Topological dependence of mechanical responses of solidification microstructures in aluminum brazed joints

The main objective is to provide an evidence of spatial dependence of mechanical responses of a heterogeneous aluminum brazed joint re-solidified clad, and to confirm a sufficient sensitivity of a nano-indentation - load curve method for identifying the dependence. Topological features of a network of solidification microstructures (α phase and eutectic), formed during quench in a brazing process of aluminum alloy, influence significantly dynamic mechanical responses of resulting heterogeneous material. Nano/micro indentation depth vs load characteristics of differing phases suggest a spatially sensitive mechanical response of a re-solidified fillet in the joint zone. Hence, a spatial distribution, pattern formations and other morphological characteristics of microstructures have a direct impact on an ultimate joint integrity. Topology-induced variations of indentation - load curves was presented. A hypothesis involving microstructures' spatial distribution vs mechanical response was formulated.