Interface and colony boundary sliding as a deformation mechanism in a novel titanium alloy

A deformation mechanism, rarely reported in Ti alloys, has been observed involving α/β interfacial and colony boundary sliding. This paper reports the initial characterization of this mechanism, involving a comparative study of the deformation behaviors of the new alloy (Ti–0.85Al–4.0V–0.25Fe–0.25Si–0.15O, in wt%) and an established α/β alloy. Both alloys exhibited slip steps on their surfaces. However, the new alloy may also deform by a mechanism which manifests itself as sliding at α/β interfaces and colony boundaries. This mechanism is consistent with the provision of significant ductility during very high strain rate testing, a property exhibited by the new alloy.