Ordering and the strength of an aligned Ag3Mg-AgMg eutectic

A fine lamellar structure with interlamellar spacings from 1 to 7μ has been produced by directional solidification of an Ag₃Mg-AgMg eutectic alloy. The tensile properties were measured as a function of test temperature, interlamellar spacing,λ, and degree of order in the Ag₃Mg phase. The dependence of flow stress onλ ^-1/2 increased sharply with ordering of Ag₃Mg and this strengthening persisted at elevated temperatures. Work hardening rate and ductility of the eutectic at low temperatures also were affected, leading to the conclusion that ordering changes the compatibility of slip across interphase boundaries.