Effect of induced pulse current on mechanical properties and microstructure of rolled 5052 aluminum alloy

Electromagnetic forming is a high-speed forming method that can significantly improve the forming limit of metals. A high-density pulse current is induced on the workpiece during the forming process, however, research on the effects of the induced current on the material properties is lacking. This paper presents an experimental study designed to ensure the sheet is not deformed after discharge of the coil. Properties of rolled 5052 aluminum alloy treated by induced current were studied using mechanical testing, electron backscatter diffraction, and electron microscopy. The tensile strength, yield strength and elongation of the material increased by 6.9%, 8.7%, and 13.2%, respectively, after treatment using a voltage discharge of 6 kV, compared with the original rolled sheet. After an induced current is applied, dimples on the material are larger and more uniform, indicating better plasticity characteristics. Furthermore, the average grain size increases slightly and the subgrain content increases. The texture strength changes, as the Brass and Goss textures increase. The dislocation density is reduced, the distribution of dislocations becomes more uniform, and dislocation accumulation at grain boundaries weakens.