Electroplastic Effect on Plastic Behavior of AA6061 Sheet in T6 and Annealed States

The technology of using electric current in metal forming processes is an innovative technology. The utilization of current in these processes has diverse consequences on the plastic behavior of distinct alloys. This study examines the electroplastic effects on the plastic behavior of AA6061 aluminum alloy sheets subjected to two distinct heat treatment conditions: T6 and annealing. The study employs uniaxial tensile testing to examine these effects. The appropriate current parameters were first determined from a set of parameters. By applying electric current at appropriate current parameter conditions during uniaxial tensile test, the formability of the samples increases, which it is more pronounced in the annealed condition. In the T6 condition, applying electric current at appropriate current parameters results in 5.7% increase in formability, 3.11% increase in ultimate strength, and 3.79% increase in yield stress. while in the annealed condition. This leads to an increase of 23.4%, no change in ultimate strength, and 20.71% increase in yield stress. By qualitative analysis of the microstructure using scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of the fracture surface, it was observed that this phenomenon can be attributed to an augmentation in the size and number of fracture surface dimples in the annealed condition, compared to T6 condition. Furthermore, the application of electric current with the appropriate parameters in the annealed sample intensifies the size and number of the dimples and increase in the formability.