Degree of In-Plane Anisotropy (DIPA) of the Tensile Properties of a Forged Plate of the Commercial Aluminium Alloy AA2014 and its Technological Implications

Property anisotropy in wrought metals and alloys is a common phenomenon. The degree of in-plane anisotropy (DIPA) is one measure of anisotropy, and this study examines the orientation dependence of tensile properties in a forged commercial aluminium alloy AA2014 plate. A comprehensive quantitative DIPA analysis enabled the dependency of the tensile properties on heat-treatment condition to be determined. Comparison of the DIPA values with those of other aluminium alloys showed that AA2014 in two conditions, solution-treated and peak-aged, exhibits an optimum combination of isotropy and property levels for further processing into structural components for aerospace and automobile applications. Some important scientific and technological implications of DIPA are also provided in the final sections of this paper. Furthermore, a few aluminium alloys considered in the present study, and the DIPA values are much higher with respect to work hardening exponent ‘ n ’ as compared to other tensile properties. Finally, based on DIPA values of basic tensile properties of the aluminium alloys considered in the present study (as well as others that can be considered few aerospace and automobile structural applications) are suggested to be grouped in to three different categories.