THE EMBRITTLEMENT OF COPPER-17 ATOMIC % ALUMINUM ALLOY BY LIQUID MERCURY.

Abstract

The role of plastic deformation in the initiation and propagation of cracks in Cu-17A1 alloy embrittled by liquid mercury has been studied. It is proposed that extensive plastic deformation and work hardening must occur at the crack-tip during propagation in order to raise the local flow stress to a critical level at which the maximum normal stress is equal to the cohesive strength. Strong indication is given that a 'critical applied stress' criterion for fracture is not applicable for this material. Micro-cracks are formed at weakened grain boundaries and a period of stable crack growth made over a period of increasing applied stress may be necessary before the crack is long enough to become unstable. (Author)

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Aug 01, 1967
Accession Number
AD0657379

Entities

People

  • M. B. Ives
  • P. C. Hancock

Organizations

  • McMaster University

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alloys
  • Aluminum
  • Aluminum Alloys
  • Boundaries
  • Crack Tips
  • Cracks
  • Embrittlement
  • Grain Boundaries
  • Hardening
  • Materials
  • Plastic Deformation

Readers

  • Materials Science (Mechanical Engineering).