Spatiotemporal aspects of jerky flow in Al–Mg alloys, in relation with the Mg content

The spatiotemporal aspects of the Portevin–Le Chatelier effect in Al–Mg alloys are investigated using direct observations of the sample surface with a digital camera. Optical measurements of the surface profile using a white light interferometer allow the estimation of the local strain and strain rate associated with the bands. The effect of Mg content on instability characteristics is analyzed. The reloading time is shown to depend on the Mg content only at the strain and strain rates where type C bands are observed.