Deformation and fracture in Al–Li-base alloys

Abstract

Aluminium–lithium-base alloys are of considerable interest because of their low density and high modulus. However, they have been shown to have low ductility and poor fracture toughness. This has been attributed to a variety of factors, including intense shear band formation, segregation to grain boundaries, and weakened grain boundaries due to precipitation and precipitate-free zones. The authors have investigated the deformation structures observed in binary and more complex commercial alloys. As would be expected, considering the microstructure of the alloys, extensive strain localization and shear band formation occurs in these alloys. However, it is shown that the commercial alloys are less sensitive to strain localization than the model binary alloy systems investigated. The stresss–train behaviour has been investigated. The alloys exhibit jerky flow, which is indicative of negative strain rate sensitivity, and strain rate change tests showed this to be the case. This is consistent with the deformation structures observed. The effect of weakened grain boundaries due to precipitation and precipitate-free zones has been studied by comparing the fracture characteristics of aged and unaged material. It is shown that the mode of failure is identical under appropriate conditions. It is concluded that segregation to grain boundaries is the major cause of the lower ductility and toughness of Al–Li alloys. This possibility has been investigated using in situ fracture surface analysis techniques. Results are presented on grain boundary segregation, and methods of reducing its influence on fracture behaviour are indicated.

MST/570     

Physical metallurgy of aluminum-lithium alloys

The addition of lithium to aluminium reduces the density and increases the elastic modulus; precipitation of the metastableδ′(Al₃Li) phase from supersaturated Al-Li solid solution leads to appreciable increase in strength. The enhanced values for specific modulus and specific strength favour the use of the Al-Li alloys as structural materials for aerospace applications. However the binary alloys suffer from problems of poor ductility and toughness associated with strain localisation (resulting from the ease with whichδ′ particles are sheared during deformation), the presence ofδ′-free zones near grain boundaries and the heterogeneous nucleation of the equilibriumδ phase on the grain boundaries. These problems have been overcome by the development of ternary and quaternary alloys containing copper and magnesium. A small amount (∼0·1%) of zirconium is added to these alloys to improve the recrystallisation characteristics. The properties of alloys developed for commercial exploitation are briefly discussed. An overview of the physical metallurgy of the Al-Li alloys is presented with emphasis on the following features: (i) phase equilibria and precipitation reactions in Al-Li, Al-Cu-Mg, Al-Cu-Li and Al-Mg-Li systems and extension of these results to Al-Li-Cu-Mg alloys, (ii) insoluble particles and their effect on precipitation in the alloys, (iii) microstructural studies on Al-2·3%Li-1·2%Cu-0·7%Mg-0·12%Zr alloy, (iv) lithium depletion during solution treatment, (v) coarsening ofδ′ particles and development of precipitate-free zones near grain boundaries and (vi) microanalysis of the lithium containing phases.     

Strength,deformation, fracture behaviour and ductility of aluminium-lithium alloys

The ever increasing need for high strength, improved performance, lightweight and cost-effective materials has resulted in significant improvements and development of new aluminium alloys for structural applications. Lithium additions to aluminium have the potential for providing a class of high strength alloys with exceptional properties suitable for weight-critical applications. In this paper, published studies of composition-processing-microstructure relationships are discussed. Contributions to strength of the solid solution are discussed with reference to the presence of lithium in solid solution, the presence of coherent, ordered precipitates in the matrix and the co-precipitation of binary, ternary and more complex strengthening phases. Microstructural influences on strength are discussed with reference to metallurgical variables. These variables include the intrinsic microstructural features; the presence of dispersoids, the nature and type of matrix strengthening precipitates and the presence of denuded zones adjacent to grain boundaries. The extrinsic and intrinsic micromechanisms governing the deformation characteristics and fracture behaviour are critically examined with specific reference to ageing condition of the alloy, the matrix slip characteristics, and the nature, volume fraction and distribution of strengthening precipitates. The deleterious effects of strain localization and the exacerbating effect of precipitate-free zones are also highlighted. The micromechanics governing the fracture processes are examined and the sequence of events in the fracture process is reviewed in light of the specific role of several concurrent factors involving nature and volume fraction of second-phase particles, deformation mode, and dislocation-microstructure interactions. Past attempts made to improve the tensile ductility and mechanical response of these alloys are also examined so as to provide a better basis for understanding processing-microstructure-deformation interactions.     

Effect of aging and dispersoid content on tensile properties of Al–0·6Mg–1 Si alloys

Abstract

Slip distribution was varied in a series of Al–Mg–Si alloys by changing the amount of manganese-bearing dispersoid present and by under- and overaging, which also altered the grain–boundary precipitate-free zones and hence the grain–boundary strength. Dispersoids are shown to increase ductility by slip homogenization. Slip is more heterogeneous in underaged alloys, but these show greater ductility than overaged alloys because the grain boundaries are stronger. Work-hardening rates increase with dispersoid content, although for a given dispersoid content, the underaged alloys have higher work-hardening rates. This effect is interpreted in terms of the effect of aging upon the properties of the grain-boundary regions.

MST/340     

Microstructure and mechanical properties of Cu and Cu-Zn alloys produced by equal channel angular pressing

Ultrafine-grained (UFG) Cu and Cu-Zn alloy were prepared using equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) to investigate the effects of stacking fault energy (SFE) on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties. Combining with the previous researches, the grain refinement process of ECAP is divided into three stages based on the variation of tensile strength and plasticity. According to the influences of defects on strength and ductility during plastic deformation, the three stages are discussed in detail by considering the dislocation density, grain and twin boundaries. Besides, the impact of SFE on the strength and ductility of the UFG Cu-Zn alloys are evaluated, indicating that these two mechanical properties can be improved simultaneously in the whole ECAP process either through slightly or widely adjusting the SFE. This significant effect of SFE reflects in two aspects, one is in the microstructure evolution during ECAP processing and the other is in the subsequent tensile plastic deformation, both of which can be achieved through regulating the dislocation motion via changing the SFE.     

High-strength magnesium alloys for degradable implant applications

This article describes the design principles deployed in developing high-strength and ductile Mg-Zn-Zr-Ca-Mn(-Yb) alloys based on a concept, which aims to restrict grain growth considerably during alloy casting and forming. The efficiency of the development approach is discussed. Moreover, the microstructure and phase analysis of the alloys subjected to different thermal treatments are presented and the influence of the alloy composition, particularly the addition of Yb, on the evolution of the microstructure is discussed in connection with the mechanical properties of the materials. The newly developed alloys exhibit high strength (yield stress of up to 350 MPa) at considerable ductility (elongation to fracture of up to 19%) in the as-extruded state and reveal age hardening potential (increase in hardness of 10-15% compared to that in the recrystallization heat-treated state). Appropriate heat treatments enable tailoring of the strength-ductility relation. Thermal annealing of the material resulted in a remarkable increase in ductility (elongation to fracture of more than 20% for all heat-treated samples) while high strength is retained (yield stress ranging from 210 to 315 MPa). We attribute the attractive mechanical properties of the developed alloys to their fine-grained microstructure, where the grain boundaries and lattice defects are stabilized by second phase particles formed during casting and thermal treatments.     

强塑性变形在铝合金中的研究进展

在过去20年中,强塑性变形技术作为制备超细晶金属及其合金的一种方法被广泛研究.主要介绍了强变形技术在铝合金中的研究进展,特别是对铝合金晶粒大小、晶界、晶体织构及第二相等微观组织参数,强度、塑性、疲劳、腐蚀及超塑性等力学性能的影响.     

Failure of aluminium self-piercing rivets: An experimental and numerical study

The present paper investigates the fracture mechanisms of AA7278-T6 aluminium self-piercing rivets under compression during the riveting process. First, a microstructure investigation was conducted to disclose the grain structure and the particle distribution of the extruded aluminium alloy. Transmission electron micrographs revealed precipitate free zones along grain boundaries. Uniaxial tensile tests in three different directions with respect to the extrusion direction revealed anisotropy of the alloy in strength and ductility and a change in fracture mode with tensile direction. The behaviour of the alloy under compression was studied experimentally using upsetting tests and self-piercing riveting tests. Micrographs of the deformed specimens provided insight into the influence of the microstructure on the deformation and fracture of the alloy under compression. Second, numerical analyses were carried out using a 2-D axisymmetric model in LS–DYNA in an attempt to investigate the role of different physical variables on the final failure of the rivet. The numerical results revealed that constituent particles, precipitate free zones, and friction between the rivet and plates are important for strain localisation and fracture in the rivet.     

珠光体对ZG120Mn13钢拉伸断裂过程的影响

为探究珠光体降低高碳高锰钢机械性能的原因,本文采用金相组织分析、机械性能测试和断口微观形貌分析等实验方法,研究了奥氏体基体上含体积分数23%珠光体的ZG120Mn13高碳高锰钢的拉伸性能及其裂纹形核和扩展过程.结果表明:通过时效处理,在奥氏体基体上析出的条状、颗粒状以及沿晶界连续分布的珠光体将使ZG120Mn13钢的强度和塑性大幅度下降.机械性能的降低与其力学行为有关,当基体为单一奥氏体时,裂纹将在大量孪生变形后,在孪晶界、孪晶与晶界交界处形核,并沿孪晶界长大而相互连接、扩展.而奥氏体基体上存在珠光体时,裂纹主要在珠光体团内形核,并通过相邻珠光体间奥氏体的塑性耗竭、切断而得以扩展.     

Effect of boron addition on the microstructure and mechanical properties of K4750 nickel-based superalloy

The effect of boron addition at 0,0.007 wt.% and 0.010 wt.% on the microstructure and mechanical properties of K4750 nickel-based superalloy was studied.The microstructure of the as-cast and heat-treated alloys was analyzed by SEM,EPMA,SIMS and TEM.Lamellar M₅ B₃-type borides were observed in boroncontaining as-cast alloys.After the full heat treatment,boron atoms released from the decomposition of M₅ B₃ borides were segregated at grain boundaries,which inhibited the growth and agglomeration of M₂₃C₆ carbides.Therefore,the M₂₃C₆ carbides along grain boundaries were granular in boron-containing alloys,while those were continuous in boron-free alloys.The mechanical prope rty analysis indicated that the addition of bo ron significantly improved the tensile ductility at room tempe rature and stress rupture properties at 750℃/430 MPa of K4750 alloy.The low tensile ductility at room temperature of 0 B alloy was attributed to continuous M₂₃C₆ carbides leaded to stress concentration,which provided a favorable location for crack nucleation and propagation.The improvement of the stress rupture properties of boron-containing alloys was the result of the combination of boron segregation increased the cohesion of grain boundaries and granular M₂₃C₆ carbides suppressed the link-up and extension of micro-cracks.     

Low-Cycle-Fatigue Performance of Stress-Aged EN AW-7075 Alloy

The effect of a novel heat treatment, that is, aging under superimposed external stress, on the fatigue performance and microstructural evolution of a high-strength aluminum alloy (EN AW-7075) is presented. Stress aging, a combination of heat treatment and superimposed external stress, can enhance the mechanical properties of EN AW-7075 under monotonic loading due to the acceleration of precipitation kinetics. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) reveal that a longer aging time and the presence of superimposed stress both promote the formation and growth of precipitates, that is, the precipitation of strengthening η´ precipitates. This is confirmed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) heating experiments of stressless and stress-aged states. Furthermore, stress aging leads to a reduction of dimensions of precipitate-free zones near grain boundaries. Cyclic deformation responses (CDRs) and half-life hysteresis loops are evaluated focusing on the low-cycle fatigue (LCF) performance of different conditions. A noticeable cyclic hardening seen in case of the specimens aged for a short time indicates the occurrence of dynamic strain aging (DSA). Eventually, stress aging allows for an enhancement of the monotonic mechanical properties of EN AW-7075 without degrading the cyclic performance in the LCF regime.     

超高强韧Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr变形镁合金研究进展

超高强韧镁合金的研发对推广镁合金在高技术领域的应用具有重要意义。镁与稀土均是我国的优势资源,因此在我国发展超高强韧稀土镁合金具有得天独厚的优势,其中Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr系变形镁合金因其接近高强铝合金的超高强度和塑性,近年来受到研究者的广泛关注。综述了超高强韧Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr系变形镁合金的合金成分、常规塑性变形工艺、新型剧烈塑性变形工艺和热处理工艺对该合金显微组织和力学性能的影响规律,以及该超高强韧变形镁合金的显微组织特征和强韧化机理。T5峰时效态超高强韧Mg-8.2Gd-3.8Y-1Zn-0.4Zr(质量分数)挤压合金具有双峰分布的晶粒尺寸“软-硬”复合层片微结构,以及由高密度的基面γ′纳米片状析出相和棱柱面β′纳米析出相形成的近连续网状结构,该挤压合金室温拉伸屈服强度、拉伸强度和断裂延伸率分别为466 MPa、514 MPa和14.5%。介绍了哈尔滨工业大学等单位在超高强韧Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr系变形镁合金的规模化制备和应用方面的研究进展,并展望了Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr系变形镁合金的发展趋势。     

Misorientation dependence of grain boundary migration in advanced ultra-supercritical Ni-based superalloy

ABSTRACT

The microstructures of a Ni-based superalloy used in the advanced ultra-supercritical condition were investigated after creep deformation. The grain boundary migrated during tertiary creep. Accompanied by the migration of grain boundaries, the coarsened γ′ phase with rodlike shape was formed and the precipitate-free zones emerged around this coarsened γ′. The distributional misorientation angle of these grain boundaries was from 45° to 65°. After the examination of the distribution characteristics of the cracks, it was found that the intergranular cracks did not propagate through the precipitate-free zones with the coarsened γ′.     

Mechanical behavior and wear characteristics of fine grained ZE41 magnesium alloy

ZE41 magnesium alloy was successfully produced by friction stir processing and grain refinement was achieved from a starting size of 107 μm±6.7 μm to 3.5 μm±1.5 μm. MgZn intermetallic which was appeared as network like structure at the grain boundaries before friction stir processing was greatly affected due to the severe plastic deformation and broken as small particles as observed from the microstructural studies. Higher hardness (≈30 %) was measured for the fine grained ZE41 magnesium alloy compared with the base alloy due to the grain refinement. From the tensile tests, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength was significantly increased at the cost of decreased ductility reflected in lower strain for the fine grained ZE41 compared with the base alloy. Wear studies showed higher coefficient of friction and lower mass loss for the grain refined ZE41 magnesium alloy. From the results, it can be understood that the grain refinement achieved by friction stir processing has a profound influence on enhancing the mechanical and tribological properties of ZE41 magnesium alloy.     

Severe plastic deformation (SPD) and nanostructured materials by machining

Large plastic strains between 1 and 15 can be imposed in chips formed by plane-strain (2-D) machining of metals and alloys. This approach has been used to examine microstructure changes induced by large strain deformation in model systems—copper and its alloys, precipitation-hardenable aluminum alloys, high-strength materials such as titanium, Inconel 718 and 52100 steel, and an amorphous alloy. It is shown that materials with average grain sizes in the range of 60 nm–1 μm can be created by varying the parameters of machining, which in turn affects the deformation processes. Furthermore, a switch-over from an elongated subgrain microstructure to an equi-axed nanocrystalline microstructure, with a preponderance of large-angle grain boundaries, has been demonstrated at the higher levels of strain in several of these materials. This switch-over can be readily controlled by varying the deformation conditions. Dynamic recrystallization has been demonstrated in select material systems under particular conditions of strain and temperature. This study may be seen as providing an important bridge between furthering the understanding of microstructural refinement by large strain deformation and the practical utilization of nanostructured materials in structural and mechanical applications. Conventional plane-strain machining has been shown to be a viable SPD method for examining the underlying processes of very large strain deformation.     

High temperature,high strain rate embrittlement of Al-Mg-Mn alloy: evidence of cleavage of an fcc alloy

Abstract

The fracture behaviour in tension of an Al-Mg -Mn alloy has been investigated. At high temperatures and strain rates, intergranular brittle fracture is observed along with cleavage fracture. Intergranular fracture is related to local melting at the grain boundaries. Cleavage occurs in equal proportions on the {100} and {110} crystallographic planes. The area fraction of cleavage facets on the fracture surface has been quantified. Their initiation is shown to be related both to the liquid metal embrittlement of the grain boundaries and to the presence of brittle Mn containing particles at the grain boundaries. Cleavage fracture in an aluminium alloy also requires an inhibition of plastic flow which prevents plastic blunting at the crack tip. It is proposed that this modification of the plastic behaviour is provided by the decrease in stacking fault energy at high temperatures in Al-Mg alloys.     

Microstructure, tensile deformation and fracture behaviour of aluminium alloy 7055

The microstructure, tensile deformation and fracture behaviour of aluminium alloy 7055 were studied. Detailed optical and electron microscopy observations were made to analyse the as-received microstructure of the alloy. Detailed transmission electron microscopy observations revealed the principal strengthening precipitates to be the hexagonal disc-shaped η′ phase of size 2 mm×20 mm and fully coherent with the aluminium alloy matrix, the presence of spheroidal dispersoids, equilibrium grain-boundary η precipitates and narrow precipitate-free zones adjacent to grain-boundary regions. It is shown that microstructural characteristics have a profound influence on tensile deformation and fracture behaviour. Tensile test results reveal the alloy to have uniform strength and ductility in the longitudinal and transverse orientations. Strength marginally decreased with an increase in test temperature but with a concomitant improvement in elongation and reduction in area. No change in macroscopic fracture mode was observed with sample orientation. Fracture, on a microscopic scale, was predominantly ductile comprising microvoid nucleation, growth and coalescence. The tensile deformation and fracture process are discussed in the light of the competing influences of intrinsic microstructural effects, matrix deformation characteristics, test temperature and grain-boundary failure. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Correlation between the intergranular brittleness and precipitation reactions during isothermal aging of an Fe–Ni–Mn maraging steel

Evolution of the intergranular brittleness of an Fe–10Ni–7Mn (weight pct) maraging steel was correlated with precipitation reactions during isothermal aging at 753 K. Intergranular brittleness of the Fe–Ni–Mn steel raises after aging treatment which occurs catastrophically at zero tensile elongation in the underaged and peakaged steels. The intergranular failure is attributed to grain boundary weakening due to the formation of coarse grain boundary precipitates associated with solute-depleted precipitate-free zones during isothermal aging. Further, evidences of planar slip bands were found within the grains of a peakaged specimen loaded by tensile deformation. Those inhomogeneously deformed bands were identified to apply large strain localization in the soft precipitate-free zones at grain boundaries which is assumed to fascinate microcracks initiation at negligible macroscopic strains in the underaged and peakaged steels. During further aging, concurrent reactions including (i) overaging of matrix precipitates, (ii) spheroidization of grain boundary precipitates, (iii) growth of precipitate-free zone in width and (iv) diffusional transformation to austenite take place which increase tensile ductility after prolonged aging.     

Unusual super-ductility at room temperature in an ultrafine-grained aluminum alloy

Processing by severe plastic deformation (SPD) typically increases the strength of metals and alloys drastically by decreasing their grain size into the submicrometer or nanometer range but the ductility of such materials remains typically low. This report describes the first demonstration that it is possible to increase the room temperature ductility of aluminum-based alloys processed by SPD and to attain elongations to failure of >150% while retaining the enhanced strength. This unique combination of properties is due to the occurrence of grain boundary sliding at room temperature. The sliding was obviously achieved by introducing a grain boundary wetting of the aluminum/aluminum grain boundaries.     

Strengthening mechanisms of Al wires processed by equal channel angular torsion drawing

ABSTRACT

This paper reports the microstructure evolution, mechanical properties and strengthening mechanisms of a commercial purity Al alloy (Al 1350) after severe plastic deformation by a novel continuous method called ‘Equal Channel Angular Torsion Drawing (ECATD)’. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) results revealed an inhomogeneous grain refinement including a large fraction of low-angle grain boundaries. After four passes, the microhardness increases from the initial value of 35?HV up to 44 and 62?HV at the centre and near to wire surface, respectively. A combination of high strength and ductility can be achieved based on the results of a Taguchi design of experiment (DoE) for mechanical properties. The strengthening occurs due to increment of the dislocation density, and development of mainly new low-angle grain boundaries.