Introduction

This practical introduces the effect of work hardening in polycrystal metals, in the form of bending a copper rod.

To have an appreciation of why and how work hardening happens in copper bar, it is necessary to understand the creation of dislocations, their gliding and interactions. In other words how the microstructure of  metallic polycrystals changes during the deformation process

It would be helpful to be aware of major deformation processes and have a clear understanding of plastic deformation (including work hardening), which can be found in the Introduction to Deformation Processes TLP.

The metal will be brought to the room and volunteers will be able to see this effect themselves.