Effect of Laser Processing on Strength and Portevin–Le Chatelier Serrated Deformation of Aluminum Alloy

Abstract

The effect of surface processing by laser IR radiation on strength and Portevin–Le Chatelier serrated deformation of AlMg6 aluminum–magnesium alloy is experimentally studied. Laser processing consists in local “shots” on the surface at the nodes of a square grid in the gauge part of a flat sample. The conditions under which such laser processing causes an increase in the surface microhardness, ultimate tensile strength, and the critical strain of the first stress drop in the stress–strain curve; decreases the probability of deformation band formation; suppresses necking at the prefracture stage; and changes the main crack morphology. The possible mechanism of the effect of laser processing on band formation, serrated deformation, and alloy strength are discussed.