Effect of Pulsed Magnetic Field on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of 7050 Al Alloy After Two-Stage Aging

The effect of pulsed magnetic fields in a two-stage aging (PMFTSA) process on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a 7050 Al alloy was investigated using x-ray diffraction, micro-Vickers hardness testing, transmission electron microscopy, and ambient-temperature electronic universal testing machine tests. Compared with the conventional two-stage aging (CTSA) heat treatment, the application of PMFTSA accelerates the diffusion of atoms and the aging process and reduces the two-stage aging time. After conventional solid solution treatment at 466°C for 50 min, the tensile strength, yield strength, elongation, and hardness during two-stage aging at 102°C + 1 h/136°C + 1 h with a pulsed magnetic field were 655.06 MPa, 562.33 MPa, 14.83%, and 184.3 HV compared with the CTSA with a 23.10% increase in tensile strength, 26.56% increase in yield strength, 9.85% increase in elongation, 14.25% increase in hardness, 60% decrease in aging holding time, and 18.10% decrease in secondary aging temperature.