Abstract:To gain a better understanding of thixoforging for the Al₂O₃-37%Al composite, its mechanical behavior in the pseudo-semi-solid state was studied by isothermal compression tests. The results show that the values of peak stress obviously decrease with increasing temperature and decreasing strain rate. The compressive true stress—strain curves of the Al₂O₃-37%Al composite can be divided into four stages. They are rapidly ascending, decreasing, steady and slowly ascending. Moreover, the main deformation mechanism controlling deformation of the composite in the pseudo-semi-solid state is the sliding or rotary movement between solid particles.

Key words: composite; pseudo-semi-solid state; mechanical behaviour; stress—strain curve