Work Hardening as a Strengthening Mechanism

Additional Questions:

Please discuss the following questions in the discussion section of your lab write up.

1. Describe the microstructure of a material in its lowest energy state?  Why is this the lowest energy state?

2. In turning operations, why could the amount of cold work be important in chip formation?  Why would a certain amount of cold work be desired in a piece that is being turned?

3. Which mechanical properties are increased with increasing degree of cold work?   Which properties are decreased?

4.  Where does the energy come from to drive recrystallization?  What is the purpose of heating the sample to begin the annealing process?

5.  How does cold working increase the strength of a material?