Analysis of empirical relation between microstructure, texture evolution and fatigue properties of an Al-Cu-Li alloy during different pre-deformation processes

The microstructure and fatigue properties of Al-Cu-Li alloy sheets were investigated respectively under the conditions of without pre-deformation, 3% pre-stretching deformation and 8% pre-rolling deformation utilizing scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) in present work. Results show that the intensive Goss texture and relatively weaker Brass, Cube texture were formed in without pre-deformed alloy after aging treatment. The pole density level of Goss texture was decreased remarkably and the intensity of Brass, Cube texture was increased lightly after 3% pre-stretching deformation and 8% pre-rolling deformation. The magnitude order of fatigue crack propagation (FCP) rate of the alloy under different pre-deformation conditions was dadNpre−rolling > dadNpre−stretching > dadNnon−predeformation in stage II (Paris regime). The combined contribution of T1 phase with different size, amount and the intensity of Goss texture is the main factors affecting the FCP rate of Al-Cu-Li alloy.