From May 26 to June 29, the project evaluation of the 8th National Metallurgical Science and Technology Competition for College Students took place at the University of Science and Technology Beijing. The project titled Rare Earth Microalloying and Heat Treatment Synergistic Modification Technology for High-Strength Fatigue-Resistant Aluminum Alloy recommended by the School of Materials Science and Engineering advanced to the finals and secured the National Third Prize, marking a historic achievement.
It is reported that this competition was initiated by the Teaching Guidance Sub-Committee for Metal Materials Engineering and Metallurgical Engineering under the Ministry of Education. Organized in rotation by universities including Northeastern University, Kunming University of Science and Technology, University of Science and Technology Beijing, and Central South University, it targets undergraduates and postgraduates majoring in metallurgy, materials, chemical engineering, resources, energy, and environmental science nationwide. The competition aims to:
Mobilize and inspire students to engage in public-interest scientific outreach;
Cultivate professional interest among college students;
Enhance awareness of technological innovation and broaden professional knowledge;
Strengthen practical skills in engineering and reinforce the role of integrating innovation and industrial chains in talent development.
The expert committee evaluated 2,383 entries based on scientific rigor, innovation, feasibility, and economic potential. Ultimately, 479 projects advanced to the finals (433 in technological innovation, 46 in creative design), while 484 projects were awarded third prize (438 in technological innovation, 46 in creative design).
On-Site Testing
Project: Rare Earth Microalloying and Heat Treatment Synergistic Modification Technology for High-Strength Fatigue-Resistant Aluminum Alloy
Team Members: Li Dehua, Liu Jiajun, Han Zhenbang, Zhang Junjie
Advisors: Cui Zhongyu, Wang Xiangyu
Project Overview:
Addressing the bottleneck issue of poor additive manufacturability in 7xxx series high-strength aluminum alloys, this project optimizes elemental composition to minimize thermal cracks while maintaining mechanical properties. By applying tailored heat treatments, it maximizes precipitation strengthening, solid solution strengthening, grain refinement, and dislocation strengthening—significantly enhancing the comprehensive performance of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) samples.
Text: Li Dehua
Images: Liu Jiajun
