Microstructure and strengthening of Al-Li-Cu-Mg alloys and MMCs: II. Modelling of yield strength

Abstract

A detailed quantitative model for the strengthening of monolithic alloys and composites due to precipitation strengthening, solution strengthening, grain and subgrain strengthening, strengthening by dislocations and load transfer to ceramic inclusions is presented. The model includes a newly derived description of the effect of a precipitate free zone (PFZ) around the reinforcing phase incorporating strain hardening of the PFZ. The model is successfully applied to model the experimental data for the proof strengths of four Al Li Cu Mg type alloys and composites aged to obtain a wide range of microstructures and all strengthening contributions are quantified. It is shown that PFZ formation in the 8090 MMC causes a drastic reduction in the proof strength (about 100 MPa), but it has little influence on the time required for peak ageing. In all alloys strengthening due to GPB zones is more important than strengthening due to delta' (Al3Li) phase