Deformation and fracture behavior of new strain-transformable titanium alloys: a multi-scale investigation

Titanium alloys possessing Twinning and Transformation Induced Plasticity effects show promising mechanical properties, particularly high ductility, hardenability, impact and fracture toughness. This work focuses on a strain-transformable, coarse-grained β-Ti-Cr-Sn alloy displaying TWIP effect. To account for the enhanced properties of this alloy, compared to more conventional β-Ti alloys, fracture and deformation features were correlated at different scales. Examinations evidenced a major role of twinning and, more generally, of plasticity-induced phenomena in the ductile fracture process. The resistance of this alloy to plastic deformation (work-hardening), and to crack initiation and propagation is interpreted in view of the progressive, multiscale twinning mechanisms that occur up to the very final stages of fracture.