Effect of predeformation and heat treatment conditions in the SIMA process on microstructural and mechanical properties of A319 aluminum alloy

In this study the influences of predeformation and heat treatment conditions on stress-induced melt activating process (SIMA) of A319 aluminum alloy were investigated. At 30% of predeformation a dominant globular structure of grains was obtained. However, further increasing of the predeformation rate considerably reduced the shape factor. The holding time of 10–15 min at semi-solid temperature of 580 °C was suggested in order to prevent grain growth. Coarsening of the grains by excess time or temperature of heat treatment reduced the tensile strength of the alloy.