Microplasticity and fracture in a Ti-15V-3Cr-3Al-3Sn alloy

Abstract The stress-strain response of Ti-15-3 has been studied under monotonic loading. Strong evidence of microplasticity is observed at stresses corresponding to ~ 30% of the bulk yield stress. Microplasticity in Ti-15-3 with a model β structure occurs initially via grain boundary sliding and slip band formation/intersection. Subsequent bulk deformation occurs via stress-induced α-phase precipitation. Microplasticity in Ti-15-3 with a model Widmanstatten α+β microstructure occurs by bulk or grain boundary flow mechanisms that are not well understood at present. Final fracture in the model β and Widmanstatten α+β structures occurs by classical ductile fracture mechanisms. Further experimental and analytical work is needed to assess the relative contributions from bond stretching and microplasticity in the so-called elastic regime.