Tensile properties of some copper- and zinc-based alloys: Effects of strain rate and test temperature

This study analyzes the effects of test temperature and strain rate on the tensile properties of some copper-and zinc-based alloys. The copper-based alloys comprised a leaded-tin and an aluminum bronze, whereas the zinc-based alloys were added with various quantities of aluminum. The aluminum bronze attained maximum room-temperature tensile strength, whereas that of the leaded-tin bronze was the least. Among the zinc-based alloys, the one comprising 27.5 mass% aluminum exhibited superior tensile strength, followed by those alloyed with 11.5, 37.5, and 47.5 mass% aluminum in a descending order. Increasing strain rate tended to improve the tensile strength of the alloys. Tensile strength was reduced with an increase in test temperature irrespective of the alloy composition. The aluminum bronze possessed maximum strength regardless of temperature. The leaded-tin bronze attained least strength property at low temperatures, whereas higher test temperatures led to superior strength than the zinc-based alloys. The temperature sensitivity of the strength of the zinc-based alloys decreased with their aluminum content. Tensile elongation of the alloys tended to increase with an increase in strain rate and test temperature. Leaded-tin bronze was least affected in either case. The alloy also attained least elongation irrespective of test conditions. The aluminum bronze showed maximum elongation, at least at high strain rates. In the case of the zinc-based alloys, intermediate range of aluminum concentration led to better elongation. The elongation property of the alloys was affected by temperature in different manners. In a few cases, the elongation initially increased followed by a reduction beyond a specific test temperature, whereas, in other cases, a continuous increase with temperature was noted. The observations made have been discussed in terms of the nature of different microconstituents of the alloys whose effectiveness changes with test conditions. The response of the samples has been further substantiated with their fractographic features and subsurface characteristics.