Elastic Behavior and Phase Stability in the H.C.P. ε-Phase of Ag–Zn Alloy

Abstract

The elastic constants of ε-phase Ag–Zn alloys in the composition range from about 68 to 84 at.%Zn have been measured using a ultrasonic pulse-echo overlapping method. The elastic constants c₁₁, c₄₄ and c₆₆ increase linearly with zinc content. c₃₃ decreases linearly up to 75 at.%Zn and then fall more rapidly. On the other hand, c₁₃ increases linearly up to 75 at.%Zn and then rises rapidly. The axial ratio decreases linearly with zinc content, while C=c₁₁+c₁₂+2c₃₃−4c₁₃ which correspond to a strain that change the axial ratio at constant volume, fall more rapidly above 75 at.%Zn. Based on the obtained results, we discuss the relation between the axial ratio change and phase stability, and elastic behavior.