Abstract
The use of NiAl as a structural material has been hindered by its lack of tensile ductility or toughness at room temperature. The operative flow and fracture mechanisms in monolithic NiAl leading to these poor low temperature properties are analyzed, demonstrating the need for ductile phase toughening. Progress in ductile phase reinforced intermetallics and NiAl-based materials are reviewed and the primary mechanisms involved in the flow and fracture of ductile phase reinforced alloys are clarified by recent investigations of directionally solidified NiAl-based materials. The mechanical behavior of these model alloys (Ni-39Al and Ni-30Fe-20Al (at%)) are discussed. The prospects for developing a ductile phase toughened NiAl-based alloy and the shortcoming presently inherent in these systems are analyzed.
