Theoretical and experimental research for the elastic properties of corroded 7075-T6 Al alloy

The researches were aimed at assessing the elastic properties of material with pre-existing corrosion damage. Corrosion in the form of pitting in certain classes of aluminum alloys, e.g. 7075-T6, is considered here. Based on the characteristics of corrosion metrics and micromechanics, the paper describes a mechanical property prediction procedure for corroded aluminum alloy. The model was developed in the framework of micro-mechanics, in combination with the existing corroded coupon tensile test results. The existing data included the weight loss rates of 7075-T6 sheet exposed to acid salt spray (fog) for various time periods. Tensile tests were taken for corroded 'dog bone' coupons. The paper describes the test procedures and mechanical test results. The results provide a database for verifying the analysis model. The accuracy of the method is assessed by comparing the predicted results with those of tests of corroded 7075-T6 specimens. The results indicate that corrosion can be represented by voids damage in the material as the elastic properties of corroded aluminum alloy are concerned.