Effects of microstructure on the deformation and fracture of γ-TiAl alloys

Deformation and fracture behavior of two-phase γ-TiAl alloys were investigated under monotonic tension loading conditions for duplex and lamellar microstructural forms. The effects of microstructure on tensile properties and deformation-fracture behavior are analyzed for deformation temperatures below and above the brittle-ductile transition. The crack initiation toughness and associated strains near the crack tip are used to explain the inverse relationship between ductility and toughness observed at room temperature. Fracture resistance behavior and toughening mechanisms at room temperature are explained in terms of microstructure and deformation anisotropy. The competition between the effects of grain size and lamellar spacing or tensile and toughness properties is discussed.