This paper reports the correlation between strengthening behaviors and strength differential effect of nano-ZrB2-particle/AA6xxx alloy composites. The microstructures were characterized and mechanical properties of composites were investigated. This study examines the different strengthening behaviors under tension and compression. The changes of strain direction surrounding the nano-ZrB2 particles during the plastic deformation were analyzed with the aid of finite element analysis. The distribution of rotation angles of the strain directions indicates a different symmetric characteristic in compression and tension. The established relationship between strength differential effect and strengthening behaviors suggests that the asymmetry of strain surrounding the nano-ZrB2 particles during the deformation is responsible for the strength differential effect.
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