The Portevin-Le Châtelier Effect in a Rheocast Al-Si-Cu Alloy

The plastic instability phenomenon Portevin-Le Châtelier effect (PLC) was investigated in a Rheocast Al-Si-Cu alloy. The effect of strain rate under as-cast, solution treated and water quenched as well as artificially aged conditions was studied. Tensile tests were conducted at room temperature at different strain rates ranging from 10–5 to 10–1 (1/s). The nature and type of PLC effect were identified and analyzed. The results showed that the PLC effect changed with strain rate. Heat treatment of the material, widened the range of strain rates exhibiting PLC as well as changed the nature of the PLC effect.