Research on Cryogenic Deformation Behavior and Deep Drawing Process for Complex Thin-walled Parts of 2060 Aluminum-Lithium Alloy

doi:10.3901/JME.2025.14.020

Abstract

Abstract: A cryogenic forming method for aluminum-lithium alloy thin-walled components is investigated to address the issues of cracking tendency and property degradation during complex-shaped thin-wall forming. When the forming temperature is reduced from 25°C to –196°C, the plasticity of 2060 aluminum-lithium alloy is enhanced by over 55%. Microstructural observations reveal that cryogenic forming suppresses dynamic recovery of dislocations and enhances work hardening capability, enabling homogeneous plastic deformation. Compared with annealed alloys, solution-quenched alloys demonstrate superior cryogenic plasticity, which is attributed to the dissolution of second-phase particles into aluminum matrix during solution treatment. This phase dissolution mechanism effectively inhibits localized deformation induced by second-phase particles, promotes deformation band formation, and enhances work hardening capability during later deformation stages. A 2060 alloy aircraft door basin-shaped sample with maximum forming depth of 98 mm is successfully formed through cryogenic deep drawing in a single forming step. Components fabricated from solution-quenched alloy through cryogenic forming exhibit excellent strength-ductility synergy and fatigue performance after aging treatment. The findings provide a new approach for integrated forming-property manufacturing of complex thin-walled aviation aluminum-lithium alloy components.

Key words: aluminum-lithium alloy, cryogenic forming, work hardening capability, deep drawing, strength-ductility

CLC Number:

TG156

DONG Fei, YI Youping, HUANG Shiquan, HE Hailin. Research on Cryogenic Deformation Behavior and Deep Drawing Process for Complex Thin-walled Parts of 2060 Aluminum-Lithium Alloy[J]. Journal of Mechanical Engineering, 2025, 61(14): 20-28.

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