Copper Alloys: Properties and Applications of Brass

This lecture discusses the properties and applications of copper alloys, particularly brass. It begins with an overview of the phase diagrams and solubility of zinc in copper, highlighting the transition from disordered to ordered phases. The instructor explains how zinc affects dislocation movement, enhancing the strength of brass compared to pure copper. The lecture covers the microstructure of single-phase and two-phase brasses, detailing how their mechanical properties differ based on composition and processing methods. The instructor also addresses the mechanisms of strengthening in these alloys, including solid solution strengthening and composite hardening. Additionally, the lecture touches on the susceptibility of brass to dezincification and stress corrosion cracking, emphasizing the importance of understanding these phenomena for practical applications. The discussion extends to other copper alloys, including bronzes and their unique properties, concluding with a summary of the various applications of these materials in engineering and manufacturing.