Characterization of Electron Beam Deposited Aluminum Alloy 2139

Aluminum 2319 is a Cu-Mg-Ag bearing alloy designed to have a desirable combination of strength and fracture toughness through a large range of plate thicknesses. Electron beam freeform fabrication (EBF3) is an additive manufacturing technique that allows for the creation of near net shape directly from a computer model. Alloy 2139 is an excellent candidate material for EBF3 due to its insensitivity to section size and low mechanical work requirements necessary to achieve peak strength and toughness. This study aims to characterize EBF3 deposited 2139, in the asdeposited state as well as in various heat-treated states. Characterization methods include scanning electron microscopy with electron backscatter diffraction for phase identification and orientation mapping, analytical transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and microhardness mapping. The results of this study will identify the ideal heat treatment for achieving peak strength in EBF3 2139 aluminum alloy.