In: Mechanical Engineering
How does solid solution hardening relate to a phase diagram?
Solid solution strengthening is the effect of alloying a metal while remaining within the single phase region of the phase diagram. The local strain of the alloy atoms in the host matrix provide resistance for dislocation movement--increasing the strength of the alloy. Precipitation strengthening results when the addition is greater than its solubility in the host matrix. To achieve the strengthening effect from the precipitates, the alloy is heated above the solution temperature of the second phase, while remaining in the solid state. After a quench, the alloy is aged below the solution temperature. Homogeneous nucleation of the precipitate phase results in a fine distribution of the secondary phase--and the resulting dislocation barriers and higher strength. For examples, see the Al-Cu, Al-Mg, Ni gamma/gamma prime superalloys, maraging steels, etc.