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This study was to characterize and compare the fracture properties of two commercial aluminum alloys, 5052 and 5182, in terms of tensile properties in various stroke rates, NSR values, JIC values and fatigue crack growth rate
(FCGR). Fractography analyses were conducted with scanning electron microscopy
(SEM) to determine the relation between dimple sizes and fracture toughness.
Results from tensile tests in various stroke rates for 5052 and 5182 aluminum alloys indicated that ultimate and yield strength are higher in 5182 than in 5052. This is due to the enhanced solution strengthening effect generated by the greater amounts of magnesium in 5182. The stress-strain curves were serrated and ultimate tensile strength was reduced at higher stroke rates in both aluminum alloys as a result of the dynamic strain aging effect. NSR and JIC values are higher in 5052 than in 5182 indicating the greater fracture toughness and better crack growth resistance in 5052. Results of FCGR testing showed that FCGR was lower in 5052 than in 5182 because of the superior fracture toughness in 5052. In addition, fracture crack growth behavior of 5052 and 5182 aluminum alloys in different load ratios could be rationalized by crack closure effect.
Fractography analyses indicated the fracture surfaces of 5052 and 5182 aluminum alloys exhibited a typical ductile fracture mode with the existence of extensive dimples. Dimples were bigger and deeper in 5052 than in 5182, implying the greater ductility possessed by 5052. The fatigue striations were readily observed in stable crack growth regions for both aluminum alloys. |