The influences of multiscale-sized second-phase particles on fracture behaviour of overaged 7000 alloys

To identify the most important parameters of multiscale microstructural features influencing the fracture modes and resistance to damage, detailed microstructural and fractographic analysis of overaged 7000 alloy plates are performed using the broken plane-strain fracture toughness, K-Ic, test specimens. The geometric characteristics of differently sized second-phase particles are changed by the compositional variations. It was found that the fracture process involves three main micromechanisms. The dominant fracture mode changes with alloy purity, leading to fracture toughness degradation. Quantitative description of fractures by profilometry confirmed that crack initiation and propagation is fostered by the coarse Fe- and Si-rich particles. (C) 2009 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved