Comprehensive study on hot deformation behavior and mechanical properties of Al-0.8Mg-1.2Si-0.5Cu-0.5Fe-0.3Mn-3.0Zn with fast age hardening response

This study investigated the 6xxx aluminum alloy's hot deformation behavior during thermoplastic deformation and mechanical characteristics after thermoplastic deformation. The genetic algorithm (GA)-strain compensation (SC) Arrhenius model was established through uniaxial hot compression tests at 350-480 °C & 0.01-10 s -1 deformation conditions, with a 5.1615% average absolute relative error (AARE). To validate the model, the GA-SC Arrhenius model was embedded in DEFORM-3D software through secondary development. The results show that the simulations capture the main experimental trends, although noticeable deviations remain under some conditions. The microstructural characteristics of the instability and safety region in the hot processing map were characterized by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Microstructural analysis suggests that DRV dominates in part of the safe region, while localized DRX features are observed under selected conditions within the preferred processing window, and forming defects like voids, micro-cracks and particle cracking occur in the instability region. NA response tests indicate faster natural-ageing kinetics and a larger hardness increment than the AA6063 reference under the tested route.