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Raytron Technical Review RESEARCH ARTICLE

Mechanical Properties of Clad Structures

Gao-Lei Xu1 *

1RAYTRON Group Technology Research Center, China

*Corresponding author

Received: 2025-12 Accepted: 2026-02 Published: 03/2026
DOI: 10.1234/raytron.2026.WP-01-05

1. Introduction

1.1 Clad structures Mechanicsadvantages

Clad structuresprovides Mechanical propertiescan material :

vsCompare Performance

MEDIA TODO
Figure Fig. 1 Clad Structure vs Homogeneous Material Performance Radar Chart

1.2 KeyMechanicsChallenges

2. Principles

2.1

for Clad structures():

VoigtModel( ):

Pparallel = Σi Vi Pi
(1)

:P = ,Vi = i volume fraction,Pi = i performance

VoigtReussanimation

0:30
VIDEO TODO
Video 1 Voigt and Reuss Model Animation

ReussModel( ,):

1/Pseries = Σi Vi/Pi
(2)

2.2 performance

2.3

Interface in :

,showing

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Figure Fig. 2 Constraint Effect Schematic, Showing Deformation Compatibility

  1. ductility
  2. Interface

3.

3.1 stress-strain

Claddingmaterial stress-strainas :

vs-

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Figure Fig. 3 Clad Material vs Component Material Stress-Strain Curve

Typical:

  1. stage I: -
  2. stage II: -
  3. stage III: -
  4. stage IV: - LocalDeformation
  5. stage V:Fracture - Failure

3.2

for CCA(CuCladding,Al):

animation,showing

0:25
VIDEO TODO
Video 2 Yield Sequence Animation Showing Aluminum Yielding First

εyield,Al = σy,Al/EAl
(3)
εyield,Cu = σy,Cu/ECu
(4)

3.3 Tensile Strength

PredictionModel:

σUTS,clad = η · (Vc σUTS,c + Vm σUTS,m)
(5)

ηefficiency (0.85-1.0)。

4.

4.1 Claddingmaterial

von Mises:

σ̄ = √[½((σ₁-σ₂)² + (σ₂-σ₃)² + (σ₃-σ₁)²)]
(6)

for Claddingmaterial ,makes :

σ̄clad = Σi Vi σ̄i
(7)

4.2 as

Model:

σ = K εⁿ
(8)

for Claddingmaterial :

σclad = Σi Vi Ki εni
(9)

Diagram placeholder

MEDIA TODO
Figure Fig. 4 Flow Stress Curve Comparison

4.3 Interfacefor Impact

Interfacein :

τinterface = P/(πdLt)
(10)

LtLength。

5.

5.1 Claddingmaterial Mechanism

multiple Mechanismsimultaneously role :

Diagram placeholder

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Figure Fig. 5 Multiple Hardening Mechanisms Schematic

5.2 Drawing

Drawingprocess :

σy = σy0 + K · εdrawn
(11)

Diagram placeholder

MEDIA TODO
Figure Fig. 6 Drawing Hardening Curve

5.3 Annealing

and :

Diagram placeholder

MEDIA TODO
Figure Fig. 7 Annealing Temperature Impact on Properties Curve

6. Stress

6.1 Residual Stress

6.2 methods

Diagram placeholder

MEDIA TODO
Figure Fig. 8 Residual Stress Distribution Curve

6.3 for Impact

6.4 ControlStrategy

7. Fatigue

7.1 Claddingmaterial FatigueMechanism

Diagram placeholder

MEDIA TODO
Figure Fig. 9 Fatigue Crack Initiation and Propagation Path

7.2 S-NCurve

S-N

MEDIA TODO
Figure Fig. 10 S-N Curve Comparison

7.3 FatigueDesign

ImpactFatigue Life :

  • Surface:,Ra < 1.6 μm
  • Interface:Delaminationdecreases , > 40 MPa
  • :Tensiondecreases ,R > 0requires
  • Environment:Corrosion,requires

7.4 Fatigue LifePrediction

Miner:

Σi (ni/Ni) = 1
(12)

for Claddingmaterial ,makes methods:

Nclad = ηf · Nrule-of-mixtures
(13)

ηf = 0.8-1.2,Interfacequality 。

8. DesignOptimization

8.1

8.2 OptimizationExample

60% IACSconductivity,>300 MPaStrength,Low cost

8.3 applicationsDesign

9. Testing

9.1 TensionTesting

standardsMethods:

  • ASTM E8:Cross-Section,σy, σUTS, %EL
  • ASTM E111:,E
  • ISO 6892:,

9.2 InterfaceStrengthTesting

9.3 FatigueTesting

Parameter:

  • (R): 0.1, -1 -
  • frequency: 10-50 Hz - Testingefficiency
  • Environment: 、Control - Simulation
  • : Conditions10-15 - Effective

10. Conclusion

10.1 Key

  1. Clad structuresthrough provides Mechanical properties
  2. provides performancePrediction
  3. Interfacequality for achieves Predictionperformanceimportant
  4. Residual StressControlensures DimensionsStability
  5. Fatigueas requires Interface

10.2 DesignRecommendations

  • High strength:CCS - ensures conductivity
  • conductivity:CCACu% - VerificationStrengthrequirements
  • :NCC - temperature
  • FatigueKey:CCAANCC - Interfacequality
  • sensitive:CCS or CCAstandards - cost

Figures

Clad Structure vs Homogeneous Material Performance Radar Chart

Fig. 1 Clad Structure vs Homogeneous Material Performance Radar Chart

Constraint Effect Diagram, Showing Deformation Compatibility

Fig. 2 Constraint Effect Diagram, Showing Deformation Compatibility

Clad Material vs Component Material Stress-Strain Curve

Fig. 3 Clad Material vs Component Material Stress-Strain Curve

Flow Stress Curve Comparison

Fig. 4 Flow Stress Curve Comparison

Multiple Hardening Mechanisms Diagram

Fig. 5 Multiple Hardening Mechanisms Diagram

Drawing Hardening Curve

Fig. 6 Drawing Hardening Curve

Annealing Temperature Impact on Properties Curve

Fig. 7 Annealing Temperature Impact on Properties Curve

Residual Stress Distribution Curve

Fig. 8 Residual Stress Distribution Curve

Fatigue Crack Initiation and Propagation Path

Fig. 9 Fatigue Crack Initiation and Propagation Path

S-N Curve Comparison

Fig. 10 S-N Curve Comparison

Tables

Table 1 Mechanical Property Tailoring
PropertyHomogeneous MaterialClad (Optimized)Advantage
StrengthMaterial FixedAdjustableDesign Flexibility
DuctilityTrade-off with StrengthSimultaneously OptimizableBetter Balance
WeightDensity FixedAdjustableWeight Reduction
CostMaterial LimitedOptimizableCost Saving
Table 2 Mechanical Challenges of Clad Structures
ChallengeSourceImpact
Stress ConcentrationInterfacePremature Failure
PoorDifferenceYieldDifferentYield StrengthComplex Behavior
Residual StressProcessingDimensionStability
Interface FailureBondingWeakDelamination
Table 3 MixedApplications
PropertyModelFormulaApplicability
ElasticityVoigtE = V₁E₁ + V₂E₂Axial
Yield Strengthσ_y = f(V, σ₁, σ₂)Complex
UTSVoigtσ_UTS ≈ V₁σ₁ + V₂σ₂Approximate
DensityVoigtρ = V₁ρ₁ + V₂ρ₂Precise
Table 4 Common CladdingMaterial YieldOrder
MaterialCore Materialσ_y (MPa)Cladding Layerσ_y (MPa)PreYield
CCA40 (Al)70 (Cu)Core Material (Al)
CCS350 (Steel)70 (Cu)Cladding Layer (Cu)
NCC70 (Cu)150 (Ni)Core Material (Cu)
Table 5 UTSPrediction Accuracy
MaterialPrediction (MPa)Measured (MPa)Error (%)
CCA-15%170165+3%
CCS-20%420435-3%
NCC-10%280275+2%
Table 6 Processing HardeningParameter
MaterialK (MPa)nK_clad (MPa)n_clad
PureAl1500.25--
PureCu3200.30--
CCA-15%--2400.28
Table 7 InterfaceShear Stress Requirements
MaterialApplied Stress (MPa)τ_required (MPa)Bonding Strength (MPa)SafetyCoefficient
CCA15012453.8
CCS40035551.6
NCC25020502.5
Table 8 Drawing HardeningCoefficient
MaterialK_hard (MPa)n_hardMaximumReducedDiameter (%)
CCA1800.4590
CCS3500.3585
NCC2200.4092
Table 9 AnnealingParameter
MaterialRecovery TemperatureRe-Crystallization TemperatureGrain Dimension (μm)
CCA150-250°C250-350°C20-50
CCS300-400°C500-600°C10-30
NCC200-300°C400-500°C15-40
Table 10 Residual StressMeasuredTechnology
MethodPrincipleResolutionDeepDegreeScope
X-RayDiffractionLattice Strain10 MPa10-20 μm
NeutronDiffractionLattice Strain20 MPammScope
StressRelaxation10 MPa0.5-2 mm
CurvatureStoneySurface-
Table 11 Residual StressImpact
EffectFrontSurface
Yield BehaviorPre- StressImprovableHighApparentσ_yPrematureYield
FatigueSurfaceCompressive StressAccelerated CrackGeneration
DimensionStability-
Stress Corrosion-AcceleratedErosion
Table 12 Fatigue Properties
MaterialFatigueLimit (MPa)DurabilityRatio10⁶Cycle Service Life
PureCu700.35100 MPa
CCA-15%550.3380 MPa
CCS-20%1500.35200 MPa
NCC-10%900.35130 MPa
Table 13 DesignTrade-offMatrix
High strengthHighConductivityLowWeightLow cost
↑ Steel Core↑ Cu Cladding↑ AlCore↓ CuContent
↑ Processing Hardening↓ IMC↓ DensityProcess Efficiency
↑ Cu%↓ Impurity↓ Cu%standardsetc. Grade
Table 14 Optimization ResultsExample
OptionConfigurationσ_UTS (MPa)ConductivityCost Index
ACCS-25% Cu38035% IACS0.35
BCCA-80% Cu18080% IACS0.85
CCCAA-6101, 20% Cu28062% IACS0.50
MostExcellentCCAA-6101, 18% Cu31060% IACS0.48
Table 15 ApplicationsDesign Guide
ApplicationExcellentPre GradeRecommendation
Building WireCostCCAstandards
AutomotiveWeight+ FatigueCCAA Optimization
AerospaceTemperature+WeightNCC
GroundingStrength+Anti-theftCCS
RF CableSurfaceConductivityCCA or SCC

References

  1. Courtney, T. H. Mechanical Behavior of Materials (2nd ed.) McGraw-Hill (2000)
  2. Dieter, G. E. Mechanical Metallurgy (3rd ed.) McGraw-Hill (1986)
  3. Ashby, M. F., & Jones, D. R. H. Engineering Materials 1 (3rd ed.) Butterworth-Heinemann (2005)
  4. Courtney, T. H. Mechanical Behavior of Materials McGraw-Hill (1990)
  5. Lemaitre, J., & Chaboche, J. L. Mechanics of Solid Materials Cambridge University Press (1990)
  6. Dowling, N. E. Mechanical Behavior of Materials (4th ed.) Pearson (2012)
  7. Suresh, S. Fatigue of Materials (2nd ed.) Cambridge University Press (1998)
  8. Stephens, R. I., et al. Metal Fatigue in Engineering (2nd ed.) Wiley (2001)
  9. ASTM International ASTM E8/E8M: Standard Test Methods for Tension Testing of Metallic Materials ASTM (2022)
  10. Raytron Technical Report Mechanical Properties of Bimetallic Conductors Internal Report TR-2025-078 (2025)
XU

Gaolei Xu

Senior Materials Scientist

Credentials & Honors

  • CTO, Raytron Group
  • Zhejiang Provincial High-level Talent Special Support Program - Young Talent
  • Shaoxing "Technology Vice President"
  • Shaoxing Science and Technology Commissioner
  • Member of National Technical Committee 243 on Heavy Metals (SAC/TC 243/SC2)

National Standards (Lead Author) View Official

Patents (Inventor) Search Patents

  • CN104959396A - Production Process of Copper Strip for Composite Contact Materials
  • CN106077125A - Production Process of Copper Profile for Magnetic Pole Coils
  • CN201410710206 - Conductive Material for High-speed Railway Traction Motors and Production Method
  • CN201310719717 - Method for Controlling Strip Shape of Copper Strip Blank by Continuous Extrusion
  • CN201310720126 - Device for Controlling Strip Shape of Copper Strip Blank by Continuous Extrusion
  • CN201310376884 - Five-in-one Copper Strip Edge Treatment Equipment for Transformers
  • CN201420184755 - Continuous Extrusion Die Flow Promotion Device
  • CN201320761640 - Continuous Extrusion Waste Cleaning Device

Areas of Expertise

Copper-Clad Aluminum (CCA) Technology Copper-Clad Steel (CCS) Manufacturing Bimetallic Composite Materials PV Ribbon for Solar Cells Battery Tab Materials for EV Applications Continuous Extrusion Technology

Selected Publications

  • Research and Application of Rolling Method for Manufacturing Metal Laminated Composites, Aluminum Processing Journal, 2008
  • Annealing Process Research of Copper-Aluminum Composite Strip
  • Research on Preparation Process of Copper/Aluminum Composite Strip for Cables
  • Interface Microstructure Evolution of Rolled Copper/Aluminum Composite Strip During Annealing

Mr. Xu Gaolei is a distinguished expert in non-ferrous metal processing with over 15 years of experience. He is recognized as a Young Talent under the Zhejiang Provincial High-level Talent Special Support Program. He leads R&D initiatives in bimetallic composite technologies and has contributed significantly to the standardization of copper and bimetallic materials in China.

Click standard/patent codes to view official documents

Contact Raytron Now - Let Every Meter of Material Create Higher Value for You

Our technical team is the author of multiple Chinese national standards, with 30 years of industry experience and 34 patents, delivering professional bimetallic composite material solutions. Contact us for technical support and product quotes.

Contact Raytron Now - Let Every Meter of Material Create Higher Value for You

Our technical team is the author of multiple Chinese national standards, with 30 years of industry experience and 34 patents, delivering professional bimetallic composite material solutions. Contact us for technical support and product quotes.

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