Damage mechanism in AlSi1MgMn alloy

Purpose: The main task of this work was to study the fracture mechanism in 6082 aluminium alloy. Design/methodology/approach: Microstructure and fractografic examination has been carried out on the samples in the peak aged condition after static tensile tests, crack resistance test and tensile test in the presence of sharp notch using an optical microscope - Nikon 300, scanning electron microscope HITACHI S-3400 (SEM) in a conventional back-scattered electron mode and JEOL - JEM 2100 ARP TEM/STEM electron microscope on polished sections etched in Keller solution. Findings: It has been found that, at room temperature, general cavitation (nucleaction of voids) occurs after appreciable strain. The nucleation of voids results from debonding along certain particle/matrix interfaces. Observations of microstructure revealed second fracture mechanism initiated by cracking of brittle intermetallic phases. Practical implications: All this knowledge . identification of the microstructural parameters for the different modes of void nucleation and cracking of intermetallic phases leading to fracture of the alloy . can be used to predict maximum ductility before fracture of tensile specimens. Originality/value: For deformation at room temperature different void populations have been defined: void nucleated by intermetallic particle fracture, by s particle/matrix decohesion and by �ż particle/matrix decohesion.