Subgrain and Cavity Development during Creep of Al‐3.85%Mg

It is classically considered that the creep mechanisms for type M (e.g., pure Al) and type A alloys (e.g., Al–Mg alloys) are different. In previous studies, it is predicated that fractal dislocation structures build up during creep can unify the creep behavior of pure Al and Al–Mg alloys. So far, good agreement between model and experimental data for pure Al is obtained. In this work, an Al‐3.85%Mg material crept at different strain levels (6%, 12%, 24%, and 35%) is analyzed by means of electron channelling contrast imaging. The formation of subgrains is observed at very large deformations (35%). Further examinations at 35% deformation, using electron backscatter diffraction, indicate that the subgrains and cavities tend to localize at regions where high intergranular stress mismatch is expected to occur. Laboratory X‐ray computed tomography is used to analyze the evolution of cavities between 12% and 24% stages, indicating that the fractal dimension of the cavities smaller than 100 μm varies with creep strain, as a reflection of the evolution of dislocation distribution. It is explained how the present data feed the model of the creep behavior of Al‐3.85%Mg.