The Cyclic Straining of Aluminum - 4% Copper

Abstract

In this thesis the nature and strengthening effect of the various precipitates in Al-4% Cu are reviewed, followed by a literature survey on the response of this alloy to fatigue. The first experiments described were carried out to measure the Bauschinger effect and the results of these are presented. The experimental study was further extended by cyclic straining corresponding to fatigue conditions and the results obtained are presented graphically and through electron micrographs. The fatigue behaviour was further investigated at liquid air temperature. Also, the effect of heat treatments carried out during the interruption of fatigue on a specimen containing metastable θ" precipitates is reported. All the experiments were carried out on single crystals and most of them with 112 orientation as indicated later.