Metals and Alloys Flashcards
What is an alloy?
Combination of metal atoms in a crystalline structure.
- 2 or more types of metal atoms.
What is ductility?
The amount a material will deform to stretch before it fractures.
- amount of plastic deformation prior to fracture.
What does it mean if a material has a high YM?
The material is rigid
- it will undergo less strain when a tensile force is applied.
In terms of a metal- what factors affect it’s mechanical properties?
Crystalline structure
Grain size
Grain imperfections
What stages occur in crystal growth within a metal?
Atoms within a metal act as nuclei of crystallisation.
Crystals grow to form dendrites.
They grow until they impinge on other crystals
- grain boundary.
What is the difference between fast cooling (quenching) and slow cooling?
Fast cooling- smaller grains, more nuclei
Slow cooling- large grains, few nuclei.
What is a grain?
Single crystal lattice with atoms orientated in given directions.
What is a grain boundary?
Change in orientation of the crystal planes- when grains collide.
Why are small grains advantageous?
High elastic limit
Increased fracture stress and UTS, hardness
What is a dislocation?
Imperfection or defect in the crystal structure.
When a force is applied, the defect moves along the lattice until it reaches a grain boundary.
What is Slip?
Propagation of dislocations and involves rupture of only a few bonds at a time.
What factors impede movement of dislocations?
Grain boundaries
Alloys
Cold working.
What is cold working?
Work done on a metal or alloy at a low temperature.
Causes lip, dislocations collect at grain boundaries.
End up with a stronger, harder material.
What is an advantage of cold working?
Causes the metal to be harder, increased fracture stress and elastic limit.
What is a disadvantage of cold working?
low ductility.
low Impact strength
Low corrosion resistance.
residual stress- cause instability within the attic and distortion over time.