Fatigue behaviour of aluminium alloys after anodic and plasma-electrolytic oxidation

• Applicant: Professor Dr.-Ing. Thomas Lampke
• Subject Area: Coating and Surface Technology
• Term: from 2020 to 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 435265960

Electrochemical conversion treatments, such as anodic or plasma-electrolytic oxidation, are an effective method to enhance the corrosion and wear resistance of aluminium alloys. The type of conversion layer with the respective structure and properties directly influences the fatigue strength and the failure mechanisms under cyclic loading. This complex correlation between the adjustable system “substrate with anodic/ plasma-electrolytic oxide layer” and the fatigue properties is not fully understood yet. The aim of the proposed research project is to understand the effects of substrate and conversion layer microstructure, layer thickness as well as work hardening of the substrate surface and a post-treatment of the oxide layer on the high-cycle fatigue strength and the damage mechanisms. We focus on the correlation between a conversion layer, its microstructural properties and residual stresses and the fatigue performance, the crack initiation and the crack transition from the oxide layer into the substrate.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants