Portevin-Le Chatelier effect in an Al---Mn alloy I: Serration characteristics

The Portevin-Le Chatelier effect has been studied in a strip-cast Al---1Mn---1Mg alloy in the as-cast and precipitation-treated conditions. The effects of strain rate, test temperature, prior cold working and cold working followed by a recovery anneal on the serration characteristics for both the above initial conditions of the alloy have been investigated. The results are interpreted in terms of differing solute diffusivities in the two conditions of the alloy