Influence of microstructure on deformation behavior and fracture mode of Al-Mg-Si alloys

Al-Mg-Si alloys 6063 and 6082 were heat treated in the underaged and peak aged conditions. The microstructures of the alloys have been examined by using transmission electron microscope. Tensile and fatigue tests were performed and the resultant fracture was studied by scanning electron microscopy. It has been found that the alloys show different tensile and fatigue properties and different modes of fracture. The results have been explained in terms of slip distribution. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.