It is known that grain size reduction, solid solution strengthening, and strain hardening can all be used to strengthen metal alloys. (a) Explain how dislocations are involved in each of the strengthening mechanisms mentioned above. (b) Briefly describe at least two other techniques, apart from those mentioned above, that are used to strengthen metal alloys.

A)

i) Grain size reduction:  Grain size reduction causes the increase in the number of grain per unit volume also the strength of the material will also increase

ii) Solid solution strengthening : The compressive or tensile strength caused by solid solution strengthening causes increase in the strength at the sites this is because an extra stress is needed for deformation to occur

iii) Strain hardening : The strain hardening of a material  will lead to a plastic deformation which will be caused by movement of dislocation which in turn will cause piling of dislocation at boundaries

B) Two techniques used to strength metal alloys

i) Heat treatment : the application of heat on metal alloys reduces stress concentration thereby leading to increase in the strength of the alloy

ii) surface finishing of component : Nicely finished surfaces of Metal alloys increase the strength of the alloys

Explanation:

A)

i) Grain size reduction:  Grain size reduction causes the increase in the number of grain per unit volume also the strength of the material will also increase

ii) Solid solution strengthening : The compressive or tensile strength caused by solid solution strengthening causes increase in the strength at the sites this is because an extra stress is needed for deformation to occur

iii) Strain hardening : The strain hardening of a material  will lead to a plastic deformation which will be caused by movement of dislocation which in turn will cause piling of dislocation at boundaries

B) Two techniques used to strength metal alloys

i) Heat treatment : the application of heat on metal alloys reduces stress concentration thereby leading to increase in the strength of the alloy

ii) surface finishing of component : Nicely finished surfaces of Metal alloys increase the strength of the alloys