Impact of Partial Recrystallization on the Fatigue Performance of Aluminum EN AW6082 Forged Components in Neutral and Corrosive Environments

This study investigates the effects of partial recrystallization and corrosion on the fatigue behavior of EN AW6082 T6 aluminum alloy, widely used in automotive structural components. The research explores how partial recrystallization, often occurring during processing, influences fatigue properties when combined with corrosion. Fatigue tests were conducted on recrystallized and non-recrystallized samples, both in corroded and non-corroded conditions, with corrosion simulated using the standardized PV 1113 test. Metallurgical analysis revealed grain dissolution pit-associated intergranular corrosion. Fatigue life curves were generated, and fatigue strength at 2E6 cycles was determined. Results showed that recrystallization had complex effects on fatigue performance, with recrystallized specimens exhibited a steeper fatigue life curve, characterized by reduced life at lower stresses and extended life at higher stresses. Corrosion accelerated fatigue degradation across all conditions, with the most severe impact at lower stresses. However, recrystallization under corrosive conditions mitigated corrosion's impact on long-term fatigue performance by allowing for more gradual degradation at high cycle counts. This study highlights the importance of understanding the interaction between recrystallization, corrosion, and fatigue to optimize material performance in automotive applications.