EFFECTS OF NI ADDITION ON MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF LOCALLY MANUFACTURED 7022 ALUMINUM ALLOY

Abstract

Aerospace sector uses 7022, a wrought aluminum-zinc alloy, extensively.  In this work, aluminum alloy 7022 was made locally, and the effects of "Ni" reinforcement on mechanical properties were investigated.  Stir casting is a commonly used process for the production of Metal Matrix Composites, when combined with Sand Molding.  By adding Ni, the mechanical properties of the Al-7022 alloy are enhanced.  Initially, the AA-7022 was created using a sand mold.  Three specimens were created utilizing the stir casting method with different weight percentages of Ni, i.e., 1wt% and 3wt%. The manufactured samples' density, tensile strength, and hardness were measured. The test findings reveal a 38.744% improvement in the tensile strength of the 3wt% specimen compared to the unfiltered Al-7022. The hardness value was likewise most promising for the 3wt% specimen, increasing by 9.9% compared to the unfiltered variant. 94.16% density was achieved by specimen C1 with a 3wt% Ni. The material behaves brittle and fractures without warning. Further heat treatment is necessary to make it commercially viable