The paper describes an experimental study developed on the AA7075 T651, which is an aluminum alloy extensively used in the aeronautical industry. This work presents a double approach of investigation where there is no literature about previous research. This includes the analysis of the results obtained by the combination of mechanical and chemical actions on the mechanical properties of this material. On the one hand, the combinations of relevant milling parameters (feed rate, cutting speed) on flat samples (flat specimens have been selected by attempting to reproduce with the most accurate way the geometry and the type of machining process known as face milling is usually used in this manufacturing field). On the other hand, the stimulating effect of the corrosion by salt spray on selected batches of specimens was machined in the previous stage. Results from tensile tests performed on the whole of specimens allowed us to evaluate how the main mechanical properties (yield strength, tensile strength, and elongation at break) have been affected by the processes applied. Elongation at the break presents a reduction in an inverse order to feed a rate increase (up to 24.5%) and this reduction is extended (additional 19.17%) in specimens under corrosion conditions, which results in a greater fragility of the material.
Keywords: AA7075; aluminum; corrosion; flat specimen; machining; mechanical properties.