Flow and fracture of bimaterial systems based on aluminum alloys

The effect of property mismatches on constrained plastic flow in aluminum alloys was investigatedvia both finite element modeling (FEM) and experimentation. Double-notched tension tests on monolithic aluminum alloys and notched trilayer laminates, consisting of the aluminum alloy and a discontinuously reinforced aluminum material, were used to experimentally study the degree of constraint developed in aluminum alloys for use in bimaterial systems. Constraint levels in bimaterial systems were found to be affected by mismatches in elastic modulus and strength. The trends observed in the development of constrained plastic flow in these studies were rationalized based upon the effects of stress triaxiality on the flow and fracture behavior of the various aluminum alloys investigated.