Properties Optimization of Al 6082 using Response Surface Methodology: Heat Treatment Parameters for Thermal and Mechanical Properties

Al 6082 is one of the most important alloy present in 6xxx series as a new alloy. This is because of its high strength to weight ratio, good formability, and machinability. In present work, heat treatment on Al 6082 alloy in order to study its effect on thermal and mechanical properties and also optimize it for thermal and mechanical properties using Response Surface Methodology. The process parameters are solutionizing time, aging temperature, and aging time. Solutionization is followed by artificial aging of samples for a period of 90 minutes to 450 minutes. The heating process takes place in Muffle Furnace. The mathematical model for the thermal conductivity, coefficient of thermal expansion and Vickers hardness has been developed. All the mathematical models obtained hold good at 95% confidence level. The optimum parameters will be obtained for thermal & mechanical properties.