In-situ SEM observations of tensile deformation of the lamellar microstructure in TC21 titanium alloy

Room-temperature tensile deformation process of the lamellar microstructure in TC21 titanium alloy was investigated by in-situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that the slip band primarily appeared in stress concentration region and then broadened. Micro-cracks mainly initiated on the interface of α lamellae at the side of sample and subsequently propagated. The path of crack propagation was related to the included angle between the α colony and tensile direction.