The Notch-Bend Strength of Titanium, Aluminum, and Copper-Base Alloys in Heavy Sections

The notch-bend strength of four titanium, eight aluminum, and eight copper-base alloys was measured. Specimen sizes ranged from 0.4 to 4 in. in section thickness. All materials showed a geometrical size effect on notch strength. Only the high-strength aluminum alloys were found to be prone to brittle fracture. In general, 7Al-2Cb-1Ta titanium, 5456-H321 and 6061-T6 aluminum, and the copper alloys can be considered as notch-tough materials. The titanium alloys exhibited maximum notch toughness with 6–7 percent aluminum content. Determination of plane-strain fracture toughness (K_Ic) values for the aluminum alloys is briefly discussed.