Processing of aluminum 7075-T73 components after prolonged storage

摘要

Three years ago, production requirements for a T73-tempered aluminium 7075 (Al 7075-T73) component were curtailed and the ''in-process'' parts were stored. During recent attempts to complete processing, visible defects were discovered in this component. Defects at such an early stage in the 20+ year lifetime of the component pose reliability concerns. Chemical and microstructural analysis, mechanical testing, and corrosion evaluation were performed to determine the impact of the defects on material properties.