Deformation-induced small-angle scattering contrast in aluminium alloys

Small-angle neutron scattering experiments have been performed on a homogeneously deformed specimen (uniform elongation 18.5%) of commercial thin-sheet wrought aluminium alloy AA 6013 (Al-Mg-Si-Cu) aged at room temperature. Comparisons with undeformed material revealed characteristic deformation-induced anisotropy of the two-dimensional X-ray and neutron scattering pattern, which can be interpreted as being due to deformation-induced arrangements of preferentially aligned dislocation segments. The results turn out to be helpful for the understanding of anisotropic small-angle X-ray scattering patterns obtained from the crack-tip plastic zone of cracked specimens of the aluminium alloy AA 6013 tempered at 190°C to maximum hardness.