Hot forming with synchronous cooling (HFSC) is a novel technique for heat-treatable

high-strength aluminum alloys

which allows the alloys to acquire good formability

negligible springback

rapid processing and better mechanical properties. However

the deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of the alloys during HFSC are complex and need to be studied due to the temperature effects and strain rate effects. Uniaxial tensile tests in a temperature range of 250-450℃ and a strain rate range of 0.01-1/s for AA2024-H18 aluminum alloy sheet were conducted with a Gleeble-3500 Thermal-Mechanical Simulation Tester. And based on metallography observation and analysis

AA2024-H18 aluminum alloy sheet in HSFC process exhibits hardening and dynamic recovery behaviors within the temperature range of 250-450℃. Strain rate showed different effects on ductility at different temperatures. Compared with traditional warm/hot forming methods

AA2024-H18 aluminum alloy achieved a better work-hardening result through HFSC operations

which promises an improved formability at elevated temperature and thus good mechanical properties of final part. After HSFC operations

the microstructure of the specimens is composed of elongated static recrystallization grain.