Abstract
The effects of systematic changes in matrix microstructure on crack initiation and growth toughnesses were determined on an AlZnMgCu alloy containing 0, 15, 20% by volume of SiC particulates. Materials were heat treated to underaged (UA) and overaged (OA) conditions of equivalent matrix microhardness and flow stress. Although both the fracture initiation and growth toughnesses, as measured by J Ic and tearing modulus, were similar for the unreinforced materials in the UA and OA conditions, significant effects of microstructure on both J Ic and tearing modulus were observed in the composites. SEM and TEM observations of fracture paths in the two conditions are utilized to rationalize these observations in light of existing theories of ductile fracture propagation.
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