Forming of low-ductility materials under hydrostatic pressure

The conditions required to hydrostatically extrude low ductility materials are evaluated. Experimental data on the influence of hydrostatic pressure on the fracture of an Al-SiC composite and a Ni3Al compound are used to construct diagrams which show the limitations of various types of extrusion and drawing processes. The results have applicability in the selection of forming operations for brittle alloys and composites.