Mechanism of large strain accommodation assisted by shear localization in a precipitation-hardened Cu–Be alloy

The influence of the structural state on deformation mechanisms under large strains was investigated in a Cu – 2 wt.% Be alloy. Torque evolutions during straining exhibit serrations typical relaxations precipitation-hardened alloy, but not solid solution state. Microstructure characterization revealed that homogeneous led to strong grain size reduction (20 nm), while localization occurred precipitated with numerous shear bands. role CuBe precipitates hindering dislocation glide and resulting strain is discussed.