Work

Whole-furnace calorimetry reveals phase transformations in aluminum alloys

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is widely employed for analyzing phase transitions in aluminum alloys and steels, offering insights into formation and dissolution of second phase precipitates. However, DSC is a laboratory method and industrial heat treatments are typically performed without direct access to such microstructural information. This study introduces a whole-furnace calorimetry approach that leverages industrial furnace energy intake and temperature data to perform calorimetric analysis in situ without additional experimental effort. Proof-of-concept experiments on EN AW-6082 billets demonstrate the feasibility of whole-furnace calorimetry for detecting phase transformations during heat treatments. The method shows promising agreement with DSC in both peak shape and temperature. By offering microstructural insights during metal processing, whole-furnace calorimetry opens new avenues for process optimization and data-driven prediction of material properties. • Novel approach introduced: Whole-Furnace Calorimetry (WFC). • Industrial furnaces can act as calorimeters using existing power data. • WFC reveals phase transformations in aluminum alloys during heat treatment. • Excellent agreement with DSC confirms the validity of the WFC approach. • WFC enables in situ microstructural insight with industrial-scale relevance.

Source: Thermochimica Acta

DOI: 10.1016/j.tca.2025.180113

Authors: Johannes A. Österreicher, Aurel R. Arnoldt

Institution: AIT Austrian Institute of Technology GmbH

Language: English

Topic: Aluminum Alloy Microstructure Properties

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,630

Funder: Österreichische Forschungsförderungsgesellschaft