The tensile properties of aluminium alloy 7010 plates, heat treated to varying aging conditions, i.e. naturally aged, underaged, peak aged and overaged, were examined at ambient and subzero (−50°C) temperatures. It is shown that the maximum increase in strength properties (both 0·2 proof stress and ultimate tensile strength) upon changing the test temperature from ambient to subzero (i.e. −50°C) is obtained in the case of the naturally aged samples, while there is a minimal increase in the strength properties of the underaged samples when tested at −50°C. These results are discussed in light of changes in the workhardening behaviour of the materials with aging.
