Failure of superplastic alloys

Abstract

Although the subject of superplasticity has been extensively reviewed in recent years, one aspect – that of failure in tension – has received less attention than it deserves. In this assessment the factors influencing strain to failure in superplasticity are described, the current literature is reviewed, and directions for future research are suggested. Emphasis is placed on the dominating influence of cavitation damage in many superplastic materials – a feature which is attracting increasing interest because of its influence on the service behaviour of fabricated components.