Effect of phase composition on self-organization of shear bands in Ti-1300 titanium alloy

The distribution characteristics of shear bands were investigated in the Ti-1300 titanium alloy by the thick-walled cylinder (TWC) technique. Self-organization of shear bands was observed and investigated in the single β phase, larger size and content of α phase as well as smaller size and content of α phase in α + β phase. The experimental results indicated obvious differences in the morphology and self-organization behavior of shear bands in these specimens. At the early stage, the spacings of shear bands in the specimens are close. Cracks occur early in the shear bands of the specimen with less α phase. At the later stage, the shear bands in the specimen composed of the single β phase propagate faster than that in the other specimens. The specimen with more α phase has the maximum average nucleation rate. The spacing of shear bands in it is smaller than that in the other specimens. As cracks appear early with heavy unloading, the specimen with less α phase has the largest shear band spacing in the three specimens.