Residual stress analysis on AA6061+22% Al2O3p simple shape demonstrators of a wheel hub

The effects of thermal treatments in a component for automotive industry are considered: the induced residual stresses in wheel hubs were investigated. Measurements have been carried out on two identical simple shape demonstrators made of AA6061 + 22% Al(2)O(3p) in order to evaluate the stress conditions after forging and T6 treatment and without taking into account the final design of the wheel hub. One sample was analysed in as-forged conditions while the second after forging and T6 treatment (560 degrees C for 2 h, 20 degrees C water quenching, artificial aging at 177 degrees C for 10 h). Particular attention was given to the stresses in the radial and hoop directions, as the main consequences of the in-service fatigue are expected to be related to stresses along these two directions. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.