The effect of superimposed ultrasonic vibration on tensile behavior of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy

Ultrasonic vibration has been widely utilized in the forming and processing of metallic materials due to its advantages of reducing forming force and improving deformation ability and surface quality. However, the effect of ultrasonic vibration on the deformation mechanism of metallic material is still unclear. Based on the method of segmented resonant design, an ultrasonic vibration tensile device was developed, and its vibration performance was evaluated in this work. Furthermore, the ultrasonic vibration tensile tests were carried out to investigate the influence of ultrasonic vibration parameters on the properties of the 6061-T6 Al material. The results showed that the design error of 3.3% and ultrasonic vibration amplitude of 8.7 μm were achieved. Ultrasonic vibration reduced the stress required for 6061-T6 Al material deformation, but did not change Young’s modulus and strain hardening rate. The stress reduction was proportional to the square of the ultrasonic vibration amplitude, indicating that ultrasonic softening was attributed to the changed dislocation of 6061-T6 Al material. Meanwhile, the ultrasonic vibration has no permanent effects on the tensile behavior of 6061-T6 Al material.