On the strain hardening exponent of Cu–26Ni–17Zn alloy

The relationship between strain hardening exponent n and grain size of Cu–26Ni–17Zn alloy was investigated. n is found to be independent of grain size in the range of 15–120 μm. Analysis of constants in Hollomon equation (σɛ = Kɛn) as a function of grain size was carried out. The results reveal that the constant K follows Hall–Petch relation, i.e. proportional to d−1/2 whereas n is independent of d−1/2.