The fatigue deformation of dispersion hardened copper single crystals

Abstract

Constant strain amplitude fatigue deformation at room temperature has been studied in single crystals of copper with and without a dispersion of Al₂O₃ particles. The size, shape and distribution of the alumina particles were varied by internally oxidizing copper—aluminium single crystals by two different methods. Although the saturation stress level does not seem to be affected by the presence of the dispersed phase, the fatigue hardening and the resulting dislocation structure are significantly different.