Cyclic behavior of AA2024 aluminum alloy under different loading paths and heat treatments

The focus of this study is to investigate the impact of cyclic loading path and temperature on the mechanical behavior of AA2024 aluminum alloy, a material commonly used in the aerospace industry. Our study aims to understand the cyclic evolution of work hardening (isotropic and kinematic) in response to different loading paths: tension‐compression cycles followed by equivalent torsion cycles, and vice versa. We also perform microstructural investigations using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) to gain insights into the evolution of fatigue damage during cyclic loading. By examining these factors, we aim to provide insights into the material's mechanical behavior and anisotropy. This research contributes to improving our understanding of the performance of AA2024 alloy under cyclic loading conditions. Highlights Cyclic hardening of AA2024 alloy is affected by loading path and temperature. Alloy exhibits hardening behavior under axial and shear loading, with cyclic stability Inverted loading paths lead to discontinuity in behavior: axial loading followed by alternating torsion causes softening, vice versa to hardening. SEM microstructural analysis reveals fatigue damage evolution during cyclic loading, relevant for aerospace industry and aircraft structure fatigue life prediction.