Mechanism of large strain accommodation assisted by shear localization in a precipitation-hardened Cu-Be alloy

The influence of the structural state on deformation mechanisms under large strains was investigated in a Cu - 2 wt.% Be alloy. Torque evolutions during straining exhibit serrations typical of structural relaxations in the precipitation-hardened alloy, but not in the solid solution state. Microstructure characterization revealed that homogeneous deformation of the solid solution led to strong grain size reduction (20 nm), while localization occurred in the precipitated state with numerous shear bands. The role of CuBe precipitates on hindering dislocation glide and the resulting shear localization under large strain is discussed.

Automated summary

The study found that the structural state has a significant impact on deformation mechanisms in a Cu - 2 wt.% Be alloy. Homogeneous deformation in the solid solution led to a significant reduction in grain size, while shear localization occurred in the precipitated state. Discussions were also made on the role of CuBe precipitates in hindering dislocation glide under large strain.