Tensile and bending properties of AA5754 aluminum alloys

The ductility and bendability of AA5754 automotive sheets have been investi gated as a function of iron content. The influence of pre-strain, introduce d by cold rolling, on the bendability has also been examined. The low iron containing alloy (0.08 wt.%) showed development of surface instability in t he form of small undulations on the tensile surface. In contrast, the high iron containing alloy (0.30 wt.%) showed cracks on the tensile surface. The development of damage during bending has been studied by carrying out in-s itu bend tests in a scanning electron microscope. High iron containing allo y exhibits damage at the iron rich particles which leads to drastic reducti on in the bendability. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.