High Temperature Behavior of Copper

Abstract

The high temperature properties of pure & alloy copper have been investigated in the temperature range of room temperature to 500.C. Substantial decrease in yield strength and ultimate strength for both pure & alloy copper were observed with increasing temperature. The Ductility or percentage elongation was also found decreasing with increase in temperature for both pure & alloy copper.
If comparison is made between pure copper & alloy copper then, the yield strength and ultimate strength of alloy copper were found slightly greater than that of the pure copper, even at elevated temperature also. But the ductility or % elongation for pure copper was found slightly greater than that of the alloy copper even at elevated temperature. Ductile mode of fracture was observed even at elevated temperature.
Substantial decrease in Strain Hardening Exponent `n` with increase in Temperature both for pure & alloy copper were observed; but the strengthening coefficient `A` decreases with increase in temperature for Pure Copper, and initially increases up to 373K and after that decreases for Alloy Copper, due to phase change of carbon atoms (present in Alloy Copper) at higher Temperature. A generalized characteristic equation for both tested materials has been proposed, which can take effect of temperature.