Fracture Toughness of Cast Al-Zn-Mg Alloys

Compact tension specimens of as-cast Al-3Zn-2Mg and Al-7Zn-2Mg (in wt pct) alloys were subjected to fracture toughness tests at room temperature according to specification5 laid down in ASTM E-399-81. It was found that increasing the Zn content, grain refinement and increasing the solidification rate lead to an increase in the fracture toughness of the material.