Reduction in Quenching Residual Stress of 2219 Aluminum Alloy Ring by Cold Bulging Process

The mechanical properties of 2219 aluminum alloy can be significantly improved by the solution-aging process. Nevertheless, large residual stress is generated during quenching, exerting negative effects on dimensional stability, fatigue strength, stress corrosion, and other properties. A cold bulging process was introduced between quenching and artificial aging to reduce the quenching residual stress of the 2219 aluminum alloy ring. Firstly, the numerical value and distribution law of the residual stress after quenching and cold bulging of the 2219 aluminum alloy ring were analyzed by finite element method (FEM) simulation. Secondly, the residual stress after quenching, artificial aging and solution-cold bulging-artificial aging of the ring was measured by the drilling method. Additionally, the effect of cold bulging process parameters on residual stress value and uniformity was investigated. Experimental results show that quenching residual stress of 2219 aluminum alloy ring is reduced by up to 85% or more.