In situ X-ray tomography observation of inhomogeneous deformation in semi-solid aluminium alloys

The aim of this paper is to report the very first in situ observations of the deformation behaviour of an Al–Cu alloy in the semi-solid state by using ultrafast, high-resolution X-ray microtomography. It is shown that this deformation is non-homogeneous and involves an accumulation of liquid at an intergranular surface nearly perpendicular to the strain axis. Once the liquid is no longer able to feed such a region, micropores form and grow at this surface, finally leading to a crack.