ISSN: 1945-7553
CODEN: JTEVAB
Page Count: 6

A Fracture Mechanics Method for Determining the Crack Propagation Resistance of Embrittled Aluminum Bicrystals

Kargol, JA
Graduate assistant and associate professor, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Ill.

Albright, DL
Graduate assistant and associate professor, Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago, Ill.

Abstract

A fracture mechanics testing method has been adapted to the study of the crack propagation resistance of high purity aluminum bicrystals which fail under liquid metal embrittlement conditions. The tapered double cantilever beam fracture test makes it possible to determine the threshold crack extension force for a propagating crack and the crack velocity as a function of driving force above this threshold. Modifications of this test have been made so that it can be used to determine GILME and crack velocity for 99.99+% pure aluminum bicrystals in a Hg-3 a/o Ga atmosphere. The test is shown to be reproducible, and variations in GILME due to differences in crystallographic orientation of the bicrystals are attainable.

Keywords:
fracture mechanics, crack propagation, aluminum, bicrystals, grain boundaries, embrittlement

Paper ID: JTE10649J
DOI: 10.1520/JTE10649J
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