Influences of Hydrogen Micropores and Intermetallic Particles on Fracture Behaviors of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Aluminum Alloys

The combined effects of hydrogen micropores and intermetallic particles on the voids initiation and growth behavior of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu aluminum alloys during deformation and fracture are investigated with the help of the high-resolution X-ray tomography. It is interesting to note that the high-hydrogen concentration induced by an EDM cutting process results in the initiation of quasi-cleavage fracture near surface. With the increase of strain, the quasi-cleavage fracture is gradually replaced by dimple fracture. Voids initiation related to the dimple fracture is caused by both intermetallic particles fracture and interfacial debonding between particles and matrix. The nucleation of hydrogen micropores on intermetallic particles accelerates the voids initiation. The existence of triaxial stress ahead of the tip of a quasi-cleavage crack enhances growth rate for both hydrogen micropores and voids.