Advanced method for structure-strength-ductility assessment of dispersion-strengthened FCC metals using activation work, mean slip distance and constitutive relation analyses: Decoding the Haasen plot

The role of cross-slip activation on controlling dislocation mechanisms and deformation debris creation in a dispersion-strengthened matrix (DSM) face-centred cubic metal, GlidCop®, has been elucidated using experimental measurement of the strain rate sensitivity, S, the mean slip distance, λ, and constitutive relation analyses (CRA) from 78 to 473 K. If the stress for cross-slip activation is larger than that of DSM yield stress, geometrically necessary prismatic loops (GNPL) are generated, but the rate controlling kinetics is that of vacancy-drag for cube-textured copper wire-specimens. With increasing temperature, percolation continues to occur by Orowan looping. However, upon yielding, GNPL formation is replaced by various types of dipole loop creation due to dislocation intersections from multiple slip. Loops that convert to stacking fault tetrahedra are measurable, but opposite sign dipoles are dynamically annihilated by pipe diffusion reducing debris retention. The rate controlling mechanisms are identified in the temperature range in which S is constant and the activation energy to overcome the obstacle becomes identical to the measurable activation work. This study shows that cross-slip activation stress determined by CRA, when superposed on the yield stress versus temperature plot of DSM alloys, can identify the mechanism-change temperatures. Subsequent S versus temperature profiles, determined from a new method of Haasen plot analysis of up- and down-strain-rate change tests, can delineate the prime rate-controlling mechanisms, characterize the stored debris and determine whether non-shearing or shearing of particles had occurred. Hence, an advanced method to characterize plastic behavior of DSM alloys has been developed.