Microstructural Optimization of extruded Al-Mg-Si-Alloys for improved ductile deformation

Extrusion profiles made from Al-Mg-Si alloys are used in car manufacturing as rods, beams and members as components for the car frame and body. For such safety components, the applied alloys need a high strength and a high degree of ductility at ambient temperature in order to not fail in a brittle but ductile manner and protect the passenger in the interior. However, strength and ductility are often competing properties, therefore the material is optimized to meet the best compromise. Aim of this project is to find the governing strength and deformation mechanisms in the case of crash and to relate those mechanisms with the processing route and microstructure of Al-Mg-Si-alloy extrusion profiles. This is to enable the microstructurally informed optimization of extrusion alloys.