech
cut off Republic).
fully company, andHillsboro,
observed Micrographs
OR,
under USA). of the precipitated
Samples
a TESCAN phase
were cutelectron
scanning from thecharacteristics
solution
microscope
were treatment
observed
(SEM) underCompany,
specimens,
(Tescan a TecnaiG220
and firstBrno, transmission
thinned electron
to 0.8Republic).
Czech mm, microscope
and then thinned (TEM)
Micrographs again
of the (United
on Stateselectro-
aprecipitated
TenuPol-5 FEI limited
phase
liability company,
polished double
characteristics Hillsboro,
spraying
were observed OR,
thinner USA).
under Samples
machine were
(Struers,
a TecnaiG220 cut from
Copenhagen,
transmission the solution
Denmark).
electron treatment
The
microscope solution specimens,
was a
(TEM) (United
mixed
States
and first liquid
FEI
thinned of 0.8
limited
to 30% hydrogen
liability
mm, and nitrate
company,
then and again
Hillsboro,
thinned 70% OR,
methanol,
on USA). with
Samples
a TenuPol-5 a electro-polished
double spraying
were cut temperature
from double
the solution
spraying
between
treatment −35 °C to
specimens,−25 °C,
and and
firsta voltage
thinned of
to 20
0.8 kV.
mm, and then
thinner machine (Struers, Copenhagen, Denmark). The solution was a mixed liquid of 30% thinned again on a TenuPol-5 electro-
hydrogen
polished
nitrate and 70% double sprayingwith
methanol, thinner machine
a double (Struers,temperature
spraying Copenhagen,between Denmark). −35 The◦ Csolution
to −25was ◦ C, aand a
3. Results
mixed andof
liquid Discussion
30% hydrogen nitrate and 70% methanol, with a double spraying temperature
voltage of 20 kV.
between −35 °C to −25 °C, and a voltage of 20 kV.
3.1. Effects of Solution Treatment on the Microstructure
3. Results and Discussion
3. Results and Discussionof the 7075 aluminum alloy after solution treatment under the same
The microstructure
temperature
3.1. Effects (480 °C)
of Solution and for on
Treatment different times (0.5 h, 1.0 h, 1.5 h and 2.0 h) are shown in Figure 2.
the Microstructure
3.1. Effects of Solution Treatment on the Microstructure
The The
microstructure of ofthethe7075
microstructure 7075aluminum alloy after
aluminum alloy aftersolution
solutiontreatment
treatment under
under the same
the same
temperature ◦
(480(480
C)°C)
andand
forfor
different
temperature differenttimes
times(0.5
(0.5 h,
h, 1.0 h,1.5
1.0 h, 1.5hhand
and2.02.0
h)h)
areare shown
shown in Figure
in Figure 2. 2.

100μm 100μm

(a) (b)

100μm 100μm

(a) (b)

100μm 100μm

(c) (d)

100μm 100μm
Figure 2. Microstructure of the 7075 aluminum alloy with a solution time of (a) 0.5 h; (b) 1.0 h; (c) 1.5
(c) (d)
h; (d) 2.0 h.

Figure 2. Microstructure of the 7075 aluminum alloy with a solution time of (a) 0.5 h; (b) 1.0 h; (c) 1.5 h;
Figure 2. Microstructure of the 7075 aluminum alloy with a solution time of (a) 0.5 h; (b) 1.0 h; (c) 1.5
(d) 2.0 h.
h; (d) 2.0 h.
Metals 2017, 7, 193 4 of 15

Metals 2017, 7, 193 4 of 15

In Figure 2, it can be seen that varying degrees of recrystallization and grain growth occur with
the increase of the2,solution
In Figure treatment
it can be seen time.degrees
that varying When of the solution treatment
recrystallization time
and grain is 0.5occur
growth h (Figure
with 2a)
the average sizeofofthe
the increase thesolution
alloy grains aretime.
treatment relatively
When small, due to
the solution the short
treatment timetime.
is 0.5Among
h (Figurethese grains,
2a) the
someaverage size of the
are isometric alloy grains
crystals. When are the
relatively small,
solution due to thetime
treatment shortistime. Amongto
increased these
1 hgrains,
(Figuresome
2b), the
are isometricand
recrystallization crystals. When the
grain growth solutionbecause
continue treatment time boundary
of grain is increasedmigration.
to 1 h (Figure
When2b), the
the solution
recrystallization and grain growth continue because of grain boundary migration. When
treatment time increases to 1.5 h (Figure 2c), the grains after recrystallization merge and extend out, the solution
treatment time increases to 1.5 h (Figure 2c), the grains after recrystallization merge and extend out,
and the boundaries become straight. When the solution treatment time is increased to 2 h (Figure 2d),
and the boundaries become straight. When the solution treatment time is increased to 2 h (Figure 2d),
due to the long solution holding time, there is enough time for the grains to grow. With the interruption
due to the long solution holding time, there is enough time for the grains to grow. With the
and the vanishing
interruption andofthe
thevanishing
boundaries among
of the the grains,
boundaries among the recrystallization
the becomes highly
grains, the recrystallization becomesvisible,
and the average size of the grain is relatively the largest.
highly visible, and the average size of the grain is relatively the largest.

3.2. Effects of Solution

3.2. Effects Treatment
of Solution onon
Treatment thetheSecond
SecondPhase
Phase
The distributions
The distributions and thethe
and appearances
appearances ofof the large
largephases
phasesofof thethe70757075 aluminum
aluminum alloy,
alloy, solution
solution
treated
treated at 480at ◦480 °C and
C and for different
for different times
times (0.5(0.5 h, 1.0
h, 1.0 h, h,
1.51.5
h, h,
andand2.02.0h),h),are
arelisted
listedininFigure
Figure 3.
3. In
In the
the dark
dark grey Al-base, there are a large number of undissolved large-phase particles distributed
grey Al-base, there are a large number of undissolved large-phase particles distributed along the rolling along
the rolling
direction, which direction, which
are mostly areand
grey mostly greyand
black, andnon-uniform
black, and non-uniform
in distribution in distribution
and size.andSome size.of the
Some of the particles are broken in the rolling process, and separated from the Al base due to plastic
particles are broken in the rolling process, and separated from the Al base due to plastic deformation.
deformation.

(a) (b)

(c) (d)

Figure 3. Distribution
Figure 3. Distributionof the second
of the phase
second phaseininthe
the7075
7075aluminum alloywith
aluminum alloy witha asolution
solution time
time of of
(a) (a)
0.5 0.5 h;
(b) 1.0
h; h;
(b)(c)
1.01.5 h; (d)
h; (c) 2.0(d)
1.5 h; h.2.0 h.

In Figure
In Figure 4, the
4, the grey
grey andblack
and black large
large particles
particles are
are analyzed
analyzedbyby
EDS
EDS (Energy Dispersive
(Energy Dispersive
Spectrometer). The results show that there are four kinds of large second phases in the 7075
Spectrometer). The results show that there are four kinds of large second phases in the 7075 aluminum
aluminum alloy after solution treatment: Fe-rich (Al7Cu4Fe) phase (Figure 4a), Si-rich (MgSi) phase
alloy after solution treatment: Fe-rich (Al7 Cu4 Fe) phase (Figure 4a), Si-rich (MgSi) phase (Figure 4c), S
(Figure 4c), S (Al2CuMg) phase (Figure 4e), and T (AlZnMgCu) phase (Figure 4g). The Fe-rich phase,
(Al2 CuMg) phase (Figure 4e), and T (AlZnMgCu) phase (Figure 4g). The Fe-rich phase, Si-rich phase,
and S phase are larger primary phases of about 5–20 µm which are along the rolling direction, while
the T phase is a dispersively distributed phase of about 0.5–3 µm.
 Metals 2017, 7, 193 5 of 15

Metals Si-rich phase, and S phase are larger primary phases of about 5–20 µm which are along the rolling5 of 15
2017, 7, 193
direction, while the T phase is a dispersively distributed phase of about 0.5–3 µm.

Element Al Zn Mg Cu Fe Si

At.% 82.59 0 1.21 3.25 12.95 0

30um
(a) (b)

Element Al Zn Mg Cu Fe Si

At.% 41.09 1.18 28.98 0 0 28.75

20um
(c) (d)

Element Al Zn Mg Cu Fe Si

At.% 69.76 0 14.97 15.27 0 0

20um
(e) (f)

Element Al Zn Mg Cu Fe Si

At.% 71.65 8.33 12.87 7.15 0 0

5um
(g) (h)

Figure 4. SEM (scanning electron microscope) images and EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectrometer)
Figure 4. SEM (scanning electron microscope) images and EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectrometer)
analysis results of the large second phase in the 7075 alloys with different solution times. (a,b) Fe-rich
analysis results of the large second phase in the 7075 alloys with different solution times. (a,b) Fe-rich
phase and its EDS spectrogram; (c,d) Si-rich phase and its EDS spectrogram; (e,f) S (Al2 CuMg) phase
phase and its EDS spectrogram; (c,d) Si-rich phase and its EDS spectrogram; (e,f) S (Al2CuMg) phase
and its EDS spectrogram; (g,h) T (AlZnMgCu) phase and its EDS spectrogram.
and its EDS spectrogram; (g,h) T (AlZnMgCu) phase and its EDS spectrogram.

In order
In order to quantitatively
to quantitatively expressthe
express theeffects
effects of
of the
the solution
solutiontime
timeonon
thethe
large second
large phase,
second the the
phase,
number and average size of the large second phases were measured and calculated
number and average size of the large second phases were measured and calculated by Image J software by Image J
software (Version 1.49, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA, 2015). Figure 5 shows the
(Version 1.49, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA, 2015). Figure 5 shows the volume
volume fraction of the large second phase with different solution times.
fraction of the large second phase with different solution times.
 the volume fraction of the large second phases is about 1.27%. After 1.5 h, most of the T phases have
dissolved in the base, and the volume fraction of the large second phases decreases to 0.86%, but still
leaves a small portion of S phases, large Fe-rich phases, and large Si-rich phases. After 2 h, there are
only impure phases such as large Fe-rich phases and large Si-rich phases in the base, and few T phases
and S phases can be observed. At this time, the second phase is dissolved adequately, and the volume
Metals 2017, 7, 193
fraction is 0.54%, much less than before. Hence, the long solution time helps the dissolution of the 6 of 15
second phases.

Metals 2017, 7, 193 1.271 6 of 15

1.2

Volume fraction of
0.994

second phase/%
°C solution temperature, the0.862
In Figure 5, under the 480 0.9 volume fraction of the large second phase
in the base decreases with the increase of the solution time, indicating 0.543 that most of the remaining
0.6
large second phases have dissolved in the base but not completely, and the undissolved phases with
large size (Figure 4a,c,e) distribute
0.3 along the rolling direction. After 0.5 h of solution time, the
remaining phases are mostly large T phases, S phases, Fe-rich phases, and Si-rich phases. At that time,
0
the volume fraction of the large second phases is about 1.27%. After 1.5 h, most of the T phases have
0.5h 1h 1.5h 2.0h
dissolved in the base, and the volume fraction of the large second phases decreases to 0.86%, but still
leaves a small portion of S phases, large Fe-rich Solution time/h
phases, and large Si-rich phases. After 2 h, there are
only impure phases such as large Fe-rich phases and large Si-rich phases in the base, and few T phases
and S phasesFigure
can be 5.
Figure 5.Volume
observed. fraction
VolumeAt
fraction of the
of
this time, the second
second
the phase
phase
second with
with
phase different
isdifferent
dissolved solution
solution times.
times.
adequately, and the volume
fraction is 0.54%, much less than before. Hence, the long solution time helps the dissolution of the
3.3. Effects
second of Solution Treatment◦ on the Precipitated Phases
phases.
In Figure 5, under the 480 C solution temperature, the volume fraction of the large second phase
Figure
in the base 6 showswith
decreases the results of the precipitated
the increase of1.271 phases
the solution using
time, TEM analysis
indicating of theof7075
that most the aluminum
remaining large
alloy, that were solution treated with
1.2 different
second phases have dissolved in the base but not0.994 times (0.5 h, 1.0 h, 1.5 h, and 2.0 h).
completely, and the undissolved phases After solution
with large
Volume fraction of
second phase/%

treatment, the dislocations in the base vanish in every picture. In Figure 6b, most of the precipitated
0.862
size (Figure 4a,c,e) distribute along 0.9 the rolling direction. After 0.5 h of solution time, the remaining
phases dissolve in the base, and only a few second phases are left in the grains. With the increase of
phases are mostly large T phases, S phases, Fe-rich phases, and Si-rich0.543 phases. At that time, the volume
0.6
the solution treatment time, the density of the second phase decreases.
fraction of the large second phases is about 1.27%. After 1.5 h, most of the T phases have dissolved in
the base, and the volume fraction 0.3 of the large second phases decreases to 0.86%, but still leaves a small
portion of S phases, large Fe-rich phases,0 and large Si-rich phases. After 2 h, there are only impure
phases such as large Fe-rich phases and large 0.5h Si-rich 1hphases 1.5h 2.0hand few T phases and S phases
in the base,
can be observed. At this time, the second phaseSolution is dissolved
time/h adequately, and the volume fraction is
0.54%, much less than before. Hence, the long solution time helps the dissolution of the second phases.
Figure 5. Volume fraction of the second phase with different solution times.
3.3. Effects of Solution Treatment on the Precipitated
100nm Phases 100nm

3.3. Effects of Solution Treatment on (a)

the Precipitated Phases (b)
Figure 6 shows the results of the precipitated phases using TEM analysis of the 7075 aluminum
alloy, thatFigure
were6solution
shows thetreated
results with
of the different
precipitated phases
times (0.5using TEM
h, 1.0 h, analysis of the
1.5 h, and 2.07075
h). aluminum
After solution
alloy, that were solution treated with different times (0.5 h, 1.0 h, 1.5 h, and 2.0 h). After solution
treatment, the dislocations in the base vanish in every picture. In Figure 6b, most of the precipitated
treatment, the dislocations in the base vanish in every picture. In Figure 6b, most of the precipitated
phases dissolve in the base, and only a few second phases are left in the grains. With the increase of
phases dissolve in the base, and only a few second phases are left in the grains. With the increase of
the solution treatment
the solution time,
treatment thethe
time, density
densityofofthe
thesecond phasedecreases.
second phase decreases.

100nm 100nm

(c) (d)

Figure 6. TEM micrographs of the precipitation characteristics of the 7075 aluminum alloy with
solution times of (a) 0.5 h; (b) 1.0 h; (c) 1.5 h; (d) 2.0 h.

100nm 100nm

(a) (b)

100nm 100nm

(c) (d)

Figure 6. TEM
Figure micrographs
6. TEM of the
micrographs ofprecipitation
the precipitationcharacteristics of the
characteristics of 7075 aluminum
the 7075 alloy
aluminum withwith
alloy solution
timessolution
of (a) 0.5 h; (b) 1.0 h; (c) 1.5 h; (d) 2.0 h.
times of (a) 0.5 h; (b) 1.0 h; (c) 1.5 h; (d) 2.0 h.
Metals 2017, 7, 193 7 of 15

3.4. Effects of Solution Treatment on the High-Cycle Fatigue Life

Metals 2017, 7, 193 7 of 15
The data of the uniaxial fatigue life of the 7075 aluminum alloy, solution treated in 480 ◦ C for
different times,ofare
3.4. Effects listedTreatment
Solution in Tableon 2. the
AsHigh-Cycle
is shown Fatigue
in Table 2, when the axial loading stress is between
Life
280 MPa and 320 MPa, most of samples’ fatigue life—N—is on the level of 104 , while only the fatigue
The data of the uniaxial fatigue life of the 7075 aluminum alloy, solution treated in 480 °C for
life ofdifferent (480 ◦are
Case 4 times, C/2.0 h),inatTable
listed the stress
2. As islevel
shownofin 280 MPa,
Table reaches
2, when the level
the axial of 10
loading
5 . When the axial
stress is between
loading 6 . Only the
280stress
MPa anddecreases
320 MPa,tomost
240 of MPa, the fatigue
samples’ fatigue life of mostonsamples
life—N—is the levelreach
of 104,the level
while only ofthe
10fatigue
fatigue ◦ C/0.5 h) stays at the level of 105 .
lifelife of the4 samples
of Case (480 °C/2.0in h),
Case 1 (480
at the stress level of 280 MPa, reaches the level of 105. When the axial
loading stress decreases to 240 MPa, the fatigue life of most samples reach the level of 106. Only the
fatigue2.lifeData
Table of theofsamples in Casefatigue
the uniaxial 1 (480 °C/0.5
life ofh) the
stays7075
at the level of 10alloy
aluminum 5. for different solution
treatment times.
Table 2. Data of the uniaxial fatigue life of the 7075 aluminum alloy for different solution treatment
times. Fatigue Life—N (Cycles)
Spec No. Smax (MPa)
Case 1 (480 ◦ C/0.5 h) 2 (480 ◦Life—N
CaseFatigue Case 3 (480 ◦ C/1.5 h)
C/1 h) (Cycles) Case 4 (480 ◦ C/2 h)
Spec
# No. Smax (MPa)
1 Case 1 (48020,210
°C/0.5 h) Case 2 (48016,151
°C/1 h) Case 3 (480 20,790
°C/1.5 h) Case 4 (48019,245
°C/2 h)
2# 1# 320 18,410
20,210 18,050
16,151 15,990
20,790 19,24520,095
3# 2# 320 22,141
18,410 19,151
18,050 14,790
15,990 20,09522,945
4# 3# 22,141
34,157 19,151
41,151 14,790
37,956 22,94559,410
5# 4# 300 36,141
34,157 40,040
41,151 38,990
37,956 59,41061,945
6# 5# 300 39,520
36,141 42,642
40,040 40,247
38,990 61,94553,921
7# 6# 80,241
39,520 95,356
42,642 99,036
40,247 246,569
53,921
8# 7# 280 71,451
80,241 86,547
95,356 95,701
99,036 226,569
246,569
9# 8# 280 86,584
71,451 88,470
86,547 84,943
95,701 291,016
226,569
10# 9# 193,039
86,584 261,477
88,470 372,882
84,943 699,403
291,016
11#10# 260 168,320
193,039 284,757
261,477 392,414
372,882 738,941
699,403
12#11# 260 181,241
168,320 224,646
284,757 420,440
392,414 751,814
738,941
13#12# 966,022
181,241 2,059,221
224,646 2,394,939
420,440 4,353,010
751,814
14#13# 240 904,514
966,022 1,824,641
2,059,221 2,560,780
2,394,939 4,568,122
4,353,010
15#14# 240 1,155,842
904,514 1,700,578
1,824,641 2,149,401
2,560,780 5,004,514
4,568,122
15# 1,155,842 1,700,578 2,149,401 5,004,514
In addition, when the axial load stress is at a high stress level, greater than 300 MPa, the fatigue
In addition, when the axial load stress is at a high stress level, greater than 300 MPa, the fatigue
life of the specimens under the same loading stress is almost the same, less than 105 cycles. However,
life of the specimens under the same loading stress is almost the same, less than 105 cycles. However,
when the axial load stress is at a low stress level, less than 280 MPa, the high-cycle fatigue life is
when the axial load stress is at a low stress level, less than 280 MPa, the high-cycle fatigue life is
significantly different.
significantly ForFor
different. thethe
average
averagefatigue
fatiguelife
life data, see Figure
data, see Figure7.7.

Figure
Figure 7. Fatigue
7. Fatigue life life of the
of the 7075
7075 aluminumalloy
aluminum alloy under
under different
differentsolution
solutiontimes andand
times loading stresses.
loading stresses.

When the high-cycle fatigue life exceeds 105 cycles, it is significantly improved with the
When the high-cycle fatigue life exceeds 105 cycles, it is significantly improved with the
prolongation of the solution time. Under the loading stress of 240 MPa, compared to that of 1.5 h, 1
prolongation
h, and 0.5ofh,the
thesolution time.
fatigue life Under
with the loading
the solution stress
time of of 240
2 h was MPa, compared
respectively to about
improved that of95.7%,
1.5 h, 1 h,
and 0.5 h, the fatigue
149%, and 359%. life with the solution time of 2 h was respectively improved about 95.7%, 149%,
and 359%.In order to obtain the S-N curves of the 7075 aluminum alloy, the Weibull equation (Equation
(1)) is used to fit the data:
Metals 2017, 7, 193 8 of 15

In order to obtain the S-N curves of the 7075 aluminum alloy, the Weibull equation (Equation (1))
is used to 2017,
Metals fit the data:
7, 193 8 of 15
lg( N ) = a + blg(Smax − A), (1)

where a, b, and A are material constants,lgNNis the = a +fatigue

blg Smax - Aand
life, , Smax is the maximum test stress.(1) The
fittingwhere
results are shown in Table 3.
a, b, and A are material constants, N is the fatigue life, and Smax is the maximum test stress. The
fitting results are shown in Table 3.
Table 3. The fitting results of the 7075 aluminum alloy with different solution times.
Table 3. The fitting results of the 7075 aluminum alloy with different solution times.
Fitting Parameters
Solution Solution
Time/h Fitting Parameters Fitting Formula
Fitting Formula
Time/h aa b b A A
0.5 0.5 10.22
10.22 −2.90−2.90 210.7 210.7lg ( N ) = 10.22 10.22(−
lg( N )−=2.90lg − 210.7
S m2.90lg
ax (Smax) − 210.7)
−3.75 11.99 −S max − 205.4 ) − 205.4)
1.0
1.5
1.0
11.99
11.99
13.64
−3.75
−4.53
205.4
199.4
( ) lg( N ) = 13.64(−
205.4lg N = 11.99lg( N )−=3.75lg 3.75lg ( S max
4.53lg(Smax − 199.4)
2.0 1.5 13.64
28.35 −4.5310.46 199.4 121.1lg ( N ) = lg 28.35 (−S m10.46lg
( N ) −=4.53lg
13.64 ax
− 199.4 ) − 121.1)
(Smax
2.0 28.35 10.46 121.1 lg ( N ) = 28.35 − 10.46lg ( Smax − 121.1 )

Figure 8 shows the S-N curves of the 7075 aluminum alloy with different solution times. All the
Figure 8 shows the S-N curves of the 7075 aluminum alloy with different solution times. All the
S-N curves have no horizontal asymptote, indicating that the 7075 aluminum alloy has no real fatigue
S-N curves have no horizontal asymptote, indicating that the 7075 aluminum alloy has no real fatigue
limit. The fatigue life increases with the decrease of the stress level. Even though the stresses are at the
limit. The fatigue life increases with the decrease of the stress level. Even though the stresses are at
samethelevel,
samethe fatigue
level, life under
the fatigue different
life under solution
different treatment
solution treatmenttimes
timesdiffers.
differs.As
As can
can be seenfrom
be seen from the
variation tendency of the S-N curve, when the stress is below a certain level, the fatigue life
the variation tendency of the S-N curve, when the stress is below a certain level, the fatigue life of all of all the
samples 7 cycles.
the samples can reach about 10 cycles. The data indicated by the arrows in Figure 8 illustrate that atthose
can reach about 10 7 The data indicated by the arrows in Figure 8 illustrate that at
stressthose
levels, when
stress the loading
levels, when thecycles
loadingreached
cycles 10 7 , the fatigue
reached 107, the tests were
fatigue testsstopped, while the
were stopped, whilespecimens
the
specimens
had not had not been fractured.
been fractured.

Figure
Figure 8. S-N
8. S-N curves
curves ofofthe
the7075
7075aluminum
aluminum alloy
alloyunder
underdifferent solution
different times.
solution times.

Table 4 shows the fatigue endurance of 7075-T651 and 7075 Al alloys after different solution
Table 4 shows
treatments. σ1 × 10the fatigue endurance
6 and σ describe theof fatigue
7075-T651 and 7075
endurance, Al are
which alloys after
equal different
to the maximum solution
1 × 107
treatments.
stress σσ and σ1life
106fatigue
1×at
max ×10N7 describe6 the fatigue endurance, which[23].
= 1 × 10 and N = 1 × 106, respectively areFrom
equal0totothe
2 h,maximum
the fatiguestress
at fatigue life
σmax endurance N = 1 × 106 and N = 1 × 106 , respectively [23]. From 0 to 2 h, the fatigue endurance
σ1 × 107 at 0.5 h is 200 MPa, and at 2.0 h it is 231 MPa, indicating that an appropriate
7 at 0.5 h is of
σ1×10lengthening 200theMPa, andtime
solution at 2.0 h it is 231for
is beneficial MPa, indicating that
the improvement anfatigue
of the appropriate lengthening
properties of the 7075of the
solution time isalloy.
aluminum beneficial for the improvement of the fatigue properties of the 7075 aluminum alloy.

Table 4. Fatigue endurance of the 7075-T651 and 7075 Al alloys with solution treatment.

7075 Al with Solution Treatment (480 °C) 7075-T651

Material
0.5 h 1.0 h 1.5 h 2.0 h Ref. [24] Ref. [25] Ref. [26]
R 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 −1 −1 0.1
σ1 × 106 239 245 248 258 248 230 250
Metals 2017, 7, 193 9 of 15

Table 4. Fatigue endurance of the 7075-T651 and 7075 Al alloys with solution treatment.

7075 Al with Solution Treatment (480 ◦ C) 7075-T651

Material
0.5 h 1.0 h 1.5 h 2.0 h Ref. [24] Ref. [25] Ref. [26]
R 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 −1 −1 0.1
σ1×106 239 245 248 258 248 230 250
σ1×107 200 226 228 231 223 193 180

In addition, the experimental results were compared with the fatigue endurance of 7075-T651
in references [24–26], and the effects of the stress ratio R were taken into account with the Walker
equation (Equation (2)) [27].
1 − R γ 1 1/n
Nf = [σmax ( ) ] , (2)
2 M
where M is the intercept constant at 1 cycle for a stress-life curve, γ is the fitting constant for the Walker
method, and n is the exponent constant for a stress-life curve.
The value of σ1×106 and σ1×107 in references [24–26] are about 250 MPa and 200 MPa. The results
show that there is a certain deviation in the value, which may be due to the machine conditions, fitting
model, specimen surface treatment process differences, but the values are relatively close to our result,
which also verifies the reliability of the fatigue test results.

3.5. Analysis of the Morphology of High-Cycle Fatigue Fractures

In Figure 7, at the applied stress level of 260 MPa, the fracture belongs to high-cycle fatigue
fracture, with the fatigue life of all the samples exceeding 105 . Therefore, the fatigue fracture under the
applied stress of 260 MPa was observed using scanning electron microscopy.
Figure 9 shows the overall morphology of the high-cycle fatigue fractures. The fatigue fracture
is made up of three regions, i.e., fatigue crack initiation region (A), crack propagation region (B),
and fatigue final rupture region (C). The fatigue crack initiation region (A) is the smallest region
near the surfaces of the samples. The crack propagation region (B), close to region (A), and with
obvious characteristics of “radial cracks”, is a smooth region. The arrows in the figure indicate
the direction of crack propagation. With the continuous extension of fatigue cracks, the extension
area constantly expands, the “radial cracks” gradually become sparse, and the crack propagation
speed is also gradually accelerated. When exceeding the critical crack value, the specimen is broken
simultaneously, forming a rupture region (C). The final rupture region (C) is a rough region, granulated
and surrounded by shear lips of various sizes.
Figure 10 shows the SEM morphologies of the fatigue crack initiation region. The fatigue cracks in
Figure 10a–c all initiate near the surfaces of the samples. The initiation of the cracks is the result of local
shear stress. Under the cyclic loads, small slip bands are generated due to the dislocation movement of
the alloy surface, and hence the initiation of the cracks in the slip band occurs. In Figure 10d, the cracks
stem from the impure phases close to the alloy surface. Studies show that the large remaining phases
in the 7075 aluminum alloy are mainly made up of undissolved T phases, S phases, Fe-rich phases,
and Si-rich phases. The fatigue cyclic loads make dislocations slip to impure phases and pile up, and
stress concentration is thus formed. When the stress is larger than the fracture strength and bonding
strength with the base, the impure phases will be broken or separated from the bonding phases with
the base, hence forming the cracks. Figure 10 also shows that the radial lines are centered around the
fatigue initiation area (A). This is because in the process of expansion, the crack front is deviated in
the direction of expansion due to the difference resistance, so that the crack begins to expand along a
series of planes with a height difference, and the different fracture surfaces intersect to form a step.
These steps constitute the characteristic morphology of the radial lines on the fatigue fracture.
MetalsMetals 7, 1937, 193
2017, 2017, 10 10 of 15
Metals 2017, 7, 193 10 of
of 15
15

A
A
Shear
Shear lip
lip
B
B CC
CC

B
B
Shear
Shear lip
lip 22 mm 22 mm
mm
mm A
A
(a)
(a) (b)
(b)
A
A Shear
Shear lip
lip
CC
B
B
CC

B
B
Shear
Shear lip
lip
22 mm
mm 22 mm
mm
A
A
(c)
(c) (d)
(d)

Figure 9. Fatigue
Figure
Figure 9. fracture
9. Fatigue
Fatigue of of
fracture
fracture the
of 7075
the
the 7075aluminum
7075 aluminum alloy
aluminum alloy underapplied
alloy under
under applied
applied stresses
stresses
stresses of of 260
of 260
260 MPaMPa
MPa and and solution
and solution
solution
times
timestimes of (a)
of (a)of0.5 0.5
(a)h; h;
0.5(b) (b) 1.0
1.0 1.0
h; (b) h;
h; (c) (c) 1.5
1.51.5
h; (c) h; (d)
h;h;(d) 2.0
(d)2.0 h.
2.0h.h.

A
A

100μm
100μm
A
A 100μm
100μm

(a)
(a) (b)
(b)

A
A

Impure phases
Impure phases

A
A
100μm 100μm
100μm 100μm

(c)
(c) (d)
(d)

Figure 10. Fatigue

Figure crack initiation regions ofthethe 7075 aluminum alloy under applied ofstresses of
Figure 10.
10. Fatigue
Fatigue crack
crack initiation
initiation regions
regions of
of the 7075
7075 aluminum
aluminum alloyalloy under
under applied
applied stresses
stresses of 260
260
260 MPa
MPaand
and solution timesofof(a)(a)
solution times 0.50.5 h; (b)
h; (b) 1.0 1.0 h;1.5
h; (c) (c)h;1.5
(d)h;2.0
(d)h.2.0 h.
MPa and solution times of (a) 0.5 h; (b) 1.0 h; (c) 1.5 h; (d) 2.0 h.

The The
The process
process
process of
of crack
crack
of crack propagation
propagationisis
propagation divided
divided into
isdivided into two
into twostages
two stages[14].
stages [14]. In the
In In
[14]. first
thethe stage,
firstfirst
stage, the
the cracks
stage, cracks
the cracks
propagate along the direction with the maximum shear stress, extending to the depth of one or
propagate along the direction with the maximum shear stress, extending to the depth of one or or
propagate along the direction with the maximum shear stress, extending to the depth of one several
several
several grains.
grains. In the
In the second
second stage,
stage, due
due to the principal
to the principal stress
stress on
on the crack
the crack tips,
tips, the
the cracks
cracks propagate
propagatein the
grains.
in
In the second stage, due to the principal stress on the crack tips, the cracks propagate
in the
the plane
plane perpendicular
perpendicular toto the
the maximum
maximum normal
normal stress.
stress. This
This propagation
propagation plane
plane is is aa large
large one
one with
with
planeobvious
perpendicular
fatigue to the maximum normal stress. This propagation plane is a large one with obvious
striations.
obvious fatigue striations.
fatigue striations.
Figure 11 shows the SEM morphologies of the first stage of crack propagation. The fracture in this
stage presents a zigzag plane [28]; with no obvious fatigue striations, it belongs to the shear fracture.
Additionally, around the shear zone there are some micro-voids which are formed by the undissolved
phases and bases under the fatigue loads.
 Metals 2017, 7, 193 11 of 15

Figure 11 shows the SEM morphologies of the first stage of crack propagation. The fracture in
this stage presents a zigzag plane [28]; with no obvious fatigue striations, it belongs to the shear
Metalsfracture.
2017, 7, 193
Additionally, around the shear zone there are some micro-voids which are formed by the 11 of 15
undissolved phases and bases under the fatigue loads.

Micro-void
Micro-void
Zigzag plane
Zigzag plane

20μm 20μm

(a) (b)

Zigzag plane

Zigzag plane

Micro-void

20μm 20μm

(c) (d)

Figure 11. SEM morphologies of fatigue crack propagation (first stage) of the 7075 aluminum alloy
Figure 11. SEM morphologies of fatigue crack propagation (first stage) of the 7075 aluminum alloy
under applied stresses of 260 MPa and solution times of (a) 0.5 h; (b) 1.0 h; (c) 1.5 h; (d) 2.0 h.
under applied stresses of 260 MPa and solution times of (a) 0.5 h; (b) 1.0 h; (c) 1.5 h; (d) 2.0 h.

FigureFigure 12 shows
12 shows thethe
SEMSEM morphologiesof
morphologies of the
the second
secondstagestageofofcrack
crack propagation.
propagation. Distinct fatigue
Distinct fatigue
striations
striations are highly
are highly visible.The
visible. Theintervals
intervals of of the
the fatigue
fatiguestriations
striations areare
stable, indicating
stable, indicatinga stable
a stable
propagation
propagation of the
of the cracks.
cracks. Meanwhile,in
Meanwhile, in the
the direction
direction parallel
paralleltoto thethefatigue
fatiguestriations, therethere
striations, are a are a
number of secondary cracks propagating from the surface of the fracture to the interior, appearing in
number of secondary cracks propagating from the surface of the fracture to the interior, appearing in
an interrupted distribution. The depth of the cracks is much longer than that on the fracture. Due to
an interrupted distribution. The depth of the cracks is much longer than that on the fracture. Due to
the secondary cracks, the paths of the crack propagation become more complex. The secondary cracks
the secondary
are able tocracks,
lower the thedrivers
paths of ofpropagation
the crack propagation
and promotebecome more complex.
the resistance The secondary
to propagation. With the 2 h cracks
are able
solution treatment, there are more secondary cracks on the fracture, decreasing the crack propagation 2 h
to lower the drivers of propagation and promote the resistance to propagation. With the
solution
rate,treatment,
and the fatiguetherelife
areandmore secondary
fatigue limit arecracks on the fracture, decreasing the crack propagation
thus promoted.
rate, and IntheFigure
fatigue13,life
L isand
the fatigue
distance limit
from arethe thus
fatiguepromoted.
crack initiation region to the observation point.
At Figure
In the observation
13, L is point, five adjacent
the distance fromstriation
the fatiguespacings
crackwere measured,
initiation and then
region to thetheobservation
average valuepoint.
of these adjacent striation spacings were regarded as the width of the
At the observation point, five adjacent striation spacings were measured, and then the average fatigue striation—D. Figure 13value
shows that the interval of fatigue striations increases following the growth
of these adjacent striation spacings were regarded as the width of the fatigue striation—D. Figure of the cracks, indicating a 13
steady growth of the cracks in this region; the interval decreases with the increase of the solution
shows that the interval of fatigue striations increases following the growth of the cracks, indicating
treatment time. At the same position of 1.5 mm and 2.0 mm, the fatigue striation at a solution time of
a steady growth of the cracks in this region; the interval decreases with the increase of the solution
2 h is only 0.38 µm and 0.24 µm, respectively, which were relatively small. Under the same conditions,
treatment time. the
the smaller At fatigue
the same position
striations are,ofthe
1.5higher
mm and 2.0 mm,
the fatigue lifethe fatigue
is. The striation
changing at aaresolution
trends time of
consistent
2 h iswith
onlythe0.38 and 0.24
µmshown
data µm, respectively,
in Figure 7. which were relatively small. Under the same conditions,
the smaller the fatigue striations are, the higher the fatigue life is. The changing trends are consistent
with the data shown in Figure 7.
 Metals 2017, 7, 193 12 of 15
MetalsMetals 7, 1937, 193
2017, 2017, 12 of 15
12 of 15

D
D

D
D

2μm 2μm
2μm 2μm
(a) (b)
(a) (b)

Secondary cracks
Secondary cracks

2μm 2μm
2μm 2μm
(c) (d)
(c) (d)
Figure 12. SEM
Figure morphologies
12. SEM morphologies ofoffatigue
fatiguecrack
crack propagation (second
propagation (second stage)
stage) of the
of the 70757075 aluminum
aluminum alloy alloy
Figureapplied
under 12. SEMstresses
morphologies
of 260 of fatigue
MPa crack propagation
andsolution
solution times of (second stage)h;ofh;the1.57075 aluminum alloy
under applied stresses of 260 MPa and times of (a)
(a)0.5
0.5h;h;(b) 1.01.0
(b) (c) (c) h; (d)
1.5 h; 2.0
(d) h.
2.0 h.
under applied stresses of 260 MPa and solution times of (a) 0.5 h; (b) 1.0 h; (c) 1.5 h; (d) 2.0 h.

0.55
striation-

0.55 L(1.5mm) L(2.0mm)

striation-

0.5 0.47 0.46

0.47 L(1.5mm) L(2.0mm)
0.5 0.46
0.45 0.41
0.45 0.41 0.38
fatigue
D/µm

0.4 0.35 0.38

fatigue

0.34
D/µm

0.4 0.35
0.35 0.34 0.3
0.35
of of

0.3 0.3
Interval

0.3 0.24
Interval

0.25 0.24
0.25
0.2
0.2 0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5
Solution time/h
Solution time/h
Figure 13. Intervals of fatigue striation—D in locations L = 1.5 mm/2.0 mm with different
Figure 13. Intervals of fatigue striation—D in locations L = 1.5 mm/2.0 mm with different solution
solution times.
Figure 13. Intervals of fatigue striation—D in locations L = 1.5 mm/2.0 mm with different solution
times.
times.
Figure
Figure 14 presents
14 presents thethe
SEMSEMimages
imagesofofthe
the final
final rupture
ruptureregion. The
region. Thefractures are are
fractures mainly mademade
mainly
up ofFigure 14 In
dimples. presents thein
addition, SEM
the images
fatigue of therupture
final final rupture
region, region.
there The
are a fractures
lot of areridges
tearing mainlytearing
made
up of dimples. In addition, in the fatigue final rupture region, there are a lot of tearing ridges tearing
up of
ridges dimples.
similar In addition,
to the fracturein the fatigue final
characteristicsunderrupture
under static region, there are a lot of tearing ridges tearing
ridges similar
ridges to the
similar tooffracture
the characteristics
fracture characteristics under statictension.
static tension.With
Withthethe
2 h solution
the 2 h2solution
treatment
h solution time, time,
treatment
the distribution the dimples is more uniform than thetension. With
other fractures. treatment time,
the distribution of the
the distribution dimples
of the dimplesis is
more
moreuniform
uniform than the other
than the otherfractures.
fractures.
MetalsMetals 7, 1937, 193
2017, 2017, 13 of 15
13 of 15

20μm 20μm

(a) (b)

20μm 20μm

(c) (d)

Figure 14. SEM morphologies of fatigue final rupture regions of the 7075 aluminum alloy under
Figure 14. SEM morphologies of fatigue final rupture regions of the 7075 aluminum alloy under
applied stresses of 260 MPa and solution times of (a) 0.5 h; (b) 1.0 h; (c) 1.5 h; (d) 2.0 h.
applied stresses of 260 MPa and solution times of (a) 0.5 h; (b) 1.0 h; (c) 1.5 h; (d) 2.0 h.

4. Conclusions
4. Conclusions
The effect on the
The effect high-cycle
on the high-cyclefatigue
fatigueproperties andthe
properties and themicrostructure
microstructure
of aoftypical
a typical Al-Zn-Mg-Cu
Al-Zn-Mg-Cu
alloy after different solution treatments are discussed in this paper. Some important conclusions
alloy after different solution treatments are discussed in this paper. Some important conclusions can can
be made as follows:
be made as follows:
1. As the solution treatment time increases, different levels of recrystallization and grain growth
1. As the solution treatment time increases, different levels of recrystallization and grain growth
occur in the studied alloy. The recrystallized grains merge and extend outward, flattening the
occur in the studied alloy. The recrystallized grains merge and extend outward, flattening the
crystal boundaries. When the solution treatment time is 2 h, most boundaries of adjacent grains
crystal boundaries.
disappear, becoming When the solution
continuous rathertreatment time is 2Recrystallization
than interrupted. h, most boundaries of adjacent
is obvious and the grains
disappear, becoming continuous
average grain sizes are large. rather than interrupted. Recrystallization is obvious and the
average
2. grainsecondary
The large sizes arephases
large. in the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy are mainly undissolved T phase, S phase,
2. The Fe-rich phase, andphases
large secondary Si-rich in
phase. Appropriate extension
the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy are of mainly
the solution time can Tpromote
undissolved phase, the
S phase,
dissolution of the second phase particles, reduce the number and
Fe-rich phase, and Si-rich phase. Appropriate extension of the solution time can promote thesize of the second phase
particles, of
dissolution and theimprove
second thephase
degreeparticles,
of solid solution
reduceofthe the number
alloy, so that
andthe alloy
size of microstructure
the second phase
is more uniform.
particles, and improve the degree of solid solution of the alloy, so that the alloy microstructure is
3. The solution time has a significant influence on the high-cycle fatigue properties of the Al-Zn-
more uniform.
Mg-Cu alloy, especially when the fatigue life exceeds the 105 level at low stress levels. The large
3. The second
solution time
phases has a significant
gradually dissolve withinfluence
the increase onofthe
the high-cycle
solution time, fatigue
which properties
can lower the of the
Al-Zn-Mg-Cu 5
probability alloy,
of crackespecially when
initiation. the
In the fatigue
second lifeof
stage exceeds the 10 levelfatigue
crack propagation, at lowstriations
stress levels.
and The
largesecondary
second phases
cracks gradually
are obviously dissolve withThe
observed. the number
increaseofof secondary
the solution time,
cracks which can
increases withlower
extending theofsolution
the probability time, whichIncan
crack initiation. thereduce
second thestage
driveofforce
crackand crack propagation
propagation, growth
fatigue striations
rate, promoting the high-cycle fatigue properties of the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu
and secondary cracks are obviously observed. The number of secondary cracks increases alloy. The changing trend with
of the fatigue
extending striation
the solution interval
time, whichvalidated
can reduce this conclusion.
the drive force and crack propagation growth rate,
promoting the high-cycle fatigue properties of the Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy. The changing trend of the
Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.
fatigue striation
51375500), intervalResearch
the Fundamental validated thisfor
Funds conclusion.
the Central Universities of Central South University (No.
2015zzts038x), and Science and Technology Research Projects of Universities in Hebei China (No. ZC2016030).
Acknowledgments: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.
51375500), the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities of Central South University (No.
2015zzts038x), and Science and Technology Research Projects of Universities in Hebei China (No. ZC2016030).
Author Contributions: Chi Liu and Yilun Liu conceived and designed the experiment; Chi Liu and Liyong Ma
performed the experiments; Chi Liu and Jiuhuo Yi analyzed the data; Jiuhuo Yi contributed reagents, materials,
and analysis tools; Chi Liu wrote the paper.
Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflicts of interest.
Metals 2017, 7, 193 14 of 15

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