The effects of ageing on mouse muscle microstructure: a comparative study of time-dependent diffusion MRI and histological assessment.

PubMed

Porcari, Paola; Hall, Matt G; Clark, Chris A; Greally, Elizabeth; Straub, Volker; Blamire, Andrew M

2018-03-01

The investigation of age-related changes in muscle microstructure between developmental and healthy adult mice may help us to understand the clinical features of early-onset muscle diseases, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy. We investigated the evolution of mouse hind-limb muscle microstructure using diffusion imaging of in vivo and in vitro samples from both actively growing and mature mice. Mean apparent diffusion coefficients (ADCs) of the gastrocnemius and tibialis anterior muscles were determined as a function of diffusion time (Δ), age (7.5, 22 and 44 weeks) and diffusion gradient direction, applied parallel or transverse to the principal axis of the muscle fibres. We investigated a wide range of diffusion times with the goal of probing a range of diffusion lengths characteristic of muscle microstructure. We compared the diffusion time-dependent ADC of hind-limb muscles with histology. ADC was found to vary as a function of diffusion time in muscles at all stages of maturation. Muscle water diffusivity was higher in younger (7.5 weeks) than in adult (22 and 44 weeks) mice, whereas no differences were observed between the older ages. In vitro data showed the same diffusivity pattern as in vivo data. The highlighted differences in diffusion properties between young and mature muscles suggested differences in underlying muscle microstructure, which were confirmed by histological assessment. In particular, although diffusion was more restricted in older muscle, muscle fibre size increased significantly from young to adult age. The extracellular space decreased with age by only ~1%. This suggests that the observed diffusivity differences between young and adult muscles may be caused by increased membrane permeability in younger muscle associated with properties of the sarcolemma. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Observation of asphalt binder microstructure with ESEM.

PubMed

Mikhailenko, P; Kadhim, H; Baaj, H; Tighe, S

2017-09-01

The observation of asphalt binder with the environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) has shown the potential to observe asphalt binder microstructure and its evolution with binder aging. A procedure for the induction and identification of the microstructure in asphalt binder was established in this study and included sample preparation and observation parameters. A suitable heat-sampling asphalt binder sample preparation method was determined for the test and several stainless steel and Teflon sample moulds developed, finding that stainless steel was the preferable material. The magnification and ESEM settings conducive to observing the 3D microstructure were determined through a number of observations to be 1000×, although other magnifications could be considered. Both straight run binder (PG 58-28) and an air blown oxidised binder were analysed; their structures being compared for their relative size, abundance and other characteristics, showing a clear evolution in the fibril microstructure. The microstructure took longer to appear for the oxidised binder. It was confirmed that the fibril microstructure corresponded to actual characteristics in the asphalt binder. Additionally, a 'bee' micelle structure was found as a transitional structure in ESEM observation. The test methods in this study will be used for more comprehensive analysis of asphalt binder microstructure. © 2017 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2017 Royal Microscopical Society.

Modeling the Role of Dislocation Substructure During Class M and Exponential Creep. Revised

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raj, S. V.; Iskovitz, Ilana Seiden; Freed, A. D.

1995-01-01

The different substructures that form in the power-law and exponential creep regimes for single phase crystalline materials under various conditions of stress, temperature and strain are reviewed. The microstructure is correlated both qualitatively and quantitatively with power-law and exponential creep as well as with steady state and non-steady state deformation behavior. These observations suggest that creep is influenced by a complex interaction between several elements of the microstructure, such as dislocations, cells and subgrains. The stability of the creep substructure is examined in both of these creep regimes during stress and temperature change experiments. These observations are rationalized on the basis of a phenomenological model, where normal primary creep is interpreted as a series of constant structure exponential creep rate-stress relationships. The implications of this viewpoint on the magnitude of the stress exponent and steady state behavior are discussed. A theory is developed to predict the macroscopic creep behavior of a single phase material using quantitative microstructural data. In this technique the thermally activated deformation mechanisms proposed by dislocation physics are interlinked with a previously developed multiphase, three-dimensional. dislocation substructure creep model. This procedure leads to several coupled differential equations interrelating macroscopic creep plasticity with microstructural evolution.

Microstructural Evolution of Inverse Bainite in a Hypereutectoid Low-Alloy Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kannan, Rangasayee; Wang, Yiyu; Li, Leijun

2017-12-01

Microstructural evolution of inverse bainite during isothermal bainite transformation of a hypereutectoid low-alloy steel at 773 K (500 °C) was investigated through a series of interrupted isothermal experiments using a quench dilatometer. Microstructural characterization revealed that the inverse bainitic transformation starts by the nucleation of cementite (Fe3C) from parent austenite as a midrib in the bainitic microstructure. The inverse bainite becomes "degenerated" to typical upper bainite at prolonged transformation times. Crystallographic orientation relationships between the individual phases of inverse bainite microstructure were found to obey { < 110 > _{γ } || < 1\\overline{1} 0 > _{θ } } { < 111 > _{α } || < 1\\overline{1} 0 > _{θ } } { < 110 > _{γ } || < 111 > _{α } } 111_{γ } || { \\overline{2} 21} _{θ } } { 110} _{α } || { \\overline{2} 21} _{θ } } { 111} _{γ } || { 110 } _{α } {111} _{γ } || {211} _{θ } {110} _{α } || {211} _{θ } Furthermore, the crystallographic orientation deviations between the individual phases of inverse bainite microstructure suggest that the secondary carbide nucleation occurs from the inverse bainitic ferrite. Thermodynamic driving force calculations provide an explanation for the observed nucleation sequence in inverse bainite. The degeneracy of inverse bainite microstructure to upper bainite at prolonged transformation times is likely due to the effects of cementite midrib dissolution at the early stage and secondary carbide coarsening at the later stage.

Modeling macro-and microstructures of gas-metal-arc welded HSLA-100 steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Z.; Debroy, T.

1999-06-01

Fluid flow and heat transfer during gas-metal-arc welding (GMAW) of HSLA-100 steel were studied using a transient, three-dimensional, turbulent heat transfer and fluid flow model. The temperature and velocity fields, cooling rates, and shape and size of the fusion and heat-affected zones (HAZs) were calculated. A continuous-cooling-transformation (CCT) diagram was computed to aid in the understanding of the observed weld metal microstructure. The computed results demonstrate that the dissipation of heat and momentum in the weld pool is significantly aided by turbulence,m thus suggesting that previous modeling results based on laminar flow need to be re-examined. A comparison of themore » calculated fusion and HAZ geometries with their corresponding measured values showed good agreement. Furthermore, finger penetration, a unique geometric characteristic of gas-metal-arc weld pools, could be satisfactorily predicted from the model. The ability to predict these geometric variables and the agreement between the calculated and the measured cooling rates indicate the appropriateness of using a turbulence model for accurate calculations. The microstructure of the weld metal consisted mainly of acicular ferrite with small amounts of bainite. At high heat inputs, small amounts of allotriomorphic and Widmanstaetten ferrite were also observed. The observed microstructures are consistent with those expected from the computed CCT diagram and the cooling rates. The results presented here demonstrate significant promise for understanding both macro-and microstructures of steel welds from the combination of the fundamental principles from both transport phenomena and phase transformation theory.« less

Microstructure and Sn crystal orientation evolution in Sn-3.5Ag lead-free solders in high temperature packaging applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhou, Bite; Muralidharan, Govindarajan; Kurumaddali, Nalini Kanth

2014-01-01

Understanding the reliability of eutectic Sn-3.5Ag lead-free solders in high temperature packaging applications is of significant interest in power electronics for the next generation electric grid. Large area (2.5mm 2.5mm) Sn-3.5Ag solder joints between silicon dies and direct bonded copper substrates were thermally cycled between 5 C and 200 C. Sn crystal orientation and microstructure evolution during thermal cycling were characterized by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) in scanning electron microscope (SEM). Comparisons are made between observed initial texture and microstructure and its evolution during thermal cycling. Gradual lattice rotation and grain boundary misorientation evolution suggested the continuous recrystallization mechanism. Recrystallizationmore » behavior was correlated with dislocation slip activities.« less

Hidden secrets of deformation: Impact-induced compaction within a CV chondrite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forman, L. V.; Bland, P. A.; Timms, N. E.; Collins, G. S.; Davison, T. M.; Ciesla, F. J.; Benedix, G. K.; Daly, L.; Trimby, P. W.; Yang, L.; Ringer, S. P.

2016-10-01

The CV3 Allende is one of the most extensively studied meteorites in worldwide collections. It is currently classified as S1-essentially unshocked-using the classification scheme of Stöffler et al. (1991), however recent modelling suggests the low porosity observed in Allende indicates the body should have undergone compaction-related deformation. In this study, we detail previously undetected evidence of impact through use of Electron Backscatter Diffraction mapping to identify deformation microstructures in chondrules, AOAs and matrix grains. Our results demonstrate that forsterite-rich chondrules commonly preserve crystal-plastic microstructures (particularly at their margins); that low-angle boundaries in deformed matrix grains of olivine have a preferred orientation; and that disparities in deformation occur between chondrules, surrounding and non-adjacent matrix grains. We find heterogeneous compaction effects present throughout the matrix, consistent with a highly porous initial material. Given the spatial distribution of these crystal-plastic deformation microstructures, we suggest that this is evidence that Allende has undergone impact-induced compaction from an initially heterogeneous and porous parent body. We suggest that current shock classifications (Stöffler et al., 1991) relying upon data from chondrule interiors do not constrain the complete shock history of a sample.

Viscoplastic Creep Response and Microstructure of As-Fabricated Microscale Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu Solder Interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cuddalorepatta, Gayatri; Williams, Maureen; Dasgupta, Abhijit

2010-10-01

The viscoplastic behavior of as-fabricated, undamaged, microscale Sn-3.0 Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) Pb-free solder is investigated and compared with that of eutectic Sn-37Pb solder and near-eutectic Sn-3.8Ag-0.7Cu (SAC387) solder from prior studies. Creep measurements of microscale SAC305 solder shear specimens show significant piece-to-piece variability under identical loading. Orientation imaging microscopy reveals that these specimens contain only a few, highly anisotropic Sn grains across the entire joint. For the studied loads, the coarse-grained Sn microstructure has a more significant impact on the scatter in primary creep compared to that in the secondary creep. The observed lack of statistical homogeneity (microstructure) and joint-dependent mechanical behavior of microscale SAC305 joints are consistent with those observed for functional microelectronics interconnects. Compared with SAC305 joints, microscale Sn-37Pb shear specimens exhibit more homogenous behavior and microstructure with a large number of small Sn (and Pb) grains. Creep damage in the Pb-free joint is predominantly concentrated at highly misoriented Sn grain boundaries. The coarse-grained Sn microstructure recrystallizes into new grains with high misorientation angles under creep loading. In spite of the observed joint-dependent behavior, as-fabricated SAC305 is significantly more creep resistant than Sn-37Pb solder and slightly less creep resistant than near-eutectic SAC387 solder. Average model constants for primary and secondary creep of SAC305 are presented. Since the viscoplastic measurements are averaged over a wide range of grain configurations, the creep model constants represent the effective continuum behavior in an average sense. The average secondary creep behavior suggests that the dominant creep mechanism is dislocation climb assisted by dislocation pipe diffusion.

Multiscale Microstructures and Microstructural Effects on the Reliability of Microbumps in Three-Dimensional Integration

PubMed Central

Huang, Zhiheng; Xiong, Hua; Wu, Zhiyong; Conway, Paul; Altmann, Frank

2013-01-01

The dimensions of microbumps in three-dimensional integration reach microscopic scales and thus necessitate a study of the multiscale microstructures in microbumps. Here, we present simulated mesoscale and atomic-scale microstructures of microbumps using phase field and phase field crystal models. Coupled microstructure, mechanical stress, and electromigration modeling was performed to highlight the microstructural effects on the reliability of microbumps. The results suggest that the size and geometry of microbumps can influence both the mesoscale and atomic-scale microstructural formation during solidification. An external stress imposed on the microbump can cause ordered phase growth along the boundaries of the microbump. Mesoscale microstructures formed in the microbumps from solidification, solid state phase separation, and coarsening processes suggest that the microstructures in smaller microbumps are more heterogeneous. Due to the differences in microstructures, the von Mises stress distributions in microbumps of different sizes and geometries vary. In addition, a combined effect resulting from the connectivity of the phase morphology and the amount of interface present in the mesoscale microstructure can influence the electromigration reliability of microbumps. PMID:28788356

Effect of Microstructure on Creep in Directionally Solidified NiAl-31Cr-3Mo

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whittenberger, J. Daniel; Raj, S. V.; Locci, I. E.

2001-01-01

The 1200 to 1400 K slow strain rate characteristics of the directionally solidified (DS) eutectic Ni-33Al-31Cr-3 Mo have been determined as a function of growth rate. While differences in the light optical level microstructure were observed in alloys grown at rates ranging from 7.6 to 508 mm/h, compression testing indicated that all had essentially the same strength. The exception was Ni-33 Al-31Cr-3Mo DS at 25.4 mm/h which was slightly stronger than the other growth velocities; no microstructural reason could be found for this improvement. Comparison of the approximately 1300 K properties revealed that four different DS NiAl-34(Cr,Mo) alloys have a similar creep resistance which suggests that there is a common, but yet unknown, strengthening mechanism.

Effect of Microstructure on Creep in Directionally Solidified NiAl-31Cr-3Mo

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whittenberger, J. D.; Raj, S. V.; Locci, I. E.

2001-01-01

The 1200 to 1400 K slow strain rate characteristics of the directionally solidified (DS) eutectic Ni-33Al-31Cr-3 Mo have been determined as a function of growth rate. While differences in the light optical level microstructure were observed in alloys grown at rates ranging from 7.6 to 508 mm/h, compression testing indicated that all had essentially the same strength. The exception was Ni-33Al-31Cr-3Mo DS at 25.4 mm/h which was slightly stronger than the other growth velocities; no microstructural reason could be found for this improvement. Comparison of the approx. 1300 K properties revealed that four different DS NiAl-34(Cr,Mo) alloys have a similar creep resistance which suggests that there is a common, but yet unknown, strengthening mechanism.

Grain dissection as a grain size reducing mechanism during ice microdynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinbach, Florian; Kuiper, Ernst N.; Eichler, Jan; Bons, Paul D.; Drury, Martin R.; Griera, Albert; Pennock, Gill M.; Weikusat, Ilka

2017-04-01

Ice sheets are valuable paleo-climate archives, but can lose their integrity by ice flow. An understanding of the microdynamic mechanisms controlling the flow of ice is essential when assessing climatic and environmental developments related to ice sheets and glaciers. For instance, the development of a consistent mechanistic grain size law would support larger scale ice flow models. Recent research made significant progress in numerically modelling deformation and recrystallisation mechanisms in the polycrystalline ice and ice-air aggregate (Llorens et al., 2016a,b; Steinbach et al., 2016). The numerical setup assumed grain size reduction is achieved by the progressive transformation of subgrain boundaries into new high angle grain boundaries splitting an existing grain. This mechanism is usually termed polygonisation. Analogue experiments suggested, that strain induced grain boundary migration can cause bulges to migrate through the whole of a grain separating one region of the grain from another (Jessell, 1986; Urai, 1987). This mechanism of grain dissection could provide an alternative grain size reducing mechanism, but has not yet been observed during ice microdynamics. In this contribution, we present results using an updated numerical approach allowing for grain dissection. The approach is based on coupling the full field theory crystal visco-plasticity code (VPFFT) of Lebensohn (2001) to the multi-process modelling platform Elle (Bons et al., 2008). VPFFT predicts the mechanical fields resulting from short strain increments, dynamic recrystallisation process are implemented in Elle. The novel approach includes improvements to allow for grain dissection, which was topologically impossible during earlier simulations. The simulations are supported by microstructural observations from NEEM (North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling) ice core. Mappings of c-axis orientations using the automatic fabric analyser and full crystallographic orientations using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) are presented. Numerical simulations predict and resolve the microstructural evolution over strain and time. The occurrence of processes such as grain dissection can only be proven using such time resolved movies of microstructure evolution. We will present movies that show grain dissection as a common process during the simulations. Microstructures obtained from NEEM ice core support the observations and we provide evidence for grain dissection in natural ice. Grain dissection is observed to be most efficient relative to polygonisation, when the microstructure approaches steady state grain sizes. This is consistent with analogue experiments observing grain dissection by Jessell (1986) and Urai (1987). Our research suggests a novel grain size reducing mechanisms in ice microdynamics that should be considered when developing a consistent grain size law.

Evolution of the viscosity of Earth's upper mantle: Grain-boundary sliding and the role of microstructure in olivine deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hansen, Lars N.

Many features of plate tectonics cannot be explained with standard rheological models of the upper mantle. In particular, the localization of deformation at plate boundaries requires the viscosity of the constituent rocks to evolve spatially and temporally. Such rheological complexity may arise from changing microstructural state variables (e.g., grain size and crystallographic-fabric strength), but the degree to which microstructure contributes to the evolution of viscosity is unclear given our current understanding of deformation mechanisms in mantle minerals. Dislocation-accommodated grain-boundary sliding (GBS) is a potentially critical mechanism for localizing deformation in olivine because it imparts a sensitivity of the viscosity to the state of the microstructure while simultaneously providing mechanisms for changing the microstructure. However, many details of GBS in olivine are currently unknown including 1) the magnitude of the sensitivity of strain rate to crystallographic fabric and grain size, 2) the strength of the crystallographic fabrics produced, and 3) the anisotropy in viscosity of polycrystalline aggregates. Detailed knowledge of these unknowns is necessary to assess the importance of microstructural evolution in the operation of plate tectonics. This dissertation investigates the details of GBS in olivine through four sets of laboratory-based experiments. In Chapter 2, triaxial compressive creep experiments on aggregates of San Carlos olivine are used to develop a flow law for olivine deforming by GBS. Extrapolations of strain rate to geological conditions using the derived flow law indicate that GBS is the dominant deformation mechanism throughout the uppermost mantle. Crystallographic fabrics observed in deformed samples are consistent with upper-mantle seismic anisotropy. In Chapter 3, torsion experiments on iron-rich olivine are used to determine the rheological behavior of olivine deforming by GBS at large strains. The sensitivity of the strain rate to grain size and stress is demonstrated to be consistent with low-strain experiments. Additionally, the sensitivity of strain rate to the development of a crystallographic fabric is determined. Constitutive relationships including microstructural evolution are developed that accurately predict the observed stress as a function of strain. The results of Chapter 3 confirm that significant weakening is associated with both grain-size reduction and crystallographic-fabric development. In Chapter 4, torsion experiments on iron-rich olivine are used to determine if microstructural evolution can lead to strain localization. Experiments were conducted with either constant-strain-rate or constant-stress boundary conditions. Localization is only observed in samples deformed at constant-stress, which suggests boundary conditions affect the critical size of strength perturbation necessary for localization to occur. Strain localization is correlated with fine-grained regions, and a feedback mechanism between grain-size reduction and strain rate is proposed. In Chapter 5, both torsion and tension experiments are used to assess the mechanical anisotropy of previously deformed samples. Based on the direction of the applied stress relative to the orientation of a pre-existing crystallographic fabric, the viscosity is demonstrated to vary by over an order of magnitude. This observation suggests deformation can localize in regions that were previously deformed and retained a strong crystallographic fabric. The results of this dissertation elucidate the interplay between microstructure and deformation of olivine in the GBS regime. Because the viscosity of olivine-rich rocks deforming by GBS is dependent on both grain size and crystallographic fabric, heterogeneities in these microstructural parameters can lead to spatial and temporal variations in viscosity, possibly explaining the large-scale patterns of deformation in the upper mantle. Future numerical simulations can test the importance of microstructure in geodynamic processes by incorporating the constitutive relationships outlined in this dissertation.

Widespread melt/rock interaction and seismic properties of the lithosphere above mantle plumes: A petrological and microstructural study of mantle xenoliths from French Polynesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tommasi, A.; Godard, M.

2002-12-01

In addition to thermal erosion, plume/lithosphere interaction may induce significant changes in the lithosphere chemical composition. To constrain the extent of this process in an oceanic environment and its consequences on the lithosphere seismic properties, we studied the relationship between petrological processes and microstructure in mantle xenoliths from the Austral-Cook, Society and Marquesas islands. Olivine forsterite contents in our sp-peridotites vary continuously from Fo91 to Fo83, the lowest Fo being observed in dunites and wehrlites. Yet, their high Ni content (up to 2500 ppm) precludes a cumulate origin. These rocks are rather interpreted as resulting from melt/rock reactions involving olivine precipitation and pyroxene dissolution, the dunites indicating high melt-rock ratios. Moreover, wehrlites display poikiloblastic diopside enclosing corroded olivines. Late crystallization of clinopyroxene, also observed in lherzolites, may result from a near-solidus melt-freezing reaction occurring at the boundary of a partial melting domain developed at the expenses of lithospheric mantle. These data suggest that the lithosphere above a mantle plume undergoes a complex sequence of magmatic processes that significantly change its composition. Yet, crystal preferred orientations and thus seismic anisotropy are little affected by these processes. Lherzolites and harzburgites, independent from composition, show high-temperature porphyroclastic microstructures and strong olivine CPO. Although dunites and wehrlites display annealing microstructures to which is associated a progressive dispersion of the olivine CPO, very weak CPO are limited to a few dunites and wehrlites, suggesting that CPO destruction is restricted to domains of intense magma-rock interaction due to localized flow or accumulation of magmas. Conversely, the compositional changes result in lower seismic velocities for P- and S-waves. Relative to normal mantle, seismic anomalies may attain -2.5 percent and be equivalent to those observed below the Deccan, Parana, or Ontong Java mesozoic LIPs.

Microstructural disintegration in dense hydroxyapatite and hydroxyapatite-coated metal implants

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seo, Dong Seok; Lee, Jong Kook

2007-08-01

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has been widely used as a coating for orthopedic metal implants. An important concern regarding HA coating is its degradation of the biological milieu. In this study, the microstructure of a retrieved HA-coated acetabular cup implanted for four years after total hip arthroplasty (THA) was investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy. In order to understand the underlying mechanism, of degradation and exfoliation of the HA coating, degradation of phase-pure and dense HA ceramics was also observed by in vitro and in vivo testing. The surface morphology and fracture surfaces of HA ceramics revealed that the dissolution starting at the surface extended inwards resulting in particle loosening and microstructural-level degradation. The dissolution features of HA ceramics were similar to the case of HA coating. It was found that extensive dissolution of the coating occurred and most of the coating disappeared. The majority of the remaining graints were fractured by the intergranular mode, suggesting that grain boundaries should be predominantly dissolved. These observations may explain the mechanism through which the biological stability of the HA coated layer becomes unexpectedly poor.

Microstructure and High Temperature Mechanical Property of Fe-Cr-B Based Metal/Ceramic Composite Manufactured by Metal Injection Molding Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Kee-Ahn; Gwon, Jin-Han; Yoon, Tae-Sik

2018-03-01

This study investigated the microstructure and the room and high temperature mechanical properties of Fe-Cr-B alloy manufactured by metal injection molding. In addition, hot isostatic pressing was performed to increase the density of the material, and a comparison of properties was made. Microstructural observation confirmed a bi-continuous structure composed of a three-dimensional network of α-Fe phase and (Cr,Fe)2B phase. The HIPed specimen featured a well-formed adhesion between the α-Fe phase and boride, and the number of fine pores was significantly reduced. The tensile results confirmed that the HIPed specimen (RT to 900 °C) had higher strengths compared to the as-sintered specimen, and the change of elongation starting from 700 °C was significantly greater in the HIPed specimen. Fractography suggested that cracks propagated mostly along the interface between the α-Fe matrix and boride in the as-sintered specimen, while direct fracture of boride was observed in addition to interface separation in the HIPed specimen.

Deformation, static recrystallization, and reactive melt transport in shallow subcontinental mantle xenoliths (Tok Cenozoic volcanic field, SE Siberia)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tommasi, Andréa; Vauchez, Alain; Ionov, Dmitri A.

2008-07-01

Partial melting and reactive melt transport may change the composition, microstructures, and physical properties of mantle rocks. Here we explore the relations between deformation and reactive melt transport through detailed microstructural analysis and crystallographic orientation measurements in spinel peridotite xenoliths that sample the shallow lithospheric mantle beneath the southeastern rim of the Siberian craton. These xenoliths have coarse-grained, annealed microstructures and show petrographic and chemical evidence for variable degrees of reaction with silicate melts and fluids, notably Fe-enrichment and crystallization of metasomatic clinopyroxene (cpx). Olivine crystal preferred orientations (CPO) range from strong to weak. [010]-fiber patterns, characterized by a point concentration of [010] normal to the foliation and by dispersion of [100] in the foliation plane with a weak maximum parallel to the lineation, predominate relative to the [100]-fiber patterns usually observed in lithospheric mantle xenoliths and peridotite massifs. Variations in olivine CPO patterns or intensity are not correlated with modal and chemical compositions. This, together with the analysis of microstructures, suggests that reactive melt percolation postdated both deformation and static recrystallization. Preferential crystallization of metasomatic cpx along (010) olivine grain boundaries points to an influence of the preexisting deformation fabrics on melt transport, with higher permeability along the foliation. Similarity between orthopyroxene (opx) and cpx CPO suggests that cpx orientations may be inherited from those of opx during melt-rock reaction. As observed in previous studies, reactive melt transport does not weaken olivine CPO and seismic anisotropy in the upper mantle, except in melt accumulation domains. In contrast, recovery and selective grain growth during static recrystallization may lead to development of [010]-fiber olivine CPO and, if foliations are horizontal, result in apparent isotropy for vertically propagating SKS waves, but strong anisotropy for horizontally propagating surface waves.

Characteristics microstructure and microhardness of cast Ti-6Al-4V ELI for biomedical application submitted to solution treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Damisih, Jujur, I. Nyoman; Sah, Joni; Agustanhakri, Prajitno, Djoko Hadi

2018-05-01

Ti 6Al-4V ELI (Extra Low Interstitial)alloy containing 6wt% of aluminum, 4wt% of vanadium with controlled level of iron and oxygen is one of most popular alloy employed in biomedical applications as implant material. Heat treatment process for titanium alloys becomes important and could be performed by some of different ways in order to develop microstructure as well as its properties. The objective of this paper is to study the effects of solution treatment temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of as-cast Ti-6Al-4V ELI especially microhardness value. The alloy was melted by single arc melting furnace with a water-cooled copper crucible hearth under argon atmosphere and then casted. It was heat treated through solution treatment at 3 (three) different temperaturesi.e. 850°C, 950°C and 1050°C in an argon gas atmosphere for around 30 minutes. After solution treatment, samples were water quenched and then aged at temperature of 500°C for 4 hours. To investigate its microstructure, the alloy was investigated under optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was observed Widmanstätten microstructure consisting of mixture α and β phase with basket-weave pattern. The Vickers microhardness test was performed and the results exhibited the optimum value was obtained at temperature of 950°C of solution treatment. From the observation, it revealed that the heat treatment has substantial effect on microstructural properties where microhardness increased due to formation of α' martensite structure. It was showed also that solution treatment followed by aging could improve mechanical properties especially microhardness value of Ti-6Al-4V ELI alloy. These results were suggesting the optimized conditions of heat treatment to obtain the best microstructure properties and microhardness value.

On oscillatory microstructure during cellular growth of directionally solidified Sn–36at.%Ni peritectic alloy

PubMed Central

Peng, Peng; Li, Xinzhong; Li, Jiangong; Su, Yanqing; Guo, Jingjie

2016-01-01

An oscillatory microstructure has been observed during deep-cellular growth of directionally solidified Sn–36at.%Ni hyperperitectic alloy containing intermetallic compounds with narrow solubility range. This oscillatory microstructure with a dimension of tens of micrometers has been observed for the first time. The morphology of this wave-like oscillatory structure is similar to secondary dendrite arms, and can be observed only in some local positions of the sample. Through analysis such as successive sectioning of the sample, it can be concluded that this oscillatory microstructure is caused by oscillatory convection of the mushy zone during solidification. And the influence of convection on this oscillatory microstructure was characterized through comparison between experimental and calculations results on the wavelength. Besides, the change in morphology of this oscillatory microstructure has been proved to be caused by peritectic transformation during solidification. Furthermore, the melt concentration increases continuously during solidification of intermetallic compounds with narrow solubility range, which helps formation of this oscillatory microstructure. PMID:27066761

On oscillatory microstructure during cellular growth of directionally solidified Sn-36at.%Ni peritectic alloy.

PubMed

Peng, Peng; Li, Xinzhong; Li, Jiangong; Su, Yanqing; Guo, Jingjie

2016-04-12

An oscillatory microstructure has been observed during deep-cellular growth of directionally solidified Sn-36at.%Ni hyperperitectic alloy containing intermetallic compounds with narrow solubility range. This oscillatory microstructure with a dimension of tens of micrometers has been observed for the first time. The morphology of this wave-like oscillatory structure is similar to secondary dendrite arms, and can be observed only in some local positions of the sample. Through analysis such as successive sectioning of the sample, it can be concluded that this oscillatory microstructure is caused by oscillatory convection of the mushy zone during solidification. And the influence of convection on this oscillatory microstructure was characterized through comparison between experimental and calculations results on the wavelength. Besides, the change in morphology of this oscillatory microstructure has been proved to be caused by peritectic transformation during solidification. Furthermore, the melt concentration increases continuously during solidification of intermetallic compounds with narrow solubility range, which helps formation of this oscillatory microstructure.

Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) of powder mixtures and composites: Packing, densification, and microstructural effects

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, E.K.H.; Funkenbusch, P.D.

1993-06-01

Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) of powder mixtures (containing differently sized components) and of composite powders is analyzed. Recent progress, including development of a simple scheme for estimating radial distribution functions, has made modeling of these systems practical. Experimentally, powders containing bimodal or continuous size distributions are observed to hot isostatically press to a higher density tinder identical processing conditions and to show large differences in the densification rate as a function of density when compared with the monosize powders usually assumed for modeling purposes. Modeling correctly predicts these trends and suggests that they can be partially, but not entirely, attributedmore » to initial packing density differences. Modeling also predicts increased deformation in the smaller particles within a mixture. This effect has also been observed experimentally and is associated with microstructural changes, such as preferential recrystallization of small particles. Finally, consolidation of a composite mixture containing hard, but deformable, inclusions has been modeled for comparison with existing experimental data. Modeling results match both the densification and microstructural observations reported experimentally. Densification is retarded due to contacts between the reinforcing particles which support a significant portion of the applied pressure. In addition, partitioning of deformation between soft matrix and hard inclusion powders results in increased deformation of the softer material.« less

Ultrasonic characterization of microstructure in powder metal alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tittmann, B. R.; Ahlberg, L. A.; Fertig, K.

1986-01-01

The ultrasonic wave propagation characteristics were measured for IN-100, a powder metallurgy alloy used for aircraft engine components. This material was as a model system for testing the feasibility of characterizing the microstructure of a variety of inhomogeneous media including powder metals, ceramics, castings and components. The data were obtained for a frequency range from about 2 to 20 MHz and were statistically averaged over numerous volume elements of the samples. Micrographical examination provided size and number distributions for grain and pore structure. The results showed that the predominant source for the ultrasonic attenuation and backscatter was a dense (approx. 100/cubic mm) distribution of small micropores (approx. 10 micron radius). Two samples with different micropore densities were studied in detail to test the feasibility of calculating from observed microstructural parameters the frequency dependence of the microstructural backscatter in the regime for which the wavelength is much larger than the size of the individual scattering centers. Excellent agreement was found between predicted and observed values so as to demonstrate the feasibility of solving the forward problem. The results suggest a way towards the nondestructive detection and characterization of anomalous distributions of micropores when conventional ultrasonic imaging is difficult. The findings are potentially significant toward the application of the early detection of porosity during the materials fabrication process and after manufacturing of potential sites for stress induced void coalescence leading to crack initiation and subsequent failure.

Microstructure and composition analysis of low-Z/low-Z multilayers by combining hard and resonant soft X-ray reflectivity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rao, P. N., E-mail: pnrao@rrcat.gov.in; Rai, S. K.; Srivastava, A. K.

2016-06-28

Microstructure and composition analysis of periodic multilayer structure consisting of a low electron density contrast (EDC) material combination by grazing incidence hard X-ray reflectivity (GIXR), resonant soft X-ray reflectivity (RSXR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are presented. Measurements of reflectivity at different energies allow combining the sensitivity of GIXR data to microstructural parameters like layer thicknesses and interfacing roughness, with the layer composition sensitivity of RSXR. These aspects are shown with an example of 10-period C/B{sub 4}C multilayer. TEM observation reveals that interfaces C on B{sub 4}C and B{sub 4}C on C are symmetric. Although GIXR provides limited structural informationmore » when EDC between layers is low, measurements using a scattering technique like GIXR with a microscopic technique like TEM improve the microstructural information of low EDC combination. The optical constants of buried layers have been derived by RSXR. The derived optical constants from the measured RSXR data suggested the presence of excess carbon into the boron carbide layer.« less

Evidence for Seismic and Aseismic Slip along a Foreland Thrust Fault, Southern Appalachians

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Newman, J.; Wells, R. K.; Holyoke, C. W.; Wojtal, S. F.

2013-12-01

Studies of deformation along ancient thrust faults form the basis for much of our fundamental understanding of fault and shear zone processes. These classic studies interpreted meso- and microstructures as formed during aseismic creep. Recent experimental studies, and studies of naturally deformed rocks in seismically active regions, reveal similar microstructures to those observed locally in a carbonate foreland thrust from the southern Appalachians, suggesting that this thrust fault preserves evidence of both seismic and aseismic deformation. The Copper Creek thrust, TN, accommodated 15-20 km displacement, at depths of 4-6 km, as estimated from balanced cross-sections. At the Diggs Gap exposure of the Copper Creek thrust, an approximately 2 cm thick, vein-like shear zone separates shale layers in the hanging wall and footwall. The shear zone is composed of anastomosing layers of ultrafine-grained calcite and/or shale as well as aggregate clasts of ultrafine-grained calcite or shale. The boundary between the shear zone and the hanging wall is sharp, with slickensides along the boundary, parallel to the shear zone movement direction. A 350 μm-thick layer of ultrafine-grained calcite separates the shear zone and the footwall. Fault parallel and perpendicular calcite veins are common in the footwall and increase in density towards the shear zone. Microstructures within the vein-like shear zone that are similar to those observed in experimental studies of unstable slip include: ultrafine-grained calcite (~0.34 μm), nano-aggregate clasts (100-300 nm), injection structures, and vein-wrapped and matrix-wrapped clasts. Not all structures within the shear zone and ultrafine-grained calcite layer suggest seismic slip. Within the footwall veins and calcite aggregate clasts within the shear zone, pores at twin-twin intersections suggest plasticity-induced fracturing as the main mechanism for grain size reduction. Interpenetrating grain boundaries in ultrafine-grained calcite and a lack of a lattice preferred orientation suggest ultrafine-grained calcite deformed by diffusion creep accommodated grain boundary sliding. These structures suggest a strain-rate between 10-15 - 10-11 s-1, using calcite flow laws at temperatures 150-250 °C. Microstructures suggest both seismic and aseismic slip along this ancient fault zone. During periods of aseismic slip, deformation is accommodated by plasticity-induced fracturing and diffusion creep. Calcite veins suggest an increase in pore-fluid pressure, contributing to fluidized and unstable flow, but also providing the calcite that deformed by diffusion creep during aseismic creep.

Subcalcic diopsides from kimberlites: Chemistry, exsolution microstructures, and thermal history

USGS Publications Warehouse

McCallister, R.H.; Nord, G.L.

1981-01-01

Twenty-six subcalcic diopside megacrysts (Ca/(Ca+ Mg)) = 0.280-0.349, containing approximately 10 mol% jadeite, from 15 kimberlite bodies in South Africa, Botswana, Tanzania, and Lesotho, have been characterized by electron microprobe analysis, X-ray-precession photography, and transmission electron microscopy. Significant exsolution of pigeonite was observed only in those samples for which Ca/(Ca+Mg)???0.320. The exsolution microstructure consists of coherent (001) lamellae with wavelengths ranging from 20 to 31 nm and compositional differences between the hosts and lamellae ranging from 10 to 30 mol% wollastonite. These observations suggest that the exsolution reaction mechanism was spinodal decomposition and that the megacrysts have been quenched at various stages of completion of the decomposition process. Annealing experiments in evacuated SiO2 glass tubes at 1,150?? C for 128 hours failed to homogenize microstructure, whereas, at 5 kbar and 1,150?? C for only 7.25 hours, the two lattices were homogenized. This "pressure effect" suggests that spinodal decomposition in the kimberlitic subcalcic diopside megacrysts can only occur at depths less than ???15 km; the cause of the effect may be the jadeite component in the pyroxene. "Apparent quench" temperatures for the exsolution process in the megacrysts range from 1,250?? C to 990?? C, suggesting that decomposition must have commenced at temperatures of more than ???1,000?? C. These P-T limits lead to the conclusion that, in those kimberlites where spinodal decomposition has occurred in subcalcic diopside megacrysts, such decomposition occurred at shallow levels (<15 km) and, at the present erosion level, temperatures must have been greater than 1,000?? C. ?? 1981 Springer-Verlag.

Microstructure simulation of rapidly solidified ASP30 high-speed steel particles by gas atomization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Jie; Wang, Bo; Yang, Zhi-liang; Wu, Guang-xin; Zhang, Jie-yu; Zhao, Shun-li

2016-03-01

In this study, the microstructure evolution of rapidly solidified ASP30 high-speed steel particles was predicted using a simulation method based on the cellular automaton-finite element (CAFE) model. The dendritic growth kinetics, in view of the characteristics of ASP30 steel, were calculated and combined with macro heat transfer calculations by user-defined functions (UDFs) to simulate the microstructure of gas-atomized particles. The relationship among particle diameter, undercooling, and the convection heat transfer coefficient was also investigated to provide cooling conditions for simulations. The simulated results indicated that a columnar grain microstructure was observed in small particles, whereas an equiaxed microstructure was observed in large particles. In addition, the morphologies and microstructures of gas-atomized ASP30 steel particles were also investigated experimentally using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The experimental results showed that four major types of microstructures were formed: dendritic, equiaxed, mixed, and multi-droplet microstructures. The simulated results and the available experimental data are in good agreement.

A hydrodynamic mechanism for spontaneous formation of ordered drop arrays in confined shear flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singha, Sagnik; Zurita-Gotor, Mauricio; Loewenberg, Michael; Migler, Kalman; Blawzdziewicz, Jerzy

2017-11-01

It has been experimentally demonstrated that a drop monolayer driven by a confined shear flow in a Couette device can spontaneously arrange into a flow-oriented parallel chain microstructure. However, the hydrodynamic mechanism of this puzzling self-assembly phenomenon has so far eluded explanation. In a recent publication we suggested that the observed spontaneous drop ordering may arise from hydrodynamic interparticle interactions via a far-field quadrupolar Hele-Shaw flow associated with drop deformation. To verify this conjecture we have developed a simple numerical-simulation model that includes the far-field Hele-Shaw flow quadrupoles and a near-field short-range repulsion. Our simulations show that an initially disordered particle configuration self-organizes into a system of particle chains, similar to the experimentally observed drop-chain structures. The initial stage of chain formation is fast; subsequently, microstructural defects in a partially ordered system are removed by slow annealing, leading to an array of equally spaced parallel chains with a small number of defects. The microstructure evolution is analyzed using angular and spatial order parameters and correlation functions. Supported by NSF Grants No. CBET 1603627 and CBET 1603806.

Night sleep influences white matter microstructure in bipolar depression.

PubMed

Benedetti, Francesco; Melloni, Elisa M T; Dallaspezia, Sara; Bollettini, Irene; Locatelli, Clara; Poletti, Sara; Colombo, Cristina

2017-08-15

Alteration of circadian rhythms and sleep disruption are prominent trait-like features of bipolar disorder (BD). Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) measures suggest a widespread alteration of white matter (WM) microstructure in patients with BD. Sleep promotes myelination and oligodendrocyte precursor cells proliferation. We hypothesized a possible association between DTI measures of WM microstructure and sleep quantity measures in BD. We studied 69 inpatients affected by a depressive episode in course of type I BD. We used whole brain tract-based spatial statistics on DTI measures of WM microstructure: axial, radial, and mean diffusivity (AD, RD, MD), and fractional anisotropy (FA). Self-assessed measures of time asleep (TA) and total sleep time (TST) were extracted from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Actigraphic recordings were performed on a subsample of 23 patients. We observed a positive correlation of DTI measures of FA with actigraphic measures of TA and TST, and with PSQI measure of TA. DTI measures of RD inversely associated with actigraphic measure of TA, and with PSQI measures of TA and TST. Several WM tracts were involved, including corpus callosum, cyngulate gyrus, uncinate fasciculus, left superior and inferior longitudinal and fronto-occipital fasciculi, thalamic radiation, corona radiata, retrolenticular part of internal capsule and corticospinal tract. The study is correlational in nature, and no conclusion about a causal connection can be drawn. Reduced FA with increased RD and MD indicate higher water diffusivity associated with less organized myelin and/or axonal structures. Our findings suggest an association between sleep disruption and these measures of brain microstructure in specific tracts contributing to the functional connectivity in BD. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

The Effect of Microstructure and Pre-strain on the Change in Apparent Young's Modulus of a Dual-Phase Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kupke, A.; Hodgson, P. D.; Weiss, M.

2017-07-01

The elastic recovery in dual-phase (DP) steels is not a linear process and changes with plastic deformation. The level of change in the apparent Young's modulus has been reported to depend on material composition and microstructure, but most previous experimental studies were limited to industrial DP steels and led to contradicting results. This work represents a first fundamental study that investigates the separate and combined effect of phase volume fraction and hardness on the change in apparent Young's modulus in DP steel. A common automotive DP steel (DP780) is heat treated to obtain seven different combinations of martensite and ferrite volume fraction and hardness while keeping the chemical composition as well as the shape of the martensite and ferrite phases unchanged. Loading-unloading tests were performed to analyze the chord modulus at various levels of pre-strain. The results suggest that the point of saturation of the chord modulus with pre-strain depends on the morphology of the microstructure, occurring earlier for microstructures consisting of ferrite grains surrounded by martensite laths. It is further revealed that the reduction of the apparent Young's modulus, which is the difference between the material's initial Young's modulus and the chord modulus, increases with martensite hardness if the martensite volume fraction is kept constant. A higher martensite volume fraction initially elevates the reduction of the apparent Young's modulus. After a critical volume fraction of martensite phase of 35%, a decrease in apparent Young's modulus reduction was observed. A comparison of the plastic unloading strain suggests that the mechanisms leading to a reduction in apparent Young's modulus are strongest for the microstructure consisting of 35% martensite volume fraction.

The ASMEx snow slab experiment: snow microwave radiative transfer (SMRT) model evaluation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sandells, Melody; Löwe, Henning; Picard, Ghislain; Dumont, Marie; Essery, Richard; Floury, Nicolas; Kontu, Anna; Lemmetyinen, Juha; Maslanka, William; Mätzler, Christian; Morin, Samuel; Wiesmann, Andreas

2017-04-01

A major uncertainty in snow microwave modelling to date has been the treatment of the snow microstructure. Although observations of microstructural parameters such as the optical grain diameter, specific surface area and correlation length have improved drastically over the last few years, scale factors have been used to derive the parameters needed in microwave emission models from these observations. Previous work has shown that a major difference between electromagnetic models of scattering coefficients is due to the specific snow microstructure models used. The snow microwave radiative transfer model (SMRT) is a new model developed to advance understanding of the role of microstructure and isolate different assumptions in existing microwave models that collectively hinder interpretation of model intercomparison studies. SMRT is implemented in Python and is modular, thus allows switching between different representations in its various components. Here, the role of microstructure is examined with the Improved Born Approximation electromagnetic model. The model is evaluated against scattering and absorption coefficients derived from radiometer measurements of snow slabs taken as part of the Arctic Snow Microstructure Experiment (ASMEx), which took place in Sodankylä, Finland over two seasons. Microtomography observations of slab samples were used to determine parameters for five microstructure models: spherical, exponential, sticky hard sphere, Teubner-Strey and Gaussian random field. SMRT brightness temperature simulations are also compared with radiometric observations of the snow slabs over a reflector plate and an absorber substrate. Agreement between simulations and observations is generally good except for slabs that are highly anisotropic.

Effects of Casting Size on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Spheroidal and Compacted Graphite Cast Irons: Experimental Results and Comparison with International Standards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ceschini, L.; Morri, Alessandro; Morri, Andrea

2017-05-01

The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of casting size (10-210 mm) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of spheroidal (SGI) and compacted (CGI) graphite cast irons. A comparison of the experimental mechanical data with those specified by ISO standards is presented and discussed. The study highlighted that the microstructure and mechanical properties of SGI (also known as ductile or nodular cast iron) are more sensitive to casting size than CGI (also known as vermicular graphite cast irons). In particular, in both types of cast iron, hardness, yield strength and ultimate tensile strength decreased, with increasing casting size, by 27% in SGI and 17% in CGI. Elongation to failure showed, instead, an opposite trend, decreasing from 5 to 3% in CGI, while increasing from 5 to 11% in SGI. These results were related to different microstructures, the ferritic fraction being more sensitive to the casting size in SGI than CGI. Degeneration of spheroidal graphite was observed at casting size above 120 mm. The microstructural similarities between degenerated SGI and CGI suggested the proposal of a unified empirical constitutional law relating the most important microstructural parameters to the ultimate tensile strength. An outstanding result was also the finding that standard specifications underestimated the mechanical properties of both cast irons (in particular SGI) and, moreover, did not take into account their variation with casting size, at thicknesses over 60 mm.

Effect of a prior stretch on the aging response of an Al-Cu-Li-Ag-Mg-Zr alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kumar, K. S.; Brown, S. A.; Pickens, J. R.

1990-01-01

The effect of a prior stretching of an aluminum alloy Al-5.3Cu-1.4Li-0.4Ag-0.4Mg-0.17Zr (in wt pct) on the microstructure that develops during aging of this alloy was investigated by comparing TEM and SAD observations and hardness curves with results for the unstretched alloy. The results suggest that stretching introduces a significant number of dislocations which may act as vacanacy sinks by sweeping vacancies away and thereby decreasing the vacancy concentration available for influencing the natural aging response. In the stretched and near-peak aged condition, a fine homogeneous distribution of T1, theta-prime, and S-prime phases were observed in an alpha solid solution matrix. Upon overaging, virtually all of the theta-prime and most of the S-prime phases were found to dissolve, leaving behind a microstructure of T1 precipitates.

Boundary migration in a 3D deformed microstructure inside an opaque sample

DOE PAGES

Zhang, Y. B.; Budai, J. D.; Tischler, J. Z.; ...

2017-06-30

How boundaries surrounding recrystallization grains migrate through the 3D network of dislocation boundaries in deformed crystalline materials is unknown and critical for the resulting recrystallized crystalline materials. Furthermore, by using X-ray Laue diffraction microscopy, we show for the first time the migration pattern of a typical recrystallization boundary through a well-characterized deformation matrix. The data provide a unique possibility to investigate effects of both boundary misorientation and plane normal on the migration, information which cannot be accessed with any other techniques. Our results show that neither of these two parameters can explain the observed migration behavior. Instead we suggest thatmore » the subdivision of the deformed microstructure ahead of the boundary plays the dominant role. Our experimental observations challenge the assumptions of existing recrystallization theories, and set the stage for determination of mobilities of recrystallization boundaries.« less

Role of Cellulose Nanocrystals on the Microstructure of Maleic Anhydride Plasma Polymer Thin Films.

PubMed

Brioude, Michel M; Roucoules, Vincent; Haidara, Hamidou; Vonna, Laurent; Laborie, Marie-Pierre

2015-07-01

Recently, it was shown that the microstructure of a maleic anhydride plasma polymer (MAPP) could be tailored ab initio by adjusting the plasma process parameters. In this work, we aim to investigate the ability of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) to induce topographical structuration. Thus, a new approach was designed based on the deposition of MAPP on CNCs model surfaces. The nanocellulosic surfaces were produced by spin-coating the CNC suspension on a silicon wafer substrate and on a hydrophobic silicon wafer substrate patterned with circular hydrophilic microsized domains (diameter of 86.9 ± 4.9 μm), resulting in different degrees of CNC aggregation. By depositing the MAPP over these surfaces, it was possible to observe that the surface fraction of nanostructures increased from 20% to 35%. This observation suggests that CNCs can act as nucleation points resulting in more structures, although a critical density of the CNCs is required.

Lodestone: Nature's own permanent magnet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wasilewski, P.

1976-01-01

Magnetic hysteresis and microstructural details are presented which explain why the class of magnetic iron ores defined as proto-lodestones, can behave as permanent magnets, i.e. lodestones. Certain of these proto-lodestones which are not permanent magnets can be made into permanent magnets by charging in a field greater than 1000 oersted. This fact, other experimental observations, and field evidence from antiquity and the middle ages, which seems to indicate that lodestones are found as localized patches within massive ore bodies, suggests that lightning might be responsible for the charging of lodestones. The large remanent magnetization, high values of coercive force, and good time stability for the remanent magnetization are all characteristics of proto-lodestone iron ores which behave magnetically as fine scale ( 10 micrometer) intergrowths when subjected to magnetic hysteresis analysis. The magnetic results are easily understood by analysis of the complex proto lodestone microstructural patterns observable at the micrometer scale and less.

Microstructural stability of wrought, laser and electron beam glazed NARloy-Z alloy at elevated temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, J.; Jerman, G.; Bhat, B.; Poorman, R.

1993-01-01

Microstructure of wrought, laser, and electron-beam glazed NARloy-Z(Cu-3 wt.% Ag-0.5 wt.% Zr) was investigated for thermal stability at elevated temperatures (539 to 760 C (1,100 to 1,400 F)) up to 94 h. Optical and scanning electron microscopy and electron probe microanalysis were employed for studying microstructural evolution and kinetics of precipitation. Grain boundary precipitation and precipitate free zones (PFZ's) were observed in the wrought alloy after exposing to temperatures above 605 C (1,120 F). The fine-grained microstructure observed in the laser and electron-beam glazed NARloy-Z was much more stable at elevated temperatures. Microstructural changes correlated well with hardness measurements.

Anomalous Annealing Response of Directed Energy Deposited Type 304L Austenitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Smith, Thale R.; Sugar, Joshua D.; Schoenung, Julie M.; San Marchi, Chris

2018-03-01

Directed energy deposited (DED) and forged austenitic stainless steels possess dissimilar microstructures but can exhibit similar mechanical properties. In this study, annealing was used to evolve the microstructure of both conventional wrought and DED type 304L austenitic stainless steels, and significant differences were observed. In particular, the density of geometrically necessary dislocations and hardness were used to probe the evolution of the microstructure and properties. Forged type 304L exhibited the expected decrease in measured dislocation density and hardness as a function of annealing temperature. The more complex microstructure-property relationship observed in the DED type 304L material is attributed to compositional heterogeneities in the solidification microstructure.

The Influence of Impurities and Metallic Capping Layers on the Microstructure of Copper Interconnects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rizzolo, Michael

As copper interconnects have scaled to ever smaller dimensions on semiconductor devices, the microstructure has become increasingly detrimental for performance and reliability. Small grains persist in interconnects despite annealing at high temperatures, leading to higher line resistance and more frequent electromigration-induced failures. Conventionally, it was believed that impurities from the electrodeposition pinned grain growth, but limitations in analytical techniques meant the effect was inferred rather than observed. Recent advances in analytical techniques, however, have enabled this work to quantify impurity content, location, and diffusion in relation to microstructural changes in electroplated copper. Surface segregation of impurities during the initial burst of grain growth was investigated. After no surface segregation was observed, a microfluidic plating cell was constructed to plate multilayer films with regions of intentionally high and low impurity concentrations to determine if grain growth could be pinned by the presence of impurities; it was not. An alternate mechanism for grain boundary pinning based on the texture of the seed layer is proposed, supported by time-resolved transmission electron microscopy and transmission electron backscatter diffraction data. The suggested model posits that the seed in narrow features has no preferred orientation, which results in rapid nucleation of subsurface grains in trench regions prior to recrystallization from the overburden down. These rapidly growing grains are able to block off several trenches from the larger overburden grains, inhibiting grain growth in narrow features. With this knowledge in hand, metallic capping layers were employed to address the problematic microstructure in 70nm lines. The capping layers (chromium, nickel, zinc, and tin) were plated on the copper overburden prior to annealing to manipulate the stress gradient and microstructural development during annealing. It appeared that regardless of as-plated stress, nickel capping altered the recrystallized texture of the copper over patterned features. The nickel capping also caused a 2x increase in the number of advantageous 'bamboo' grains that span the entire trench, which effectively block electromigration pathways. These data provides a more fundamental understanding of manipulating the microstructure in copper interconnects using pre-anneal capping layers, and demonstrates a strategy to improve the microstructure beyond the capabilities of simple annealing.

Prenatal exposure to maternal and paternal depressive symptoms and white matter microstructure in children.

PubMed

El Marroun, Hanan; Zou, Runyu; Muetzel, Ryan L; Jaddoe, Vincent W; Verhulst, Frank C; White, Tonya; Tiemeier, Henning

2018-04-01

Prenatal maternal depression has been associated with multiple problems in offspring involving affect, cognition, and neuroendocrine functioning. This suggests that prenatal depression influences neurodevelopment. However, the underlying neurodevelopmental mechanism remains unclear. We prospectively assessed whether maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy and at the child's age 3 years are related to white matter microstructure in 690 children. The association of paternal depressive symptoms with childhood white matter microstructure was assessed to evaluate genetic or familial confounding. Parental depressive symptoms were measured using the Brief Symptom Inventory. In children aged 6-9 years, we used diffusion tensor imaging to assess white matter microstructure characteristics including fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). Exposure to maternal depressive symptoms during pregnancy was associated with higher MD in the uncinate fasciculus and to lower FA and higher MD in the cingulum bundle. No associations of maternal depressive symptoms at the child's age of 3 years with white matter characteristics were observed. Paternal depressive symptoms also showed a trend toward significance for a lower FA in the cingulum bundle. Prenatal maternal depressive symptoms were associated with higher MD in the uncinate fasciculus and the cingulum bundle. These structures are part of the limbic system, which is involved in motivation, emotion, learning, and memory. As paternal depressive symptoms were also related to lower FA in the cingulum, the observed effect may partly reflect a genetic predisposition and shared environmental family factors and to a lesser extent a specific intrauterine effect. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effect of heat input on dissimilar welds of ultra high strength steel and duplex stainless steel: Microstructural and compositional analysis

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tasalloti, H., E-mail: hamed.tasalloti.kashani@stu

The effect of heat input on the microstructure and compositional heterogeneity of welds of direct-quenched ultra high strength steel (Optim 960 QC) and duplex stainless steel (UNS S32205) was studied. The dissimilar welds were made using GMAW with a fully austenitic filler wire. In addition to grain coarsening in the heat affected zone (HAZ) of the ferritic side, it was found that an increase in heat input correlatively increased the proportional volume of bainitic to martensitic phases. Coarse ferritic grains were observed in the duplex HAZ. Higher heat input, however, had a beneficial effect on the nucleation of austenite inmore » the HAZ. Heat input had a regulatory effect on grain growth within the austenitic weld and more favorable equiaxed austenite was obtained with higher heat input. On the ferritic side of the welds, macrosegregation in the form of a martensitic intermediate zone was observed for all the cooling rates studied. However, on the duplex side, macrosegregation in the fusion boundary was only noticed with higher cooling rates. Microstructural observations and compositional analysis suggest that higher heat input could be beneficial for the structural integrity of the weld despite higher heat input increasing the extent of adverse coarse grains in the HAZ, especially on the ferritic side. - Highlights: •The effect of heat input on dissimilar welds of UHSS and DSS was studied. •Transmutation of the microstructure was discussed in detail. •The influence of heat input on compositional heterogeneity of welds was described. •Higher heat input enhanced bainitic transformation on the ferritic side. •Macrosegregation was affected by the amount of heat input on the DSS side.« less

Analysis of Plastic Flow Instability During Superplastic Deformation of the Zn-Al Eutectoid Alloy Modified with 2 wt.% Cu

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramos-Azpeitia, Mitsuo; Elizabeth Martínez-Flores, E.; Hernandez-Rivera, Jose Luis; Torres-Villaseñor, Gabriel

2017-11-01

The aim of this work is to analyze the plastic flow instability in Zn-21Al-2Cu alloy deformed under 10-3 s-1 and 513 K, which are optimum conditions for inducing superplastic behavior in this alloy. An evaluation using the Hart and Wilkinson-Caceres criteria showed that the limited stability of plastic flow observed in this alloy is related to low values of the strain-rate sensitivity index ( m) and the strain-hardening coefficient ( γ), combined with the tendency of these parameters to decrease depending on true strain ( ɛ). The reduction in m and γ values could be associated with the early onset of plastic instability and with microstructural changes observed as function of the strain. Grain growth induced by deformation seems to be important during the first stage of deformation of this alloy. However, when ɛ > 0.4 this growth is accompanied by other microstructural rearrangements. These results suggest that in this alloy, a grain boundary sliding mechanism acts to allow a steady superplastic flow only for ɛ < 0.4. For ɛ values between 0.4 and 0.7, observed occurrences of microstructural changes and severe neck formation lead to the supposition that there is a transition in the deformation mechanism. These changes are more evident when ɛ > 0.7 as another mechanism is thought to take over.

Deformation-Induced Microstructural Banding in TRIP Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Celotto, S.; Ghadbeigi, H.; Pinna, C.; Shollock, B. A.; Efthymiadis, P.

2018-05-01

Microstructure inhomogeneities can strongly influence the mechanical properties of advanced high-strength steels in a detrimental manner. This study of a transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel investigates the effect of pre-existing contiguous grain boundary networks (CGBNs) of hard second-phases and shows how these develop into bands during tensile testing using in situ observations in conjunction with digital image correlation (DIC). The bands form by the lateral contraction of the soft ferrite matrix, which rotates and displaces the CGBNs of second-phases and the individual features within them to become aligned with the loading direction. The more extensive pre-existing CGBNs that were before the deformation already aligned with the loading direction are the most critical microstructural feature for damage initiation and propagation. They induce micro-void formation between the hard second-phases along them, which coalesce and develop into long macroscopic fissures. The hard phases, retained austenite and martensite, were not differentiated as it was found that the individual phases do not play a role in the formation of these bands. It is suggested that minimizing the presence of CGBNs of hard second-phases in the initial microstructure will increase the formability.

Twin density of aragonite in molluscan shells characterized using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kogure, Toshihiro; Suzuki, Michio; Kim, Hyejin; Mukai, Hiroki; Checa, Antonio G.; Sasaki, Takenori; Nagasawa, Hiromichi

2014-07-01

{110} twin density in aragonites constituting various microstructures of molluscan shells has been characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), to find the factors that determine the density in the shells. Several aragonite crystals of geological origin were also investigated for comparison. The twin density is strongly dependent on the microstructures and species of the shells. The nacreous structure has a very low twin density regardless of the shell classes. On the other hand, the twin density in the crossed-lamellar (CL) structure has large variation among classes or subclasses, which is mainly related to the crystallographic direction of the constituting aragonite fibers. TEM observation suggests two types of twin structures in aragonite crystals with dense {110} twins: rather regulated polysynthetic twins with parallel twin planes, and unregulated polycyclic ones with two or three directions for the twin planes. The former is probably characteristic in the CL structures of specific subclasses of Gastropoda. The latter type is probably related to the crystal boundaries dominated by (hk0) interfaces in the microstructures with preferred orientation of the c-axis, and the twin density is mainly correlated to the crystal size in the microstructures.

Deformation-Induced Microstructural Banding in TRIP Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Celotto, S.; Ghadbeigi, H.; Pinna, C.; Shollock, B. A.; Efthymiadis, P.

2018-07-01

Microstructure inhomogeneities can strongly influence the mechanical properties of advanced high-strength steels in a detrimental manner. This study of a transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel investigates the effect of pre-existing contiguous grain boundary networks (CGBNs) of hard second-phases and shows how these develop into bands during tensile testing using in situ observations in conjunction with digital image correlation (DIC). The bands form by the lateral contraction of the soft ferrite matrix, which rotates and displaces the CGBNs of second-phases and the individual features within them to become aligned with the loading direction. The more extensive pre-existing CGBNs that were before the deformation already aligned with the loading direction are the most critical microstructural feature for damage initiation and propagation. They induce micro-void formation between the hard second-phases along them, which coalesce and develop into long macroscopic fissures. The hard phases, retained austenite and martensite, were not differentiated as it was found that the individual phases do not play a role in the formation of these bands. It is suggested that minimizing the presence of CGBNs of hard second-phases in the initial microstructure will increase the formability.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Kyongwoon

Microstructural characteristics of the CGHAZ (coarse grained heat affected zone) made of the 2.25Cr-1Mo-V-Ti material for the thermal power plant boiler tube were discussed using the technique of tint etching. To conduct the micro structural characterization, the sample on which CGHAZ was produced by using a high temperature thermal cycle simulator, Gleeble 3500 equipment was used for comparative analyses using the existing Nital etching (ASTM E407-74) and the alkaline etching (ASTM E40785). The latter was used to observe a specific phase. For the microstructure on which the alkaline etching was experimented, the shape of a black strip (Ghost microstructure) inmore » a few microns was observed, which was not observed from the Nital etching. It was found from the phase identifications based EPMA, EBSD and TEM experiments that the image of the black strip in a few microns represented the alpha phase in which C, Cr and Mo became segregated. In addition, it was verified that austenite and M{sub 23}C{sub 6} phase were present around the segregated zone. Based on such results, the mechanism by which the image of the black strip in a few microns was formed at the CGHAZ. In this study, we have investigated the mechanism of the appeared black strip in the CGHAZ. - Highlights: •Ghost microstructure was observed which was not observed from the nital etching. •Ghost microstructure has high concentrations of carbon and molybdenum than matrix. •Schematic illustration proposed of why Ghost microstructure was generated. •Ghost microstructure caused by partial dissolution of M{sub 23}C{sub 6} precipitation.« less

A longitudinal study of computerized cognitive training in stroke patients - effects on cognitive function and white matter.

PubMed

Nyberg, Claudia Kim; Nordvik, Jan Egil; Becker, Frank; Rohani, Darius A; Sederevicius, Donatas; Fjell, Anders M; Walhovd, Kristine B

2018-05-01

Background Computerized cognitive training is suggested to enhance attention and working memory functioning following stroke, but effects on brain and behavior are not sufficiently studied and longitudinal studies assessing brain and behavior relationships are scarce. Objective The study objectives were to investigate relations between neuropsychological performance post-stroke and white matter microstructure measures derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), including changes after 6 weeks of working memory training. Methods In this experimental training study, 26 stroke patients underwent DTI and neuropsychological tests at 3 time points - before and after a passive phase of 6 weeks, and again after 6 weeks of working memory training (Cogmed QM). Fractional anisotropy (FA) was extracted from stroke-free brain areas to assess the white matter microstructure. Twenty-two participants completed the majority of training (≥18/25 sessions) and were entered into longitudinal analyses. Results Significant correlations between FA and baseline cognitive functions were observed (r = 0.58, p = 0.004), however, no evidence was found of generally improved cognitive functions following training or of changes in white matter microstructure. Conclusions While white matter microstructure related to baseline cognitive function in stroke patients, the study revealed no effect on cognitive functions or microstructural changes in white matter in relation to computerized working memory training.

Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Mo–40Ni–13Si Multiphase Intermetallic Alloy

PubMed Central

Song, Chunyan; Wang, Shuhuan; Gui, Yongliang; Cheng, Zihao; Ni, Guolong

2016-01-01

Intermetallic compounds are increasingly being expected to be utilized in tribological environments, but to date their implementation is hindered by insufficient ductility at low and medium temperatures. This paper presents a novel multiphase intermetallic alloy with the chemical composition of Mo–40Ni–13Si (at %). Microstructure characterization reveals that a certain amount of ductile Mo phases formed during the solidification process of a ternary Mo–Ni–Si molten alloy, which is beneficial to the improvement of ductility of intermetallic alloys. Tribological properties of the designed alloy—including wear resistance, friction coefficient, and metallic tribological compatibility—were evaluated under dry sliding wear test conditions at room temperature. Results suggest that the multiphase alloy possesses an excellent tribological property, which is attributed to unique microstructural features and thereby a good combination in hardness and ductility. The corresponding wear mechanism is explained by observing the worn surface, subsurface, and wear debris of the alloy, which was found to be soft abrasive wear. PMID:28774106

Magnetization reversal mechanism of magnetic tunnel junctions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Cun-Ye; Li, Jian; Wang, Yue; Chen, Jian-Yong; Xu, Qing-Yu; Ni, Gang; Sang, Hai; Du, You-Wei

2002-01-01

Using the ion-beam-sputtering technique, we have fabricated Fe/Al2O3/Fe magnetic tunnelling junctions (MTJs). We have observed double-peaked shapes of curves, which have a level summit and a symmetrical feature, showing the magnetoresistance of the junction as a function of applied field. We have measured the tunnel conductance of MTJs which have insulating layers of different thicknesses. We have studied the dependence of the magnetoresistance of MTJs on tunnel conductance. The microstructures of hard- and soft-magnetic layers and interfaces of ferromagnets and insulators were probed. Analysing the influence of MJT microstructures, including those having clusters or/and granules in magnetic and non-magnetic films, a magnetization reversal mechanism (MRM) is proposed, which suggests that the MRM of tunnelling junctions may be explained by using a group-by-group reversal model of magnetic moments of the mesoscopical particles. We discuss the influence of MTJ microstructures, including those with clusters or/and granules in the ferromagnetic and non-magnetic films, on the MRM.

Seeking carotenoid pigments in amber-preserved fossil feathers.

PubMed

Thomas, Daniel B; Nascimbene, Paul C; Dove, Carla J; Grimaldi, David A; James, Helen F

2014-06-09

Plumage colours bestowed by carotenoid pigments can be important for visual communication and likely have a long evolutionary history within Aves. Discovering plumage carotenoids in fossil feathers could provide insight into the ecology of ancient birds and non-avian dinosaurs. With reference to a modern feather, we sought chemical evidence of carotenoids in six feathers preserved in amber (Miocene to mid-Cretaceous) and in a feather preserved as a compression fossil (Eocene). Evidence of melanin pigmentation and microstructure preservation was evaluated with scanning electron and light microscopies. We observed fine microstructural details including evidence for melanin pigmentation in the amber and compression fossils, but Raman spectral bands did not confirm the presence of carotenoids in them. Carotenoids may have been originally absent from these feathers or the pigments may have degraded during burial; the preservation of microstructure may suggest the former. Significantly, we show that carotenoid plumage pigments can be detected without sample destruction through an amber matrix using confocal Raman spectroscopy.

Seeking carotenoid pigments in amber-preserved fossil feathers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Thomas, Daniel B.; Nascimbene, Paul C.; Dove, Carla J.; Grimaldi, David A.; James, Helen F.

2014-06-01

Plumage colours bestowed by carotenoid pigments can be important for visual communication and likely have a long evolutionary history within Aves. Discovering plumage carotenoids in fossil feathers could provide insight into the ecology of ancient birds and non-avian dinosaurs. With reference to a modern feather, we sought chemical evidence of carotenoids in six feathers preserved in amber (Miocene to mid-Cretaceous) and in a feather preserved as a compression fossil (Eocene). Evidence of melanin pigmentation and microstructure preservation was evaluated with scanning electron and light microscopies. We observed fine microstructural details including evidence for melanin pigmentation in the amber and compression fossils, but Raman spectral bands did not confirm the presence of carotenoids in them. Carotenoids may have been originally absent from these feathers or the pigments may have degraded during burial; the preservation of microstructure may suggest the former. Significantly, we show that carotenoid plumage pigments can be detected without sample destruction through an amber matrix using confocal Raman spectroscopy.

Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Mo-40Ni-13Si Multiphase Intermetallic Alloy.

PubMed

Song, Chunyan; Wang, Shuhuan; Gui, Yongliang; Cheng, Zihao; Ni, Guolong

2016-12-06

Intermetallic compounds are increasingly being expected to be utilized in tribological environments, but to date their implementation is hindered by insufficient ductility at low and medium temperatures. This paper presents a novel multiphase intermetallic alloy with the chemical composition of Mo-40Ni-13Si (at %). Microstructure characterization reveals that a certain amount of ductile Mo phases formed during the solidification process of a ternary Mo-Ni-Si molten alloy, which is beneficial to the improvement of ductility of intermetallic alloys. Tribological properties of the designed alloy-including wear resistance, friction coefficient, and metallic tribological compatibility-were evaluated under dry sliding wear test conditions at room temperature. Results suggest that the multiphase alloy possesses an excellent tribological property, which is attributed to unique microstructural features and thereby a good combination in hardness and ductility. The corresponding wear mechanism is explained by observing the worn surface, subsurface, and wear debris of the alloy, which was found to be soft abrasive wear.

A Phase Field Study of the Effect of Microstructure Grain Size Heterogeneity on Grain Growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crist, David J. D.

Recent studies conducted with sharp-interface models suggest a link between the spatial distribution of grain size variance and average grain growth rate. This relationship and its effect on grain growth rate was examined using the diffuse-interface Phase Field Method on a series of microstructures with different degrees of grain size gradation. Results from this work indicate that the average grain growth rate has a positive correlation with the average grain size dispersion for phase field simulations, confirming previous observations. It is also shown that the grain growth rate in microstructures with skewed grain size distributions is better measured through the change in the volume-weighted average grain size than statistical mean grain size. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 1334283. The NSF project title is "DMREF: Real Time Control of Grain Growth in Metals" and was awarded by the Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation division under the Designing Materials to Revolutionize and Engineer our Future (DMREF) program.

Statistical scaling of geometric characteristics in stochastically generated pore microstructures

DOE PAGES

Hyman, Jeffrey D.; Guadagnini, Alberto; Winter, C. Larrabee

2015-05-21

In this study, we analyze the statistical scaling of structural attributes of virtual porous microstructures that are stochastically generated by thresholding Gaussian random fields. Characterization of the extent at which randomly generated pore spaces can be considered as representative of a particular rock sample depends on the metrics employed to compare the virtual sample against its physical counterpart. Typically, comparisons against features and/patterns of geometric observables, e.g., porosity and specific surface area, flow-related macroscopic parameters, e.g., permeability, or autocorrelation functions are used to assess the representativeness of a virtual sample, and thereby the quality of the generation method. Here, wemore » rely on manifestations of statistical scaling of geometric observables which were recently observed in real millimeter scale rock samples [13] as additional relevant metrics by which to characterize a virtual sample. We explore the statistical scaling of two geometric observables, namely porosity (Φ) and specific surface area (SSA), of porous microstructures generated using the method of Smolarkiewicz and Winter [42] and Hyman and Winter [22]. Our results suggest that the method can produce virtual pore space samples displaying the symptoms of statistical scaling observed in real rock samples. Order q sample structure functions (statistical moments of absolute increments) of Φ and SSA scale as a power of the separation distance (lag) over a range of lags, and extended self-similarity (linear relationship between log structure functions of successive orders) appears to be an intrinsic property of the generated media. The width of the range of lags where power-law scaling is observed and the Hurst coefficient associated with the variables we consider can be controlled by the generation parameters of the method.« less

A Geometric Approach to Modeling Microstructurally Small Fatigue Crack Formation. 2; Simulation and Prediction of Crack Nucleation in AA 7075-T651

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hochhalter, Jake D.; Littlewood, David J.; Christ, Robert J., Jr.; Veilleux, M. G.; Bozek, J. E.; Ingraffea, A. R.; Maniatty, Antionette M.

2010-01-01

The objective of this paper is to develop further a framework for computationally modeling microstructurally small fatigue crack growth in AA 7075-T651 [1]. The focus is on the nucleation event, when a crack extends from within a second-phase particle into a surrounding grain, since this has been observed to be an initiating mechanism for fatigue crack growth in this alloy. It is hypothesized that nucleation can be predicted by computing a non-local nucleation metric near the crack front. The hypothesis is tested by employing a combination of experimentation and nite element modeling in which various slip-based and energy-based nucleation metrics are tested for validity, where each metric is derived from a continuum crystal plasticity formulation. To investigate each metric, a non-local procedure is developed for the calculation of nucleation metrics in the neighborhood of a crack front. Initially, an idealized baseline model consisting of a single grain containing a semi-ellipsoidal surface particle is studied to investigate the dependence of each nucleation metric on lattice orientation, number of load cycles, and non-local regularization method. This is followed by a comparison of experimental observations and computational results for microstructural models constructed by replicating the observed microstructural geometry near second-phase particles in fatigue specimens. It is found that orientation strongly influences the direction of slip localization and, as a result, in uences the nucleation mechanism. Also, the baseline models, replication models, and past experimental observation consistently suggest that a set of particular grain orientations is most likely to nucleate fatigue cracks. It is found that a continuum crystal plasticity model and a non-local nucleation metric can be used to predict the nucleation event in AA 7075-T651. However, nucleation metric threshold values that correspond to various nucleation governing mechanisms must be calibrated.

Electrical resistivity of V-Cr-Ti alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zinkle, S.J.; Gubbi, A.N.; Eatherly, W.S.

1997-04-01

Room temperature electrical resistivity measurements have been performed on vanadium alloys containing 3-6%Cr and 3-6%Ti in order to evaluate the microstructural stability of these alloys. A nonlinear dependence on Cr and Ti concentration was observed, which suggests that either short range ordering or solute precipitation (perhaps in concert with interstitial solute clustering) has occurred in V-6Cr-6Ti.

Non-Linear Association between Cerebral Amyloid Deposition and White Matter Microstructure in Cognitively Healthy Older Adults.

PubMed

Wolf, Dominik; Fischer, Florian U; Scheurich, Armin; Fellgiebel, Andreas

2015-01-01

Cerebral amyloid-β accumulation and changes in white matter (WM) microstructure are imaging characteristics in clinical Alzheimer's disease and have also been reported in cognitively healthy older adults. However, the relationship between amyloid deposition and WM microstructure is not well understood. Here, we investigated the impact of quantitative cerebral amyloid load on WM microstructure in a group of cognitively healthy older adults. AV45-positron emission tomography and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scans of forty-four participants (age-range: 60 to 89 years) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative were analyzed. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), radial diffusivity (DR), and axial diffusivity (DA) were calculated to characterize WM microstructure. Regression analyses demonstrated non-linear (quadratic) relationships between amyloid deposition and FA, MD, as well as RD in widespread WM regions. At low amyloid burden, higher deposition was associated with increased FA as well as decreased MD and DR. At higher amyloid burden, higher deposition was associated with decreased FA as well as increased MD and DR. Additional regression analyses demonstrated an interaction effect between amyloid load and global WM FA, MD, DR, and DA on cognition, suggesting that cognition is only affected when amyloid is increasing and WM integrity is decreasing. Thus, increases in FA and decreases in MD and RD with increasing amyloid load at low levels of amyloid burden may indicate compensatory processes that preserve cognitive functioning. Potential mechanisms underlying the observed non-linear association between amyloid deposition and DTI metrics of WM microstructure are discussed.

Microstructure and High Temperature Oxidation Property of Fe-Cr-B Based Metal/Ceramic Composite Manufactured by Powder Injection Molding Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joo, Yeun-Ah; Kim, Young-Kyun; Yoon, Tae-Sik; Lee, Kee-Ahn

2018-03-01

This study investigated the microstructure and high temperature oxidation property of Fe-Cr-B metal/ceramic composite manufactured using powder injection molding process. Observations of initial microstructure showed a unique structure where α-Fe and (Cr, Fe)2B form a continuous three-dimensional network. High temperature oxidation tests were performed at 900, 1000 and 1100 °C, for 24 h, and the oxidation weight gain according to each temperature condition was 0.13, 0.84 and 6.4 mg/cm2, respectively. The oxidation results according to time at 900 and 1000 °C conditions represented parabolic curves, and at 1100 °C condition formed a rectilinear curve. Observation and phase analysis results of the oxides identified Cr2O3 and SiO2 at 900 and 1000 °C. In addition to Cr2O3 and SiO2, CrBO3 and FeCr2O4 formed due to phase decomposition of boride were identified at 1100 °C. Based on the findings above, this study suggested the high temperature oxidation mechanism of Fe-Cr-B metal/ceramic composite manufactured using powder injection molding, and the possibility of its application as a high temperature component material was also discussed.

Microstructure of the feather in Japanese Jungle Crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) with distinguishing gender differences.

PubMed

Lee, Eunok; Aoyama, Masato; Sugita, Shoei

2009-09-01

Assessing gender difference in Japanese Jungle Crows (Corvus macrorhynchos) is difficult by gross observation because both sexes have black plumage colors. Careful observation of the plumage, however, reveals that it is actually iridescent glossy purple and dark-green in color, and that these colors are more marked in adult males than in females. In birds, such iridescent structural colors are generally produced in the feather barbules, where light is scattered constructively by laminar arrays consisting of alternating layers of materials with different refractive indices, namely keratin, melanin and air. We have investigated differences in the microstructure of the feathers of male and female Jungle Crows by means of scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Male birds had more barbs than females, and the length of the prongs was shorter in males than in females. The density of the melanin granules in the cross-section of barbules was higher in males than in females. Moreover, only in males did the melanin granules show an ordered arrangement beneath a keratin cortex layer at the edges of barbules. These results demonstrate that there are microstructural differences in the feathers of male and female Jungle Crows and suggest that the Jungle Crows' feathers may have iridescent coloring that differs according to gender.

Age-related differences in autism: The case of white matter microstructure.

PubMed

Koolschijn, P Cédric M P; Caan, Matthan W A; Teeuw, Jalmar; Olabarriaga, Sílvia D; Geurts, Hilde M

2017-01-01

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is typified as a brain connectivity disorder in which white matter abnormalities are already present early on in life. However, it is unknown if and to which extent these abnormalities are hard-wired in (older) adults with ASD and how this interacts with age-related white matter changes as observed in typical aging. The aim of this first cross-sectional study in mid- and late-aged adults with ASD was to characterize white matter microstructure and its relationship with age. We utilized diffusion tensor imaging with head motion control in 48 adults with ASD and 48 age-matched controls (30-74 years), who also completed a Flanker task. Intra-individual variability of reaction times (IIVRT) measures based on performance on the Flanker interference task were used to assess IIVRT-white matter microstructure associations. We observed primarily higher mean and radial diffusivity in white matter microstructure in ASD, particularly in long-range fibers, which persisted after taking head motion into account. Importantly, group-by-age interactions revealed higher age-related mean and radial diffusivity in ASD, in projection and association fiber tracts. Subtle dissociations were observed in IIVRT-white matter microstructure relations between groups, with the IIVRT-white matter association pattern in ASD resembling observations in cognitive aging. The observed white matter microstructure differences are lending support to the structural underconnectivity hypothesis in ASD. These reductions seem to have behavioral percussions given the atypical relationship with IIVRT. Taken together, the current results may indicate different age-related patterns of white matter microstructure in adults with ASD. Hum Brain Mapp 38:82-96, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of microstructural inclusions on fatigue life of polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

PubMed

Simsiriwong, Jutima; Shrestha, Rakish; Shamsaei, Nima; Lugo, Marcos; Moser, Robert D

2015-11-01

In this study, the effects of microstructural inclusions on fatigue life of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) was investigated. Due to the versatility of its material properties, the semi-crystralline PEEK polymer has been increasingly adopted in a wide range of applications particularly as a biomaterial for orthopedic, trauma, and spinal implants. To obtain the cyclic behavior of PEEK, uniaxial fully-reversed strain-controlled fatigue tests were conducted at ambient temperature and at 0.02 mm/mm to 0.04 mm/mm strain amplitudes. The microstructure of PEEK was obtained using the optical and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the microstructural inclusion properties in PEEK specimen such as inclusion size, type, and nearest neighbor distance. SEM analysis was also conducted on the fracture surface of fatigue specimens to observe microstructural inclusions that served as the crack incubation sites. Based on the experimental strain-life results and the observed microstructure of fatigue specimens, a microstructure-sensitive fatigue model was used to predict the fatigue life of PEEK that includes both crack incubation and small crack growth regimes. Results show that the employed model is applicable to capture microstructural effects on fatigue behavior of PEEK. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Estimating integrated variance in the presence of microstructure noise using linear regression

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Holý, Vladimír

2017-07-01

Using financial high-frequency data for estimation of integrated variance of asset prices is beneficial but with increasing number of observations so-called microstructure noise occurs. This noise can significantly bias the realized variance estimator. We propose a method for estimation of the integrated variance robust to microstructure noise as well as for testing the presence of the noise. Our method utilizes linear regression in which realized variances estimated from different data subsamples act as dependent variable while the number of observations act as explanatory variable. We compare proposed estimator with other methods on simulated data for several microstructure noise structures.

Metallurgical characterization of M-Wire nickel-titanium shape memory alloy used for endodontic rotary instruments during low-cycle fatigue.

PubMed

Ye, Jia; Gao, Yong

2012-01-01

Rotary instruments made of a new nickel-titanium (NiTi) alloy (M-Wire) have shown improved cyclic fatigue resistance and mechanical properties compared with those made of conventional superelastic NiTi wires. The objective of this study was to characterize microstructural changes of M-Wire throughout the cyclic fatigue process under controlled strain amplitude. The average fatigue life was calculated from 30 M-Wire samples that were subjected to a strain-controlled (≈ 4%) rotating bend fatigue test at room temperature and rotational speed of 300 rpm. Microstructural evolution of M-Wire has been investigated by different metallurgical characterization techniques, including differential scanning calorimetry, Vickers microhardness, and transmission electron microscopy at 4 different stages (as-received state, 30%, 60%, and 90% of average fatigue life). During rotating bend fatigue test, no statistically significant difference (P > .05) was found on austenite finish temperatures between as-received M-Wire and fatigued samples. However, significant differences (P < .05) were observed on Vickers microhardness for samples with 60% and 90% fatigue life compared with as-received and 30% fatigue life. Coincidentally, substantial growth of martensite grains and martensite twins was observed in microstructure under transmission electron microscopy after 60% fatigue life. The results of the present study suggested that endodontic instruments manufactured with M-Wire are expected to have higher strength and wear resistance than similar instruments made of conventional superelastic NiTi wires because of its unique nano-crystalline martensitic microstructure. Copyright © 2012 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Autonomous Microstructure EM-APEX Floats

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-01-01

Autonomous Microstructure_EM-APEX_Float 4/8/16 at 3:21 PM 1 Title: Autonomous Microstructure EM-APEX Floats Authors: Ren-Chieh Lien1,2...Street Seattle, WA 98105 rcl@uw.edu Abstract: Fast responding FP-07 thermistors have been incorporated on profiling EM-APEX floats to measure...storage board. The raw and processed temperature observations are stored on a microSD card. Results from eight microstructure EM-APEX floats

Linear arrangements of nano-scale ferromagnetic particles spontaneously formed in a copper-base Cu-Ni-Co alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sakakura, Hibiki; Kim, Jun-Seop; Takeda, Mahoto

2018-03-01

We have investigated the influence of magnetic interactions on the microstructural evolution of nano-scale granular precipitates formed spontaneously in an annealed Cu-20at%Ni-5at%Co alloy and the associated changes of magnetic properties. The techniques used included transmission electron microscopy, superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry, magneto-thermogravimetry (MTG), and first-principles calculations based on the method of Koster-Korringa-Rostker with the coherent potential approximation. Our work has revealed that the nano-scale spherical and cubic precipitates which formed on annealing at 873 K and 973 K comprise mainly cobalt and nickel with a small amount of copper, and are arranged in the 〈1 0 0〉 direction of the copper matrix. The SQUID and MTG measurements suggest that magnetic properties such as coercivity and Curie temperature are closely correlated with the microstructure. The combination of results suggests that magnetic interactions between precipitates during annealing can explain consistently the observed precipitation phenomena.

A unique skeletal microstructure of the deep-sea micrabaciid scleractinian corals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Janiszewska, Katarzyna; Stolarski, Jaroslaw; Benzerara, Karim; Meibom, Anders; Mazur, Maciej; Kitahara, Marcelo; Cairns, Stephen D.

2010-05-01

Structural and biogeochemical properties of the skeleton of many invertebrates rely on organic matrix-mediated biomineralization processes. Organic matrices, composed of complex assemblages of macromolecules (proteins, polysaccharides), may control nucleation, spatial delineation and organization of basic microstructural units. Biologically controlled mineralization is also suggested for the scleractinian corals whose different, molecularly recognized clades are supported by distinct types of skeletal microstructures. Main differences in scleractinian coral skeletal microstructures suggested so far consist in (1) varying spatial relationships between Rapid Accretion Deposits (RAD, 'centers of calcification') and thickening deposits (TD, 'fibers'), and (2) varying arrangements of biomineral fibers into higher order structures (e.g., bundles of fibers perpendicular to skeletal surfaces in some 'caryophylliid' corals vs. scale-like units with fibers parallel to the surface in acroporiids). However, a common feature of biomineral fibers in corals described thus far was their similar crystallographic arrangement within larger meso-scale structures (bundles of fibers) and continuity between successive growth layers. Herein we show that representatives of the deep-sea scleractinian family Micrabaciidae (genera: Letepsammia, Rhombopsammia, Stephanophyllia, Leptopenus) have thickening deposits composed of irregular meshwork of short (1-2 μm) and extremely thin (ca. 100-300 nm) fibers organized into small bundles (ca. 1-2 μm thick). Longer axes of fibers are aligned within individual bundles that, in turn, show rather irregular arrangement on the growing surfaces and within the skeleton (irregular criss-cross pattern). In contrast to other scleractinians (including deep-water 'caryophylliids', fungiacyathids, and anthemiphyllids sympatric with micrabaciids), growth layers are not distinct. Also the regions of rapid accretion and thickening deposits are not clearly separated at the meso-scale. However, AFM and FESEM observations of RAD show nanogranular units (ca. 30-100 nm in diameter) typical of fast growing skeletal regions. Unique microstructural organization of the micrabaciid skeleton supports their monophyletic status (reinforced by macromorphological and molecular data), and points to a diversity of organic matrix-mediated biomineralization strategies in Scleractinia.

Widespread melt/rock interaction and seismic properties of the lithosphere above mantle plumes: Evidence from mantle xenoliths from French Polynesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tommasi, A.; Godard, M.; Coromina, G.; Dautria, J. M.; Barczus, H.

2003-04-01

In addition to thermal erosion, plume/lithosphere interaction may induce significant changes in the lithosphere chemical composition. To constrain the extent of this process in an oceanic environment and its consequences on the lithosphere seismic properties, we studied the relationship between petrological processes and microstructure in mantle xenoliths from the Austral-Cook, Society and Marquesas islands. Olivine forsterite contents in our sp-peridotites vary continuously from Fo91 to Fo83, the lowest Fo being observed in dunites and wehrlites. Yet, their high Ni content (up to 2500 ppm) precludes a cumulate origin. These rocks are rather interpreted as resulting from melt/rock reactions involving olivine precipitation and pyroxene dissolution, the dunites indicating high melt-rock ratios. Moreover, wehrlites display poikiloblastic diopside enclosing corroded olivines. Late crystallization of clinopyroxene, also observed in lherzolites, may result from a near-solidus melt-freezing reaction occurring at the boundary of a partial melting domain developed at the expenses of lithospheric mantle. These data suggest that the lithosphere above a mantle plume undergoes a complex sequence of magmatic processes that significantly change its composition. Yet, crystal preferred orientations and thus seismic anisotropy are little affected by these processes. Lherzolites and harzburgites, independent from composition, show high-temperature porphyroclastic microstructures and strong olivine CPO. Although dunites and wehrlites display annealing microstructures to which is associated a progressive dispersion of the olivine CPO, very weak CPO are limited to a few dunites and wehrlites, suggesting that CPO destruction is restricted to domains of intense magma-rock interaction due to localized flow or accumulation of magmas. Conversely, the compositional changes result in lower seismic velocities for P- and S-waves. Relative to normal mantle, seismic anomalies may attain -2.5 (2.2) percent for P (S) waves and be equivalent to those observed below the Deccan, Parana, or Ontong Java mesozoic LIPs.

Impact of solid state fermentation on nutritional, physical and flavor properties of wheat bran.

PubMed

Zhao, Hui-Min; Guo, Xiao-Na; Zhu, Ke-Xue

2017-02-15

To improve the nutritional, physical and flavor properties of wheat bran, yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were used for fermenting wheat bran in solid state. Appearance properties, nutritional properties, microstructure, hydration properties and flavor of raw bran and fermented bran were evaluated. After treatments, water extractable arabinoxylans were 3-4 times higher than in raw bran. Total dietary fiber and soluble dietary fiber increased after solid state fermentation. Over 20% of phytic acid was degraded. Microstructure changes and protein degradation were observed in fermented brans. Water holding capacity and water retention capacity of fermented brans were improved. Results suggest that solid state fermentation is an effective way to improve the properties of wheat brans. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Investigation of microstructural alterations in M50 and 52100 steel using nanoindentation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paulson, Kristin R.

Bearing steels are used in rolling elements and are designed to withstand heavy loads for an extended period of time. At the end of life, microstructural alterations within the material have been observed and are linked to failure. In this study, a three ball-on-rod fatigue tester was used to test M50 and 52100 steel cylindrical rods at differing loads of 4.0 GPa, 4.5 GPa, and 5.0 GPa and in lubricated and unlubricated conditions to 108 cycles in an attempt to produce microstructural alterations. Microstructural alterations characterized as butterflies were observed and investigated further in two M50 samples that were tested at 4.5 GPa to 10 8 cycles in the lubricated and unlubricated condition. Microstructural alterations characterized as dark etching regions (DER), and white etching bands (WEBs) were not observed. Additionally, hardness was investigated cross sectionally as a function of depth and location within the wear track produced by the fatigue test. No conclusive evidence was derived from the hardness measurements as a function of depth in relation to the formation of microstructural alterations or the stress experienced subsurface within the material. Hardness measurements performed specifically within a butterfly wing, however, returned hardness values significantly higher than the matrix hardness values.

The influence of sintering temperature on microstructure and mechanical properties of Ni-Al intermetallics fabricated by SPS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thömmes, A., E-mail: thoemmes.alexander@gmail.com; Shevtsova, L. I., E-mail: edeliya2010@mail.ru; Laptev, I. S., E-mail: ilya-laptev-nstu@mail.ru

2015-10-27

In the present study PN85Yu15 was used as elemental powder to produce a sintered compound with Ni3Al as main phase. The Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) technique is used to compact the powders. The powder was sintered in a temperature range between 1000°C and 1150°C to observe the influence of the sintering temperature on the microstructure and the mechanical properties. The microstructure was observed with optical microscope (OM), the phase composition was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. Density and microhardness were observed and compared the values with the results of other researchers. The compressive-, density- and microhardness tests show asmore » clear result that with increasing the sintering temperature nearly all properties become better and also the microstructure studies show that porous places become less.« less

Differences in Bone Quality between High versus Low Turnover Renal Osteodystrophy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Porter, Daniel S.; Pienkowski, David; Faugere, Marie-Claude

2012-01-01

Abnormal bone turnover is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD), but its effects on bone quality remain unclear. This study sought to quantify the relationship between abnormal bone turnover and bone quality. Iliac crest bone biopsies were obtained from CKD-5 patients on dialysis with low (n=18) or high (n=17) turnover, and from volunteers (n=12) with normal turnover and normal kidney function. Histomorphometric methods were used to quantify the microstructural parameters; Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nanoindentation were used to quantify the material and mechanical properties in bone. Reduced mineral-to-matrix ratio, mineral crystal size, stiffness and hardness were observed in bonemore » with high turnover compared to bone with normal or low turnover. Decreased cancellous bone volume and trabecular thickness were seen in bone with low turnover compared to bone with normal or high turnover. Bone quality, as defined by its microstructural, material, and mechanical properties, is related to bone turnover. These data suggest that turnover related alterations in bone quality may contribute to the known diminished mechanical competence of bone in CKD patients, albeit from different mechanisms for bone with high (material abnormality) vs. low (microstructural alteration) turnover. The present findings suggest that improved treatments for renal osteodystrophy should seek to avoid low or high bone turnover and aim for turnover rates as close to normal as possible.« less

Mechanistic principles of colloidal crystal growth by evaporation-induced convective steering.

PubMed

Brewer, Damien D; Allen, Joshua; Miller, Michael R; de Santos, Juan M; Kumar, Satish; Norris, David J; Tsapatsis, Michael; Scriven, L E

2008-12-02

We simulate evaporation-driven self-assembly of colloidal crystals using an equivalent network model. Relationships between a regular hexagonally close-packed array of hard, monodisperse spheres, the associated pore space, and selectivity mechanisms for face-centered cubic microstructure propagation are described. By accounting for contact line rearrangement and evaporation at a series of exposed menisci, the equivalent network model describes creeping flow of solvent into and through a rigid colloidal crystal. Observations concerning colloidal crystal growth are interpreted in terms of the convective steering hypothesis, which posits that solvent flow into and through the pore space of the crystal may play a major role in colloidal self-assembly. Aspects of the convective steering and deposition of high-Peclet-number rigid spherical particles at a crystal boundary are inferred from spatially resolved solvent flow into the crystal. Gradients in local flow through boundary channels were predicted due to the channels' spatial distribution relative to a pinned free surface contact line. On the basis of a uniform solvent and particle flux as the criterion for stability of a particular growth plane, these network simulations suggest the stability of a declining {311} crystal interface, a symmetry plane which exclusively propagates fcc microstructure. Network simulations of alternate crystal planes suggest preferential growth front evolution to the declining {311} interface, in consistent agreement with the proposed stability mechanism for preferential fcc microstructure propagation in convective assembly.

Persistence of abnormalities in white matter in children with type 1 diabetes.

PubMed

Fox, Larry A; Hershey, Tamara; Mauras, Nelly; Arbeláez, Ana Maria; Tamborlane, William V; Buckingham, Bruce; Tsalikian, Eva; Englert, Kim; Raman, Mira; Jo, Booil; Shen, Hanyang; Reiss, Allan; Mazaika, Paul

2018-07-01

Prior studies suggest white matter growth is reduced and white matter microstructure is altered in the brains of young children with type 1 diabetes when compared with brains of non-diabetic children, due in part to adverse effects of hyperglycaemia. This longitudinal observational study examines whether dysglycaemia alters the developmental trajectory of white matter microstructure over time in young children with type 1 diabetes. One hundred and eighteen children, aged 4 to <10 years old with type 1 diabetes and 58 age-matched, non-diabetic children were studied at baseline and 18 months, at five Diabetes Research in Children Network clinical centres. We analysed longitudinal trajectories of white matter using diffusion tensor imaging. Continuous glucose monitoring profiles and HbA 1c levels were obtained every 3 months. Axial diffusivity was lower in children with diabetes at baseline (p = 0.022) and at 18 months (p = 0.015), indicating that differences in white matter microstructure persist over time in children with diabetes. Within the diabetes group, lower exposure to hyperglycaemia, averaged over the time since diagnosis, was associated with higher fractional anisotropy (p = 0.037). Fractional anisotropy was positively correlated with performance (p < 0.002) and full-scale IQ (p < 0.02). These results suggest that hyperglycaemia is associated with altered white matter development, which may contribute to the mild cognitive deficits in this population.

Bone microstructure and developmental plasticity in birds and other dinosaurs.

PubMed

Starck, J Matthias; Chinsamy, Anusuya

2002-12-01

Patterns of bone microstructure have frequently been used to deduce dynamics and processes of growth in extant and fossil tetrapods. Often, the various types of primary bone tissue have been associated with different bone deposition rates and more recently such deductions have extended to patterns observed in dinosaur bone microstructure. These previous studies are challenged by the findings of the current research, which integrates an experimental neontological approach and a paleontological comparison. We use tetracycline labeling and morphometry to study the variability of bone deposition rates in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) growing under different experimental conditions. We compare resulting patterns in bone microstructure with those found in fossil birds and other dinosaurs. We found that a single type of primary bone varies significantly in rates of growth in response to environmental conditions. Ranging between 10-50 microm per day, rates of growth overlap with the full range of bone deposition rates that were previously associated with different patterns of bone histology. Bone formation rate was significantly affected by environmental/experimental conditions, skeletal element, and age. In the quail, the experimental conditions did not result in formation of lines of arrested growth (LAGs). Because of the observed variation of bone deposition rates in response to variation in environmental conditions, we conclude that bone deposition rates measured in extant birds cannot simply be extrapolated to their fossil relatives. Additionally, we observe the variable incidence of LAGs and annuli among several dinosaur species, including fossil birds, extant sauropsids, as well as nonmammalian synapsids, and some extant mammals. This suggests that the ancestral condition of the response of bone to environmental conditions was variable. We propose that such developmental plasticity in modern birds may be reduced in association with the shortened developmental time during the later evolution of the ornithurine birds. Copyright 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Microstructural and rheological evolution of calcite mylonites during shear zone thinning: Constraints from the Mount Irene shear zone, Fiordland, New Zealand

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Negrini, Marianne; Smith, Steven A. F.; Scott, James M.; Tarling, Matthew S.

2018-01-01

Layers of calc-mylonite in the Mount Irene shear zone, Fiordland, New Zealand, show substantial variations in thickness due to deflection of the shear zone boundaries around wall rock asperities. In relatively thick parts (c. 2.6 m) of the shear zone, calcite porphyroclasts are internally strained, contain abundant subgrain boundaries and have a strong shape preferred orientation (SPO) and crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO), suggesting that deformation occurred mainly by dislocation creep involving subgrain-rotation recrystallization. In relatively thin parts (c. 1.5 m) of the shear zone, aggregates of fine-grained recrystallized calcite surrounding flattened porphyroclasts have a weak SPO and CPO, and contain polygonal calcite grains with low degrees of internal misorientation. The recrystallized aggregates also contain microstructures (e.g. grain quadruple junctions, randomized misorientation axes) similar to those reported for neighbor-switching processes during grain-boundary sliding. Comparison of subgrain sizes in the porphyroclasts to published grain-size differential-stress relationships indicates that stresses and strain rates were substantially higher in relatively thin parts of the shear zone. The primary microstructural response to higher stresses and strain rates was an increase in the amount of recrystallization to produce aggregates that deformed by grain-boundary sliding. However, even after the development of interconnected networks of recrystallized grains, dislocation creep by subgrain-rotation recrystallization continued to occur within porphyroclasts. This behavior suggests that the bulk rheology of shear zones undergoing thinning and thickening can be controlled by concomitant grain-size insensitive and grain-size sensitive mechanisms. Overall, our observations show that shear zone thickness variations at constant P-T can result in highly variable stresses and strain rates, which in turn modifies microstructure, deformation mechanism and shear zone rheology.

Multi-criteria analysis of the mechanism of degradation of Portland cement based mortars exposed to external sulphate attack

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

El-Hachem, R.; Roziere, E.; Grondin, F.

2012-10-15

This work aims to contribute to the design of durable concrete structures exposed to external sulphate attacks (ESA). Following a preliminary study aimed at designing a representative test, the present paper suggests a study on the effect of the water-to-cement (w/c) ratio and the cement composition in order to understand the degradation mechanisms. Length and mass measurements were registered continuously, leached calcium and hydroxide ions were also quantified. In parallel, scanning electron microscopy observations as well as X-ray microtomography were realised at different times to identify the formed products and the crack morphology. Test results provide information on the basicmore » aspects of the degradation mechanism, such as the main role of leaching and diffusion in the sulphate attack process. The mortar composition with a low w/c ratio leads to a better resistance to sulphate attack because the microstructure is less permeable. Reducing the C{sub 3}A content results in a macro-cracking decrease but it does not prevent expansion, which suggests the contribution of other expansive products, such as gypsum, in damage due to ESA. The observation of the cracks network in the microstructure helps to understand the micro-mechanisms of the degradation process.« less

Structural and microstructural evolution of fault zones in Cretaceous poorly lithified sandstones of the Rio do Peixe basin, Paraiba, NE Brazil

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Balsamo, Fabrizio; Nogueira, Francisco; Storti, Fabrizio; Bezerra, Francisco H. R.; De Carvalho, Bruno R.; André De Souza, Jorge

2017-04-01

In this contribution we describe the structural architecture and microstructural features of fault zones developed in Cretaceous, poorly lithified sandstones of the Rio do Peixe basin, NE Brazil. The Rio do Peixe basin is an E-W-trending, intracontinental half-graben basin developed along the Precambrian Patos shear zone where it is abutted by the Porto Alegre shear zone. The basin formed during rifting between South America and Africa plates and was reactivated and inverted in a strike-slip setting during the Cenozoic. Sediments filling the basin consist of an heterolithic sequence of alternating sandstones, conglomerates, siltstone and clay-rich layers. These lithologies are generally poorly lithified far from the major fault zones. Deformational structures in the basin mostly consist of deformation band-dominated fault zones. Extensional and strike-slip fault zones, clusters of deformation bands, and single deformation bands are commonly well developed in the proximity of the basin-boundary fault systems. All deformation structures are generally in positive relief with respect to the host rocks. Extensional fault zones locally have growth strata in their hangingwall blocks and have displacement generally <10 m. In map view, they are organized in anastomosed segments with high connectivity. They strike E-W to NE-SW, and typically consist of wide fault cores (< 1 m in width) surrounded by up to few-meter wide damage zones. Fault cores are characterized by distributed deformation without pervasive strain localization in narrow shear bands, in which bedding is transposed into foliation imparted by grain preferred orientation. Microstructural observations show negligible cataclasis and dominant non-destructive particulate flow, suggesting that extensional fault zones developed in soft-sediment conditions in a water-saturated environment. Strike-slip fault zones commonly overprint the extensional ones and have displacement values typically lower than about 2 m. They are arranged in conjugate system consisting of NNW-SSE- and WNW-ESE-trending fault zones with left-lateral and right-lateral kinematics, respectively. Compared to extensional fault zones, strike-slip fault zones have narrow fault cores (few cm thick) and up to 2-3 m-thick damage zones. Microstructural observations indicate that cataclasis with pervasive grain size reduction is the dominant deformation mechanisms within the fault core, thus suggesting that late-stage strike-slip faulting occurred when sandstones were partially lithified by diagenetic processes. Alternatively, the change in deformation mechanisms may indicate faulting at greater depth. Structural and microstructural data suggest that fault zones in the Rio do Peixe basin developed in a progression from "ductile" (sensu Rutter, 1986) to more "brittle" deformation during changes from extensional to strike-slip kinematic fields. Such rheological and stress configuration evolution is expected to impact the petrophysical and permeability structure of fault zones in the study area.

Effect of formulation and baking conditions on the structure and development of non-enzymatic browning in biscuit models using images.

PubMed

Leiva-Valenzuela, Gabriel A; Quilaqueo, Marcela; Lagos, Daniela; Estay, Danilo; Pedreschi, Franco

2018-04-01

The aim of this research was to determine the effect of composition (dietary fiber = DF, fat = F, and gluten = G) and baking time on the target microstructural parameters that were observed using images of potato and wheat starch biscuits. Microstructures were studied Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). Non-enzymatic browning (NEB) was assessed using color image analysis. Texture and moisture analysis was performed to have a better understanding of the baking process. Analysis of images revealed that the starch granules retained their native form at the end of baking, suggesting their in complete gelatinization. Granules size was similar at several different baking times, with an average equivalent diameter of 9 and 27 µm for wheat and potato starch, respectively. However, samples with different levels of DF and G increased circularity during baking to more than 30%, and also increasing hardness. NEB developed during baking, with the maximum increase observed between 13 and 19 min. This was reflected in decreased luminosity (L*) values due to a decrease in moisture levels. After 19 min, luminosity did not vary significantly. The ingredients that are used, as well as their quantities, can affect sample L* values. Therefore, choosing the correct ingredients and quantities can lead to different microstructures in the biscuits, with varying amounts of NEB products.

Quantitative analysis of three-dimensional fibrillar collagen microstructure within the normal, aged and glaucomatous human optic nerve head

PubMed Central

Jones, H. J.; Girard, M. J.; White, N.; Fautsch, M. P.; Morgan, J. E.; Ethier, C. R.; Albon, J.

2015-01-01

The aim of this study was to quantify connective tissue fibre orientation and alignment in young, old and glaucomatous human optic nerve heads (ONH) to understand ONH microstructure and predisposition to glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Transverse (seven healthy, three glaucomatous) and longitudinal (14 healthy) human ONH cryosections were imaged by both second harmonic generation microscopy and small angle light scattering (SALS) in order to quantify preferred fibre orientation (PFO) and degree of fibre alignment (DOFA). DOFA was highest within the peripapillary sclera (ppsclera), with relatively low values in the lamina cribrosa (LC). Elderly ppsclera DOFA was higher than that in young ppsclera (p < 0.00007), and generally higher than in glaucoma ppsclera. In all LCs, a majority of fibres had preferential orientation horizontally across the nasal–temporal axis. In all glaucomatous LCs, PFO was significantly different from controls in a minimum of seven out of 12 LC regions (p < 0.05). Additionally, higher fibre alignment was observed in the glaucomatous inferior–temporal LC (p < 0.017). The differences between young and elderly ONH fibre alignment within regions suggest that age-related microstructural changes occur within the structure. The additional differences in fibre alignment observed within the glaucomatous LC may reflect an inherent susceptibility to glaucomatous optic neuropathy, or may be a consequence of ONH remodelling and/or collapse. PMID:25808336

Quantitative analysis of three-dimensional fibrillar collagen microstructure within the normal, aged and glaucomatous human optic nerve head.

PubMed

Jones, H J; Girard, M J; White, N; Fautsch, M P; Morgan, J E; Ethier, C R; Albon, J

2015-05-06

The aim of this study was to quantify connective tissue fibre orientation and alignment in young, old and glaucomatous human optic nerve heads (ONH) to understand ONH microstructure and predisposition to glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Transverse (seven healthy, three glaucomatous) and longitudinal (14 healthy) human ONH cryosections were imaged by both second harmonic generation microscopy and small angle light scattering (SALS) in order to quantify preferred fibre orientation (PFO) and degree of fibre alignment (DOFA). DOFA was highest within the peripapillary sclera (ppsclera), with relatively low values in the lamina cribrosa (LC). Elderly ppsclera DOFA was higher than that in young ppsclera (p < 0.00007), and generally higher than in glaucoma ppsclera. In all LCs, a majority of fibres had preferential orientation horizontally across the nasal-temporal axis. In all glaucomatous LCs, PFO was significantly different from controls in a minimum of seven out of 12 LC regions (p < 0.05). Additionally, higher fibre alignment was observed in the glaucomatous inferior-temporal LC (p < 0.017). The differences between young and elderly ONH fibre alignment within regions suggest that age-related microstructural changes occur within the structure. The additional differences in fibre alignment observed within the glaucomatous LC may reflect an inherent susceptibility to glaucomatous optic neuropathy, or may be a consequence of ONH remodelling and/or collapse.

Experimental Investigation on High-Cycle Fatigue of Inconel 625 Superalloy Brazed Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Jianqiang; Demers, Vincent; Turner, Daniel P.; Bocher, Philippe

2018-04-01

The high-cycle fatigue performance and crack growth pattern of transient liquid phase-brazed joints in a nickel-based superalloy Inconel 625 were studied. Assemblies with different geometries and types of overlaps were vacuum-brazed using the brazing paste Palnicro-36M in conditions such as to generate eutectic-free joints. This optimal microstructure provides the brazed assemblies with static mechanical strength corresponding to that of the base metal. However, eutectic micro-constituents were observed in the fillet region of the brazed assembly due to an incomplete isothermal solidification within this large volume of filler metal. The fatigue performance increased significantly with the overlap distance for single-lap joints, and the best performance was found for double-lap joints. It was demonstrated that these apparent changes in fatigue properties according to the specimen geometry can be rationalized when looking at the fatigue data as a function of the local stress state at the fillet radii. Fatigue cracks were nucleated from brittle eutectic phases located at the surface of the fillet region. Their propagation occurred through the bimodal microstructure of fillet and the diffusion region to reach the base metal. High levels of crack path tortuosity were observed, suggesting that the ductile phases found in the microstructure may act as a potential crack stopper. The fillet region must be considered as the critical region of a brazed assembly for fatigue applications.

Textural evidence of the significance of compaction in the formation of adcumulates in the Skaergaard intrusion, East Greenland

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vukmanovic, Zoja; Holness, Marian; Mariani, Elisabetta

2017-04-01

It has been argued that the upwards decrease in incompatible element concentration in the Skaergaard Layered Series is due to an upwards increasing significance of compaction driven by gravitational loading. The suggested mechanisms for compaction are dislocation creep and dissolution-reprecipitation creep. Localised elongate zones of strong modal banding in the upper part of the Layered Series, known as trough bands, have also been interpreted as the result of localised recrystallization during compaction. In this study we examine the microstructures of Skaergaard gabbros to determine whether their fabrics (foliations and lineations) preserve a record of compaction. The most common microstructures formed by dislocation creep are low angle boundaries and, as a result of ongoing recovery processes, new grains. The (010)[001] slip system in plagioclase is commonly observed to be a "soft" orientation, creating a crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) defined by the alignment of (010) planes, with [001] parallel to lineation. Previous work on dissolution-reprecipitation creep, shows a CPO with (010) planes aligned parallel to the principal compressive stress, and preferential mineral growth on (010) planes to form an SPO defined by grains elongated perpendicular to (010). In the Skaergaard Layered Series, the shape of cumulus plagioclase grains (as viewed in thin section) changes systematically up through the stratigraphy from highly tabular to equant. Foliations, defined both by a plagioclase SPO (with tabular grains aligned horizontally) and an associated CPO ((010) parallel to foliation), are strongest lower in the stratigraphy and reduce in strength upwards. Evidence for crystal plasticity is limited to bending of some plagioclase crystals and small numbers of low angle boundaries in all phases. There are no signs of recovery associated with dislocation creep. Compositional zoning is present on all plagioclase growth faces in the lower part of the stratigraphy, inconsistent with preferential dissolution-reprecipitation during compression. There are no fabrics or microstructures that can be attributed to solution-reprecipitation, and evidence for only minor microstructural modification by dislocation creep throughout the entire stratigraphy. The trough bands are characterised by strong lineation of elongate grains, an almost complete absence of microstructures caused by deformation, and euhedral plagioclase grains with concentric compositional zoning. These observations rule out recrystallization driven by compaction, and support the hypothesis that the modal banding in the trough bands is a result of grain sorting by magmatic flow. Our observations suggest that the Skaergaard fabrics throughout the Layered Series, are primary and formed at or close to the magma-mush interface as a consequence of particle re-arrangement by magmatic current, with only minor deformation-related fabric modification deeper in the mush. The Skaergaard adcumulates cannot therefore be attributed to compaction.

Imaging subtle microstructural variations in ceramics with precision ultrasonic velocity and attenuation measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, Edward R.; Roth, Don J.; Baaklini, George Y.

1987-01-01

Acoustic images of a silicon carbide ceramic disk were obtained using a precision scanning contact pulse echo technique. Phase and cross-correlation velocity, and attenuation maps were used to form color images of microstructural variations. These acoustic images reveal microstructural variations not observable with X-ray radiography.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of hip-consolidated Rene 95 powders. [hot-isostatic pressed nickel-based powder metal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shimanuki, Y.; Nishino, Y.; Masui, M.; Doi, H.

1980-01-01

The effects of heat-treatments on the microstructure of P/M Rene 95 (a nickel-based powder metal), consolidated by the hot-isostatic pressing (HIP), were examined. The microstructure of as-HIP'd specimen was characterized by highly serrated grain boundaries. Mechanical tests and microstructural observations reveal that the serrated grain boundaries improved ductility at both room and elevated temperatures by retarding crack propagation along grain boundaries.

Application of Image Analysis for Characterization of Spatial Arrangements of Features in Microstructure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Louis, Pascal; Gokhale, Arun M.

1995-01-01

A number of microstructural processes are sensitive to the spatial arrangements of features in microstructure. However, very little attention has been given in the past to the experimental measurements of the descriptors of microstructural distance distributions due to the lack of practically feasible methods. We present a digital image analysis procedure to estimate the micro-structural distance distributions. The application of the technique is demonstrated via estimation of K function, radial distribution function, and nearest-neighbor distribution function of hollow spherical carbon particulates in a polymer matrix composite, observed in a metallographic section.

Microstructure of β-Sitosterol:γ-Oryzanol Edible Organogels.

PubMed

Matheson, Andrew B; Koutsos, Vasileios; Dalkas, Georgios; Euston, Stephen; Clegg, Paul

2017-05-09

Rheology and atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed to examine the microstructure of β-sitosterol:γ-oryzanol organogels in sunflower oil. Using time-resolved rheology, we followed gel formation, paying specific attention to the fibril aggregation process, which had not been studied in detail previously for this system. Using AFM, we observed gel structures directly and obtained detailed information on the gel structure, far exceeding previous studies. Our analysis suggests that though gels are formed by the self-assembly and aggregation of one-dimensional fibrils, the manner in which these fibrils aggregate into ribbons results in complex structures of higher dimensionality. We emphasize that it is a surprise to find ribbons and not twisted strands. Comparing AFM images of 10% w/w and 20% w/w gelator systems, we observed differences in the degree of branching which are consistent with the rheology. We also observed the individual self-assembled fibrils which make up these gels with much greater clarity than in previous microscopy studies, and the fibril diameters of ∼9.8 nm we measured agree excellently with those obtained from existing small-angle neutron scattering data. These results provide new insight into the structure and formation kinetics of this important organogel system.

Stress Rupture Fracture Model and Microstructure Evolution for Waspaloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Zhihao; Zhang, Maicang; Dong, Jianxin

2013-07-01

Stress rupture behavior and microstructure evolution of nickel-based superalloy Waspaloy specimens from tenon teeth of an as-received 60,000-hour service-exposed gas turbine disk were studied between 923 K and 1088 K (650 °C and 815 °C) under initial applied stresses varying from 150 to 840 MPa. Good microstructure stability and performance were verified for this turbine disk prior to stress rupture testing. Microstructure instability, such as the coarsening and dissolution of γ' precipitates at the varying test conditions, was observed to be increased with temperature and reduced stress. Little microstructure variation was observed at 923 K (650 °C). Only secondary γ' instability occurred at 973 K (700 °C). Four fracture mechanisms were obtained. Transgranular creep fracture was exhibited up to 923 K (650 °C) and at high stress. A mixed mode of transgranular and intergranular creep fracture occurred with reduced stress as a transition to intergranular creep fracture (ICF) at low stress. ICF was dominated by grain boundary sliding at low temperature and by the nucleation and growth of grain boundary cavities due to microstructure instability at high temperature. The fracture mechanism map and microstructure-related fracture model were constructed. Residual lifetime was also evaluated by the Larson-Miller parameter method.

Structural integrity of additive materials: Microstructure, fatigue behavior, and surface processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Book, Todd A.

Although Additive Manufacturing (AM) offers numerous performance advantages over existing methods, AM structures are not being utilized for critical aerospace and mechanical applications due to uncertainties in their structural integrity as a result of the microstructural variations and defects arising from the AM process itself. Two of these uncertainties are the observed scatter in tensile strength and fatigue lives of direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) parts. With strain localization a precursor for material failure, this research seeks to explore the impact of microstructural variations in DMLS produced materials on strain localization. The first part of this research explores the role of the microstructure in strain localization of DMLS produced IN718 and Ti6Al4V specimens (as-built and post-processed) through the characterization of the linkage between microstructural variations, and the accumulation of plastic strain during monotonic and low cycle fatigue loading. The second part of this research explores the feasibility for the application of select surface processing techniques in-situ during the DMLS build process to alter the microstructure in AlSi10Mg to reduce strain localization and improve material cohesion. This study is based on utilizing experimental observations through the employment of advanced material characterization techniques such as digital image correlation to illustrate the impacts of DMLS microstructural variation.

Orogen-scale along-strike continuity in quartz recrystallization microstructures adjacent to the Main Central Thrust: implications for deformation temperatures, strain rates and flow stresses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Law, Richard

2015-04-01

Traced for ~ 1500 km along the foreland edge of the Himalaya from NW India to Bhutan published reports indicate a remarkable along-strike continuity of quartz recrystallization microstructures in the footwall and hanging wall to the Main Central Thrust (MCT). Recrystallization in Lesser Himalayan Series (LHS) rocks in the footwall to the MCT is dominated by grain boundary bulging (BLG) microstructures, while recrystallization in Greater Himalayan Series (GHS) rocks in the hanging wall is dominated by grain boundary migration microstructures that traced structurally upwards transition in to the anatectic core of the GHS. In foreland-positioned high-strain rocks adjacent to the MCT recrystallization is dominated by subgrain rotation (SGR) with transitional BLG-SGR and SGR-GBM microstructures being recorded at structural distances of up to a few hundred meters below and above the MCT, respectively. Correlation with available information on temperatures of metamorphism indicated by mineral phase equilibria and RSCM data suggests that recrystallization in the structural zones dominated by BLG, SGR and GBM occurred at temperatures of ~ 350-450, 450-550 and 550- > 650 °C, respectively. It should be kept in mind, however, that these temperatures are likely to be 'close-to-peak' temperatures of metamorphism, whereas penetrative shearing and recrystallization may have continued during cooling. The dominance of SGR along the more foreland-positioned exposures of the MCT intuitively suggests that shearing occurred under a relatively restricted range of deformation temperatures and strain rates. Plotting the 'close-to-peak' 450-500 °C temperatures of metamorphism indicated for SGR-dominated rocks located at up to a few hundred meters below/above the MCT on the quartz recrystallization map developed by Stipp et al. (2002) indicates 'ball-park' strain rates of ~ 10-13 to 10-10 sec-1. However, only strain rates slower than 10-12 sec-1 on the MCT are likely to be compatible with know convergence rates between the Indian and Asian plates. If shearing continued during retrograde cooling while remaining in the SGR field, then the recrystallization map suggests that a significant drop in deformation temperature (> ~75-100 °C) would result in a decrease in strain rate. In general, however, the presence of a single recrystallization microstructure traced over a large (regional scale) distance does not necessarily mean that deformation temperature (or strain rate) remains constant but could, for example, indicate that spatial variations in deformation temperature are compensated for by changes in strain rate, with grain-scale deformation remaining within a particular recrystallization regime. Constant stress conditions plot along a straight line in the 1/T versus log strain rate space used in the quartz recrystallization mechanism map. This suggests that the observed along-strike consistency of SGR-dominated recrystallization microstructures may indicate near to constant stress boundary conditions (albeit with varying temperatures and strain rates) prevailing along what are now the more foreland-positioned exposures of the MCT. Extrapolation of the Hirth et al. (2001) flow law suggests a flow stress of ~ 30-50 MPa based on the deformation temperatures and strain rates inferred for foreland-positioned exposures of the MCT, in agreement with flow stresses estimated from recrystallized quartz grain size data.

Cleavage fracture in high strength low alloy weld metal

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Bose, W.W.; Bowen, P.; Strangwood, M.

1996-12-31

The present investigation gives an evaluation of the effect of microstructure on the cleavage fracture process of High Strength Low Alloy (HSLA) multipass weld metals. With additions of alloying elements, such as Ti, Ni, Mo and Cr, the microstructure of C-Mn weld metal changes from the classical composition, i.e., allotriomorphic ferrite with acicular ferrite and Widmanstaetten ferrite, to bainite and low carbon martensite. Although the physical metallurgy of some HSLA weld metals has been studied before, more work is necessary to correlate the effect of the microstructure on the fracture behavior of such weld metals. In this work detailed microstructuralmore » analysis was carried out using optical and electron (SEM and TEM) microscopy. Single edge notched (SEN) bend testpieces were used to assess the cleavage fracture stress, {sigma}{sub F}. Inclusions beneath the notch surface were identified as the crack initiators of unstable cleavage fracture. From the size of such inclusions and the value of tensile stress predicted at the initiation site, the effective surface energy for cleavage was calculated using a modified Griffth energy balance for a penny shape crack. The results suggest that even though inclusions initiate cleavage fracture, the local microstructure may play an important role in the fracture process of these weld metals. The implications of these observations for a quantitative theory of the cleavage fracture of ferritic steels is discussed.« less

Effect of different types of surfactants on the microstructure of methyltrimethoxysilane-derived silica aerogels: A combined experimental and computational approach.

PubMed

Vareda, João P; Maximiano, Pedro; Cunha, Luís P; Ferreira, André F; Simões, Pedro N; Durães, Luísa

2018-02-15

Surfactants interfere with sol-gel particle/pore growth, influencing the structure and properties of silica aerogels. Their ability to induce microscopic changes in the aerogel's structure may be useful to improve/control the thermal insulation performance of aerogels. The influence of different types of surfactants (anionic, cationic and non-ionic) on the microstructural arrangement and macroscopic properties of methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS)-based aerogels was evaluated for the first time, using an experimental and computational comparative approach. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed based on two representative silica molecular structures derived from MTMS, while the experimentally-obtained silica aerogels were characterized in terms of chemical/structural/mechanical/thermal insulation properties. The use of both hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) led to a decrease in bulk density, thermal conductivity and average pore size of the aerogels, with notorious increase of their flexibility. The observed changes were due to microstructural arrangements, as evidenced by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). However, the non-ionic surfactant, Pluronic F-127, did not have a positive impact on the desired properties. Globally, the simulation results support the experimental findings, suggesting differentiated microstructural changes induced by the use of cationic or anionic surfactants. The addition of CTAB and SDS generally resulted in smaller or larger silica aggregates, respectively. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

3D Microstructure Effects in Ni-YSZ Anodes: Influence of TPB Lengths on the Electrochemical Performance.

PubMed

Pecho, Omar M; Mai, Andreas; Münch, Beat; Hocker, Thomas; Flatt, Robert J; Holzer, Lorenz

2015-10-21

3D microstructure-performance relationships in Ni-YSZ anodes for electrolyte-supported cells are investigated in terms of the correlation between the triple phase boundary (TPB) length and polarization resistance ( R pol ). Three different Ni-YSZ anodes of varying microstructure are subjected to eight reduction-oxidation (redox) cycles at 950 °C. In general the TPB lengths correlate with anode performance . However, the quantitative results also show that there is no simplistic relationship between TPB and R pol . The degradation mechanism strongly depends on the initial microstructure. Finer microstructures exhibit lower degradation rates of TPB and R pol . In fine microstructures, TPB loss is found to be due to Ni coarsening, while in coarse microstructures reduction of active TPB results mainly from loss of YSZ percolation. The latter is attributed to weak bottlenecks associated with lower sintering activity of the coarse YSZ. The coarse anode suffers from complete loss of YSZ connectivity and associated drop of TPB active by 93%. Surprisingly, this severe microstructure degradation did not lead to electrochemical failure. Mechanistic scenarios are discussed for different anode microstructures. These scenarios are based on a model for coupled charge transfer and transport, which allows using TPB and effective properties as input. The mechanistic scenarios describe the microstructure influence on current distributions, which explains the observed complex relationship between TPB lengths and anode performances. The observed loss of YSZ percolation in the coarse anode is not detrimental because the electrochemical activity is concentrated in a narrow active layer. The anode performance can be predicted reliably if the volume-averaged properties (TPB active , effective ionic conductivity) are corrected for the so-called short-range effect, which is particularly important in cases with a narrow active layer.

3D Microstructure Effects in Ni-YSZ Anodes: Influence of TPB Lengths on the Electrochemical Performance

PubMed Central

Pecho, Omar M.; Mai, Andreas; Münch, Beat; Hocker, Thomas; Flatt, Robert J.; Holzer, Lorenz

2015-01-01

3D microstructure-performance relationships in Ni-YSZ anodes for electrolyte-supported cells are investigated in terms of the correlation between the triple phase boundary (TPB) length and polarization resistance (Rpol). Three different Ni-YSZ anodes of varying microstructure are subjected to eight reduction-oxidation (redox) cycles at 950 °C. In general the TPB lengths correlate with anode performance. However, the quantitative results also show that there is no simplistic relationship between TPB and Rpol. The degradation mechanism strongly depends on the initial microstructure. Finer microstructures exhibit lower degradation rates of TPB and Rpol. In fine microstructures, TPB loss is found to be due to Ni coarsening, while in coarse microstructures reduction of active TPB results mainly from loss of YSZ percolation. The latter is attributed to weak bottlenecks associated with lower sintering activity of the coarse YSZ. The coarse anode suffers from complete loss of YSZ connectivity and associated drop of TPBactive by 93%. Surprisingly, this severe microstructure degradation did not lead to electrochemical failure. Mechanistic scenarios are discussed for different anode microstructures. These scenarios are based on a model for coupled charge transfer and transport, which allows using TPB and effective properties as input. The mechanistic scenarios describe the microstructure influence on current distributions, which explains the observed complex relationship between TPB lengths and anode performances. The observed loss of YSZ percolation in the coarse anode is not detrimental because the electrochemical activity is concentrated in a narrow active layer. The anode performance can be predicted reliably if the volume-averaged properties (TPBactive, effective ionic conductivity) are corrected for the so-called short-range effect, which is particularly important in cases with a narrow active layer. PMID:28793624

Emergence of microstructure and oxygen diffusion in yttrium-stabilized cubic zirconia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, C.; Trachenko, K.; Hull, S.; Todorov, I. T.; Dove, M. T.

2018-05-01

Large-scale molecular dynamics simulations have been used to study the microstructure in Y-doped ZrO2. From simulations performed as a function of composition the dependence of microstructure on composition is quantified, showing how it is formed from two coexisting phases, and the transformation to the stabilized cubic form is observed at higher concentrations of yttrium and higher temperatures. The effect of composition and temperature on oxygen diffusion is also studied, showing strong correlations between microstructure and diffusion.

The microstructure of starchy food modulates its digestibility.

PubMed

Tian, Jinhu; Ogawa, Yukiharu; Shi, John; Chen, Shiguo; Zhang, Huiling; Liu, Donghong; Ye, Xingqian

2018-06-05

Starch is the main carbohydrate in human nutrition and shows a range of desired food properties. It has been demonstrated that fast digestion of starchy food can induce many health issues (e.g., hyperglycaemia, diabetes, etc.); therefore, how to modulate its digestion is an interesting topic. Previous studies have revealed that the microstructure and digestibility of starchy food of different botanical origin or from multiple processes are quite different; modulating starch digestion by retaining or altering its microstructure may be effective. In the present review, the current knowledge of the relationship between microstructural changes to starchy food and its digestibility at molecular, cell and tissue, and food processing levels is summarized. New technologies focused on microstructure studies and ways to manipulate food microstructure to modulate starch digestibility are also reviewed. In particular, some insights focusing on the future study of microstructure and the digestibility of starchy food are also suggested.

Solidification microstructures in single-crystal stainless steel melt pools

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sipf, J.B.; Boatner, L.A.; David, S.A.

1994-03-01

Development of microstructure of stationary melt pools of oriented stainless steel single crystals (70%Fe-15%Ni-15%Cr was analyzed. Stationary melt pools were formed by electron-beam and gas-tungsten-arc heating on (001), (011), and (111) oriented planes of the austenitic, fcc-alloy crystals. Characterization and analysis of resulting microstructure was carried out for each crystallographic plane and welding method. Results showed that crystallography which favors ``easy growth`` along the <100> family of directions is a controlling factor in the microstructural formation along with the melt-pool shape. The microstructure was found to depend on the melting method, since each method forms a unique melt-pool shape. Thesemore » results are used in making a three-dimensional reconstruction of the microstructure for each plane and melting method employed. This investigation also suggests avenues for future research into the microstructural properties of electron-beam welds as well as providing an experimental basis for mathematical models for the prediction of solidification microstructures.« less

Microscale Modeling of Porous Thermal Protection System Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stern, Eric C.

Ablative thermal protection system (TPS) materials play a vital role in the design of entry vehicles. Most simulation tools for ablative TPS in use today take a macroscopic approach to modeling, which involves heavy empiricism. Recent work has suggested improving the fidelity of the simulations by taking a multi-scale approach to the physics of ablation. In this work, a new approach for modeling ablative TPS at the microscale is proposed, and its feasibility and utility is assessed. This approach uses the Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method to simulate the gas flow through the microstructure, as well as the gas-surface interaction. Application of the DSMC method to this problem allows the gas phase dynamics---which are often rarefied---to be modeled to a high degree of fidelity. Furthermore this method allows for sophisticated gas-surface interaction models to be implemented. In order to test this approach for realistic materials, a method for generating artificial microstructures which emulate those found in spacecraft TPS is developed. Additionally, a novel approach for allowing the surface to move under the influence of chemical reactions at the surface is developed. This approach is shown to be efficient and robust for performing coupled simulation of the oxidation of carbon fibers. The microscale modeling approach is first applied to simulating the steady flow of gas through the porous medium. Predictions of Darcy permeability for an idealized microstructure agree with empirical correlations from the literature, as well as with predictions from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) when the continuum assumption is valid. Expected departures are observed for conditions at which the continuum assumption no longer holds. Comparisons of simulations using a fabricated microstructure to experimental data for a real spacecraft TPS material show good agreement when similar microstructural parameters are used to build the geometry. The approach is then applied to investigating the ablation of porous materials through oxidation. A simple gas surface interaction model is described, and an approach for coupling the surface reconstruction algorithm to the DSMC method is outlined. Simulations of single carbon fibers at representative conditions suggest this approach to be feasible for simulating the ablation of porous TPS materials at scale. Additionally, the effect of various simulation parameters on in-depth morphology is investigated for random fibrous microstructures.

Influence of Size on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of an AISI 304L Stainless Steel—A Comparison between Bulk and Fibers

PubMed Central

Baldenebro-Lopez, Francisco J.; Gomez-Esparza, Cynthia D.; Corral-Higuera, Ramon; Arredondo-Rea, Susana P.; Pellegrini-Cervantes, Manuel J.; Ledezma-Sillas, Jose E.; Martinez-Sanchez, Roberto; Herrera-Ramirez, Jose M.

2015-01-01

In this work, the mechanical properties and microstructural features of an AISI 304L stainless steel in two presentations, bulk and fibers, were systematically studied in order to establish the relationship among microstructure, mechanical properties, manufacturing process and effect on sample size. The microstructure was analyzed by XRD, SEM and TEM techniques. The strength, Young’s modulus and elongation of the samples were determined by tensile tests, while the hardness was measured by Vickers microhardness and nanoindentation tests. The materials have been observed to possess different mechanical and microstructural properties, which are compared and discussed. PMID:28787949

Effect of convection on the microstructure of the MnBi/Bi eutectic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Eisa, Gaber Faheem; Wilcox, william R.; Busch, Garrett

1986-01-01

For the quasi-regular fibrous microstructure of MnBi formed at freezing rates of 9 mm/h and above, good agreement between experimental and theoretical results for fiber spacing, freezing rate, radial position, and ampoule rotation rate is found. For the irregular blade-like microstructure formed at lower freezing rates, convection is found to coarsen the microstructure somwhat more than predicted. The volume fraction of MnBi was also shown to depend on ampoule rotation and radial position, even in the absence of ampoule rotation. The two-fold finer microstructure observed in space-processed material could not be explained by the elimination of buoyancy-driven natural convection.

Microstructural Evolution of Ti-6Al-4V during High Strain Rate Conditions of Metal Cutting

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dong, Lei; Schneider, Judy

2009-01-01

The microstructural evolution following metal cutting was investigated within the metal chips of Ti-6Al-4V. Metal cutting was used to impose a high strain rate on the order of approx.10(exp 5)/s within the primary shear zone as the metal was removed from the workpiece. The initial microstructure of the parent material (PM) was composed of a bi-modal microstructure with coarse prior grains and equiaxed primary located at the boundaries. After metal cutting, the microstructure of the metal chips showed coarsening of the equiaxed primary grains and lamellar. These metallographic findings suggest that the metal chips experienced high temperatures which remained below the transus temperature.

Microstructure Evolution in Cut Metal Chips of Ti-6Al-4V

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dong, L.; Schneider, J. A.

2008-01-01

The microstructural evolution following metal cutting was investigated within metal chips of Ti-6Al-4V. Metal cutting was used to impose a high strain rate on the order of approx.10(exp 5)/s within the primary shear zone as the metal was removed from the workpiece. The initial microstructure of the parent material (PM) was composed of a bi-modal microstructure with coarse prior beta grains and equiaxed primary alpha located at the boundaries. After metal cutting, the microstructure of the metal chips showed coarsening of the equiaxed primary alpha grains and beta lamellar. These metallographic findings suggest that the metal chips experienced high temperatures which remained below the beta transus temperature.

Microstructural Characteristics of High Rate Plastic Deformation in Elektron™ WE43 Magnesium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hamilton, Joseph; Brennan, Sarah T.; Sohn, Yongho; Davis, Bruce; DeLorme, Rick; Cho, Kyu

High strain rate deformation of WE43 magnesium alloy was carried out by high velocity impacts, and the characteristics and mechanisms of microstructural damage were examined. Six samples were subjected to a variety of high velocity impact loadings that resulted in both partial and full damage. Optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopy analyses were performed in order to identify regions of shear localization. These regions were used to map, both quantitatively and qualitatively, the effects of deformation on the microstructure. Shear localization was observed in every sample, and its depth was measured. Evidence of shear localization was observed to a greater extent in samples with partial damage while fracturing was observed more frequently in samples with full damage.

Investigation of porous asphalt microstructure using optical and electron microscopy.

PubMed

Poulikakos, L D; Partl, M N

2010-11-01

Direct observations of porous asphalt concrete samples in their natural state using optical and electron microscopy techniques led to useful information regarding the microstructure of two mixes and indicated a relationship between microstructure and in situ performance. This paper presents evidence that suboptimal microstructure can lead to premature failure thus making a first step in defining well or suboptimal performing pavements with a bottom-up approach (microstructure). Laboratory and field compaction produce different samples in terms of the microstructure. Laboratory compaction using the gyratory method has produced more microcracks in mineral aggregates after the binder had cooled. Well-performing mixes used polymer-modified binders, had a more homogeneous void structure with fewer elongated voids and better interlocking of the aggregates. Furthermore, well-performing mixes showed better distribution of the mastic and better coverage of the aggregates with bitumen. Low vacuum scanning electron microscopy showed that styrene butadiene styrene polymer modification in binder exists in the form of discontinuous globules and not continuous networks. A reduction in the polymer phase was observed as a result of aging and in-service use. © 2010 The Authors Journal compilation © 2010 The Royal Microscopical Society.

Molecular modeling of the microstructure evolution during carbon fiber processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desai, Saaketh; Li, Chunyu; Shen, Tongtong; Strachan, Alejandro

2017-12-01

The rational design of carbon fibers with desired properties requires quantitative relationships between the processing conditions, microstructure, and resulting properties. We developed a molecular model that combines kinetic Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics techniques to predict the microstructure evolution during the processes of carbonization and graphitization of polyacrylonitrile (PAN)-based carbon fibers. The model accurately predicts the cross-sectional microstructure of the fibers with the molecular structure of the stabilized PAN fibers and physics-based chemical reaction rates as the only inputs. The resulting structures exhibit key features observed in electron microcopy studies such as curved graphitic sheets and hairpin structures. In addition, computed X-ray diffraction patterns are in good agreement with experiments. We predict the transverse moduli of the resulting fibers between 1 GPa and 5 GPa, in good agreement with experimental results for high modulus fibers and slightly lower than those of high-strength fibers. The transverse modulus is governed by sliding between graphitic sheets, and the relatively low value for the predicted microstructures can be attributed to their perfect longitudinal texture. Finally, the simulations provide insight into the relationships between chemical kinetics and the final microstructure; we observe that high reaction rates result in porous structures with lower moduli.

A calorimetric and microstructural study of solidified toxic wastes. Part 2: A model for poisoning of OPC hydration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hills, C.D.; Sollars, C.J.; Perry, R.

1994-01-01

During cement-based processing of certain hazardous wastes the hydration reactions thought to be responsible for solidification can be poisoned and appear to be retarded indefinitely. A number of wastes known to be capable of poisoning hydration were added to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) and classified on the basis of interference effects observed. This paper reports the results from a characterization of these wastes and the subsequent addition to OPC of waste components identified as significant in single and combined additions. The effects of these additions were examined by conduction calorimetry and microstructural techniques. A comparison of results showed that itmore » was possible to reproduce the poisoning effects observed previously with real wastes by an addition of combined metal hydroxides only. These results suggest that poisoning results from the synergistic effects of compounds contained in the waste. A model, representing the early hydration of OPC, has been modified and is presented and its application in explaining poisoning of hydration is discussed.« less

Three-dimensional microstructural characterization of bulk plutonium and uranium metals using focused ion beam technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chung, Brandon W.; Erler, Robert G.; Teslich, Nick E.

2016-05-01

Nuclear forensics requires accurate quantification of discriminating microstructural characteristics of the bulk nuclear material to identify its process history and provenance. Conventional metallographic preparation techniques for bulk plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U) metals are limited to providing information in two-dimension (2D) and do not allow for obtaining depth profile of the material. In this contribution, use of dual-beam focused ion-beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) to investigate the internal microstructure of bulk Pu and U metals is demonstrated. Our results demonstrate that the dual-beam methodology optimally elucidate microstructural features without preparation artifacts, and the three-dimensional (3D) characterization of inner microstructures can reveal salient microstructural features that cannot be observed from conventional metallographic techniques. Examples are shown to demonstrate the benefit of FIB-SEM in improving microstructural characterization of microscopic inclusions, particularly with respect to nuclear forensics.

Three-dimensional microstructural characterization of bulk plutonium and uranium metals using focused ion beam technique

DOE PAGES

Chung, Brandon W.; Erler, Robert G.; Teslich, Nick E.

2016-03-03

Nuclear forensics requires accurate quantification of discriminating microstructural characteristics of the bulk nuclear material to identify its process history and provenance. Conventional metallographic preparation techniques for bulk plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U) metals are limited to providing information in two-dimension (2D) and do not allow for obtaining depth profile of the material. In this contribution, use of dual-beam focused ion-beam/scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) to investigate the internal microstructure of bulk Pu and U metals is demonstrated. Our results demonstrate that the dual-beam methodology optimally elucidate microstructural features without preparation artifacts, and the three-dimensional (3D) characterization of inner microstructures can revealmore » salient microstructural features that cannot be observed from conventional metallographic techniques. As a result, examples are shown to demonstrate the benefit of FIB-SEM in improving microstructural characterization of microscopic inclusions, particularly with respect to nuclear forensics.« less

A microstructural study of fault rocks from the SAFOD: Implications for the deformation mechanisms and strength of the creeping segment of the San Andreas Fault

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadizadeh, Jafar; Mittempergher, Silvia; Gratier, Jean-Pierre; Renard, Francois; Di Toro, Giulio; Richard, Julie; Babaie, Hassan A.

2012-09-01

The San Andreas Fault zone in central California accommodates tectonic strain by stable slip and microseismic activity. We study microstructural controls of strength and deformation in the fault using core samples provided by the San Andreas Fault Observatory at Depth (SAFOD) including gouge corresponding to presently active shearing intervals in the main borehole. The methods of study include high-resolution optical and electron microscopy, X-ray fluorescence mapping, X-ray powder diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, white light interferometry, and image processing. The fault zone at the SAFOD site consists of a strongly deformed and foliated core zone that includes 2-3 m thick active shear zones, surrounded by less deformed rocks. Results suggest deformation and foliation of the core zone outside the active shear zones by alternating cataclasis and pressure solution mechanisms. The active shear zones, considered zones of large-scale shear localization, appear to be associated with an abundance of weak phases including smectite clays, serpentinite alteration products, and amorphous material. We suggest that deformation along the active shear zones is by a granular-type flow mechanism that involves frictional sliding of microlithons along phyllosilicate-rich Riedel shear surfaces as well as stress-driven diffusive mass transfer. The microstructural data may be interpreted to suggest that deformation in the active shear zones is strongly displacement-weakening. The fault creeps because the velocity strengthening weak gouge in the active shear zones is being sheared without strong restrengthening mechanisms such as cementation or fracture sealing. Possible mechanisms for the observed microseismicity in the creeping segment of the SAF include local high fluid pressure build-ups, hard asperity development by fracture-and-seal cycles, and stress build-up due to slip zone undulations.

Shock Deformation and Volcanism across the Cretaceous - Transition.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huffman, Alan Royce

1990-01-01

The cause of the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K/T) transition remains one of the most controversial scientific topics in the geosciences. Geological and geophysical evidence associated with the K/T boundary have been used to argue that the extinctions were caused by meteor impact or volcanism. The goal of this study was to assess the viability of a volcanic model for the K/T transition. Comparison of natural and experimentally-shocked quartz and feldspar using optical and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the optical and statistical character of shock-induced microstructures in volcanic rocks are different from both classic impact microstructures, and from the Raton K/T samples. A series of 31 high-explosive (HE) shock-recovery experiments at pressures to 25 GPa and temperatures to 750^circC were completed on samples of granite and quartzite. TEM and optical microscopy reveal that pre-shock temperature and pulse duration have a first-order effect on the development of shock-induced microstructures in quartz and feldspar. Application of the experimental results to natural shock-induced microstructures indicates that the volcanic microstructures are probably produced at elevated temperatures and shock pressures that do not exceed 15 GPa. The results also suggest that the Raton K/T deposits were produced at pressures below about 25 GPa. Analysis of samples from the K/T transition at DSDP Site 527 and correlations between biostratigraphy, isotopes, and the data from this study suggest that the decline in marine productivity over an extended period of time may be due to climate changes induced by basaltic volcanism. The eruption of the Deccan Traps is a viable mechanism for the K/T extinctions, and the correlation of flood basalts with every major biotic crisis in the last 250 Ma supports the link between these two phenomena. Eruption of flood basalts enriched in F, Cl, CO_2 , and SO_2, could disrupt the terrestrial ecosystem, and could produce effects including elevated pCO_2, acid rain, ozone depletion, lower ocean alkalinity, and climatic change, which can explain the observation of stepped or gradual extinction.

Influence of pH on viscoelastic properties of heat-induced gels obtained with a β-Lactoglobulin fraction isolated from bovine milk whey hydrolysates.

PubMed

Estévez, Natalia; Fuciños, Pablo; Bargiela, Verónica; Picó, Guillermo; Valetti, Nadia Woitovich; Tovar, Clara Asunción; Rúa, M Luisa

2017-03-15

A β-Lactoglobulin fraction (r-βLg) was isolated from whey hydrolysates produced with cardosins from Cynara cardunculus. The impact of the hydrolysis process on the r-βLg structure and the rheological properties of heat-induced gels obtained thereafter were studied at different pH values. Differences were observed between r-βLg and commercial β-Lg used as control. Higher values for the fluorescence emission intensity and red shifts of the emission wavelength of r-βLg suggested changes in its tertiary structure and more solvent-exposed tryptophan residues. Circular dichroism spectra also supported these evidences indicating that hydrolysis yielded an intermediate (non-native) β-Lg state. The thermal history of r-βLg through the new adopted conformation improved the microstructure of the gels at acidic pH. So, a new microstructure with better rheological characteristics (higher conformational flexibility and lower rigidity) and greater water holding ability was founded for r-βLg gel. These results were reflected in the microstructural analysis by scanning electron microscopy. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microstructural Analysis and Rheological Modeling of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Recycled Asphalt Materials.

PubMed

Falchetto, Augusto Cannone; Moon, Ki Hoon; Wistuba, Michael P

2014-09-02

The use of recycled materials in pavement construction has seen, over the years, a significant increase closely associated with substantial economic and environmental benefits. During the past decades, many transportation agencies have evaluated the effect of adding Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), and, more recently, Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS) on the performance of asphalt pavement, while limits were proposed on the amount of recycled materials which can be used. In this paper, the effect of adding RAP and RAS on the microstructural and low temperature properties of asphalt mixtures is investigated using digital image processing (DIP) and modeling of rheological data obtained with the Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR). Detailed information on the internal microstructure of asphalt mixtures is acquired based on digital images of small beam specimens and numerical estimations of spatial correlation functions. It is found that RAP increases the autocorrelation length (ACL) of the spatial distribution of aggregates, asphalt mastic and air voids phases, while an opposite trend is observed when RAS is included. Analogical and semi empirical models are used to back-calculate binder creep stiffness from mixture experimental data. Differences between back-calculated results and experimental data suggest limited or partial blending between new and aged binder.

Microstructural Analysis and Rheological Modeling of Asphalt Mixtures Containing Recycled Asphalt Materials

PubMed Central

Cannone Falchetto, Augusto; Moon, Ki Hoon; Wistuba, Michael P.

2014-01-01

The use of recycled materials in pavement construction has seen, over the years, a significant increase closely associated with substantial economic and environmental benefits. During the past decades, many transportation agencies have evaluated the effect of adding Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP), and, more recently, Recycled Asphalt Shingles (RAS) on the performance of asphalt pavement, while limits were proposed on the amount of recycled materials which can be used. In this paper, the effect of adding RAP and RAS on the microstructural and low temperature properties of asphalt mixtures is investigated using digital image processing (DIP) and modeling of rheological data obtained with the Bending Beam Rheometer (BBR). Detailed information on the internal microstructure of asphalt mixtures is acquired based on digital images of small beam specimens and numerical estimations of spatial correlation functions. It is found that RAP increases the autocorrelation length (ACL) of the spatial distribution of aggregates, asphalt mastic and air voids phases, while an opposite trend is observed when RAS is included. Analogical and semi empirical models are used to back-calculate binder creep stiffness from mixture experimental data. Differences between back-calculated results and experimental data suggest limited or partial blending between new and aged binder. PMID:28788190

Optimization of laser energy deposition for single-shot high aspect-ratio microstructuring of thick BK7 glass

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garzillo, Valerio; Grigutis, Robertas; Jukna, Vytautas

We investigate the generation of high aspect ratio microstructures across 0.7 mm thick glass by means of single shot Bessel beam laser direct writing. We study the effect on the photoinscription of the cone angle, as well as of the energy and duration of the ultrashort laser pulse. The aim of the study is to optimize the parameters for the writing of a regular microstructure due to index modification along the whole sample thickness. By using a spectrally resolved single pulse transmission diagnostics at the output surface of the glass, we correlate the single shot material modification with observations of themore » absorption in different portions of the retrieved spectra, and with the absence or presence of spectral modulation. Numerical simulations of the evolution of the Bessel pulse intensity and of the energy deposition inside the sample help us interpret the experimental results that suggest to use picosecond pulses for an efficient and more regular energy deposition. Picosecond pulses take advantage of nonlinear plasma absorption and avoid temporal dynamics effects which can compromise the stationarity of the Bessel beam propagation.« less

Phase transformation in δ-Pu alloys at low temperature: An in situ microstructural characterization using X-ray diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravat, B.; Platteau, C.; Texier, G.; Oudot, B.; Delaunay, F.

2009-09-01

In order to investigate the martensitic transformation, an isothermal hold at -130 °C for 48 h was performed on a highly homogenized PuGa alloy. The modifications of the microstructure were characterized in situ thanks to a specific tool. This device was developed at the CEA-Valduc to analyze the crystalline structure of plutonium alloys as a function of temperature and more especially at low temperature using X-ray diffraction. The analysis of the recorded diffraction patterns highlighted that the martensitic transformation for this alloy is the result of a direct δ → α' + δ phase transformation. Moreover, a significant Bragg's peaks broadening corresponding to the δ-phase was observed. A microstructural analysis was made to characterize anisotropic microstrain resulting from the stress induced by the unit cell volume difference between the δ and α' phases. The amount of α'-phase evolved was analyzed within the framework of the Avrami theory in order to characterize the nucleation process. The results suggested that the growth mechanism corresponded to a general mechanism where the nucleation sites were in the δ-grain edges and the α'-phase had a plate-like morphology.

Temperature stability of coercivity in mischmetal-Fe-Co-B melt-spun ribbons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Rui; Zhang, Hong-Rui; Liu, Yao; Zuo, Shu-Lan; Xiong, Jie-Fu; Zuo, Wen-Liang; Zhao, Tong-Yun; Hu, Feng-Xia; Sun, Ji-Rong; Shen, Bao-Gen

2018-05-01

Coercivity temperature coefficient (β) of the permanent magnet depends on its intrinsic magnetic properties and microstructure. In this paper, the relationship between β and the temperature stabilities of magnetocrystalline anisotropy field (H a ) and saturation magnetization (M s ) as well as the microstructure is discussed. Regarding two concerned microstructural factors: grain size and grain boundary, coercivity thermal-stabilities of MM13.5Fe79.5B7 (MM-mischmetal: unseparated La-Ce-Pr-Nd alloy) and MMxFe94‑xB6 (x = 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 19) melt-spun ribbons, respectively, are investigated. High β values near the theoretical limit are obtained either by decreasing grain size or by reducing MM percentage. In addition, coercivities above room temperature of MM13.5Fe79.5‑yCoyB7 (y = 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15) melt-spun ribbons are measured. The detailed influences of Co substitutions on β are analyzed, and the weak temperature dependence of M s is proved to the reason for the observed decrease of β. These findings suggest that proper strategy to minimize local stray fields is the key to enhance coercivity thermal-stability of 2:14:1 structure magnet.

Effect of Welding Process on Microstructure, Mechanical and Pitting Corrosion Behaviour of 2205 Duplex Stainless Steel Welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammed, Raffi; Madhusudhan Reddy, G.; Srinivasa Rao, K.

2018-03-01

An attempt has been made to weld 2205 Duplex stainless steel of 6mm thick plate using conventional gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and activated gas tungsten arc welding (A- GTAW) process using silica powder as activated flux. Present work is aimed at studying the effect of welding process on depth of penetration, width of weld zone of 2205 duplex stainless steel. It also aims to observe the microstructural changes and its effect on mechanical properties and pitting corrosion resistance of 2205 duplex stainless steel welds. Metallography is done to observe the microstructural changes of the welds using image analyzer attached to the optical microscopy. Hardness studies, tensile and ductility bend tests were evaluated for mechanical properties. Potentio-dynamic polarization studies were carried out using a basic GillAC electro-chemical system in 3.5% NaCl solution to observe the pitting corrosion behaviour. Results of the present investigation established that increased depth of penetration and reduction of weld width in a single pass by activated GTAW with the application of SiO2 flux was observed when compared with conventional GTAW process. It may be attributed to the arc constriction effect. Microstructure of the weld zones for both the welds is observed to be having combination of austenite and delta ferrite. Grain boundary austenite (GBA) with Widmanstatten-type austenite (WA) of plate-like feature was nucleated from the grain boundaries in the weld zone of A-GTAW process. Mechanical properties are relatively low in activated GTAW process and are attributed to changes in microstructural morphology of austenite. Improved pitting corrosion resistance was observed for the welds made with A-GTAW process.

Sulfur Impurities and the Microstructure of Alumina Scales

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smialek, James L.

1997-01-01

The relationship between the microstructure of alumina scales, adhesion, and sulfur content was examined through a series of nickel alloys oxidized in 1100 to 1200 deg. C cyclic or isothermal exposures in air. In cyclic tests of undoped NiCrAl, adhesion was produced when the sulfur content was reduced, without any change in scale microstructure. Although interfacial voids were not observed in cyclic tests of NiCrAl, they were promoted by long-term isothermal exposures, by sulfur doping, and in most exposures of NiAl. Two single crystal superalloys, PWA 1480 and Rene' N5, were also tested, either in the as-received condition or after the sulfur content had been reduced to less than 1 ppmw by hydrogen annealing. The unannealed alloys always exhibited spalling to bare metal, but interfacial voids were not observed consistently. Desulfurized PWA 1480 and Rene' N5 exhibited remarkable adhesion and no voidage for either isothermal or cyclic exposures. The most consistent microstructural feature was that, for the cases where voids did form, the scale undersides exhibited corresponding areas with ridged oxide grain boundaries. Voids were not required for spallation nor were other microstructural features essential for adhesion. These observations are consistent with the model whereby scale spallation is controlled primarily by interfacial sulfur segregation and the consequent degradation of oxide-metal bonding.

Non-destructive and three-dimensional measurement of local strain development during tensile deformation in an aluminium alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kobayashi, M.; Miura, H.; Toda, H.

2015-08-01

Anisotropy of mechanical responses depending on crystallographic orientation causes inhomogeneous deformation on the mesoscopic scale (grain size scale). Investigation of the local plastic strain development is important for discussing recrystallization mechanisms, because the sites with higher local plastic strain may act as potential nucleation sites for recrystallization. Recently, high-resolution X-ray tomography, which is non-destructive inspection method, has been utilized for observation of the materials structure. In synchrotron radiation X-ray tomography, more than 10,000 microstructural features, like precipitates, dispersions, compounds and hydrogen pores, can be observed in aluminium alloys. We have proposed employing these microstructural features as marker gauges to measure local strains, and then have developed a method to calculate the three-dimensional strain distribution by tracking the microstructural features. In this study, we report the development of local plastic strain as a function of the grain microstructure in an aluminium alloy by means of this three-dimensional strain measurement technique. Strongly heterogeneous strain development was observed during tensile loading to 30%. In other words, some parts of the sample deform little whereas another deforms a lot. However, strain in the whole specimen was keeping harmony. Comparing the microstructure with the strain concentration that is obtained by this method has a potential to reveal potential nucleation sites of recrystallization.

Effect of microwave radiation on Jayadhar cotton fibers: WAXS studies

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Niranjana, A. R., E-mail: arnphysics@gmail.com; Mahesh, S. S., E-mail: arnphysics@gmail.com; Divakara, S., E-mail: arnphysics@gmail.com

Thermal effect in the form of micro wave energy on Jayadhar cotton fiber has been investigated. Microstructural parameters have been estimated using wide angle x-ray scattering (WAXS) data and line profile analysis program developed by us. Physical properties like tensile strength are correlated with X-ray results. We observe that the microwave radiation do affect significantly many parameters and we have suggested a multivariate analysis of these parameters to arrive at a significant result.

The effects of nucleation and solidification mechanisms on the microstructure and thermomechanical response of tin silver copper solder joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arfaei, Babak

This work examines the nucleation mechanism of Sn in SnAgCu alloys and its effect on the microstructure of those solder joints. The nucleation rate of Sn in a SAC alloy was obtained by simultaneous calorimetric examination of the isothermal solidification of 88 flip chip Sn-Ag-Cu solder joints. Qualitative agreement with classic nucleation theory was observed, although it was concluded that the spherical cap model cannot be applied to explain the structure of nucleus. It was shown that the solidification temperature significantly affects the microstructure; samples that undercooled less than approximately 40oC revealed one or three large Sn grains, while interlaced twinning was observed in the samples that solidified at lower temperatures. In order to better understand the effect of microstructure on the thermomechanical properties of solder joints, a study of the dependence of room temperature shear fatigue lifetime on Sn grain number and orientation was conducted. This study examined the correlations of variations in fatigue life of solder balls with the microstructure of Sn-Ag-Cu solder. The mean fatigue lifetime was found to be significantly longer for samples with multiple Sn grains than for samples with single Sn grains. For single grain samples, correlations between Sn grain orientation (with respect to the loading direction) and lifetime were observed, providing insight on early failures in SnAgCu solder joints. Correlations between the lifetimes of single Sn grained, SAC205 solder joints with differences in Ag3Sn and Cu6Sn5 precipitate microstructures were investigated. It was found that Ag3Sn precipitates were highly segregated from Cu6Sn 5 precipitates on a length scale of approximately twenty microns. Furthermore, large (factor of two) variations of the Sn dendrite arm size were observed within given samples. Such variations in values of dendrite arm size within a single sample were much larger than observed variations of this parameter between individual samples. Few significant differences were observed in the average size of precipitates in different samples. While the earliest and latest lifetimes of single Sn grained samples were correlated with Sn grain orientation, effects of precipitate microstructure on lifetimes were not clearly delineated.

Dissecting the mechanism of martensitic transformation via atomic-scale observations.

PubMed

Yang, Xu-Sheng; Sun, Sheng; Wu, Xiao-Lei; Ma, Evan; Zhang, Tong-Yi

2014-08-21

Martensitic transformation plays a pivotal role in the microstructural evolution and plasticity of many engineering materials. However, so far the underlying atomic processes that accomplish the displacive transformation have been obscured by the difficulty in directly observing key microstructural signatures on atomic scale. To resolve this long-standing problem, here we examine an AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel that has a strain/microstructure-gradient induced by surface mechanical attrition, which allowed us to capture in one sample all the key interphase regions generated during the γ(fcc) → ε(hcp) → α'(bcc) transition, a prototypical case of deformation induced martensitic transformation (DIMT). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observations confirm the crucial role of partial dislocations, and reveal tell-tale features including the lattice rotation of the α' martensite inclusion, the transition lattices at the ε/α' interfaces that cater the shears, and the excess reverse shear-shuffling induced γ necks in the ε martensite plates. These direct observations verify for the first time the 50-year-old Bogers-Burgers-Olson-Cohen (BBOC) model, and enrich our understanding of DIMT mechanisms. Our findings have implications for improved microstructural control in metals and alloys.

Dissecting the Mechanism of Martensitic Transformation via Atomic-Scale Observations

PubMed Central

Yang, Xu-Sheng; Sun, Sheng; Wu, Xiao-Lei; Ma, Evan; Zhang, Tong-Yi

2014-01-01

Martensitic transformation plays a pivotal role in the microstructural evolution and plasticity of many engineering materials. However, so far the underlying atomic processes that accomplish the displacive transformation have been obscured by the difficulty in directly observing key microstructural signatures on atomic scale. To resolve this long-standing problem, here we examine an AISI 304 austenitic stainless steel that has a strain/microstructure-gradient induced by surface mechanical attrition, which allowed us to capture in one sample all the key interphase regions generated during the γ(fcc) → ε(hcp) → α′(bcc) transition, a prototypical case of deformation induced martensitic transformation (DIMT). High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) observations confirm the crucial role of partial dislocations, and reveal tell-tale features including the lattice rotation of the α′ martensite inclusion, the transition lattices at the ε/α′ interfaces that cater the shears, and the excess reverse shear-shuffling induced γ necks in the ε martensite plates. These direct observations verify for the first time the 50-year-old Bogers-Burgers-Olson-Cohen (BBOC) model, and enrich our understanding of DIMT mechanisms. Our findings have implications for improved microstructural control in metals and alloys. PMID:25142283

High dietary cholesterol masks type 2 diabetes-induced osteopenia and changes in bone microstructure in rats.

PubMed

Lapmanee, Sarawut; Charoenphandhu, Narattaphol; Aeimlapa, Ratchaneevan; Suntornsaratoon, Panan; Wongdee, Kannikar; Tiyasatkulkovit, Wacharaporn; Kengkoom, Kanchana; Chaimongkolnukul, Khuanjit; Seriwatanachai, Dutmanee; Krishnamra, Nateetip

2014-10-01

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) often occurs concurrently with high blood cholesterol or dyslipidemia. Although T2DM has been hypothesized to impair bone microstructure, several investigations showed that, when compared to age-matched healthy individuals, T2DM patients had normal or relatively high bone mineral density (BMD). Since cholesterol and lipids profoundly affect the function of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, it might be cholesterol that obscured the changes in BMD and bone microstructure in T2DM. The present study, therefore, aimed to determine bone elongation, epiphyseal histology, and bone microstructure in non-obese T2DM Goto-Kakizaki rats treated with normal (GK-ND) and high cholesterol diet. We found that volumetric BMD was lower in GK-ND rats than the age-matched wild-type controls. In histomorphometric study of tibial metaphysis, T2DM evidently suppressed osteoblast function as indicated by decreases in osteoblast surface, mineral apposition rate, and bone formation rate in GK-ND rats. Meanwhile, the osteoclast surface and eroded surface were increased in GK-ND rats, thus suggesting an activation of bone resorption. T2DM also impaired bone elongation, presumably by retaining the chondrogenic precursor cells in the epiphyseal resting zone. Interestingly, several bone changes in GK rats (e.g., increased osteoclast surface) disappeared after high cholesterol treatment as compared to wild-type rats fed high cholesterol diet. In conclusion, high cholesterol diet was capable of masking the T2DM-induced osteopenia and changes in several histomorphometric parameters that indicated bone microstructural defect. Cholesterol thus explained, in part, why a decrease in BMD was not observed in T2DM, and hence delayed diagnosis of the T2DM-associated bone disease.

Experimental constraints and theoretical bases for microstructural damage in plate boundary shear zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Skemer, P. A.; Cross, A. J.; Bercovici, D.

2016-12-01

(Ultra)mylonites from plate boundary shear zones are characterized by severe grain-size reduction and well-mixed mineral phases. The evolution from relatively undeformed tectonite protoliths to highly deformed (ultra)mylonites via the formation of new grain and phase boundaries is described as microstructural `damage.' Microstructural damage is important for two reasons: grain-size reduction is thought to result in significant rheological weakening, while phase mixing inhibits mechanical recovery and preserves the zone of weakness to be reactivated repeatedly throughout the tectonic cycle. Grain-size reduction by dynamic recrystallization has been studied extensively in both geologic and engineered materials, yet the progressive mixing of mineral phases during high pressure/temperature shear - the other essential element of damage or mylonitization - is not well understood. In this contribution we present new experimental results and theory related to two distinct phase mixing processes. First, we describe high strain torsion experiments on calcite and anhydrite mixtures and a simple geometric mixing model related to the stretching and thinning of monophase domains. Second, we describe a grain-switching mechanism that is driven by the surface-tension driven migration of newly formed interphase triple junctions. Unlike dynamic recrystallization, which occurs at relatively small strains, both phase mixing mechanisms described here appear to require extremely large strains, a prediction that is consistent with geologic observations. These data suggest that ductile shear zones experience long, transient intervals of microstructural evolution during which rheology is not at steady state. Microstructural damage may be interpreted as the product of several interconnected physical processes, which are collectively essential to the preservation of long-lived, Earth-like plate tectonics.

Lower white matter microstructure in the superior longitudinal fasciculus is associated with increased response time variability in adults with attention-deficit/ hyperactivity disorder.

PubMed

Wolfers, Thomas; Onnink, A Marten H; Zwiers, Marcel P; Arias-Vasquez, Alejandro; Hoogman, Martine; Mostert, Jeanette C; Kan, Cornelis C; Slaats-Willemse, Dorine; Buitelaar, Jan K; Franke, Barbara

2015-09-01

Response time variability (RTV) is consistently increased in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A right-hemispheric frontoparietal attention network model has been implicated in these patients. The 3 main connecting fibre tracts in this network, the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) and the cingulum bundle (CB), show microstructural abnormalities in patients with ADHD. We hypothesized that the microstructural integrity of the 3 white matter tracts of this network are associated with ADHD and RTV. We examined RTV in adults with ADHD by modelling the reaction time distribution as an exponentially modified Gaussian (ex-Gaussian) function with the parameters μ, σ and τ, the latter of which has been attributed to lapses of attention. We assessed adults with ADHD and healthy controls using a sustained attention task. Diffusion tensor imaging-derived fractional anisotropy (FA) values were determined to quantify bilateral microstructural integrity of the tracts of interest. We included 100 adults with ADHD and 96 controls in our study. Increased τ was associated with ADHD diagnosis and was linked to symptoms of inattention. An inverse correlation of τ with mean FA was seen in the right SLF of patients with ADHD, but no direct association between the mean FA of the 6 regions of interest with ADHD could be observed. Regions of interest were defined a priori based on the attentional network model for ADHD and thus we might have missed effects in other networks. This study suggests that reduced microstructural integrity of the right SLF is associated with elevated τ in patients with ADHD.

Lower white matter microstructure in the superior longitudinal fasciculus is associated with increased response time variability in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder

PubMed Central

Wolfers, Thomas; Onnink, A. Marten H.; Zwiers, Marcel P.; Arias-Vasquez, Alejandro; Hoogman, Martine; Mostert, Jeanette C.; Kan, Cornelis C.; Slaats-Willemse, Dorine; Buitelaar, Jan K.; Franke, Barbara

2015-01-01

Background Response time variability (RTV) is consistently increased in patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). A right-hemispheric frontoparietal attention network model has been implicated in these patients. The 3 main connecting fibre tracts in this network, the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), inferior longitudinal fasciculus (ILF) and the cingulum bundle (CB), show microstructural abnormalities in patients with ADHD. We hypothesized that the microstructural integrity of the 3 white matter tracts of this network are associated with ADHD and RTV. Methods We examined RTV in adults with ADHD by modelling the reaction time distribution as an exponentially modified Gaussian (ex-Gaussian) function with the parameters μ, σ and τ, the latter of which has been attributed to lapses of attention. We assessed adults with ADHD and healthy controls using a sustained attention task. Diffusion tensor imaging–derived fractional anisotropy (FA) values were determined to quantify bilateral microstructural integrity of the tracts of interest. Results We included 100 adults with ADHD and 96 controls in our study. Increased τ was associated with ADHD diagnosis and was linked to symptoms of inattention. An inverse correlation of τ with mean FA was seen in the right SLF of patients with ADHD, but no direct association between the mean FA of the 6 regions of interest with ADHD could be observed. Limitations Regions of interest were defined a priori based on the attentional network model for ADHD and thus we might have missed effects in other networks. Conclusion This study suggests that reduced microstructural integrity of the right SLF is associated with elevated τ in patients with ADHD. PMID:26079698

Irradiation Creep in Graphite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ubic, Rick; Butt, Darryl; Windes, William

2014-03-13

An understanding of the underlying mechanisms of irradiation creep in graphite material is required to correctly interpret experimental data, explain micromechanical modeling results, and predict whole-core behavior. This project will focus on experimental microscopic data to demonstrate the mechanism of irradiation creep. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy should be able to image both the dislocations in graphite and the irradiation-induced interstitial clusters that pin those dislocations. The team will first prepare and characterize nanoscale samples of virgin nuclear graphite in a transmission electron microscope. Additional samples will be irradiated to varying degrees at the Advanced Test Reactor (ATR) facility and similarlymore » characterized. Researchers will record microstructures and crystal defects and suggest a mechanism for irradiation creep based on the results. In addition, the purchase of a tensile holder for a transmission electron microscope will allow, for the first time, in situ observation of creep behavior on the microstructure and crystallographic defects.« less

Brain microstructural development at near-term age in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants: An atlas-based diffusion imaging study

PubMed Central

Rose, Jessica; Vassar, Rachel; Cahill-Rowley, Katelyn; Guzman, Ximena Stecher; Stevenson, David K.; Barnea-Goraly, Naama

2014-01-01

At near-term age the brain undergoes rapid growth and development. Abnormalities identified during this period have been recognized as potential predictors of neurodevelopment in children born preterm. This study used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine white matter (WM) microstructure in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants to better understand regional WM developmental trajectories at near-term age. DTI scans were analyzed in a cross-sectional sample of 45 VLBW preterm infants (BW ≤ 1500 g, GA ≤ 32 weeks) within a cohort of 102 neonates admitted to the NICU and recruited to participate prior to standard-of-care MRI, from 2010 to 2011, 66/102 also had DTI. For inclusion in this analysis, 45 infants had DTI, no evidence of brain abnormality on MRI, and were scanned at PMA ≤40 weeks (34.7–38.6). White matter microstructure was analyzed in 19 subcortical regions defined by DiffeoMap neonatal brain atlas, using threshold values of trace b0.006 mm2 s−1 and FA >0.15. Regional fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were calculated and temporal–spatial trajectories of development were examined in relation to PMA and brain region location. Posterior regions within the corona radiata (CR), corpus callosum (CC), and internal capsule (IC) demonstrated significantly higher mean FA values compared to anterior regions. Posterior regions of the CR and IC demonstrated significantly lower RD values compared to anterior regions. Centrally located projection fibers demonstrated higher mean FA and lower RD values than peripheral regions including the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), cerebral peduncle, retrolenticular part of the IC, posterior thalamic radiation, and sagittal stratum. Centrally located association fibers of the external capsule had higher FA and lower RD than the more peripherally-located superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). A significant relationship between PMA-at-scan and FA, MD, and RD was demonstrated by a majority of regions, the strongest correlations were observed in the anterior limb of the internal capsule, a region undergoing early stages of myelination at near-term age, in which FA increased (r = .433, p = .003) and MD (r = –.545, p = .000) and RD (r = –.540, p = .000) decreased with PMA-at-scan. No correlation with PMA-at-scan was observed in the CC or SLF, regions that myelinate later in infancy. Regional patterns of higher FA and lower RD were observed at this near-term age, suggestive of more advanced microstructural development in posterior compared to anterior regions within the CR, CC, and IC and in central compared to peripheral WM structures. Evidence of region-specific rates of microstructural development was observed. Temporal–spatial patterns of WM microstructure development at near-term age have important implications for interpretation of near-term DTI and for identification of aberrations in typical developmental trajectories that may signal future impairment. PMID:24091089

Brain microstructural development at near-term age in very-low-birth-weight preterm infants: an atlas-based diffusion imaging study.

PubMed

Rose, Jessica; Vassar, Rachel; Cahill-Rowley, Katelyn; Guzman, Ximena Stecher; Stevenson, David K; Barnea-Goraly, Naama

2014-02-01

At near-term age the brain undergoes rapid growth and development. Abnormalities identified during this period have been recognized as potential predictors of neurodevelopment in children born preterm. This study used diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to examine white matter (WM) microstructure in very-low-birth-weight (VLBW) preterm infants to better understand regional WM developmental trajectories at near-term age. DTI scans were analyzed in a cross-sectional sample of 45 VLBW preterm infants (BW≤1500g, GA≤32weeks) within a cohort of 102 neonates admitted to the NICU and recruited to participate prior to standard-of-care MRI, from 2010 to 2011, 66/102 also had DTI. For inclusion in this analysis, 45 infants had DTI, no evidence of brain abnormality on MRI, and were scanned at PMA ≤40weeks (34.7-38.6). White matter microstructure was analyzed in 19 subcortical regions defined by DiffeoMap neonatal brain atlas, using threshold values of trace <0.006mm(2)s(-1) and FA >0.15. Regional fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) were calculated and temporal-spatial trajectories of development were examined in relation to PMA and brain region location. Posterior regions within the corona radiata (CR), corpus callosum (CC), and internal capsule (IC) demonstrated significantly higher mean FA values compared to anterior regions. Posterior regions of the CR and IC demonstrated significantly lower RD values compared to anterior regions. Centrally located projection fibers demonstrated higher mean FA and lower RD values than peripheral regions including the posterior limb of the internal capsule (PLIC), cerebral peduncle, retrolenticular part of the IC, posterior thalamic radiation, and sagittal stratum. Centrally located association fibers of the external capsule had higher FA and lower RD than the more peripherally-located superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF). A significant relationship between PMA-at-scan and FA, MD, and RD was demonstrated by a majority of regions, the strongest correlations were observed in the anterior limb of the internal capsule, a region undergoing early stages of myelination at near-term age, in which FA increased (r=.433, p=.003) and MD (r=-.545, p=.000) and RD (r=-.540, p=.000) decreased with PMA-at-scan. No correlation with PMA-at-scan was observed in the CC or SLF, regions that myelinate later in infancy. Regional patterns of higher FA and lower RD were observed at this near-term age, suggestive of more advanced microstructural development in posterior compared to anterior regions within the CR, CC, and IC and in central compared to peripheral WM structures. Evidence of region-specific rates of microstructural development was observed. Temporal-spatial patterns of WM microstructure development at near-term age have important implications for interpretation of near-term DTI and for identification of aberrations in typical developmental trajectories that may signal future impairment. © 2013.

The Relationships Between Microstructure, Tensile Properties and Fatigue Life in Ti-5Al-5V-5Mo-3Cr-0.4Fe (Ti-5553)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Foltz, John W., IV

beta-titanium alloys are being increasingly used in airframes as a way to decrease the weight of the aircraft. As a result of this movement, Ti-5Al-5V-5Mo-3Cr-0.4Fe (Timetal 555), a high-strength beta titanium alloy, is being used on the current generation of landing gear. This alloy features good combinations of strength, ductility, toughness and fatigue life in alpha+beta processed conditions, but little is known about beta-processed conditions. Recent work by the Center for the Accelerated Maturation of Materials (CAMM) research group at The Ohio State University has improved the tensile property knowledge base for beta-processed conditions in this alloy, and this thesis augments the aforementioned development with description of how microstructure affects fatigue life. In this work, beta-processed microstructures have been produced in a Gleeble(TM) thermomechanical simulator and subsequently characterized with a combination of electron and optical microscopy techniques. Four-point bending fatigue tests have been carried out on the material to characterize fatigue life. All the microstructural conditions have been fatigue tested with the maximum test stress equal to 90% of the measured yield strength. The subsequent results from tensile tests, fatigue tests, and microstructural quantification have been analyzed using Bayesian neural networks in an attempt to predict fatigue life using microstructural and tensile inputs. Good correlation has been developed between lifetime predictions and experimental results using microstructure and tensile inputs. Trained Bayesian neural networks have also been used in a predictive fashion to explore functional dependencies between these inputs and fatigue life. In this work, one section discusses the thermal treatments that led to the observed microstructures, and the possible sequence of precipitation that led to these microstructures. The thesis then describes the implications of microstructure on fatigue life and implications of tensile properties on fatigue life. Several additional experiments are then described that highlight possible causes for the observed dependence of microstructure on fatigue life, including fractographic evidence to provide support of microstructural dependencies.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Tempered High Cr Martensitic Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guerra-Fuentes, L.; Hernandez-Rodriguez, M. A. L.; Zambrano-Robledo, P.; Salinas-Rodriguez, A.; Garcia-Sanchez, E.

2017-07-01

Microstructural and mechanical studies have been performed in a high Cr martensitic steel Firth-Vickers (FV535) to analyze the tempering of martensite. Nanoindentation technique was used to determine the hardness and elastic modulus through systematic measurements on martensite and tempered martensite. On the other hand, microscopic studies were carried out to analyze the material in the same condition as received and subsequently observe the microstructural modifications after heat treatment. The precipitation presented in the last stage of tempering was observed by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed the effect of the martensite decomposition on the mechanical and nanomechanical properties of FV535.

Microstructures of the Kirsehir Complex, Central Turkey

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

ISIK, V.; Caglayan, A.; Uysal, T.; Bolhar, R.

2011-12-01

Turkey is positioned on the boundary between the Eurasian and African/Arabian plates, providing an ideal natural laboratory for learning passive and active earth processes such as deformation, metamorphism, earthquakes and volcanism. Central Turkey historically has played an important role in evolution of the Alpine orogeny. The Kirsehir Complex is one of three Mesozoic-Early Tertiary metamorphic and plutonic mid-crustal basement units exposed in central Turkey. The most common lithology of the metamorphites are the banded gneisses, which are intercalated with layers of schists, amphibolites and quartzite, and marbles representing the structurally the highest metamorphites of the study area. The metamorphites are characterized by multiple folding episodes and overprinting faults (thrust, normal and strike-slip). These metamorphites reached peak metamorphic conditions of upper amphibolite facies, as indicated by local presence of clinopyroxene, sillimanite, hornblende, andalusite and garnet. Later, retrograde greenschist facies conditions were attained characterized by the alteration of feldspar and mafic minerals to muscovite and chlorite/actinolite, respectively. The microstructures of selected minerals can be used to bracket the metamorphic grade during which microstructure formed. Quartz displays undulose extinction, deformation bands, subgrains and deformation lamellae, and recrystallisation. The presence of lobate grain boundaries of quartz indicates that GBM recrystallisation occurred. Undulose extinction and recrystallisation are common in micas. Recrystallisation, core-mantle structures in feldspar, myrmekites in K-feldspars within the gneisses suggest that deformation occurred within the amphibolite facies. Garnet occurs as slightly elliptical porphroclats. Sillimanite is present as fibrolite growing near biotite and microboudinaged. Andalusite porphyroblast/porphroclats are elongate and microboudinaged. Kinematic indicators (asymmetric mantled grains, S-C fabrics and mineral fish) suggest top-to-the-southwest shear sense. Our preliminary field observations and microstructure studies suggest the following deformation history in the study area: (1) S-directed thrusting, folding of bedding and forming of S1 foliation, (2) the forming of S2 foliation/mineral stretching lineation/kinematic indicators, emplacement of plutons and exhumation of metamorphites during regional extension, (3) folding of metamorphites, plutons and Paleogene sedimentary units, NNE-directed thrusting and local S3 foliation.

Numerical Study of Microstructural Evolution During Homogenization of Al-Si-Mg-Fe-Mn Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priya, Pikee; Johnson, David R.; Krane, Matthew J. M.

2016-09-01

Microstructural evolution during homogenization of Al-Si-Mg-Fe-Mn alloys occurs in two stages at different length scales: while holding at the homogenization temperature (diffusion on the scale of the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) in micrometers) and during quenching to room temperature (dispersoid precipitation at the nanometer to submicron scale). Here a numerical study estimates microstructural changes during both stages. A diffusion-based model developed to simulate evolution at the SDAS length scale predicts homogenization times and microstructures matching experiments. That model is coupled with a Kampmann Wagner Neumann-based precipitate nucleation and growth model to study the effect of temperature, composition, as-cast microstructure, and cooling rates during posthomogenization quenching on microstructural evolution. A homogenization schedule of 853 K (580 °C) for 8 hours, followed by cooling at 250 K/h, is suggested to optimize microstructures for easier extrusion, consisting of minimal α-Al(FeMn)Si, no β-AlFeSi, and Mg2Si dispersoids <1 μm size.

Microstructural and mineral analysis on the fault gouge in the coseismic shear zone of the 2008 M w 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Ren-mao; Zhang, Bing-liang; Xu, Xi-wei; Lin, Chuan-yong; Han, Zhu-jun

2015-07-01

The 2008 M w 7.9 Wenchuan earthquake formed two coseismic surface rupture zones with the trend of N35°E, known as the Beichuan-Yingxiu rupture and the Pengguan rupture. The Beichuan-Yingxiu rupture is the principle one with abundant fault gouge development along its length. In the exploratory trench at the Saba village along the Beichuan-Yingxiu rupture, the new fault gouge zone is only ~3 mm wide, which suggests that fault slip was constrained in a very narrow zone. In this study, we thus carried out detailed microstructural and mineral component analysis on the oriented fault gouge samples from the Saba exploratory trench to understand their features and geological implication. The results show that different microstructures of localized brittle deformation can be observed in the fault gouges, including Y-shear, R1-shear, R2-shear, P-shear as well as tension fracture, bookshelf glided structure and so on. These microstructures are commonly recognized as the product of seismic fault slipping. Furthermore, within the area between two parallel Y-shears of the fault gouge, a few of microstructures of distributed ductile deformations were developed, such as P-foliation, elongation and asymmetrical trailing structure of detrital particles. The microstructure features of fault gouges implicate the thrust movement of the fault during the Wenchuan earthquake. In addition, the fault gouge has less quartz and feldspar and more clay than the surrounding rocks, which indicates that some quartz and feldspar in the surrounding rocks were transformed into clay, whereas the fault gouge has more illite and less illite/montmorillonite mixed layers than the surrounding rocks, which shows that the illite/montmorillonite mixed layer was partly converted into illite due to temperature increasing induced by coseismic fault slipping friction (also being affected partly by the chemical action of solutions). Such microstructures features and mineral component changes recorded the information of fault slip and provide criterions for discussing the genesis of fault gouge and recognition of the direction of fault movement.

Microstructure design for fast oxygen conduction

DOE PAGES

Aidhy, Dilpuneet S.; Weber, William J.

2015-11-11

Research from the last decade has shown that in designing fast oxygen conducting materials for electrochemical applications has largely shifted to microstructural features, in contrast to material-bulk. In particular, understanding oxygen energetics in heterointerface materials is currently at the forefront, where interfacial tensile strain is being considered as the key parameter in lowering oxygen migration barriers. Nanocrystalline materials with high densities of grain boundaries have also gathered interest that could possibly allow leverage over excess volume at grain boundaries, providing fast oxygen diffusion channels similar to those previously observed in metals. In addition, near-interface phase transformations and misfit dislocations aremore » other microstructural phenomenon/features that are being explored to provide faster diffusion. In this review, the current understanding on oxygen energetics, i.e., thermodynamics and kinetics, originating from these microstructural features is discussed. Moreover, our experimental observations, theoretical predictions and novel atomistic mechanisms relevant to oxygen transport are highlighted. In addition, the interaction of dopants with oxygen vacancies in the presence of these new microstructural features, and their future role in the design of future fast-ion conductors, is outlined.« less

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Plotkowski, A.; Rios, O.; Sridharan, N.

Our present research in metal additive manufacturing (AM) focuses on designing processing parameters around existing alloys designed for traditional manufacturing. However, to maximize the benefits of AM, alloys should be designed to specifically take advantage of the unique thermal conditions of these processes. Furthermore, our study focuses on the development of a design methodology for alloys in AM, using a newly developed Al-Ce alloy as an initial case study. To evaluate the candidacy of this system for fusion based additive manufacturing, single-line laser melts were made on cast Al-12Ce plates using three different beam velocities (100, 200, and 300 mm/min).more » The microstructure was evaluated in the as-melted and heat treated conditions (24 hrs at 300°C). An extremely fine microstructure was observed within the weld pools, evolving from eutectic at the outer solid-liquid boundaries to a primary Al FCC dendritic/cellular structure nearer the melt-pool centerline. We rationalized the observed microstructures through the construction of a microstructure selection map for the Al-Ce binary system, which will be used to enable future alloy design. Interestingly, the heat treated samples exhibited no microstructural coarsening.« less

Messengers from the deep: Fossil wadsleyite-chromite microstructures from the Mantle Transition Zone.

PubMed

Satsukawa, Takako; Griffin, William L; Piazolo, Sandra; O'Reilly, Suzanne Y

2015-11-13

Investigations of the Mantle Transition Zone (MTZ; 410-660 km deep) by deformation experiments and geophysical methods suggest that the MTZ has distinct rheological properties, but their exact cause is still unclear due to the lack of natural samples. Here we present the first direct evidence for crystal-plastic deformation by dislocation creep in the MTZ using a chromitite from the Luobusa peridotite (E. Tibet). Chromite grains show exsolution of diopside and SiO2, suggesting previous equilibration in the MTZ. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis reveals that olivine grains co-existing with exsolved phases inside chromite grains and occurring on chromite grain boundaries have a single pronounced crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO). This suggests that olivine preserves the CPO of a high-pressure polymorph (wadsleyite) before the high-pressure polymorph of chromite began to invert and exsolve. Chromite also shows a significant CPO. Thus, the fine-grained high-pressure phases were deformed by dislocation creep in the MTZ. Grain growth in inverted chromite produced an equilibrated microstructure during exhumation to the surface, masking at first sight its MTZ deformation history. These unique observations provide a window into the deep Earth, and constraints for interpreting geophysical signals and their geodynamic implications in a geologically robust context.

A damage analysis for brittle materials using stochastic micro-structural information

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Shih-Po; Chen, Jiun-Shyan; Liang, Shixue

2016-03-01

In this work, a micro-crack informed stochastic damage analysis is performed to consider the failures of material with stochastic microstructure. The derivation of the damage evolution law is based on the Helmholtz free energy equivalence between cracked microstructure and homogenized continuum. The damage model is constructed under the stochastic representative volume element (SRVE) framework. The characteristics of SRVE used in the construction of the stochastic damage model have been investigated based on the principle of the minimum potential energy. The mesh dependency issue has been addressed by introducing a scaling law into the damage evolution equation. The proposed methods are then validated through the comparison between numerical simulations and experimental observations of a high strength concrete. It is observed that the standard deviation of porosity in the microstructures has stronger effect on the damage states and the peak stresses than its effect on the Young's and shear moduli in the macro-scale responses.

Microstructural observations in rapidly-solidified and heat-treated Ni3Al-Cr alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carro, G.; Flanagan, W.F.

1992-08-01

The microstructural development following heat treatments of several rapidly-solidified Ni3Al-Cr and Ni3Al-Cr-B alloys is presented. Depending on composition, the as-solidified samples were either 100 percent gamma-prime phase - in the form of fine antiphase domains (APD) - or a mixture of gamma-prime (APDs) and beta phases. Upon annealing, the as-solidified microstructures transform to either APD-free gamma-prime or mixtures of gamma and gamma-prime phases. For those compositions where the quenched microstructures were 100 percent gamma-prime it was observed that APD coarsening followed conventional grain-growth kinetics, but when gamma phase precipitated on the APD boundaries the rate constant changed abruptly while themore » time exponent remained unaffected. It was also found that alloys containing critical amounts of chromium and boron are susceptible to precipitation of the boride Cr5B3. 14 refs.« less

Microstructural observations in rapidly-solidified and heat-treated Ni sub 3 Al-Cr alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Carro, G.; Flanagan, W.F.

1992-01-01

In this paper , the microstructural development following heat treatments of several rapidly-solidified Ni{sub 3}Al-Cr and Ni{sub 3}Al-Cr-B alloys is presented. Depending on composition, the as-solidified samples were either 100% {gamma} phase-in the form of fine anti-phase domains (APD)-or a mixture of {gamma} (APDs) and {beta} phases. Upon annealing, the as-solidified microstructures transform to either APD-free {gamma}or mixtures of {gamma}and {gamma}{prime} phases. For those compositions where the quenched microstructures were 100{gamma}{prime} it was observed that APD coarsening followed conventional grain-growth kinetics, but when {gamma} phase precipitated on the APD boundaries the rate constant changed abruptly while the time exponent remainedmore » unaffected. It was also found that alloys containing critical amounts of chromium and boron are susceptible to precipitation of the boride Cr{sub 5}B{sub 3}.« less

Microstructural observations in rapidly-solidified and heat-treated Ni3Al-Cr alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carro, G.; Flanagan, W. F.

1992-01-01

The microstructural development following heat treatments of several rapidly-solidified Ni3Al-Cr and Ni3Al-Cr-B alloys is presented. Depending on composition, the as-solidified samples were either 100 percent gamma-prime phase - in the form of fine antiphase domains (APD) - or a mixture of gamma-prime (APDs) and beta phases. Upon annealing, the as-solidified microstructures transform to either APD-free gamma-prime or mixtures of gamma and gamma-prime phases. For those compositions where the quenched microstructures were 100 percent gamma-prime it was observed that APD coarsening followed conventional grain-growth kinetics, but when gamma phase precipitated on the APD boundaries the rate constant changed abruptly while the time exponent remained unaffected. It was also found that alloys containing critical amounts of chromium and boron are susceptible to precipitation of the boride Cr5B3.

An Experimental Investigation on Hardness and Microstructure of Heat Treated EN 9 Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biswas, Palash; Kundu, Arnab; Mondal, Dhiraj

2017-08-01

In the modern engineering world, extensive research has led to the development of some special grades of steel, often suited for enhanced functions. EN 9 steel is one such grade, having major applications in power plants, automobile and aerospace industry. Different heat treatment processes are employed to achieve high hardness and high wear resistance, but machinability subsequently decreases. Existing literature is not sufficient to achieve a balance between hardness and machinability. The aim of this experimental work is to determine the hardness values and observe microstructural changes in EN9 steel, when it is subjected to annealing, normalizing and quenching. Finally, the effects of tempering after each of these heat treatments on hardness and microstructure have also been shown. It is seen that the tempering after normalizing the specimen achieved satisfactory results. The microstructure was also observed to be consisting of fine grains.

Microstructure evolution of heat treated NiTi alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Losertová, M.; Štencek, M.; Matýsek, D.; Štefek, O.; Drápala, J.

2017-11-01

Superelastic behavior of off-stoichiometric NiTi alloys is significantly affected by microstructure changes due to heat treatment. Applying appropriate thermal treatments important effects on microstructural changes, transformation temperatures and thermomechanical properties of final NiTi products can be achieved. The experimental samples of NiTi alloy with 55.8 wt.% Ni were submitted to heat treatment and the microstructures before and after the treatment were observed. The thermal regimes consisted of annealing treatment at 600 °C for 1 hour followed by water quenching and of ageing at eight different temperatures (250, 270, 290, 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500 °C) for 30 minutes. Microstructure features studied by means of optical and scanning electron microscopies, EDX microanalyses, X-ray diffraction analyses and microhardness measurement, have shown that higher ageing temperatures led to microstructure changes and corresponding increase in microhardness.

Microstructure and crystallographic texture of pure titanium parts generated by laser additive manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arias-González, Felipe; del Val, Jesús; Comesaña, Rafael; Penide, Joaquín; Lusquiños, Fernando; Quintero, Félix; Riveiro, Antonio; Boutinguiza, Mohamed; Gil, Francisco Javier; Pou, Juan

2018-01-01

In this paper, the microstructure and crystallographic texture of pure Ti thin walls generated by Additive Manufacturing based on Laser Cladding (AMLC) are analyzed in depth. From the results obtained, it is possible to better understand the AMLC process of pure titanium. The microstructure observed in the samples consists of large elongated columnar prior β grains which have grown epitaxially from the substrate to the top, in parallel to the building direction. Within the prior β grains, α-Ti lamellae and lamellar colonies are the result of cooling from above the β-transus temperature. This transformation follows the Burgers relationship and the result is a basket-weave microstructure with a strong crystallographic texture. Finally, a thermal treatment is proposed to transform the microstructure of the as-deposited samples into an equiaxed microstructure of α-Ti grains.

Size-dependent microstructures in rapidly solidified uranium-niobium powder particles

DOE PAGES

McKeown, Joseph T.; Hsiung, Luke L.; Park, Jong M.; ...

2016-06-14

The microstructures of rapidly solidified U-6wt%Nb powder particles synthesized by centrifugal atomization were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Observed variations in microstructure are related to particle sizes. All of the powder particles exhibited a two-zone microstructure. The formation of this two-zone microstructure is described by a transition from solidification controlled by internal heat flow and high solidification rate during recalescence (micro-segregation-free or partitionless growth) to solidification controlled by external heat flow with slower solidification rates (dendritic growth with solute redistribution). The extent of partitionless solidification increased with decreasing particle size due to larger undercoolings in smallermore » particles prior to solidification. The metastable phases that formed are related to variations in Nb concentration across the particles. Lastly, the microstructures of the powders were heavily twinned.« less

Discrete microstructural cues for the attenuation of fibrosis following myocardial infarction.

PubMed

Pinney, James R; Du, Kim T; Ayala, Perla; Fang, Qizhi; Sievers, Richard E; Chew, Patrick; Delrosario, Lawrence; Lee, Randall J; Desai, Tejal A

2014-10-01

Chronic fibrosis caused by acute myocardial infarction (MI) leads to increased morbidity and mortality due to cardiac dysfunction. We have developed a therapeutic materials strategy that aims to mitigate myocardial fibrosis by utilizing injectable polymeric microstructures to mechanically alter the microenvironment. Polymeric microstructures were fabricated using photolithographic techniques and studied in a three-dimensional culture model of the fibrotic environment and by direct injection into the infarct zone of adult rats. Here, we show dose-dependent down-regulation of expression of genes associated with the mechanical fibrotic response in the presence of microstructures. Injection of this microstructured material into the infarct zone decreased levels of collagen and TGF-β, increased elastin deposition and vascularization in the infarcted region, and improved functional outcomes after six weeks. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of these discrete anti-fibrotic microstructures and suggest a potential therapeutic materials approach for combatting pathologic fibrosis. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

White matter microstructure mediates the relationship between cardiorespiratory fitness and spatial working memory in older adults.

PubMed

Oberlin, Lauren E; Verstynen, Timothy D; Burzynska, Agnieszka Z; Voss, Michelle W; Prakash, Ruchika Shaurya; Chaddock-Heyman, Laura; Wong, Chelsea; Fanning, Jason; Awick, Elizabeth; Gothe, Neha; Phillips, Siobhan M; Mailey, Emily; Ehlers, Diane; Olson, Erin; Wojcicki, Thomas; McAuley, Edward; Kramer, Arthur F; Erickson, Kirk I

2016-05-01

White matter structure declines with advancing age and has been associated with a decline in memory and executive processes in older adulthood. Yet, recent research suggests that higher physical activity and fitness levels may be associated with less white matter degeneration in late life, although the tract-specificity of this relationship is not well understood. In addition, these prior studies infrequently associate measures of white matter microstructure to cognitive outcomes, so the behavioral importance of higher levels of white matter microstructural organization with greater fitness levels remains a matter of speculation. Here we tested whether cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) levels were associated with white matter microstructure and whether this relationship constituted an indirect pathway between cardiorespiratory fitness and spatial working memory in two large, cognitively and neurologically healthy older adult samples. Diffusion tensor imaging was used to determine white matter microstructure in two separate groups: Experiment 1, N=113 (mean age=66.61) and Experiment 2, N=154 (mean age=65.66). Using a voxel-based regression approach, we found that higher VO2max was associated with higher fractional anisotropy (FA), a measure of white matter microstructure, in a diverse network of white matter tracts, including the anterior corona radiata, anterior internal capsule, fornix, cingulum, and corpus callosum (PFDR-corrected<.05). This effect was consistent across both samples even after controlling for age, gender, and education. Further, a statistical mediation analysis revealed that white matter microstructure within these regions, among others, constituted a significant indirect path between VO2max and spatial working memory performance. These results suggest that greater aerobic fitness levels are associated with higher levels of white matter microstructural organization, which may, in turn, preserve spatial memory performance in older adulthood. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Microstructure, mechanical and fretting wear properties of TiC-stainless steel composites

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Akhtar, F.; Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore; Guo, S.J.

2008-01-15

This study deals with the processing, microstructure, and wear behavior of TiC-reinforced stainless steel matrix composites, containing 50 to 70 wt.% TiC. Powder technology was used to successfully fabricate the composites. The microstructure of the composite was characterized by scanning electron microscopy. The microstructural study revealed that the TiC particles were distributed uniformly in the steel matrix phase. Interface debonding and microcracks were not observed in the composite. The composite hardness increased with TiC content. The fretting wear resistance of the composites was studied against high speed steel. The wear mechanisms are discussed by means of microscopical observations on themore » worn surfaces. The wear was severe at higher wear loads and lower TiC content. Microplowing of the stainless steel matrix was found to be the dominant wear mechanism. Heavy microplowing and rapid removal of material from the wear surface was observed at high wear load. The variation of wear loss with volume fraction and mean free path of the binder phase is also reported.« less

Microstructure Formation in Dissimilar Metal Welds: Electron Beam Welding of Ti/Ni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatterjee, Subhradeep; Abinandanan, T. A.; Reddy, G. Madhusudhan; Chattopadhyay, Kamanio

2016-02-01

We present results for electron beam welding of a binary Ti/Ni dissimilar metal couple. The difference in physical properties of the base metals and metallurgical features (thermodynamics and kinetics) of the system influence both macroscopic transport and microstructure development in the weld. Microstructures near the fusion interfaces are markedly different from those inside the weld region. At the Ti side, Ti2Ni dendrites are observed to grow toward the fusion interface, while in the Ni side, layered growth of γ-Ni, Ni3Ti, and Ni3Ti + NiTi eutectic is observed. Different morphologies of the latter eutectic constitute the predominant microstructure inside the weld metal region. These results are compared and contrasted with those from laser welding of the same binary couple, and a scheme of solidification is proposed to explain the observations. This highlights notable departures from welding of similar and other dissimilar metals such as a significant asymmetry in heat transport that governs progress of solidification from each side of the couple, and a lack of unique liquidus isotherm characterizing the liquid-solid front.

A method for three-dimensional quantitative observation of the microstructure of biological samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Pengfei; Chen, Dieyan; Ma, Wanyun; Wu, Hongxin; Ji, Liang; Sun, Jialin; Lv, Danyu; Zhang, Lu; Li, Ying; Tian, Ning; Zheng, Jinggao; Zhao, Fengying

2009-07-01

Contemporary biology has developed into the era of cell biology and molecular biology, and people try to study the mechanism of all kinds of biological phenomena at the microcosmic level now. Accurate description of the microstructure of biological samples is exigent need from many biomedical experiments. This paper introduces a method for 3-dimensional quantitative observation on the microstructure of vital biological samples based on two photon laser scanning microscopy (TPLSM). TPLSM is a novel kind of fluorescence microscopy, which has excellence in its low optical damage, high resolution, deep penetration depth and suitability for 3-dimensional (3D) imaging. Fluorescent stained samples were observed by TPLSM, and afterward the original shapes of them were obtained through 3D image reconstruction. The spatial distribution of all objects in samples as well as their volumes could be derived by image segmentation and mathematic calculation. Thus the 3-dimensionally and quantitatively depicted microstructure of the samples was finally derived. We applied this method to quantitative analysis of the spatial distribution of chromosomes in meiotic mouse oocytes at metaphase, and wonderful results came out last.

White Matter Microstructural Integrity and Neurobehavioral Outcome of HIV-Exposed Uninfected Neonates.

PubMed

Tran, Linh T; Roos, Annerine; Fouche, Jean-Paul; Koen, Nastassja; Woods, Roger P; Zar, Heather J; Narr, Katherine L; Stein, Dan J; Donald, Kirsten A

2016-01-01

The successful implementation of prevention programs for mother-to-child human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission has dramatically reduced the prevalence of infants infected with HIV while increasing that of HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children. Neuropsychological assessments indicate that HEU children may exhibit differences in neurodevelopment compared to unexposed children (HUU). Pathological mechanisms leading to such neurodevelopmental delays are not clear. In this observational birth cohort study we explored the integrity of regional white matter microstructure in HEU infants, shortly after birth. Microstructural changes in white matter associated with prenatal HIV exposure were evaluated in HEU infants (n = 15) and matched controls (n = 22) using diffusion tensor imaging and tract-based spatial statistics. Additionally, diffusion values were extracted and compared for white matter tracts of interest, and associations with clinical outcomes from the Dubowitz neonatal neurobehavioral tool were investigated. Higher fractional anisotropy in the middle cerebellar peduncles of HEU compared to HUU neonates was found after correction for age and gender. Scores on the Dubowitz abnormal neurological signs subscale were positively correlated with FA (r = 0.58, P = 0.038) in the left uncinate fasciculus in HEU infants. This is the first study to present data suggesting that prenatal HIV exposure without infection is associated with altered white matter microstructural integrity in the neonatal period. Longitudinal studies of HEU infants as their brains mature are necessary to understand further the significance of prenatal HIV and antiretroviral treatment exposure on white matter integrity and neurodevelopmental outcomes.

A Transcriptomic Network Underlies Microstructural and Physiological Responses to Cadmium in Populus × canescens1[C][W

PubMed Central

He, Jiali; Li, Hong; Luo, Jie; Ma, Chaofeng; Li, Shaojun; Qu, Long; Gai, Ying; Jiang, Xiangning; Janz, Dennis; Polle, Andrea; Tyree, Melvin; Luo, Zhi-Bin

2013-01-01

Bark tissue of Populus × canescens can hyperaccumulate cadmium, but microstructural, transcriptomic, and physiological response mechanisms are poorly understood. Histochemical assays, transmission electron microscopic observations, energy-dispersive x-ray microanalysis, and transcriptomic and physiological analyses have been performed to enhance our understanding of cadmium accumulation and detoxification in P. × canescens. Cadmium was allocated to the phloem of the bark, and subcellular cadmium compartmentalization occurred mainly in vacuoles of phloem cells. Transcripts involved in microstructural alteration, changes in nutrition and primary metabolism, and stimulation of stress responses showed significantly differential expression in the bark of P. × canescens exposed to cadmium. About 48% of the differentially regulated transcripts formed a coregulation network in which 43 hub genes played a central role both in cross talk among distinct biological processes and in coordinating the transcriptomic regulation in the bark of P. × canescens in response to cadmium. The cadmium transcriptome in the bark of P. × canescens was mirrored by physiological readouts. Cadmium accumulation led to decreased total nitrogen, phosphorus, and calcium and increased sulfur in the bark. Cadmium inhibited photosynthesis, resulting in decreased carbohydrate levels. Cadmium induced oxidative stress and antioxidants, including free proline, soluble phenolics, ascorbate, and thiol compounds. These results suggest that orchestrated microstructural, transcriptomic, and physiological regulation may sustain cadmium hyperaccumulation in P. × canescens bark and provide new insights into engineering woody plants for phytoremediation. PMID:23530184

A Sensory Material Approach for Reducing Variability in Additively Manufactured Metal Parts.

PubMed

Franco, B E; Ma, J; Loveall, B; Tapia, G A; Karayagiz, K; Liu, J; Elwany, A; Arroyave, R; Karaman, I

2017-06-15

Despite the recent growth in interest for metal additive manufacturing (AM) in the biomedical and aerospace industries, variability in the performance, composition, and microstructure of AM parts remains a major impediment to its widespread adoption. The underlying physical mechanisms, which cause variability, as well as the scale and nature of variability are not well understood, and current methods are ineffective at capturing these details. Here, a Nickel-Titanium alloy is used as a sensory material in order to quantitatively, and rather rapidly, observe compositional and/or microstructural variability in selective laser melting manufactured parts; thereby providing a means to evaluate the role of process parameters on the variability. We perform detailed microstructural investigations using transmission electron microscopy at various locations to reveal the origins of microstructural variability in this sensory material. This approach helped reveal how reducing the distance between adjacent laser scans below a critical value greatly reduces both the in-sample and sample-to-sample variability. Microstructural investigations revealed that when the laser scan distance is wide, there is an inhomogeneity in subgrain size, precipitate distribution, and dislocation density in the microstructure, responsible for the observed variability. These results provide an important first step towards understanding the nature of variability in additively manufactured parts.

Can grain size sensitive creep lubricate faults during earthquake propagation?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

De Paola, N.; Holdsworth, R.; Viti, C.; Collettini, C.; Bullock, R. J.; Faoro, I.

2014-12-01

In the shallow portion of crustal fault zones, fracturing and cataclasis are thought to be the dominant processes during earthquake propagation. In the lower crust/upper mantle, viscous flow is inferred to facilitate aseismic creep along shear zones. Recent studies show that slip zones (SZs), in natural and experimental carbonate seismic faults, are made of nanograins with a polygonal texture, a microstructure consistent with deformation by grain boundary sliding (GBS) mechanisms. Friction experiments performed on calcite fine-grained gouges, at speed v = 1 ms-1, normal stress sn = 18 MPa, displacements d = 0.009-1.46 m, and room temperature and humidity, show a four stage-evolution of the fault strength: SI) attainment of initial value, f = 0.67; SII) increase up to peak value f = 0.82; SIII) sudden decrease to low steady-state value, f = 0.18; and SIV) sudden increase to final value, f = 0.44, during sample deceleration. Samples recovered at the end of each displacement-controlled experiments (Stages I-IV) show the following microstructures evolution of the SZ material, which is: SI) poorly consolidated, and made of fine-grained (1 < D < 5 microns), angular clasts formed by brittle fracturing and cataclasis; SII) cohesive, and made of larger clasts of calcite (D ≈ 1 microns), exhibiting a high density of free dislocations and hosting subgrains (D ≤ 200 nm), dispersed within calcite nanograins. SIII) made of nanograin aggregates exhibiting polygonal grain boundaries, and 120° triple junctions between equiaxial grains. The grains display no preferred elongation, no crystal preferred orientation and low free dislocation densities, possibly due to high temperature (> 900 C) GBS creep deformation. Our microstructural observations suggest that GBS mechanisms can operate in geological materials deformed at high strain rates along frictionally heated seismogenic slip surfaces. The observed microstructures in experimental slip zones are strikingly similar to those predicted by theoretical studies, and to those observed during experiments on metals and fine-grained carbonates deformed at T > 900 °C, where superplastic behaviour due to GBS has been inferred. A regime of frictionally-induced GBS could thus account for the dynamic weakening of carbonate faults during earthquake propagation in nature.

The Impact of Seed Layer Structure on the Recrystallization of ECD Cu and its Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

O'Brien, Brendan B.

Despite the significant improvements originally offered by the use of Cu over Al as the interconnect material for semiconductor devices, the continued down-scaling of interconnects has presented significant challenges for semiconductor engineers. As the metal line widths shrink, both the conductivity and reliability of lines decrease due to a stubbornly fine-grained microstructure in narrow lines. Understanding microstructural transformation of the ECD Cu in narrow features which leads to this polygranular microstructure is the first focus of this dissertation. As in the case of Cu films, the underlying seed layer strongly influences progress of transformation. Unlike films, however, the seed layer is not homogenous in patterned substrates, but differs according to the size of the trench and the location within the trench (field, bottom, and sidewall). Based on these findings, and the known influence of texture on the transformation of ECD Cu, a rapid trench initiated transformation process was posited for narrow interconnect lines. Time-resolved TEM observation of the ECD Cu in 48 nm lines during the transformation process confirmed the hypothesis. In fact, the TEM images revealed that the transformation was even faster than anticipated, and that the microstructure of the Cu inside the lines was stagnant after a mere 1.5 hours at room temperature. Studies of the transformation at elevated temperatures found that, despite anneals at 250°C for up to an hour, the grain size distribution for the Cu in narrow lines for all times converged, whether annealed at room temperature or 250°C. These data suggest that process was being driven by the 'consumable' internal energy stored in the as-plated microstructure. This is different than the transformation of the overburden, which is driven by a competition between surface energy and internal stress buildup due to film densification and relief due to the secondary growth of a 200 texture component. Based on these findings, two methods for manipulating the microstructure of the ECD Cu in the narrow lines were explored, including changes to the seed layer through ion implantation, and altering the as-plated Cu microstructure through co-ECD of alloys. The influence on the microstructure and applicability of both of these techniques to BEOL processing will also be discussed.

Mapping axonal density and average diameter using non-monotonic time-dependent gradient-echo MRI

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nunes, Daniel; Cruz, Tomás L.; Jespersen, Sune N.; Shemesh, Noam

2017-04-01

White Matter (WM) microstructures, such as axonal density and average diameter, are crucial to the normal function of the Central Nervous System (CNS) as they are closely related with axonal conduction velocities. Conversely, disruptions of these microstructural features may result in severe neurological deficits, suggesting that their noninvasive mapping could be an important step towards diagnosing and following pathophysiology. Whereas diffusion based MRI methods have been proposed to map these features, they typically entail the application of powerful gradients, which are rarely available in the clinic, or extremely long acquisition schemes to extract information from parameter-intensive models. In this study, we suggest that simple and time-efficient multi-gradient-echo (MGE) MRI can be used to extract the axon density from susceptibility-driven non-monotonic decay in the time-dependent signal. We show, both theoretically and with simulations, that a non-monotonic signal decay will occur for multi-compartmental microstructures - such as axons and extra-axonal spaces, which were here used as a simple model for the microstructure - and that, for axons parallel to the main magnetic field, the axonal density can be extracted. We then experimentally demonstrate in ex-vivo rat spinal cords that its different tracts - characterized by different microstructures - can be clearly contrasted using the MGE-derived maps. When the quantitative results are compared against ground-truth histology, they reflect the axonal fraction (though with a bias, as evident from Bland-Altman analysis). As well, the extra-axonal fraction can be estimated. The results suggest that our model is oversimplified, yet at the same time evidencing a potential and usefulness of the approach to map underlying microstructures using a simple and time-efficient MRI sequence. We further show that a simple general-linear-model can predict the average axonal diameters from the four model parameters, and map these average axonal diameters in the spinal cords. While clearly further modelling and theoretical developments are necessary, we conclude that salient WM microstructural features can be extracted from simple, SNR-efficient multi-gradient echo MRI, and that this paves the way towards easier estimation of WM microstructure in vivo.

Mapping axonal density and average diameter using non-monotonic time-dependent gradient-echo MRI.

PubMed

Nunes, Daniel; Cruz, Tomás L; Jespersen, Sune N; Shemesh, Noam

2017-04-01

White Matter (WM) microstructures, such as axonal density and average diameter, are crucial to the normal function of the Central Nervous System (CNS) as they are closely related with axonal conduction velocities. Conversely, disruptions of these microstructural features may result in severe neurological deficits, suggesting that their noninvasive mapping could be an important step towards diagnosing and following pathophysiology. Whereas diffusion based MRI methods have been proposed to map these features, they typically entail the application of powerful gradients, which are rarely available in the clinic, or extremely long acquisition schemes to extract information from parameter-intensive models. In this study, we suggest that simple and time-efficient multi-gradient-echo (MGE) MRI can be used to extract the axon density from susceptibility-driven non-monotonic decay in the time-dependent signal. We show, both theoretically and with simulations, that a non-monotonic signal decay will occur for multi-compartmental microstructures - such as axons and extra-axonal spaces, which were here used as a simple model for the microstructure - and that, for axons parallel to the main magnetic field, the axonal density can be extracted. We then experimentally demonstrate in ex-vivo rat spinal cords that its different tracts - characterized by different microstructures - can be clearly contrasted using the MGE-derived maps. When the quantitative results are compared against ground-truth histology, they reflect the axonal fraction (though with a bias, as evident from Bland-Altman analysis). As well, the extra-axonal fraction can be estimated. The results suggest that our model is oversimplified, yet at the same time evidencing a potential and usefulness of the approach to map underlying microstructures using a simple and time-efficient MRI sequence. We further show that a simple general-linear-model can predict the average axonal diameters from the four model parameters, and map these average axonal diameters in the spinal cords. While clearly further modelling and theoretical developments are necessary, we conclude that salient WM microstructural features can be extracted from simple, SNR-efficient multi-gradient echo MRI, and that this paves the way towards easier estimation of WM microstructure in vivo. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Longitudinal development of thalamic and internal capsule microstructure in autism spectrum disorder.

PubMed

McLaughlin, Kristine; Travers, Brittany G; Dadalko, Olga I; Dean, Douglas C; Tromp, Do; Adluru, Nagesh; Destiche, Daniel; Freeman, Abigail; Prigge, Molly D; Froehlich, Alyson; Duffield, Tyler C; Zielinski, Brandon A; Bigler, Erin D; Lange, Nicholas; Anderson, Jeff S; Alexander, Andrew L; Lainhart, Janet E

2018-03-01

The thalamus is a key sensorimotor relay area that is implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, it is unknown how the thalamus and white-matter structures that contain thalamo-cortical fiber connections (e.g., the internal capsule) develop from childhood into adulthood and whether this microstructure relates to basic motor challenges in ASD. We used diffusion weighted imaging in a cohort-sequential design to assess longitudinal development of the thalamus, and posterior- and anterior-limbs of the internal capsule (PLIC and ALIC, respectively) in 89 males with ASD and 56 males with typical development (3-41 years; all verbal). Our results showed that the group with ASD exhibited different developmental trajectories of microstructure in all regions, demonstrating childhood group differences that appeared to approach and, in some cases, surpass the typically developing group in adolescence and adulthood. The PLIC (but not ALIC nor thalamus) mediated the relation between age and finger-tapping speed in both groups. Yet, the gap in finger-tapping speed appeared to widen at the same time that the between-group gap in the PLIC appeared to narrow. Overall, these results suggest that childhood group differences in microstructure of the thalamus and PLIC become less robust in adolescence and adulthood. Further, finger-tapping speed appears to be mediated by the PLIC in both groups, but group differences in motor speed that widen during adolescence and adulthood suggest that factors beyond the microstructure of the thalamus and internal capsule may contribute to atypical motor profiles in ASD. Autism Res 2018, 11: 450-462. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microstructure of the thalamus, a key sensory and motor brain area, appears to develop differently in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Microstructure is important because it informs us of the density and organization of different brain tissues. During childhood, thalamic microstructure was distinct in the ASD group compared to the typically developing group. However, these group differences appeared to narrow with age, suggesting that the thalamus continues to dynamically change in ASD into adulthood. © 2017 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Workshop and Conference on Clay Microstructure: The Microstructure of Fine-Grained Terrigenous Marine Sediments - From Muds to Shale Held in Stennis, Mississippi on October 4-7, 1988

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-10-07

from experiments on wet clay minerals by using the EC technique.(3,4) Layer lattice image of fully hydrated tubular halloysite could be clearly observed...in wet air environment. Tubular and spherical halloysite and their hydrazine complexes were observed both in wet air and in vacuum, and their

High temperature dynamic modulus and damping of aluminum and titanium matrix composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dicarlo, J. A.; Maisel, J. E.

1979-01-01

Dynamic modulus and damping capacity property data were measured from 20 to over 500 C for unidirectional B/Al (1100), B/Al (6061), B/SiC/Al (6061), Al2O3/Al, SiC/Ti-6Al-4V, and SiC/Ti composites. The measurements were made under vacuum by the forced vibration of composite bars at free-free flexural resonance near 2000 Hz and at amplitudes below 0.000001. Whereas little variation was observed in the dynamic moduli of specimens with approximately the same fiber content (50 percent), the damping of B/Al composites was found at all temperatures to be significantly greater than the damping of the Al2O3/Al and SiC/Ti composites. For those few situations where slight deviations from theory were observed, the dynamic data were examined for information concerning microstructural changes induced by composite fabrication and thermal treatment. The 270 C damping peak observed in B/Al (6061) composites after heat treatment above 460 C appears to be the result of a change in the 6061 aluminum alloy microstructure induced by interaction with the boron fibers. The growth characteristics of the damping peak suggest its possible value for monitoring fiber strength degration caused by excess thermal treatment during B/Al (6061) fabrication and use.

Effects of the Tempering and High-Pressure Torsion Temperatures on Microstructure of Ferritic/Martensitic Steel Grade 91

PubMed Central

Ganeev, Artur; Nikitina, Marina; Sitdikov, Vil; Islamgaliev, Rinat; Hoffman, Andrew; Wen, Haiming

2018-01-01

Grade 91 (9Cr-1Mo) steel was subjected to various heat treatments and then to high-pressure torsion (HPT) at different temperatures. Its microstructure was studied using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Effects of the tempering temperature and the HPT temperature on the microstructural features and microhardness in the ultrafine-grained (UFG) Grade 91 steel were researched. The study of the UFG structure formation takes into account two different microstructures observed: before HPT in both samples containing martensite and in fully ferritic samples. PMID:29671761

Effect of stress evolution on microstructural behavior in U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel [Effect of stress on microstructural evolution in U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel

DOE PAGES

Jeong, G. Y.; Kim, Yeon Soo; Jamison, L. M.; ...

2017-02-20

U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel irradiated to high burnup at high power (high fission rate) exhibited microstructural changes such as deformation of the fuel particles, pore growth, and rupture of the Al matrix. The driving force for these microstructural changes was meat swelling caused by a combination of fuel particle swelling and interaction layer growth. Five miniplates with well-recorded fabrication data and irradiation conditions were selected, and their PIE data was analyzed. ABAQUS finite element analysis (FEA) was utilized to simulate the microstructural evolution of the plates. Using the simulation results shear stress, effective stress and hydrostatic stress exerted on both themore » fuel particles and the Al matrix were determined. The effects of fabrication and irradiation variables on stress-induced microstructural evolutions, such as pore growth in the interaction layers and Al matrix rupture, were investigated. The observed microstructural changes were consistent with the calculated stress distribution in the meat.« less

Effect of stress evolution on microstructural behavior in U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel [Effect of stress on microstructural evolution in U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jeong, G. Y.; Kim, Yeon Soo; Jamison, L. M.

U-Mo/Al dispersion fuel irradiated to high burnup at high power (high fission rate) exhibited microstructural changes such as deformation of the fuel particles, pore growth, and rupture of the Al matrix. The driving force for these microstructural changes was meat swelling caused by a combination of fuel particle swelling and interaction layer growth. Five miniplates with well-recorded fabrication data and irradiation conditions were selected, and their PIE data was analyzed. ABAQUS finite element analysis (FEA) was utilized to simulate the microstructural evolution of the plates. Using the simulation results shear stress, effective stress and hydrostatic stress exerted on both themore » fuel particles and the Al matrix were determined. The effects of fabrication and irradiation variables on stress-induced microstructural evolutions, such as pore growth in the interaction layers and Al matrix rupture, were investigated. The observed microstructural changes were consistent with the calculated stress distribution in the meat.« less

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Additively Manufactured Parts with Staircase Feature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keya, Tahmina

This thesis focuses on a part with staircase feature that is made of Inconel 718 and fabricated by SLM process. The objective of the study was to observe build height effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the part. Due to the nature of SLM, there is possibility of different microstructure and mechanical properties in different locations depending on the design of the part. The objective was to compare microstructure and mechanical properties from different location and four comparison groups were considered: 1. Effect of thermal cycle; 2. External and internal surfaces; 3. Build height effect and 4. Bottom surfaces. To achieve the goals of this research, standard metallurgical procedure has been performed to prepare samples. Etching was done to reveal the microstructure of SLM processed Inconel 718 parts. Young's modulus and hardness were measured using nanoindentation technique. FEM analysis was performed to simulate nanoindentation. The conclusions drawn from this research are: 1. The microstructure of front and side surface of SLM processed Inconel 718 consists of arc shaped cut ends of melt pools with intermetallic phase at the border of the melt pool; 2. On top surface, melted tracks and scanning patterns can be observed and the average width of melted tracks is 100-150 microm; 3. The microstructure looks similar at different build height; 4. Microstructure on the top of a stair is more defined and organized than the internal surface; 5. The mechanical properties are highest at the bottom. OM images revealed slight difference in microstructure in terms of build height for this specific part, but mechanical properties seem to be vary noticeably. This is something to be kept in mind while designing or determining build orientation. External and internal surfaces of a stair at the same height showed difference in both microstructure and mechanical properties. To minimize that effect and to make it more uniform, gradual elevation can be considered when suitable as far as design modification is concerned. Above all, this study reveals important information about the pattern of microstructure, thus heat transfer mechanism inside a part which is useful to understand the SLM process.

Effects of Microalloying on the Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Directionally Solidified Ni-33(at.%)Al-31Cr-3Mo Eutectic Alloys Investigated

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whittenberger, J. Daniel; Raj, Sai V.; Locci, Ivan E.; Salem, Jonathan A.

2002-01-01

Despite nickel aluminide (NiAl) alloys' attractive combination of oxidation and thermophysical properties, their development as replacements for superalloy airfoils in gas turbine engines has been largely limited by difficulties in developing alloys with an optimum combination of elevated-temperature creep resistance and room-temperature fracture toughness. Alternatively, research has focused on developing directionally solidified NiAl-based in situ eutectic composites composed of NiAl and (Cr,Mo) phases in order to obtain a desirable combination of properties a systematic investigation was undertaken at the NASA Glenn Research Center to examine the effects of small additions of 11 alloying elements (Co, Cu, Fe, Hf, Mn, Nb, Re, Si, Ta, Ti, and Zr) in amounts varying from 0.25 to 1.0 at.% on the elevated-temperature strength and room-temperature fracture toughness of directionally solidified Ni-33Al-31Cr-3Mo eutectic alloy. The alloys were grown at 12.7 mm/hr, where the unalloyed eutectic base alloy exhibited a planar eutectic microstructure. The different microstructures that formed because of these fifth-element additions are included in the table. The additions of these elements even in small amounts resulted in the formation of cellular microstructures, and in some cases, dendrites and third phases were observed. Most of these elemental additions did not improve either the elevated-temperature strength or the room-temperature fracture toughness over that of the base alloy. However, small improvements in the compression strength were observed between 1200 and 1400 K when 0.5 at.% Hf and 0.25 at.% Ti were added to the base alloy. The results of this study suggest that the microalloying of Ni-33Al-31Cr-3Mo will not significantly improve either its elevatedtemperature strength or its room-temperature fracture toughness. Thus, any improvements in these properties must be acquired by changing the processing conditions.

Effect of Repetition Rate on Femtosecond Laser-Induced Homogenous Microstructures

PubMed Central

Biswas, Sanchari; Karthikeyan, Adya; Kietzig, Anne-Marie

2016-01-01

We report on the effect of repetition rate on the formation and surface texture of the laser induced homogenous microstructures. Different microstructures were micromachined on copper (Cu) and titanium (Ti) using femtosecond pulses at 1 and 10 kHz. We studied the effect of the repetition rate on structure formation by comparing the threshold accumulated pulse (FΣpulse) values and the effect on the surface texture through lacunarity analysis. Machining both metals at low FΣpulse resulted in microstructures with higher lacunarity at 10 kHz compared to 1 kHz. On increasing FΣpulse, the microstructures showed higher lacunarity at 1 kHz. The effect of the repetition rate on the threshold FΣpulse values were, however, considerably different on the two metals. With an increase in repetition rate, we observed a decrease in the threshold FΣpulse on Cu, while on Ti we observed an increase. These differences were successfully allied to the respective material characteristics and the resulting melt dynamics. While machining Ti at 10 kHz, the melt layer induced by one laser pulse persists until the next pulse arrives, acting as a dielectric for the subsequent pulse, thereby increasing FΣpulse. However, on Cu, the melt layer quickly resolidifies and no such dielectric like phase is observed. Our study contributes to the current knowledge on the effect of the repetition rate as an irradiation parameter. PMID:28774143

Microstructural characterisation of proton irradiated niobium using X-ray diffraction technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutta, Argha; Gayathri, N.; Neogy, S.; Mukherjee, P.

2018-04-01

The microstructural parameters in pure Nb, irradiated with 5 MeV proton beam have been evaluated as a function of dose using X-ray diffraction line profile analysis. In order to assess the microstructural changes in the homogeneous region and in the peak damage region of the damage energy deposition profile, X-ray diffraction patterns have been collected using two different geometries (Bragg-Brentano and parallel beam geometries). Different X-ray line profile analysis like Williamson-Hall (W-H) analysis, modified W-H analysis, double-Voigt analysis, modified Rietveld technique and convolutional multiple whole profile fitting have been employed to extract the microstructural parameters like coherent domain size, microstrain within the domain, dislocation density and arrangement of dislocations. The coherent domain size decreases drastically along with increase in microstrain and dislocation density in the first dose for both the geometries. With increasing dose, a decreasing trend in microstrain associated with decrease in dislocation density is observed for both the geometries. This is attributed to the formation of defect clusters due to irradiation which with increasing dose collapse to dislocation loops to minimise the strain in the matrix. This is corroborated with the observation of black dots and loops in the TEM images. No significant difference is observed in the trend of microstructural parameters between the homogeneous and peak damage region of the damage profile.

Microstructural evolution and rheology of quartz in a mid-crustal shear zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rahl, Jeffrey M.; Skemer, Philip

2016-06-01

We present microstructural and crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) data on quartz deformed in the middle crust to explore the interaction and feedback between dynamic recrystallization, deformation processes, and CPO evolution. The sample investigated here is a moderately deformed quartz-rich mylonite from the Blue Ridge in Virginia. We have created high-resolution crystallographic orientation maps using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) of 51 isolated quartz porphyroclasts with recrystallized grain fractions ranging from 10 to 100%. Recrystallized grains are internally undeformed and display crystallographic orientations dispersed around the orientation of the associated parent porphyroclast. We document a systematic decrease in fabric intensity with recrystallization, suggesting that progressive deformation of the recrystallized domains involves processes that can weaken a pre-existing CPO. Relationships between recrystallization fraction and shear strain suggest that complete microstructural re-equilibration requires strains in excess of γ = 5. Variation in the degree of recrystallization implies that strain was accumulated heterogeneously, and that a steady-state microstructure and rheology were not achieved.

Observation of 690 MV m -1 Electron Accelerating Gradient with a Laser-Driven Dielectric Microstructure

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wootton, K. P.; Wu, Z.; Cowan, B. M.

Acceleration of electrons using laser-driven dielectric microstructures is a promising technology for the miniaturization of particle accelerators. In this work, experimental results are presented of relativistic electron acceleration with 690±100 MVm -1 gradient. This is a record-high accelerating gradient for a dielectric microstructure accelerator, nearly doubling the previous record gradient. To reach higher acceleration gradients the present experiment employs 90 fs duration laser pulses.

Asymptotic analysis of hierarchical martensitic microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cesana, Pierluigi; Porta, Marcel; Lookman, Turab

2014-12-01

We consider a hierarchical nested microstructure, which also contains a point of singularity (disclination) at the origin, observed in lead orthovanadate. We show how to exactly compute the energy cost and associated displacement field within linearized elasticity by enforcing geometric compatibility of strains across interfaces of the three-phase mixture of distortions (variants) in the microstructure. We prove that the mechanical deformation is purely elastic and discuss the behavior of the system close to the origin.

3D Microstructural Architectures for Metal and Alloy Components Fabricated by 3D Printing/Additive Manufacturing Technologies

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Martinez, E.; Murr, L. E.; Amato, K. N.; Hernandez, J.; Shindo, P. W.; Gaytan, S. M.; Ramirez, D. A.; Medina, F.; Wicker, R. B.

The layer-by-layer building of monolithic, 3D metal components from selectively melted powder layers using laser or electron beams is a novel form of 3D printing or additive manufacturing. Microstructures created in these 3D products can involve novel, directional solidification structures which can include crystallographically oriented grains containing columnar arrays of precipitates characteristic of a microstructural architecture. These microstructural architectures are advantageously rendered in 3D image constructions involving light optical microscopy and scanning and transmission electron microscopy observations. Microstructural evolution can also be effectively examined through 3D image sequences which, along with x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis in the x-y and x-z planes, can effectively characterize related crystallographic/texture variances. This paper compares 3D microstructural architectures in Co-base and Ni-base superalloys, columnar martensitic grain structures in 17-4 PH alloy, and columnar copper oxides and dislocation arrays in copper.

Effects of white matter microstructure on phase and susceptibility maps.

PubMed

Wharton, Samuel; Bowtell, Richard

2015-03-01

To investigate the effects on quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and susceptibility tensor imaging (STI) of the frequency variation produced by the microstructure of white matter (WM). The frequency offsets in a WM tissue sample that are not explained by the effect of bulk isotropic or anisotropic magnetic susceptibility, but rather result from the local microstructure, were characterized for the first time. QSM and STI were then applied to simulated frequency maps that were calculated using a digitized whole-brain, WM model formed from anatomical and diffusion tensor imaging data acquired from a volunteer. In this model, the magnitudes of the frequency contributions due to anisotropy and microstructure were derived from the results of the tissue experiments. The simulations suggest that the frequency contribution of microstructure is much larger than that due to bulk effects of anisotropic magnetic susceptibility. In QSM, the microstructure contribution introduced artificial WM heterogeneity. For the STI processing, the microstructure contribution caused the susceptibility anisotropy to be significantly overestimated. Microstructure-related phase offsets in WM yield artifacts in the calculated susceptibility maps. If susceptibility mapping is to become a robust MRI technique, further research should be carried out to reduce the confounding effects of microstructure-related frequency contributions. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Effects of White Matter Microstructure on Phase and Susceptibility Maps

PubMed Central

Wharton, Samuel; Bowtell, Richard

2015-01-01

Purpose To investigate the effects on quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) and susceptibility tensor imaging (STI) of the frequency variation produced by the microstructure of white matter (WM). Methods The frequency offsets in a WM tissue sample that are not explained by the effect of bulk isotropic or anisotropic magnetic susceptibility, but rather result from the local microstructure, were characterized for the first time. QSM and STI were then applied to simulated frequency maps that were calculated using a digitized whole-brain, WM model formed from anatomical and diffusion tensor imaging data acquired from a volunteer. In this model, the magnitudes of the frequency contributions due to anisotropy and microstructure were derived from the results of the tissue experiments. Results The simulations suggest that the frequency contribution of microstructure is much larger than that due to bulk effects of anisotropic magnetic susceptibility. In QSM, the microstructure contribution introduced artificial WM heterogeneity. For the STI processing, the microstructure contribution caused the susceptibility anisotropy to be significantly overestimated. Conclusion Microstructure-related phase offsets in WM yield artifacts in the calculated susceptibility maps. If susceptibility mapping is to become a robust MRI technique, further research should be carried out to reduce the confounding effects of microstructure-related frequency contributions. Magn Reson Med 73:1258–1269, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:24619643

Microstructural characterization of PAN based carbon fiber reinforced nylon 6 polymer composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Munirathnamma, L. M.; Ningaraju, S.; Kumar, K. V. Aneesh; Ravikumar, H. B.

2018-04-01

Microstructural characterization of nylon 6/polyacrolonitrile based carbon fibers (PAN-CFs) of 10 to 40 wt% has been performed by positron lifetime technique (PLT). The positron lifetime parameters viz., o-Ps lifetime (τ3), o-Ps intensity (I3) and fractional free volume (Fv) of nylon 6/PAN-CF composites are correlated with the mechanical properties viz., Tensile strength and Young's modulus. The Fv show negative deviation with the reinforcement of 10 to 40 wt% of PAN-CF from the linear additivity relation. The negative deviation in nylon 6/PAN-CF composite suggests the induced molecular packing due to the chemical interaction between the polymeric chains of nylon 6 and PAN-CF. This is evident from Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrometry (FTIR) studies. The FTIR results suggests that observed negative deviation in PALS results of nylon 6/PAN-CF reinforced polymer composites is due to the induced chemical interaction at N-H-O sites. The improved tensile strength (TS) and Young's modulus (YM) in nylon 6/PAN-CF reinforced polymer composites is due to AS4C (surface treated and epoxy coated) PAN-CF has shown highest adhesion level due to better stress transfer between nylon 6 and PAN-CF.

Changes in Rat Brain Tissue Microstructure and Stiffness during the Development of Experimental Obstructive Hydrocephalus

PubMed Central

Jugé, Lauriane; Pong, Alice C.; Bongers, Andre; Sinkus, Ralph; Bilston, Lynne E.; Cheng, Shaokoon

2016-01-01

Understanding neural injury in hydrocephalus and how the brain changes during the course of the disease in-vivo remain unclear. This study describes brain deformation, microstructural and mechanical properties changes during obstructive hydrocephalus development in a rat model using multimodal magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Hydrocephalus was induced in eight Sprague-Dawley rats (4 weeks old) by injecting a kaolin suspension into the cisterna magna. Six sham-injected rats were used as controls. MR imaging (9.4T, Bruker) was performed 1 day before, and at 3, 7 and 16 days post injection. T2-weighted MR images were collected to quantify brain deformation. MR elastography was used to measure brain stiffness, and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was conducted to observe brain tissue microstructure. Results showed that the enlargement of the ventricular system was associated with a decrease in the cortical gray matter thickness and caudate-putamen cross-sectional area (P < 0.001, for both), an alteration of the corpus callosum and periventricular white matter microstructure (CC+PVWM) and rearrangement of the cortical gray matter microstructure (P < 0.001, for both), while compression without gross microstructural alteration was evident in the caudate-putamen and ventral internal capsule (P < 0.001, for both). During hydrocephalus development, increased space between the white matter tracts was observed in the CC+PVWM (P < 0.001), while a decrease in space was observed for the ventral internal capsule (P < 0.001). For the cortical gray matter, an increase in extracellular tissue water was significantly associated with a decrease in tissue stiffness (P = 0.001). To conclude, this study characterizes the temporal changes in tissue microstructure, water content and stiffness in different brain regions and their association with ventricular enlargement. In summary, whilst diffusion changes were larger and statistically significant for majority of the brain regions studied, the changes in mechanical properties were modest. Moreover, the effect of ventricular enlargement is not limited to the CC+PVWM and ventral internal capsule, the extent of microstructural changes vary between brain regions, and there is regional and temporal variation in brain tissue stiffness during hydrocephalus development. PMID:26848844

Correlations Among Microstructure, Morphology, Chemistry, and Isotopic Systematics of Hibonite in CM Chondrites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Han, J.; Liu, M.-C..; Keller, L. P.; Davis, A. M.

2017-01-01

Introduction: Hibonite is a primary refractory phase occurring in many CAIs, typically with spinel and perovskite. Our microstructural studies of CAIs from carbonaceous chondrites reveal a range of stacking defect densities and correlated non-stoichiometry in hibonite. We also conducted a series of annealing experiments, demonstrating that the Mg-Al substitution stabilized the formation of defect-structured hibonite. Here, we continue a detailed TEM analysis of hibonite-bearing inclusions from CM chondrites that have been well-characterized isotopically. We examine possible correlations of microstructure, morphology, mineralogy, and chemical and isotopic systematics of CM hibonites in order to better understand the formation history of hibonite in the early solar nebula. Methods: Fifteen hibonite-bearing inclusions from the Paris CM chondrite were analyzed using a JEOL 7600F SEM and a JEOL 8530F electron microprobe. In addition to three hibonite-bearing inclusions from the Murchison CM chondrite previously reported, we selected three inclusions from Paris, Pmt1-6, 1-9, and 1-10, representing a range of 26Al/27Al ratios and minor element concentrations for a detailed TEM study. We extracted TEM sections from hibonite grains using a FEI Quanta 3D field emission gun SEM/FIB. The sections were then examined using a JEOL 2500SE field-emission scanning TEM equipped with a Thermo-Noran thin window EDX spectrometer. Results and Discussion: A total of six hibonite-bearing inclusions, including two platy hibonite crystals (PLACs) and four spinel-hibonite inclusions (SHIBs), were studied. There are notable differences in chemical and isotopic compositions between the inclusions (Table 1), indicative of their different formation environment or timing. Our TEM observations show perfectly-ordered, stoichiometric hibonite crystals without stacking defects in two PLACs, 2-7-1 and 2-8-2, and in three SHIBs, Pmt1-6, 1-9, and 1-10. In contrast, SHIB 1-9-5 hibonite grains contain a low density of stacking defects linked to an increase in MgO contents, indicating complex, disordered intergrowths of stoichiometric and MgO-enriched hibonites. From the data collected to date, we find no clear correlation between the microstructures of hibonite and its morphological and mineralogical types that reflect distinct chemical and isotopic systematics [6-8,10]. Interestingly, the presence of no or few stacking defects in hibonite from the PLACs and SHIBs are in contrast to our experimental studies that produced very high densities of stacking defects in hibonite [3-5]. Unlike our experi-ments, electron microprobe data from the PLACs and SHIBs hibonite grains show a strong correlation between (Ti4++Si4+) and Mg2+ cations, suggesting that coupled substitutions of (Ti4++Mg2+) and (Si4++Mg2+) for 2Al3+ inhibit the formation of defect-structured hibonite. However, our experimental studies suggest that kinetics (e.g., cooling rate) or other thermal effects also exert a strong control on the microstructures and chemical compositions of hibonite. In Pmt1-6, elongated perovskite grains present at the hibonite grain boundaries display (121) twinning, indicative of a fast cooling (>50degC/min) after high-temperature events. Therefore, the nebular microstructural characteristics of hibonite, at least in this inclusion, would not have destroyed by subsequent high-temperature annealing. Conclusions: Our TEM observations thus far show no clear correlation in microstructures, morphological and mineralogical characteristics, and chemical and isotopic systematics of hibonites from CM chondrites. The observed variation in stacking defect densities in the hibonites may be controlled by thermal processes in the early solar nebula. A detailed TEM analysis of additional CM hibonite samples is underway to evaluate this hypothesis.

Fundamental Studies of Phase Transformations and Mechanical Properties in the Heat Affected Zone of 10 wt% Nickel Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrick, Erin J.

United States naval applications require the use of steels with high strength and resistance to fracture at low temperatures to provide good ballistic properties. In recent years, 10 wt% Ni steel has been developed with strength and toughness values exceeding those of steels currently used, and is now being considered as a candidate material to replace existing high-strength, low alloy steels. This steel has excellent toughness from the mechanically induced transformation of interlath austenite films to martensite. These austenite films are formed via a carefully developed quenching, lamellarizing, and tempering heat treatment. However, before 10 wt% Ni steel can be implemented for full-scale applications, the effects of the rapid heating and cooling rates associated with welding thermal cycles on phase transformations and mechanical properties must be understood. In this research, a fundamental understanding of phase transformations and mechanical properties in the heat-affected zone of fusion welds in 10 wt% Ni steel was developed through heating and cooling rate dilatometry experiments, gas tungsten arc welding, and simulation of gas metal arc welding. First, an investigation into the effects of heating and cooling rate on the phase transformations in 10 wt% Ni steel was performed. The Ac1 and Ac3 temperatures during heating were determined as a function of heating rate, and sluggish transformation during fast heating rates manifested itself as a high Ac3 temperature of 1050°C as opposed to a temperature of 850°C at slow heating rates. A continuous cooling transformation diagram produced for 10 wt% Ni steel reveals that martensite will form over a very wide range of cooling rates, which reflects a very high hardenability of this alloy. This is significant because the range of cooling rates for which the diagram was constructed over easily covers the range associated with fusion welding, so there would not be the need for precise control over the weld processing conditions. The microstructures observed in a single pass gas tungsten arc weld were rationalized with the observations from the heating and cooling rate experiments. The microhardness of gas tungsten arc weld is highest in the intercritical heat affected zone, which is unexpected based on the usual behavior of quench and tempered steels. The hardness of the heat affected zone is always higher than the base metal which is a promising outcome. Having understood the overall effects of heating and cooling on the phase transformations in 10 wt% Ni steel, the microstructure and mechanical property evolution through the heat affected zone was investigated. A Gleeble 3500 thermo-mechanical simulator was used to replicate microstructures observed in the gas-tungsten arc weld, and the microstructural factors influencing the strength and toughness in the simulated heat affected zone samples were correlated to mechanical property results. The strength is the highest in the intercritical heat-affected zone, mostly attributed to microstructural refinement. With increasing peak temperature of the thermal cycle, the volume fraction of retained austenite decreases. The local atom probe tomography results suggest this is due to the destabilization of the austenite brought on by the diffusion of Ni out of the austenite. There is a local low toughness region in the intercritical heat-affected zone, corresponding to a low retained austenite content. However, the retained austenite is similarly low in higher peak temperature regions but the toughness is high. This suggests that while 10 wt% Ni steel is a TRIP-assisted steel and thus obtains high toughness from the plasticity-induced martensite to austenite transformation, the toughness of the steel is also based on other microstructural factors. Overall, the results presented in this work have established, for the first time, the effects of rapid heating and cooling on the phase transformations and mechanical properties in 10 wt% Ni steel, and have started to identify the microstructural features influencing the strength and toughness of this alloy.

Creep resistance. [of high temperature alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tien, J. K.; Malu, M.; Purushothaman, S.

1976-01-01

High-temperature structural applications usually require creep resistance because some average stress is maintained for prolonged periods. Alloy and microstructural design guidelines for creep resistance are presented through established knowledge on creep behavior and its functional dependences on alloy microstructure. Important considerations related to creep resistance of alloys as well as those that are harmful to high-temperature properties are examined. Although most of the creep models do not predict observed creep behavior quantitatively, they are sophisticated enough to provide alloy or microstructural design guidelines. It is shown that creep-resistant microstructures are usually in conflict with microstructures that improve such other properties as stress rupture ductility. Greater understanding of the effects of environments on creep and stress rupture behavior of materials is necessary before one can optimally design alloys for applications in different environments.

Evaluation of Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Resistance of Friction Stir-Welded Aluminum and Magnesium Dissimilar Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verma, Jagesvar; Taiwade, Ravindra V.; Sapate, Sanjay G.; Patil, Awanikumar P.; Dhoble, Ashwinkumar S.

2017-10-01

Microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of dissimilar friction stir-welded aluminum and magnesium alloys were investigated by applying three different rotational speeds at two different travel speeds. Sound joints were obtained in all the conditions. The microstructure was examined by an optical and scanning electron microscope, whereas localized chemical information was studied by energy-dispersive spectroscopy. Stir zone microstructure showed mixed bands of Al and Mg with coarse and fine equiaxed grains. Grain size of stir zone reduced compared to base metals, indicated by dynamic recrystallization. More Al patches were observed in the stir zone as rotational speed increased. X-ray diffraction showed the presence of intermetallics in the stir zone. Higher tensile strength and hardness were obtained at a high rotational speed corresponding to low travel speed. Tensile fractured surface indicated brittle nature of joints. Dissimilar friction stir weld joints showed different behaviors in different corrosive environments, and better corrosion resistance was observed at a high rotational speed corresponding to low travel speed (FW3) in a sulfuric and chloride environments. Increasing travel speed did not significantly affect on microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance as much as the rotational speed.

Evaluation of an Al-Ce alloy for laser additive manufacturing

DOE PAGES

Plotkowski, A.; Rios, O.; Sridharan, N.; ...

2016-12-27

Our present research in metal additive manufacturing (AM) focuses on designing processing parameters around existing alloys designed for traditional manufacturing. However, to maximize the benefits of AM, alloys should be designed to specifically take advantage of the unique thermal conditions of these processes. Furthermore, our study focuses on the development of a design methodology for alloys in AM, using a newly developed Al-Ce alloy as an initial case study. To evaluate the candidacy of this system for fusion based additive manufacturing, single-line laser melts were made on cast Al-12Ce plates using three different beam velocities (100, 200, and 300 mm/min).more » The microstructure was evaluated in the as-melted and heat treated conditions (24 hrs at 300°C). An extremely fine microstructure was observed within the weld pools, evolving from eutectic at the outer solid-liquid boundaries to a primary Al FCC dendritic/cellular structure nearer the melt-pool centerline. We rationalized the observed microstructures through the construction of a microstructure selection map for the Al-Ce binary system, which will be used to enable future alloy design. Interestingly, the heat treated samples exhibited no microstructural coarsening.« less

Twin-spot laser welding of advanced high-strength multiphase microstructure steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grajcar, Adam; Morawiec, Mateusz; Różański, Maciej; Stano, Sebastian

2017-07-01

The study addresses the results concerning the laser welding of TRIP (TRansformation Induced Plasticity) steel using a beam focused at two spots (also referred to as twin-spot laser welding). The analysis involved the effect of variable welding thermal cycles on the properties and microstructure of welded joints. The tests were performed using a linear energy of 0.048 and 0.060 kJ/mm and the laser beam power distribution of 50%:50%, 60%:40% and 70%:30%. The tests also involved welding performed using a linear energy of 0.150 kJ/mm and the laser beam power distribution of 70%:30%. In addition, the research included observations of the microstructure of the fusion zone, heat affected zone and the transition zone using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The fusion zone was composed of blocky-lath martensite whereas the HAZ (heat-affected zone) was characterised by the lath microstructure containing martensite, bainite and retained austenite. The distribution of twin-spot laser beam power significantly affected the microstructure and hardness profiles of welded joints. The highest hardness (480-505 HV), regardless of welding variants used, was observed in the HAZ.

DETECTION OF POLARIZED QUASI-PERIODIC MICROSTRUCTURE EMISSION IN MILLISECOND PULSARS

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

De, Kishalay; Sharma, Prateek; Gupta, Yashwant, E-mail: kde@caltech.edu

Microstructure emission, involving short timescale, often quasi-periodic, intensity fluctuations in subpulse emission, is well known in normal period pulsars. In this Letter, we present the first detections of quasi-periodic microstructure emission from millisecond pulsars (MSPs), from Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope observations of two MSPs at 325 and 610 MHz. Similar to the characteristics of microstructure observed in normal period pulsars, we find that these features are often highly polarized and exhibit quasi-periodic behavior on top of broader subpulse emission, with periods of the order of a few μ s. By measuring their widths and periodicities from single pulse intensity profilesmore » and their autocorrelation functions, we extend the microstructure timescale–rotation period relationship by more than an order of magnitude down to rotation periods ∼5 ms, and find it to be consistent with the relationship derived earlier for normal pulsars. The similarity of behavior is remarkable, given the significantly different physical properties of MSPs and normal period pulsars, and rules out several previous speculations about the possible different characteristics of microstructure in MSP radio emission. We discuss the possible reasons for the non-detection of these features in previous high time resolution MSP studies along with the physical implications of our results, both in terms of a geometric beam sweeping model and temporal modulation model for micropulse production.« less

Microstructure and Ultrastructure Alterations in the Pallium of Immature Mice Exposed to Cadmium.

PubMed

Yang, X F; Han, Q G; Liu, D Y; Zhang, H T; Fan, G Y; Ma, J Y; Wang, Z L

2016-11-01

The aim of this study was to investigate microstructure and ultrastructure alterations in the pallium of immature mice exposed to cadmium. Forty immature mice were randomly divided into control, 1/100 LD 50 (1.87 mg/kg, low), 1/50 LD 50 (3.74 mg/kg, medium), and 1/25 LD 50 (7.48 mg/kg, high) dose groups. After oral cadmium exposure for 40 days, the pallium of mice was obtained for microstructure and ultrastructure studies. The results showed that both microstructure and ultrastructure alterations of the pallium were observed in all treated mice and the most obvious alterations were in the high dose group. Microstructural analysis showed seriously congested capillary in the pia mater of the pallium in the high cadmium group. Meanwhile, vacuolar degenerate or karyopyknosis presented in some neurocytes, capillary quantity, and the number of apoptotic cells increased, some neurocytes became hypertrophy, the pia mater separated from the cortex, and local hemorrhage and accompanied inflammatory cell infiltration were also observed. Ultrastructural analysis showed that rough endoplasmic reticulum was expanded, heterochromatin marginalized, perinuclear space distinctly broadened, swelling and vacuolization mitochondria appeared, synapse was swelling, presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes presented fusion, and most of mitochondrial cristae were ambiguous. The results indicated that cadmium exposure for 40 days induced dose-dependent microstructure and ultrastructure alterations in pallium of immature mice.

Hydroxyapatite coatings deposited by liquid precursor plasma spraying: controlled dense and porous microstructures and osteoblastic cell responses.

PubMed

Huang, Yi; Song, Lei; Liu, Xiaoguang; Xiao, Yanfeng; Wu, Yao; Chen, Jiyong; Wu, Fang; Gu, Zhongwei

2010-12-01

Hydroxyapatite coatings were deposited on Ti-6Al-4V substrates by a novel plasma spraying process, the liquid precursor plasma spraying (LPPS) process. X-ray diffraction results showed that the coatings obtained by the LPPS process were mainly composed of hydroxyapatite. The LPPS process also showed excellent control on the coating microstructure, and both nearly fully dense and highly porous hydroxyapatite coatings were obtained by simply adjusting the solid content of the hydroxyapatite liquid precursor. Scanning electron microscope observations indicated that the porous hydroxyapatite coatings had pore size in the range of 10-200 µm and an average porosity of 48.26 ± 0.10%. The osteoblastic cell responses to the dense and porous hydroxyapatite coatings were evaluated with human osteoblastic cell MG-63, in respect of the cell morphology, proliferation and differentiation, with the hydroxyapatite coatings deposited by the atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) process as control. The cell experiment results indicated that the heat-treated LPPS coatings with a porous structure showed the best cell proliferation and differentiation among all the hydroxyapatite coatings. Our results suggest that the LPPS process is a promising plasma spraying technique for fabricating hydroxyapatite coatings with a controllable microstructure, which has great potential in bone repair and replacement applications.

Color tone and interfacial microstructure of white oxide layer on commercially pure Ti and Ti-Nb-Ta-Zr alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miura-Fujiwara, Eri; Mizushima, Keisuke; Watanabe, Yoshimi; Kasuga, Toshihiro; Niinomi, Mitsuo

2014-11-01

In this study, the relationships among oxidation condition, color tone, and the cross-sectional microstructure of the oxide layer on commercially pure (CP) Ti and Ti-36Nb-2Ta-3Zr-0.3O were investigated. “White metals” are ideal metallic materials having a white color with sufficient strength and ductility like a metal. Such materials have long been sought for in dentistry. We have found that the specific biomedical Ti alloys, such as CP Ti, Ti-36Nb-2Ta-3Zr-0.3O, and Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr, form a bright yellowish-white oxide layer after a particular oxidation heat treatment. The brightness L* and yellowness +b* of the oxide layer on CP Ti and Ti-36Nb-2Ta-3Zr-0.3O increased with heating time and temperature. Microstructural observations indicated that the oxide layer on Ti-29Nb-13Ta-4.6Zr and Ti-36Nb-2Ta-3Zr-0.3O was dense and firm, whereas a piecrust-like layer was formed on CP Ti. The results obtained in this study suggest that oxide layer coating on Ti-36Nb-2Ta-3Zr-0.3O is an excellent technique for dental applications.

Left-Hemispheric Microstructural Abnormalities in Children With High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder

PubMed Central

Peterson, Daniel; Mahajan, Rajneesh; Crocetti, Deana; Mejia, Amanda; Mostofsky, Stewart

2014-01-01

Current theories of the neurobiological basis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) posit an altered pattern of connectivity in large-scale brain networks. Here we used Diffusion Tensor Imaging to investigate the microstructural properties of the white matter that mediates inter-regional connectivity in 36 high-functioning children with ASD (HF-ASD), as compared to 37 controls. By employing an atlas-based analysis using LDDMM registration, a widespread, but left-lateralized pattern of abnormalities was revealed. The Mean Diffusivity (MD) of water in the white matter of HF-ASD children was significantly elevated throughout the left hemisphere, particularly in the outer-zone cortical white matter. Across diagnostic groups there was a significant effect of age on left hemisphere MD, with a similar reduction in MD during childhood in both TD and HF-ASD children. The increased MD in children with HF-ASD suggests hypomyelination, and may reflect increased short-range cortico-cortical connections subsequent to early white matter overgrowth. These findings also highlight left hemispheric connectivity as relevant to the pathophysiology of ASD, and indicate that the spatial distribution of microstructural abnormalities in HF-ASD is widespread, and left-lateralized. This altered left-hemispheric connectivity may contribute to deficits in communication and praxis observed in ASD. PMID:25256103

Estimating relative carbonyl levels in muscle microstructures by fluorescence imaging

PubMed Central

Feng, Juan; Navratil, Marian; Thompson, LaDora V.

2011-01-01

The increase in the levels of protein carbonyls, biomarkers of oxidative stress, appears to play an important role in aging skeletal muscle. However, the exact distributions of carbonyls among various skeletal muscle microstructures still remain largely unknown, partly owing to the lack of adequate techniques to carry out these measurements. This report describes an immunohistochemical approach to determine the relative abundance of carbonyls in the intermyofibrillar mitochondria (IFM), the subsarcolemmal mitochondria (SSM), the cytoplasm, and the extracellular space of skeletal muscle. These morphological features were defined by labeling the nucleus, the Z-lines, and mitochondria. Carbonyls were detected by derivatization with dinitrophenylhydrazine followed by labeling with an Alexa 488-labeled anti-dinitrophenyl primary antibody. Alexa 488 fluorescence (green) in different fiber microstructures was used to estimate the relative abundance of carbonyls. On the basis of the samples examined, preliminary results suggest that the most dramatic age-related changes in carbonyl levels occur in the extracellular space, followed in a decreasing order by SSM, IFM, and the cytoplasm. These observations were confirmed in the soleus and semimembranosus muscles composed predominantly of type I and type II fibers, respectively. This approach could easily be extended to the investigation of carbonyl levels in other muscles (composed of mixed skeletal muscle fiber types) or other tissues in which protein carbonyls are present. PMID:18548236

Corrigendum to "Microstructural Characterization of Metal Foams: An Examination of the Applicability of the Theoretical Models for Modeling Foams"

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raj. Sai V.

2011-01-01

Establishing the geometry of foam cells is useful in developing microstructure-based acoustic and structural models. Since experimental data on the geometry of the foam cells are limited, most modeling efforts use an idealized three-dimensional, space-filling Kelvin tetrakaidecahedron. The validity of this assumption is investigated in the present paper. Several FeCrAlY foams with relative densities varying between 3 and 15% and cells per mm (c.p.mm.) varying between 0.2 and 3.9 c.p.mm. were microstructurally evaluated. The number of edges per face for each foam specimen was counted by approximating the cell faces by regular polygons, where the number of cell faces measured varied between 207 and 745. The present observations revealed that 50-57% of the cell faces were pentagonal while 24-28% were quadrilateral and 15-22% were hexagonal. The present measurements are shown to be in excellent agreement with literature data. It is demonstrated that the Kelvin model, as well as other proposed theoretical models, cannot accurately describe the FeCrAlY foam cell structure. Instead, it is suggested that the ideal foam cell geometry consists of 11 faces with 3 quadrilateral, 6 pentagonal faces and 2 hexagonal faces consistent with the 3-6-2 Matzke cell

Low-Temperature Aging Characteristics of Type 316L Stainless Steel Welds: Dependence on Solidification Mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abe, Hiroshi; Watanabe, Yutaka

2008-06-01

Thermal aging embrittlement of light water reactor (LWR) components made of stainless steel cast has been recognized as a potential degradation issue, and careful attention has been paid to it. Although welds of austenitic stainless steels have γ-δ duplex microstructure, which is similar to that of the stainless steel cast, examination of the thermal aging characteristics of the stainless steel welds is very limited. In this investigation, two types of type 316L stainless steel weld metal with different solidification modes were prepared using two kinds of filler metals having tailored Ni equivalent and Cr equivalent. Differences between the two weld metals in the morphology of microstructure, in the composition of δ-ferrite, and in hardening behaviors with isothermal aging at 335 °C have been investigated. The hardness of the ferrite phase has increased with aging time, while the hardness of austenite phase has stayed the same. The mottled aspect has been observed in δ-ferrite of aged samples by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. These characteristics suggest that spinodal decomposition has occurred in δ-ferrite by aging at 335 °C. The age-hardening rate of δ-ferrite was faster for the primary austenite solidification mode (AF mode) sample than the primary ferrite solidification mode (FA mode) sample in the initial stage of the aging up to 2000 hours. It has been suggested that the solidification mode can affect the kinetics of spinodal decomposition.

Transformation and Precipitation Kinetics in 30Cr10Ni Duplex Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fazarinc, Matevz; Terčelj, Milan; Bombač, David; Kugler, Goran

2010-09-01

To improve the microstructure during casting, hot forming, and heat treatment of 30Cr10Ni duplex stainless steel, accurate data on the precipitation and transformation processes at high temperatures are needed. In this article, the precipitation and transformation processes at various aging times in the temperature range 873 K to 1573 K (600 °C to 1300 °C) were studied. The 30Cr10Ni ferrous alloy contains a relatively large amount of Cr, Ni, and C, which results in a complex microstructure. In addition to the ferrite, austenite, and sigma phase, the M23C6 and MC carbides were also observed in the microstructure. The precipitation of the sigma phase was observed after just 3 minutes of aging, and after 30 minutes of aging at approximately 1053 K (780 °C), its fraction exceeded 40 pct. An intensive austenite-to-ferrite transformation was observed above 1423 K (1150 °C). Optical microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and X-ray diffraction (XRD), as well as micro-indentation hardness, hardness, impact toughness, and tensile tests, were carried out to evaluate the obtained microstructures of aged samples.

Measurement of carbon nanotube microstructure relative density by optical attenuation and observation of size-dependent variations.

PubMed

Park, Sei Jin; Schmidt, Aaron J; Bedewy, Mostafa; Hart, A John

2013-07-21

Engineering the density of carbon nanotube (CNT) forest microstructures is vital to applications such as electrical interconnects, micro-contact probes, and thermal interface materials. For CNT forests on centimeter-scale substrates, weight and volume can be used to calculate density. However, this is not suitable for smaller samples, including individual microstructures, and moreover does not enable mapping of spatial density variations within the forest. We demonstrate that the relative mass density of individual CNT microstructures can be measured by optical attenuation, with spatial resolution equaling the size of the focused spot. For this, a custom optical setup was built to measure the transmission of a focused laser beam through CNT microstructures. The transmittance was correlated with the thickness of the CNT microstructures by Beer-Lambert-Bouguer law to calculate the attenuation coefficient. We reveal that the density of CNT microstructures grown by CVD can depend on their size, and that the overall density of arrays of microstructures is affected significantly by run-to-run process variations. Further, we use the technique to quantify the change in CNT microstructure density due to capillary densification. This is a useful and accessible metrology technique for CNTs in future microfabrication processes, and will enable direct correlation of density to important properties such as stiffness and electrical conductivity.

Deformation-resembling microstructure created by fluid-mediated dissolution-precipitation reactions.

PubMed

Spruzeniece, Liene; Piazolo, Sandra; Maynard-Casely, Helen E

2017-01-27

Deformation microstructures are widely used for reconstructing tectono-metamorphic events recorded in rocks. In crustal settings deformation is often accompanied and/or succeeded by fluid infiltration and dissolution-precipitation reactions. However, the microstructural consequences of dissolution-precipitation in minerals have not been investigated experimentally. Here we conducted experiments where KBr crystals were reacted with a saturated KCl-H 2 O fluid. The results show that reaction products, formed in the absence of deformation, inherit the general crystallographic orientation from their parents, but also display a development of new microstructures that are typical in deformed minerals, such as apparent bending of crystal lattices and new subgrain domains, separated by low-angle and, in some cases, high-angle boundaries. Our work suggests that fluid-mediated dissolution-precipitation reactions can lead to a development of potentially misleading microstructures. We propose a set of criteria that may help in distinguishing such microstructures from the ones that are created by crystal-plastic deformation.

Scales microstructure of snakes from the Egyptian area.

PubMed

Allam, Ahmed A; Abo-Eleneen, Rasha E

2012-11-01

The morphology of many organisms seems to be related to the environments in which they live. Many snakes are so similar in their morphological patterns that it becomes quite difficult to distinguish any adaptive divergence that may have occurred. Many authors have suggested that the microstructure of the reptile's scales has important functional value. Herein, we investigate variations on the micromorphology of the external surface of dorsal scales on the head, the mid-body region (trunk), and the tail of Rhomphotyphlops braminus (Typhlopidae), Eryx jaculus (Boidae), Psammophis sibilans (Colubridae), Naja haje (Elapidae) and Echis carinatus (Viperidae). The specimens were metallized and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. All species displayed unique dorsal scale surface microstructures of the investigated regions. The microstructural pattern of the scales of head, trunk, and tail differs in different species of these snakes. In conclusion, we detected ecomorphologic relationships between extant dorsal scale microstructures and snake microhabitat, enabling us to hypothesize that environmental pressures have significant influences not only on these animals' macrostructure, but also on its microstructure as well.

Observed Changes in As-Fabricated U-10Mo Monolithic Fuel Microstructures After Irradiation in the Advanced Test Reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keiser, Dennis; Jue, Jan-Fong; Miller, Brandon; Gan, Jian; Robinson, Adam; Madden, James

2017-12-01

A low-enriched uranium U-10Mo monolithic nuclear fuel is being developed by the Material Management and Minimization Program, earlier known as the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactors Program, for utilization in research and test reactors around the world that currently use high-enriched uranium fuels. As part of this program, reactor experiments are being performed in the Advanced Test Reactor. It must be demonstrated that this fuel type exhibits mechanical integrity, geometric stability, and predictable behavior to high powers and high fission densities in order for it to be a viable fuel for qualification. This paper provides an overview of the microstructures observed at different regions of interest in fuel plates before and after irradiation for fuel samples that have been tested. These fuel plates were fabricated using laboratory-scale fabrication methods. Observations regarding how microstructural changes during irradiation may impact fuel performance are discussed.

Direct three-dimensional observation of the microstructure and chemistry of C{sub 3}S hydration

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hu, Qinang; Aboustait, Mohammed; Kim, Taehwan

Disagreements about the mechanisms of cement hydration remain despite the fact that portland cement has been studied extensively for over 100 years. One reason for this is that direct observation of the change in microstructure and chemistry are challenging for many experimental techniques. This paper presents results from synchrotron nano X-ray tomography and fluorescence imaging. The data show unprecedented direct observations of small collections of C{sub 3}S particles before and after different periods of hydration in 15 mmol/L lime solution. X-ray absorption contrast is used to make three dimensional maps of the changes of these materials with time. The chemicalmore » compositions of hydration products are then identified with X-ray fluorescence mapping and scanning electron microscopy. These experiments are used to provide insight into the rate and morphology of the microstructure formation.« less

Characterization of a cold-rolled 2101 lean duplex stainless steel.

PubMed

Bassani, Paola; Breda, Marco; Brunelli, Katya; Mészáros, Istvan; Passaretti, Francesca; Zanellato, Michela; Calliari, Irene

2013-08-01

Duplex stainless steels (DSS) may be defined as a category of steels with a two-phase ferritic-austenitic microstructure, which combines good mechanical and corrosion properties. However, these steels can undergo significant microstructural modification as a consequence of either thermo-mechanical treatments (ferrite decomposition, which causes σ- and χ-phase formation and nitride precipitation) or plastic deformation at room temperature [austenite transformation into strain-induced martensite (SIM)]. These secondary phases noticeably affect the properties of DSS, and therefore are of huge industrial interest. In the present work, SIM formation was investigated in a 2101 lean DSS. The material was subjected to cold rolling at various degrees of deformation (from 10 to 80% thickness reduction) and the microstructure developed after plastic deformation was investigated by electron backscattered diffraction, X-ray diffraction measurements, and hardness and magnetic tests. It was observed that SIM formed as a consequence of deformations higher than ~20% and residual austenite was still observed at 80% of thickness reduction. Furthermore, a direct relationship was found between microstructure and magnetic properties.

Microstructural evolution in ultra-low-carbon steel weldments—Part I: Controlled thermal cycling and continuous cooling transformation diagram of the weld metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fonda, R. W.; Spanos, G.

2000-09-01

The transformation behavior and microstructural evolution of the as-deposited weld metal from an ultra-low-carbon (ULC) weldment were characterized by dilatometry, optical microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and microhardness measurements. These results were used to construct a continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagram for this weld metal. The major microconstituents observed in this ULC weldment were (in order of decreasing cooling rate) coarse autotempered martensite, fine lath martensite, lath ferrite, and degenerate lath ferrite. No polygonal ferrite was observed. These results were also used to develop criteria to differentiate between the two predominant microstructures in these ULC steels, lath martensite, and lath ferrite, which can look quite similar but have very different properties.

Dielectric Characteristics of Microstructural Changes and Property Evolution in Engineered Materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clifford, Jallisa Janet

Heterogeneous materials are increasingly used in a wide range of applications such as aerospace, civil infrastructure, fuel cells and many others. The ability to take properties from two or more materials to create a material with properties engineered to needs is always very attractive. Hence heterogeneous materials are evolving into more complex formulations in multiple disciplines. Design of microstructure at multiple scales control the global functional properties of these materials and their structures. However, local microstructural changes do not directly cause a proportional change to the global properties (such as strength and stiffness). Instead, local changes follow an evolution process including significant interactions. Therefore, in order to understand property evolution of engineered materials, microstructural changes need to be effectively captured. Characterizing these changes and representing them by material variables will enable us to further improve our material level understanding. In this work, we will demonstrate how microstructural features of heterogeneous materials can be described quantitatively using broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BbDS). The frequency dependent dielectric properties can capture the change in material microstructure and represent these changes in terms of material variables, such as complex permittivity. These changes in terms of material properties can then be linked to a number of different conditions, such as increasing damage due to impact or fatigue. Two different broadband dielectric spectroscopy scanning modes are presented: bulk measurements and continuous scanning to measure dielectric property change as a function of position across the specimen. In this study, we will focus on ceramic materials and fiber reinforced polymer matrix composites as test bed material systems. In the first part of the thesis, we will present how different micro-structural design of porous ceramic materials can be captured quantitatively using BbDS. These materials are typically used in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Results show significant effect of microstructural design on material properties at multiple temperatures (up to 800 °C). In the later part of the thesis, we will focus on microstructural changes of fiber reinforced composite materials due to impact and static loading. The changes in dielectric response can then be linked to the bulk mechanical properties of the material and various damage modes. Observing trends in dielectric response enables us to further determine local mechanisms and distribution of properties throughout the damaged specimens. A 3D X-ray microscope and a digital microscope have been used to visualize these changes in material microstructure and validate experimental observations. The increase in damage observed in the material microstructure can then also be linked to the changes in dielectric response. Results show that BbDS is an extremely useful tool for identifying microstructural changes within a heterogeneous material and particularly useful in relating remaining properties. Dielectric material variables can be used directly in property degradation laws and help develop a framework for future predictive modeling methodologies.

Influence of coarsened and rafted microstructures on the thermomechanical fatigue of a Ni-base superalloy

DOE PAGES

Kirka, M. M.; Brindley, K. A.; Neu, R. W.; ...

2015-08-17

The aging of the microstructure of Ni-base superalloys during service is mainly characterized by coarsening and rafting of the γ' precipitates. The influence of these different aged microstructures on thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) under either continuously cycled (CC) and creep-fatigue (CF) was investigated. Three different aged microstructures, generated through accelerated aging and pre-creep treatments, were studied: stress-free coarsened γ', rafted with orientation perpendicular to loading direction (N-raft), and rafted with orientation parallel to loading direction (P-raft). Under most conditions, the aged microstructures were less resistant to TMF than the virgin microstructure; however, there were exceptions. Both stress-free coarsened and N-raft microstructuresmore » resulted in a reduction in TMF life under both CC and CF conditions in comparison to the virgin material. P-raft microstructure also resulted in reduction in TMF life under CC conditions; however, an increase in life over that of the virgin material was observed under CF conditions. Finally, these differences are discussed and hypothesized to be related to the interactions of the dislocations in the γ channels with γ' precipitates.« less

Multiple thermal transitions and anisotropic thermal expansions of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ya'akobovitz, Assaf

2016-10-01

Vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VA-CNTs) hold the potential to play an instrumental role in a wide variety of applications in micro- and nano-devices and composites. However, their successful large-scale implementation in engineering systems requires a thorough understanding of their material properties, including their thermal behavior, which was the focus of the current study. Thus, the thermal expansion of as-grown VA-CNT microstructures was investigated while increasing the temperature from room temperature to 800 °C and then cooling it down. First thermal transition was observed at 191 ± 68 °C during heating, and an additional thermal transition was observed at 523 ± 138 °C during heating and at similar temperatures during cooling. Each thermal transition was characterized by a significant change in the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), which can be related to a morphological change in the VA-CNT microstructures. Measurements of the CTEs in the lateral directions revealed differences in the lateral thermal behaviors of the top, middle, and bottom portions of the VA-CNT microstructures, again indicating that their morphology dominates their thermal characteristics. A hysteretic behavior was observed, as the measured values of CTEs were altered due to the applied thermal loads and the height of the microstructures was slightly higher compared to its initial value. These findings provide an insight into the anisotropic thermal behavior of VA-CNT microstructures and shed light on the relationship between their morphology and thermal behavior.

Ultrasonic nondestructive evaluation, microstructure, and mechanical property interrelations

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Vary, A.

1984-01-01

Ultrasonic techniques for mechanical property characterizations are reviewed and conceptual models are advanced for explaining and interpreting the empirically based results. At present, the technology is generally empirically based and is emerging from the research laboratory. Advancement of the technology will require establishment of theoretical foundations for the experimentally observed interrelations among ultrasonic measurements, mechanical properties, and microstructure. Conceptual models are applied to ultrasonic assessment of fracture toughness to illustrate an approach for predicting correlations found among ultrasonic measurements, microstructure, and mechanical properties.

Rapid Assessment of the Role of Microstructural Variability in the Fatigue Behavior of Structural Alloys using Ultrasonic Fatigue

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-06-23

6 %AI-2%Sn- 4 %Zr- 6 %Mo in the very high cycle regime. The microstructure is a two-phase structure with primary a grains (ap grains) in a transformed [3...aluminum [2], magnesium [3], nickel-based [ 4 ], and titanium [5,6] alloy systems. Fatigue crack initiation is known to consume the majority of fatigue...microstructural neighborhood affects this process. In fatigue studies of alpha + beta titanium alloys, [ 6 -9] cyclic deformation localization is first observed in

Aromatization of n-hexane by platinum-containing molecular sieves. 2. n-Hexane reactivity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mielczarski, E.; Suk Bong Hong; Davis, M.E.

Pt/KL, Pt/BaKL, Pt/KBaKL, Pt/NaY, Pt/CsNaY, Pt/NaFAU(C), Pt/hex, Pt/SSZ-24, Pt/silica, and Pt/carbon were tested as catalysts for the aromatization of n-hexane at 460-510 C and atmospheric total pressure in order to study the influence of Pt cluster size and support acidity/basicity, microstructure, and chemical composition on activity and selectivity. Analysis of the catalytic and NH{sub 3} temperature-programmed desorption results from Pt/KL, Pt/BaKL, and Pt/KBaKL reveals that the presence of any acidity increases hydrogenolysis at the expense of benzene production. In addition, no increase in aromatization selectivity is observed by the addition of base sites to a Pt/zeolite catalyst, confirming that aromatizationmore » of n-hexane over Pt clusters on nonacidic carriers is monofunctional. High selectivity to benzene over most of the zeolite samples demonstrates that support microstructure does not contribute directly to the aromatization selectivity over Pt catalysts. High selectivity to benzene is observed for a Pt/carbon catalyst suggesting that a zeolitic support is not necessary for good performance. In fact, similar reactivity is obtained from microporous (Pt/SSZ-24) and nonmicroporous (Pt/silica) silica supported platinum catalysts with similar H/Pt values. A clear trend of increasing benzene selectivity with decreasing Pt cluster size is found. These observations suggest that the exceptional reactivity of Pt/KL for the aromatization of n-hexane results from the lack of any acidity in the support and the ability of zeolite L to stabilize the formation of extremely small Pt clusters.« less

Microstructural studies of 35 degrees C copper Ni-Ti orthodontic wire and TEM confirmation of low-temperature martensite transformation.

PubMed

Brantley, William A; Guo, Wenhua; Clark, William A T; Iijima, Masahiro

2008-02-01

Previous temperature-modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TMDSC) study of nickel-titanium orthodontic wires revealed a large exothermic low-temperature peak that was attributed to transformation within martensitic NiTi. The purpose of this study was to use transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to verify this phase transformation in a clinically popular nickel-titanium wire, identify its mechanism and confirm other phase transformations found by TMDSC, and to provide detailed information about the microstructure of this wire. The 35 degrees C Copper nickel-titanium wire (Ormco) with cross-section dimensions of 0.016 in. x 0.022 in. used in the earlier TMDSC investigation was selected. Foils were prepared for TEM analyses by mechanical grinding, polishing, dimpling, ion milling and plasma cleaning. Standard bright-field and dark-field TEM images were obtained, along with convergent-beam electron diffraction patterns. A cryo-stage with the electron microscope (Phillips CM 200) permitted the specimen to be observed at -187, -45, and 50 degrees C, as well as at room temperature. Microstructures were also observed with an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope. Room temperature microstructures had randomly oriented, elongated grains that were twinned. Electron diffraction patterns confirmed that phase transformations took place over temperature ranges previously found by TMDSC. TEM observations revealed a high dislocation density and fine-scale oxide particles, and that twinning is the mechanism for the low-temperature transformation in martensitic NiTi. TEM confirmed the low-temperature peak and other phase transformations observed by TMDSC, and revealed that twinning in martensite is the mechanism for the low-temperature peak. The high dislocation density and fine-scale oxide particles in the microstructure are the result of the wire manufacturing process.

Spindle-shaped Microstructures: Potential Models for Planktonic Life Forms on Other Worlds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oehler, Dorothy Z.; Walsh, Maud M.; Sugitani, Kenichiro; House, Christopher H.

2014-01-01

Spindle-shaped, organic microstructures ("spindles") are now known from Archean cherts in three localities (Figs. 1-4): The 3 Ga Farrel Quartzite from the Pilbara of Australia [1]; the older, 3.3-3.4 Ga Strelley Pool Formation, also from the Pilbara of Australia [2]; and the 3.4 Ga Kromberg Formation of the Barberton Mountain Land of South Africa [3]. Though the spindles were previously speculated to be pseudofossils or epigenetic organic contaminants, a growing body of data suggests that these structures are bona fide microfossils and further, that they are syngenetic with the Archean cherts in which they occur [1-2, 4-10]. As such, the spindles are among some of the oldest-known organically preserved microfossils on Earth. Moreover, recent delta C-13 study of individual spindles from the Farrel Quartzite (using Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry [SIMS]) suggests that the spindles may have been planktonic (living in open water), as opposed to benthic (living as bottom dwellers in contact with muds or sediments) [9]. Since most Precambrian microbiotas have been described from benthic, matforming communities, a planktonic lifestyle for the spindles suggests that these structures could represent a segment of the Archean biosphere that is poorly known. Here we synthesize the recent work on the spindles, and we add new observations regarding their geographic distribution, robustness, planktonic habit, and long-lived success. We then discuss their potential evolutionary and astrobiological significance.

Heat-affected zone microstructure and mechanical properties evolution for laser remanufacturing 35CrMoA axle steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Feng, Xiangyi; Dong, Shiyun; Yan, Shixing; Liu, Xiaoting; Xu, Binshi; Pan, Fusheng

2018-03-01

In this article, by using orthogonal test the technological test was conducted and the optimum processing of the remanufacturing35CrMoA axle were obtained. The evolution of microstructure and mechanical property of HAZ were investigated. The microstructure of HAZ was characterized by means of OM and SEM. Meanwhile hardness distribution in HAZ and tensile property of cladding-HAZ-substrate samples were measured. The microstructure of cladding and HAZ were observed. The microsturcture evoltion and the mechanism of harden in the HAZ was discussed and revealed. The results indicated that the remanufacturing part has excellent strength due to grain refining and dispersive distribution of nanoscale cementite. The remanufacturing part will have uniform microstructure and hardness matching with that of 35CrMoA axle by using stress-relieving annealing at 580°.

Microstructure-fatigue crack propagation relationship in TiB{sub 2} particulate reinforced Zn (ZA-8) alloy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hua, W.; Zhang, J.; Wang, Z.

1995-10-01

The relationship between microstructure and propagation behavior of fatigue crack in TiB{sub 2} particulate reinforced ZA-8 Zn alloy and in the corresponding constituent matrix material was studied in three point bending fatigue tests with well-polished and pre-etched specimens. Special attention was paid to the observation of microstructure along the crack path as well as on the fracture surface. Mechanism for the difference in fatigue crack growth behavior of the two materials was investigated. The present results indicate that the addition of reinforcement modified the solidification process of the matrix material leading to a considerable change in the matrix microstructure. Thismore » change in the matrix microstructure and the presence of reinforcing particles considerably affected the fatigue crack propagation behavior in the material.« less

The dimensionality of between-person differences in white matter microstructure in old age.

PubMed

Lövdén, Martin; Laukka, Erika Jonsson; Rieckmann, Anna; Kalpouzos, Grégoria; Li, Tie-Qiang; Jonsson, Tomas; Wahlund, Lars-Olof; Fratiglioni, Laura; Bäckman, Lars

2013-06-01

Between-person differences in white matter microstructure may partly generalize across the brain and partly play out differently for distinct tracts. We used diffusion-tensor imaging and structural equation modeling to investigate this issue in a sample of 260 adults aged 60-87 years. Mean fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity of seven white matter tracts in each hemisphere were quantified. Results showed good fit of a model positing that individual differences in white matter microstructure are structured according to tracts. A general factor, although accounting for variance in the measures, did not adequately represent the individual differences. This indicates the presence of a substantial amount of tract-specific individual differences in white matter microstructure. In addition, individual differences are to a varying degree shared between tracts, indicating that general factors also affect white matter microstructure. Age-related differences in white matter microstructure were present for all tracts. Correlations among tract factors did not generally increase as a function of age, suggesting that aging is not a process with homogenous effects on white matter microstructure across the brain. These findings highlight the need for future research to examine whether relations between white matter microstructure and diverse outcomes are specific or general. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Microstructural and paleomagnetic insight into the cooling history of the IAB parent body

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nichols, Claire I. O.; Krakow, Robert; Herrero-Albillos, Julia; Kronast, Florian; Northwood-Smith, Geraint; Harrison, Richard J.

2018-05-01

The IABs represent one of only two groups of iron meteorites that did not form by fractional crystallization of liquid Fe-Ni in the core of a differentiated planetesimal. Instead, they are believed to originate from a partially differentiated body that was severely disrupted by one or more impacts during its early history. We present a detailed microstructural and paleomagnetic study of the Odessa and Toluca IAB meteorites, with a view to further constraining the complex history of the IAB parent body. X-ray photoemission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy were used to generate high-resolution Ni/Fe maps. The crystallographic architecture of Odessa was analysed using electron backscatter diffraction. Paleomagnetic signals and the magnetic properties of several microstructures were also assessed using X-ray magnetic circular dichroism. Odessa exhibits a complex series of microstructures, requiring an unusual evolution during slow cooling. A conventional Widmanstätten microstructure, consisting of multiple generations of kamacite lamellae surrounded by M-shaped diffusion profiles, developed via continuous precipitation to temperatures below ∼400 °C. Multiple generations of pearlitic plessite nucleated from kamacite/taenite (T > 400 °C) and tetrataenite rim/taenite interfaces (T < 400 °C), via a process of discontinuous precipitation. Rounded rafts of Ni-rich taenite, observed within some regions of pearlitic plessite, are shown to have the same crystallographic orientation as the parental taenite, and a non-standard orientation relationship with the enclosing kamacite. Contrary to current theories, these rafts cannot have formed by coarsening of pre-existing pearlitic plessite. A new bowing mechanism is proposed, whereby rafts of Ni-enriched taenite form between advancing lobes of an irregular reaction front during discontinuous precipitation. Subsequent coarsening leads to the growth of the taenite rafts, and the partial or complete removal of pearlite lamellae, resulting in spheroidised plessite with a crystallographic architecture matching the experimental observations. We find no evidence for a strong magnetic field on the IAB parent body, suggesting it did not have an active core dynamo at the time of cloudy zone formation. This supports the prediction that the IAB parent body was unable to form a significant core due to the redistribution of metal during an earlier impact event.

Microstructure effects on the recrystallization of low-symmetry alpha-uranium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

McCabe, Rodney James; Richards, Andrew Walter; Coughlin, Daniel Robert

2015-10-01

We employ electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) to investigate microstructural evolution of uranium during recrystallization. To understand the relationship between microstructure and recrystallization, we use measures of intra-granular misorientation within grains and near grain boundaries in both deformed (non-recrystallized) uranium and recrystallizing uranium. The data show that the level of intra-granular misorientation depends on crystallographic orientation. However, contrary to expectation, this relationship does not significantly affect the recrystallization texture. Rather, the analysis suggests that recrystallization nucleation occurs along high angle grain boundaries in the deformed microstructure. Specifically, we show that the nucleation of recrystallized grains correlates well with the spatially heterogeneousmore » distribution of high angle boundaries. Due to the inhomogeneous distribution of high angle boundaries, the recrystallized microstructure after long times exhibits clustered distributions of small and large grains. Twin boundaries do not appear to act as recrystallization nucleation sites.« less

Atomistic to continuum modeling of solidification microstructures

DOE PAGES

Karma, Alain; Tourret, Damien

2015-09-26

We summarize recent advances in modeling of solidification microstructures using computational methods that bridge atomistic to continuum scales. We first discuss progress in atomistic modeling of equilibrium and non-equilibrium solid–liquid interface properties influencing microstructure formation, as well as interface coalescence phenomena influencing the late stages of solidification. The latter is relevant in the context of hot tearing reviewed in the article by M. Rappaz in this issue. We then discuss progress to model microstructures on a continuum scale using phase-field methods. We focus on selected examples in which modeling of 3D cellular and dendritic microstructures has been directly linked tomore » experimental observations. Finally, we discuss a recently introduced coarse-grained dendritic needle network approach to simulate the formation of well-developed dendritic microstructures. The approach reliably bridges the well-separated scales traditionally simulated by phase-field and grain structure models, hence opening new avenues for quantitative modeling of complex intra- and inter-grain dynamical interactions on a grain scale.« less

Microstructural Evolution of HSLA ISO 3183 X80M (API 5L X80) Friction Stir Welded Joints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hermenegildo, Tahiana F. C.; Santos, Tiago F. A.; Torres, Edwar A.; Afonso, Conrado R. M.; Ramirez, Antonio J.

2018-03-01

Evaluation was made of friction stir welded joints, identifying conditions that resulted in satisfactory welded joints free from defects and with microstructural characteristics that provided good mechanical properties. Microstructural characterization and cooling curve analysis of the joints with lower and higher heat inputs evidenced deformation below and above the non-recrystallization temperature (Tnr) and dynamic recrystallization during microstructural evolution. Microscopy analyses showed acicular ferrite, bainitic ferrite, and coalesced bainite microstructures in the stir zone of the cold weld (lower heat input), while the stir zone of the hot weld (higher heat input) contained bainitic ferrite, acicular ferrite, coalesced bainite, martensite, and dispersed carbides. Granular bainite and dispersed carbides were observed in all the heat affected zones. Analysis of the microstructural transformations, together with the thermal history of the joints, showed that the variable that had the greatest influence on the morphology of the bainite (granular bainite/bainitic ferrite) was the deformation temperature.

Small angle neutron scattering study of nano sized microstructure in Fe-Cr ODS steels for gen IV in-core applications.

PubMed

Han, Young-Soo; Mao, Xiadong; Jang, Jinsung

2013-11-01

The nano-sized microstructures in Fe-Cr oxide dispersion strengthened steel for Gen IV in-core applications were studied using small angle neutron scattering. The oxide dispersion strengthened steel was manufactured through hot isostatic pressing with various chemical compositions and fabrication conditions. Small angle neutron scattering experiments were performed using a 40 m small angle neutron scattering instrument at HANARO. Nano sized microstructures, namely, yttrium oxides and Cr-oxides were quantitatively analyzed by small angle neutron scattering. The yttrium oxides and Cr-oxides were also observed by transmission electron microscopy. The microstructural analysis results from small angle neutron scattering were compared with those obtained by transmission electron microscopy. The effects of the chemical compositions and fabrication conditions on the microstructure were investigated in relation to the quantitative microstructural analysis results obtained by small angle neutron scattering. The volume fraction of Y-oxide increases after fabrication, and this result is considered to be due to the formation of non-stochiometric Y-Ti-oxides.

Modeling of Microstructure Evolution During Alloy Solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Mingfang; Pan, Shiyan; Sun, Dongke

In recent years, considerable advances have been achieved in the numerical modeling of microstructure evolution during solidification. This paper presents the models based on the cellular automaton (CA) technique and lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), which can reproduce a wide variety of solidification microstructure features observed experimentally with an acceptable computational efficiency. The capabilities of the models are addressed by presenting representative examples encompassing a broad variety of issues, such as the evolution of dendritic structure and microsegregation in two and three dimensions, dendritic growth in the presence of convection, divorced eutectic solidification of spheroidal graphite irons, and gas porosity formation. The simulations offer insights into the underlying physics of microstructure formation during alloy solidification.

Deformation modes in an Icelandic basalt: From brittle failure to localized deformation bands

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adelinet, M.; Fortin, J.; Schubnel, A.; Guéguen, Y.

2013-04-01

According to the stress state, deformation mode observed in rocks may be very different. Even in the brittle part of the crust a differential stress can induce shear failure but also localized compacting deformation, such as compaction bands in porous sedimentary rocks. The mode of deformation controls many hydrodynamic factors, such as permeability and porosity. We investigate in this paper two different modes of deformation in an Icelandic basalt by using laboratory seismological tools (elastic waves and acoustic emissions) and microstructural observations. First of all, we show that at low effective confining pressure (Peff = 5 MPa) an axial loading induces a shear failure in the basalt with an angle of about 30° with respect to the main stress direction. On the contrary, at high effective confining pressure (Peff ≥ 75 MPa and more) an increase of the axial stress induces a localization of the deformation in the form of subhorizontal bands again with respect to the main stress direction. In this second regime, focal mechanisms of the acoustic emissions reveal an important number of compression events suggesting pore collapse mechanisms. Microstructural observations confirm this assumption. Similar compaction structures are usually obtained for porous sedimentary rocks (20-25%). However, the investigated basalt has an initial total porosity of only about 10% so that compaction structures were not expected. The pore size and the ratio of pore to grain size are likely to be key factors for the particular observed mechanical behavior.

Role of Grain Boundaries under Long-Time Radiation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Yichao; Luo, Jing; Guo, Xu; Xiang, Yang; Chapman, Stephen Jonathan

2018-06-01

Materials containing a high proportion of grain boundaries offer significant potential for the development of radiation-resistant structural materials. However, a proper understanding of the connection between the radiation-induced microstructural behavior of a grain boundary and its impact at long natural time scales is still missing. In this Letter, point defect absorption at interfaces is summarized by a jump Robin-type condition at a coarse-grained level, wherein the role of interface microstructure is effectively taken into account. Then a concise formula linking the sink strength of a polycrystalline aggregate with its grain size is introduced and is well compared with experimental observation. Based on the derived model, a coarse-grained formulation incorporating the coupled evolution of grain boundaries and point defects is proposed, so as to underpin the study of long-time morphological evolution of grains induced by irradiation. Our simulation results suggest that the presence of point defect sources within a grain further accelerates its shrinking process, and radiation tends to trigger the extension of twin boundary sections.

The rheology, microstructure and sensory characteristics of a gluten-free bread formulation enhanced with orange pomace.

PubMed

O'Shea, Norah; Doran, Linda; Auty, Mark; Arendt, Elke; Gallagher, Eimear

2013-12-01

The present manuscript studied a previously optimised gluten-free bread formulation containing 5.5% orange pomace (OP) in relation to the batter characteristics (i.e. pre-baking), microstructure (of the flours, batter and bread) and sensory characteristics of the bread. Rheology, RVA and mixolab results illustrated that orange pomace improved the robustness of the gluten-free batter and decreased the occurrence of starch gelatinisation. This was confirmed from the confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images, which showed potato starch granules to be more expanded in the control batter when compared to the sample containing orange pomace. Starch granules were also observed to be more enlarged and swollen in the CLSM bread images, suggesting a higher level of gelatinisation occurred in the control sample. Sensory analysis was carried out on the optimised and control bread; panellists scored the flavour, crumb appearance and overall acceptability of the OP-containing breads comparable to the control.

Deformation Behavior and Microstructure of Ti6Al4V Manufactured by SLM

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krakhmalev, P.; Fredriksson, G.; Yadroitsava, I.; Kazantseva, N.; Plessis, A. du; Yadroitsev, I.

Mechanical properties, porosity, and microstructure of Ti6Al4V (ELI) material produced by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) under controlled oxygen content were analyzed. Fully martensitic α'structure with high dislocation density and stacking faults was observed in both as-built and stress relieved samples by means of XRD and TEM. Tensile {101 ̅2} twinning was identified by TEM and electron diffraction. Accommodation of thermal stresses during manufacturing was suggested as a possible reason for twinning. Computed tomography of pores was carried out. Pores in the specimens were evenly distributed and mostly had an elongated shape. Defect analysis by micro CT scans in pre-strained samples confirmed that the pore coalescence was the main crack formation mechanism in the final fracture with typical cup-and-cone fracture morphology. Additionally, typical dimples and quasi-cleavage were revealed. Mechanical properties of the samples after stress relieving heat treatment at 650°C for 3 h are complied with the international standard for Ti alloys for biomedical applications.

Hierarchically structured lithium titanate for ultrafast charging in long-life high capacity batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Odziomek, Mateusz; Chaput, Frédéric; Rutkowska, Anna; Świerczek, Konrad; Olszewska, Danuta; Sitarz, Maciej; Lerouge, Frédéric; Parola, Stephane

2017-05-01

High-performance Li-ion batteries require materials with well-designed and controlled structures on nanometre and micrometre scales. Electrochemical properties can be enhanced by reducing crystallite size and by manipulating structure and morphology. Here we show a method for preparing hierarchically structured Li4Ti5O12 yielding nano- and microstructure well-suited for use in lithium-ion batteries. Scalable glycothermal synthesis yields well-crystallized primary 4-8 nm nanoparticles, assembled into porous secondary particles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals presence of Ti+4 only; combined with chemical analysis showing lithium deficiency, this suggests oxygen non-stoichiometry. Electron microscopy confirms hierarchical morphology of the obtained material. Extended cycling tests in half cells demonstrates capacity of 170 mAh g-1 and no sign of capacity fading after 1,000 cycles at 50C rate (charging completed in 72 s). The particular combination of nanostructure, microstructure and non-stoichiometry for the prepared lithium titanate is believed to underlie the observed electrochemical performance of material.

Effects of lithium doping on microstructure, electrical properties, and chemical bonds of sol-gel derived NKN thin films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chun-Cheng; Chen, Chan-Ching; Weng, Chung-Ming; Chu, Sheng-Yuan; Hong, Cheng-Shong; Tsai, Cheng-Che

2015-02-01

Highly (100/110) oriented lead-free Lix(Na0.5K0.5)1-xNbO3 (LNKN, x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, and 0.06) thin films are fabricated on Pt/Ti/SiO2/Si substrates via a sol-gel processing method. The lithium (Li) dopants modify the microstructure and chemical bonds of the LNKN films, and therefore improve their electrical properties. The optimal values of the remnant polarization (Pr = 14.3 μC/cm2), piezoelectric coefficient (d33 = 48.1 pm/V), and leakage current (<10-5 A/cm2) are obtained for a lithium addition of x = 0.04 (i.e., 4 at. %). The observation results suggest that the superior electrical properties are the result of an improved crystallization, a larger grain size, and a smoother surface morphology. It is shown that the ion transport mechanism is dominated by an Ohmic behavior under low electric fields and the Poole-Frenkel emission effect under high electric fields.

The Effect of Tempering Process on Microstructural Characteristics and Mechanical Properties of Induction Bend Pipe

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Hao; Zhou, Tao

The heat treatment during manufacturing process of induction bend pipe had been simulated. The evolutions of ferrite, M/A island and substructure after tempering at 500 700 °C were characterized by means of optical microscopy, positron annihilation technique, SEM, TEM, XRD and EBSD. The mechanical performance was evaluated by tensile test, Charpy V-notch impact test (-20 °C) and Vickers hardness test (10 kgf). Microstructure observations showed that fine and homogenous M/A islands as well as dislocation packages in quasi-polygonal ferrite matrix after tempering at 600 650 °C generated optimal combination of strength and toughness. After tempering at 700 °C, the yield strength decreased dramatically. EBSD analysis indicated that the effective grain size diminished with the tempering temperature increasing. It could cause more energy cost during microcrack propagation process with subsequent improvement in impact toughness. Dislocation analysis suggested that the decrease and pile-up of dislocation benefited the combination of strength and toughness.

A view of microstructure with technological behavior of waste incorporated ceramic bricks.

PubMed

Nirmala, G; Viruthagiri, G

2015-01-25

Production of ceramic bricks from mixtures of ceramic industry wastes (up to 50 wt%) from the area of Vriddhachalam, Cuddalore district, Tamilnadu, India and kaolinitic clay from Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala were investigated. The firing behavior of the ceramic mixtures was studied by determining their changes in mineralogy and basic ceramic properties such as water absorption, porosity, compressive strength and firing shrinkage at temperatures ranging from 900 to 1200 °C in short firing cycles. The effect of the rejects addition gradually up to 50 wt% was analyzed with the variation of temperature on the mechanical properties and microstructure of the bricks. The highest compressive strength and lowest water absorption is observed for the sample with 40% rejects at 1100 °C which is supported by the results of SEM analysis. The resulting ceramic bricks exhibit features that suggest possibilities of using the ceramic rejects in the conventional brick making methods. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mineralogy of interplanetary dust particles from the 'olivine' infrared class

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christoffersen, R.; Buseck, P. R.

1986-01-01

Analytical electron microscopy observations establish that olivine is abundant and the predominant silicate phase in three interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) from the 'olivine' infrared spectra category. Two of the particles have microstructures resembling those of most nonhydrous chondritic IDPs, consisting of micron to submicron grains together with a matrix composed of amorphous carbonaceous material and sub-500 A grains. In addition to olivine these particles respectively contain enstatite and magnetite, and pentlandite plus Ca-rich clinopyroxene. The third IDP consists mostly of olivine and pyrrhotite with little or no matrix material. Olivine grains in this particle contain prominent solar-flare ion tracks with densities corresponding to a space-exposure age between 1000 to 100,000 years. Although the three particles have olivine-rich mineralogies in common, other aspects of their mineralogies and microstructures suggest that they experienced different formation histories. The differences between the particles indicate that the olivine infrared spectral category is a diverse collection of IDPs that probably incorporates several genetic groups.

Development of Age-Hardening Technology for Ultrafine-Grained Al-Li-Cu Alloys Fabricated by High-Pressure Torsion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Motoshima, Hiroaki; Hirosawa, Shoichi; Lee, Seungwon; Horita, Zenji; Matsuda, Kenji; Terada, Daisuke

The age-hardening behavior and precipitation microstructures with high dislocation density and ultrafine grains have been studied for cold-rolled and severely deformed 2091 Al-Li-Cu alloy. The age-hardenability at 463K was reduced by high-pressure torsion (HPT) due to the accelerated formation of larger 8-AlLi precipitates at grain boundaries, in place of transgranular precipitation of refined δ'-Al3Li particles that are predominantly observable in the no-deformed and 10%-rolled specimens. When aged at 373K, however, it was successfully achieved for the HPT specimen to increase the hardness up to 290HV, the highest level of hardness among conventional wrought aluminum alloys. The corresponding TEM microstructures confirmed that refined δ' particles precipitate within ultrafine grains while keeping the grain size at 206nm. This result suggests that the combined processing of severe plastic deformation with age-hardening technique enables the fabrication of novel aluminum alloys concurrently strengthened by ultrafine-grained and precipitation hardenings.

Mapping White Matter Microstructure in the One Month Human Brain.

PubMed

Dean, D C; Planalp, E M; Wooten, W; Adluru, N; Kecskemeti, S R; Frye, C; Schmidt, C K; Schmidt, N L; Styner, M A; Goldsmith, H H; Davidson, R J; Alexander, A L

2017-08-29

White matter microstructure, essential for efficient and coordinated transmission of neural communications, undergoes pronounced development during the first years of life, while deviations to this neurodevelopmental trajectory likely result in alterations of brain connectivity relevant to behavior. Hence, systematic evaluation of white matter microstructure in the normative brain is critical for a neuroscientific approach to both typical and atypical early behavioral development. However, few studies have examined the infant brain in detail, particularly in infants under 3 months of age. Here, we utilize quantitative techniques of diffusion tensor imaging and neurite orientation dispersion and density imaging to investigate neonatal white matter microstructure in 104 infants. An optimized multiple b-value diffusion protocol was developed to allow for successful acquisition during non-sedated sleep. Associations between white matter microstructure measures and gestation corrected age, regional asymmetries, infant sex, as well as newborn growth measures were assessed. Results highlight changes of white matter microstructure during the earliest periods of development and demonstrate differential timing of developing regions and regional asymmetries. Our results contribute to a growing body of research investigating the neurobiological changes associated with neurodevelopment and suggest that characteristics of white matter microstructure are already underway in the weeks immediately following birth.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

El-Atwani, Osman; Nathaniel II, James E.; Leff, Asher C.

Nanocrystalline materials are radiation-tolerant materials’ candidates due to their high defect sink density. Here, nanocrystalline iron films were irradiated with 10 keV helium ions in situ in a transmission electron microscope at elevated temperatures. Grain-size-dependent bubble density changes and denuded zone occurrence were observed at 700 K, but not at 573 K. This transition, attributed to increased helium–vacancy migration at elevated temperatures, suggests that nanocrystalline microstructures are more resistant to swelling at 700 K due to decreased bubble density. Finally, denuded zone formation had no correlation with grain size and misorientation angle under the conditions studied.

Microstructural Characterization of a Directionally-Solidified Ni-33 (at. %)Al-31Cr-3Mo Eutectic Alloy as a Function of Withdrawal Rate

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raj, S. V.; Locci, I. E.; Whittenberger, J. D.; Salem, J. A.

2000-01-01

The Ni-33 (at. %)Al-3lCr-3Mo eutectic alloy was directionally-solidified (DS) at different rates, V(sub I), varying between 2.5 to 508 mm/ h. Detailed qualitative and quantitative metallographic and chemical analyses were conducted on the directionally-solidified rods. The microstructures consisted of eutectic colonies with parallel lamellar NiAl/(Cr,Mo) plates for solidification rates at and below 12.7 mm/ h. Cellular eutectic microstructures were observed at higher solidification rates, where the plates exhibited a radial pattern. The microstructures were demonstrated to be fairly uniform throughout a 100 mm length of the DS zone by quantitative metallography. The average cell size, bar-d, decreased with increasing growth rate to a value of 125 microns at 508 mm/ h according to the relation bar-d (microns) approx. = 465 V(sup -0.22, sub I), where V(sub I) is in mm/ h. Both the average NiAl plate thickness, bar-Delta(sub NiAl), and the interlamellar spacing, bar-lambda, were observed to be constant for V(sub I) less than or = 50.8 mm/ h but decreased with increasing growth rate above this value as 0.93 bar-Delta(sub NiAl)(microns) = 61.2 V(sup -0.93, sub I) and bar-lambda (microns) = 47.7 V(sup -0.64, sub I), respectively. The present results are detailed on a microstructural map. Keywords Optical microscopy, microstructure, compounds intermetallic, directional solidification

Effects of irradiation on the microstructure of U-7Mo dispersion fuel with Al-2Si matrix

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keiser, Dennis D.; Jue, Jan-Fong; Robinson, Adam B.; Medvedev, Pavel; Gan, Jian; Miller, Brandon D.; Wachs, Daniel M.; Moore, Glenn A.; Clark, Curtis R.; Meyer, Mitchell K.; Ross Finlay, M.

2012-06-01

The Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactor (RERTR) program is developing low-enriched uranium U-Mo dispersion fuels for application in research and test reactors around the world. As part of this development, fuel plates have been irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor and then characterized using optical metallography (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the as-irradiated microstructure. To demonstrate the irradiation performance of U-7Mo dispersion fuel plates with 2 wt.% Si added to the matrix, fuel plates were tested to moderate burnups at intermediate fission rates as part of the RERTR-6 experiment. Further testing was performed to higher fission rates as part of the RERTR-7A experiment, and very aggressive testing (high temperature, high fission density, and high fission rate) was performed in the RERTR-9A, RERTR-9B, and AFIP-1 experiments. As-irradiated microstructures were compared to those observed after fabrication to determine the effects of irradiation on the microstructure. Based on comparison of the microstructural characterization results for each irradiated sample, some general conclusions can be drawn about how the microstructure evolves during irradiation: there is growth during irradiation of the fuel/matrix interaction (FMI) layer created during fabrication; Si diffuses from the FMI layer to deeper depths in the U-7Mo particles as the irradiation conditions are made more aggressive; lowering of the Si content in the FMI layer results in an increase in the size of the fission gas bubbles; as the FMI layer grows during irradiation, more Si diffuses from the matrix to the FMI layer/matrix interface; and interlinking of fission gas bubbles in the fuel plate microstructure that may indicate breakaway swelling is not observed.

The effect of strain rate on the evolution of microstructure in aluminium alloys.

PubMed

Leszczyńska-Madej, B; Richert, M

2010-03-01

Intensive deformations influence strongly microstructure. The very well-known phenomenon is the diminishing dimension of grain size by the severe plastic deformation (SPD) methods. The nanometric features of microstructure were discovered after the SPD deformation of various materials, such as aluminium alloys, iron and others. The observed changes depended on the kind of the deformed material, amount of deformation, strain rate, existence of different phases and stacking fault energy. The influence of the strain and strain rate on the microstructure is commonly investigated nowadays. It was found that the high strain rates activate deformation in shear bands, microbands and adiabatic shear bands. It was observed that bands were places of the nucleation of nanograins in the material deformed by SPD methods. In the work, the refinement of microstructure of the aluminium alloys influenced by the high strain rate was investigated. The samples were compressed by a specially designed hammer to the deformation of phi= 0/0.62 with the strain rate in the range of [Formula in text]. The highest reduction of microbands width with the increase of the strain was found in the AlCu4Zr alloy. The influence of the strain rate on the microstructure refinement indicated that the increase of the strain rate caused the reduction of the microbands width in the all investigated materials (Al99.5, AlCu4Zr, AlMg5, AlZn6Mg2.5CuZr). A characteristic feature of the microstructure of the compressed material was large density of the shear bands and microbands. It was found that the microbands show a large misorientation to the surrounds and, except Al99.5, the large density of dislocation.

Effects of Arsenic on Osteoblast Differentiation in Vitro and on Bone Mineral Density and Microstructure in Rats

PubMed Central

Wu, Cheng-Tien; Lu, Tung-Ying; Chan, Ding-Cheng; Tsai, Keh-Sung; Yang, Rong-Sen

2014-01-01

Background: Arsenic is a ubiquitous toxic element and is known to contaminate drinking water in many countries. Several epidemiological studies have shown that arsenic exposure augments the risk of bone disorders. However, the detailed effect and mechanism of inorganic arsenic on osteoblast differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells and bone loss still remain unclear. Objectives: We investigated the effects and mechanism of arsenic on osteoblast differentiation in vitro and evaluated bone mineral density (BMD) and bone microstructure in rats at doses relevant to human exposure from drinking water. Methods: We used a cell model of rat primary bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) and a rat model of long-term exposure with arsenic-contaminated drinking water, and determined bone microstructure and BMD in rats by microcomputed tomography (μCT). Results: We observed significant attenuation of osteoblast differentiation after exposure of BMSCs to arsenic trioxide (0.5 or 1 μM). After arsenic treatment during differentiation, expression of runt-related transcription factor-2 (Runx2), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), and osteocalcin in BMSCs was inhibited and phosphorylation of enhanced extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) was increased. These altered differentiation-related molecules could be reversed by the ERK inhibitor PD98059. Exposure of rats to arsenic trioxide (0.05 or 0.5 ppm) in drinking water for 12 weeks altered BMD and microstructure, decreased Runx2 expression, and increased ERK phosphorylation in bones. In BMSCs isolated from arsenic-treated rats, osteoblast differentiation was inhibited. Conclusions: Our results suggest that arsenic is capable of inhibiting osteoblast differentiation of BMSCs via an ERK-dependent signaling pathway and thus increasing bone loss. Citation: Wu CT, Lu TY, Chan DC, Tsai KS, Yang RS, Liu SH. 2014. Effects of arsenic on osteoblast differentiation in vitro and on bone mineral density and microstructure in rats. Environ Health Perspect 122:559–565; http://dx.doi.org/10.1289/ehp.1307832 PMID:24531206

High-velocity frictional properties of Alpine Fault rocks: Mechanical data, microstructural analysis, and implications for rupture propagation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boulton, Carolyn; Yao, Lu; Faulkner, Daniel R.; Townend, John; Toy, Virginia G.; Sutherland, Rupert; Ma, Shengli; Shimamoto, Toshihiko

2017-04-01

The Alpine Fault in New Zealand is a major plate-bounding structure that typically slips in ∼M8 earthquakes every c. 330 years. To investigate the near-surface, high-velocity frictional behavior of surface- and borehole-derived Alpine Fault gouges and cataclasites, twenty-one rotary shear experiments were conducted at 1 MPa normal stress and 1 m/s equivalent slip velocity under both room-dry and water-saturated (wet) conditions. In the room-dry experiments, the peak friction coefficient (μp = τp/σn) of Alpine Fault cataclasites and fault gouges was consistently high (mean μp = 0.67 ± 0.07). In the wet experiments, the fault gouge peak friction coefficients were lower (mean μp = 0.20 ± 0.12) than the cataclasite peak friction coefficients (mean μp = 0.64 ± 0.04). All fault rocks exhibited very low steady-state friction coefficients (μss) (room-dry experiments mean μss = 0.16 ± 0.05; wet experiments mean μss = 0.09 ± 0.04). Of all the experiments performed, six experiments conducted on wet smectite-bearing principal slip zone (PSZ) fault gouges yielded the lowest peak friction coefficients (μp = 0.10-0.20), the lowest steady-state friction coefficients (μss = 0.03-0.09), and, commonly, the lowest specific fracture energy values (EG = 0.01-0.69 MJ/m2). Microstructures produced during room-dry and wet experiments on a smectite-bearing PSZ fault gouge were compared with microstructures in the same material recovered from the Deep Fault Drilling Project (DFDP-1) drill cores. The near-absence of localized shear bands with a strong crystallographic preferred orientation in the natural samples most resembles microstructures formed during wet experiments. Mechanical data and microstructural observations suggest that Alpine Fault ruptures propagate preferentially through water-saturated smectite-bearing fault gouges that exhibit low peak and steady-state friction coefficients.

Evolution of Mechanical and Electrical Properties During Annealing of the Copper Wire Drawn

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zidani, M.; Messaoudi, S.; Baudin, T.; Derfouf, C.; Boulagroun, A.; Mathon, M. H.

2011-12-01

In this work, the evolution of mechanical and electrical properties and microstructure of industrial copper wire used for electrical cabling was characterized. This work is not limited to the interpretation of the microstructural characteristics of the wire-drawn state but also after different annealing treatments. For the lowest temperatures (160 °C and 200 °C), significant changes are not observed in the microstructure (grain size) in the weak deformed wire (28.5%). Instead, variations of some properties of the metal were observed (hardness and electrical resistivity). For strong deformation (61.4% and 84.59%), annealing, leads to recrystallization with a softening material. Let us note that the resistivity increases with deformation level and becomes higher after annealing at low temperature (200 °C).

Stability diagram for dense suspensions of model colloidal Al2O3 particles in shear flow.

PubMed

Hecht, Martin; Harting, Jens; Herrmann, Hans J

2007-05-01

In Al2O3 suspensions, depending on the experimental conditions, very different microstructures can be found, comprising fluidlike suspensions, a repulsive structure, and a clustered microstructure. For technical processing in ceramics, the knowledge of the microstructure is of importance, since it essentially determines the stability of a workpiece to be produced. To enlighten this topic, we investigate these suspensions under shear by means of simulations. We observe cluster formation on two different length scales: the distance of nearest neighbors and on the length scale of the system size. We find that the clustering behavior does not depend on the length scale of observation. If interparticle interactions are not attractive the particles form layers in the shear flow. The results are summarized in a stability diagram.

Continuum understanding of twin formation near grain boundaries of FCC metals with low stacking fault energy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jung, Jaimyun; Yoon, Jae Ik; Kim, Jung Gi; Latypov, Marat I.; Kim, Jin You; Kim, Hyoung Seop

2017-12-01

Deformation twinning from grain boundaries is often observed in face-centered cubic metals with low stacking fault energy. One of the possible factors that contribute to twinning origination from grain boundaries is the intergranular interactions during deformation. Nonetheless, the influence of mechanical interaction among grains on twin evolution has not been fully understood. In spite of extensive experimental and modeling efforts on correlating microstructural features with their twinning behavior, a clear relation among the large aggregate of grains is still lacking. In this work, we characterize the micromechanics of grain-to-grain interactions that contribute to twin evolution by investigating the mechanical twins near grain boundaries using a full-field crystal plasticity simulation of a twinning-induced plasticity steel deformed in uniaxial tension at room temperature. Microstructures are first observed through electron backscatter diffraction technique to obtain data to reconstruct a statistically equivalent microstructure through synthetic microstructure building. Grain-to-grain micromechanical response is analyzed to assess the collective twinning behavior of the microstructural volume element under tensile deformation. Examination of the simulated results reveal that grain interactions are capable of changing the local mechanical behavior near grain boundaries by transferring strain across grain boundary or localizing strain near grain boundary.

The Influence of Wheel/Rail Contact Conditions on the Microstructure and Hardness of Railway Wheels

PubMed Central

Davis, Claire

2014-01-01

The susceptibility of railway wheels to wear and rolling contact fatigue damage is influenced by the properties of the wheel material. These are influenced by the steel composition, wheel manufacturing process, and thermal and mechanical loading during operation. The in-service properties therefore vary with depth below the surface and with position across the wheel tread. This paper discusses the stress history at the wheel/rail contact (derived from dynamic simulations) and observed variations in hardness and microstructure. It is shown that the hardness of an “in-service” wheel rim varies significantly, with three distinct effects. The underlying hardness trend with depth can be related to microstructural changes during manufacturing (proeutectoid ferrite fraction and pearlite lamellae spacing). The near-surface layer exhibits plastic flow and microstructural shear, especially in regions which experience high tangential forces when curving, with consequentially higher hardness values. Between 1 mm and 7 mm depth, the wheel/rail contacts cause stresses exceeding the material yield stress, leading to work hardening, without a macroscopic change in microstructure. These changes in material properties through the depth of the wheel rim would tend to increase the likelihood of crack initiation on wheels toward the end of their life. This correlates with observations from several train fleets. PMID:24526883

In-situ Observation of Cross-Sectional Microstructural Changes and Stress Distributions in Fracturing TiN Thin Film during Nanoindentation.

PubMed

Zeilinger, Angelika; Todt, Juraj; Krywka, Christina; Müller, Martin; Ecker, Werner; Sartory, Bernhard; Meindlhumer, Michael; Stefenelli, Mario; Daniel, Rostislav; Mitterer, Christian; Keckes, Jozef

2016-03-07

Load-displacement curves measured during indentation experiments on thin films depend on non-homogeneous intrinsic film microstructure and residual stress gradients as well as on their changes during indenter penetration into the material. To date, microstructural changes and local stress concentrations resulting in plastic deformation and fracture were quantified exclusively using numerical models which suffer from poor knowledge of size dependent material properties and the unknown intrinsic gradients. Here, we report the first in-situ characterization of microstructural changes and multi-axial stress distributions in a wedge-indented 9 μm thick nanocrystalline TiN film volume performed using synchrotron cross-sectional X-ray nanodiffraction. During the indentation, needle-like TiN crystallites are tilted up to 15 degrees away from the indenter axis in the imprint area and strongly anisotropic diffraction peak broadening indicates strain variation within the X-ray nanoprobe caused by gradients of giant compressive stresses. The morphology of the multiaxial stress distributions with local concentrations up to -16.5 GPa correlate well with the observed fracture modes. The crack growth is influenced decisively by the film microstructure, especially by the micro- and nano-scopic interfaces. This novel experimental approach offers the capability to interpret indentation response and indenter imprint morphology of small graded nanostructured features.

X-ray nanotomography analysis of the microstructural evolution of LiMn 2O 4 electrodes

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Liu, Zhao; Han, Kai; Chen-Wiegart, Yu-chen Karen

One of the greatest challenges for advancing lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology is to minimize cell degradation during operation for long-term stability. To this end, it is important to understand how cell performance during operation relates to complex LIB microstructures. In this report, transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM) nanotomography is used to gain quantitative three-dimensional (3D) microstructure-performance correlations of LIB cathodes during cycling. The 3D microstructures of LiMn 2O 4 (LMO) electrodes, cycled under different conditions, including cycle number, operating voltage, and temperature, are characterized via TXM and statistically analyzed to investigate the impact of cycling conditions on the electrode microstructural evolutionmore » and cell performance. It is found that the number of cracks formed within LMO particles correlated with capacity fade. For the cell cycled at elevated temperatures, which exhibits the most severe capacity fade among all cells tested, mechanical cracking observed in TXM is not the only dominant contributor to the observed degradation. Mn 2+ dissolution, as verified by detection of Mn on the counter electrode by energy dispersive spectrometry, also contributed. The current work demonstrate 3D TXM nanotomography as a powerful tool to help probe in-depth.« less

X-ray nanotomography analysis of the microstructural evolution of LiMn 2O 4 electrodes

DOE PAGES

Liu, Zhao; Han, Kai; Chen-Wiegart, Yu-chen Karen; ...

2017-06-17

One of the greatest challenges for advancing lithium-ion battery (LIB) technology is to minimize cell degradation during operation for long-term stability. To this end, it is important to understand how cell performance during operation relates to complex LIB microstructures. In this report, transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM) nanotomography is used to gain quantitative three-dimensional (3D) microstructure-performance correlations of LIB cathodes during cycling. The 3D microstructures of LiMn 2O 4 (LMO) electrodes, cycled under different conditions, including cycle number, operating voltage, and temperature, are characterized via TXM and statistically analyzed to investigate the impact of cycling conditions on the electrode microstructural evolutionmore » and cell performance. It is found that the number of cracks formed within LMO particles correlated with capacity fade. For the cell cycled at elevated temperatures, which exhibits the most severe capacity fade among all cells tested, mechanical cracking observed in TXM is not the only dominant contributor to the observed degradation. Mn 2+ dissolution, as verified by detection of Mn on the counter electrode by energy dispersive spectrometry, also contributed. The current work demonstrate 3D TXM nanotomography as a powerful tool to help probe in-depth.« less

Elucidating doping driven microstructure evolution and optical properties of lead sulfide thin films grown from a chemical bath

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohanty, Bhaskar Chandra; Bector, Keerti; Laha, Ranjit

2018-03-01

Doping driven remarkable microstructural evolution of PbS thin films grown by a single-step chemical bath deposition process at 60 °C is reported. The undoped films were discontinuous with octahedral-shaped crystallites after 30 min of deposition, whereas Cu doping led to a distinctly different surface microstructure characterized by densely packed elongated crystallites. A mechanism, based on the time sequence study of microstructural evolution of the films, and detailed XRD and Raman measurements, has been proposed to explain the contrasting microstructure of the doped films. The incorporation of Cu forms an interface layer, which is devoid of Pb. The excess Cu ions in this interface layer at the initial stages of film growth strongly interact and selectively stabilize the charged {111} faces containing either Pb or S compared to the uncharged {100} faces that contain both Pb and S. This interaction interferes with the natural growth habit resulting in the observed surface features of the doped films. Concurrently, the Cu-doping potentially changed the optical properties of the films: A significant widening of the bandgap from 1.52 eV to 1.74 eV for increase in Cu concentration from 0 to 20% was observed, making it a highly potential absorber layer in thin film solar cells.

Water-cooled probe technique for the study of freeze lining formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verscheure, Karel; Campforts, Mieke; Verhaeghe, Frederik; Boydens, Eddy; Blanpain, Bart; Wollants, Patrick; van Camp, Maurits

2006-12-01

Furnace protection by water-cooled freeze linings becomes increasingly important as the metal producing industry attempts to achieve higher process intensities. Systematic investigations of the growth and the resulting microstructure and compositional profile of freeze linings are necessary to understand the behavior of freeze linings, their relation with the industrial process, and their interaction with the wall cooling system. We have developed a technique based on the submergence of a water-cooled probe into a liquid slag bath. Freeze linings of two industrial nonferrous slags have been produced using this technique and their growth, microstructural, and compositional profiles as a function of submergence time were determined. Thermodynamic equilibrium for the investigated slag systems was calculated and compared with the observed microstructures. The freeze linings form in approximately 15 minutes. Close to the water cooling, the freeze linings are predominantly amorphous in structure. With increasing distance from the water cooling, the proportion of crystalline phases increases and bath material is entrapped in the microstructure. Cellular crystals are observed close to the bath. The freeze linings exhibit an approximate homogeneous composition. The results demonstrate that the technique is a successful tool in obtaining information on the growth, microstructure, and composition of freeze linings in industrial water-cooled furnaces.

Stochastic model for the 3D microstructure of pristine and cyclically aged cathodes in Li-ion batteries

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kuchler, Klaus; Westhoff, Daniel; Feinauer, Julian; Mitsch, Tim; Manke, Ingo; Schmidt, Volker

2018-04-01

It is well-known that the microstructure of electrodes in lithium-ion batteries strongly affects their performance. Vice versa, the microstructure can exhibit strong changes during the usage of the battery due to aging effects. For a better understanding of these effects, mathematical analysis and modeling has turned out to be of great help. In particular, stochastic 3D microstructure models have proven to be a powerful and very flexible tool to generate various kinds of particle-based structures. Recently, such models have been proposed for the microstructure of anodes in lithium-ion energy and power cells. In the present paper, we describe a stochastic modeling approach for the 3D microstructure of cathodes in a lithium-ion energy cell, which differs significantly from the one observed in anodes. The model for the cathode data enhances the ideas of the anode models, which have been developed so far. It is calibrated using 3D tomographic image data from pristine as well as two aged cathodes. A validation based on morphological image characteristics shows that the model is able to realistically describe both, the microstructure of pristine and aged cathodes. Thus, we conclude that the model is suitable to generate virtual, but realistic microstructures of lithium-ion cathodes.

Microstructure evolution and tensile properties of Zr-2.5wt%Nb pressure tubes processed from billets with different microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kapoor, K.; Saratchandran, N.; Muralidharan, K.

1999-02-01

Starting with identical ingots, billets having different microstructures were obtained by three different processing methods for fabrication of Zr-2.5wt%Nb pressure tubes. The billets were further processed by hot extrusion and cold Pilger tube reducing to the finished product. Microstructural characterization was done at each stage of processing. The effects of the initial billet microstructure on the intermediate and final microstructure and mechanical property results were determined. It was found that the structure at each stage and the final mechanical properties depend strongly on the initial billet microstructure. The structure at the final stage consists of elongated alpha zirconium grains with a network of metastable beta zirconium phase. Some of this metastable phase transforms into stable beta niobium during thermomechanical processing. Billets with quenched structure resulted in less beta niobium at the final stage. The air cooled billets resulted in a large amount of beta niobium. The tensile properties, especially the percentage elongation, were found to vary for the different methods. Higher percentage elongation was observed for billets having quenched structure. Extrusion and forging did not produce any characteristic differences in the properties. The results were used to select a process flow sheet which yields the desired mechanical properties with suitable microstructure in the final product.

Effect of Low-Dose MDCT and Iterative Reconstruction on Trabecular Bone Microstructure Assessment.

PubMed

Kopp, Felix K; Holzapfel, Konstantin; Baum, Thomas; Nasirudin, Radin A; Mei, Kai; Garcia, Eduardo G; Burgkart, Rainer; Rummeny, Ernst J; Kirschke, Jan S; Noël, Peter B

2016-01-01

We investigated the effects of low-dose multi detector computed tomography (MDCT) in combination with statistical iterative reconstruction algorithms on trabecular bone microstructure parameters. Twelve donated vertebrae were scanned with the routine radiation exposure used in our department (standard-dose) and a low-dose protocol. Reconstructions were performed with filtered backprojection (FBP) and maximum-likelihood based statistical iterative reconstruction (SIR). Trabecular bone microstructure parameters were assessed and statistically compared for each reconstruction. Moreover, fracture loads of the vertebrae were biomechanically determined and correlated to the assessed microstructure parameters. Trabecular bone microstructure parameters based on low-dose MDCT and SIR significantly correlated with vertebral bone strength. There was no significant difference between microstructure parameters calculated on low-dose SIR and standard-dose FBP images. However, the results revealed a strong dependency on the regularization strength applied during SIR. It was observed that stronger regularization might corrupt the microstructure analysis, because the trabecular structure is a very small detail that might get lost during the regularization process. As a consequence, the introduction of SIR for trabecular bone microstructure analysis requires a specific optimization of the regularization parameters. Moreover, in comparison to other approaches, superior noise-resolution trade-offs can be found with the proposed methods.

Microstructure, Chemistry, and Origin of Grain Rims on ilmenite from the Lunar Soil Finest Fraction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christoffersen, Roy; Keller, Lindsay P.; McKay, David S.

1996-01-01

Analytical transmission electron microscope (TEM) observations reveal that ilmenite grains sampled from the sub-10 micron size fraction of Apollo 11 (10084) and Apollo 16 (61221, 67701) soils have rims 10-300 nm thick that are chemically and microstructurally distinct from the host ilmenite. The rims have a thin outer sublayer 10-50 nm thick that contains the ilmenite-incompatible elements Si, Al, Ca and S. This overlies a relatively thicker (50-250 nm) inner sublayer of nanocrystalline Ti-oxide precipitates in a matrix of single-crystal ilmenite that is structurally continuous with the underlying host grain. Microstructural information, as well as data from x-ray spectrometry (EDS) and electron energy loss spectrometry (EELS) analysis of the inner sublayer, suggest that both the inner and outer sublayer assemblages are reduced and that the inner layer is depleted in Fe relative to the underlying ilmenite. The chemistry of the outer sublayer suggests that it is a surface deposit of sputtered or impact-vaporized components from the bulk lunar soil. The inner sublayer is part of the original host grain that has been physically and chemically processed, but not amorphized, by solar ion irradiation and possibly some subsolidus heating. The fact that the deposited outer sublayer is consistently much thinner than the radiation-altered inner sublayer indicates that only a minor fraction of the total rim volume is a product of vapor or sputter deposition. This finding is in contrast to recent descriptions of thick deposited layers on one-third of regolith silicate grains and indicates that ilmenite and silicate rims as a group are different in the fraction of deposited material that they contain.

TEM characterization of the fine scale microstructure of a Roman ferrous nail

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Douin, J.; Henry, O.; Dabosi, F.; Sciau, P.

2010-07-01

This paper describes the microstructure of a Roman ferrous nail through its observation by transmission electron microscopy. The morphologies of pearlitic colonies and ferritic grains are detailed and the relationship between pearlitic colonies and ferrite in Roman nails is explicitly demonstrated for the first time. Observations also confirm the presence of dislocations in ferritic grains and attest to the existence of very small carbide precipitates that have not been pointed out previously in standard archaeometric studies.

Architecture and Microstructure of Cortical Bone in Reconstructed Canine Mandibles after Bone Transport Distraction Osteogenesis

PubMed Central

Zapata, Uriel; Halvachs, Emily K.; Dechow, Paul C.; Elsalanty, Mohammed E.; Opperman, Lynne A.

2011-01-01

Purpose Reconstruction of the canine mandible using bone transport distraction osteogenesis has been shown to be a suitable method for correcting segmental bone defects produced by cancer, gunshots, and trauma. Although the mechanical quality of the new regenerate cortical bone seems to be related to the mineralization process, several questions regarding the micro-structural patterns of the new bony tissue remain unanswered. The purpose of this study was to quantify any microstructural differences that may exist between the regenerate and control cortical bone. Methods Five adult American foxhound dogs underwent unilateral bone transport distraction of the mandible to repair 30–35 mm bone defects. Animals were sacrificed 12 weeks after the beginning of the consolidation period. Fourteen cylindrical cortical samples were extracted from the superior, medial, and inferior aspects of the lingual and buccal plates of the reconstructed aspect of the mandible and 21 specimens were collected similarly from the contralateral aspect of the mandible. The specimens were evaluated using histomorphometric and micro-computed tomography techniques to compare their microstructure. Results Except for differences in Haversian canal area, histomorphometric analyses suggested no statistical differences in microstructure between regenerate and control cortical bone. Morphological evaluation suggested a consistent level of anisotropy possibly related to the distraction vector. Conclusions After 12 weeks consolidation, bone created during bone transport distraction osteogenesis is comparable to native bone in microstructure, architecture, and mechanical properties. It is proposed that after enough time, the properties of the regenerate bone will be identical to that of native bone. PMID:21927873

Heavy Deformation of Patented Near-Eutectoid Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Khanchandani, Heena; Banerjee, M. K.

2018-01-01

Evolution of microstructure in the patented near-eutectoid steel, forged under varying situations, is critically examined in the present investigation. Steel with 0.74 wt.% carbon is isothermally annealed at 500 °C to obtain fine pearlite microstructure. Steel samples, so patented, are subjected to mechanical deformation by forging at various temperatures with different amount of thickness reduction. Microstructural analyses have revealed that mechanical deformation by forging at lower temperatures brings about partial dissolution of cementite, which is followed by the formation of ɛ-carbide in the microstructures. In contrast, cementite is precipitated within ferrite matrix upon warm or hot forging at higher temperatures. It is further observed that increasing deformation percent during low-temperature forging reduces interlamellar spacing of pearlite, whereas an opposite trend is noticed in case of deformation at higher temperature; moreover, deformation induced the change in interlamellar spacing and formation of fine carbide phases in microstructures has caused appreciable enhancement in hardness of the steel.

Microstructural characterization of Ti-6Al-4V metal chips by focused ion beam (FIB) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM)

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Schneider, Judy; Dong, Lei; Howe, Jane Y

2011-01-01

The microstructure of the secondary deformation zone (SDZ) near the cutting surface in metal chips of Ti-6Al-4V formed during machining was investigated using focused ion beam (FIB) specimen preparation and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging. Use of the FIB allowed precise extraction of the specimen across this region to reveal its inhomogeneous microstructure resulting from the non-uniform distribution of strain, strain rate, and temperature generated during the cutting process. Initial imaging from conventional TEM foil preparation revealed microstructures ranging from heavily textured to regions of fine grains. Using FIB preparation, the transverse microstructure could be interpreted as fine grains nearmore » the cutting surface which transitioned to coarse grains toward the free surface. At the cutting surface a 10 nm thick recrystallized layer was observed capping a 20 nm thick amorphous layer.« less

Research on the transformation mechanism of graphite phase and microstructure in the heated region of gray cast iron by laser cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yancong; Zhan, Xianghua; Yi, Peng; Liu, Tuo; Liu, Benliang; Wu, Qiong

2018-03-01

A double-track lap cladding experiment involving gray cast iron was established to investigate the transformation mechanism of graphite phase and microstructure in a laser cladding heated region. The graphite phase and microstructure in different heated regions were observed under a microscope, and the distribution of elements in various heated regions was analyzed using an electron probe. Results show that no graphite existed in the cladding layer and in the middle and upper parts of the binding region. Only some of the undissolved small graphite were observed at the bottom of the binding region. Except the refined graphite size, the morphological characteristics of substrate graphite and graphite in the heat-affected zone were similar. Some eutectic clusters, which grew along the direction of heat flux, were observed in the heat-affected zone whose microstructure was transformed into a mixture of austenite, needle-like martensite, and flake graphite. Needle-like martensite around graphite was fine, but this martensite became sparse and coarse when it was away from graphite. Some martensite clusters appeared in the local area near the binding region, and the carbon atoms in the substrate did not diffuse into the cladding layer through laser cladding, which only affected the bonding area and the bottom of the cladding layer.

Nucleate boiling performance on nano/microstructures with different wetting surfaces

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

A study of nucleate boiling phenomena on nano/microstructures is a very basic and useful study with a view to the potential application of modified surfaces as heating surfaces in a number of fields. We present a detailed study of boiling experiments on fabricated nano/microstructured surfaces used as heating surfaces under atmospheric conditions, employing identical nanostructures with two different wettabilities (silicon-oxidized and Teflon-coated). Consequently, enhancements of both boiling heat transfer (BHT) and critical heat flux (CHF) are demonstrated in the nano/microstructures, independent of their wettability. However, the increment of BHT and CHF on each of the different wetting surfaces depended on the wetting characteristics of heating surfaces. The effect of water penetration in the surface structures by capillary phenomena is suggested as a plausible mechanism for the enhanced CHF on the nano/microstructures regardless of the wettability of the surfaces in atmospheric condition. This is supported by comparing bubble shapes generated in actual boiling experiments and dynamic contact angles under atmospheric conditions on Teflon-coated nano/microstructured surfaces. PMID:22559173

Microstructural characterization of a thin film ZrN diffusion barrier in an As-fabricated U-7Mo/Al matrix dispersion fuel plate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Keiser, Dennis D.; Perez, Emmanuel; Wiencek, Tom; Leenaers, Ann; Van den Berghe, Sven

2015-03-01

The United States High Performance Research Reactor Fuel Development program is developing low enriched uranium fuels for application in research and test reactors. One concept utilizes U-7 wt.% Mo (U-7Mo) fuel particles dispersed in Al matrix, where the fuel particles are coated with a 1 μm-thick ZrN coating. The ZrN serves as a diffusion barrier to eliminate a deleterious reaction that can occur between U-7Mo and Al when a dispersion fuel is irradiated under aggressive reactor conditions. To investigate the final microstructure of a physically-vapor-deposited ZrN coating in a dispersion fuel plate after it was fabricated using a rolling process, characterization samples were taken from a fuel plate that was fabricated at 500 °C using ZrN-coated U-7Mo particles, Al matrix and AA6061 cladding. Scanning electron and transmission electron microscopy analysis were performed. Data from these analyses will be used to support future microstructural examinations of irradiated fuel plates, in terms of understanding the effects of irradiation on the ZrN microstructure, and to determine the role of diffusion barrier microstructure in eliminating fuel/matrix interactions during irradiation. The as-fabricated coating was determined to be cubic-ZrN (cF8) phase. It exhibited a columnar microstructure comprised of nanometer-sized grains and a region of relatively high porosity, mainly near the Al matrix. Small impurity-containing phases were observed at the U-7Mo/ZrN interface, and no interaction zone was observed at the ZrN/Al interface. The bonding between the U-7Mo and ZrN appeared to be mechanical in nature. A relatively high level of oxygen was observed in the ZrN coating, extending from the Al matrix in the ZrN coating in decreasing concentration. The above microstructural characteristics are discussed in terms of what may be most optimal for a diffusion barrier in a dispersion fuel plate application.

Microstructure of wave propagation during combustion synthesis of advanced materials: Experiments and theory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Stephen

Combustion synthesis (CS) is an attractive method for producing advanced materials, including ceramics, intermetallics, and composites. In this process, after initiation by an external heat source, a highly exothermic reaction propagates through the sample in a self-sustained combustion wave. The process offers the possibility of producing materials with novel structures and properties. At conventional magnifications and imaging rates, the combustion wave appears to propagate in a planar, steady manner. However, using higher magnifications (>400X) and imaging rates (1000 frames/sec), fluctuations in the shape and propagation of the combustion front were observed. These variations in local conditions (i.e., the microstructure of the combustion wave) can influence the microstructure and properties of materials produced by combustion synthesis. In this work, the microstructure of wave propagation during combustion synthesis is investigated experimentally and theoretically. Using microscopic high-speed imaging, the spatial and temporal fluctuations of the combustion front shape and propagation were investigated. New image analysis methods were developed to characterize the heterogeneity of the combustion front quantitatively. The initial organization of the reaction medium was found to affect the heterogeneity of the combustion wave. Moreover, at the microscopic level, two different regimes of combustion propagation were observed. In the quasihomogeneous mechanism, the microstructure of the combustion wave resembles what is viewed macroscopically, and steady, planar propagation is observed. In the relay-race mechanism, while planar at the macroscopic level, the combustion front profiles are irregularly shaped, with arc-shaped convexities and concavities at the microscopic level. Also, the reaction front propagates as a series of rapid jumps and hesitations. Based on the combustion wave microstructure, new criteria were developed to determine the boundaries between quasihomogeneous and relay-race mechanisms, as functions of the initial organization of the reaction medium (i.e. particle size and porosity). In conjunction with the experiments, a microheterogeneous cell model was developed that simulates the local propagation of the combustion wave. Accounting for the stochastically organized medium with non-uniform properties, calculated results for the microstructural parameters of the combustion wave, and their dependence on density and reactant particle size, were in good qualitative agreement with experimental data.

Electron transport properties in fluorinated copper-phthalocyanine films: importance of vibrational reorganization energy and molecular microstructure.

PubMed

Wu, Fu-Chiao; Cheng, Horng-Long; Yen, Chen-Hsiang; Lin, Jyu-Wun; Liu, Shyh-Jiun; Chou, Wei-Yang; Tang, Fu-Ching

2010-03-07

Electron transport (ET) properties of a series of fluorinated copper-phthalocyanine (F(16)CuPc) thin films, which were deposited at different substrate temperatures (T(sub)) ranging from 30 to 150 degrees C, have been investigated by quantum mechanical calculations of the reorganization energy (lambda(reorg)), X-ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and microRaman spectroscopy. Density functional theory calculations were used to predict the vibrational frequencies, normal mode displacement vectors, and electron-vibrational lambda(reorg) for the F(16)CuPc molecule. The electron mobilities (mu(e)) of F(16)CuPc thin films are strongly dependent on the T(sub), and the value of mu(e) increases with increasing T(sub) from 30 to 120 degrees C, at which point it reaches its maximum value. The importance of electron-vibrational coupling and molecular microstructures for ET properties in F(16)CuPc thin films are discussed on the basis of theoretical vibrational lambda(reorg) calculations and experimental observations of resonance Raman spectra. We observed a good correlation between mu(e) and the full-width-at-half-maximum of the vibrational bands, which greatly contributed to lambda(reorg) and/or which reflects the molecular microstructural quality of the active channel. In contrast, the crystal size analysis by XRD and surface grain morphology by AFM did not reveal a clear correlation with the ET behaviours for these different F(16)CuPc thin films. Therefore, we suggest that for organic films with weak intermolecular interactions, such as F(16)CuPc, optimized microscopic molecular-scale parameters are highly important for efficient long-range charge transport in the macroscopic devices.

A common microstructure in behavioral hearing thresholds and stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions.

PubMed

Dewey, James B; Dhar, Sumitrajit

2017-11-01

Behavioral hearing thresholds and otoacoustic emission (OAE) spectra often exhibit quasiperiodic fluctuations with frequency. For behavioral and OAE responses to single tones-the latter referred to as stimulus-frequency otoacoustic emissions (SFOAEs)-this microstructure has been attributed to intracochlear reflections of SFOAE energy between its region of generation and the middle ear boundary. However, the relationship between behavioral and SFOAE microstructures, as well as their presumed dependence on the properties of the SFOAE-generation mechanism, have yet to be adequately examined. To address this, behavioral thresholds and SFOAEs evoked by near-threshold tones were compared in 12 normal-hearing female subjects. The microstructures observed in thresholds and both SFOAE amplitudes and delays were found to be strikingly similar. SFOAE phase accumulated an integer number of cycles between the frequencies of microstructure maxima, consistent with a dependence of microstructure periodicity on SFOAE propagation delays. Additionally, microstructure depth was correlated with SFOAE magnitude in a manner resembling that predicted by the intracochlear reflection framework, after assuming reasonable values of parameters related to middle ear transmission. Further exploration of this framework may yield more precise estimates of such parameters and provide insight into their frequency dependence.

The Compositional Dependence of the Microstructure and Properties of CMSX-4 Superalloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Hao; Xu, Wei; Van Der Zwaag, Sybrand

2018-01-01

The degradation of creep resistance in Ni-based single-crystal superalloys is essentially ascribed to their microstructural evolution. Yet there is a lack of work that manages to predict (even qualitatively) the effect of alloying element concentrations on the rate of microstructural degradation. In this research, a computational model is presented to connect the rafting kinetics of Ni superalloys to their chemical composition by combining thermodynamics calculation and a modified microstructural model. To simulate the evolution of key microstructural parameters during creep, the isotropic coarsening rate and γ/ γ' misfit stress are defined as composition-related parameters, and the effect of service temperature, time, and applied stress are taken into consideration. Two commercial superalloys, for which the kinetics of the rafting process are selected as the reference alloys, and the corresponding microstructural parameters are simulated and compared with experimental observations reported in the literature. The results confirm that our physical model not requiring any fitting parameters manages to predict (semiquantitatively) the microstructural parameters for different service conditions, as well as the effects of alloying element concentrations. The model can contribute to the computational design of new Ni-based superalloys.

Effect of Friction Stir Processing on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AZ91C Magnesium Cast Alloy Weld Zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hassani, Behzad; Karimzadeh, Fathallah; Enayati, Mohammad Hossein; Sabooni, Soheil; Vallant, Rudolf

2016-07-01

In this study, friction stir processing (FSP) was applied to the GTAW (TIG)-welded AZ91C cast alloy to refine the microstructure and optimize the mechanical properties of the weld zone. Microstructural investigation of the samples was performed by optical microscopy and the phases in the microstructure were determined by x-ray diffraction (XRD). The microstructural evaluations showed that FSP destroys the coarse dendritic microstructure. Furthermore, it dissolves the secondary hard and brittle β-Mg17Al12 phase existing at grain boundaries of the TIG weld zone. The closure and decrease in amount of porosities along with the elimination of the cracks in the microstructure were observed. These changes were followed by a significant grain refinement to an average value of 11 µm. The results showed that the hardness values increased to the mean ones, respectively, for as-cast (63 Hv), TIG weld zone (67 Hv), and stir zone (79 Hv). The yield and ultimate strength were significantly enhanced after FSP. The fractography evaluations, by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), indicated to a transition from brittle to ductile fracture surface after applying FSP to the TIG weld zone.

Microstructural examination of V-(3-6%)Cr-(3-5%)Ti irradiated in the ATR-A1 experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Gelles, D.S.

Microstructural examination results are reported for four heats of V-(3-6%)Cr-(3-5%)Ti irradiated in the ATR-A1 experiment to {approximately}4 dpa at {approximately}200 and 300 C to provide an understanding of the microstructural evolution that may be associated with degradation of mechanical properties. Fine precipitates were observed in high density intermixed with small defect clusters for all conditions examined following the irradiation. The irradiation-induced precipitation does not appear to be affected by preirradiation heat treatment or composition.

Hierarchical microstructures in CZT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sundaram, S. K.; Henager, C. H.; Edwards, D. J.; Schemer-Kohrn, A. L.; Bliss, M.; Riley, B. R.; Toloczko, M. B.; Lynn, K. G.

2011-10-01

Advanced characterization tools, such as electron backscatter diffraction and transmitted IR microscopy, are being applied to study critical microstructural features and orientation relations in as-grown CZT crystals to aid in understanding the relation between structure and properties in radiation detectors. Even carefully prepared single crystals of CZT contain regions of slight misorientation, Te-particles, and dislocation networks that must be understood for more accurate models of detector response. This paper describes initial research at PNNL into the hierarchy of microstructures observed in CZT grown via the vertical gradient freeze or vertical Bridgman method at PNNL and WSU.

Characterization and modeling of mechanical behavior of single crystal titanium deformed by split-Hopkinson pressure bar

DOE PAGES

Morrow, B. M.; Lebensohn, R. A.; Trujillo, C. P.; ...

2016-03-28

Single crystal titanium samples were dynamically loaded using split-Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) and the resulting microstructures were examined. Characterization of the twins and dislocations present in the microstructure was conducted to understand the pathway for observed mechanical behavior. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was used to measure textures and quantify twinning. Microstructures were profusely twinned after loading, and twin variants and corresponding textures were different as a function of initial orientation. Focused ion beam (FIB) foils were created to analyze dislocation content using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Large amounts of dislocations were present, indicating that plasticity was achieved through slip andmore » twinning together. Viscoplastic self-consistent (VPSC) modeling was used to confirm the complex order of operations during deformation. The activation of different mechanisms was highly dependent upon crystal orientation. For [0001] and View the MathML source[101¯1]-oriented crystals, compressive twinning was observed, followed by secondary tensile twinning. Furthermore, dislocations though prevalent in the microstructure, contributed to final texture far less than twinning.« less

Reduction of Defects on Microstructure Aluminium Nitride Using High Temperature Annealing Heat Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tanasta, Z.; Muhamad, P.; Kuwano, N.; Norfazrina, H. M. Y.; Unuh, M. H.

2018-03-01

Aluminium Nitride (AlN) is a ceramic 111-nitride material that is used widely as components in functional devices. Besides good thermal conductivity, it also has a high band gap in emitting light which is 6 eV. AlN thin film is grown on the sapphire substrate (0001). However, lattice mismatch between both materials has caused defects to exist along the microstructure of AlN thin films. The defects have affected the properties of Aluminium Nitride. Annealing heat treatment has been proved by the previous researcher to be the best method to improve the microstructure of Aluminium Nitride thin films. Hence, this method is applied at four different temperatures for two hour. The changes of Aluminium Nitride microstructures before and after annealing is observed using Transmission Electron Microscope. It is observed that inversion domains start to occur at temperature of 1500 °C. Convergent Beam Electron Diffraction pattern simulation has confirmed the defects as inversion domain. Therefore, this paper is about to extract the matters occurred during the process of producing high quality Aluminium Nitride thin films and the ways to overcome this problem.

TEM Analysis of Interfaces in Diffusion-Bonded Silicon Carbide Ceramics Joined Using Metallic Interlayers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ozaki, T.; Tsuda, H.; Halbig, M. C.; Singh, M.; Hasegawa, Y.; Mori, S.; Asthana R.

2016-01-01

Silicon Carbide (SiC) is a promising material for thermo-structural applications due to its excellent high-temperature mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, and thermal stability. However, joining and integration technologies are indispensable for this material in order to fabricate large size and complex shape components with desired functionalities. Although diffusion bonding techniques using metallic interlayers have been commonly utilized to bond various SiC ceramics, detailed microstructural observation by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) of the bonded area has not been carried out due to difficulty in preparing TEM samples. In this study, we tried to prepare TEM samples from joints of diffusion bonded SiC ceramics by Focused Ion Beam (FIB) system and carefully investigated the interfacial microstructure by TEM analysis. The samples used in this study were SiC fiber bonded ceramics (SA-Tyrannohex: SA-THX) diffusion bonded with metallic interlayers such as Ti, TiMo, and Mo-B. In this presentation, the result of microstructural analysis obtained by TEM observations and the influence of metallic interlayers and fiber orientation of SA-THX on the joint microstructure will be discussed.

TEM Analysis of Diffusion-Bonded Silicon Carbide Ceramics Joined Using Metallic Interlayers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ozaki, T.; Tsuda, H.; Halbig, M. C.; Singh, M.; Hasegawa, Y; Mori, S.; Asthana, R.

2017-01-01

Silicon Carbide (SiC) is a promising material for thermostructural applications due to its excellent high-temperature mechanical properties, oxidation resistance, and thermal stability. However, joining and integration technologies are indispensable for this material in order to fabricate large size and complex shape components with desired functionalities. Although diffusion bonding techniques using metallic interlayers have been commonly utilized to bond various SiC ceramics, detailed microstructural observation by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) of the bonded area has not been carried out due to difficulty in preparing TEM samples. In this study, we tried to prepare TEM samples from joints of diffusion bonded SiC ceramics by Focused Ion Beam (FIB) system and carefully investigated the interfacial microstructure by TEM analysis. The samples used in this study were SiC fiber bonded ceramics (SA-Tyrannohex: SA-THX) diffusion bonded with metallic interlayers such as Ti, TiMo, Mo-B and TiCu. In this presentation, we report the microstructure of diffusion bonded SA-THX mainly with TiCu interlayers obtained by TEM observations, and the influence of metallic interlayers on the joint microstructure and microhardness will be discussed.

Effect of electrochemical corrosion on the subsurface microstructure evolution of a CoCrMo alloy in albumin containing environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhongwei; Yan, Yu; Su, Yanjing; Qiao, Lijie

2017-06-01

The subsurface microstructures of metallic implants play a key role in bio-tribocorrosion. Due to wear or change of local environment, the implant surface can have inhomogeneous electrochemical corrosion properties. In this work, the effect of electrochemical corrosion conditions on the subsurface microstructure evolution of CoCrMo alloys for artificial joints was investigated. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) was employed to observe the subsurface microstructures of worn areas at different applied potentials in a simulated physiological solution. The results showed that applied potentials could affect the severity of the subsurface deformation not only by changing the surface passivation but also affecting the adsorption of protein on the alloy surface.

Effect of temperature, microstructure, and stress state on the low cycle fatigue behavior of Waspaloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stahl, D. R.; Antolovich, S. D.; Mirdamadi, M.; Zamrik, S. Y.

1988-01-01

Specimens of Waspaloy of two different microstructures were tested in uniaxial and torsional low-cycle fatigue at 24 and 649 C. For all specimens, deformation and failure mechanisms are found to be independent of stress state at 24 C; in both microstructures, failure is associated with the formation of shear cracks. At 649 C, deformation and failure mechanisms for the fine-grain large gamma-prime specimens are independent of stress state, and the mechanisms are similar to those observed at 24 C. For the coarse-grain small gamma-prime specimens, however, failure occurs on principal planes in torsion and on shear plane in uniaxial tension. The results are interpreted in terms of deformation mode and microstructural instability.

Analysis of high temperature deformation mechanism in ODS EUROFER97 alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramar, A.; Spätig, P.; Schäublin, R.

2008-12-01

Oxide dispersion in tempered martensitic EUROFER97 steel is an efficient approach to improve its strength. The oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) EUROFER97 steel shows a good strength up to 600 °C, but degrades rapidly beyond that temperature. To understand the origin in the microstructure of this drop in strength in situ heating experiment in TEM was performed from room temperature to 1000 °C. Upon heating neither microstructure changes nor dislocation movement are observed up to 600 °C. Movement of dislocations are observed above 680 °C. Phase transformation to austenite starts at 840 °C. Yttria particles remain stable up to 1000 °C. Changes in mechanical properties thus do not relate to changes in yttria dispersion. It is attempted to relate these observations to the thermal activation parameters measured by the technique of conventional strain rate experiment, which allow to identify at a mesoscopic scale the microstructural mechanisms responsible for the degradation of ODS steel at high temperatures.

DTI-measured white matter abnormalities in adolescents with Conduct Disorder

PubMed Central

Haney-Caron, Emily; Caprihan, Arvind; Stevens, Michael C.

2013-01-01

Emerging research suggests that antisocial behavior in youth is linked to abnormal brain white matter microstructure, but the extent of such anatomical connectivity abnormalities remain largely untested because previous Conduct Disorder (CD) studies typically have selectively focused on specific frontotemporal tracts. This study aimed to replicate and extend previous frontotemporal diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) findings to determine whether noncomorbid CD adolescents have white matter microstructural abnormalities in major white matter tracts across the whole brain. Seventeen CD-diagnosed adolescents recruited from the community were compared to a group of 24 non-CD youth which did not differ in average age (12–18) or gender proportion. Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), and radial diffusivity (RD) measurements were compared between groups using FSL nonparametric two-sample t test, clusterwise whole-brain corrected, p<.05. CD FA and AD deficits were widespread, but unrelated to gender, verbal ability, or CD age of onset. CD adolescents had significantly lower FA and AD values in frontal lobe and temporal lobe regions, including frontal lobe anterior/superior corona radiata, and inferior longitudinal and fronto-occpital fasciculi passing through the temporal lobe. The magnitude of several CD FA deficits was associated with number of CD symptoms. Because AD, but not RD, differed between study groups, abnormalities of axonal microstructure in CD rather than myelination are suggested. This study provides evidence that adolescent antisocial disorder is linked to abnormal white matter microstructure in more than just the uncinate fasciulcus as identified in previous DTI studies, or frontotemporal brain structures as suggested by functional neuroimaging studies. Instead, neurobiological risk specific to antisociality in adolescence is linked to microstructural abnormality in numerous long-range white matter connections among many diverse different brain regions. PMID:24139595

Strain rate dependent calcite microfabric evolution - An experiment carried out by nature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rogowitz, Anna; Grasemann, Bernhard; Huet, Benjamin; Habler, Gerlinde

2014-12-01

A flanking structure developed along a secondary shear zone in calcite marbles, on Syros (Cyclades, Greece), provides a natural laboratory for directly studying the effects of strain rate variations on calcite deformation at identical pressure and temperature conditions. The presence and rotation of a fracture during progressive deformation caused extreme variations in finite strain and strain rate, forming a localized ductile shear zone that shows different microstructures and textures. Textures and the degree of intracrystalline deformation were measured by electron backscattered diffraction. Marbles from the host rocks and the shear zone, which deformed at various strain rates, display crystal-preferred orientation, suggesting that the calcite preferentially deformed by intracrystalline-plastic deformation. Increasing strain rate results in a switch from subgrain rotation to bulging recrystallization in the dislocation-creep regime. With increasing strain rate, we observe in fine-grained (3 μm) ultramylonitic zones a change in deformation regime from grain-size insensitive to grain-size sensitive. Paleowattmeter and the paleopiezometer suggest strain rates for the localized shear zone around 10-10 s-1 and for the marble host rock around 10-12 s-1. We conclude that varying natural strain rates can have a first-order effect on the microstructures and textures that developed under the same metamorphic conditions.

Sex Differences in Nonculprit Coronary Plaque Microstructures on Frequency-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography in Acute Coronary Syndromes and Stable Coronary Artery Disease.

PubMed

Kataoka, Yu; Puri, Rishi; Hammadah, Muhammad; Duggal, Bhanu; Uno, Kiyoko; Kapadia, Samir R; Tuzcu, E Murat; Nissen, Steven E; King, Peta; Nicholls, Stephen J

2016-08-01

Numerous reports suggest sex-related differences in atherosclerosis. Frequency-domain optical coherence tomography has enabled visualization of plaque microstructures associated with disease instability. The prevalence of plaque microstructures between sexes has not been characterized. We investigated sex differences in plaque features in patients with coronary artery disease. Nonculprit plaques on frequency-domain optical coherence tomography imaging were compared between men and women with either stable coronary artery disease (n=320) or acute coronary syndromes (n=115). A greater prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors was observed in women. Nonculprit plaques in women with stable coronary artery disease were more likely to exhibit plaque erosion (8.6% versus 0.3%; P=0.03) and a smaller lipid arc (163.1±71.4° versus 211.2±71.2°; P=0.03), and less likely to harbor cholesterol crystals (17.2% versus 27.5%; P=0.01) and calcification (15.4% versus 34.4%; P=0.008), whereas fibrous cap thickness (105.2±62.1 versus 96.1±40.4 µm; P=0.57), the prevalence of thin-cap fibroatheroma (26.5% versus 25.2%; P=0.85), and microchannels (19.2% versus 20.5%; P=0.95) were comparable. In women with acute coronary syndrome, a smaller lipid arc (171.6±53.2° versus 235.8±86.4°; P=0.03), a higher frequency of plaque erosion (11.4% versus 0.6%; P=0.04), and a lower prevalence of cholesterol crystal (28.6% versus 38.2%; P=0.03) and calcification (10.0% versus 23.7%; P=0.01) were observed. These differences persisted after adjusting clinical demographics. Although thin-cap fibroatheromas in men clustered within proximal arterial segments, thin-cap fibroatheromas were evenly distributed in women. Despite more comorbid risk factors in women, their nonculprit plaques exhibited more plaque erosion, and less cholesterol and calcium content. This distinct phenotype suggests sex-related differences in the pathophysiology of atherosclerosis. © 2016 American Heart Association, Inc.

Studies on microstructure, mechanical and pitting corrosion behaviour of similar and dissimilar stainless steel gas tungsten arc welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohammed, Raffi; Dilkush; Srinivasa Rao, K.; Madhusudhan Reddy, G.

2018-03-01

In the present study, an attempt has been made to weld dissimilar alloys of 5mm thick plates i.e., austenitic stainless steel (316L) and duplex stainless steel (2205) and compared with that of similar welds. Welds are made with conventional gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) process with two different filler wires namely i.e., 309L and 2209. Welds were characterized using optical microscopy to observe the microstructural changes and correlate with mechanical properties using hardness, tensile and impact testing. Potentio-dynamic polarization studies were carried out to observe the pitting corrosion behaviour in different regions of the welds. Results of the present study established that change in filler wire composition resulted in microstructural variation in all the welds with different morphology of ferrite and austenite. Welds made with 2209 filler showed plate like widmanstatten austenite (WA) nucleated at grain boundaries. Compared to similar stainless steel welds inferior mechanical properties was observed in dissimilar stainless steel welds. Pitting corrosion resistance is observed to be low for dissimilar stainless steel welds when compared to similar stainless steel welds. Overall study showed that similar duplex stainless steel welds having favorable microstructure and resulted in better mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Relatively dissimilar stainless steel welds made with 309L filler obtained optimum combination of mechanical properties and pitting corrosion resistance when compared to 2209 filler and is recommended for industrial practice.

Shell architecture: a novel proxy for paleotemperature reconstructions?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Milano, Stefania; Nehrke, Gernot; Wanamaker, Alan D., Jr.; Witbaard, Rob; Schöne, Bernd R.

2017-04-01

Mollusk shells are unique high-resolution paleoenvironmental archives. Their geochemical properties, such as oxygen isotope composition (δ18Oshell) and element-to-calcium ratios, are routinely used to estimate past environmental conditions. However, the existing proxies have certain drawbacks that can affect paleoreconstruction robustness. For instance, the estimation of water temperature of brackish and near-shore environments can be biased by the interdependency of δ18Oshell from multiple environmental variables (water temperature and δ18Owater). Likely, the environmental signature can be masked by physiological processes responsible for the incorporation of trace elements into the shell. The present study evaluated the use of shell structural properties as alternative environmental proxies. The sensitivity of shell architecture at µm and nm-scale to the environment was tested. In particular, the relationship between water temperature and microstructure formation was investigated. To enable the detection of potential structural changes, the shells of the marine bivalves Cerastoderma edule and Arctica islandica were analyzed with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), nanoindentation and Confocal Raman Microscopy (CRM). These techniques allow a quantitative approach to the microstructural analysis. Our results show that water temperature induces a clear response in shell microstructure. A significant alteration in the morphometric characteristics and crystallographic orientation of the structural units was observed. Our pilot study suggests that shell architecture records environmental information and it has potential to be used as novel temperature proxy in near-shore and open ocean habitats.

Microstructural Characterization of Metal Foams: An Examination of the Applicability of the Theoretical Models for Modeling Foams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raj, S. V.

2010-01-01

Establishing the geometry of foam cells is useful in developing microstructure-based acoustic and structural models. Since experimental data on the geometry of the foam cells are limited, most modeling efforts use the three-dimensional, space-filling Kelvin tetrakaidecahedron. The validity of this assumption is investigated in the present paper. Several FeCrAlY foams with relative densities varying between 3 and 15 percent and cells per mm (c.p.mm.) varying between 0.2 and 3.9 c.p.mm. were microstructurally evaluated. The number of edges per face for each foam specimen was counted by approximating the cell faces by regular polygons, where the number of cell faces measured varied between 207 and 745. The present observations revealed that 50 to 57 percent of the cell faces were pentagonal while 24 to 28 percent were quadrilateral and 15 to 22 percent were hexagonal. The present measurements are shown to be in excellent agreement with literature data. It is demonstrated that the Kelvin model, as well as other proposed theoretical models, cannot accurately describe the FeCrAlY foam cell structure. Instead, it is suggested that the ideal foam cell geometry consists of 11 faces with 3 quadrilateral, 6 pentagonal faces and 2 hexagonal faces consistent with the 3-6-2 cell.

The Cordón Caulle rhyolite lava flow: an exceptional case study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Magnall, N.; James, M. R.; Tuffen, H.; Schipper, C. I.; Castro, J. M.; Vye-Brown, C.; Davies, A. G.; Farquharson, J.

2017-12-01

Rhyolites comprise the most silica-rich lavas, and rhyolitic lava flows can reach tens of kilometres in length. Interpretations of ancient and historic rhyolite lava flows suggest protracted emplacement due to relatively slow cooling of these massive bodies and have identified late stage events such as the formation of pumice diapirs. However, our understanding of emplacement processes has long remained limited by the lack of observations from an active flow. The 2011-2012 eruption of Puyehue-Cordón Caulle in southern Chile resulted in the first scientifically observed emplacement of an extensive (0.4 km3, 5 km long), crystal-poor rhyolite lava flow and has provided an unparalleled opportunity to further our understanding of flow dynamics. Here, we summarise our work on this lava flow, which has combined satellite and field observations, microstructural characterisation of samples, and numerical modelling. Early observations showed that advance of the 40 m thick flow stalled after 150 days of eruption, due to interactions with topographic barriers and the formation of a retarding surface crust. Following this, numerous breakouts formed from the flow fronts and margins, attaining lengths of ≤2 km. Microstructural characterisation supports the model that the breakouts formed due to continued lava supply to the stalled portions of the flow front along preferential thermal pathways, coupled with late-stage vesiculation of the flow core. This led to pressure increase, inflation, and eventual rupturing of the surface crust. These breakouts have been classified into four morphological types (domed, petaloid, rubbly, and cleft split) that reflect processes of advance and inflation. Some breakouts continued to advance and form after the eruption ended, with numerical modelling and direct observations suggesting mobility of the lava years after the eruption ended. Unlike other rhyolite flows, pumice diapirs were not observed at Cordón Caulle, instead late stage volatile exsolution (with associated vapour-phase cristobalite formation), core vesiculation, and resultant inflation contributed to breakout formation. Insights gained from Cordón Caulle aid in the interpretation of ancient silicic lavas and help anticipate the hazards posed by future, potentially lengthy, eruptions of rhyolitic lava.

Using Antifreeze Proteins to understand ice microstructure evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bayer-Giraldi, Maddalena; Azuma, Nobuhiko; Takata, Morimasa; Weikusat, Christian; Kondo, Hidemasa; Kipfstuhl, Sepp

2017-04-01

Polar ice sheets are considered a unique climate archive. The chemical analysis of its impurities and the development of its microstructure with depth give insight in past climate conditions as well as in the development of the ice sheet with time and deformation. Microstructural patterns like small grain size observed in specific depths are thought to be linked to the retarding effect of impurities on ice grain growth. Clear evidence of size or chemical composition of the impurities causing this effect is missing, but in this context a major role of nanoparticles has been suggested. In order to shed light on different mechanisms by which nanoparticles can control microstructure development we used antifreeze proteins (AFPs) as proxies for particles in ice. These proteins are small nanoparticles, approx. 5 nm in size, with the special characteristics of firmly binding to ice through several hydrogen bonds. We used AFPs from the sea-ice microalgae Fragilariopsis cylindrus (fcAFPs) in bubble-free, small-grained polycrystalline ice obtained by the phase-transition size refinement method. We explain how fcAFP bind to ice by presenting the 3-D-protein structure model inferred by X-ray structure analysis, and show the importance of the chemical interaction between particles and ice in controlling normal grain growth, comparing fcAFPs to other protein nanoparticles. We used modifications of fcAFPs for particle localization through fluorescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, the effect of fcAFPs on the driving factors for ice deformation during creep, i.e. on internal dislocations due to incorporation within the lattice and on the mobility of grain boundaries due to pinning, makes these proteins particularly interesting in studying the process of ice deformation.

Competing mechanisms in the wear resistance behavior of biomineralized rod-like microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escobar de Obaldia, Enrique; Herrera, Steven; Grunenfelder, Lessa Kay; Kisailus, David; Zavattieri, Pablo

2016-11-01

The remarkable mechanical properties observed in biological composite materials relative to those of their individual constituents distinguish them from common engineering materials. Some naturally occurring high-performance ceramics, like the external veneer of the Chiton (Cryptochiton stelleri) tooth, have been shown to have superior hardness and impressive abrasion resistance properties. The mechanical performance of the chiton tooth has been attributed to a hierarchical arrangement of nanostructured magnetite rods surrounded with organic material. While nanoindentation tests provide useful information about the overall performance of this biological composite, understanding the key microstructural features and energy dissipation mechanisms at small scales remains a challenging task. We present a combined experimental/numerical approach to elucidate the role of material deformation in the rods, debonding at the rod interfaces and the influence of energy dissipation mechanisms on the ability of the microstructure to distribute damage under extreme loading conditions. We employ a 3D finite element-based micromechanical model to simulate the nanoindentation tests performed in geological magnetite and cross-sections of the chiton tooth. This proposed model is capable of capturing the inelastic deformation of the rods and the failure of their interfaces, while damage, fracture and fragmentation of the mineralized rods is assessed using a probabilistic function. Our results show that these natural materials achieve their abrasion resistant properties by controlling the interface strength between rods, alleviating the tensile stress on the rods near the indentation tip and therefore decreasing the probability of catastrophic failure without significantly sacrificing resistance to penetration. The understanding of these competing energy dissipating mechanisms provides a path to the prediction of new combination of materials. In turns, these results suggest certain guidelines for abrasion resistance rod-like microstructures in composites with high volume fraction of brittle minerals or ceramics with tailored performance for specific applications.

Fluid distribution in grain boundaries of natural fine-grained rock salt deformed at low differential stress (Qom Kuh salt fountain, central Iran): Implications for rheology and transport properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Desbois, Guillaume; Urai, Janos L.; de Bresser, Johannes H. P.

2012-10-01

We used a combination of broad ion beam cross-sectioning and cryogenic SEM to image polished surfaces and corresponding pairs of fractured grain boundaries in an investigation of grain boundary microstructures and fluid distribution in naturally deformed halite from the Qom Kuh salt glacier (central Iran). At the scale of observations, four types of fluid-filled grain boundary can be distinguished by morphology (from straight to wavy), thickness (from 5000 to 50 nm) and the presence of fluid inclusions. The mobility of the brine is shown after cutting the inclusions by broad ion beam (BIB) in vacuum and fine-grained halite forms efflorescence and precipitates on internal walls of inclusions. At cryogenic temperature, grain boundary brine is shown either as continuous film or in isolated inclusions. The halite-halite grain boundary between isolated fluid inclusions is interpreted to have formed by fluid-assisted grain boundary healing. Preliminary experiments on the samples at shear stress conditions of natural salt glacier show very slow strain rates (7.4 × 10-10 s-1 and 1 × 10-9 s-1), which are less than expected for pressure solution creep. Both microstructures and deformation experiments suggest interfacial energy-driven grain boundary healing and therefore rendering inactive the pressure solution creep in our samples. This result disagrees with previous microstructural studies of the same sample, which showed microstructural evidence for pressure solution (and dislocation creep). Different explanations are discussed, which imply that both healing and reactivation of grain boundaries are important in salt glaciers, leading to heterogeneous distribution of deformation mechanisms and strain rates in both space and time.

Mechanical and electrochemical response of a LiCoO 2 cathode using reconstructed microstructures

DOE PAGES

Mendoza, Hector; Roberts, Scott Alan; Brunini, Victor; ...

2016-01-01

As LiCoO 2 cathodes are charged, delithiation of the LiCoO 2 active material leads to an increase in the lattice spacing, causing swelling of the particles. When these particles are packed into a bicontinuous, percolated network, as is the case in a battery electrode, this swelling leads to the generation of significant mechanical stress. In this study we performed coupled electrochemical-mechanical simulations of the charging of a LiCoO 2 cathode in order to elucidate the mechanisms of stress generation and the effect of charge rate and microstructure on these stresses. Energy dispersive spectroscopy combined with scanning electron microscopy imaging wasmore » used to create 3D reconstructions of a LiCoO 2 cathode, and the Conformal Decomposition Finite Element Method is used to automatically generate computational meshes on this reconstructed microstructure. Replacement of the ideal solution Fickian diffusion model, typically used in battery simulations, with a more general non-ideal solution model shows substantially smaller gradients of lithium within particles than is typically observed in the literature. Using this more general model, lithium gradients only appear at states of charge where the open-circuit voltage is relatively constant. While lithium gradients do affect the mechanical stress state in the particles, the maximum stresses are always found in the fully-charged state and are strongly affected by the local details of the microstructure and particle-to-particle contacts. These coupled electrochemical-mechanical simulations begin to yield insight into the partitioning of volume change between reducing pore space and macroscopically swelling the electrode. Lastly, preliminary studies that include the presence of the polymeric binder suggest that it can greatly impact stress generation and that it is an important area for future research.« less

A biomineralization study of the Indo-Pacific giant clam Tridacna gigas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gannon, M. E.; Pérez-Huerta, A.; Aharon, P.; Street, S. C.

2017-06-01

The giant clam, Tridacna gigas, is an important faunal component of reef ecosystems of the Indo-Pacific region. In addition to its ecological role, shells of this bivalve species are useful bioarchives for past climate and environmental reconstructions. However, the biomineralization processes involved in shell aragonite deposition are insufficiently understood. Here, we present a study of the shell microstructure of modern specimens from Palm Island, Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia, and Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea (PNG), using a combination of petrography, scanning electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and stable carbon isotope ratios. Daily growth increments were recognizable in all specimens through ontogeny, and counting these growth lines provides a robust specimen age estimate. For the internal layers, paired increments of organized aragonitic needles and compact, oblong crystals were recognized in a specimen from PNG, whereas specimens from GBR were composed of shield-like crystals that were not definable at the microscale. The combination of nutrient availability, rainfall and solar irradiance are likely to be the most significant factors controlling shell growth and may explain the observed differences in microstructure. The external layer, identical in all specimens, was composed of dendritic microstructure that is significantly enriched in 13C compared to the internal layer, suggesting different metabolic controls on layer deposition. We propose that the mineralization of the internal and external layers is independent from each other and associated with the activity of specific mantles. Future studies using T. gigas shells as bioarchives should consider the microstructure as it reflects the environment in which the individual lived and the differences in mineralization pathways of internal and external layers.

Dimensions of Attention Associated With the Microstructure of Corona Radiata White Matter.

PubMed

Stave, Elise A; De Bellis, Michael D; Hooper, Steven R; Woolley, Donald P; Chang, Suk Ki; Chen, Steven D

2017-04-01

Mirsky proposed a model of attention that included these dimensions: focus/execute, sustain, stabilize, encode, and shift. The neural correlates of these dimensions were investigated within corona radiata subregions in healthy youth. Diffusion tensor imaging and neuropsychological assessments were conducted in 79 healthy, right-handed youth aged 4-17 years. Diffusion tensor imaging maps were analyzed using standardized parcellation methods. Partial Pearson correlations between neuropsychological standardized scores, representing these attention dimensions, and diffusion tensor imaging measures of corona radiata subregions were calculated after adjusting for gender and IQ. Significant correlations were found between the focus/execute, sustain, stabilize, and shift dimensions and imaging metrics in hypothesized corona radiata subregions. Results suggest that greater microstructural white matter integrity of the corona radiata is partly associated with attention across 4 attention dimensions. Findings suggest that white matter microstructure of the corona radiata is a neural correlate of several, but not all, attention dimensions.

Dimensions of Attention Associated with the Microstructure of Corona Radiata White Matter

PubMed Central

Stave, Elise A.; Hooper, Stephen R.; Woolley, Donald P.; Chang, Suk Ki; Chen, Steven D.

2016-01-01

Mirsky proposed a model of attention that included these dimensions: focus/execute, sustain, stabilize, encode, and shift. The neural correlates of these dimensions were investigated within corona radiate subregions in healthy youth. Diffusion tensor imaging and neuropsychological assessments were conducted in 79 healthy, right-handed youth aged 4–17 years. Diffusion tensor imaging maps were analyzed using standardized parcellation methods. Partial Pearson correlations between neuropsychological standardized scores, representing these attention dimensions, and diffusion tensor imaging measures of corona radiate subregions were calculated after adjusting for gender and IQ. Significant correlations were found between the focus/execute, sustain, stabilize and shift dimensions and imaging metrics in hypothesized corona radiate subregions. Results suggest that greater microstructural white matter integrity of the corona radiata is partly associated with attention across four attention dimensions. Findings suggest that white matter microstructure of the corona radiata is a neural correlate of several, but not all, attention dimensions. PMID:28090797

The Effect of Welding Energy on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Ultrasonic-Welded Copper Joints

PubMed Central

Yang, Jingwei; Cao, Biao; Lu, Qinghua

2017-01-01

The effects of welding energy on the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of ultrasonic-welded pure copper plates were investigated. Complex dynamic recrystallization and grain growth occurred inside the weld zone during ultrasonic welding. At a low welding energy, a thin band of straight weld interfaces was observed and had an ultra-fine grain structure. With an increase in welding energy, the weld interface progressively changed from flat to sinusoidal, and eventually turned into a convoluted wavy pattern, bearing similarities to shear instabilities, as observed in fluid dynamics. The lap shear load of the joints initially increased and then remained stable as the welding energy increased. The tensile characteristics of the joints significantly depended on the development of plastic deformation at the interface. The influence of the microstructure on the hardness was also discussed. PMID:28772553

The Effect of Welding Energy on the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Ultrasonic-Welded Copper Joints.

PubMed

Yang, Jingwei; Cao, Biao; Lu, Qinghua

2017-02-16

The effects of welding energy on the mechanical and microstructural characteristics of ultrasonic-welded pure copper plates were investigated. Complex dynamic recrystallization and grain growth occurred inside the weld zone during ultrasonic welding. At a low welding energy, a thin band of straight weld interfaces was observed and had an ultra-fine grain structure. With an increase in welding energy, the weld interface progressively changed from flat to sinusoidal, and eventually turned into a convoluted wavy pattern, bearing similarities to shear instabilities, as observed in fluid dynamics. The lap shear load of the joints initially increased and then remained stable as the welding energy increased. The tensile characteristics of the joints significantly depended on the development of plastic deformation at the interface. The influence of the microstructure on the hardness was also discussed.

A microstructural lattice model for strain oriented problems: A combined Monte Carlo finite element technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gayda, J.; Srolovitz, D. J.

1987-01-01

A specialized, microstructural lattice model, termed MCFET for combined Monte Carlo Finite Element Technique, was developed which simulates microstructural evolution in material systems where modulated phases occur and the directionality of the modulation is influenced by internal and external stresses. In this approach, the microstructure is discretized onto a fine lattice. Each element in the lattice is labelled in accordance with its microstructural identity. Diffusion of material at elevated temperatures is simulated by allowing exchanges of neighboring elements if the exchange lowers the total energy of the system. A Monte Carlo approach is used to select the exchange site while the change in energy associated with stress fields is computed using a finite element technique. The MCFET analysis was validated by comparing this approach with a closed form, analytical method for stress assisted, shape changes of a single particle in an infinite matrix. Sample MCFET analytical for multiparticle problems were also run and in general the resulting microstructural changes associated with the application of an external stress are similar to that observed in Ni-Al-Cr alloys at elevated temperature.

Simulation of metal additive manufacturing microstructures using kinetic Monte Carlo

DOE PAGES

Rodgers, Theron M.; Madison, Jonathan D.; Tikare, Veena

2017-04-19

Additive manufacturing (AM) is of tremendous interest given its ability to realize complex, non-traditional geometries in engineered structural materials. But, microstructures generated from AM processes can be equally, if not more, complex than their conventionally processed counterparts. While some microstructural features observed in AM may also occur in more traditional solidification processes, the introduction of spatially and temporally mobile heat sources can result in significant microstructural heterogeneity. While grain size and shape in metal AM structures are understood to be highly dependent on both local and global temperature profiles, the exact form of this relation is not well understood. Wemore » implement an idealized molten zone and temperature-dependent grain boundary mobility in a kinetic Monte Carlo model to predict three-dimensional grain structure in additively manufactured metals. In order to demonstrate the flexibility of the model, synthetic microstructures are generated under conditions mimicking relatively diverse experimental results present in the literature. Simulated microstructures are then qualitatively and quantitatively compared to their experimental complements and are shown to be in good agreement.« less

Microstructural Effects on Initiation Behavior in HMX

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Molek, Christopher; Welle, Eric; Hardin, Barrett; Vitarelli, Jim; Wixom, Ryan; Samuels, Philip

Understanding the role microstructure plays on ignition and growth behavior has been the subject of a significant body of research within the detonation physics community. The pursuit of this understanding is important because safety and performance characteristics have been shown to strongly correlate to particle morphology. Historical studies have often correlated bulk powder characteristics to the performance or safety characteristics of pressed materials. We believe that a clearer and more relevant correlation is made between the pressed microstructure and the observed detonation behavior. This type of assessment is possible, as techniques now exist for the quantification of the pressed microstructures. Our talk will report on experimental efforts that correlate directly measured microstructural characteristics to initiation threshold behavior of HMX based materials. The internal microstructures were revealed using an argon ion cross-sectioning technique. This technique enabled the quantification of density and interface area of the pores within the pressed bed using methods of stereology. These bed characteristics are compared to the initiation threshold behavior of three HMX based materials using an electric gun based test method. Finally, a comparison of experimental threshold data to supporting theoretical efforts will be made.

Comparing Macroscale and Microscale Simulations of Porous Battery Electrodes

DOE PAGES

Higa, Kenneth; Wu, Shao-Ling; Parkinson, Dilworth Y.; ...

2017-06-22

This article describes a vertically-integrated exploration of NMC electrode rate limitations, combining experiments with corresponding macroscale (macro-homogeneous) and microscale models. Parameters common to both models were obtained from experiments or based on published results. Positive electrode tortuosity was the sole fitting parameter used in the macroscale model, while the microscale model used no fitting parameters, instead relying on microstructural domains generated from X-ray microtomography of pristine electrode material held under compression while immersed in electrolyte solution (additionally providing novel observations of electrode wetting). Macroscale simulations showed that the capacity decrease observed at higher rates resulted primarily from solution-phase diffusion resistance.more » This ability to provide such qualitative insights at low computational costs is a strength of macroscale models, made possible by neglecting electrode spatial details. To explore the consequences of such simplification, the corresponding, computationally-expensive microscale model was constructed. This was found to have limitations preventing quantitatively accurate predictions, for reasons that are discussed in the hope of guiding future work. Nevertheless, the microscale simulation results complement those of the macroscale model by providing a reality-check based on microstructural information; in particular, this novel comparison of the two approaches suggests a reexamination of salt diffusivity measurements.« less

Data-Driven Correlation Analysis Between Observed 3D Fatigue-Crack Path and Computed Fields from High-Fidelity, Crystal-Plasticity, Finite-Element Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pierson, Kyle D.; Hochhalter, Jacob D.; Spear, Ashley D.

2018-05-01

Systematic correlation analysis was performed between simulated micromechanical fields in an uncracked polycrystal and the known path of an eventual fatigue-crack surface based on experimental observation. Concurrent multiscale finite-element simulation of cyclic loading was performed using a high-fidelity representation of grain structure obtained from near-field high-energy x-ray diffraction microscopy measurements. An algorithm was developed to parameterize and systematically correlate the three-dimensional (3D) micromechanical fields from simulation with the 3D fatigue-failure surface from experiment. For comparison, correlation coefficients were also computed between the micromechanical fields and hypothetical, alternative surfaces. The correlation of the fields with hypothetical surfaces was found to be consistently weaker than that with the known crack surface, suggesting that the micromechanical fields of the cyclically loaded, uncracked microstructure might provide some degree of predictiveness for microstructurally small fatigue-crack paths, although the extent of such predictiveness remains to be tested. In general, gradients of the field variables exhibit stronger correlations with crack path than the field variables themselves. Results from the data-driven approach implemented here can be leveraged in future model development for prediction of fatigue-failure surfaces (for example, to facilitate univariate feature selection required by convolution-based models).

Narratives in Two Languages: Storytelling of Bilingual Cantonese-English Preschoolers.

PubMed

Rezzonico, Stefano; Goldberg, Ahuva; Mak, Katy Ka-Yan; Yap, Stephanie; Milburn, Trelani; Belletti, Adriana; Girolametto, Luigi

2016-06-01

The aim of this study was to compare narratives generated by 4-year-old and 5-year-old children who were bilingual in English and Cantonese. The sample included 47 children (23 who were 4 years old and 24 who were 5 years old) living in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, who spoke both Cantonese and English. The participants spoke and heard predominantly Cantonese in the home. Participants generated a story in English and Cantonese by using a wordless picture book; language order was counterbalanced. Data were transcribed and coded for story grammar, morphosyntactic quality, mean length of utterance in words, and the number of different words. Repeated measures analysis of variance revealed higher story grammar scores in English than in Cantonese, but no other significant main effects of language were observed. Analyses also revealed that older children had higher story grammar, mean length of utterance in words, and morphosyntactic quality scores than younger children in both languages. Hierarchical regressions indicated that Cantonese story grammar predicted English story grammar and Cantonese microstructure predicted English microstructure. However, no correlation was observed between Cantonese and English morphosyntactic quality. The results of this study have implications for speech-language pathologists who collect narratives in Cantonese and English from bilingual preschoolers. The results suggest that there is a possible transfer in narrative abilities between the two languages.

Microstructural evaluation of cumulative fatigue damage in a plant component sample

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Fukuoka, C.; Nakagawa, Y.G.; Yoshida, K.

1996-12-31

Fatigue damage accumulated in a real plant was evaluated in terms of microstructural conditioning. Microstructural damage induced in laboratory by cyclic deformation near and below the fatigue limit was also examined. A Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) technique called the Selected Area Diffraction (SAD) method was employed in this study. In earlier studies, it was found that the SAD value indicating a magnitude of crystallographic misorientation in the substructure (dislocation cells) was increasing with the increase of fatigue damage accumulation. Small samples removed from PWR feed water nozzle welds were examined by the SAD. It was found that the damage statemore » measured by the SAD well agreed with the morphological evidence. Cyclic stresses near or below the fatigue limit were applied to samples taken from a SA508 steel plate at various stresses. The SAD value increased even below the fatigue limit, but there was no sign of microstructural conditioning below the stresses of 50% of the fatigue limit. These results suggested that at stresses below the current design curve (below half the fatigue limit) no microstructural conditioning proceeded. It was concluded that the microstructural method was effective to evaluate damage accumulation in real plant components, and also that the current design curve was adequate in terms of microstructural conditioning state.« less

Microstructural studies of organic spin valves and superconducting vortex ratchets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yaohua

Thin film's microstructure plays important roles in their transport properties. Spin transport in organic semiconductors (OSCs) were studied using spin valves structures, with Fe and Co as the top and bottom ferromagnetic (FM) contacts, respectively. Magnetoresistance (MR) effects have been observed up to room temperature in junctions based on an electron-carrying OSC, tris(8-hyroxyquinoline) aluminum (Alq3) and a hole-carrying OSC, copper phthalocyanine (CuPc). However, junctions based on two other electron-carrying OSCs with higher lateral mobilities showed weaker spin transport effects. Morphological studies indicated that these high mobility films had rougher surfaces than either Alq3 or CuPc, therefore the degradation may originate from enhanced scattering due to the rougher FM/OSC interfaces. FM/OSC interfaces were studied in detail in Alga-based devices. These multilayer films have well-defined layer structures with modest average chemical roughness (3-5 nm) at the FM/A1q3 interfaces. Reflectometry shows that larger MR effects are correlated with sharper FM/OSC interfaces and a magnetically dead layer at the Alq3/Fe boundary. Combined with magnetotransport and magnetometery studies, our results support spin injection and transport in Alq3. A lower bound for the spin diffusion length in Alq3 was estimated as 43 +/- 5 nm at 80 K. However, the subtle correlations between microstructure and magnetotransport indicate the importance of interfacial effects. Thin film's microstructures can also be engineered to study interesting physics phenomena. We studied superconducting vortex motion, especially the vortex ratchet effect, in one-dimensional thickness-modulated granular Al films. The potential profile for a single vortex due to thickness modulation was estimated using the Bardeen-Stephen model, which agrees with the transport results. For a sample with a nearly sawtooth potential profile, the rectification velocity showed a maximum around 4.4B1, where B1 is the first matching field, similar to simulations. We also observed reverse vortex rectification, which originates from the interplay between the pinning potential and vortex-vortex interactions. More interestingly, the rectification effects showed clear frequency dependence at driving frequencies as low as 10 kHz, suggesting the failure of the heavily overdamped model.

Oxygen flux and dielectric response study of Mixed Ionic-Electronic Conducting (MIEC) heterogeneous functional materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rabbi, Fazle

Dense mixed ionic-electronic conducting (MIEC) membranes consisting of ionic conductive perovskite-type and/or fluorite-type oxides and high electronic conductive spinel type oxides, at elevated temperature can play a useful role in a number of energy conversion related systems including the solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), oxygen separation and permeation membranes, partial oxidization membrane reactors for natural gas processing, high temperature electrolysis cells, and others. This study will investigate the impact of different heterogeneous characteristics of dual phase ionic and electronic conductive oxygen separation membranes on their transport mechanisms, in an attempt to develop a foundation for the rational design of such membranes. The dielectric behavior of a material can be an indicator for MIEC performance and can be incorporated into computational models of MIEC membranes in order to optimize the composition, microstructure, and ultimately predict long term membrane performance. The dielectric behavior of the MIECs can also be an indicator of the transport mechanisms and the parameters they are dependent upon. For this study we chose a dual phase MIEC oxygen separation membrane consisting of an ionic conducting phase: gadolinium doped ceria-Ce0.8 Gd0.2O2 (GDC) and an electronic conductive phase: cobalt ferrite-CoFe2O4 (CFO). The membranes were fabricated from mixtures of Nano-powder of each of the phases for different volume percentages, sintered with various temperatures and sintering time to form systematic micro-structural variations, and characterized by structural analysis (XRD), and micro-structural analysis (SEM-EDS). Performance of the membranes was tested for variable partial pressures of oxygen across the membrane at temperatures from 850°C-1060°C using a Gas Chromatography (GC) system. Permeated oxygen did not directly correlate with change in percent mixture. An intermediate mixture 60%GDC-40%CFO had the highest flux compared to the 50%GDC-50%CFO and 80%GDC-20%CFO mixtures. Material characterization suggests the emergence of a third phase contributing to the behavior. Microstructural studies suggested changes in micro-structure of a given volume fraction for different sintering temperature and sintering time. Flux variation was observed for membranes with the same constituent volume fraction but different micro-structure indicating the effects of the micro-structure on the overall oxygen permeation. To correlate the experimental flux measurement with a standard Wagner's flux equation, different microstructural characteristics were studied to incorporate them into a modified Wagner's flux equation. In-situ broadband dielectric spectroscopy measurements over a temperature range of 850°C-1060°C and frequency range of (0.1Hz-1MHz) of the operating 60%GDC-40%CFO mixture oxygen separation membranes were measured using a NOVOCONTROL dielectric spectroscopy test system. Dielectric response of the operating membrane was studied to identify the charge transfer process in the membrane. A computational model to study the dielectric impedance response of different microstructure was developed using a COMSOL(TM) Multiphysics qasi-static electromagnetic module. This model was validated using model materials with regular geometric shapes. To measure impedance of real micro/nano-structures of the membrane material, domains required for the COMSOL calculation were obtained from actual micro/nano structures by using 3D scans from X-ray nano and micro tomography. Simpleware(TM) software was used to generate 3D domains from image slices obtained from the 3D x-ray scans. Initial voltage distributions on the original microstructure were obtained from the computational model. Similarly, development of a primary model for simulating ionic/electronic species flow inside of an MIEC was also begun. The possibility of using broadband dielectric spectroscopy methods to understand and anticipate the flux capabilities of MIECs to reduce the cost and time of development of such material systems was explored.

Large-area uniform periodic microstructures on fused silica induced by surface phonon polaritons and incident laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Chuanchao; Liao, Wei; Zhang, Lijuan; Jiang, Xiaolong; Chen, Jing; Wang, Haijun; Luan, Xiaoyu; Yuan, Xiaodong

2018-06-01

A simple and convenient means to self-organize large-area uniform periodic microstructures on fused silica by using multiple raster scans of microsecond CO2 laser pulses with beam spot overlapping at normal incidence is presented, which is based on laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) attributed to the interference between surface phonon polaritons and incident CO2 laser. The evolution of fused silica surface morphologies with increasing raster scans indicates that the period of microstructures changed from 10.6 μm to 9 μm and the profiles of microstructures changed from a sinusoidal curve to a half-sinusoidal shape. Numerical simulation results suggest that the formation of the half-sinusoidal profile is due to the exponential relationship between evaporation rate and surface temperature inducing by the intensive interference between surface phonon polaritons and incident laser. The fabricated uniform periodic microstructures show excellent structural color effect in both forward-diffraction and back-diffraction.

Microstructural Characterization of the Heat-Affected Zones in Grade 92 Steel Welds: Double-Pass and Multipass Welds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, X.; West, G. D.; Siefert, J. A.; Parker, J. D.; Thomson, R. C.

2018-04-01

The microstructure in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of multipass welds typical of those used in power plants and made from 9 wt pct chromium martensitic Grade 92 steel is complex. Therefore, there is a need for systematic microstructural investigations to define the different regions of the microstructure across the HAZ of Grade 92 steel welds manufactured using the traditional arc welding processes in order to understand possible failure mechanisms after long-term service. In this study, the microstructure in the HAZ of an as-fabricated two-pass bead-on-plate weld on a parent metal of Grade 92 steel has been systematically investigated and compared to a complex, multipass thick section weldment using an extensive range of electron and ion-microscopy-based techniques. A dilatometer has been used to apply controlled thermal cycles to simulate the microstructures in distinctly different regions in a multipass HAZ using sequential thermal cycles. A wide range of microstructural properties in the simulated materials were characterized and compared with the experimental observations from the weld HAZ. It has been found that the microstructure in the HAZ can be categorized by a combination of sequential thermal cycles experienced by the different zones within the complex weld metal, using the terminology developed for these regions based on a simpler, single-pass bead-on-plate weld, categorized as complete transformation, partial transformation, and overtempered.

Connectivity Measures in EEG Microstructural Sleep Elements.

PubMed

Sakellariou, Dimitris; Koupparis, Andreas M; Kokkinos, Vasileios; Koutroumanidis, Michalis; Kostopoulos, George K

2016-01-01

During Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep (NREM) the brain is relatively disconnected from the environment, while connectedness between brain areas is also decreased. Evidence indicates, that these dynamic connectivity changes are delivered by microstructural elements of sleep: short periods of environmental stimuli evaluation followed by sleep promoting procedures. The connectivity patterns of the latter, among other aspects of sleep microstructure, are still to be fully elucidated. We suggest here a methodology for the assessment and investigation of the connectivity patterns of EEG microstructural elements, such as sleep spindles. The methodology combines techniques in the preprocessing, estimation, error assessing and visualization of results levels in order to allow the detailed examination of the connectivity aspects (levels and directionality of information flow) over frequency and time with notable resolution, while dealing with the volume conduction and EEG reference assessment. The high temporal and frequency resolution of the methodology will allow the association between the microelements and the dynamically forming networks that characterize them, and consequently possibly reveal aspects of the EEG microstructure. The proposed methodology is initially tested on artificially generated signals for proof of concept and subsequently applied to real EEG recordings via a custom built MATLAB-based tool developed for such studies. Preliminary results from 843 fast sleep spindles recorded in whole night sleep of 5 healthy volunteers indicate a prevailing pattern of interactions between centroparietal and frontal regions. We demonstrate hereby, an opening to our knowledge attempt to estimate the scalp EEG connectivity that characterizes fast sleep spindles via an "EEG-element connectivity" methodology we propose. The application of the latter, via a computational tool we developed suggests it is able to investigate the connectivity patterns related to the occurrence of EEG microstructural elements. Network characterization of specified physiological or pathological EEG microstructural elements can potentially be of great importance in the understanding, identification, and prediction of health and disease.

Connectivity Measures in EEG Microstructural Sleep Elements

PubMed Central

Sakellariou, Dimitris; Koupparis, Andreas M.; Kokkinos, Vasileios; Koutroumanidis, Michalis; Kostopoulos, George K.

2016-01-01

During Non-Rapid Eye Movement sleep (NREM) the brain is relatively disconnected from the environment, while connectedness between brain areas is also decreased. Evidence indicates, that these dynamic connectivity changes are delivered by microstructural elements of sleep: short periods of environmental stimuli evaluation followed by sleep promoting procedures. The connectivity patterns of the latter, among other aspects of sleep microstructure, are still to be fully elucidated. We suggest here a methodology for the assessment and investigation of the connectivity patterns of EEG microstructural elements, such as sleep spindles. The methodology combines techniques in the preprocessing, estimation, error assessing and visualization of results levels in order to allow the detailed examination of the connectivity aspects (levels and directionality of information flow) over frequency and time with notable resolution, while dealing with the volume conduction and EEG reference assessment. The high temporal and frequency resolution of the methodology will allow the association between the microelements and the dynamically forming networks that characterize them, and consequently possibly reveal aspects of the EEG microstructure. The proposed methodology is initially tested on artificially generated signals for proof of concept and subsequently applied to real EEG recordings via a custom built MATLAB-based tool developed for such studies. Preliminary results from 843 fast sleep spindles recorded in whole night sleep of 5 healthy volunteers indicate a prevailing pattern of interactions between centroparietal and frontal regions. We demonstrate hereby, an opening to our knowledge attempt to estimate the scalp EEG connectivity that characterizes fast sleep spindles via an “EEG-element connectivity” methodology we propose. The application of the latter, via a computational tool we developed suggests it is able to investigate the connectivity patterns related to the occurrence of EEG microstructural elements. Network characterization of specified physiological or pathological EEG microstructural elements can potentially be of great importance in the understanding, identification, and prediction of health and disease. PMID:26924980

Compositional and Microstructural Evolution of Olivine During Pulsed Laser Irradiation: Insights Based on a FIB/Field-Emission TEM Study

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Christoffersen, R.; Loeffler, M. J.; Dukes, C. A.; Baragiola, R. A.

2015-01-01

Introduction: The use of pulsed laser irradiation to simulate the short duration, high-energy conditions characteristic of micrometeorite impacts is now an established approach in experimental space weathering studies. The laser generates both melt and vapor deposits that contain nanophase metallic Fe (npFe(sup 0)) grains with size distributions and optical properties similar to those in natural impact-generated melt and vapor deposits. There remains uncertainty, however, about how well lasers simulate the mechanical work and internal (thermal) energy partitioning that occurs in actual impacts. We are currently engaged in making a direct comparison between the products of laser irradiation and experimental/natural hypervelocity impacts. An initial step reported here is to use analytical TEM is to attain a better understanding of how the microstructure and composition of laser deposits evolve over multiple cycles of pulsed laser irradiation. Experimental Methods: We irradiated pressed-powder pellets of San Carlos olivine (Fo(sub 90)) with up to 99 rastered pulses of a GAM ArF excimer laser. The irradiated surface of the sample were characterized by SEM imaging and areas were selected for FIB cross sectioning for TEM study using an FEI Quanta dual-beam electron/focused ion beam instrument. FIB sections were characterized using a JEOL2500SE analytical field-emission scanning transmission electron microscope (FE-STEM) optimized for quantitative element mapping at less than 10 nm spatial resolutions. Results: In the SEM the 99 pulse pressed pellet sample shows a complex, inhomogeneous, distribution of laser-generated material, largely concentrated in narrow gaps and larger depressions between grains. Local concentrations of npFe0 spherules 0.1 to 1 micrometers in size are visible within these deposits in SEM back-scatter images. Fig. 1 shows bright-field STEM images of a FIB cross-section of a one of these deposits that continuously covers the top and sloping side of an olivine grain. The deposit has 3 microstructurally distinct sub-layers composed of silicate glass with varying modal fractions and size distributions of npFe( sup 0) spherules, along with nanocrystalline silicate material. A relatively thin (50-300 nm) topmost surface layer has a high-concentration of npFe0 spherules 5-20 nm in size. Element mapping shows the layer to be enriched in Fe by a factor of 2.5 relative to the olivine substrate, with Mg and Si depleted by 20% and 10% respectively. This is compositionally complementary to the underlying, middle layer of the deposit that is depleted in Fe, enriched in Mg and has a much lower npFe0 concentration. A third layer of nanocrystalline olivine occurs at the substrate interface. Discussion: The FE-STEM results suggest the topmost layer is a vapor deposit, underlain by a thicker microstructurally complex melt-generated layer. The compositional relations suggest the melt layer was partially vaporized, preferentially losing more volatile elements (e.g., Fe). The vaporized material re-condensed to form the thin, npFe(sup 0)-rich surface deposit during or immediately after the scan cycle. Nanocrystalline olivine that grew within the melt layer as it formed and cooled is similar in volume and microstructure to what we have observed in the impact melt lining of a micrometeorite impact crater in olivine. This suggest the time-temperature relations attained in the laser sample may not be too different from a micrometeorite impact. Our TEM observations, however, do not show evidence for the same level of mechanical dam-age (e.g., fracturing) seen around the natural micrometeorite crater.

Effects of synthesis techniques on chemical composition, microstructure and dielectric properties of Mg-doped calcium titanate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jongprateep, Oratai; Sato, Nicha

2018-04-01

Calcium titanate (CaTiO3) has been recognized as a material for fabrication of dielectric components, owing to its moderate dielectric constant and excellent microwave response. Enhancement of dielectric properties of the material can be achieved through doping, compositional and microstructural control. This study, therefore, aimed at investigating effects of powder synthesis techniques on compositions, microstructure, and dielectric properties of Mg-doped CaTiO3. Solution combustion and solid-state reaction were powder synthesis techniques employed in preparation of undoped CaTiO3 and CaTiO3 doped with 5-20 at% Mg. Compositional analysis revealed that powder synthesis techniques did not exhibit a significant effect on formation of secondary phases. When Mg concentration did not exceed 5 at%, the powders prepared by both techniques contained only a single phase. An increase of MgO secondary phase was observed as Mg concentrations increased from 10 to 20 at%. Experimental results, on the contrary, revealed that powder synthesis techniques contributed to significant differences in microstructure. Solution combustion technique produced powders with finer particle sizes, which consequently led to finer grain sizes and density enhancement. High-density specimens with fine microstructure generally exhibit improved dielectric properties. Dielectric measurements revealed that dielectric constants of all samples ranged between 231 and 327 at 1 MHz, and that superior dielectric constants were observed in samples prepared by the solution combustion technique.

In-situ Observation of Cross-Sectional Microstructural Changes and Stress Distributions in Fracturing TiN Thin Film during Nanoindentation

PubMed Central

Zeilinger, Angelika; Todt, Juraj; Krywka, Christina; Müller, Martin; Ecker, Werner; Sartory, Bernhard; Meindlhumer, Michael; Stefenelli, Mario; Daniel, Rostislav; Mitterer, Christian; Keckes, Jozef

2016-01-01

Load-displacement curves measured during indentation experiments on thin films depend on non-homogeneous intrinsic film microstructure and residual stress gradients as well as on their changes during indenter penetration into the material. To date, microstructural changes and local stress concentrations resulting in plastic deformation and fracture were quantified exclusively using numerical models which suffer from poor knowledge of size dependent material properties and the unknown intrinsic gradients. Here, we report the first in-situ characterization of microstructural changes and multi-axial stress distributions in a wedge-indented 9 μm thick nanocrystalline TiN film volume performed using synchrotron cross-sectional X-ray nanodiffraction. During the indentation, needle-like TiN crystallites are tilted up to 15 degrees away from the indenter axis in the imprint area and strongly anisotropic diffraction peak broadening indicates strain variation within the X-ray nanoprobe caused by gradients of giant compressive stresses. The morphology of the multiaxial stress distributions with local concentrations up to −16.5 GPa correlate well with the observed fracture modes. The crack growth is influenced decisively by the film microstructure, especially by the micro- and nano-scopic interfaces. This novel experimental approach offers the capability to interpret indentation response and indenter imprint morphology of small graded nanostructured features. PMID:26947558

Spatial variations in a.c. susceptibility and microstructure for the YBa2Cu3O(7-x) superconductor and their correlation with room-temperature ultrasonic measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don J.; Hepp, Aloysius F.; Deguire, Mark R.; Dolhert, Leonard E.

1991-01-01

The spatial (within-sample) uniformity of superconducting behavior and microstructure in YBa2Cu30(7-x) specimens over the pore fraction range of 0.10 to 0.25 was examined. The viability of using a room-temperature, nondestructive characterization method (ultrasonic velocity imaging) to predict spatial variability was determined. Spatial variations in superconductor properties were observed for specimens containing 0.10 pore fraction. An ultrasonic velocity image constructed from measurements at 1 mm increments across one such specimen revealed microstructural variation between edge and center locations that correlated with variations in alternating-current shielding and loss behavior. Optical quantitative image analysis on sample cross-sections revealed pore fraction to be the varying microstructural feature.

Spatial variations in ac susceptibility and microstructure for the YBa2Cu3O(7-x) superconductor and their correlation with room-temperature ultrasonic measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Roth, Don J.; Deguire, Mark R.; Dolhert, Leonard E.; Hepp, Aloysius F.

1991-01-01

The spatial (within-sample) uniformity of superconducting behavior and microstructure in YBa2Cu3O(7-x) specimens over the pore fraction range of 0.10 to 0.25 was examined. The viability of using a room-temperature, nondestructive characterization method (ultrasonic velocity imaging) to predict spatial variability was determined. Spatial variations in superconductor properties were observed for specimens containing 0.10 pore fraction. An ultrasonic velocity image constructed from measurements at 1 mm increments across one such specimen revealed microstructural variation between edge and center locations that correlated with variations in alternating-current shielding and loss behavior. Optical quantitative image analysis on sample cross-sections revealed pore fraction to be the varying microstructural feature.

Detection-dependent kinetics as a probe of folding landscape microstructure.

PubMed

Yang, Wei Yuan; Gruebele, Martin

2004-06-30

The folding landscapes of polypeptides and proteins exhibit a hierarchy of local minima. The causes range from proline isomerization all the way down to microstructure in the free energy caused by residual frustration inherent in even the best 20 amino acid design. The corresponding time scales range from hours to submicroseconds. The smallest microstructures are difficult to detect. We have measured the folding/unfolding kinetics of the engineered trpzip2 peptide at different tryptophan fluorescence wavelengths, each yielding a different rate. Wavelength-dependent folding kinetics on 0.1-2 mus time scales show that different microstructures with a range of solvent exposure and local dynamics are populated. We estimate a lower limit for the roughness of the free energy surface based on the range of rates observed.

The growth of metastable peritectic compounds

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larson, D. J., Jr.; Pirich, R. G.

1981-01-01

The influence of gravitationally driven thermosolutal convection on the directional solidification of peritectic alloys is considered as well as the relationships between the solidification processing conditions, and the microstructure, chemistry, and magnetic properties of such alloys. Analysis of directionally solidified Pb-Bi peritectic samples indicates that appreciable macrosegregation occurs due to thermosolutal convection and/or Soret diffusion. A peritectic solidification model which accounts for partial mixing in the liquid ahead of the planar solidification interface and describes macrosegregation has been developed. Two-phase dendritic and banded microstructures were grown in the Pb-Bi peritectic system, refined two-phase microstructures have were observed, and candidate formation mechanisms proposed. Material handling, containment, casting, microstructural and magnetic characterization techniques were developed for the Sm-Co system. Alloys produced with these procedures are homogeneous.

Long-term aging of Ag/a-C:H:O nanocomposite coatings in air and in aqueous environment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drábik, Martin; Pešička, Josef; Biederman, Hynek; Hegemann, Dirk

2015-04-01

Nanocomposite coatings of silver particles embedded in a plasma polymer matrix possess interesting properties depending on their microstructure. The film microstructure is affected among others also by the RF power supplied during the deposition, as shown by transmission electron microscopy. The optical properties are characterized by UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy. An anomalous optical absorption peak from the Ag nanoparticles is observed and related to the microstructure of the nanocomposite films. Furthermore, a long-term aging of the coatings is studied in-depth in ambient air and in aqueous environments. It is shown that the studied films are not entirely stable. The deposition conditions and the microstructure of the films affect the processes taking place during their aging in both environments.

Microstructure et proprietes electriques de l'oxyde de vanadium pour les microbolometres

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cadieux, Catherine

Recent technological breakthroughs in the fabrication of microsystems will soon allow the mass production of infrared cameras. Subsequent price cut will open many new sectors of application. Because of its electrical properties, sputtered vanadium oxide has already been identified as the leading candidate for the active material of microbolometers. However, the large number of different crystallographic phases, as well as the instable nature of reactive sputtering, haveled to numerous contradictions in the existing literature. With the objective of understanding the impact of the deposition parameters on the microstructure, and of the microstructure on the electrical properties, vanadium oxide thin films have been deposited and characterised. In order to study their impact on the microstructure, oxidation state and pulse at the target, substrate bias and temperature, power, and film thickness were varied independently. The resulting thin films have been characterised by X-ray diffraction, Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, spectral reflectometry, optical interferometry as well as four-point probe and Van Der Pauw electrical measurements. Because of the instability of the poisoning regime, the actual system configuration forbids the deposition of phases with composition between V 3O7 and V7O3. Films deposited under a strong bias in the poisoned regime having the best properties, their growth mechanism has been thoroughly investigated. Under those conditions, the bombarding ions are energetic enough to modify the structure of the underlying thin film without resputtering it. A complex relation linking temperature, thickness and microstructure is observed. As the thickness is increased, the structure changes from amorphous, to almost monocristalline V2O5 (001) oriented, to polycristalline. For higher deposition power, the polycristalline section contains V3O7 in addition to the multiple orientations of V2O5. Those germinations which have already been observed but not explained in literature can be attributed to the accumulation of germination centers, a stress buildup for the crystalline sections, and a substrate heating caused by the ions bombardment. This last effect is also suggested to be the cause of the amorphous phase crystallisation for the films with longer deposition times. Films deposited at different temperatures show the same microstructure transitions. Two different behavior regimes can be proposed as function of the adatoms' energy. For low temperature, increasing the adatom energy increases the diffusion which promotes the formation of the lowest surface energy stoichiometry and orientation, V2O 5(001). At higher temperature, energy is sufficient to form more energetically expensive orientation and phases. Resistivity is strongly dependant on grain boundaries density as seen by its relationship with lateral grain size. The thin film resistivity is also increased with the number of different crystallographic orientation present in it. To circumvent the high sheet resistance of the deposited single layer films, a multilayer stacking of alternating oxides and metal layers has been deposited. This approach has permitted this project's industrial collaborator to obtain a sheet resistance of 250 kO/□and a TCR of -1.59 %/K. The microstructure of the multilayer is however very heterogeneous. Not only can the metal layers be identified, it is also possible to observe the amorphous to polycrystalline transition described higher for every oxide layer. This multilayer, as well as the best single layer film produced have been annealed for 2 hours at 400°C in high vacuum. The annealed multilayer doesn't show any diffraction peaks, has very low resistance, and an almost null TCR generally attributed to metallic compounds We suggest that the diffusion of the vanadium layers into the stack created a polycrystalline structure with grains that are too small to be seen by XRD. The single layer underwent thermal reduction to form the VO2(B)phase and also became very conductive. Its TCR was afterward measured at the interesting value of -1.74 %/K. Is it suggested that the low resistivity is caused by the presence of small grains of the metallic phase of VO2, which happens to be the next step in the reduction process. Single layer annealing seems to be a promising avenue for the development of films adequate for microbolometer integration with the present deposition system. It is nonetheless recommended to pursue this avenue using films that are homogenous on their thickness in order to decouple the thickness dependence of deposition and thermal reduction. Multilayers using already homogenous amorphous oxides can also be a solution. Finally, non-reactive deposition of tungsten doped thin films followed by an oxidizing anneal may be an option that would bypass the uniformity and stability problems of the present project.

Effect of Low Cu Amounts and Pre-Deformation on the Precipitation in Al-Mg-Si Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saito, Takeshi; Muraishi, Shinji; Marioara, Calin D.; Holmestad, Randi

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies were performed on two Al-Mg-Si alloys with low Cu additions (0.01 and 0.10 wt%) in order to investigate the effect of Cu and 10% pre-deformation on precipitate microstructure and its connection to mechanical properties. After 300 minutes aging at 190°C, fine microstructures associated with high hardness were observed in the alloy with 0.10% Cu. Pre-deformation led to heterogeneous distributions of precipitates along dislocations, causing microstructure coarsening. This effect was less pronounced in the alloy with the higher Cu amount.

The low magnetic field properties of superconducting bulk yttrium barium copper oxide - Sintered versus partially melted material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hein, R. A.; Hojaji, H.; Barkatt, A.; Shafii, H.; Michael, K. A.; Thorpe, A. N.; Ware, M. F.; Alterescu, S.

1989-01-01

A comparison of the low magnetic field properties of sintered (990 C) and partially melted samples (1050 C) has been performed. Changes in the microstructure produced by recrystallization from the melt result in a significant increase in flux pinning at 77 K. Low-frequency (10-100 Hz), low-ac magnetic-field (0.01-9.0 Oe) ac susceptibility data show that gross changes in the loss component accompany the observed changes in microstructure. The effects of applied dc magnetic fields (10-220 Oe) on the ac responses of these microstructures have also been probed.

Market microstructure matters when imposing a Tobin tax-Evidence from the lab.

PubMed

Kirchler, Michael; Huber, Jürgen; Kleinlercher, Daniel

2011-12-01

TRADING IN FX MARKETS IS DOMINATED BY TWO MICROSTRUCTURES: exchanges with market makers and OTC-markets without market makers. Using laboratory experiments we test whether the impact of a Tobin tax is different in these two market microstructures. We find that (i) in markets without market makers an unilaterally imposed Tobin tax (i.e. a tax haven exists) increases volatility. (ii) In contrast, in markets with market makers we observe a decrease in volatility in unilaterally taxed markets. (iii) An encompassing Tobin tax has no impact on volatility in either setting. Efficiency does not vary significantly across tax regimes.

Microstructural Changes in Compressed Nerve Roots Are Consistent With Clinical Symptoms and Symptom Duration in Patients With Lumbar Disc Herniation.

PubMed

Wu, Weifei; Liang, Jie; Ru, Neng; Zhou, Caisheng; Chen, Jianfeng; Wu, Yongde; Yang, Zong

2016-06-01

A prospective study. To investigate the association between microstructural nerve roots changes on diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and clinical symptoms and their duration in patients with lumbar disc herniation. The ability to identify microstructural properties of the nervous system with DTI has been demonstrated in many studies. However, there are no data regarding the association between microstructural changes evaluated using DTI and symptoms assessed with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and their duration. Forty consecutive patients with foraminal disc herniation affecting unilateral sacral 1 (S1) nerve roots were enrolled in this study. DTI with tractography was performed on the S1 nerve roots. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using an ODI questionnaire for each patient, and the duration of clinical symptoms was noted based on the earliest instance of leg pain and numbness. Mean fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated from tractography images. The mean FA value of the compressed lumbar nerve roots was significantly lower than the FA of the contralateral nerve roots (P < 0.001). No notable difference in ADC was observed between compressed nerve roots and contralateral nerve roots (P = 0.517). In the compressed nerve roots, a significant negative association was observed between FA values and ODI and symptom duration. However, an obvious positive association was observed between ODI and ADC values and duration on the compressed side. Significant changes in diffusion parameters were found in the compressed sacral nerves in patients with lumbar disc herniation and leg pain, indicating that the microstructure of the nerve root has been damaged. 3.

Effect of Heat Input on Microstructural Changes and Corrosion Behavior of Commercially Pure Titanium Welds in Nitric Acid Medium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravi Shankar, A.; Gopalakrishnan, G.; Balusamy, V.; Kamachi Mudali, U.

2009-11-01

Commercially pure titanium (Ti) has been selected for the fabrication of dissolver for the proposed fast reactor fuel reprocessing plant at Kalpakkam, India. In the present investigation, microstructural changes and corrosion behavior of tungsten inert gas (TIG) welds of Ti grade-1 and grade-2 with different heat inputs were carried out. A wider heat affected zone was observed with higher heat inputs and coarse grains were observed from base metal toward the weld zone with increasing heat input. Fine and more equiaxed prior β grains were observed at lower heat input and the grain size increased toward fusion zone. The results indicated that Ti grade-1 and grade-2 with different heat inputs and different microstructures were insensitive to corrosion in liquid, vapor, and condensate phases of 11.5 M nitric acid tested up to 240 h. The corrosion rate in boiling liquid phase (0.60-0.76 mm/year) was higher than that in vapor (0.012-0.039 mm/year) and condensate phases (0.04-0.12 mm/year) of nitric acid for Ti grade-1 and grade-2, as well as for base metal for all heat inputs. Potentiodynamic polarization experiment carried out at room temperature indicated higher current densities and better passivation in 11.5 M nitric acid. SEM examination of Ti grade-1 welds for all heat inputs exposed to liquid phase after 240 h showed corrosion attack on the surface, exposing Widmanstatten microstructure containing acicular alpha. The continuous dissolution of the liquid-exposed samples was attributed to the heterogeneous microstructure and non-protective passive film formation.

Metallurgical Mechanisms Controlling Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Alloy 2219 Produced by Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Domack, Marcia S.; Tainger, Karen M.

2006-01-01

The electron beam freeform fabrication (EBF3) layer-additive manufacturing process has been developed to directly fabricate complex geometry components. EBF3 introduces metal wire into a molten pool created on the surface of a substrate by a focused electron beam. Part geometry is achieved by translating the substrate with respect to the beam to build the part one layer at a time. Tensile properties demonstrated for electron beam deposited aluminum and titanium alloys are comparable to wrought products, although the microstructures of the deposits exhibit cast features. Understanding the metallurgical mechanisms controlling mechanical properties is essential to maximizing application of the EBF3 process. Tensile mechanical properties and microstructures were examined for aluminum alloy 2219 fabricated over a range of EBF3 process variables. Unique microstructures were observed within the deposited layers and at interlayer boundaries, which varied within the deposit height due to microstructural evolution associated with the complex thermal history experienced during subsequent layer deposition. Microstructures exhibited irregularly shaped grains with interior dendritic structures, described based on overall grain size, morphology, distribution, and dendrite spacing, and were correlated with deposition parameters. Fracture features were compared with microstructural elements to define fracture paths and aid in definition of basic processing-microstructure-property correlations.

A simple microstructure return model explaining microstructure noise and Epps effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saichev, A.; Sornette, D.

2014-01-01

We present a novel simple microstructure model of financial returns that combines (i) the well-known ARFIMA process applied to tick-by-tick returns, (ii) the bid-ask bounce effect, (iii) the fat tail structure of the distribution of returns and (iv) the non-Poissonian statistics of inter-trade intervals. This model allows us to explain both qualitatively and quantitatively important stylized facts observed in the statistics of both microstructure and macrostructure returns, including the short-ranged correlation of returns, the long-ranged correlations of absolute returns, the microstructure noise and Epps effects. According to the microstructure noise effect, volatility is a decreasing function of the time-scale used to estimate it. The Epps effect states that cross correlations between asset returns are increasing functions of the time-scale at which the returns are estimated. The microstructure noise is explained as the result of the negative return correlations inherent in the definition of the bid-ask bounce component (ii). In the presence of a genuine correlation between the returns of two assets, the Epps effect is due to an average statistical overlap of the momentum of the returns of the two assets defined over a finite time-scale in the presence of the long memory process (i).

Dependences of microstructure on electromagnetic interference shielding properties of nano-layered Ti3AlC2 ceramics.

PubMed

Tan, Yongqiang; Luo, Heng; Zhou, Xiaosong; Peng, Shuming; Zhang, Haibin

2018-05-21

The microstructure dependent electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties of nano-layered Ti 3 AlC 2 ceramics were presented in this study by comparing the shielding properties of various Ti 3 AlC 2 ceramics with distinct microstructures. Results indicate that Ti 3 AlC 2 ceramics with dense microstructure and coarse grains are more favourable for superior EMI shielding efficiency. High EMI shielding effectiveness over 40 dB at the whole Ku-band frequency range was achieved in Ti 3 AlC 2 ceramics by microstructure optimization, and the high shielding effectiveness were well maintained up to 600 °C. A further investigation reveals that only the absorption loss displays variations upon modifying microstructure by allowing more extensive multiple reflections in coarse layered grains. Moreover, the absorption loss of Ti 3 AlC 2 was found to be much higher than those of highly conductive TiC ceramics without layered structure. These results demonstrate that nano-layered MAX phase ceramics are promising candidates of high-temperature structural EMI shielding materials and provide insightful suggestions for achieving high EMI shielding efficiency in other ceramic-based shielding materials.

Dynamic Response and Microstructure Evolution of AA2219-T4 and AA2219-T6 Aluminum Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olasumboye, A.; Owolabi, G.; Odeshi, A.; Zeytinci, A.; Yilmaz, N.

2018-02-01

In this study, the dynamic deformation behavior of AA2219 aluminum alloy was investigated in two different temper conditions: T4 and T6, with a view to determining the effect of heat treatment on the microstructure and flow behavior of the material under high strain rates. Split Hopkinson pressure bar experiment was used in determining the dynamic response of the alloy while a digital image correlation system was employed in visualizing and tracking the surface deformation of the specimens. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to assess the microstructure of the material after following standard metallographic specimen preparation techniques. The results obtained showed heterogeneous deformation of the alloy in the two temper conditions. It was observed that the dynamic mechanical behavior of each sample preparation was dependent on its strength properties due to aging type, which in turn controls the metamorphosis of the strengthening precipitates and the initial microstructure. At the maximum strain rate of 3500 s-1, transformed bands leading to crack nucleation was observed in the AA2219-T4 aluminum alloy while AA2219-T6 had fractured at the same strain rate. The modes of crack formation and growth in the two alloys were found to be similar: nucleation, growth and coalescence of voids. However, shear band bifurcation phenomenon was observed only in the AA2219-T6 alloy.

Microstructure evolution during helium irradiation and post-irradiation annealing in a nanostructured reduced activation steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, W. B.; Ji, Y. Z.; Tan, P. K.; Zhang, C.; He, C. H.; Yang, Z. G.

2016-10-01

Severe plastic deformation, intense single-beam He-ion irradiation and post-irradiation annealing were performed on a nanostructured reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel to investigate the effect of grain boundaries (GBs) on its microstructure evolution during these processes. A surface layer with a depth-dependent nanocrystalline (NC) microstructure was prepared in the RAFM steel using surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT). Microstructure evolution after helium (He) irradiation (24.8 dpa) at room temperature and after post-irradiation annealing was investigated using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Experimental observation shows that GBs play an important role during both the irradiation and the post-irradiation annealing process. He bubbles are preferentially trapped at GBs/interfaces during irradiation and cavities with large sizes are also preferentially trapped at GBs/interfaces during post-irradiation annealing, but void denuded zones (VDZs) near GBs could not be unambiguously observed. Compared with cavities at GBs and within larger grains, cavities with smaller size and higher density are found in smaller grains. The average size of cavities increases rapidly with the increase of time during post-irradiation annealing at 823 K. Cavities with a large size are observed just after annealing for 5 min, although many of the cavities with small sizes also exist after annealing for 240 min. The potential mechanism of cavity growth behavior during post-irradiation annealing is also discussed.

Dynamic Response and Microstructure Evolution of AA2219-T4 and AA2219-T6 Aluminum Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Olasumboye, A.; Owolabi, G.; Odeshi, A.; Zeytinci, A.; Yilmaz, N.

2018-06-01

In this study, the dynamic deformation behavior of AA2219 aluminum alloy was investigated in two different temper conditions: T4 and T6, with a view to determining the effect of heat treatment on the microstructure and flow behavior of the material under high strain rates. Split Hopkinson pressure bar experiment was used in determining the dynamic response of the alloy while a digital image correlation system was employed in visualizing and tracking the surface deformation of the specimens. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to assess the microstructure of the material after following standard metallographic specimen preparation techniques. The results obtained showed heterogeneous deformation of the alloy in the two temper conditions. It was observed that the dynamic mechanical behavior of each sample preparation was dependent on its strength properties due to aging type, which in turn controls the metamorphosis of the strengthening precipitates and the initial microstructure. At the maximum strain rate of 3500 s-1, transformed bands leading to crack nucleation was observed in the AA2219-T4 aluminum alloy while AA2219-T6 had fractured at the same strain rate. The modes of crack formation and growth in the two alloys were found to be similar: nucleation, growth and coalescence of voids. However, shear band bifurcation phenomenon was observed only in the AA2219-T6 alloy.

The effects of memory training on behavioral and microstructural plasticity in young and older adults

PubMed Central

Bråthen, Anne Cecilie Sjøli; Rohani, Darius A.; Grydeland, Håkon; Fjell, Anders M.; Walhovd, Kristine B.

2017-01-01

Abstract Age differences in human brain plasticity are assumed, but have not been systematically investigated. In this longitudinal study, we investigated changes in white matter (WM) microstructure in response to memory training relative to passive and active control conditions in 183 young and older adults. We hypothesized that (i) only the training group would show improved memory performance and microstructural alterations, (ii) the young adults would show larger memory improvement and a higher degree of microstructural alterations as compared to the older adults, and (iii) changes in memory performance would relate to microstructural alterations. The results showed that memory improvement was specific to the training group, and that both the young and older participants improved their performance. The young group improved their memory to a larger extent compared to the older group. In the older sample, the training group showed less age‐related decline in WM microstructure compared to the control groups, in areas overlapping the corpus callosum, the cortico‐spinal tract, the cingulum bundle, the superior longitudinal fasciculus, and the anterior thalamic radiation. Less microstructural decline was related to a higher degree of memory improvement. Despite individual adaptation securing sufficient task difficulty, no training‐related group differences in microstructure were found in the young adults. The observed divergence of behavioral and microstructural responses to memory training with age is discussed within a supply‐demand framework. The results demonstrate that plasticity is preserved into older age, and that microstructural alterations may be part of a neurobiological substrate for behavioral improvements in older adults. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5666–5680, 2017. © 2018 The Authors Human Brain Mapping Published byWiley Periodicals, Inc. PMID:28782901

In vivo laser confocal microscopy of Bowman's layer of the cornea.

PubMed

Kobayashi, Akira; Yokogawa, Hideaki; Sugiyama, Kazuhisa

2006-12-01

To investigate in vivo microstructures of Bowman's layer in normal human subjects using a cornea-specific in vivo laser scanning confocal microscope (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph 2 Rostock Cornea Module, HRT2-RCM). Single-center, prospective, observational case series. Nineteen normal volunteers (10 male, 9 female; mean age, 46.2+/-21.7 years [range, 18-77]). The central and peripheral cornea, specifically the epithelium, Bowman's layer, and its subjacent stroma, were examined using the HRT2-RCM. Selected images of the corneal layers were evaluated qualitatively for the shape and degree of light reflection of the microstructures. In all subjects, normal epithelial (superficial, wing, basal) cells, subbasal nerve plexus, Bowman's layer, and its subjacent stoma were observed clearly. However, in all subjects, polymorphic structures composed of fibrillar materials with less reflectivity than corneal nerves were observed beneath Bowman's layer. After application of pressure by a Tomo-cap, we observed numerous ridges that protruded into the epithelial basal and wing cell layers. Superficial stromal striae were also observed. These ridges and striae corresponded exactly to the orientation of the fibrous structures located beneath the epithelial cells. We report for the first time, the presence of polymorphic structures composed of fibrillar materials (K-structures) beneath Bowman's layer in normal human subjects, detected by HRT2-RCM. We surmise that these microstructures may correspond to the modified and condensed anterior stromal collagen fibers/lamellae that merge into Bowman's layer and that these fibrillar materials may be responsible for the formation of the anterior corneal mosaic. Further investigation of these microstructures in diseased eyes may provide insights into their pathophysiologic role in Bowman's layer.

In vivo multimodal nonlinear optical imaging of mucosal tissue

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Ju; Shilagard, Tuya; Bell, Brent; Motamedi, Massoud; Vargas, Gracie

2004-05-01

We present a multimodal nonlinear imaging approach to elucidate microstructures and spectroscopic features of oral mucosa and submucosa in vivo. The hamster buccal pouch was imaged using 3-D high resolution multiphoton and second harmonic generation microscopy. The multimodal imaging approach enables colocalization and differentiation of prominent known spectroscopic and structural features such as keratin, epithelial cells, and submucosal collagen at various depths in tissue. Visualization of cellular morphology and epithelial thickness are in excellent agreement with histological observations. These results suggest that multimodal nonlinear optical microscopy can be an effective tool for studying the physiology and pathology of mucosal tissue.

Quantum confinement of zero-dimensional hybrid organic-inorganic polaritons at room temperature

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, H. S.; Han, Z.; Abdel-Baki, K.; Lafosse, X.; Amo, A.; Lauret, J.-S.; Deleporte, E.; Bouchoule, S.; Bloch, J.

2014-02-01

We report on the quantum confinement of zero-dimensional polaritons in perovskite-based microcavity at room temperature. Photoluminescence of discrete polaritonic states is observed for polaritons localized in symmetric sphere-like defects which are spontaneously nucleated on the top dielectric Bragg mirror. The linewidth of these confined states is found much sharper (almost one order of magnitude) than that of photonic modes in the perovskite planar microcavity. Our results show the possibility to study organic-inorganic cavity polaritons in confined microstructure and suggest a fabrication method to realize integrated polaritonic devices operating at room temperature.

Effect of annealing conditions on the microstructure and magnetic properties of sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets as seen by magnetic small-angle neutron scattering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Périgo, Élio A.; Titov, Ivan; Weber, Raoul; Mettus, Denis; Peral, Inma; Vallcorba, Oriol; Honecker, Dirk; Feoktystov, Artem; Michels, Andreas

2018-03-01

We have investigated the effect of the annealing conditions (heating rate and temperature) on the magnetic microstructure of sintered Nd-Fe-B magnets by means of magnetometry, scanning electron microscopy, high-energy synchrotron x-ray diffraction, and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS). While the temperature treatment has a strong effect on the coercivity (reduction by about 50% on annealing), the associated changes in the microstructure do surprisingly not show up (or at best only very weakly) in the neutron-scattering signal, which probes a mesoscopic real-space length scale ranging between about 1–300 nm. On the other hand, the x-ray data reveal microstructural changes in the Nd-rich phases, presumably due to modifications in grain-boundary regions. Moreover, we observe an unusual diamond-shaped angular anisotropy in the SANS cross section, which strongly points towards the existence of texture in the nuclear microstructure.

Microstructural Characterization of Thermomechanical and Heat-Affected Zones of an Inertia Friction Welded Astroloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oluwasegun, K. M.; Olawale, J. O.; Ige, O. O.; Shittu, M. D.; Adeleke, A. A.; Malomo, B. O.

2014-08-01

The behaviour of γ' phase to thermal and mechanical effects during rapid heating of Astroloy, a powder metallurgy nickel-based superalloy has been investigated. The thermo-mechanical-affected zone (TMAZ) and heat-affected zone (HAZ) microstructures of an inertia friction welded (IFW) Astroloy were simulated using a Gleeble thermo-mechanical simulation system. Detailed microstructural examination of the simulated TMAZ and HAZ and those present in actual IFW specimens showed that γ' particles persisted during rapid heating up to a temperature where the formation of liquid is thermodynamically favored and subsequently re-solidified eutectically. The result obtained showed that forging during the thermo-mechanical simulation significantly enhanced resistance to weld liquation cracking of the alloy. This is attributable to strain-induced rapid isothermal dissolution of the constitutional liquation products within 150 μm from the center of the forged sample. This was not observed in purely thermally simulated samples. The microstructure within the TMAZ of the as-welded alloy is similar to the microstructure in the forged Gleeble specimens.

Thermal Effects on Microstructural Heterogeneity of Inconel 718 Materials Fabricated by Electron Beam Melting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sames, William J.; Unocic, Kinga A.; Dehoff, Ryan R.

2014-07-28

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, also known as 3D printing, have demonstrated the potential to fabricate complex geometrical components, but the resulting microstructures and mechanical properties of these materials are not well understood due to unique and complex thermal cycles observed during processing. The electron beam melting (EBM) process is unique because the powder bed temperature can be elevated and maintained at temperatures over 1000 °C for the duration of the process. This results in three specific stages of microstructural phase evolution: (a) rapid cool down from the melting temperature to the process temperature, (b) extended hold at the process temperature,more » and (c) slow cool down to the room temperature. In this work, the mechanisms for reported microstructural differences in EBM are rationalized for Inconel 718 based on measured thermal cycles, preliminary thermal modeling, and computational thermodynamics models. The relationship between processing parameters, solidification microstructure, interdendritic segregation, and phase precipitation (δ, γ´, and γ´´) are discussed.« less

Effect of Microstructural Parameters on the Relative Densities of Metal Foams

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Raj, S. V.; Kerr, Jacob A.

2010-01-01

A detailed quantitative microstructural analyses of primarily open cell FeCrAlY and 314 stainless steel metal foams with different relative densities and pores per inch (p.p.i.) were undertaken in the present investigation to determine the effect of microstructural parameters on the relative densities of metal foams. Several elements of the microstructure, such as longitudinal and transverse cell sizes, cell areas and perimeters, ligament dimensions, cell shapes and volume fractions of closed and open cells, were measured. The cross-sections of the foam ligaments showed a large number of shrinkage cavities, and their circularity factors and average sizes were determined. The volume fractions of closed cells increased linearly with increasing relative density. In contrast, the volume fractions of the open cells and ligaments decreased with increasing relative density. The relative densities and p.p.i. were not significantly dependent on cell size, cell perimeter and ligament dimensions within the limits of experimental scatter. A phenomenological model is proposed to rationalize the present microstructural observations.

Microstructure and magnetic microstructure of the Pr 60Al 10Ni 10Cu 20-xFe x ( x=0, 4, 10, 15, 18) alloys observed by magnetic force microscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Z. Y.; Han, S. H.; Wang, Y. T.; Wang, W. H.; Han, B. S.

2005-03-01

The microstructure and magnetic microstructure of the Pr 60Al 10Ni 10Cu 20-xFe x ( x=0, 4, 10, 15, 18) alloys have been achieved simultaneously by employing a magnetic force microscope directly on the as-cast cylinder rod surface for the first time. By varying the content of Fe, the microstructure of the Pr-based alloy changes progressively from a full glassy state to a composite state with nanocrystalline particles embedded in the glassy matrix, and finally into a nanostructured state. The accompanying magnetic property gradually changes from paramagnetic to hard. The experiment directly evidences the existence of exchange coupling between the crystallites and the variety of the grain-size-dependent magnetic properties can be well explained by Löffler et al.'s new random-anisotropy model (Löffler, et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 85 (9) (2000) 1990).

Studies of thin-film growth of sputtered hydrogenated amorphous silicon

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moustakas, T. D.

1982-11-01

The anticipated potential use of hydrogenated amorphous silicon (a-SiHx), or related materials, for large area thin film device applications has stimulated extensive research. Studies conducted by Ross and Messier (1981) have shown that the growth habit of the sputtered a-SiHx films is columnar. It is found that films produced at high argon pressure have columnar microstructure, while those produced at low argon pressure show no noticeable microstructure. The preferred interpretation for the lack of microstructure for the low argon pressure films is bombardment of the films by positive Ar(+) ions due to the substrate negative floating potential. Anderson et al. (1979) attribute the microstructural changes to the bombardment of the film by the neutral sputtered Si species from which the film grows. In connection with the present investigation, data are presented which clearly indicate that charged particle bombardment rather than neutral particle bombardment is the cause of the observed microstructural changes as a function of argon pressure.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rodgers, Theron M.; Madison, Jonathan D.; Tikare, Veena

Additive manufacturing (AM) is of tremendous interest given its ability to realize complex, non-traditional geometries in engineered structural materials. But, microstructures generated from AM processes can be equally, if not more, complex than their conventionally processed counterparts. While some microstructural features observed in AM may also occur in more traditional solidification processes, the introduction of spatially and temporally mobile heat sources can result in significant microstructural heterogeneity. While grain size and shape in metal AM structures are understood to be highly dependent on both local and global temperature profiles, the exact form of this relation is not well understood. Wemore » implement an idealized molten zone and temperature-dependent grain boundary mobility in a kinetic Monte Carlo model to predict three-dimensional grain structure in additively manufactured metals. In order to demonstrate the flexibility of the model, synthetic microstructures are generated under conditions mimicking relatively diverse experimental results present in the literature. Simulated microstructures are then qualitatively and quantitatively compared to their experimental complements and are shown to be in good agreement.« less

Histological Observation of the Retinacula of Weitbrecht and Its Clinical Significance: A cadaveric study.

PubMed

Dou, Bang; Mei, Jiong; Wang, Zhiyuan; Ni, Ming; Jia, Guangyao; Liu, Shiwei

2018-01-01

The retinacular arteries provide major supply to the femoral head, their injuries may lead to the femoral head necrosis (FHN) in femoral neck fractures. Although the femoral neck fracture was seriously displaced in some patients, FHN did not occur, which suggests that the blood supply is not fully blocked. This study was aimed to find the association between the structure of the retinacula of Weitbrecht and the mechanism of protecting retinacular arteries from being injured. Fourteen formalin-fixed cadaveric specimens (in 28 hips) with no significant vascular disease were observed. The retinacula were cut longitudinally and then cut into three parts: medial, middle, and lateral. These specimens were stained using hematoxylin and eosin and improved Masson Trichrome stain. The microstructure and tightness of the retinacula fixed to the bone and the distribution of vessels were examined under a stereoscope, an optical microscope, and a scanning electron microscope. The microstructure and compactness in each part of retinacula were different, and the tightness of the fibers of the retinacula fixed to the bone in each part were different. A particular structure which resembled a Sandwich panels was observed, and it may be an effective mechanism of protecting retinacular arteries. The Sandwich panels structure existed generally in the retinacula of Weitbrecht, and this sandwich panelture may play very important role in protecting the retinaculum artery from being injured, which show the importance of protecting the retinacular artery in the treatment of femoral neck fractures.

Effect of Ag doping on the structural, electrical and optical properties of ZnO grown by MOCVD at different substrate temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ievtushenko, A.; Karpyna, V.; Eriksson, J.; Tsiaoussis, I.; Shtepliuk, I.; Lashkarev, G.; Yakimova, R.; Khranovskyy, V.

2018-05-01

ZnO films and nanostructures were deposited on Si substrates by MOCVD using single source solid state zinc acetylacetonate (Zn(AA)) precursor. Doping by silver was realized in-situ via adding 1 and 10 wt. % of Ag acetylacetonate (Ag(AA)) to zinc precursor. Influence of Ag on the microstructure, electrical and optical properties of ZnO at temperature range 220-550 °C was studied by scanning, transmission electron and Kelvin probe force microscopy, photoluminescence and four-point probe electrical measurements. Ag doping affects the ZnO microstructure via changing the nucleation mode into heterogeneous and thus transforming the polycrystalline films into a matrix of highly c-axis textured hexagonally faceted nanorods. Increase of the work function value from 4.45 to 4.75 eV was observed with Ag content increase, which is attributed to Ag behaviour as a donor impurity. It was observed, that near-band edge emission of ZnO NS was enhanced with Ag doping as a result of quenching deep-level emission. Upon high doping of ZnO by Ag it tends to promote the formation of basal plane stacking faults defect, as it was observed by HR TEM and PL study in the case of 10 wt.% of Ag. Based on the results obtained, it is suggested that NS deposition at lower temperatures (220-300 °C) is more favorable for p-type doping of ZnO.

Fatigue Damage Assessment Leveraging Nondestructive Evaluation Data

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazur, K.; Wisner, B.; Kontsos, A.

2018-05-01

Fatigue in materials depends on several microstructural parameters. The length and time scales involved in such processes have been investigated by characterization methods that target microstructural effects or that rely on specimen-level observations. Combinations of in situ and ex situ techniques are also used to correlate microstructural changes to bulk properties. We present herein an effort to directly link local changes with specimen-level fatigue damage assessment. To achieve this goal, grain-scale observations in an aluminum alloy are linked with deformation measurements made by digital image correlation and with acoustic emission monitoring obtained from inside the scanning electron microscope. Damage assessment is attempted using a data-processing framework that involves noise removal, data reduction, and classification. The results demonstrate that nondestructive evaluation combined with small-scale testing can provide a means for fatigue damage assessment applicable to a broad range of materials and testing conditions.

Proton irradiation study of GFR candidate ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gan, Jian; Yang, Yong; Dickson, Clayton; Allen, Todd

2009-06-01

This work investigated the microstructural response of SiC, ZrC and ZrN irradiated with 2.6 MeV protons at 800 °C to a fluence of 2.75 × 10 19 protons/cm 2, corresponding to 0.71-1.8 displacement per atom (dpa), depending on the material. The change of lattice constant evaluated using HOLZ patterns is not observed. In comparison to Kr ion irradiation at 800 °C to 10 dpa from the previous studies, the proton irradiated ZrC and ZrN at 1.8 dpa show less irradiation damage to the lattice structure. The proton irradiated ZrC exhibits faulted loops which are not observed in the Kr ion irradiated sample. ZrN shows the least microstructural change from proton irradiation. The microstructure of 6H-SiC irradiated to 0.71 dpa consists of black dot defects at high density.

Microstructure evolution of T91 irradiated in the BOR60 fast reactor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jiao, Z.; Taller, S.; Field, K.; Yeli, G.; Moody, M. P.; Was, G. S.

2018-06-01

Microstructures of T91 neutron irradiated in the BOR60 reactor at five temperatures between 376 °C and 524 °C to doses between 15.4 and 35.1 dpa were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and atom probe tomography (APT). Type a<100> dislocation loops were observed at 376-415 °C and network dislocations dominated at 460 °C and 524 °C. Cavities appeared in a bimodal distribution with a high density of small bubbles less than 2 nm at irradiation temperatures between 376 °C and 415 °C. Small bubbles were also observed at 460 °C and 524 °C but cavities greater than 2 nm were absent. Enrichment of Cr, Ni, and Si at the grain boundary was observed at all irradiation temperatures. Radiation-induced segregation (RIS) of Cr, Ni and Si appeared to saturate at 17.1 dpa and 376 °C. The temperature dependence of RIS of Cr, Ni and Si at the grain boundary, which showed a peak Cr enrichment temperature of 460 °C and a lower peak Ni and Si enrichment temperature of ∼400 °C, was consistent with observations of RIS of Cr in proton irradiated T91, suggesting that the same RIS mechanism may also apply to BOR60 irradiated T91. G-phase and Cu-rich precipitates were observed at 376-415 °C but were absent at 460 °C and 524 °C. The absence of G-phase at 524 °C could be related to the minimal segregation of Ni and Si in that condition.

Microstructure evolution of T91 irradiated in the BOR60 fast reactor

DOE PAGES

Jiao, Z.; Taller, S.; Field, K.; ...

2018-03-14

In this paper, microstructures of T91 neutron irradiated in the BOR60 reactor at five temperatures between 376 °C and 524 °C to doses between 15.4 and 35.1 dpa were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and atom probe tomography (APT). Type a<100> dislocation loops were observed at 376–415 °C and network dislocations dominated at 460 °C and 524 °C. Cavities appeared in a bimodal distribution with a high density of small bubbles less than 2 nm at irradiation temperatures between 376 °C and 415 °C. Small bubbles were also observed at 460 °C and 524more » °C but cavities greater than 2 nm were absent. Enrichment of Cr, Ni, and Si at the grain boundary was observed at all irradiation temperatures. Radiation-induced segregation (RIS) of Cr, Ni and Si appeared to saturate at 17.1 dpa and 376 °C. The temperature dependence of RIS of Cr, Ni and Si at the grain boundary, which showed a peak Cr enrichment temperature of 460 °C and a lower peak Ni and Si enrichment temperature of ~400 °C, was consistent with observations of RIS of Cr in proton irradiated T91, suggesting that the same RIS mechanism may also apply to BOR60 irradiated T91. G-phase and Cu-rich precipitates were observed at 376–415 °C but were absent at 460 °C and 524 °C. Finally, the absence of G-phase at 524 °C could be related to the minimal segregation of Ni and Si in that condition.« less

Microstructure evolution of T91 irradiated in the BOR60 fast reactor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jiao, Z.; Taller, S.; Field, K.

In this paper, microstructures of T91 neutron irradiated in the BOR60 reactor at five temperatures between 376 °C and 524 °C to doses between 15.4 and 35.1 dpa were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), and atom probe tomography (APT). Type a<100> dislocation loops were observed at 376–415 °C and network dislocations dominated at 460 °C and 524 °C. Cavities appeared in a bimodal distribution with a high density of small bubbles less than 2 nm at irradiation temperatures between 376 °C and 415 °C. Small bubbles were also observed at 460 °C and 524more » °C but cavities greater than 2 nm were absent. Enrichment of Cr, Ni, and Si at the grain boundary was observed at all irradiation temperatures. Radiation-induced segregation (RIS) of Cr, Ni and Si appeared to saturate at 17.1 dpa and 376 °C. The temperature dependence of RIS of Cr, Ni and Si at the grain boundary, which showed a peak Cr enrichment temperature of 460 °C and a lower peak Ni and Si enrichment temperature of ~400 °C, was consistent with observations of RIS of Cr in proton irradiated T91, suggesting that the same RIS mechanism may also apply to BOR60 irradiated T91. G-phase and Cu-rich precipitates were observed at 376–415 °C but were absent at 460 °C and 524 °C. Finally, the absence of G-phase at 524 °C could be related to the minimal segregation of Ni and Si in that condition.« less

Microstructure characterization of heat affected zone after welding in Mod.9Cr–1Mo steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sawada, K., E-mail: sawada.kota@nims.go.jp; Hara, T.; Tabuchi, M.

2015-03-15

The microstructure of the heat affected zone after welding was investigated in Mod.9Cr–1Mo steel, using TEM and STEM-EDX. The microstructure of thin foil was observed at the fusion line, and at the positions of 0.5 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 3.5 mm to the base metal side of the fusion line. Martensite structure with very fine lath and high dislocation density was confirmed at all positions. Twins with a twin plane of (112) were locally observed at all positions. Elemental mapping was obtained for all positions by means of STEM-EDX. Inclusions of mainlymore » Si were formed at the fusion line but not at the other positions. No precipitates could be detected at the fusion line or at the position of 0.5 mm. On the other hand, MX particles were observed at the positions of 1.0 mm, 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 3.5 mm even after welding. M{sub 23}C{sub 6} particles were also confirmed at the positions of 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm and 3.5 mm. Very fine equiaxed grains were locally observed at the positions of 2.0 mm and 2.5 mm. The Cr content of the equiaxed grains was about 12 mass%, although the martensite area included about 8 mass% Cr. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • Nonequilibrium microstructure of heat affected zone was observed after welding in Mod.9Cr–1Mo steel. • Inclusions containing Si were detected at the fusion line. • Undissolved M{sub 23}C{sub 6} and MX particles were confirmed in heat affected zone. • Twins with a twin plane of (112) were locally observed at all positions. • Very fine ferrite grains with high Cr content were observed in fine grained heat affected zone.« less

Microstructural observation of fuel cell catalyst inks by Cryo-SEM and Cryo-TEM.

PubMed

Shimanuki, Junichi; Takahashi, Shinichi; Tohma, Hajime; Ohma, Atsushi; Ishihara, Ayumi; Ito, Yoshiko; Nishino, Yuri; Miyazawa, Atsuo

2017-06-01

In order to improve the electricity generation performance of fuel cell electric vehicles, it is necessary to optimize the microstructure of the catalyst layer of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell. The catalyst layer is formed by a wet coating process using catalyst inks. Therefore, it is very important to observe the microstructure of the catalyst ink. In this study, the morphology of carbon-supported platinum (Pt/C) particles in catalyst inks with a different solvent composition was investigated by cryogenic scanning electron microscopy (cryo-SEM). In addition, the morphology of the ionomer, which presumably influences the formation of agglomerated Pt/C particles in a catalyst ink, was investigated by cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). The results of a cryo-SEM observation revealed that the agglomerated Pt/C particles tended to become coarser with a higher 1-propanol (NPA) weight fraction. The results of a cryo-TEM observation indicated that the actual ionomer dispersion in a catalyst ink formed a network structure different from that of the ionomer in the solvent. © The Author 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of The Japanese Society of Microscopy. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Diagnostic imaging of trabecular bone microstructure for oral implants: a literature review.

PubMed

Ibrahim, N; Parsa, A; Hassan, B; van der Stelt, P; Wismeijer, D

2013-01-01

Several dental implant studies have reported that radiographic evaluation of bone quality can aid in reducing implant failure. Bone quality is assessed in terms of its quantity, density, trabecular characteristics and cells. Current imaging modalities vary widely in their efficiency in assessing trabecular structures, especially in a clinical setting. Most are very costly, require an extensive scanning procedure coupled with a high radiation dose and are only partially suitable for patient use. This review examines the current literature regarding diagnostic imaging assessment of trabecular microstructure prior to oral implant placement and suggests cone beam CT as a method of choice for evaluating trabecular bone microstructure.

Effects of Irradiation on the Microstructure of U-7Mo Dispersion Fuel with Al-2Si Matrix

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dennis D. Keiser, Jr.; Jan-Fong Jue; Adam B. Robinson

2012-06-01

The Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactor program is developing low-enriched uranium U-Mo dispersion fuels for application in research and test reactors around the world. As part of this development, fuel plates have been irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor and then characterized using optical metallography (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine the as-irradiated microstructure. To demonstrate the irradiation performance of U-7Mo dispersion fuel plates with 2 wt% Si added to the matrix, fuel plates were tested to medium burnups at intermediate fission rates as part of the RERTR-6 experiment. Further testing was performed to higher fissionmore » rates as part of the RERTR-7A experiment, and very aggressive testing (high temperature, high fission density, high fission rate) was performed in the RERTR-9A, RERTR-9B and AFIP-1 experiments. As-irradiated microstructures were compared to those observed after fabrication to determine the effects of irradiation on the microstructure. Based on comparison of the microstructural characterization results for each irradiated sample, some general conclusions can be drawn about how the microstructure evolves during irradiation: there is growth of the fuel/matrix interaction layer (FMI), which was present in the samples to some degree after fabrication, during irradiation; Si diffuses from the FMI layer to deeper depths in the U-7Mo particles as the irradiation conditions are made more aggressive; lowering of the Si content in the FMI layer results in an increase in the size of the fission gas bubbles; as the FMI layer grows during irradiation more Si diffuses from the matrix to the FMI layer/matrix interface, and interlinking of fission gas bubbles in the fuel plate microstructure that may indicate breakaway swelling is not observed.« less

Impact of Martensite Spatial Distribution on Quasi-Static and Dynamic Deformation Behavior of Dual-Phase Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Manpreet; Das, Anindya; Venugopalan, T.; Mukherjee, Krishnendu; Walunj, Mahesh; Nanda, Tarun; Kumar, B. Ravi

2017-12-01

The effects of microstructure parameters of dual-phase steels on tensile high strain dynamic deformation characteristic were examined in this study. Cold-rolled steel sheets were annealed using three different annealing process parameters to obtain three different dual-phase microstructures of varied ferrite and martensite phase fraction. The volume fraction of martensite obtained in two of the steels was near identical ( 19 pct) with a subtle difference in its spatial distribution. In the first microstructure variant, martensite was mostly found to be situated at ferrite grain boundaries and in the second variant, in addition to at grain boundaries, in-grain martensite was also observed. The third microstructure was very different from the above two with respect to martensite volume fraction ( 67 pct) and its morphology. In this case, martensite packets were surrounded by a three-dimensional ferrite network giving an appearance of core and shell type microstructure. All the three steels were tensile deformed at strain rates ranging from 2.7 × 10-4 (quasi-static) to 650 s-1 (dynamic range). Field-emission scanning electron microscope was used to characterize the starting as well as post-tensile deformed microstructures. Dual-phase steel consisting of small martensite volume fraction ( 19 pct), irrespective of its spatial distribution, demonstrated high strain rate sensitivity and on the other hand, steel with large martensite volume fraction ( 67 pct) displayed a very little strain rate sensitivity. Interestingly, total elongation was found to increase with increasing strain rate in the dynamic regime for steel with core-shell type of microstructure containing large martensite volume fraction. The observed enhancement in plasticity in dynamic regime was attributed to adiabatic heating of specimen. To understand the evolving damage mechanism, the fracture surface and the vicinity of fracture ends were studied in all the three dual-phase steels.

Impact of Martensite Spatial Distribution on Quasi-Static and Dynamic Deformation Behavior of Dual-Phase Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singh, Manpreet; Das, Anindya; Venugopalan, T.; Mukherjee, Krishnendu; Walunj, Mahesh; Nanda, Tarun; Kumar, B. Ravi

2018-02-01

The effects of microstructure parameters of dual-phase steels on tensile high strain dynamic deformation characteristic were examined in this study. Cold-rolled steel sheets were annealed using three different annealing process parameters to obtain three different dual-phase microstructures of varied ferrite and martensite phase fraction. The volume fraction of martensite obtained in two of the steels was near identical ( 19 pct) with a subtle difference in its spatial distribution. In the first microstructure variant, martensite was mostly found to be situated at ferrite grain boundaries and in the second variant, in addition to at grain boundaries, in-grain martensite was also observed. The third microstructure was very different from the above two with respect to martensite volume fraction ( 67 pct) and its morphology. In this case, martensite packets were surrounded by a three-dimensional ferrite network giving an appearance of core and shell type microstructure. All the three steels were tensile deformed at strain rates ranging from 2.7 × 10-4 (quasi-static) to 650 s-1 (dynamic range). Field-emission scanning electron microscope was used to characterize the starting as well as post-tensile deformed microstructures. Dual-phase steel consisting of small martensite volume fraction ( 19 pct), irrespective of its spatial distribution, demonstrated high strain rate sensitivity and on the other hand, steel with large martensite volume fraction ( 67 pct) displayed a very little strain rate sensitivity. Interestingly, total elongation was found to increase with increasing strain rate in the dynamic regime for steel with core-shell type of microstructure containing large martensite volume fraction. The observed enhancement in plasticity in dynamic regime was attributed to adiabatic heating of specimen. To understand the evolving damage mechanism, the fracture surface and the vicinity of fracture ends were studied in all the three dual-phase steels.

Effect of quenching medium on the microstructure of hot rolled Ti-6Al-6Nb alloy for medical application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sutowo, Cahya; Alhamidi, A. Ali; Basir, Muh. Idrus Abdul; Rokhmanto, Fendy

2018-05-01

The Ti-6Al-6Nb alloy has been used as bone plate in biomedical application. But, its modulus elasticity still lies above its cortical-bone, which causes stress shielding. An alternative process for reduce modulus of elasticity by means of treatment solutions with heating β-transus temperature follows with rapid cooling for obtaining high % intensity of β-phase fractions. In this study the Ti-6Al-6Nb as-cast alloys were homogenized at 1050 °C for 12 hours, then hot-rolled with a reduction 60% (from 10mm to 4 mm thickness) at 1000 °C and then dissolved at 1100 °C for 2 hours and then cooled by water, oil and air. The microstructural observations were performed with OM and SEM-EDS. The phase analyzes were observed by XRD test and mechanical properties observed by Ultrasonic test. The observation result shows the elasticity modulus value in alloys which being ST with cooling is 106,71 GPa. This is consistent with the observation of the microstructure that the presence of β-transformed and it is also in accordance with the XRD analysis and the intensity of the phase fraction, where the peak and% intensity of the β (35%) phase fraction increase in alloys which ST and oil quench.

Failure investigations of failed valve plug SS410 steel due to cracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kalyankar, V. D.; Deshmukh, D. D.

2017-12-01

Premature and sudden in service failure of a valve plug due to crack formation, applied in power plant has been investigated. The plug was tempered and heat treated, the crack was originated at centre, developed along the axis and propagates radially towards outer surface of plug. The expected life of the component is 10-15 years while, the component had failed just after the installation that is, within 3 months of its service. No corrosion products were observed on the crack interface and on the failed surface; hence, causes of corrosion failure are neglected. This plug of level separator control valve, is welded to the stem by means of plasma-transferred arc welding and as there is no crack observed at the welding zone, the failure due to welding residual stresses are also neglected. The failed component discloses exposed surface of a crack interface that originated from centre and propagates radially. The micro-structural observation, hardness testing, and visual observation are carried out of the specimen prepared from the failed section and base portion. The microstructure from the cracked interface showed severe carbide formation along the grain boundaries. From the microstructural analysis of the failed sample, it is observed that there is a formation of acicular carbides along the grain boundaries due to improper tempering heat treatment.

Optical diffraction by the microstructure of the wing of a moth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brink, D. J.; Smit, J. E.; Lee, M. E.; Möller, A.

1995-09-01

On the wing of the moth Trichoplusia orichalcea a prominent, apparently highly reflective, golden spot can be seen. Scales from this area of the wing exhibit a regular microstructure resembling a submicrometer herringbone pattern. We show that a diffraction process from this structure is responsible for the observed optical properties, such as directionality, brightness variations, polarization, and color.

Comparative microstructure study of oil palm fruit bunch fibre, mesocarp and kernels after microwave pre-treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chang, Jessie S. L.; Chan, Y. S.; Law, M. C.; Leo, C. P.

2017-07-01

The implementation of microwave technology in palm oil processing offers numerous advantages; besides elimination of polluted palm oil mill effluent, it also reduces energy consumption, processing time and space. However, microwave exposure could damage a material’s microstructure which affected the quality of fruit that can be related to its physical structure including the texture and appearance. In this work, empty fruit bunches, mesocarp and kernel was microwave dried and their respective microstructures were examined. The microwave pretreatments were conducted at 100W and 200W and the microstructure investigation of both treated and untreated samples were evaluated using scanning electron microscope. The micrographs demonstrated that microwave does not significantly influence kernel and mesocarp but noticeable change was found on the empty fruit bunches where the sizes of the granular starch were reduced and a small portion of the silica bodies were disrupted. From the experimental data, the microwave irradiation was shown to be efficiently applied on empty fruit bunches followed by mesocarp and kernel as significant weight loss and size reduction was observed after the microwave treatments. The current work showed that microwave treatment did not change the physical surfaces of samples but sample shrinkage is observed.

SEM stereo-section fractography (SSF) observations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, X.J.; Tregoning, R.L.; Armstrong, R.W.

1997-12-31

Cleavage initiation in engineering materials is governed by local microstructural inhomogeneities. These features are often the principal reason for the large scatter evident in fracture toughness measurements which, in extreme cases, can mask the fundamental relationship between cracking resistance and global material properties. The SEM stereo-section fractography (SSF) technique can be used to carefully evaluate these local inhomogeneities through simultaneous observation of both the fracture surface and the underlying microstructure. By sectioning the fracture surface close to the cleavage initiation site (within 10 {micro}m), and perpendicular to both the fracture surface and the precrack front, a direct correspondence between initiationmore » and the local microstructure can be established. Information obtained from this technique can provide quantitative input about important, local microstructural features which can then be used to calibrate or create realistic micromechanical models. A compendium of SSF results is presented herein for cleavage cracking in disparate materials (A533B steel plates, MIL-70S multi-pass weldments, and Ti6A14V forgings), under various testing conditions. In each case, the SSF technique was able to unambiguously identify the dominant, local features which triggered cleavage initiation.« less

SEM stereo-section fractography observations. Final report

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, X.J.; Tregoning, R.L.; Armstrong, R.W.

1998-05-01

Cleavage initiation in engineering materials is governed by local microstructural inhomogeneities. These features are often the principal reason for the large scatter evident in fracture toughness measurements which, in extreme cases, can mask the fundamental relationship between cracking resistance and global material properties. The SEM stereo-section fractography (SSF) technique can be used to carefully evaluate these local inhomogeneities through simultaneous observation of both the fracture surface and the underlying microstructure. By sectioning the fracture surface close to the cleavage initiation site (within 10 microns), and perpendicular to both the fracture surface and the pre crack front, a direct correspondence betweenmore » initiation and the local microstructure can be established. Information obtained from this technique can provide quantitative input about important, local microstructural features which can then be used to calibrate or create realistic micromechanical models. A compendium of SSF results is presented herein for cleavage cracking in disparate materials (A533B steel plates, MIL-70S multi-pass weldments, and Ti6A14V forgings), under various testing conditions. In each case, the SSF technique was able to unambiguously identify the dominant, local features which triggered cleavage initiation.« less

TEM Characterization of High Burn-up Microstructure of U-7Mo Alloy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jian Gan; Brandon Miller; Dennis Keiser

2014-04-01

As an essential part of global nuclear non-proliferation effort, the RERTR program is developing low enriched U-Mo fuels (< 20% U-235) for use in research and test reactors that currently employ highly enriched uranium fuels. One type of fuel being developed is a dispersion fuel plate comprised of U-7Mo particles dispersed in Al alloy matrix. Recent TEM characterizations of the ATR irradiated U-7Mo dispersion fuel plates include the samples with a local fission densities of 4.5, 5.2, 5.6 and 6.3 E+21 fissions/cm3 and irradiation temperatures of 101-136?C. The development of the irradiated microstructure of the U-7Mo fuel particles consists ofmore » fission gas bubble superlattice, large gas bubbles, solid fission product precipitates and their association to the large gas bubbles, grain subdivision to tens or hundreds of nanometer size, collapse of bubble superlattice, and amorphisation. This presentation will describe the observed microstructures specifically focusing on the U-7Mo fuel particles. The impact of the observed microstructure on the fuel performance and the comparison of the relevant features with that of the high burn-up UO2 fuels will be discussed.« less

Microstructure and Texture of Al-2.5wt.%Mg Processed by Combining Accumulative Roll Bonding and Conventional Rolling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gatti, J. R.; Bhattacharjee, P. P.

2014-12-01

Evolution of microstructure and texture during severe deformation and annealing was studied in Al-2.5%Mg alloy processed by two different routes, namely, monotonic Accumulative Roll Bonding (ARB) and a hybrid route combining ARB and conventional rolling (CR). For this purpose Al-2.5%Mg sheets were subjected to 5 cycles of monotonic ARB (equivalent strain (ɛeq) = 4.0) processing while in the hybrid route (ARB + CR) 3 cycle ARB-processed sheets were further deformed by conventional rolling to 75% reduction in thickness (ɛeq = 4.0). Although formation of ultrafine structure was observed in the two processing routes, the monotonic ARB—processed material showed finer microstructure but weak texture as compared to the ARB + CR—processed material. After complete recrystallization, the ARB + CR-processed material showed weak cube texture ({001}<100>) but the cube component was almost negligible in the monotonic ARB-processed material-processed material. However, the ND-rotated cube components were stronger in the monotonic ARB-processed material-processed material. The observed differences in the microstructure and texture evolution during deformation and annealing could be explained by the characteristic differences of the two processing routes.

Gas tungsten arc welding and friction stir welding of ultrafine grained AISI 304L stainless steel: Microstructural and mechanical behavior characterization

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sabooni, S., E-mail: s.sabooni@ma.iut.ac.ir; Karimzadeh, F.; Enayati, M.H.

In the present study, an ultrafine grained (UFG) AISI 304L stainless steel with the average grain size of 650 nm was successfully welded by both gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) and friction stir welding (FSW). GTAW was applied without any filler metal. FSW was also performed at a constant rotational speed of 630 rpm and different welding speeds from 20 to 80 mm/min. Microstructural characterization was carried out by High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HRSEM) with Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Nanoindentation, microhardness measurements and tensile tests were also performed to study the mechanical properties ofmore » the base metal and weldments. The results showed that the solidification mode in the GTAW welded sample is FA (ferrite–austenite) type with the microstructure consisting of an austenite matrix embedded with lath type and skeletal type ferrite. The nugget zone microstructure in the FSW welded samples consisted of equiaxed dynamically recrystallized austenite grains with some amount of elongated delta ferrite. Sigma phase precipitates were formed in the region ahead the rotating tool during the heating cycle of FSW, which were finally fragmented into nanometric particles and distributed in the weld nugget. Also there is a high possibility that the existing delta ferrite in the microstructure rapidly transforms into sigma phase particles during the short thermal cycle of FSW. These suggest that high strain and deformation during FSW can promote sigma phase formation. The final austenite grain size in the nugget zone was found to decrease with increasing Zener–Hollomon parameter, which was obtained quantitatively by measuring the peak temperature, calculating the strain rate during FSW and exact examination of hot deformation activation energy by considering the actual grain size before the occurrence of dynamic recrystallization. Mechanical properties observations showed that the welding efficiency of the FSW welded sample is around 70%, which is more than 20% higher than the GTAW welded sample. - Highlights: • Microstructure and mechanical properties of UFG 304L stainless steel were studied during GTAW and FSW. • Sigma phase formation mechanism was studied during FSW of 304L stainless steel. • THERMOCALC analysis was performed to obtain possible formation temperatures for sigma phase. • Nano-mechanical twins were found in the TMAZ region.« less

Shell microstructures of mussels (Bivalvia: Mytilidae: Bathymodiolinae) from deep-sea chemosynthetic sites: Do they have a phylogenetic significance?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Génio, Luciana; Kiel, Steffen; Cunha, Marina R.; Grahame, John; Little, Crispin T. S.

2012-06-01

The increasing number of bathymodiolin mussel species being described from deep-sea chemosynthetic environments worldwide has raised many questions about their evolutionary history, and their systematics is still being debated. Mussels are also abundant in fossil chemosynthetic assemblages, but their identification is problematic due to conservative shell morphology within the group and preservation issues. Potential resolution of bathymodiolin taxonomy requires new character sets, including morphological features that are likely to be preserved in fossil specimens. To investigate the phylogenetic significance of shell microstructural features, we studied the shell microstructure and mineralogy of 10 mussel species from hydrothermal vents and hydrocarbon seeps, and 15 taxa from sunken wood and bone habitats, and compared these observations with current molecular phylogenies of the sub-family Bathymodiolinae. In addition, we analyzed the shell microstructure in Adipicola chickubetsuensis from fossil whale carcasses, and in Bathymodiolus cf. willapaensis and “Modiola exbrocchii” from fossil cold seeps, and discussed the usefulness of these characters for identification of fossil chemosymbiotic mussels. Microstructural shell features are quite uniform among vent, seep, wood and bone mussel taxa, and therefore established bathymodiolin lineages cannot be discriminated, nor can the relations between fossil and modern species be determined with these characters. Nevertheless, the uniformity of shell microstructures observed among chemosymbiotic mussels and the similarity with its closest relative, Modiolus modiolus, does not challenge the monophyly of the group. Slight differences are found between the large vent and seep mussels and the small mytilids commonly found in habitats enriched in organic matter. Together with previous data, these results indicate that a repeated pattern of paedomorphism characterizes the evolutionary history of deep-sea mussels, and the occurrence of neotenous features should be considered in the taxonomic revision of this group.

Growth dynamics of Australia's polar dinosaurs.

PubMed

Woodward, Holly N; Rich, Thomas H; Chinsamy, Anusuya; Vickers-Rich, Patricia

2011-01-01

Analysis of bone microstructure in ornithopod and theropod dinosaurs from Victoria, Australia, documents ontogenetic changes, providing insight into the dinosaurs' successful habitation of Cretaceous Antarctic environments. Woven-fibered bone tissue in the smallest specimens indicates rapid growth rates during early ontogeny. Later ontogeny is marked by parallel-fibered tissue, suggesting reduced growth rates approaching skeletal maturity. Bone microstructure similarities between the ornithopods and theropods, including the presence of LAGs in each group, suggest there is no osteohistologic evidence supporting the hypothesis that polar theropods hibernated seasonally. Results instead suggest high-latitude dinosaurs had growth trajectories similar to their lower-latitude relatives and thus, rapid early ontogenetic growth and the cyclical suspensions of growth inherent in the theropod and ornithopod lineages enabled them to successfully exploit polar regions.

Microstructure evolution and tensile properties of Zr-2.5 wt.% Nb pressure tubes processed from billets with different microstructures

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kapoor, K.; Saratchandran, N.; Muralidharan, K.

1999-02-01

Pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWR) use zirconium-base alloys for their low neutron-absorption cross section, good mechanical strength, low irradiation creep, and high corrosion resistance in reactor atmospheres. Starting with identical ingots, billets having different microstructures were obtained by three different processing methods for fabrication of Zr-2.5 wt%Nb pressure tubes., The billets were further processed by hot extrusion and cold Pilger tube reducing to the finished product. Microstructural characterization was done at each stage of processing. The effects of the initial billet microstructure on the intermediate and final microstructure and mechanical property results were determined. It was found that the structuremore » at each stage and the final mechanical properties depend strongly on the initial billet microstructure. The structure at the final stage consists of elongated alpha zirconium grains with a network of metastable beta zirconium phase. Some of this metastable phase transforms into stable beta niobium during thermomechanical processing. Billets with quenched structure resulted in less beta niobium at the final stage. The air cooled billets resulted in a large amount of beta niobium. The tensile properties, especially the percentage elongation, were found to vary for the different methods. Higher percentage elongation was observed for billets having quenched structure. Extrusion and forging did not produce any characteristic differences in the properties. The results were used to select a process flow sheet which yields the desired mechanical properties with suitable microstructure in the final product.« less

Microstructure Modeling of Third Generation Disk Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jou, Herng-Jeng

2010-01-01

The objective of this program was to model, validate, and predict the precipitation microstructure evolution, using PrecipiCalc (QuesTek Innovations LLC) software, for 3rd generation Ni-based gas turbine disc superalloys during processing and service, with a set of logical and consistent experiments and characterizations. Furthermore, within this program, the originally research-oriented microstructure simulation tool was to be further improved and implemented to be a useful and user-friendly engineering tool. In this report, the key accomplishments achieved during the third year (2009) of the program are summarized. The activities of this year included: Further development of multistep precipitation simulation framework for gamma prime microstructure evolution during heat treatment; Calibration and validation of gamma prime microstructure modeling with supersolvus heat treated LSHR; Modeling of the microstructure evolution of the minor phases, particularly carbides, during isothermal aging, representing the long term microstructure stability during thermal exposure; and the implementation of software tools. During the research and development efforts to extend the precipitation microstructure modeling and prediction capability in this 3-year program, we identified a hurdle, related to slow gamma prime coarsening rate, with no satisfactory scientific explanation currently available. It is desirable to raise this issue to the Ni-based superalloys research community, with hope that in future there will be a mechanistic understanding and physics-based treatment to overcome the hurdle. In the mean time, an empirical correction factor was developed in this modeling effort to capture the experimental observations.

Dry sliding wear behavior of TIG welding clad WC composite coatings

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Buytoz, Soner; Ulutan, Mustafa; Yildirim, M. Mustafa

2005-12-01

In this study, melted tungsten carbide powders on the surface of AISI 4340 steel was applied by using tungsten inert gas (TIG) method. It was observed that it has been solidified in different microstructures depending on the production parameters. As a result of microstructure examinations, in the surface modified layers an eutectic and dendrite solidification was observed together with WC, W 2C phases. In the layer produced, the hardness values varied between 950 and 1200 HV. The minimum mass loss was observed in the sample, which was treated in 1.209 mm/s production rate, 0.5 g/s powder feed rate and 13.9 kJ/cm heat input.

Effect of microstructure on the susceptibility of a 533 steel to temper embrittlement

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raoul, S.; Marini, B.; Pineau, A.

1998-11-01

In ferritic steels, brittle fracture usually occurs at low temperature by cleavage. However the segregation of impurities (P, As, Sn etc...) along prior γ grain boundaries can change the brittle fracture mode from transgranular to intergranular. In quenched and tempered steels, this segregation is associated with what is called the temper-embrittlement phenomenon. The main objective of the present study is to investigate the influence of the as-quenched microstructure (lower bainite or martensite) on the susceptibility of a low alloy steel (A533 cl.1) to temper-embrittlement. Dilatometric tests were performed to determine the continous-cooling-transformation (CCT) diagram of the material and to measure the critical cooling rate ( Vc) for a martensitic quench. Then subsized Charpy V-notched specimens were given various cooling rates from the austenitization temperature to obtain a wide range of as-quenched microstructures, including martensite and bainite. These specimens were subsequently given a heat treatment to develop temper embrittlement and tested to measure the V-notch fracture toughness at -50°C. The fracture surfaces were examined by SEM. It is shown that martensitic microstructures are more susceptible to intergranular embrittlement than bainitic microstructures. These observed microstructural influences are briefly discussed.

Revealing martensitic transformation and α/β interface evolution in electron beam melting three-dimensional-printed Ti-6Al-4V

PubMed Central

Tan, Xipeng; Kok, Yihong; Toh, Wei Quan; Tan, Yu Jun; Descoins, Marion; Mangelinck, Dominique; Tor, Shu Beng; Leong, Kah Fai; Chua, Chee Kai

2016-01-01

As an important metal three-dimensional printing technology, electron beam melting (EBM) is gaining increasing attention due to its huge potential applications in aerospace and biomedical fields. EBM processing of Ti-6Al-4V as well as its microstructure and mechanical properties were extensively investigated. However, it is still lack of quantitative studies regarding its microstructural evolution, indicative of EBM thermal process. Here, we report α′ martensitic transformation and α/β interface evolution in varied printing thicknesses of EBM-printed Ti-6Al-4V block samples by means of atom probe tomography. Quantitative chemical composition analysis suggests a general phase transformation sequence. By increasing in-fill hatched thickness, elemental partitioning ratios arise and β volume fraction is increased. Furthermore, we observe kinetic vanadium segregation and aluminum depletion at interface front and the resultant α/β interface widening phenomenon. It may give rise to an increased α/β lattice mismatch and weakened α/β interfaces, which could account for the degraded strength as printing thickness increases. PMID:27185285

Atomic scale characterization of white etching area and its adjacent matrix in a martensitic 100Cr6 bearing steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Li, Y.J., E-mail: y.li@mpie.de

Atom probe tomography was employed to characterize the microstructure and C distribution in the white etching area (WEA) of a martensitic 100Cr6 bearing steel subjected to rolling contact fatigue. Different from its surrounding matrix where a plate-like martensitic structure prevails, the WEA exhibits equiaxed grains with a uniform grain size of about 10 nm. Significant C grain boundary enrichment (>7.5at.%) and an overall higher C concentration than the nominal value are observed in the WEA. These results suggest that the formation of WEA results from severe local plastic deformation that causes dissolution of carbides and the redistribution of C. -more » Highlights: •APT has been applied to characterize the microstructure of white etching area (WEA). •Quantitative analyses of C distribution indicate that carbides are dissolved on the WEA. •WEA contains equiaxed grains with a uniform grain size of 10 nm. •C segregation at grain boundaries stabilizes the nanosized grain structure. •Formation of WEA is explained by severe local plastic deformation introduced by cyclic contact loading.« less

Intermittent access to sweet high-fat liquid induces increased palatability and motivation to consume in a rat model of binge consumption

PubMed Central

Lardeux, Sylvie; Kim, James J.; Nicola, Saleem M.

2013-01-01

Binge eating disorders are characterized by discrete episodes of rapid and excessive food consumption. In rats, giving intermittent access to sweet fat food mimics this aspect of binge eating. These models typically employ solid food; however, the total amount consumed depends on motivation, palatability and satiety, which are difficult to dissociate with solid food. In contrast, lick microstructure analysis can be used to dissociate these parameters when the ingestant is a liquid. Therefore, we developed a binge model using a liquid emulsion composed of corn oil, heavy cream and sugar. We show that rats given intermittent access to this high-fat emulsion develop binge-like behavior comparable to that previously observed with solid high-fat food. One feature of this behavior was a gradual escalation in consumption across 2.5 weeks of intermittent access, which was not apparent in rats given lower-fat liquid on the same access schedule. Lick microstructure analysis suggests that this escalation was due at least in part to increases in both motivation to consume and palatability-driven consumption. PMID:23499930

Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behavior of Porous Mg-6 wt.% Zn Scaffolds for Bone Tissue Engineering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Yang; Kang, Yijun; Li, Ding; Yu, Kun; Xiao, Tao; Wang, Qiyuan; Deng, Youwen; Fang, Hongjie; Jiang, Dayue; Zhang, Yu

2018-03-01

Porous Mg-based scaffolds have been extensively researched as biodegradable implants due to their attractive biological and excellent mechanical properties. In this study, porous Mg-6 wt.% Zn scaffolds were prepared by powder metallurgy using ammonium bicarbonate particles as space-holder particles. The effects of space-holder particle content on the microstructure, mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of the Mg-6 wt.% Zn scaffolds were studied. The mean porosity and pore size of the open-cellular scaffolds were within the range 6.7-52.2% and 32.3-384.2 µm, respectively. Slight oxidation was observed at the grain boundaries and on the pore walls. The Mg-6 wt.% Zn scaffolds were shown to possess mechanical properties comparable with those of natural bone and had variable in vitro degradation rates. Increased content of space-holder particles negatively affected the mechanical behavior and corrosion resistance of the Mg-6 wt.% Zn scaffolds, especially when higher than 20%. These results suggest that porous Mg-6 wt.% Zn scaffolds are promising materials for application in bone tissue engineering.

High temperature characteristics and solidification microstructures of dental metallic materials. Part III alloys for metal-bond porcelain.

PubMed

Nagasawa, Sakae; Yoshida, Takamitsu; Terashima, Nobuyoshi; Mizoguchi, Toshihide; Yagasaki, Hiroshi; Kamijo, Koichiro; Ito, Michio; Platt, Jeffrey A; Oshida, Yoshiki

2005-03-01

The thermal expansion rate, coefficient of thermal expansion, and high temperature strength of two types of commercially available alloy for metal-bond porcelain, KIK-HII (KIK) and Degubond-J2 (J2), were evaluated up to the liquidus point temperature using a thermo-mechanical analyzer. Furthermore, microstructure in the solid-liquid coexisting region was observed for evaluation. Our results revealed the following findings: 1. For KIK, solidus point was 1,209.3 +/- 3.2 degrees C, liquidus point was 1,308.3 +/- 7.10 degrees C, and melting expansion rate was 0.41+/- 0.16%. 2. For J2, solidus point was 1,198.3 +/- 0.6 degrees C, liquidus point was 1,253.0 +/- 4.4 degrees C, and melting expansion rate was 4.50 +/- 0.80%. 3. At high temperature, the mechanical characteristics of KIK greatly differed from those of J2. The risk of causing deformation during porcelain baking was suggested for KIK. Removal of segregation during casting was considered difficult in J2.

Characterisation and microstructure of reduced-fat chicken patties made with a novel polymer from Agrobacterium radiobacter k84.

PubMed

Calliari, Caroline Maria; de Souza, Evandro Leite; Castro-Goméz, Raúl Jorge Hernan; Honório, Vanessa Gonçalves; Magnani, Marciane

2015-04-15

Chicken patties elaborated with a novel polymer from Agrobacterium radiobacter k84 (ARB) were characterised during 60days of frozen storage. After cooking, formulations without ARB (F0), with ARB 5 g/100 g (F5) and ARB 10 g/100 g (F10) presented 4.23%, 2.83% and 0.11% fat, respectively. No differences were observed to water holding capacity, cooking yield and shear force among formulations. Microstructural analysis showed formation of meat emulsion for F5 and gel for F10. Colour and chicken flavour decreased with increase of ARB; no difference was found for tenderness among the formulations. Overall acceptance showed higher scores for F0 when compared to F5 and F10. Lipid oxidation was not a limiting factor for stability of patties; all formulations presented suitable microbiological quality over the assessed period. These results suggest ARB as a promising fat substitute, capable of maintain the quality aspects of chicken patties, although a negative impact in colour has been found. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The temperature dependence of heavy-ion damage in iron: A microstructural transition at elevated temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yao, Z.; Jenkins, M. L.; Hernández-Mayoral, M.; Kirk, M. A.

2010-12-01

A transition is reported in the dislocation microstructure of pure Fe produced by heavy-ion irradiation of thin foils, which took place between irradiation temperatures (T irr) of 300°C and 500°C. At T irr ≤ 400°C, the microstructure was dominated by round or irregular non-edge dislocation loops of interstitial nature and with Burgers vectors b = ½ ⟨111⟩, although interstitial ⟨100⟩ loops were also present; at 500°C only rectilinear pure-edge ⟨100⟩ loops occurred. At intermediate temperatures there was a gradual transition between the two types of microstructure. At temperatures just below 500°C, mobile ½⟨111⟩ loops were seen to be subsumed by sessile ⟨100⟩ loops. A possible explanation of these observations is given.

The Effect of Substrate Microstructure on the Heat-Affected Zone Size in Sn-Zn Alloys Due to Adjoining Ni-Al Reactive Multilayer Foil Reaction

DOE PAGES

Hooper, R. J.; Adams, D. P.; Hirschfeld, D.; ...

2015-08-05

The rapid release of energy from reactive multilayer foils can create extreme local temperature gradients near substrate materials. To fully exploit the potential of these materials, a better understanding of the interaction between the substrate or filler material and the foil is needed. In particular, this work investigates how variations in local properties within the substrate (i.e. differences between properties in constituent phases) can affect heat transport into the substrate. Furthermore, this can affect the microstructural evolution observed within the substrate, which may affect the final joint properties. The effect of the initial substrate microstructure on microstructural evolution within themore » heat-affected zone is evaluated experimentally in two Sn-Zn alloys and numerical techniques are utilized to inform the analysis.« less

Influence of Trabecular Bone on Peri-Implant Stress and Strain Based on Micro-CT Finite Element Modeling of Beagle Dog

PubMed Central

Liao, Sheng-hui; Zhu, Xing-hao; Xie, Jing; Sohodeb, Vikesh Kumar; Ding, Xi

2016-01-01

The objective of this investigation is to analyze the influence of trabecular microstructure modeling on the biomechanical distribution of the implant-bone interface. Two three-dimensional finite element mandible models, one with trabecular microstructure (a refined model) and one with macrostructure (a simplified model), were built. The values of equivalent stress at the implant-bone interface in the refined model increased compared with those of the simplified model and strain on the contrary. The distributions of stress and strain were more uniform in the refined model of trabecular microstructure, in which stress and strain were mainly concentrated in trabecular bone. It was concluded that simulation of trabecular bone microstructure had a significant effect on the distribution of stress and strain at the implant-bone interface. These results suggest that trabecular structures could disperse stress and strain and serve as load buffers. PMID:27403424

Influence of Trabecular Bone on Peri-Implant Stress and Strain Based on Micro-CT Finite Element Modeling of Beagle Dog.

PubMed

Liao, Sheng-Hui; Zhu, Xing-Hao; Xie, Jing; Sohodeb, Vikesh Kumar; Ding, Xi

2016-01-01

The objective of this investigation is to analyze the influence of trabecular microstructure modeling on the biomechanical distribution of the implant-bone interface. Two three-dimensional finite element mandible models, one with trabecular microstructure (a refined model) and one with macrostructure (a simplified model), were built. The values of equivalent stress at the implant-bone interface in the refined model increased compared with those of the simplified model and strain on the contrary. The distributions of stress and strain were more uniform in the refined model of trabecular microstructure, in which stress and strain were mainly concentrated in trabecular bone. It was concluded that simulation of trabecular bone microstructure had a significant effect on the distribution of stress and strain at the implant-bone interface. These results suggest that trabecular structures could disperse stress and strain and serve as load buffers.

Microstructure representations for sound absorbing fibrous media: 3D and 2D multiscale modelling and experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zieliński, Tomasz G.

2017-11-01

The paper proposes and investigates computationally-efficient microstructure representations for sound absorbing fibrous media. Three-dimensional volume elements involving non-trivial periodic arrangements of straight fibres are examined as well as simple two-dimensional cells. It has been found that a simple 2D quasi-representative cell can provide similar predictions as a volume element which is in general much more geometrically accurate for typical fibrous materials. The multiscale modelling allowed to determine the effective speeds and damping of acoustic waves propagating in such media, which brings up a discussion on the correlation between the speed, penetration range and attenuation of sound waves. Original experiments on manufactured copper-wire samples are presented and the microstructure-based calculations of acoustic absorption are compared with the corresponding experimental results. In fact, the comparison suggested the microstructure modifications leading to representations with non-uniformly distributed fibres.

On the feasibility of quantitative ultrasonic determination of fracture toughness: A literature review

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fu, L. S.

1980-01-01

The three main topics covered are: (1) fracture toughness and microstructure, (2) quantitative ultrasonic and microstructure; and (3) scattering and related mathematical methods. Literature in these areas is reviewed to give insight to the search of a theoretical foundation for quantitative ultrasonic measurement of fracture toughness. The literature review shows that fracture toughness is inherently related to the microstructure and in particular, it depends upon the spacing of inclusions or second particles and the aspect ratio of second phase particles. There are indications that ultrasonic velocity attenuation measurements can be used to determine fracture toughness. The leads to a review of the mathematical models available in solving boundary value problems related to microstructural factors that govern facture toughness and wave motion. A framework towards the theoretical study for the quantitative determination of fracture toughness is described and suggestions for future research are proposed.

Anisotropic wetting of microstructured surfaces as a function of surface chemistry.

PubMed

Neuhaus, Sonja; Spencer, Nicholas D; Padeste, Celestino

2012-01-01

In order to study the influence of surface chemistry on the wetting of structured surfaces, microstructures consisting of grooves or squares were produced via hot embossing of poly(ethylene-alt-tetrafluoroethylene) ETFE substrates. The structured substrates were modified with polymer brushes, thereby changing their surface functionality and wettability. Water droplets were most strongly pinned to the structure when the surface was moderately hydrophilic, as in the case of poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) or poly(vinyl(N-methyl-2-pyridone) (PVMP) brush-modified substrates. As a result, the droplet shape was determined by the features of the microstructure. The water contact angles (CA) were considerably higher than on flat surfaces and differed, in the most extreme case, by 37° when measured on grooved substrates, parallel and perpendicular to the grooves. On hydrophobic substrates (pristine ETFE), the same effects were observed but were much less pronounced. On very hydrophilic sampes (those modified with poly(N-methyl-vinylpyridinium) (QP4VP)), the microstructure had no influence on the drop shape. These findings are explained by significant differences in apparent and real contact angles at the relatively smooth edges of the embossed structures. Finally, the highly anisotropic grooved microstructure was combined with a gradient in polymer brush composition and wettability. In the case of a parallel alignment of the gradient direction to the grooves, the directed spreading of water droplets could be observed. © 2011 American Chemical Society

Correlations of microstructure with dynamic and quasi-static fracture in a plain carbon steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Couque, H.; Asaro, R. J.; Duffy, J.; Lee, S. H.

1988-09-01

An investigation was conducted into the effects of temperature, loading rate, and various micro-structural parameters on the initiation of plane strain fracture of a plain carbon AISI 1020 steel. Ferrite and prior austenite grain sizes were chosen as the principal microstructural features to be in-vestigated. The microstructural variations were accomplished by changing the austenitizing tempera-ture and by altering the cooling rate during normalization. Fracture toughness tests were conducted using precracked notched round bars loaded in tension to produce two stress intensity rates, viz., K 1 = 1 MPa √m s-1 and K 1 = 2 × 106 MPa √m s-1. In addition, Charpy impact tests along with quasistatic and high rate plasticity tests were conducted. The plasticity tests were done in torsion at shear strain rates ofoverline γ = 5.0 × 10^{ - 4} s^{ - 1 } and overline γ = 1.5 × 10^{3 } s^{ - 1} . Testing temperatures covered the range from -150 °C to 150 °C which encompassed fracture initiation modes involving transgranular cleavage to fully ductile fracture. Micromechanical processes involved in void and cleavage micro-crack formation were identified and quantified. For these purposes notched round tensile tests and subsequent metallographic observations along with TEM and SEM observations of the plane strain fracture toughness specimens were performed. The experimental results and quantitative micro-modeling using simple fracture models provide a means of correlating both quasistatic and dynamic fracture toughness with microstructures.

Influences of device structures on microstructure-correlated photovoltaic characteristics of organic solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Fu-Chiao; Yang, Cheng-Chi; Tseng, Po-Tsung; Chou, Wei-Yang; Cheng, Horng-Long

2017-02-01

Photovoltaic characteristics of organic solar cells (OSCs) are correlated with microstructural qualities of active layers (ALs). Numerous efforts focused on improving process conditions of ALs to attain effective microstructures to achieve high-efficiency OSCs. Aside from AL process conditions, layer properties under AL can also influence microstructural qualities of AL. In this study, we adopted poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):(6,6)-phenyl C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) mixture as AL, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) as hole extraction layer, and branched polyethyleneimine (BPEI) as electron extraction layer to prepare OSCs with different device structures, that is, normal type (PEDOT:PSS/P3HT:PCBM/BPEI) and inverted type (BPEI/P3HT:PCBM/PEDOT:PSS) structures. We discovered that although devices have similar layer components, they have different photovoltaic characteristics. Inverted devices demonstrated higher power conversion efficiency than normal devices. Various methods, including absorption spectroscopy and microscopy, were used to study AL microstructures of different devices. We observed that P3HT crystallites grown on BPEI had longer vertical size and shorter horizontal size compared with those grown on PEDOT:PSS; these properties could result from larger interfacial tension of P3HT with BPEI than with PEDOT:PSS. Observed shape of P3HT crystallites in inverted devices facilitated efficient charge transport to electrodes and suppressed current leakage. As a result, inverted devices generated improved photovoltaic performance.

Aging Effects on Microstructure and Creep in Sn-3.8Ag-0.7Cu Solder

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

demonstrated that the primary creep data for ball joints can be fitted well to exponential law. Fit parameters for the tests accomplished at 250C...MICROSTRUCTURE AND CREEP IN Sn-3.8Ag-0.7Cu SOLDER by Orlando Cornejo September 2007 Thesis Advisor: Indranath Dutta THIS PAGE...collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington headquarters Services , Directorate for Information

Collagenous microstructure of the glenoid labrum and biceps anchor

PubMed Central

Hill, A M; Hoerning, E J; Brook, K; Smith, C D; Moss, J; Ryder, T; Wallace, A L; Bull, A M J

2008-01-01

The glenoid labrum is a significant passive stabilizer of the shoulder joint. However, its microstructural form remains largely unappreciated, particularly in the context of its variety of functions. The focus of labral microscopy has often been histology and, as such, there is very little appreciation of collagen composition and arrangement of the labrum, and hence the micromechanics of the structure. On transmission electron microscopy, significant differences in diameter, area and perimeter were noted in the two gross histological groups of collagen fibril visualized; this suggests a heterogeneous collagenous composition with potentially distinct mechanical function. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated three distinct zones of interest: a superficial mesh, a dense circumferential braided core potentially able to accommodate hoop stresses, and a loosely packed peri-core zone. Confocal microscopy revealed an articular surface fine fibrillar mesh potentially able to reduce surface friction, bundles of circumferential encapsulated fibres in the bulk of the tissue, and bone anchoring fibres at the osseous interface. Varying microstructure throughout the depth of the labrum suggests a role in accommodating different types of loading. An understanding of the labral microstructure can lead to development of hypotheses based upon an appreciation of this component of material property. This may aid an educated approach to surgical timing and repair. PMID:18429974

Spin waves in micro-structured yttrium iron garnet nanometer-thick films

DOE PAGES

Jungfleisch, Matthias B.; Zhang, Wei; Jiang, Wanjun; ...

2015-03-24

Here, we investigated the spin-wave propagation in a micro-structured yttrium iron garnet waveguide of 40 nm thickness. Utilizing spatially-resolved Brillouin light scattering microscopy, an exponential decay of the spinwave amplitude of 10 μm was observed. This leads to an estimated Gilbert damping constant of α = (8.79 ± 0.73) x 10 $-$4, which is larger than damping values obtained through ferromagnetic resonance measurements in unstructured films. Furthermore, we compared the theoretically calculated spatial interference of waveguide modes to the spin-wave pattern observed experimentally by means of Brillouin light scattering spectroscopy.

Hydride Microstructure at the Metal-Oxide Interface of Zircaloy-4 from H.B. Robinson Nuclear Reactor

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cinbiz, Mahmut N; Edmondson, Philip D; Terrani, Kurt A

2017-01-01

This study investigates the hydride rim microstructure at the metal-oxide interface of Zircaloy-4 cladding segment removed from H.B. Robinson Nuclear Reactor by utilizing high resolution electron microscopy techniques with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy at Oak Ridge National Laboratory under the NSUF Rapid Turnout Experiment program. A complex stacking and orientation of hydride platelets has been observed below the sub-oxide layer. Furthermore, radial hydride platelets have been observed. EDS signals of both Fe and Cr has been reduced within hydrides whereas EDS signal of Sn is unaffected.

The effects of RE and Si on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of Zn-6Al-3Mg hot dip coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Shiwei; Gao, Bo; Yin, Shaohua; Tu, Ganfeng; Zhu, Guanglin; Sun, Shuchen; Zhu, Xiaoping

2015-12-01

The effects of Si and RE on the microstructure and corrosion resistance of Zn-6Al-3Mg coating (ZAM) have been investigated. Surface morphology observations of the coating and corrosion products reveal that the additions of Si and rare earth metals (RES) improve the microstructural homogeneity of ZAMSR coating and stability of corrosion products formed on ZAMSR coating. Moreover, only uniform corrosion occurs in ZAMSR coating during the corrosion test, while intergranular corrosion and pitting occur in ZAM. As a result, the corrosion resistance of ZAM coating is improved by the additions of Si and RES.

Market microstructure matters when imposing a Tobin tax—Evidence from the lab☆

PubMed Central

Kirchler, Michael; Huber, Jürgen; Kleinlercher, Daniel

2011-01-01

Trading in FX markets is dominated by two microstructures: exchanges with market makers and OTC-markets without market makers. Using laboratory experiments we test whether the impact of a Tobin tax is different in these two market microstructures. We find that (i) in markets without market makers an unilaterally imposed Tobin tax (i.e. a tax haven exists) increases volatility. (ii) In contrast, in markets with market makers we observe a decrease in volatility in unilaterally taxed markets. (iii) An encompassing Tobin tax has no impact on volatility in either setting. Efficiency does not vary significantly across tax regimes. PMID:22210970

Luminescence of quantum-well exciton polaritons from microstructured AlxGa1-xAs-GaAs multiple quantum wells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohl, M.; Heitmann, D.; Grambow, P.; Ploog, K.

1988-06-01

Periodic multiple-quantum-well wires have been prepared by etching five-layer quantum-well structures through a holographically prepared mask. The periodicity was 380 nm, the lateral confinement 180 nm, and the quantum-well width 13, nm. The luminescence from these microstructured systems in the frequency regime of the one-electron-one-heavy-hole transition was strongly polarized with the electric field perpendicular to the periodic structure. This effect was caused by the resonantly enhanced emission of quantum-well-exciton (QWE) polaritons. Excitation of QWE polaritons was also observed in reflection measurements on the microstructured samples.

Microstructural Aspects in FSW and TIG Welding of Cast ZE41A Magnesium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlone, Pierpaolo; Astarita, Antonello; Rubino, Felice; Pasquino, Nicola

2016-04-01

In this paper, magnesium ZE41A alloy plates were butt joined through friction stir welding (FSW) and Tungsten Inert Gas welding processes. Process-induced microstructures were investigated by optical and SEM observations, EDX microanalysis and microhardness measurements. The effect of a post-welded T5 heat treatment on FSW joints was also assessed. Sound joints were produced by means of both techniques. Different elemental distributions and grain sizes were found, whereas microhardness profiles reflect microstructural changes. Post-welding heat treatment did not induce significant alterations in elemental distribution. The FSW-treated joint showed a more homogeneous hardness profile than the as-welded FSW joint.

Molecular dynamics study of dual-phase microstructure of Titanium and Zirconium metals during the quenching process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Miyazaki, Narumasa; Sato, Kazunori; Shibutani, Yoji

Dual-phase (DP) transformation, which is composed of felite- and/or martensite- multicomponent microstructural phases, is one of the most effective tools to product functional alloys. To obtain this DP structure such as DP steels and other materials, we usually apply thermal processes such as quenching, tempering and annealing. As the transformation dynamics of DP microstructure depends on conditions of temperature, annealing time, and quenching rate, physical properties of materials are able to be tuned by controlling microstructure type, size, their interfaces and so on. In this study, to understand the behavior of DP transformation and to control physical properties of materials by tuning DP microstructures, we analyze the atomistic dynamics of DP transformation during the quenching process and the detail of DP microstructures by using the molecular dynamics simulations. As target metals of DP transformation, we focus on group 4 transition metals, such as Ti and Zr described by EAM interatomic potentials. For Ti and Zr models we perform molecular dynamics simulations by assuming melt-quenching process from 3000 K to 0 K under the isothermal-isobaric ensemble. During the process for each material, we observe liquid to HCP like transition around the melting temperature, and continuously HCP-BCC like transition around martensitic transformation temperature. Furthermore, we clearly distinguish DP microstructure for each quenched model.

Anisotropic and Hierarchical Porosity in Multifunctional Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lichtner, Aaron Zev

The performance of multifunctional porous ceramics is often hindered by the seemingly contradictory effects of porosity on both mechanical and non-structural properties and yet a sufficient body of knowledge linking microstructure to these properties does not exist. Using a combination of tailored anisotropic and hierarchical materials, these disparate effects may be reconciled. In this project, a systematic investigation of the processing, characterization and properties of anisotropic and isotropic hierarchically porous ceramics was conducted. The system chosen was a composite ceramic intended as the cathode for a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC). Comprehensive processing investigations led to the development of approaches to make hierarchical, anisotropic porous microstructures using directional freeze-casting of well dispersed slurries. The effect of all the important processing parameters was investigated. This resulted in an ability to tailor and control the important microstructural features including the scale of the microstructure, the macropore size and total porosity. Comparable isotropic porous ceramics were also processed using fugitive pore formers. A suite of characterization techniques including x-ray tomography and 3-D sectional scanning electron micrographs (FIB-SEM) was used to characterize and quantify the green and partially sintered microstructures. The effect of sintering temperature on the microstructure was quantified and discrete element simulations (DEM) were used to explain the experimental observations. Finally, the comprehensive mechanical properties, at room temperature, were investigated, experimentally and using DEM, for the different microstructures.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Jiali, E-mail: j.zhang@mpie.de; Morsdorf, Lutz, E-mail: l.morsdorf@mpie.de; Tasan, Cemal Cem, E-mail: c.tasan@mpie.de

In-situ scanning electron microscopy observations of the microstructure evolution during heat treatments are increasingly demanded due to the growing number of alloys with complex microstructures. Post-mortem characterization of the as-processed microstructures rarely provides sufficient insight on the exact route of the microstructure formation. On the other hand, in-situ SEM approaches are often limited due to the arising challenges upon using an in-situ heating setup, e.g. in (i) employing different detectors, (ii) preventing specimen surface degradation, or (iii) controlling and measuring the temperature precisely. Here, we explore and expand the capabilities of the “mid-way” solution by step-wise microstructure tracking, ex-situ, atmore » selected steps of heat treatment. This approach circumvents the limitations above, as it involves an atmosphere and temperature well-controlled dilatometer, and high resolution microstructure characterization (using electron channeling contrast imaging, electron backscatter diffraction, atom probe tomography, etc.). We demonstrate the capabilities of this approach by focusing on three cases: (i) nano-scale carbide precipitation during low-temperature tempering of martensitic steels, (ii) formation of transformation-induced geometrically necessary dislocations in a dual-phase steel during intercritical annealing, and (iii) the partial recrystallization of a metastable β-Ti alloy. - Highlights: • A multi-probe method to track microstructures during heat treatment is developed. • It enables the analysis of various complex phenomena, even those at atomistic scale. • It circumvents some of the free surface effects of classical in-situ experiments.« less

Critical quality attributes, in vitro release and correlated in vitro skin permeation-in vivo tape stripping collective data for demonstrating therapeutic (non)equivalence of topical semisolids: A case study of "ready-to-use" vehicles.

PubMed

Ilić, Tanja; Pantelić, Ivana; Lunter, Dominique; Đorđević, Sanela; Marković, Bojan; Ranković, Dragana; Daniels, Rolf; Savić, Snežana

2017-08-07

This work aimed to prove the ability of "ready-to-use" topical vehicles based on alkyl polyglucoside-mixed emulsifier (with/without co-solvent modifications) to replace the conventionally used pharmacopoeial bases (e.g., non-ionic hydrophilic cream) in compounding practice. For this purpose, considering the regulatory efforts to establish alternative, scientifically valid methods for evaluating therapeutic equivalence of topical semisolids, we performed a comparative assessment of microstructure, selected critical quality attributes (CQAs) and in vitro/in vivo product performances, by utilizing aceclofenac as a model drug. The differences in composition between investigated samples have imposed remarkable variances in monitored CQAs (particularly in the amount of aceclofenac dissolved, rheological properties and water distribution mode), reflecting the distinct differences in microstructure formed, as partially observed by polarization microscopy and confocal Raman spectral imaging. Although not fully indicative of the in vivo performances, in vitro release data (vertical diffusion vs. immersion cells) proved the microstructure peculiarities, asserting the rheological properties as decisive factor for obtained liberation profiles. Contrary, in vitro permeation results obtained using pig ear epidermis correlated well with in vivo dermatopharmacokinetic data and distinguished unequivocally between tested formulations, emphasizing the importance of skin/vehicle interactions. In summary, suggested multi-faceted approach can provide adequate proof on topical semisolids therapeutic equivalence or lack thereof. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Magnetic properties and magnetic hardening mechansim of Pt-Co-B alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Qiu, Ning; Flanagan, F.; Wittig, James E.

1994-01-01

The intrinsic coercivity is found to be maximized in the Pt42Co45B13 ternary alloy which is undercooled and rapidly solidified (quenched using a 70 m/s wheel speed after undercooling), and then annealed (800 C for 2400 min). The same alloy, processed at slower cooling rates and annealed in the same way, has a much larger scale microstructure and a much lower resulting magnetic coercivity. The microstructure which would optimize the coercitvity of this coercivity of this ternary alloy is a completely ordered L1(sub zero) Pt-Co matrix with a submicron magnetic single-domion Co-boride precipitate. The L1(sub zero) phase is highly anistropic magnetically while the Co-boride precipate is somewhat less so. Annealing treatments designed to produced single-domain Co-boride precipitates enhance the coercivity. This suggests that the refined microstructures is responsible for the high coercivities found in the rapidly solidified and annealed alloy. The magnetic domain wall thickness for a Co-boride precipitate is determined from both experimental observation and theoretical calculation in order to evaluate its influence on the coercivity of the alloy. The effects of the pinning of domain walls and the barrier to the nucleation of reverse domains on the coercivity are discussed. Both microstrucutral analysis and theoretical calculation indicate that the high coercivities in the Pt42Co45B13 alloy are due to the difficult nucleation of reverse magnetic domains.

Wear behavior of austenite containing plate steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hensley, Christina E.

As a follow up to Wolfram's Master of Science thesis, samples from the prior work were further investigated. Samples from four steel alloys were selected for investigation, namely AR400F, 9260, Hadfield, and 301 Stainless steels. AR400F is martensitic while the Hadfield and 301 stainless steels are austenitic. The 9260 exhibited a variety of hardness levels and retained austenite contents, achieved by heat treatments, including quench and tempering (Q&T) and quench and partitioning (Q&P). Samples worn by three wear tests, namely Dry Sand/Rubber Wheel (DSRW), impeller tumbler impact abrasion, and Bond abrasion, were examined by optical profilometry. The wear behaviors observed in topography maps were compared to the same in scanning electron microscopy micrographs and both were used to characterize the wear surfaces. Optical profilometry showed that the scratching abrasion present on the wear surface transitioned to gouging abrasion as impact conditions increased (i.e. from DSRW to impeller to Bond abrasion). Optical profilometry roughness measurements were also compared to sample hardness as well as normalized volume loss (NVL) results for each of the three wear tests. The steels displayed a relationship between roughness measurements and observed wear rates for all three categories of wear testing. Nanoindentation was used to investigate local hardness changes adjacent to the wear surface. DSRW samples generally did not exhibit significant work hardening. The austenitic materials exhibited significant hardening under the high impact conditions of the Bond abrasion wear test. Hardening in the Q&P materials was less pronounced. The Q&T microstructures also demonstrated some hardening. Scratch testing was performed on samples at three different loads, as a more systematic approach to determining the scratching abrasion behavior. Wear rates and scratch hardness were calculated from scratch testing results. Certain similarities between wear behavior in scratch testing and DSRW samples were observed. Different microstructures exhibited different scratching behaviors. Martensitic microstructures exhibited chipping and cracking, whereas Q&P microstructures exhibited limited or no chipping. The Q&P samples exhibited more deformation at greater loads and hardness levels than the martensitic microstructures. Austenitic microstructures exhibited significant deformation adjacent to the scratches.

Upper ocean mixing processes and their impact on the mixed layer heat balance during the onset of the Atlantic Cold Tongue.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dengler, M.; Brandt, P.; McPhaden, M. J.; Thomsen, S.; Krahmann, G.; Fischer, T.; Freitag, P.; Hummels, R.

2012-04-01

An extensive measurement program within the Atlantic Cold Tongue (ACT) region was carried out during the ACT onset in boreal summer 2011. During two consecutive cruises shipboard microstructure profiles, conductivity-temperature-depth-O2 (CTD-O2) profiles and shipboard velocity profiles were collected between mid-May and mid-July. The shipboard measurements were complemented by a Glider swarm experiment during which 5400 CTD-O2 profiles were collected along specified transects within the ACT region. One of those Gliders was equipped with a MicroRider turbulence package and collected a 5-week microstructure time series of about hourly-resolution in the center of the cold tongue on the equator at 10°W. The MicroRider/Glider package was circling a PIRATA mooring from which additionally high-resolution acoustic Doppler current profiles are available for this time period to allow analysis of the background conditions. In this contribution we use a subset from the above data to detail mixing processes in the upper stratified ocean and describe the background conditions favoring enhanced mixing. From end of May to mid-July, sea surface temperature decreased from 26°C to below 22°C at 10°W. During the whole period of autonomous microstructure observations, strong bursts of turbulence were observed extending from the mixed layer into the upper thermocline. These bursts lasted for 3-5 hours and were found to penetrate to about 30m below the base of the mixed layer. They were observed to occur predominately during night-time while during day-time they were less frequent. Dissipation rates of turbulent kinetic energy (ɛ) during these bursts were above 3x10-6Wkg-1 in the upper stratified water column and turbulent eddy diffusivities (Kρ) often reached 1x10-3m2s-1. The data set suggests that strength and frequency of occurrence of the turbulent bursts is modulated by the presents of Tropical Instability Waves which additionally enhance background shear at the equator. The presents of internal waves having frequencies close to the buoyancy frequency during enhanced mixing events will be discussed. From the first 6 days of microstructure data, a diapycnal heat flux divergence from the mixed layer into the upper stratified ocean of 80Wm-2 was inferred. Other contributions to the mixed layer heat balance will be examined to evaluate their relevance during ACT onset.

Effect of phase transformations on microstructures in deep mantle materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merkel, Sébastien; Langrand, Christopher; Rosa, Angelika; Hilairet, Nadège

2017-04-01

Phase transformations induce microstructural changes in deep Earth materials, including changes in grain size and orientation distribution. The effect of phase transformations on mineral microstructures is usually studied using electron microscopy on quench products from high P/T experiments. The method allows for a precise evaluation of the microscopic mechanisms involved. It is limited, however, to samples that can be quenched to ambient conditions and allows for investigations at a single P/T point for each experiment. In recent years, we extended the use of multigrain crystallography to samples inside diamond anvil cells under mantle P/T conditions. The method allows for monitoring the orientations of hundreds of grains and grain size variations during various physical processes, such as plastic deformation and successions of phase transformations (Rosa et al 2015, Langrand et al 2017). Here, we will show results concerning hydrous Mg2SiO4 during the series of α-β-γ phase transformations up to 40 GPa and 850 °C. Such results are important to understand the descending behaviour of subducted slabs, observations of seismic anisotropy, and polarity changes for seismic waves reflected of deep Earth interfaces. The data is used to asses the effect of the transformation on grain orientation and grain sizes. In particular, we do not observe orientation relationships between the parent α-phase and the daughter β-phase phase, suggesting an incoherent growth. We also observe significant grain size reductions and only little grain growth within the newly formed phases (Rosa et al 2016). These new results are important for understanding the mechanical behavior of subducting slabs, seismic anisotropy in the Earth's mantle, and phase transformation mechanisms in olivine. Now that it is validated, the method can also be applied to other phases that can not be studied using electron microscopy, such as perovskite and post-perovskite. Langrand, Hilairet, Nisr, Roskosz, Ribárik, Vaughan, Merkel, Reliability of Multigrain Indexing for Orthorhombic Polycrystals above 1 Mbar: Application to MgSiO3-Post-Perovskite, J Appl Cryst 50, in press (2017) Rosa, Hilairet, Ghosh, Garbarino, Jacobs, Perrillat, Vaughan, Merkel, In situ monitoring of phase transformation microstructures at Earth's mantle pressure and temperature using multi-grain XRD, J Appl Cryst 48, 1346-1354 (2015) Rosa, Hilairet, Ghosh, Perrillat, Garbarino, Merkel, Evolution of grain sizes and orientations during phase transitions in hydrous Mg2SiO4, J Geophys Res 121, 7161-7176 (2016)

Seismic anisotropy and compositionally induced velocity anomalies in the lithosphere above mantle plumes: a petrological and microstructural study of mantle xenoliths from French Polynesia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tommasi, Andréa; Godard, Marguerite; Coromina, Guilhem; Dautria, Jean-Marie; Barsczus, Hans

2004-11-01

In addition to thermal erosion, plume/lithosphere interaction may induce significant changes in the lithosphere chemical composition. To constrain the extent of this process in an oceanic environment and its consequences on the lithosphere seismic properties, we investigated the relationship between petrological processes and microstructure in mantle xenoliths from different hotspots tracks in South Pacific Superswell region: the Austral-Cook, Society, and Marquesas islands in French Polynesia. Olivine forsterite contents in the studied spinel peridotites vary continuously from Fo91 to Fo83. Dunites and wehrlites display the lowest forsterite contents. Their microstructure and high Ni contents preclude a cumulate origin, suggesting that these rocks result from melt/rock reactions involving olivine precipitation and pyroxene dissolution. In addition, lherzolites and wehrlites display evidence of late crystallization of clinopyroxene, which may result from a near-solidus melt-freezing reaction. These data suggest that the lithosphere above a mantle plume undergoes a complex sequence of magmatic processes that significantly change its composition. These compositional changes, particularly iron enrichment in olivine, result in lower P- and S-waves velocities. Relative to normal lithospheric mantle, compositionally induced seismic anomalies may attain -2.2% for S-waves and -1% for P-waves. Smaller negative anomalies for P-waves are due to a higher sensitivity to modal composition. Conversely, crystal-preferred orientations (CPO) and seismic anisotropy are little affected by these processes. Lherzolites and harzburgites, independent from composition, show high-temperature porphyroclastic microstructures and strong olivine CPO. Dunites and wehrlites display annealing microstructures to which is associated a progressive dispersion of the olivine CPO. Very weak, almost random olivine CPO is nevertheless rare, suggesting that CPO destruction is restricted to domains of intense magma-rock interaction due to localized flow or accumulation of magmas.

Nanocrystalline mirror-slip surfaces in calcite gouge sheared at sub-seismic slip rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Verberne, B. A.; Plümper, O.; de Winter, D.; Niemeijer, A. R.; Spiers, C. J.

2013-12-01

If seismic-aseismic transitions in fault rocks are to be recognized from microstructures preserved in natural fault rocks, an understanding of the microphysical mechanisms that produce such microstructures is needed. We report on microstructures recovered from dry direct shear experiments on (simulated) dry calcite gouge, performed at 50 MPa normal stress, 18-150°C and low sliding velocities (0.1-10 μm/s). The mechanical data show a transition from velocity strengthening below ~80°C to velocity weakening slip at higher temperatures. We investigated both loose gouge fragments and thin sections, characterizing the microstructures at the mm- to nm-scales. All deformed samples split along a shear band fabric defined by mainly R1- and boundary shears. Viewed normal to the shear plane, these bands commonly showed shiny, elongate patches aligned, and striated, parallel to the shear direction. These patches were especially common in samples tested below 80°C, though shear band splitting was less well-developed above 80°C so that even if the shiny patches formed at higher temperature they were less frequently exposed. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) applied to shiny patches formed in samples sheared at room temperature showed the presence of elongate, streaked out sub-micron-sized particles oriented parallel to the shear direction. Transmitted light optical microscopy of thin sections cut normal to the shear plane and parallel to the shear direction, combined with Focused Ion Beam (FIB) - SEM on loose gouge fragments, showed that the shiny surfaces correspond with shear bands characterized by extreme grain size reduction and sintered sub-micron-particles. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) further revealed that the cores of the shear bands consist of nanocrystallites some 20 nm in size, with a Crystallographic Preferred Orientation (CPO). Our results demonstrate that mirror-like nanocrystalline slip zones can form in calcite gouge sheared at shallow crustal conditions at sub-seismic sliding velocities, in velocity strengthening as well as velocity weakening samples. This means that their presence cannot be used as a single diagnostic indicator for seismic slip in natural fault rocks. Our SEM and TEM observations suggest that, at room temperature, the frictional behavior of the shear bands is dominated by crystal plastic plus nanogranular flow mechanisms, rather than by brittle deformation processes - as inferred for frictional slip in some metals. We further suggest that it is the thermally activated nature of crystal plasticity that is responsible for the transition from velocity strengthening to velocity weakening slip that we observed at ~80°C. The inferred mechanism has important implications for understanding both the depth range of seismicity and the seismic cycle in tectonically-active carbonate terrains.

Role of coupled cataclasis-pressure solution deformation in microearthquake activity along the creeping segment of the SAF: Inferences from studies of the SAFOD core samples

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hadizadeh, J.; Gratier, J.; Renard, F.; Mittempregher, S.; di Toro, G.

2009-12-01

Rocks encountered in the SAFOD drill hole represent deformation in the southern-most extent of the creeping segment of the SAF north of the Parkfield. At the site and toward the northwest the SAF is characterized by aseismic creep as well as strain release through repeating microearthquakes M<3. The activity is shown to be mostly distributed as clusters aligned in the slip direction, and occurring at depths of between 3 to 5 kilometers. It has been suggested that the events are due to frequent moment release from high strength asperities constituting only about 1% or less of the total fault surface area within an otherwise weak fault gouge. We studied samples selected from the SAFOD phase 3 cores (3142m -3296m MD) using high resolution scanning electron microscopy, cathodoluminescence imaging, X-ray fluorescence mapping, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The observed microstructural deformation that is apparently relevant to the seismological data includes clear evidence of cyclic deformation events, cataclastic flow, and pressure solution creep with attendant vein sealing and fracture healing fabrics. Friction testing of drill cuttings and modeling by others suggest that the overall creep behavior in shale-siltstone gouge may be due to low bulk friction coefficient of 0.2-0.4 for the fault rock. Furthermore, the low resistivity zone extending to about 5km beneath the SAFOD-Middle Mountain area is believed to consist of a pod of fluid-filled fractured and porous rocks. Our microstructural data indicate that the foliated shale-siltstone cataclasites are, in a highly heterogeneous way, more porous and permeable than the host rock and therefore provide for structurally controlled enhanced fluid-rock interactions. This is consistent with the observed pressure solution deformation and the microstructural indications of transiently high fluid pressures. We hypothesize that while the friction laws defining stable sliding are prevalent in bulk deformation of the creeping segment, there exist the possibility of steady conditions for repetitive healing, dilation, and rupture of populations of stress-oriented patches due to operation of pressure solution creep along the fault zone. The limitation on the total area of the locked patches at any given time would be controlled primarily by the imposed tectonic and near field rates of slip and fluid flux within the local permeability structure. The available geophysical data for the creeping section of the SAF including hypocenter cluster distribution, moment release rate, seismic rupture area (∝ healed patch size), stress drop and return time characteristics point to a highly heterogeneous internal structure at the SAFOD site, and could be used to test the proposed coupled cataclasis-pressure solution microstructural model.

Retinal microvasculature and white matter microstructure: The Rotterdam Study.

PubMed

Mutlu, Unal; Cremers, Lotte G M; de Groot, Marius; Hofman, Albert; Niessen, Wiro J; van der Lugt, Aad; Klaver, Caroline C W; Ikram, M Arfan; Vernooij, Meike W; Ikram, M Kamran

2016-09-06

To investigate whether retinal microvascular damage is related to normal-appearing white matter microstructure on diffusion tensor MRI. We included 2,436 participants (age ≥45 years) from the population-based Rotterdam Study (2005-2009) who had gradable retinal images and brain MRI scans. Retinal arteriolar and venular calibers were measured semiautomatically on fundus photographs. White matter microstructure was assessed using diffusion tensor MRI. We used linear regression models to investigate the associations of retinal vascular calibers with markers of normal-appearing white matter microstructure, adjusting for age, sex, the fellow vascular caliber, and additionally for structural MRI markers and cardiovascular risk factors. Narrower arterioles and wider venules were associated with poor white matter microstructure: adjusted difference in fractional anisotropy per SD decrease in arteriolar caliber -0.061 (95% confidence interval -0.106 to -0.016), increase in venular caliber -0.054 (-0.096 to -0.011), adjusted difference in mean diffusivity per SD decrease in arteriolar caliber 0.048 (0.007-0.088), and increase in venular caliber 0.047 (0.008-0.085). The associations for venules were more prominent in women. Retinal vascular calibers are related to normal-appearing white matter microstructure. This suggests that microvascular damage in the white matter is more widespread than visually detectable as white matter lesions. © 2016 American Academy of Neurology.

Mechanism of the α -ɛ phase transformation in iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dewaele, A.; Denoual, C.; Anzellini, S.; Occelli, F.; Mezouar, M.; Cordier, P.; Merkel, S.; Véron, M.; Rausch, E.

2015-05-01

The α -Fe↔ɛ -Fe pressure-induced transformation under pure hydrostatic static compression has been characterized with in situ x-ray diffraction using α -Fe single crystals as starting samples. The forward transition starts at 14.9 GPa, and the reverse at 12 GPa, with a width of α -ɛ coexistence domain of the order of 2 GPa. The elastic stress in the sample increases in this domain, and partially relaxes after completion of the transformation. Orientation relations between parent α -Fe and child ɛ -Fe have been determined, which definitely validates the Burgers path for the direct transition. On the reverse transition, an unexpected variant selection is observed. X-ray diffraction data, complemented with ex situ microstructural observations, suggest that this selection is caused by defects and stresses accumulated during the direct transition.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Y. B.; Budai, J. D.; Tischler, J. Z.

How boundaries surrounding recrystallization grains migrate through the 3D network of dislocation boundaries in deformed crystalline materials is unknown and critical for the resulting recrystallized crystalline materials. Furthermore, by using X-ray Laue diffraction microscopy, we show for the first time the migration pattern of a typical recrystallization boundary through a well-characterized deformation matrix. The data provide a unique possibility to investigate effects of both boundary misorientation and plane normal on the migration, information which cannot be accessed with any other techniques. Our results show that neither of these two parameters can explain the observed migration behavior. Instead we suggest thatmore » the subdivision of the deformed microstructure ahead of the boundary plays the dominant role. Our experimental observations challenge the assumptions of existing recrystallization theories, and set the stage for determination of mobilities of recrystallization boundaries.« less

FAST TRACK COMMUNICATION: Poly(methyl methacrylate)-palladium clusters nanocomposite formation by supersonic cluster beam deposition: a method for microstructured metallization of polymer surfaces

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ravagnan, Luca; Divitini, Giorgio; Rebasti, Sara; Marelli, Mattia; Piseri, Paolo; Milani, Paolo

2009-04-01

Nanocomposite films were fabricated by supersonic cluster beam deposition (SCBD) of palladium clusters on poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) surfaces. The evolution of the electrical conductance with cluster coverage and microscopy analysis show that Pd clusters are implanted in the polymer and form a continuous layer extending for several tens of nanometres beneath the polymer surface. This allows the deposition, using stencil masks, of cluster-assembled Pd microstructures on PMMA showing a remarkably high adhesion compared with metallic films obtained by thermal evaporation. These results suggest that SCBD is a promising tool for the fabrication of metallic microstructures on flexible polymeric substrates.

Decreased white matter integrity in fronto-occipital fasciculus bundles: relation to visual information processing in alcohol-dependent subjects.

PubMed

Bagga, Deepika; Sharma, Aakansha; Kumari, Archana; Kaur, Prabhjot; Bhattacharya, Debajyoti; Garg, Mohan Lal; Khushu, Subash; Singh, Namita

2014-02-01

Chronic alcohol abuse is characterized by impaired cognitive abilities with a more severe deficit in visual than in verbal functions. Neuropathologically, it is associated with widespread brain structural compromise marked by gray matter shrinkage, ventricular enlargement, and white matter degradation. The present study sought to increase current understanding of the impairment of visual processing abilities in alcohol-dependent subjects, and its correlation with white matter microstructural alterations, using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). To that end, a DTI study was carried out on 35 alcohol-dependent subjects and 30 healthy male control subjects. Neuropsychological tests were assessed for visual processing skills and deficits were reported as raw dysfunction scores (rDyS). Reduced FA (fractional anisotropy) and increased MD (mean diffusivity) were observed bilaterally in inferior and superior fronto-occipital fasciculus (FOF) fiber bundles. A significant inverse correlation in rDyS and FA values was observed in these fiber tracts whereas a positive correlation of these scores was found with the MD values. Our results suggest that FOF fiber bundles linking the frontal lobe to occipital lobe might be related to visual processing skills. This is the first report of an alteration of the white matter microstructure of FOF fiber bundles that might have functional consequences for visual processing in alcohol-dependent subjects who exhibit no neurological complications. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Investigation of nucleation processes during dynamic recrystallization of ice using cryo-EBSD.

PubMed

Chauve, T; Montagnat, M; Barou, F; Hidas, K; Tommasi, A; Mainprice, D

2017-02-13

Nucleation mechanisms occurring during dynamic recrystallization play a crucial role in the evolution of microstructures and textures during high temperature deformation. In polycrystalline ice, the strong viscoplastic anisotropy induces high strain heterogeneities between grains which control the recrystallization mechanisms. Here, we study the nucleation mechanisms occurring during creep tests performed on polycrystalline columnar ice at high temperature and stress (T=-5°C;σ=0.5 MPa) by post-mortem analyses of deformation microstructures using cryogenic electron backscatter diffraction. The columnar geometry of the samples enables discrimination of the nuclei from the initial grains. Various nucleation mechanisms are deduced from the analysis of the nuclei relations with the dislocation sub-structures within grains and at grain boundaries. Tilt sub-grain boundaries and kink bands are the main structures responsible for development of polygonization and mosaic sub-structures. Nucleation by bulging at serrated grain boundaries is also an efficient nucleation mechanism near the grain boundaries where strain incompatibilities are high. Observation of nuclei with orientations not related to the 'parent' ones suggests the possibility of 'spontaneous' nucleation driven by the relaxation of the dislocation-related internal stress field. The complexity of the nucleation mechanisms observed here emphasizes the impact of stress and strain heterogeneities on dynamic recrystallization mechanisms.This article is part of the themed issue 'Microdynamics of ice'. © 2016 The Author(s).

Investigation of nucleation processes during dynamic recrystallization of ice using cryo-EBSD

PubMed Central

Barou, F.; Hidas, K.; Tommasi, A.; Mainprice, D.

2017-01-01

Nucleation mechanisms occurring during dynamic recrystallization play a crucial role in the evolution of microstructures and textures during high temperature deformation. In polycrystalline ice, the strong viscoplastic anisotropy induces high strain heterogeneities between grains which control the recrystallization mechanisms. Here, we study the nucleation mechanisms occurring during creep tests performed on polycrystalline columnar ice at high temperature and stress (T=−5°C;σ=0.5 MPa) by post-mortem analyses of deformation microstructures using cryogenic electron backscatter diffraction. The columnar geometry of the samples enables discrimination of the nuclei from the initial grains. Various nucleation mechanisms are deduced from the analysis of the nuclei relations with the dislocation sub-structures within grains and at grain boundaries. Tilt sub-grain boundaries and kink bands are the main structures responsible for development of polygonization and mosaic sub-structures. Nucleation by bulging at serrated grain boundaries is also an efficient nucleation mechanism near the grain boundaries where strain incompatibilities are high. Observation of nuclei with orientations not related to the ‘parent’ ones suggests the possibility of ‘spontaneous’ nucleation driven by the relaxation of the dislocation-related internal stress field. The complexity of the nucleation mechanisms observed here emphasizes the impact of stress and strain heterogeneities on dynamic recrystallization mechanisms. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Microdynamics of ice’. PMID:28025294

Characterization of basin concrete in support of structural integrity demonstration for extended storage

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Duncan, A.

Concrete core samples from C basin were characterized through material testing and analysis to verify the design inputs for structural analysis of the L Basin and to evaluate the type and extent of changes in the material condition of the concrete under extended service for fuel storage. To avoid the impact on operations, core samples were not collected from L area, but rather, several concrete core samples were taken from the C Basin prior to its closure. C basin was selected due to its similar environmental exposure and service history compared to L Basin. The microstructure and chemical composition ofmore » the concrete exposed to the water was profiled from the water surface into the wall to evaluate the impact and extent of exposure. No significant leaching of concrete components was observed. Ingress of carbonation or deleterious species was determined to be insignificant. No evidence of alkali-silica reactions (ASR) was observed. Ettringite was observed to form throughout the structure (in air voids or pores); however, the sulfur content was measured to be consistent with the initial concrete that was used to construct the facility. Similar ettringite trends were observed in the interior segments of the core samples. The compressive strength of the concrete at the mid-wall of the basin was measured, and similar microstructural analysis was conducted on these materials post compression testing. The microstructure was determined to be similar to near-surface segments of the core samples. The average strength was 4148 psi, which is well-above the design strength of 2500 psi. The analyses showed that phase alterations and minor cracking in a microstructure did not affect the design specification for the concrete.« less

Understanding to Hierarchical Microstructures of Crab (Chinese hairy) Shell as a Natural Architecture

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chuanqiang, Zhou; Xiangxiang, Gong; School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou

This work was done to better understand the microstructures, composition and mechanical properties of Chinese hairy crab shell. For fully revealing its hierarchical microstructure, the crab shell was observed with electron microscope under different magnifications from different facets. XRD, EDS, FTIR and TGA techniques have been used to characterize the untreated and chemically-treated crab shells, which provided enough information to determine the species and relative content of components in this biomaterial. Combined the microstructures with constituents analysis, the structural principles of crab shell was detailedly realized from different structural levels beyond former reports. To explore the relationship between structure andmore » function, the mechanical properties of shell have been measured through performing tensile tests. The contributions of organics and minerals in shell to the mechanical properties were also discussed by measuring the tensile strength of de-calcification samples treated with HCl solution.« less

Ultrasonic attenuation in pearlitic steel.

PubMed

Du, Hualong; Turner, Joseph A

2014-03-01

Expressions for the attenuation coefficients of longitudinal and transverse ultrasonic waves are developed for steel with pearlitic microstructure. This type of lamellar duplex microstructure influences attenuation because of the lamellar spacing. In addition, longitudinal attenuation measurements were conducted using an unfocused transducer with 10 MHz central frequency on the cross section of a quenched railroad wheel sample. The dependence of longitudinal attenuation on the pearlite microstructure is observed from the changes of longitudinal attenuation from the quenched tread surface to deeper locations. The results show that the attenuation value is lowest and relatively constant within the quench depth, then increases linearly. The experimental results demonstrate a reasonable agreement with results from the theoretical model. Ultrasonic attenuation provides an important non-destructive method to evaluate duplex microstructure within grains which can be implemented for quality control in conjunction with other manufacturing processes. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Numerical simulation of microstructural damage and tensile strength of snow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hagenmuller, Pascal; Theile, Thiemo C.; Schneebeli, Martin

2014-01-01

This contribution uses finite-element analysis to simulate microstructural failure processes and the tensile strength of snow. The 3-D structure of snow was imaged by microtomography. Modeling procedures used the elastic properties of ice with bond fracture assumptions as inputs. The microstructure experiences combined tensile and compressive stresses in response to macroscopic tensile stress. The simulated nonlocalized failure of ice lattice bonds before or after reaching peak stress creates a pseudo-plastic yield curve. This explains the occurrence of acoustic events observed in advance of global failure. The measured and simulated average tensile strengths differed by 35%, a typical range for strength measurements in snow given its low Weibull modulus. The simulation successfully explains damage, fracture nucleation, and strength according to the geometry of the microstructure of snow and the mechanical properties of ice. This novel method can be applied to more complex snow structures including the weak layers that cause avalanches.

Metallographic assessment of Al-12Si high-pressure die casting escalator steps.

PubMed

Vander Voort, George Frederic; Suárez-Peña, Beatriz; Asensio-Lozano, Juan

2014-10-01

A microstructural characterization study was performed on high-pressure die cast specimens extracted from escalator steps manufactured from an Al-12 wt.% Si alloy designed for structural applications. Black and white, color light optical imaging and scanning electron microscopy techniques were used to conduct the microstructural analysis. Most regions in the samples studied contained globular-rosette primary α-Al grains surrounded by an Al-Si eutectic aggregate, while primary dendritic α-Al grains were present in the surface layer. This dendritic microstructure was observed in the regions where the melt did not impinge directly on the die surface during cavity filling. Consequently, microstructures in the surface layer were nonuniform. Utilizing physical metallurgy principles, these results were analyzed in terms of the applied pressure and filling velocity during high-pressure die casting. The effects of these parameters on solidification at different locations of the casting are discussed.

Low-Cycle Fatigue Behavior of Die-Cast Mg Alloy AZ91

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rettberg, Luke; Anderson, Warwick; Jones, J. Wayne

An investigation has been conducted on the influence of microstructure and artificial aging response (T6) on the low-cycle fatigue behavior of super vacuum die-cast (SVDC) AZ91. Fatigue lifetimes were determined from total strain-controlled fatigue tests for strain amplitudes of 0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6%, under fully reversed loading at a frequency of 5 Hz. Cyclic stress-strain behavior was determined using incremental step test (IST) methods. Two locations in a prototype casting with different thicknesses and, therefore, solidification rates, microstructure and porosity, were examined. In general., at all total strain amplitudes fatigue life was unaffected by microstructure refinement and was attributed to significant levels of porosity. Cyclic softening and a subsequent increased cyclic hardening rate, compared to monotonic tests, were observed, independent of microstructure. These results, fractography and damage accumulation processes, determined from metallographic sectioning, are discussed.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Laser Welded Titanium 6Al-4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazumder, J.; Steen, W. M.

1982-05-01

Laser butt welds were fabricated in a titanium alloy (Ti-6A1-4V, AMS 4911-Tal0 BSS, annealed) using a Control Laser 2 kW CW CO2 laser. The relationships between the weld microstructure and mechanical properties are described and compared to the theoretical thermal history of the weld zone as calculated from a three-dimensional heat transfer model of the process. The structure of the weld zone was examined by radiography to detect any gross porosity as well as by both optical and electron microscopy in order to identify the microstructure. The oxygen pick-up during gas shielded laser welding was analyzed to correlate further with the observed mechanical properties. It was found that optimally fabricated laser welds have a very good combination of weld microstructure and mechanical properties, ranking this process as one which can produce high quality welds.

Electromagnetic nondestructive evaluation of tempering process in AISI D2 tool steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kahrobaee, Saeed; Kashefi, Mehrdad

2015-05-01

The present paper investigates the potential of using eddy current technique as a reliable nondestructive tool to detect microstructural changes during the different stages of tempering treatment in AISI D2 tool steel. Five stages occur in tempering of the steel: precipitation of ɛ carbides, formation of cementite, retained austenite decomposition, secondary hardening effect and spheroidization of carbides. These stages were characterized by destructive methods, including dilatometry, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopic observations, and hardness measurements. The microstructural changes alter the electrical resistivity/magnetic saturation, which, in turn, influence the eddy current signals. Two EC parameters, induced voltage sensed by pickup coil and impedance point detected by excitation coil, were evaluated as a function of tempering temperature to characterize the microstructural features, nondestructively. The study revealed that a good correlation exists between the EC parameters and the microstructural changes.

Effect of scandium on the microstructure and ageing behaviour of cast Al-6Mg alloy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kaiser, M.S.; Datta, S.; Roychowdhury, A.

2008-11-15

Microstructural modification and grain refinement due to addition of scandium in Al-6Mg alloy has been studied. Transmission electron microscopy is used to understand the microstructure and precipitation behaviour in Al-6Mg alloy doped with scandium. It is seen from the microstructure that the dendrites of the cast Al-6Mg alloy have been refined significantly due to addition of scandium. Increasing amount of scandium leads to a greater dendrite refinement. The age hardening effect in scandium added Al-6Mg alloys has been studied by subjecting the alloys containing varying amount of scandium ranging from 0.2 wt.% to 0.6 wt.% to isochronal and isothermal ageingmore » at various temperatures for different times. It is observed that significant hardening takes place in the aged alloys due to the precipitation of scandium aluminides.« less

Microstructure and Solidification Crack Susceptibility of Al 6014 Molten Alloy Subjected to a Spatially Oscillated Laser Beam.

PubMed

Kang, Minjung; Han, Heung Nam; Kim, Cheolhee

2018-04-23

Oscillating laser beam welding for Al 6014 alloy was performed using a single mode fiber laser and two-axis scanner system. Its effect on the microstructural evolution of the fusion zone was investigated. To evaluate the influence of oscillation parameters, self-restraint test specimens were fabricated with different beam patterns, widths, and frequencies. The behavior of hot cracking propagation was analyzed by high-speed camera and electron backscatter diffraction. The behavior of crack propagation was observed to be highly correlated with the microstructural evolution of the fusion zone. For most oscillation conditions, the microstructure resembled that of linear welds. A columnar structure was formed near the fusion line and an equiaxed structure was generated at its center. The wide equiaxed zone of oscillation welding increased solidification crack susceptibility. For an oscillation with an infinite-shaped scanning pattern at 100 Hz and 3.5 m/min welding speed, the bead width, solidification microstructure, and the width of the equiaxed zone at the center of fusion fluctuated. Furthermore, the equiaxed and columnar regions alternated periodically, which could reduce solidification cracking susceptibility.

Kinetics of Sub-Micron Grain Size Refinement in 9310 Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kozmel, Thomas; Chen, Edward Y.; Chen, Charlie C.; Tin, Sammy

2014-05-01

Recent efforts have focused on the development of novel manufacturing processes capable of producing microstructures dominated by sub-micron grains. For structural applications, grain refinement has been shown to enhance mechanical properties such as strength, fatigue resistance, and fracture toughness. Through control of the thermo-mechanical processing parameters, dynamic recrystallization mechanisms were used to produce microstructures consisting of sub-micron grains in 9310 steel. Starting with initial bainitic grain sizes of 40 to 50 μm, various levels of grain refinement were observed following hot deformation of 9310 steel samples at temperatures and strain rates ranging from 755 K to 922 K (482 °C and 649 °C) and 1 to 0.001/s, respectively. The resulting deformation microstructures were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction techniques to quantify the extent of carbide coarsening and grain refinement occurring during deformation. Microstructural models based on the Zener-Holloman parameter were developed and modified to include the effect of the ferrite/carbide interactions within the system. These models were shown to effectively correlate microstructural attributes to the thermal mechanical processing parameters.

A Novel Approach for Controlling the Band Formation in Medium Mn Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farahani, H.; Xu, W.; van der Zwaag, S.

2018-06-01

Formation of the microstructural ferrite/pearlite bands in medium Mn steels is an undesirable phenomenon commonly addressed through fast cooling treatments. In this study, a novel approach using the cyclic partial phase transformation concept is applied successfully to prevent microstructural band formation in a micro-chemically banded Fe-C-Mn-Si steel. The effectiveness of the new approach is assessed using the ASTM E1268-01 standard. The cyclic intercritical treatments lead to formation of isotropic microstructures even for cooling rates far below the critical one determined in conventional continuous cooling. In contrast, isothermal intercritical experiments have no effect on the critical cooling rate to suppress microstructural band formation. The origin of the suppression of band formation either by means of fast cooling or a cyclic partial phase transformation is investigated in detail. Theoretical modeling and microstructural observations confirm that band formation is suppressed only if the intercritical annealing treatment leads to partial reversion of the austenite-ferrite interfaces. The resulting interfacial Mn enrichment is responsible for suppression of the band formation upon final cooling at low cooling rates.

Modeling of the flow behavior of SAE 8620H combing microstructure evolution in hot forming

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Xiaobin; Wang, Baoyu; Tang, Xuefeng

2017-10-01

With the development of net-shape forming technology, hot forming process is widely applied to manufacturing gear parts, during which, materials suffer severe plastic distortion and microstructure changes continually. In this paper, to understand and model the flow behavior and microstructure evolution, SAE 8620H, a widely used gear steel, is selected as the object and the flow behavior and microstructure evolution are observed by an isothermal hot compression tests at 1273-1373 K with a strain rate of 0.1-10 s-1. Depending on the results of the compression test, a set of internal-state-variable based unified constitutive equations is put forward to describe the flow behavior and microstructure evaluation of SAE 8620H. Moreover, the evaluation of the dislocation density and the fraction of dynamic recrystallization based on the theory of thermal activation is modeled and reincorporated into the constitutive law. The material parameters in the constitutive model are calculated based on the measured flow stress and dynamic recrystallization fraction. The predicted flow stress under different deformation conditions has a good agreement with the measured results.

Microstructure and Solidification Crack Susceptibility of Al 6014 Molten Alloy Subjected to a Spatially Oscillated Laser Beam

PubMed Central

Kang, Minjung; Han, Heung Nam

2018-01-01

Oscillating laser beam welding for Al 6014 alloy was performed using a single mode fiber laser and two-axis scanner system. Its effect on the microstructural evolution of the fusion zone was investigated. To evaluate the influence of oscillation parameters, self-restraint test specimens were fabricated with different beam patterns, widths, and frequencies. The behavior of hot cracking propagation was analyzed by high-speed camera and electron backscatter diffraction. The behavior of crack propagation was observed to be highly correlated with the microstructural evolution of the fusion zone. For most oscillation conditions, the microstructure resembled that of linear welds. A columnar structure was formed near the fusion line and an equiaxed structure was generated at its center. The wide equiaxed zone of oscillation welding increased solidification crack susceptibility. For an oscillation with an infinite-shaped scanning pattern at 100 Hz and 3.5 m/min welding speed, the bead width, solidification microstructure, and the width of the equiaxed zone at the center of fusion fluctuated. Furthermore, the equiaxed and columnar regions alternated periodically, which could reduce solidification cracking susceptibility. PMID:29690630

Assessment of the microstructure evolution of an austempered ductile iron during austempering process through strain hardening analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Donnini, Riccardo; Fabrizi, Alberto; Bonollo, Franco; Zanardi, Franco; Angella, Giuliano

2017-09-01

The aim of this investigation was to determine a procedure based on tensile testing to assess the critical range of austempering times for having the best ausferrite produced through austempering. The austempered ductile iron (ADI) 1050 was quenched at different times during austempering and the quenched samples were tested in tension. The dislocation-density-related constitutive equation proposed by Estrin for materials having high density of geometrical obstacles to dislocation motion, was used to model the flow curves of the tensile tested samples. On the basis of strain hardening theory, the equation parameters were related to the microstructure of the quenched samples and were used to assess the ADI microstructure evolution during austempering. The microstructure evolution was also analysed through conventional optical microscopy, electron back-scattered diffraction technique and transmission electron microscopy. The microstructure observations resulted to be consistent with the assessment based on tensile testing, so the dislocation-density-related constitutive equation was found to be a powerful tool to characterise the evolution of the solid state transformations of austempering.

Characterization of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Mg-8Li-3Al-1Y Alloy Subjected to Different Rolling Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Xiao; Liu, Qiang; Liu, Ruirui; Zhou, Haitao

2018-06-01

The mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of Mg-8Li-3Al-1Y alloy undergoing different rolling processes were systematically investigated. X-ray diffraction, optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy as well as electron backscattered diffraction were used for tracking the microstructure evolution. Tensile testing was employed to characterize the mechanical properties. After hot rolling, the MgLi2Al precipitated in β-Li matrix due to the transformation reaction: β-Li → β-Li + MgLi2Al + α-Mg. As for the alloy subjected to annealed hot rolling, β-Li phase was clearly recrystallized while recrystallization rarely occurred in α-Mg phase. With regard to the microstructure undergoing cold rolling, plenty of dislocations and dislocation walls were easily observed. In addition, the microstructure of alloys subjected to annealed cold rolling revealed the formation of new fresh α-Mg grains in β-Li phase due to the precipitation reaction. The mechanical properties and fracture modes of Mg-8Li-3Al-1Y alloys can be effectively tuned by different rolling processes.

Microstructural evolution in the HAZ of Inconel 718 and correlation with the hot ductility test

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, R. G.; Genculu, S.

1983-01-01

The nickel-base alloy 718 was evaluated to study the role of preweld heat treatment in reducing or eliminating heat-affected zone hot cracking. Three heat treatments were studied using the Gleeble hot ductility test. A modified hot ductility test was also used to follow the evolution of microstructure during simulated welding thermal cycles. The microstructural evolution was correlated with the hot ductility data in order to evaluate the mechanism of hot cracking in alloy 718. The correlation of hot ductility with microstructure showed that recrystallization, grain growth, and dissolution of precipitates did not in themselves cause any loss of ductility during cooling. Ductility loss during cooling was not initiated until the constitutional liquation of NbC particles was observed in the microstructure. Laves-type phases were found precipitated in the solidified grain boundaries but were not found to correlate with any ductility loss parameter. Mechanisms are reviewed which help to explain how heat treatment controls the hot crack susceptibility of alloy 718 as measured in the hot ductility test.

Primary combination of phase-field and discrete dislocation dynamics methods for investigating athermal plastic deformation in various realistic Ni-base single crystal superalloy microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Siwen; Rajendran, Mohan Kumar; Fivel, Marc; Ma, Anxin; Shchyglo, Oleg; Hartmaier, Alexander; Steinbach, Ingo

2015-10-01

Three-dimensional discrete dislocation dynamics (DDD) simulations in combination with the phase-field method are performed to investigate the influence of different realistic Ni-base single crystal superalloy microstructures with the same volume fraction of {γ\\prime} precipitates on plastic deformation at room temperature. The phase-field method is used to generate realistic microstructures as the boundary conditions for DDD simulations in which a constant high uniaxial tensile load is applied along different crystallographic directions. In addition, the lattice mismatch between the γ and {γ\\prime} phases is taken into account as a source of internal stresses. Due to the high antiphase boundary energy and the rare formation of superdislocations, precipitate cutting is not observed in the present simulations. Therefore, the plastic deformation is mainly caused by dislocation motion in γ matrix channels. From a comparison of the macroscopic mechanical response and the dislocation evolution for different microstructures in each loading direction, we found that, for a given {γ\\prime} phase volume fraction, the optimal microstructure should possess narrow and homogeneous γ matrix channels.

Multi-scale damage modelling in a ceramic matrix composite using a finite-element microstructure meshfree methodology

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

The problem of multi-scale modelling of damage development in a SiC ceramic fibre-reinforced SiC matrix ceramic composite tube is addressed, with the objective of demonstrating the ability of the finite-element microstructure meshfree (FEMME) model to introduce important aspects of the microstructure into a larger scale model of the component. These are particularly the location, orientation and geometry of significant porosity and the load-carrying capability and quasi-brittle failure behaviour of the fibre tows. The FEMME model uses finite-element and cellular automata layers, connected by a meshfree layer, to efficiently couple the damage in the microstructure with the strain field at the component level. Comparison is made with experimental observations of damage development in an axially loaded composite tube, studied by X-ray computed tomography and digital volume correlation. Recommendations are made for further development of the model to achieve greater fidelity to the microstructure. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Multiscale modelling of the structural integrity of composite materials’. PMID:27242308

A Novel Approach for Controlling the Band Formation in Medium Mn Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farahani, H.; Xu, W.; van der Zwaag, S.

2018-03-01

Formation of the microstructural ferrite/pearlite bands in medium Mn steels is an undesirable phenomenon commonly addressed through fast cooling treatments. In this study, a novel approach using the cyclic partial phase transformation concept is applied successfully to prevent microstructural band formation in a micro-chemically banded Fe-C-Mn-Si steel. The effectiveness of the new approach is assessed using the ASTM E1268-01 standard. The cyclic intercritical treatments lead to formation of isotropic microstructures even for cooling rates far below the critical one determined in conventional continuous cooling. In contrast, isothermal intercritical experiments have no effect on the critical cooling rate to suppress microstructural band formation. The origin of the suppression of band formation either by means of fast cooling or a cyclic partial phase transformation is investigated in detail. Theoretical modeling and microstructural observations confirm that band formation is suppressed only if the intercritical annealing treatment leads to partial reversion of the austenite-ferrite interfaces. The resulting interfacial Mn enrichment is responsible for suppression of the band formation upon final cooling at low cooling rates.

3D microstructural evolution of primary recrystallization and grain growth in cold rolled single-phase aluminum alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adam, Khaled; Zöllner, Dana; Field, David P.

2018-04-01

Modeling the microstructural evolution during recrystallization is a powerful tool for the profound understanding of alloy behavior and for use in optimizing engineering properties through annealing. In particular, the mechanical properties of metallic alloys are highly dependent upon evolved microstructure and texture from the softening process. In the present work, a Monte Carlo (MC) Potts model was used to model the primary recrystallization and grain growth in cold rolled single-phase Al alloy. The microstructural representation of two kinds of dislocation densities, statistically stored dislocations and geometrically necessary dislocations were quantified based on the ViscoPlastic Fast Fourier transform method. This representation was then introduced into the MC Potts model to identify the favorable sites for nucleation where orientation gradients and entanglements of dislocations are high. Additionally, in situ observations of non-isothermal microstructure evolution for single-phase aluminum alloy 1100 were made to validate the simulation. The influence of the texture inhomogeneity is analyzed from a theoretical point of view using an orientation distribution function for deformed and evolved texture.

Effects of Microstructure on CVN Impact Toughness in Thermomechanically Processed High Strength Microalloyed Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Tao; Zhou, Yanlei; Jia, Xiaoxiao; Wang, Zhaodong

2017-02-01

Investigation on the correlation between microstructure and CVN impact toughness is of practical importance for the microstructure design of high strength microalloyed steels. In this work, three steels with characteristic microstructures were produced by cooling path control, i.e., steel A with granular bainite (GB), steel B with polygonal ferrite (PF) and martensite-austenite (M-A) constituent, and steel C with the mixture of bainitic ferrite (BF), acicular ferrite (AF), and M-A constituent. Under the same alloy composition and controlled rolling, similar ductile-to-brittle transition temperatures were obtained for the three steels. Steel A achieved the highest upper shelf energy (USE), while large variation of impact absorbed energy has been observed in the ductile-to-brittle transition region. With apparently large-sized PF and M-A constituent, steel B shows the lowest USE and delamination phenomenon in the ductile-to-brittle transition region. Steel C exhibits an extended upper shelf region, intermediate USE, and the fastest decrease of impact absorbed energy in the ductile-to-brittle transition region. The detailed CVN impact behavior is studied and then linked to the microstructural features.

On the role of magnetic field intensity for better micro-structural characterization during Barkhausen Noise analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yusufzai, Mohd Zaheer Khan; Vashista, M.

2018-04-01

Barkhausen Noise analysis is a popular and preferred technique for micro-structural characterization. The root mean square value and peak value of Barkhausen Noise burst are important parameters to assess the micro-hardness and residual stress. Barkhausen Noise burst can be enveloped using a curve known as Barkhausen Noise profile. Peak position of profile changes with change in micro-structure. In the present work, raw signal of Barkhausen Noise burst was obtained from Ni based sample at various magnetic field intensity to observe the effect of variation in field intensity on Barkhausen Noise burst. Raw signal was opened using MATLAB to further process for microstructure analysis. Barkhausen Noise analysis parameters such as magnetizing frequency, number of burst, high pass and low pass filter frequency were kept constant and magnetizing field was varied in wide range between 200 Oe to 1200 Oe. The processed profiles of Barkhausen Noise burst obtained at various magnetizing field intensity clearly reveals requirement of optimum magnetic field strength for better characterization of micro-structure.

A Specially Constructed Metallograph for Use at Elevated Temperatures

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenkins, Joe E; Buchele, Donald R; Long, Roger A

1951-01-01

A Metallographic microscope was developed with provision for heating a specimen to 1800 F in protective atmospheres, that is, vacuum or gas. A special objective was constructed of reflecting elements with an unusually long working distance (7/16 in.) and a high numerical aperture (0.5). Changes in specimen microstructure were observed and recorded on 35-millimeter motion-picture film. The resulting pictures were projected as motion pictures and individual frames were cut and enlargements made for close observation. Structural changes upon heating a 0.35-percent annealed carbon steel and a 5-percent tin phosphor bronze specimen were observed and recorded. Newly formed microstructure were revealed by selective vacuum etching and specimen relief resulting from recrystallization and varying grain orientation.

A microstructural model of motion of macro-twin interfaces in Ni-Mn-Ga 10 M martensite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Seiner, Hanuš; Straka, Ladislav; Heczko, Oleg

2014-03-01

We present a continuum-based model of microstructures forming at the macro-twin interfaces in thermoelastic martensites and apply this model to highly mobile interfaces in 10 M modulated Ni-Mn-Ga martensite. The model is applied at three distinct spatial scales observed in the experiment: meso-scale (modulation twinning), micro-scale (compound a-b lamination), and nano-scale (nanotwining in the concept of adaptive martensite). We show that two mobile interfaces (Type I and Type II macro-twins) have different micromorphologies at all considered spatial scales, which can directly explain their different twinning stress observed in experiments. The results of the model are discussed with respect to various experimental observations at all three considered spatial scales.

Metallographic Characterization of Wrought Depleted Uranium

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Forsyth, Robert Thomas; Hill, Mary Ann

Metallographic characterization was performed on wrought depleted uranium (DU) samples taken from the longitudinal and transverse orientations from specific locations on two specimens. Characterization of the samples included general microstructure, inclusion analysis, grain size analysis, and microhardness testing. Comparisons of the characterization results were made to determine any differences based on specimen, sample orientation, or sample location. In addition, the characterization results for the wrought DU samples were also compared with data obtained from the metallographic characterization of cast DU samples previously characterized. No differences were observed in microstructure, inclusion size, morphology, and distribution, or grain size in regard tomore » specimen, location, or orientation for the wrought depleted uranium samples. However, a small difference was observed in average hardness with regard to orientation at the same locations within the same specimen. The longitudinal samples were slightly harder than the transverse samples from the same location of the same specimen. This was true for both wrought DU specimens. Comparing the wrought DU sample data with the previously characterized cast DU sample data, distinct differences in microstructure, inclusion size, morphology and distribution, grain size, and microhardness were observed. As expected, the microstructure of the wrought DU samples consisted of small recrystallized grains which were uniform, randomly oriented, and equiaxed with minimal twinning observed in only a few grains. In contrast, the cast DU microstructure consisted of large irregularly shaped grains with extensive twinning observed in most grains. Inclusions in the wrought DU samples were elongated, broken and cracked and light and dark phases were observed in some inclusions. The mean inclusion area percentage for the wrought DU samples ranged from 0.08% to 0.34% and the average density from all wrought DU samples was 1.62E+04/cm 2. Inclusions in the cast DU samples were equiaxed and intact with light and dark phases observed in some inclusions. The mean inclusion area percentage for the cast DU samples ranged from 0.93% to 1.00% and the average density from all wrought DU samples was 2.83E+04/cm 2. The average mean grain area from all wrought DU samples was 141 μm 2 while the average mean grain area from all cast DU samples was 1.7 mm2. The average Knoop microhardness from all wrought DU samples was 215 HK and the average Knoop microhardness from all cast DU samples was 264 HK.« less

An investigation of the effects of interfacial microstructure on the fatigue behavior of a four-ply [75]{sub 4} continuous silicon carbide (SCS-6) fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composite

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jin, O.; Li, Y.; Rabeeh, B.M.

1997-12-01

The effects of interfacial microstructure/thickness on the strength and fatigue behavior of a model four-ply [75]{sub 4} Ti-15V-3Al-3Cr-3Sn/SiC (SCS-6) composite are examined in this article. Interfacial microstructure was controlled by annealing at 815 C for 10, 50, or 100 hours. The reaction layer and coating thickness were observed to increase with increasing annealing duration. Damage initiation/propagation mechanisms were examined in as-received material and composites annealed at 815 C for 10 and 100 hours. Fatigue behavior was observed to be dependent upon the stress amplitude. At high stress amplitudes, the failure was dominated by overload phenomena. However, at all stress levels,more » fatigue crack initiation occurred by early debonding and matrix deformation by stress-induced precipitation. This was followed by matrix crack growth and fiber fracture prior to the onset of catastrophic failure. Matrix shear failure modes were also observed on the fracture surfaces in addition to fatigue striations in the matrix. Correlations were also established between the observed damage modes and acoustic emission signals that were detected under monotonic and cyclic loading conditions.« less

Effects of addition of hydrocolloids on the textural and structural properties of high-protein intermediate moisture food model systems containing sodium caseinate.

PubMed

Li, J; Wu, Y; Ma, Y; Lu, N; Regenstein, J M; Zhou, P

2017-08-01

High-protein intermediate moisture food (HPIMF) containing sodium caseinate (NaCN) often gave a harder texture compared with that made from whey proteins or soy proteins, due to the aggregation of protein particles. The objectives of this study were to explore whether the addition of hydrocolloids could soften the texture and illustrate the possible mechanism. Three kinds of hydrocolloids, xanthan gum, κ-carrageenan, and gum arabic were chosen, and samples including of these three kinds of hydrocolloids were studied through texture analysis using a TPA test and microstructure observation by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The texture analysis results showed that xanthan gum was more effective at softening the HPIMF containing NaCN compared to κ-carrageenan and gum arabic. In addition, with the increase of xanthan gum concentration from 0.2 to 2%, the HPIMF matrix became softer, and fractures were observed during the compression for samples with xanthan gum added at low concentrations but not 2%. Microstructure observation suggested that the matrix originally dominated by the network formed through the aggregation of swollen protein particles was inhibited by the addition of xanthan gum, resulting in the softening of the texture and also contributing to the fracture during compression. With the increase of xanthan gum concentration up to 2%, the protein dominating network would be gradually replaced with a matrix dominated by the newly formed network of xanthan gum with protein particles as fillers. Furthermore, this formation of a xanthan gum dominating network structure also resulted in changes in small molecule distribution, as observed using low-field NMR.

Neutron irradiation effects in Fe and Fe-Cr at 300 °C

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Chen, Wei-Ying; Miao, Yinbin; Gan, Jian

2016-06-01

Fe and Fe-Cr (Cr = 10–16 at.%) specimens were neutron-irradiated at 300 °C to 0.01, 0.1 and 1 dpa. The TEM observations indicated that the Cr significantly reduced the mobility of dislocation loops and suppressed vacancy clustering, leading to distinct damage microstructures between Fe and Fe-Cr. Irradiation-induced dislocation loops in Fe were heterogeneously observed in the vicinity of grown-in dislocations, whereas the loop distribution observed in Fe-Cr is much more uniform. Voids were observed in the irradiated Fe samples, but not in irradiated Fe-Cr samples. Increasing Cr content in Fe-Cr results in a higher density, and a smaller size ofmore » irradiation-induced dislocation loops. Orowan mechanism was used to correlate the observed microstructure and hardening, which showed that the hardening in Fe-Cr can be attributed to the formation of dislocation loops and α' precipitates.« less

Internal strain analysis of ceramics using scanning laser acoustic microscopy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kent, Renee M.

1993-01-01

Quantitative studies of material behavior characteristics are essential for predicting the functionality of a material under its operating conditions. A nonintrusive methodology for measuring the in situ strain of small dimeter (to 11 microns) ceramic fibers under uniaxial tensile loading and the local internal strains of ceramics and ceramic composites under flexural loading is introduced. The strain measurements and experimentally observed mechanical behavior are analyzed in terms of the microstructural development and fracture behavior of each test specimen evaluated. Measurement and analysis of Nicalon silicon carbide (SiC) fiber (15 microns diameter) indicate that the mean elastic modulus of the individual fiber is 185.3 GPa. Deviations observed in the experimentally determined elastic modulus values between specimens were attributed to microstructural variations which occur during processing. Corresponding variations in the fracture surface morphology were also observed. The observed local mechanical behavior of a lithium alumino-silicate (LAS) glass ceramic, a LAS/SiC monofilament composite, and a calcium alumino-silicate (CAS)/SiC fully reinforced composite exhibits nonlinearities and apparent hysteresis due to the subcritical mechanical loading. Local hysteresis in the LAS matrices coincided with the occurrence of multiple fracture initiation sites, localized microcracking, and secondary cracking. The observed microcracking phenomenon was attributed to stress relaxation of residual stresses developed during processing, and local interaction of the crack front with the microstructure. The relaxation strain and stress predicted on apparent mechanical hysteresis effects were defined and correlated with the magnitude of the measured fracture stress for each specimen studied. This quantitative correlation indicated a repeatable measure of the stress at which matrix microcracking occurred for stress relief of each material system. Stress relaxation occurred prior to the onset of steady state cracking conditions. The relaxation stress occurred at 18.5 percent of the fracture stress in LAS and 11.0 percent of the yield stress in CAS/SiC. The relaxation stress ratio was dependent upon the dominant fracture mode of the LAS/SiC specimens. Relaxation stress ratios greater than 0.30 were observed for specimens which fractured due to shear at the fiber matrix interface; specimens which fracture due to tensile cracking had relaxation stress ratios less than 0.30. The stress relaxation ratio appeared to be a specific characteristic of the glass ceramic material. The measured stress relaxation for LAS indicated a measure of the inherent residual stresses in the material due to processing and suggested localized toughening mechanisms for brittle material structures.

Coordinated U-Pb geochronology, trace element, Ti-in-zircon thermometry and microstructural analysis of Apollo zircons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Crow, Carolyn A.; McKeegan, Kevin D.; Moser, Desmond E.

2017-04-01

We present the results of a coordinated SIMS U-Pb, trace element, Ti-in-zircon thermometry, and microstructural study of 155 lunar zircons separated from Apollo 14, 15, and 17 breccia and soil samples that help resolve discrepancies between the zircon data, the lunar whole rock history and lunar magma ocean crystallization models. The majority of lunar grains are detrital fragments, some nearly 1 mm in length, of large parent crystals suggesting that they crystallized in highly enriched KREEP magmas. The zircon age distributions for all three landing sites exhibit an abundance of ages at ∼4.33 Ga, however they differ in that only Apollo 14 samples have a population of zircons with ages between 4.1 and 3.9 Ga. These younger grains comprise only 10% of all dated lunar zircons and are usually small and highly shocked making them more susceptible to Pb-loss. These observations suggest that the majority of zircons crystallized before 4.1 Ga and that KREEP magmatism had predominantly ceased by this time. We also observed that trace element analyses are easily affected by contributions from inclusions (typically injected impact melt) within SIMS analyses spots. After filtering for these effects, rare-earth element (REE) abundances of pristine zircon are consistent with one pattern characterized by a negative Eu anomaly and no positive Ce anomaly, implying that the zircons formed in a reducing environment. This inference is consistent with crystallization temperatures based on measured Ti concentrations and new estimates of oxide activities which imply temperatures ranging between 958 ± 57 and 1321 ± 100 °C, suggesting that zircon parent magmas were anhydrous. Together, the lunar zircon ages and trace elements are consistent with a ⩽300 My duration of KREEP magmatism under anhydrous, reducing conditions. We also report two granular texture zircons that contain baddeleyite cores, which both yield 207Pb-206Pb ages of 4.33 Ga. These grains are our best constraints on impact ages within our sample population, and suggest at least one large impact is contemporaneous with the most common time of magmatic zircon formation on the Moon's crust visited by the Apollo missions.

Predicting the morphologies of γ' precipitates in cobalt-based superalloys

DOE PAGES

Jokisaari, Andrea M.; Naghavi, S. S.; Wolverton, C.; ...

2017-09-06

Cobalt-based alloys with γ/γ' microstructures have the potential to become the next generation of superalloys, but alloy compositions and processing steps must be optimized to improve coarsening, creep, and rafting behavior. While these behaviors are different than in nickel-based superalloys, alloy development can be accelerated by understanding the thermodynamic factors influencing microstructure evolution. In this work, we develop a phase field model informed by first-principles density functional theory and experimental data to predict the equilibrium shapes of Co-Al-W γ' precipitates. Three-dimensional simulations of single and multiple precipitates are performed to understand the effect of elastic and interfacial energy on coarsenedmore » and rafted microstructures; the elastic energy is dependent on the elastic stiffnesses, misfit strain, precipitate size, applied stress, and precipitate spatial distribution. We observe characteristic microstructures dependent on the type of applied stress that have the same γ' morphology and orientation seen in experiments, indicating that the elastic stresses arising from coherent γ/γ' interfaces are important for morphological evolution during creep. Here, the results also indicate that the narrow γ channels between γ' precipitates are energetically favored, and provide an explanation for the experimentally observed directional coarsening that occurs without any applied stress.« less

Effect of Zn addition on bulk microstructure of lead-free solder SN100C

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nur Nadirah M., K.; Nurulakmal M., S.

2017-12-01

This paper reports the effect of adding Zn (0.5 wt% Zn, 1.0 wt% Zn) to the bulk microstructure and intermetallic compound (IMC) formation of commercial SN100C (Sn-0.7Cu-0.05Ni+Ge) lead-free solder alloy. Solder alloys were prepared by melting SN100C ingot and Zn shots, and subsequently casted into steel mold. Samples were ground and polished for XRF, and polished samples were then etched for microstructure analysis. Microstructure of bulk solder and the IMC were observed using SEM equipped with EDX. SEM result showed the addition of 0.5 wt% Zn resulted in increased grain size of β-Sn matrix but further addition of Zn (1 wt%) reduced the size of β-Sn dendrites in the bulk solder. Several intermetallic compounds (IMCs) were observed distributed in the Sn matrix; Cu-Zn, Ni-Zn and Cu-Zn-Ni IMC but in relatively small percentage compared to Cu-Zn and Ni-Zn. These particles could be considered as effective nucleating agent that led to finer β-Sn grains. It is expected that the finer β-Sn will contribute towards higher solder strength and the various IMCs present could act as suppressant for Sn diffusion which will then tend to reduce the IMC growth during thermal aging.

Microstructure and hot compression deformation of the as-cast Mg-5.0Sn-1.5Y-0.1Zr alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Xiaoping; Kang, Li; Li, Qiushu; Chai, Yuesheng

2015-08-01

The hot compression deformation behavior and microstructure of as-cast Mg-5.0Sn-1.5Y-0.1Zr alloy were investigated by performing isothermal hot compression tests. The tests were conducted using a thermal mechanical simulator at 250-450 °C and strain rates ranging from 0.002 to 2 s-1, with a maximum deformation strain of 50 %. The effects of the deformation parameters on the microstructure evolution of the Mg-5.0Sn-1.5Y-0.1Zr alloy were discussed. The study revealed the flow behavior and the deformation mechanism of the Mg-5.0Sn-1.5Y-0.1Zr alloy. The dependence of flow stress on temperature and strain rate was described by a hyperbolic sine constitutive equation. Through regression analysis, the activation energy of 223.26 kJ mol-1 for plastic deformation was determined by considering flow stress at a strain rate of 0.2. Microstructure observation showed that dynamic recrystallization occurred extensively along grain boundaries at temperatures higher than 300 °C and strain rates lower than 0.02 s-1. This observation provides a theoretical basis for the manufacture and application of the Mg-5.0Sn-1.5Y-0.1Zr alloy.

Microstructured Polymer Blend Surfaces Produced by Spraying Functional Copolymers and Their Blends

PubMed Central

Vargas-Alfredo, Nelson; Rodríguez Hernández, Juan

2016-01-01

We described the fabrication of functional and microstructured surfaces from polymer blends by spray deposition. This simple technique offers the possibility to simultaneously finely tune the microstructure as well as the surface chemical composition. Whereas at lower polymer concentration, randomly distributed surface micropatterns were observed, an increase of the concentration leads to significant changes on these structures. On the one hand, using pure homopolystyrene fiber-like structures were observed when the polymer concentration exceeded 30 mg/mL. Interestingly, the incorporation of 2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorostyrene changed the morphology, and, instead of fibers, micrometer size particles were identified at the surface. These fluorinated microparticles provide superhydrophobic properties leading to surfaces with contact angles above 165°. Equally, in addition to the microstructures provided by the spray deposition, the use of thermoresponsive polymers to fabricate interfaces with responsive properties is also described. Contact angle measurements revealed variations on the surface wettability upon heating when blends of polystyrene and polystyrene-b-poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) are employed. Finally, the use of spraying techniques to fabricate gradient surfaces is proposed. Maintaining a constant orientation, the surface topography and thus the contact angle varies gradually from the center to the edge of the film depending on the spray angle. PMID:28773555

Microstructure and Microhardness of 17-4PH Deposited with Co-based Alloy Hardfacing Coating

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Deng, D. W.; Zhang, C. P.; Chen, R.; Xia, H. F.

Hardfacing is widely used to improve the performance of components exposed to severe service conditions. In this paper, the surface modification was evaluated for precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel 17-4PH deposited with Co-based alloy stellite12 by the plasma-transferred arc welding (PTAW). The microstructure and microhardness of coating and heat affected zone(HAZ) of base metal were characterized by optical microscope (OM), scanning electron scanning microscope (SEM), X-ray diffractometer and hardness tester. The results show that the interface between weld metal and base metal is favorable without pore and crack, at the same time elements diffusion is observed in the fusion area. However, as the distance from the interface increases, HAZ comprises three different microstructural zones, namely, zones of coarse overheated structures, quenching martensite and martensite, ferrite. The microhardness decreases gradually from the HAZ near interface to the base metal, except the zone of coarse overheated structures. The microhardness of the coating improves a lot and fluctuates in a definitive range, and microstructural gradient is observed including the fusion area (the planar region and the bulky dendrite in a direction perpendicular to the weld interface), the transition zone (the dendrite in a multi-direction way) and the fine grain zone near the surface in the coating (fine equiaxial structure).

Three dimensional microstructural network of elastin, collagen, and cells in Achilles tendons.

PubMed

Pang, Xin; Wu, Jian-Ping; Allison, Garry T; Xu, Jiake; Rubenson, Jonas; Zheng, Ming-Hao; Lloyd, David G; Gardiner, Bruce; Wang, Allan; Kirk, Thomas Brett

2017-06-01

Similar to most biological tissues, the biomechanical, and functional characteristics of the Achilles tendon are closely related to its composition and microstructure. It is commonly reported that type I collagen is the predominant component of tendons and is mainly responsible for the tissue's function. Although elastin has been found in varying proportions in other connective tissues, previous studies report that tendons contain very small quantities of elastin. However, the morphology and the microstructural relationship among the elastic fibres, collagen, and cells in tendon tissue have not been well examined. We hypothesize the elastic fibres, as another fibrillar component in the extracellular matrix, have a unique role in mechanical function and microstructural arrangement in Achilles tendons. It has been shown that elastic fibres present a close connection with the tenocytes. The close relationship of the three components has been revealed as a distinct, integrated and complex microstructural network. Notably, a "spiral" structure within fibril bundles in Achilles tendons was observed in some samples in specialized regions. This study substantiates the hierarchical system of the spatial microstructure of tendon, including the mapping of collagen, elastin and tenocytes, with 3-dimensional confocal images. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:1203-1214, 2017. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Influence of the Starting Microstructure on the Hot Deformation Behavior of a Low Stacking Fault Energy Ni-based Superalloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McCarley, Joshua; Alabbad, B.; Tin, S.

2018-03-01

The influence of varying fractions of primary gamma prime precipitates on the hot deformation and annealing behavior of an experimental Nickel-based superalloy containing 24 wt pct. Co was investigated. Billets heat treated at 1110 °C or 1135 °C were subjected to hot compression tests at temperatures ranging from 1020 °C to 1060 °C and strain rates ranging from 0.001 to 0.1/s. The microstructures were characterized using electron back scatter diffraction in the as-deformed condition as well as following a super-solvus anneal heat treatment at 1140 °C for 1 hour. This investigation sought to quantify and understand what effect the volume fraction of primary gamma prime precipitates has on the dynamic recrystallization behavior and resulting length fraction ∑3 twin boundaries in the low stacking fault superalloy following annealing. Although deformation at the lower temperatures and higher strain rates led to dynamic recrystallization for both starting microstructures, comparatively lower recrystallized fractions were observed in the 1135 °C billet microstructures deformed at strain rates of 0.1/s and 0.05/s. Subsequent annealing of the 1135 °C billet microstructures led to a higher proportion of annealing twins when compared to the annealed 1110 °C billet microstructures.

Impedance Spectroscopy Study of the Effect of Environmental Conditions on the Microstructure Development of Sustainable Fly Ash Cement Mortars.

PubMed

Ortega, José Marcos; Sánchez, Isidro; Climent, Miguel Ángel

2017-09-25

Today, the characterisation of the microstructure of cement-based materials using non-destructive techniques has become an important topic of study, and among them, the impedance spectroscopy has recently experienced great progress. In this research, mortars with two different contents of fly ash were exposed to four different constant temperature and relative humidity environments during a 180-day period. The evolution of their microstructure was studied using impedance spectroscopy, whose results were contrasted with mercury intrusion porosimetry. The hardening environment has an influence on the microstructure of fly ash cement mortars. On one hand, the impedance resistances R₁ and R₂ are more influenced by the drying of the materials than by microstructure development, so they are not suitable for following the evolution of the porous network under non-optimum conditions. On the other hand, the impedance spectroscopy capacitances C₁ and C₂ allow studying the microstructure development of fly ash cement mortars exposed to those conditions, and their results are in accordance with mercury intrusion porosimetry ones. Finally, it has been observed that the combined analysis of the abovementioned capacitances could be very useful for studying shrinkage processes in cement-based materials kept in low relative humidity environments.

Influence of Mode of Metal Transfer on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Gas Metal Arc-Welded Modified Ferritic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, Manidipto; Pal, Tapan Kumar

2012-06-01

This article describes in detail the effect of the modes of metal transfer on the microstructure and mechanical properties of gas metal arc-welded modified ferritic stainless steel (SSP 409M) sheets (as received) of 4 mm thickness. The welded joints were prepared under three modes of metal transfer, i.e., short-circuit (SC), spray (S), transfer, and mix (M) mode transfer using two different austenitic filler wires (308L and 316L) and shielding gas composition of Ar + 5 pct CO2. The welded joints were evaluated by means of microstructural, hardness, notched tensile strength, Charpy impact toughness, and high cycle fatigue. The dependence of weld metal microstructure on modes of metal transfer and filler wires has been determined by dilution calculation, WRC-1992 diagram, Creq/Nieq ratio, stacking fault energy (SFE), optical microscopy (OM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was observed that the microstructure as well as the tensile, Charpy impact, and high cycle fatigue of weld metal is significantly affected by the mode of metal transfer and filler wire used. However, the heat-affected zone (HAZ) is affected only by the modes of metal transfer. The results have been correlated with the microstructures of weld and HAZ developed under different modes of metal transfer.

The Influence of Hydrogen on the Evolving Microstructure During Fatigue Crack Growth in Metastable and Stable Austenitic Stainless Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nygren, Kelly Elizabeth

The effect of high levels of internal hydrogen on the microstructure evolving during stage II fatigue crack growth was investigated through a series of tensile and fatigue studies in metastable (304) and stable (316, 316L) stainless steels. The first, a tensile study in 304 stainless steel, identified the underlying microstructure which resulted in the flat and quasi-cleavage features on the fracture surface of a hydrogen-charged tensile bar. The second study utilized single-edge notched tensile specimens loaded in fatigue, and compared the evolving microstructure ahead of a fatigue crack for cases of an uncharged, 10 wppm hydrogen-charged, and 104 wppm hydrogen-charged 304 and 316L alloy. The final fatigue study, a small fatigue crack growth study in round bars of 304 and 316, provided a contextual comparison of microstructures to previous results in literature. In the metastable 304 stainless steel, hydrogen is found to change the nature of the martensitic transformation and subsequent fracture path. This transformation is attributed to enhanced plasticity and hydrogen-dislocation interactions stabilizing the austenitic matrix and confining slip to particular close-packed planes. The martensite acts as a fast diffusion pathway for hydrogen, leading to final fracture along martensitic laths or cleavage planes. In 316L, the material deforms via slip and twinning and hydrogen does not induce a change in deformation mechanisms. Instead, the enhanced plasticity and hydrogen-dislocation interactions increase the degree of plasticity, leading to smaller dislocation cell sizes with thicker walls before the onset of twinning. The crack interacts with a heavily twinned structure superimposed on dislocation cells, resulting in a curvature of one twin-variant in the direction of crack growth and the formation of a refined region at the fracture surface. These structures are localized to the crack surface and limited in rotation in the presence of hydrogen. The presence of a hydrogen content above the solution-limit led to a strengthening effect over all other samples in the round bar samples for both 304 and 316. In the SENT studies, 304 stainless steel charged to these levels showed the greatest degree of hydrogen embrittlement, while in 316L stainless steel, the samples containing these levels of hydrogen were found to be stronger in fatigue life than the 10 wppm hydrogen-charged sample. Both of the 316L hydrogen-charged samples were weaker than their uncharged counterpart. Differences in the outcomes for the two studies was attributed to the geometry and testing condition employed. When strengthening was observed, the role of hydrogen was resolved to be two-fold: hydrogen hardens the matrix in the lattice, suppressing the process zone at the crack; and hydrogen at the dislocations enhances the plasticity experienced in the region where the material is yielding ahead of crack advance in the strain lobe. Irrespective of material class, increasing stress-state on the crack within the same stage of fatigue life leads to an increase in depth of the refinement layer and level of plasticity. The refinement at the surface can be attributed to the dislocation emission created during crack advance and the deformation induced in the crack wake. The former is the primary contributor to the SENT specimen studies, while the latter is responsible for the differences observed in the round-bar studies. In 316L, when the twin structure was observed to extend to the surface, regions of light and dark contrast were observed between the twinning bundle variants which corresponded to the peaks and troughs of the striations. This observation is counter to the current understanding that striations form during the crack advance process, independently of the evolved microstructure. The resulting microstructures in all hydrogen-induced studies are discussed in terms of the impact of hydrogen-dislocation interactions and enhanced plasticity. The evolving microstructure and unique observation of striations conforming to the microstructure developed ahead of crack advance emphasize the need to revisit how fatigue models are approached. Although a challenge, models must be informed by plasticity based arguments incorporating the deformation mechanisms observed in experiments to accurately reflect fatigue crack growth.

cm-scale variations of crystal orientation fabric in cold Alpine ice core from Colle Gnifetti

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kerch, Johanna; Weikusat, Ilka; Eisen, Olaf; Wagenbach, Dietmar; Erhardt, Tobias

2015-04-01

Analysis of the microstructural parameters of ice has been an important part of ice core analyses so far mainly in polar cores in order to obtain information about physical processes (e.g. deformation, recrystallisation) on the micro- and macro-scale within an ice body. More recently the influence of impurities and climatic conditions during snow accumulation on these processes has come into focus. A deeper understanding of how palaeoclimate proxies interact with physical properties of the ice matrix bears relevance for palaeoclimatic interpretations, improved geophysical measurement techniques and the furthering of ice dynamical modeling. Variations in microstructural parameters e.g. crystal orientation fabric or grain size can be observed on a scale of hundreds and tens of metres but also on a centimetre scale. The underlying processes are not necessarily the same on all scales. Especially for the short-scale variations many questions remain unanswered. We present results from a study that aims to investigate following hypotheses: 1. Variations in grain size and fabric, i.e. strong changes of the orientation of ice crystals with respect to the vertical, occur on a centimetre scale and can be observed in all depths of an ice core. 2. Palaeoclimate proxies like dust and impurities have an impact on the microstructural processes and thus are inducing the observed short-scale variations in grain size and fabric. 3. The interaction of proxies with the ice matrix leads to depth intervals that show correlating behaviour as well as ranges with anticorrelation between microstructural parameters and palaeoclimatic proxies. The respective processes need to be identified. Fabric Analyser measurements were conducted on more than 80 samples (total of 8 m) from different depth ranges of a cold Alpine ice core (72 m length) drilled in 2013 at Colle Gnifetti, Switzerland/Italy. Results were obtained by automatic image processing, providing estimates for grain size distributions and crystal orientation fabric, and comparison with data from continuous flow analysis of chemical impurities. A microstructural characterisation of the analysed core is presented with emphasis on the observed variations in crystal orientation fabric. The relevance of these results for palaeoclimate reconstruction and geophysical applications in ice are discussed.

Studies on post weld heat treatment of dissimilar aluminum alloys by laser beam welding technique

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srinivas, B.; Krishna, N. Murali; Cheepu, Muralimohan; Sivaprasad, K.; Muthupandi, V.

2018-03-01

The present study mainly focuses on post weld heat treatment (PWHT) of AA5083 and AA6061 alloys by joining these using laser beam welding at three different laser power and two different beam spot sizes and three different welding speeds. Effects of these parameters on microstructural and mechanical properties like hardness, tensile strength were studied at PWHT condition and significant changes had been observed. The PWHT used was artificial aging technique. The microstructural observations revealed that there was a appreciable changes were taken place in the grain size. The microhardness observations proven that the change in the hardness profile in AA6061 was appreciable than in the AA5083. The tensile strength of 246 MPa was recorded as highest. The fractured surfaces observed are predominantly ductile in nature.

Ferromagnetism enhanced by structural relaxation of biaxially compressed LaCoO3 films

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mehta, Virat; Suzuki, Yuri

2011-04-01

Epitaxial LaCoO3 films were synthesized on LaAlO3 substrates to explore the role of epitaxial strain and structure on the ferromagnetism observed in these biaxially compressed films. Coherent strain and tetragonal structure were only achieved in thin film samples grown using higher energy densities. The strain relaxed with increasing thickness and was accompanied by increasing mosaic spread. Higher magnetization values were consistently seen in fully relaxed films grown using lower laser energy density. These results suggest that epitaxial strain is not the only factor determining the ferromagnetism and that the microstructure and defects may play a significant role.

Evidence of a temperature transition for denuded zone formation in nanocrystalline Fe under He irradiation

DOE PAGES

El-Atwani, Osman; Nathaniel II, James E.; Leff, Asher C.; ...

2016-10-18

Nanocrystalline materials are radiation-tolerant materials’ candidates due to their high defect sink density. Here, nanocrystalline iron films were irradiated with 10 keV helium ions in situ in a transmission electron microscope at elevated temperatures. Grain-size-dependent bubble density changes and denuded zone occurrence were observed at 700 K, but not at 573 K. This transition, attributed to increased helium–vacancy migration at elevated temperatures, suggests that nanocrystalline microstructures are more resistant to swelling at 700 K due to decreased bubble density. Finally, denuded zone formation had no correlation with grain size and misorientation angle under the conditions studied.

Tailored optical vector fields for ultrashort-pulse laser induced complex surface plasmon structuring.

PubMed

Ouyang, J; Perrie, W; Allegre, O J; Heil, T; Jin, Y; Fearon, E; Eckford, D; Edwardson, S P; Dearden, G

2015-05-18

Precise tailoring of optical vector beams is demonstrated, shaping their focal electric fields and used to create complex laser micro-patterning on a metal surface. A Spatial Light Modulator (SLM) and a micro-structured S-waveplate were integrated with a picosecond laser system and employed to structure the vector fields into radial and azimuthal polarizations with and without a vortex phase wavefront as well as superposition states. Imprinting Laser Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) elucidates the detailed vector fields around the focal region. In addition to clear azimuthal and radial plasmon surface structures, unique, variable logarithmic spiral micro-structures with a pitch Λ ∼1μm, not observed previously, were imprinted on the surface, confirming unambiguously the complex 2D focal electric fields. We show clearly also how the Orbital Angular Momentum(OAM) associated with a helical wavefront induces rotation of vector fields along the optic axis of a focusing lens and confirmed by the observed surface micro-structures.

[Characterization of microstructure of ibuprofen-hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin and ibuprofen-beta-cyclodextrin by atomic force microscope].

PubMed

Wang, Li-juan; Zhu, Zhao-jing; Che, Ke-ke; Ju, Feng-ge

2008-09-01

The microstructures of ibuprofen-hydroxypropyl-bets-cyclodextrin (IBU-HP-beta-CyD) and ibuprofen-beta-cyclodextrin (IBU-beta-CyD) were observed by atomic force microscope (AFM). The high resolving capability of AFM has the tungsten filament probe with the spring constant of 0.06 N x m(-1). Samples were observed in a small scale scanning area of 10.5 nm x 10.5 nm and 800 x 800 pixels. The original scanning images were gained by tapping mode at room temperature. Their three-dimensional reconstruction of microstructure was performed by G3DR software. The outer diameters of HP-beta-CyD and beta-CyD are 1.53 nm. The benzene diameter of IBU is 0.62 nm, fitting to the inner diameters of HP-beta-CyD and beta-CyD. The benzene and hydrophobic chain of IBU enter into the hole of cyclodextrin at 1:1 ratio. The results were evidenced by IR, X-ray diffraction and the phase solubility.

Effects of Stress Ratio and Microstructure on Fatigue Failure Behavior of Polycrystalline Nickel Superalloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, H.; Guan, Z. W.; Wang, Q. Y.; Liu, Y. J.; Li, J. K.

2018-05-01

The effects of microstructure and stress ratio on high cycle fatigue of nickel superalloy Nimonic 80A were investigated. The stress ratios of 0.1, 0.5 and 0.8 were chosen to perform fatigue tests in a frequency of 110 Hz. Cleavage failure was observed, and three competing failure crack initiation modes were discovered by a scanning electron microscope, which were classified as surface without facets, surface with facets and subsurface with facets. With increasing the stress ratio from 0.1 to 0.8, the occurrence probability of surface and subsurface with facets also increased and reached the maximum value at R = 0.5, meanwhile the probability of surface initiation without facets decreased. The effect of microstructure on the fatigue fracture behavior at different stress ratios was also observed and discussed. Based on the Goodman diagram, it was concluded that the fatigue strength of 50% probability of failure at R = 0.1, 0.5 and 0.8 is lower than the modified Goodman line.

Quantum-well exciton polariton emission from multi-quantum-well wire structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kohl, M.; Heitmann, D.; Grambow, P.; Ploog, K.

The radiative decay of quantum-well exciton (QWE) polaritons in microstructured Al0.3Ga0.7As - GaAs multi-quantum wells (MQW) has been studied by photoluminescence spectroscopy. Periodic wire structures with lateral periodicities a = 250-500 nm and lateral widths t = 100-200 nm have been fabricated by plasma etching. The thickness of the QWs was 13 nm. In the QW wire samples the free-exciton photoluminescence was strongly reduced and the QWE polariton emission was observed as a maximum peaked at a 3 meV higher energy than the free QWE transition. In samples which had only a microstructured cladding layer, the free-exciton photoluminescence was dominant in the spectrum and the QWE polariton emission was observed as a shoulder on the high-energy side of the free QWE transition. In addition, two transitions at the low energy side of the free QWE photoluminescence were present in the microstructured samples, which were related to etching induced states.

Realizations of highly heterogeneous collagen networks via stochastic reconstruction for micromechanical analysis of tumor cell invasion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nan, Hanqing; Liang, Long; Chen, Guo; Liu, Liyu; Liu, Ruchuan; Jiao, Yang

2018-03-01

Three-dimensional (3D) collective cell migration in a collagen-based extracellular matrix (ECM) is among one of the most significant topics in developmental biology, cancer progression, tissue regeneration, and immune response. Recent studies have suggested that collagen-fiber mediated force transmission in cellularized ECM plays an important role in stress homeostasis and regulation of collective cellular behaviors. Motivated by the recent in vitro observation that oriented collagen can significantly enhance the penetration of migrating breast cancer cells into dense Matrigel which mimics the intravasation process in vivo [Han et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 113, 11208 (2016), 10.1073/pnas.1610347113], we devise a procedure for generating realizations of highly heterogeneous 3D collagen networks with prescribed microstructural statistics via stochastic optimization. Specifically, a collagen network is represented via the graph (node-bond) model and the microstructural statistics considered include the cross-link (node) density, valence distribution, fiber (bond) length distribution, as well as fiber orientation distribution. An optimization problem is formulated in which the objective function is defined as the squared difference between a set of target microstructural statistics and the corresponding statistics for the simulated network. Simulated annealing is employed to solve the optimization problem by evolving an initial network via random perturbations to generate realizations of homogeneous networks with randomly oriented fibers, homogeneous networks with aligned fibers, heterogeneous networks with a continuous variation of fiber orientation along a prescribed direction, as well as a binary system containing a collagen region with aligned fibers and a dense Matrigel region with randomly oriented fibers. The generation and propagation of active forces in the simulated networks due to polarized contraction of an embedded ellipsoidal cell and a small group of cells are analyzed by considering a nonlinear fiber model incorporating strain hardening upon large stretching and buckling upon compression. Our analysis shows that oriented fibers can significantly enhance long-range force transmission in the network. Moreover, in the oriented-collagen-Matrigel system, the forces generated by a polarized cell in collagen can penetrate deeply into the Matrigel region. The stressed Matrigel fibers could provide contact guidance for the migrating cell cells, and thus enhance their penetration into Matrigel. This suggests a possible mechanism for the observed enhanced intravasation by oriented collagen.

Dynamic Grain Growth in Forsterite Aggregates Experimentally Deformed to High Strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kellermann Slotemaker, A.; de Bresser, H.; Spiers, C.; Drury, M.

2004-12-01

The dynamics of the outer Earth are largely controlled by olivine rheology. From previous work it has become clear that if olivine rocks are deformed to high strain, substantial weakening may occur before steady state mechanical behaviour is approached. This weakening appears directly related to progressive modification of the grain size distribution through competing effects of dynamic recrystallization and syn-deformational grain growth. However, most of our understanding of these processes in olivine comes from tests on coarse-grained materials that were reduced in grain size during straining by grain size insensitive (dislocation) creep mechanisms. The aim of the present study was to investigate microstructure evolution of fine-grained olivine rocks that coarsen in grain size while deforming by grain size sensitive (GSS) creep. We used fine-grained (~1 μ m) olivine aggregates (i.e., forsterite/Mg2SiO4), containing ~0.5 wt% water and 10 vol% enstatite (MgSiO3). Two types of experiments were carried out: 1) Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) followed by axial compression to varying strains up to a maximum of ~45%, at 600 MPa confining pressure and a temperature of 950°C, 2) HIP treatment without axial deformation. Microstructures were characterized by analyzing full grain size distributions and texture using SEM/EBSD. Our stress-strain curves showed continuous hardening. When samples were temporally unloaded for short time intervals, no difference in flow stress was observed before and after the interruption in straining. Strain rate sensitivity analysis showed a low value of ~1.5 for the stress exponent n. Measured grain sizes show an increase with strain up to a value twice that of the starting value. HIP-only samples showed only minor increase in grain size. A random LPO combined with the low n ~1.5 suggests dominant GSS creep controlled by grain boundary sliding. These results indicate that dynamic grain growth occurs in forsterite aggregates deforming by GSS creep, and we relate the continuous strain hardening to this process. A dynamic grain growth model involving an increase in cellular defect fraction seems best applicable to the grain growth observed in this study. We suggest that the employment of this model to fine-grained olivine rocks can further improve our understanding of the microstructural evolution of this material and related rheological behaviour.

Replication of engine block cylinder bridge microstructure and mechanical properties with lab scale 319 Al alloy billet castings

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lombardi, A., E-mail: a2lombar@ryerson.ca; D'Elia, F.; Ravindran, C.

2014-01-15

In recent years, aluminum alloy gasoline engine blocks have in large part successfully replaced nodular cast iron engine blocks, resulting in improved vehicle fuel efficiency. However, because of the inadequate wear resistance properties of hypoeutectic Al–Si alloys, gray iron cylinder liners are required. These liners cause the development of large tensile residual stress along the cylinder bores and necessitate the maximization of mechanical properties in this region to prevent premature engine failure. The aim of this study was to replicate the engine cylinder bridge microstructure and mechanical properties following TSR treatment (which removes the sand binder to enable easy castingmore » retrieval) using lab scale billet castings of the same alloy composition with varying cooling rates. Comparisons in microstructure between the engine block and the billet castings were carried out using optical and scanning electron microscopy, while mechanical properties were assessed using tensile testing. The results suggest that the microstructure at the top and middle of the engine block cylinder bridge was successfully replicated by the billet castings. However, the microstructure at the bottom of the cylinder was not completely replicated due to variations in secondary phase morphology and distribution. The successful replication of engine block microstructure will enable the future optimization of heat treatment parameters. - Highlights: • A method to replicate engine block microstructure was developed. • Billet castings will allow cost effective optimization of heat treatment process. • The replication of microstructure in the cylinder region was mostly successful. • Porosity was more clustered in the billet castings compared to the engine block. • Mechanical properties were lower in billet castings due to porosity and inclusions.« less

AxTract: Toward microstructure informed tractography.

PubMed

Girard, Gabriel; Daducci, Alessandro; Petit, Laurent; Thiran, Jean-Philippe; Whittingstall, Kevin; Deriche, Rachid; Wassermann, Demian; Descoteaux, Maxime

2017-11-01

Diffusion-weighted (DW) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tractography has become the tool of choice to probe the human brain's white matter in vivo. However, tractography algorithms produce a large number of erroneous streamlines (false positives), largely due to complex ambiguous tissue configurations. Moreover, the relationship between the resulting streamlines and the underlying white matter microstructure characteristics remains poorly understood. In this work, we introduce a new approach to simultaneously reconstruct white matter fascicles and characterize the apparent distribution of axon diameters within fascicles. To achieve this, our method, AxTract, takes full advantage of the recent development DW-MRI microstructure acquisition, modeling, and reconstruction techniques. This enables AxTract to separate parallel fascicles with different microstructure characteristics, hence reducing ambiguities in areas of complex tissue configuration. We report a decrease in the incidence of erroneous streamlines compared to the conventional deterministic tractography algorithms on simulated data. We also report an average increase in streamline density over 15 known fascicles of the 34 healthy subjects. Our results suggest that microstructure information improves tractography in crossing areas of the white matter. Moreover, AxTract provides additional microstructure information along the fascicle that can be studied alongside other streamline-based indices. Overall, AxTract provides the means to distinguish and follow white matter fascicles using their microstructure characteristics, bringing new insights into the white matter organization. This is a step forward in microstructure informed tractography, paving the way to a new generation of algorithms able to deal with intricate configurations of white matter fibers and providing quantitative brain connectivity analysis. Hum Brain Mapp 38:5485-5500, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Characterization of Microstructure and Texture of 13Cr4Ni Martensitic Stainless Steel Weld Before and After Tempering =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mokhtabad Amrei, Mohsen

13Cr4Ni martensitic stainless steels are known for their outstanding performances in the hydroelectric industry, where they are mainly used in the construction of turbine components. Considering the size and geometry of turbine runners and blades, multi-pass welding procedures are commonly used in the fabrication and repair of such turbines. The final microstructure and mechanical properties of the weld are sensitive to the welding process parameters and thermal history. In the case of 13Cr4Ni steel, the thermal cycles imposed by the multi-pass welding operation have significant effects on the complex weld microstructure. Additionally, post-weld heat treatments are commonly used to reduce weld heterogeneity and improve the material's mechanical properties by tempering the microstructure and by forming a "room-temperature-stable austenite." In the first phase of this research, the microstructures and crystallographic textures of aswelded single-pass and double-pass welds were studied as a basis to studying the more complex multi-pass weld microstructure. This study found that the maximum hardness is obtained in high temperature heat affected zone inside the base metal. In particular, the results showed that the heat cycle exposed by the second pass increases the hardness of the previous pass because it produces a finer martensite microstructure. In areas of heat affected zone, a tempering effect is reported from 3 up to 6 millimeters far from the fusion line. Finding austenite phase in these areas are matter of interest and it can be indicative of the microstructure complexity of multi-pass welds. In the second phase of research, the microstructure of multi-pass welds was found to be more heterogeneous than that of single- and double-pass welds. Any individual pass in a multi-pass weld consists of several regions formed by adjacent weld passes heat cycle. Results showed that former austenite grains modification occurred in areas close to the subsequent weld passes. Furthermore, low angle interface laths were observed inside martensite sub-blocks over different regions. The hardness profile of a multi-pass weld was explained by the overlaying heat effects of surrounding passes. In some regions, a tempered matrix was observed, while in other regions a double-quenched microstructure was found. The final aspect of this study focused on the effects of post-weld heat treatments on reformed austenite and carbide formations, and evolution of hardness. The effects of tempering duration and temperature on microstructure were investigated. The study found that nanometer-sized carbides form at martensite lath interfaces and sub-block boundaries. Additionally, it was determined that for any holding duration, the maximum austenite percentage is achievable by tempering at 610 °C. Similarly, the maximum softening was reported for tempering at 610 °C, for any given holding period.

Dynamic Crushing Response of Closed-cell Aluminium Foam at Variable Strain Rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Islam, M. A.; Kader, M. A.; Escobedo, J. P.; Hazell, P. J.; Appleby-Thomas, G. J.; Quadir, M. Z.

2015-06-01

The impact response of aluminium foams is essential for assessing their crashworthiness and energy absorption capacity for potential applications. The dynamic compactions of closed-cell aluminium foams (CYMAT) have been tested at variable strain rates. Microstructural characterization has also been carried out. The low strain rate impact test has been carried out using drop weight experiments while the high strain compaction test has been carried out via plate impact experiments. The post impacted samples have been examined using optical and electron microscopy to observe the microstructural changes during dynamic loading. This combination of dynamic deformation during impact and post impact microstructural analysis helped to evaluate the pore collapse mechanism and impact energy absorption characteristics.

The role of topology in microstructure-property relations: a 2D DEM based study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saleme Ruiz, Katerine; Emelianenko, Maria

2018-01-01

We compare Rényi entropy-based mesoscale approaches for characterizing 2D polycrystalline network topology and geometry, based on the grain number of sides and grain areas, respectively. We study the effect of microstructure disorder on mechanical properties such as elastic and damage response by performing simulations of quasi-static uniaxial compression loading tests on an idealized material using grain-level micro-mechanical discrete element model. While not comprehensive enough to make general conclusions, this study allows us to make observations about the sensitivity of mechanical parameters such as Young's modulus, proportional limit, first yield stress, toughness and amount of microstructure damage to different entropy measures.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nagata, Kohki, E-mail: nagata.koki@iri-tokyo.jp; School of Science and Technology, Meiji University, 1-1-1 Higashimita, Tama-ku, Kawasaki, Kanagawa 214-8571; Ogura, Atsushi

The effects of the fabrication process conditions on the microstructure of silicon dioxide thin films of <10 nm thickness are presented. The microstructure was investigated using grazing-incidence wide and small-angle X-ray scattering methods with synchrotron radiation. The combination of a high brilliance light source and grazing incident configuration enabled the observation of very weak diffuse X-ray scattering from SiO{sub 2} thin films. The results revealed different microstructures, which were dependent on oxidizing species or temperature. The micro-level properties differed from bulk properties reported in the previous literature. It was indicated that these differences originate from inner stress. The detailed structure inmore » an amorphous thin film was not revealed owing to detection difficulties.« less

Effect of convection on the dendrite growth kinetics in undercooled melts of D2 tool steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valloton, J.; Herlach, D. M.; Henein, H.

2016-03-01

Rapid solidification of D2 tool steel is investigated experimentally using the electromagnetic levitation technique under terrestrial and reduced gravity conditions. The microstructures of samples covering a broad range of undercoolings (40 K ≤ ΔT ≤ 280 K) are analysed. At low undercooling coarse grained dendritic microstructure is observed, while at higher undercoolings this dendritic feature disappears in favour of a grain refined equiaxed structure. In the latter case, the eutectic carbides are more evenly dispersed throughout the microstructure. The sample solidified in microgravity during parabolic flight experiment exhibits only a few very large grains with twinning relationship. This highlights the effect of convection on grain refinement in this system.

Effect of solution treatment on microstructure and properties of duplex stainless steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, X. Y.; Luo, J. M.; Huang, L. Q.; Wang, H. B.; Ma, C. W.

2017-09-01

The influence of solution treatment on microstructure and properties of 2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS) was studied. The microstructure, precipitates and corrosion resisting property were observed and analyzed by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical methods. The results showed that a large number of brittle σ-phase precipitates, which deteriorate the plasticity and corrosion resistance of the material, were easy to produce in the duplex stainless steel under the low temperature. The precipitation of σ-phase can be decreased and the plasticity and corrosion resistance can be improved by increasing solution temperature. In addition, the ferrite content increases with the increase of solution temperature, while less affected by cooling rate.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hooper, R. J.; Adams, D. P.; Hirschfeld, D.

The rapid release of energy from reactive multilayer foils can create extreme local temperature gradients near substrate materials. To fully exploit the potential of these materials, a better understanding of the interaction between the substrate or filler material and the foil is needed. In particular, this work investigates how variations in local properties within the substrate (i.e. differences between properties in constituent phases) can affect heat transport into the substrate. Furthermore, this can affect the microstructural evolution observed within the substrate, which may affect the final joint properties. The effect of the initial substrate microstructure on microstructural evolution within themore » heat-affected zone is evaluated experimentally in two Sn-Zn alloys and numerical techniques are utilized to inform the analysis.« less

Micro-Structural Study of Fretting Contact Caused by the Difference of the Tin Plating Thickness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, Tetsuya; Sawada, Shigeru; Hattori, Yasuhiro; Saitoh, Yasushi; Tamai, Terutaka; Iida, Kazuo

In recent years, there has been increasing demand to miniaturize wiring harness connectors in automobiles due to the increasing volume of electronic equipment and the reduction of the installation space allocated for the electronic equipment in automobiles for the comfort of the passengers. With this demand, contact failure caused by the fretting corrosion is expected to become a serious problem. In this report, we examined micro-structural observations of fretting contacts of two different tin plating thicknesses using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and so on. Based on the results, we compared the microstructure difference of fretting contact caused by the difference of the tin plating thickness.

Microstructure Evolution and the Resulted Influence on Localized Corrosion in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy during Non-Isothermal Ageing

PubMed Central

Chen, Jun-Zhou; Li, Guo-Ai; Cai, Xin; Jiang, Jian-Tang; Shao, Wen-Zhu; Yang, Li; Zhen, Liang

2018-01-01

A non-isothermal ageing process was proposed for an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy aiming to accommodate the slow heating/cooling procedure during the ageing of large components. The evolution of microstructure and microchemistry was analyzed by using transmission electron microscopy, high-angle annular dark field imaging, and energy dispersive spectrometry. The age-hardening of the alloy was examined to evaluate the strengthening behavior during the non-isothermal process. The corrosion behavior was investigated via observing the specimens immersed in EXCO solution (solution for Exfoliation Corrosion Susceptibility test in 2xxx and 7xxx series aluminum alloys, referring ASTM G34-01). Secondary precipitation was observed during the cooling stage, leading to increased precipitate number density. The distribution of grain boundary precipitates transits from discontinuous to continuous at the cooling stage, due to the secondary precipitation’s linking-up effect. The solutes’ enrichment on grain boundary precipitates and the depletion in precipitate-free zones develops during the heating procedure, but remains invariable during the cooling procedure. The corrosion in NIA (Non-isothermal Ageing) treated specimens initiates from pitting and then transits to intergranular corrosion and exfoliation corrosion. The transition from pitting to intergranular corrosion is very slow for specimens heated to 190 °C, but accelerates slightly as the cooling procedure proceeds. The transition to exfoliation corrosion is observed to be quite slow in all specimens in non-isothermal aged to over-aged condition, suggesting a corrosion resistance comparable to that of RRA condition. PMID:29751493

Microstructure Evolution and the Resulted Influence on Localized Corrosion in Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloy during Non-Isothermal Ageing.

PubMed

Chen, Jun-Zhou; Li, Guo-Ai; Cai, Xin; Jiang, Jian-Tang; Shao, Wen-Zhu; Yang, Li; Zhen, Liang

2018-05-03

A non-isothermal ageing process was proposed for an Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloy aiming to accommodate the slow heating/cooling procedure during the ageing of large components. The evolution of microstructure and microchemistry was analyzed by using transmission electron microscopy, high-angle annular dark field imaging, and energy dispersive spectrometry. The age-hardening of the alloy was examined to evaluate the strengthening behavior during the non-isothermal process. The corrosion behavior was investigated via observing the specimens immersed in EXCO solution (solution for Exfoliation Corrosion Susceptibility test in 2xxx and 7xxx series aluminum alloys, referring ASTM G34-01). Secondary precipitation was observed during the cooling stage, leading to increased precipitate number density. The distribution of grain boundary precipitates transits from discontinuous to continuous at the cooling stage, due to the secondary precipitation’s linking-up effect. The solutes’ enrichment on grain boundary precipitates and the depletion in precipitate-free zones develops during the heating procedure, but remains invariable during the cooling procedure. The corrosion in NIA (Non-isothermal Ageing) treated specimens initiates from pitting and then transits to intergranular corrosion and exfoliation corrosion. The transition from pitting to intergranular corrosion is very slow for specimens heated to 190 °C, but accelerates slightly as the cooling procedure proceeds. The transition to exfoliation corrosion is observed to be quite slow in all specimens in non-isothermal aged to over-aged condition, suggesting a corrosion resistance comparable to that of RRA condition.

Influence of zirconium additions on nitinol shape memory phase stability, transformation temperatures, and thermo-mechanical properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kornegay, Suzanne M.

This research focuses on exploring the influence of Zr additions in Ni-rich Nitinol alloys on the phase stability, transformation temperatures, and thermo-mechanical behavior using various microanalysis techniques. The dissertation is divided into three major bodies of work: (1) The microstructural and thermo-mechanical characterization of a 50.3Ni-32.2Ti-17.5Zr (at.%) Zr alloy; (2) The characterization and mechanical behavior of 50.3Ni-48.7Ti-1Zr and 50.3Ni-48.7Ti-1Hf alloys to determine how dilute additions alter the phases, transformation temperatures, and thermo-mechanical properties; and (3) The microstructural evolution and transformation behavior comparison of microstructure and transformation temperature for 50.3Ni-(49.7-X)Ti-XZr alloys, where X is 1,7, or 17.5% Zr aged at either 400°C and 550°C. The major findings of this work include the following: (1) In the dilute limit of 1% Zr, at 400°C aging, a spherical precipitate, denoted as the S-phase, was observed. This is the first report of this phase. Further aging resulted in the secondary precipitation event of the H-phase. Increasing the aging temperature to 550°C, resulted in no evident precipitation of the S- and H-phase precipitates suggestive this temperature is above the solvus boundary for these compositions. (2) For the 7% and 17.5% Zr alloys, aging at 400°C and 550°C resulted in the precipitation of the H-phase. For the lower temperature anneal, this phase required annealing up to 300 hours of aging to be observed for the 17.5% Zr alloy. Upon increasing the aging temperature, the H-phase precipitation was present in both alloys. The transformation behavior and thermo-mechanical properties are linked to the precipitation behavior.

Contributions of Rare Earth Element (La,Ce) Addition to the Impact Toughness of Low Carbon Cast Niobium Microalloyed Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torkamani, Hadi; Raygan, Shahram; Garcia Mateo, Carlos; Rassizadehghani, Jafar; Palizdar, Yahya; San-Martin, David

2018-07-01

In this research Rare Earth elements (RE), La and Ce (200 ppm), were added to a low carbon cast microalloyed steel to disclose their influence on the microstructure and impact toughness. It is suggested that RE are able to change the interaction between the inclusions and matrix during the solidification process (comprising peritectic transformation), which could affect the microstructural features and consequently the impact property; compared to the base steel a clear evolution was observed in nature and morphology of the inclusions present in the RE-added steel i.e. (1) they changed from MnS-based to (RE,Al)(S,O) and RE(S)-based; (2) they obtained an aspect ratio closer to 1 with a lower area fraction as well as a smaller average size. Besides, the microstructural examination of the matrix phases showed that a bimodal type of ferrite grain size distribution exists in both base and RE-added steels, while the mean ferrite grain size was reduced from 12 to 7 μm and the bimodality was redressed in the RE-added steel. It was found that pearlite nodule size decreases from 9 to 6 μm in the RE-added steel; however, microalloying with RE caused only a slight decrease in pearlite volume fraction. After detailed fractography analyses, it was found that, compared to the based steel, the significant enhancement of the impact toughness in RE-added steel (from 63 to 100 J) can be mainly attributed to the differences observed in the nature of the inclusions, the ferrite grain size distribution, and the pearlite nodule size. The presence of carbides (cementite) at ferrite grain boundaries and probable change in distribution of Nb-nanoprecipitation (promoted by RE addition) can be considered as other reasons affecting the impact toughness of steels under investigation.

Contributions of Rare Earth Element (La,Ce) Addition to the Impact Toughness of Low Carbon Cast Niobium Microalloyed Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Torkamani, Hadi; Raygan, Shahram; Garcia Mateo, Carlos; Rassizadehghani, Jafar; Palizdar, Yahya; San-Martin, David

2018-03-01

In this research Rare Earth elements (RE), La and Ce (200 ppm), were added to a low carbon cast microalloyed steel to disclose their influence on the microstructure and impact toughness. It is suggested that RE are able to change the interaction between the inclusions and matrix during the solidification process (comprising peritectic transformation), which could affect the microstructural features and consequently the impact property; compared to the base steel a clear evolution was observed in nature and morphology of the inclusions present in the RE-added steel i.e. (1) they changed from MnS-based to (RE,Al)(S,O) and RE(S)-based; (2) they obtained an aspect ratio closer to 1 with a lower area fraction as well as a smaller average size. Besides, the microstructural examination of the matrix phases showed that a bimodal type of ferrite grain size distribution exists in both base and RE-added steels, while the mean ferrite grain size was reduced from 12 to 7 μm and the bimodality was redressed in the RE-added steel. It was found that pearlite nodule size decreases from 9 to 6 μm in the RE-added steel; however, microalloying with RE caused only a slight decrease in pearlite volume fraction. After detailed fractography analyses, it was found that, compared to the based steel, the significant enhancement of the impact toughness in RE-added steel (from 63 to 100 J) can be mainly attributed to the differences observed in the nature of the inclusions, the ferrite grain size distribution, and the pearlite nodule size. The presence of carbides (cementite) at ferrite grain boundaries and probable change in distribution of Nb-nanoprecipitation (promoted by RE addition) can be considered as other reasons affecting the impact toughness of steels under investigation.

Disease-Related Microstructural Differences in the Brain in Women With Provoked Vestibulodynia.

PubMed

Gupta, Arpana; Woodworth, Davis C; Ellingson, Benjamin M; Rapkin, Andrea J; Naliboff, Bruce; Kilpatrick, Lisa A; Stains, Jean; Masghati, Salome; Tillisch, Kirsten; Mayer, Emeran A; Labus, Jennifer S

2018-05-01

Provoked vestibulodynia (PVD) is a chronic pelvic pain disorder affecting 16% of the female population. Neuroimaging studies have highlighted central abnormalities in PVD, similar to other chronic pelvic pain disorders, including brain regions involved in sensory processing and modulation of pain. The aim of the study was to determine alterations in the subvoxel, microstructural organization within tissues in PVD compared with healthy control participants (HCs) and a disease control group (irritable bowel syndrome [IBS]). Diffusion tensor imaging magnetic resonance imaging was conducted in 87 age-matched premenopausal women (29 PVD, 29 HCs, 29 IBS). Statistical parameter mapping of fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) maps were used to identify microstructural difference in the brain specific to PVD or shared with IBS. PVD alterations in microstructural organization of the brain were predominantly observed in fibers associated with sensorimotor integration and pain processing that relay information between the thalamus, basal ganglia, sensorimotor, and insular cortex. PVD, compared with HCs, showed extensive increases in the FA of somatosensory and basal ganglia regions. In contrast, PVD and IBS subjects did not show any FA-related group differences. PVD subjects showed greater MD in the basal ganglia compared with HCs (higher MD in the internal capsule and pallidum) and IBS (higher MD in the putamen and pallidum). Increases in MD were associated with increased vaginal muscle tenderness and vulvar pain. The current findings highlight possible shared mechanisms between 2 different pelvic pain disorders, but also highlight the widespread alterations observed specifically in PVD compared with HCs. Alterations in microstructure in PVD were observed in fibers associated with sensorimotor integration and pain processing, which were also associated with increased vaginal muscle tenderness and vulvar pain. These alterations may be contributing to increased pain sensitivity and tenderness, highlighting the need for new therapies targeting the central nervous system. Copyright © 2018 The American Pain Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Unconventional barometry and rheometry: new quantification approaches for mechanically-controlled microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tajcmanova, L.; Moulas, E.; Vrijmoed, J.; Podladchikov, Y.

2016-12-01

Estimation of pressure-temperature (P-T) from petrographic observations in metamorphic rocks has become a common practice in petrology studies during the last 50 years. This data often serves as a key input in geodynamic reconstructions and thus directly influences our understanding of lithospheric processes. Such an approach might have led the metamorphic geology field to a certain level of quiescence. In the classical view of metamorphic quantification approaches, fast viscous relaxation (and therefore constant pressure across the rock microstructure) is assumed, with chemical diffusion being the limiting factor in equilibration. Recently, we have focused on the other possible scenario - fast chemical diffusion and slow viscous relaxation - and brings an alternative interpretation of chemical zoning found in high-grade rocks. The aim has been to provide insight into the role of mechanically maintained pressure variations on multi-component chemical zoning in minerals. Furthermore, we used the pressure information from the mechanically-controlled microstructure for rheological constrains. We show an unconventional way of relating the direct microstructural observations in rocks to the nonlinearity of rheology at time scales unattainable by laboratory measurements. Our analysis documents that mechanically controlled microstructures that have been preserved over geological times can be used to deduce flow-law parameters and in turn estimate stress levels of minerals in their natural environment. The development of the new quantification approaches has opened new horizons in understanding the phase transformations in the Earth's lithosphere. Furthermore, the new data generated can serve as a food for thought for the next generation of fully coupled numerical codes that involve reacting materials while respecting conservation of mass, momentum and energy.

Effect of deformation path on microstructure, microhardness and texture evolution of interstitial free steel fabricated by differential speed rolling

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hamad, Kotiba; Chung, Bong Kwon; Ko, Young Gun, E-mail: younggun@ynu.ac.kr

2014-08-15

This paper reports the effect of the deformation path on the microstructure, microhardness, and texture evolution of interstitial free (IF) steel processed by differential speed rolling (DSR) method. For this purpose, total height reductions of 50% and 75% were imposed on the samples by a series of differential speed rolling operations with various height reductions per pass (deformation levels) ranging from 10 to 50% under a fixed roll speed ratio of 1:4 for the upper and lower rolls, respectively. Microstructural observations using transmission electron microscopy and electron backscattered diffraction measurements showed that the samples rolled at deformation level of 50%more » had the finest mean grain size (∼ 0.5 μm) compared to the other counterparts; also the samples rolled at deformation level of 50% showed a more uniform microstructure. Based on the microhardness measurements along the thickness direction of the deformed samples, gradual evolution of the microhardness value and its homogeneity was observed with the increase of the deformation level per pass. Texture analysis showed that, as the deformation level per pass increased, the fraction of alpha fiber and gamma fiber in the deformed samples increased. The textures obtained by the differential speed rolling process under the lubricated condition would be equivalent to those obtained by the conventional rolling. - Highlights: • Effect of DSR deformation path on microstructure of IF steel is significant. • IF steel rolled at deformation level of 50% has the ultrafine grains of ∼ 0.5 μm. • Rolling texture components are pronounced with increasing deformation level.« less

Strength and Stiffness Development in Soft Soils: A FESEM aided Soil Microstructure Viewpoint

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wijeyesekera, D. C.; Ho, M. H.; Bai, X.; Bakar, I.

2016-07-01

This paper opens with an overview of the debatable definition of soft soil that goes beyond a (CH) organic / inorganic clay and OH peat to include weakly cemented periglacial deposits of loess and alike. It then outlines the findings obtained from stiffness test on cement-stabilised soft clay. The findings are complemented with a microstructure viewpoint obtained using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Research also comprised of making cylindrical stabilised clay samples, prepared in the laboratory with various rubber chips contents and cement, and then aged for 28 days. The samples were then subjected to unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test and observations were also made of its microstructure using the FESEM. The impact of the soil microstructure on the stiffness result was studied both with the stabilized soil and also of some of the natural undisturbed loess soils. Sustainability aspect and the potential of the use of rubber chips and sand as additives to cement stabilisation are also discussed. The overall test results indicated that rubber chips and sand contributed to the improvement in unconfined compressive strength (qu). The derogatory influence of moisture on the stiffness of the stabilised clay was studied simultaneously. SEM micrographs are presented that show bonding of cement, rubber chips/ sand and soft clay, granular units and aggregated / agglomerated units in loess. The paper concludes with observations on the dependence of soil microstructure on the soil strength and deformability and even collapsibility of the loess. Current practices adopted as engineering solutions to these challenging soils are outlined.

Effect of high power ultrasound on mechanical properties of Al-Si alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Srivastava, N.; Gupta, R.; Chaudhari, G. P.

2018-03-01

Effect of high power ultrasonic treatment on the solidification microstructures of Al-Si alloys containing varying content of solute Si (1, 2, 3 and 5 wt %) is investigated. Large variation in microstructures is seen and refinement of primary α-Al grains is observed. It is observed that increasing the weight percentage of solute along with ultrasonic treatment resulted in finer primary phase. By increasing the solute content from 1% to 5 wt.% in Al-Si alloys, hardness increased by about 38% without and 48% with ultrasonic treatment. Tensile strength of the alloys with ultrasonic treatment is higher as compared to those without ultrasonic treated.

Homogenization kinetics of a nickel-based superalloy produced by powder bed fusion laser sintering

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Fan; Levine, Lyle E.; Allen, Andrew J.

2017-04-01

Additively manufactured (AM) metal components often exhibit fine dendritic microstructures and elemental segregation due to the initial rapid solidification and subsequent melting and cooling during the build process, which without homogenization would adversely affect materials performance. In this letter, we report in situ observation of the homogenization kinetics of an AM nickel-based superalloy using synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering. The identified kinetic time scale is in good agreement with thermodynamic diffusion simulation predictions using microstructural dimensions acquired by ex situ scanning electron microscopy. These findings could serve as a recipe for predicting, observing, and validating homogenization treatments in AM materials.

Homogenization Kinetics of a Nickel-based Superalloy Produced by Powder Bed Fusion Laser Sintering.

PubMed

Zhang, Fan; Levine, Lyle E; Allen, Andrew J; Campbell, Carelyn E; Lass, Eric A; Cheruvathur, Sudha; Stoudt, Mark R; Williams, Maureen E; Idell, Yaakov

2017-04-01

Additively manufactured (AM) metal components often exhibit fine dendritic microstructures and elemental segregation due to the initial rapid solidification and subsequent melting and cooling during the build process, which without homogenization would adversely affect materials performance. In this letter, we report in situ observation of the homogenization kinetics of an AM nickel-based superalloy using synchrotron small angle X-ray scattering. The identified kinetic time scale is in good agreement with thermodynamic diffusion simulation predictions using microstructural dimensions acquired by ex situ scanning electron microscopy. These findings could serve as a recipe for predicting, observing, and validating homogenization treatments in AM materials.

Transmission electron microscopy characterization of microstructural features of Al-Li-Cu alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Avalos-Borja, M.; Pizzo, P. P.; Larson, L. A.

1983-01-01

A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination of aluminum-lithium-copper alloys was conducted. The principal purpose is to characterize the nature, size, and distribution of stringer particles which result from the powder metallurgy (P/M) processing of these alloys. Microstructural features associated with the stringer particles are reported that help explain the stress corrosion susceptibility of the powder metallurgy-processed Al-Li-Cu alloys. In addition, matrix precipitation events are documented for a variety of heat treatments and process variations. Hot rolling is observed to significant alter the nature of matrix precipitation, and the observations are correlated with concomitant mechanical property variations.

Transmission electron microscopy characterization of microstructural features in aluminum-lithium-copper alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Avalos-Borja, M.; Larson, L. A.; Pizzo, P. P.

1984-01-01

A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination of aluminum-lithium-copper alloys was conducted. The principal purpose is to characterize the nature, size, and distribution of stringer particles which result from the powder metallurgy (P/M) processing of these alloys. Microstructural features associated with the stringer particles are reported that help explain the stress corrosion susceptibility of the powder metallurgy-processed Al-Li-Cu alloys. In addition, matrix precipitaton events are documented for a variety of heat treatments and process variations. Hot rolling is observed to significantly alter the nature of matrix precipitation, and the observations are correlated with concomitant mechanical property variations.

Hot-crack test for aluminium alloys welds using TIG process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niel, A.; Deschaux-Beaume, F.; Bordreuil, C.; Fras, G.

2010-06-01

Hot cracking is a critical defect frequently observed during welding of aluminium alloys. In order to better understand the interaction between cracking phenomenon, process parameters, mechanical factors and microstructures resulting from solidification after welding, an original hot-cracking test during welding is developed. According to in-situ observations and post mortem analyses, hot cracking mechanisms are investigated, taking into account the interaction between microstructural parameters, depending on the thermal cycles, and mechanical parameters, depending on geometry and clamping conditions of the samples and on the thermal field on the sample. Finally, a process map indicating the limit between cracking and non-cracking zones according to welding parameters is presented.

Effect of in-situ formed Al3Ti particles on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 6061 Al alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gupta, Rahul; Chaudhari, G. P.; Daniel, B. S. S.

2018-03-01

In this study, in situ Titanium-tri-aluminide (Al3Ti) particles reinforced Al 6061 alloy matrix composites were fabricated by the reaction of potassium hexafluorotitanate (K2TiF6) inorganic salt with molten Al 6061 alloy via liquid metallurgy route. The development of in-situ Al3Ti particles and their effects on the mechanical properties such as yield strength (YS), ductility, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and hardness, and microstructure of Al 6061 alloy were studied. It was observed from the results that in-situ formed Al3Ti particles were blocky in morphology whose average size was around 2.6 ± 1.1 μm. Microstructure studies showed that grain size of Al matrix was reduced due to the nucleating effect of Al3Ti particles. It was observed from the mechanical properties analysis that when the volume fraction of Al3Ti particles was increased, the hardness, UTS and YS of the composites were also increased as compared to that of Al 6061 alloy. An improvement in ductility was observed with the dispersion of Al3Ti particles in base alloy which is contrary to many other composites.

Hot deformation behavior of uniform fine-grained GH4720Li alloy based on its processing map

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Qiu-ying; Yao, Zhi-hao; Dong, Jian-xin

2016-01-01

The hot deformation behavior of uniform fine-grained GH4720Li alloy was studied in the temperature range from 1040 to 1130°C and the strain-rate range from 0.005 to 0.5 s-1 using hot compression testing. Processing maps were constructed on the basis of compression data and a dynamic materials model. Considerable flow softening associated with superplasticity was observed at strain rates of 0.01 s-1 or lower. According to the processing map and observations of the microstructure, the uniform fine-grained microstructure remains intact at 1100°C or lower because of easily activated dynamic recrystallization (DRX), whereas obvious grain growth is observed at 1130°C. Metallurgical instabilities in the form of non-uniform microstructures under higher and lower Zener-Hollomon parameters are induced by local plastic flow and primary γ' local faster dissolution, respectively. The optimum processing conditions at all of the investigated strains are proposed as 1090-1130°C with 0.08-0.5 s-1 and 0.005-0.008 s-1 and 1040-1085°C with 0.005-0.06 s-1.

Metastable solidification of hypereutectic Co 2Si-CoSi composition: Microstructural studies and in-situ observations

DOE PAGES

Wang, Yeqing; Gao, Jianrong; Kolbe, Matthias; ...

2017-09-18

Metastable solidification of undercooled Co 60Si 40 melts was investigated by microstructural studies and in-situ high-energy X-ray diffraction. Five solidification paths were identified. Three of them were observed at low undercoolings, which show uncoupled and coupled growth of stable β-Co 2Si and CoSi compounds. The other paths were observed at high undercoolings, which show peritectic and primary crystallization of a metastable Co 5Si 3 compound. The β-Co 2Si and Co 5Si 3 compounds crystallize into a hexagonal crystal structure and experience solid-state decomposition. Microstructure formation depends on solidification path. The coupled and uncoupled growth of the stable compounds produces amore » regular lamellar eutectic structure and an anomalous eutectic structure, respectively. The crystallization and solid-state decomposition of the metastable Co 5Si 3 compound brings about a fine-grained two-phase mixture, which represents another type of anomalous eutectic structure. Here, the results provide proof of two rare mechanisms of anomalous eutectic formation and shed light onto metastable phase relations in the undercooled region of the Co-Si system.« less

Microstructural evolution of neutron-irradiated T91 and NF616 to ~4.3 dpa at 469 °C

DOE PAGES

Tan, Lizhen; Kim, B. K.; Yang, Ying; ...

2017-05-30

Ferritic-martensitic steels such as T91 and NF616 are candidate materials for several nuclear applications. Here, this study evaluates radiation resistance of T91 and NF616 by examining their microstructural evolutions and hardening after the samples were irradiated in the Advanced Test Reactor to ~4.3 displacements per atom (dpa) at an as-run temperature of 469 °C. In general, this irradiation did not result in significant difference in the radiation-induced microstructures between the two steels. Compared to NF616, T91 had a higher number density of dislocation loops and a lower level of radiation-induced segregation, together with a slightly higher radiation-hardening. Unlike dislocation loopsmore » developed in both steels, radiation-induced cavities were only observed in T91 but remained small with sub-10 nm sizes. Lastly, other than the relatively stable M 23C 6, a new phase (likely Sigma phase) was observed in T91 and radiation-enhanced MX → Z phase transformation was identified in NF616. Laves phase was not observed in the samples.« less

Metastable solidification of hypereutectic Co 2Si-CoSi composition: Microstructural studies and in-situ observations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Yeqing; Gao, Jianrong; Kolbe, Matthias

Metastable solidification of undercooled Co 60Si 40 melts was investigated by microstructural studies and in-situ high-energy X-ray diffraction. Five solidification paths were identified. Three of them were observed at low undercoolings, which show uncoupled and coupled growth of stable β-Co 2Si and CoSi compounds. The other paths were observed at high undercoolings, which show peritectic and primary crystallization of a metastable Co 5Si 3 compound. The β-Co 2Si and Co 5Si 3 compounds crystallize into a hexagonal crystal structure and experience solid-state decomposition. Microstructure formation depends on solidification path. The coupled and uncoupled growth of the stable compounds produces amore » regular lamellar eutectic structure and an anomalous eutectic structure, respectively. The crystallization and solid-state decomposition of the metastable Co 5Si 3 compound brings about a fine-grained two-phase mixture, which represents another type of anomalous eutectic structure. Here, the results provide proof of two rare mechanisms of anomalous eutectic formation and shed light onto metastable phase relations in the undercooled region of the Co-Si system.« less

The co-evolution of microstructure features in self-ion irradiated HT9 at very high damage levels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Getto, Elizabeth Margaret

The objective of this study was to understand the co-evolution of microstructure features in self-ion irradiated HT9 at very high damage levels. HT9 (heat 84425) was pre-implanted with 10 atom parts per million helium and then irradiated with 5 MeV Fe++ in the temperature range of 440-480°C to 188 dpa. A damage dependence study from 75 to 650 dpa was performed at the peak swelling temperature of 460°C. The swelling, dislocation and precipitate evolution was determined using Analytic Electron Microscopes in both Conventional Transmission electron microscopy (CTEM) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) modes. Void swelling reached a nominally linear rate of 0.03%/dpa from 188 to 650 dpa at 460°C. G phase precipitates were observed by 75 dpa and grew linearly up to 650 dpa. M 2X was observed by 250 dpa and peaked in volume fraction at 450 dpa. Dislocation loop evolution was observed up to 650 dpa including a step change in diameter between 375 and 450 dpa; which correlated with nucleation and growth of M2X. The experimental results were interpreted using a rate theory model, the Radiation Induced Microstructure Evolution (RIME), in the damage range from 188 to 650 dpa. A simple system of voids and dislocations was modeled in which the dislocations measured from experiment were used as input, or the dislocations were allowed to evolve dynamically, resulting in swelling that was overestimated by 63% relative to that observed experimentally. G phase had limited effect on the void or dislocation behavior. The behavior of M2X within the microstructure was characterized as a direct effect as a coherent sink, and as an indirect effect in consuming carbon from the matrix, which had the largest impact on both void and dislocation behavior. A slowly monotonically increasing swelling rate was observed both experimentally and computationally, with swelling rates of ˜0.025%/dpa and ˜0.036%/dpa before and after 450 dpa. The agreement in void behavior between experiment and model when all effects (loops, network, G phase, M2X formation and growth, and removal of carbon) are accounted for demonstrates the importance of characterizing the evolution of the full microstructure over a large dpa range.

Metallurgical Mechanisms Controlling Mechanical Properties of Aluminum Alloy 2219 Produced By Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Domack, Marcia S.; Taminger, Karen M. B.; Begley, Matthew

2006-01-01

The electron beam freeform fabrication (EBF3) layer-additive manufacturing process has been developed to directly fabricate complex geometry components. EBF3 introduces metal wire into a molten pool created on the surface of a substrate by a focused electron beam. Part geometry is achieved by translating the substrate with respect to the beam to build the part one layer at a time. Tensile properties have been demonstrated for electron beam deposited aluminum and titanium alloys that are comparable to wrought products, although the microstructures of the deposits exhibit features more typical of cast material. Understanding the metallurgical mechanisms controlling mechanical properties is essential to maximizing application of the EBF3 process. In the current study, mechanical properties and resulting microstructures were examined for aluminum alloy 2219 fabricated over a range of EBF3 process variables. Material performance was evaluated based on tensile properties and results were compared with properties of Al 2219 wrought products. Unique microstructures were observed within the deposited layers and at interlayer boundaries, which varied within the deposit height due to microstructural evolution associated with the complex thermal history experienced during subsequent layer deposition. Microstructures exhibited irregularly shaped grains, typically with interior dendritic structures, which were described based on overall grain size, morphology, distribution, and dendrite spacing, and were correlated with deposition parameters. Fracture features were compared with microstructural elements to define fracture paths and aid in definition of basic processing-microstructure-property correlations.

Effect of thermo-mechanical processing on microstructure and mechanical properties of U - Nb - Zr alloys: Part 2 - U - 3 wt % Nb - 9 wt % Zr and U - 9 wt% Nb - 3 wt% Zr

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morais, Nathanael Wagner Sales; Lopes, Denise Adorno; Schön, Cláudio Geraldo

2018-04-01

The present work is the second and final part of an extended investigation on Usbnd Nb - Zr alloys. It investigates the effect of mechanical processing routes on microstructure of alloys U - 3 wt % Nb - 9 wt % Zr and U - 9 wt% Nb - 3 wt% Zr, through X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, completing the investigation, which started with alloy U - 6 wt% Nb - 6 wt% Zr in part 1. Mechanical properties are determined using microhardness and bending tests and correlated with the developed microstructures. The results show that processing sequence, in particular the inclusion of a 1000 °C heat treatment step, affects significantly the microstructure and mechanical properties of these alloys alloy in different ways. Microstructural characterization shows that both alloys present significant volume fraction of precipitates of a body-centered cubic (BCC) γ-Nb-Zr rich phase in addition the uranium-rich matrix. Bending tests show that sample ductility does not correlate necessarily with hardness and that the key factor appears to be the amount of the γ-Nb-Zr precipitates, which controls the matrix microstructure. Samples with a monoclinic α″ cellular microstructure and/or with the tetragonally-distorted BCC phase (γ0), although not strictly ductile, showed the largest allowed strains-before-break and complete elastic recovery of the broken pieces, pointing out to the macroscopic observation of superelasticity.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Extruded Gamma Microstructure Met PX

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Draper, S. L.; Das, G.; Locci, J.; Whittenberger, J. D.; Lerch, B. A.; Kestler, H.

2003-01-01

A gamma TiAl alloy with a high Nb content is being assessed as a compressor blade material. The microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded Ti-45Al-X(Nb,B,C) (at.%) were evaluated in both an as-extruded condition and after a lamellar heat treatment. Tensile behavior of both as-extruded and lamellar heat treated specimens was studied in the temperature range of RT to 926 C. In general, the yield stress and ultimate tensile strength reached relatively high values at room temperature and decreased with increasing deformation temperature. The fatigue strength of both microstructures was characterized at 650 C and compared to a baseline TiAl alloy and to a Ni-base superalloy. Tensile and fatigue specimens were also exposed to 800 C for 200 h in air to evaluate the alloy's environmental resistance. A decrease in ductility was observed at room temperature due to the 800 C. exposure but the 650 C fatigue properties were unaffected. Compressive and tensile creep testing between 727 and 1027 C revealed that the creep deformation was reproducible and predictable. Creep strengths reached superalloy-like levels at fast strain rates and lower temperatures but deformation at slower strain rates and/or higher temperature indicated significant weakening for the as-extruded condition. At high temperatures and low stresses, the lamellar microstructure had improved creep properties when compared to the as-extruded material. Microstructural evolution during heat treatment, identification of various phases, and the effect of microstructure on the tensile, fatigue, and creep behaviors is discussed.

Surface microstructure of bitumen characterized by atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Yu, Xiaokong; Burnham, Nancy A; Tao, Mingjiang

2015-04-01

Bitumen, also called asphalt binder, plays important roles in many industrial applications. It is used as the primary binding agent in asphalt concrete, as a key component in damping systems such as rubber, and as an indispensable additive in paint and ink. Consisting of a large number of hydrocarbons of different sizes and polarities, together with heteroatoms and traces of metals, bitumen displays rich surface microstructures that affect its rheological properties. This paper reviews the current understanding of bitumen's surface microstructures characterized by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Microstructures of bitumen develop to different forms depending on crude oil source, thermal history, and sample preparation method. While some bitumens display surface microstructures with fine domains, flake-like domains, and dendrite structuring, 'bee-structures' with wavy patterns several micrometers in diameter and tens of nanometers in height are commonly seen in other binders. Controversy exists regarding the chemical origin of the 'bee-structures', which has been related to the asphaltene fraction, the metal content, or the crystallizing waxes in bitumen. The rich chemistry of bitumen can result in complicated intermolecular associations such as coprecipitation of wax and metalloporphyrins in asphaltenes. Therefore, it is the molecular interactions among the different chemical components in bitumen, rather than a single chemical fraction, that are responsible for the evolution of bitumen's diverse microstructures, including the 'bee-structures'. Mechanisms such as curvature elasticity and surface wrinkling that explain the rippled structures observed in polymer crystals might be responsible for the formation of 'bee-structures' in bitumen. Despite the progress made on morphological characterization of bitumen using AFM, the fundamental question whether the microstructures observed on bitumen surfaces represent its bulk structure remains to be addressed. In addition, critical technical challenges associated with AFM characterization of bitumen surface structures are discussed, with possible solutions recommended. For future work, combining AFM with other chemical analysis tools that can generate comparable high resolution to AFM would provide an avenue to linking bitumen's chemistry to its microscopic morphological and mechanical properties and consequently benefit the efforts of developing structure-related models for bituminous materials across the different length scales. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Gas atomized precursor alloy powder for oxide dispersion strengthened ferritic stainless steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rieken, Joel

Gas atomization reaction synthesis (GARS) was employed as a simplified method for producing precursor powders for oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) ferritic stainless steels (e.g., Fe-Cr-Y-(Ti,Hf)-O), departing from the conventional mechanical alloying (MA) process. During GARS processing a reactive atomization gas (i.e., Ar-O 2) was used to oxidize the powder surfaces during primary break-up and rapid solidification of the molten alloy. This resulted in envelopment of the powders by an ultra-thin (t < 150 nm) metastable Cr-enriched oxide layer that was used as a vehicle for solid-state transport of O into the consolidated microstructure. In an attempt to better understand themore » kinetics of this GARS reaction, theoretical cooling curves for the atomized droplets were calculated and used to establish an oxidation model for this process. Subsequent elevated temperature heat treatments, which were derived from Rhines pack measurements using an internal oxidation model, were used to promote thermodynamically driven O exchange reactions between trapped films of the initial Cr-enriched surface oxide and internal Y-enriched intermetallic precipitates. This novel microstructural evolution process resulted in the successful formation of nano-metric Y-enriched dispersoids, as confirmed using high energy X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), equivalent to conventional ODS alloys from MA powders. The thermal stability of these Y-enriched dispersoids was evaluated using high temperature (1200°C) annealing treatments ranging from 2.5 to 1,000 hrs of exposure. In a further departure from current ODS practice, replacing Ti with additions of Hf appeared to improve the Y-enriched dispersoid thermal stability by means of crystal structure modification. Additionally, the spatial distribution of the dispersoids was found to depend strongly on the original rapidly solidified microstructure. To exploit this, ODS microstructures were engineered from different powder particle size ranges, illustrating microstructural control as a function of particle solidification rate. The consolidation of ultra-fine powders (dia. ≤ 5μm) resulted in a significant reduction in dispersoid size and spacing, consistent with initial scanning electron microscopy studies on as-atomized cross-sectioned particles that suggested that these powders solidified above the threshold velocity to effectively solute trap Y within the α-(Fe,Cr) matrix. Interestingly, when the solidification velocity as a function of particle size was extracted from the aforementioned theoretical particle cooling curves, it could be offered as supporting evidence for these microstructure observations. Thermal-mechanical treatments also were used to create and evaluate the stability of a dislocation substructure within these alloys, using microhardness and TEM analysis of the alloy sub-grain and grain structure. Moreover, elevated temperature tensile tests up to 800°C were used to assess the initial mechanical strength of the ODS microstructure.« less