Structural Changes during Superplastic Deformation of the Al–Cu Eutectic Alloy

Abstract

The microstructural changes that occur during superplastic deformation of the Al–Cu eutectic alloy are considered. It is shown that considerable modification occurs to the shapes and distribution of the inter-metallic CuAl₂ particles during deformation. This effect may be understood in terms of sliding and diffusion-controlled shape changes associated with grain boundaries within the intermetallic. The roles of interface sliding and of diffusion creep in superplasticity are discussed.