Phase transformation in the alumina-titania system during flash sintering experiments

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

Jha, S. K.; Lebrun, J. M.; Raj, R.

2016-02-01

We show that phase transformation in the alumina–titania system, which produces aluminum-titanate, follows an unusual trajectory during flash sintering. The experiments begin with mixed powders of alumina–titania and end in dense microstructures that are transformed into aluminum-titanate. The sintering and the phase transformation are separated in time, with the sintering occurs during Stage II, and phase transformation during Stage III of the flash sintering experiment. Stage III is the steady-state condition of flash activated state that is established under current control, while Stage II is the period of transition from voltage to current control. The extent of phase transformation increasesmore » with the current density and the hold time in Stage III.« less

Reverse-transformation austenite structure control with micro/nanometer size

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Hui-bin; Niu, Gang; Wu, Feng-juan; Tang, Di

2017-05-01

To control the reverse-transformation austenite structure through manipulation of the micro/nanometer grain structure, the influences of cold deformation and annealing parameters on the microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of 316L austenitic stainless steel were investigated. The samples were first cold-rolled, and then samples deformed to different extents were annealed at different temperatures. The microstructure evolutions were analyzed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), magnetic measurements, and X-ray diffraction (XRD); the mechanical properties are also determined by tensile tests. The results showed that the fraction of stain-induced martensite was approximately 72% in the 90% cold-rolled steel. The micro/nanometric microstructure was obtained after reversion annealing at 820-870°C for 60 s. Nearly 100% reversed austenite was obtained in samples annealed at 850°C, where grains with a diameter ≤ 500 nm accounted for 30% and those with a diameter > 0.5 μm accounted for 70%. The micro/nanometer-grain steel exhibited not only a high strength level (approximately 959 MPa) but also a desirable elongation of approximately 45%.

Effect of microstructure on the stability of retained austenite in transformation-induced-plasticity steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timokhina, I. B.; Hodgson, P. D.; Pereloma, E. V.

2004-08-01

Two Fe-0.2C-1.55Mn-1.5Si (in wt pct) steels, with and without the addition of 0.039Nb (in wt pct), were studied using laboratory rolling-mill simulations of controlled thermomechanical processing. The microstructures of all samples were characterized by optical metallography, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The microstructural behavior of phases under applied strain was studied using a heat-tinting technique. Despite the similarity in the microstructures of the two steels (equal amounts of polygonal ferrite, carbide-free bainite, and retained austenite), the mechanical properties were different. The mechanical properties of these transformation-induced-plasticity (TRIP) steels depended not only on the individual behavior of all these phases, but also on the interaction between the phases during deformation. The polygonal ferrite and bainite of the C-Mn-Si steel contributed to the elongation more than these phases in the C-Mn-Si-Nb-steel. The stability of retained austenite depends on its location within the microstructure, the morphology of the bainite, and its interaction with other phases during straining. Granular bainite was the bainite morphology that provided the optimum stability of the retained austenite.

A Study of the Influence of Thermomechanical Controlled Processing on the Microstructure of Bainite in High Strength Plate Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Xiaojun; DeArdo, Anthony J.

2014-10-01

Steels with compositions that are hot rolled and cooled to exhibit high strength and good toughness often require a bainitic microstructure. This is especially true for plate steels for linepipe applications where strengths in excess of 690 MPa (100 ksi) are needed in thicknesses between approximately 6 and 30 mm. To ensure adequate strength and toughness, the steels should have adequate hardenability (C. E. >0.50 and Pcm >0.20), and are thermomechanically controlled processed, i.e., controlled rolled, followed by interrupted direct quenching to below the Bs temperature of the pancaked austenite. Bainite formed in this way can be defined as a polyphase mixture comprised a matrix phase of bainitic ferrite plus a higher carbon second phase or micro-constituent which can be martensite, retained austenite, or cementite, depending on circumstances. This second feature is predominately martensite in IDQ steels. Unlike pearlite, where the ferrite and cementite form cooperatively at the same moving interface, the bainitic ferrite and MA form in sequence with falling temperature below the Bs temperature or with increasing isothermal holding time. Several studies have found that the mechanical properties may vary strongly for different types of bainite, i.e., different forms of bainitic ferrite and/or MA. Thermomechanical controlled processing (TMCP) has been shown to be an important way to control the microstructure and mechanical properties in low carbon, high strength steel. This is especially true in the case of bainite formation, where the complexity of the austenite-bainite transformation makes its control through disciplined processing especially important. In this study, a low carbon, high manganese steel containing niobium was investigated to better understand the effects of austenite conditioning and cooling rates on the bainitic phase transformation, i.e., the formation of bainitic ferrite plus MA. Specimens were compared after transformation from recrystallized, equiaxed austenite to deformed, pancaked austenite, which were followed by seven different cooling rates ranging between 0.5 K/s (0.5 °C/s) and 40 K/s (40 °C/s). The CCT curves showed that the transformation behaviors and temperatures varied with starting austenite microstructure and cooling rate, resulting in different final microstructures. The EBSD results and the thermodynamics and kinetics analyses show that in low carbon bainite, the nucleation rate is the key factor that affects the bainitic ferrite morphology, size, and orientation. However, the growth of bainite is also quite important since the bainitic ferrite laths apparently can coalesce or coarsen into larger units with slower cooling rates or longer isothermal holding time, causing a deterioration in toughness. This paper reviews the formation of bainite in this steel and describes and rationalizes the final microstructures observed, both in terms of not only formation but also for the expected influence on mechanical properties.

Nanostructural Evolution of Hard Turning Layers in Carburized Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bedekar, Vikram

The mechanisms of failure for components subjected to contact fatigue are sensitive to the structure and properties of the material surface. Although, the bulk material properties are determined by the steel making, forming and the heat treatment; the near surface material properties are altered during final material removal processes such as hard turning or grinding. Therefore, the ability to optimize, modulate and predict the near surface properties during final metal removal operations would be extremely useful in the enhancement of service life of a component. Hard machining is known to induce severely deformed layers causing dramatic microstructural transformations. These transformations occur via grain refinement or thermal phenomena depending upon cutting conditions. The aim of this work is to engineer the near surface nanoscale structure and properties during hard turning by altering strain, strain rate, temperature and incoming microstructure. The near surface material transformations due to hard turning were studied on carburized SAE 8620 bearing steel. Variations in parent material microstructures were introduced by altering the retained austenite content. The strain, strain rate and temperature achieved during final metal cutting were altered by varying insert geometry, insert wear and cutting speed. The subsurface evolution was quantified by a series of advanced characterization techniques such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), glancing angle X-ray diffraction (GAXRD), X-ray stress evaluation and nanoindentation which were coupled with numerical modeling. Results showed that the grain size of the nanocrystalline near surface microstructure can be effectively controlled by altering the insert geometry, insert wear, cutting speed and the incoming microstructure. It was also evident that the near surface retained austenite decreased at lower cutting speed indicating transformation due to plastic deformation, while it increased at higher cutting speed indicated thermal transformation. Nanoindentation tests showed that the substructures produced by plastic deformation follow the Hall-Petch relationship while the structures produced by thermal transformation did not. This indicated a change in the hardness driver from dislocation hardening to phase transformation, both of which have a significant impact on fatigue life. Using hardness based flow stress numerical model, these relationships between the processing conditions and structural parameters were further explored. Results indicated that the hard turning process design space can be partitioned into three regions based on thermal phase transformations, plastic grain refinement, and a third regime where both mechanisms are active. It was found that the Zener-Holloman parameter can not only be used to predict post-turning grain size but also to partition the process space into regions of dominant microstructural mechanisms.

Influence of cryogenic treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of high strength AISI D2 tool steel =

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghasemi Nanesa, Hadi

Cryogenic treatment, known as treating materials at sub-zero temperatures, has been added to conventional heat treatment cycle of high alloyed steels where martensitic transformation is incomplete after quenching to room temperature. Incomplete martensitic transformation occurs due to the effect of high content of alloying elements on pushing down martensite start and finish temperatures to very low values, specifically, on tool steels. In spite of obtaining significant improvements in mechanical and wear properties after cryogenic treatment, there is no cohesive picture about what exactly modifies the microstructure of tool steels during cryogenic treatment and therefore divergent opinions on the influence of process parameters are still reported. For example, the suggested time length for cryogenic treatment starts from few seconds to several days indicating the lack of understanding about micromechanisms responsible for microstructural evolution while holding at cryogenic temperatures. In this regard, the main objective of this project is to develop a better understanding on the fundamental micromechanisms operating during cryogenic treatment. To attain this objective, the following milestones are pursued. - To study the conventional cryogenic treatment and finding challenges. - To identify and characterize the optimum starting microstructure before cryogenic treatment. - To determine the important processing parameters those control the evolution of microstructure and hardness. - To investigate the interaction between carbide precipitation and martensitic transformation in the AISI D2 steel. - To propose an optimal cryogenic treatment for AISI D2 steel.

Rapid Solidification and Phase Transformations in Additive Manufactured Materials

DOE PAGES

Asle Zaeem, Mohsen; Clarke, Amy Jean

2016-01-14

Within the past few years, additive manufacturing (AM) has emerged as a promising manufacturing technique to enable the production of complex engineering structures with high efficiency and accuracy. Among the important factors establishing AM as a sustainable manufacturing process is the ability to control the microstructures and properties of AM products. In most AM processes, such as laser sintering (LS), laser melting (LM), and laser metal deposition (LMD), rapid solidification and high-temperature phase transformations play primary roles in determining nano- and microstructures, and consequently the mechanical and other properties of AM products. This topic of JOM is dedicated to summarizingmore » the current research efforts in the area of rapid solidification and phase transformations in additively manufactured materials. Finally, a brief summary follows below of 10 journal articles in this topic.« less

Microstructural Control via Copious Nucleation Manipulated by In Situ Formed Nucleants: Large-Sized and Ductile Metallic Glass Composites.

PubMed

Song, Wenli; Wu, Yuan; Wang, Hui; Liu, Xiongjun; Chen, Houwen; Guo, Zhenxi; Lu, Zhaoping

2016-10-01

A novel strategy to control the precipitation behavior of the austenitic phase, and to obtain large-sized, transformation-induced, plasticity-reinforced bulk metallic glass matrix composites, with good tensile properties, is proposed. By inducing heterogeneous nucleation of the transformable reinforcement via potent nucleants formed in situ, the characteristics of the austenitic phase are well manipulated. © 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Phase Transformations and Microstructural Evolution: Part I

DOE PAGES

Clarke, Amy Jean

2015-08-29

The activities of the Phase Transformations Committee of the Materials Processing & Manufacturing Division (MPMD) of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (TMS) are oriented toward understanding the fundamental aspects of phase transformations. Emphasis is placed on the thermodynamic driving forces for phase transformations, the kinetics of nucleation and growth, interfacial structures and energies, transformation crystallography, surface reliefs, and, above all, the atomic mechanisms of phase transformations. Phase transformations and microstructural evolution are directly linked to materials processing, properties, and performance, including in extreme environments, of structural metal alloys. In this paper, aspects of phase transformations and microstructural evolution aremore » highlighted from the atomic to the microscopic scale for ferrous and non-ferrous alloys. Many papers from this issue are highlighted with small summaries of their scientific achievements given.« less

Control of microstructure in soldered, brazed, welded, plated, cast or vapor deposited manufactured components

DOEpatents

Ripley, Edward B.; Hallman, Russell L.

2015-11-10

Disclosed are methods and systems for controlling of the microstructures of a soldered, brazed, welded, plated, cast, or vapor deposited manufactured component. The systems typically use relatively weak magnetic fields of either constant or varying flux to affect material properties within a manufactured component, typically without modifying the alloy, or changing the chemical composition of materials or altering the time, temperature, or transformation parameters of a manufacturing process. Such systems and processes may be used with components consisting of only materials that are conventionally characterized as be uninfluenced by magnetic forces.

Influence of Grain Size on Mechanical Responses in Beta Ti-12Mo Alloy Demonstrating Concurrent Twinning-Induced Plasticity/Transformation-induced Plasticity Effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, D. C.; Xue, Q.; Lei, J. F.; Ma, Y. J.; Yang, R.; Wang, C.

2018-06-01

Metastable β Ti-12Mo wt pct alloys with controllable grain sizes are successfully produced, and the effect of grain size on mechanical responses has been thoroughly investigated. It is found that target alloys possess concurrent twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) and transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) features. Mechanisms governing mechanical properties through well-manipulated tensile experiments, detailed microstructure analysis, as well as strong correlations between triggering stress and twinning/phase transformation are offered.

Phase Transformation Study in Nb-Mo Microalloyed Steels Using Dilatometry and EBSD Quantification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isasti, Nerea; Jorge-Badiola, Denis; Taheri, Mitra L.; Uranga, Pello

2013-08-01

A complete microstructural characterization and phase transformation analysis has been performed for several Nb and Nb-Mo microalloyed low-carbon steels using electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and dilatometry tests. Compression thermomechanical schedules were designed resulting in the undeformed and deformed austenite structures before final transformation. The effects of microalloying additions and accumulated deformation were analyzed after CCT diagram development and microstructural quantification. The resulting microstructures ranged from polygonal ferrite and pearlite at slow cooling ranges, to a combination of quasipolygonal ferrite and granular ferrite for intermediate cooling rates, and finally, to bainitic ferrite with martensite for fast cooling rates. The addition of Mo promotes a shift in the CCT diagrams to lower transformation start temperatures. When the amount of Nb is increased, CCT diagrams show little variations for transformations from the undeformed austenite and higher initial transformation temperatures in the transformations from the deformed austenite. This different behavior is due to the effect of niobium on strain accumulation in austenite and its subsequent acceleration of transformation kinetics. This article shows the complex interactions between chemical composition, deformation, and the phases formed, as well as their effect on microstructural unit sizes and homogeneity.

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.

The Effect of Simulated Thermomechanical Processing on the Transformation Behavior and Microstructure of a Low-Carbon Mo-Nb Linepipe Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cizek, P.; Wynne, B. P.; Davies, C. H. J.; Hodgson, P. D.

2015-01-01

The present work investigates the transformation behavior of a low-carbon Mo-Nb linepipe steel and the corresponding transformation product microstructures using deformation dilatometry. The continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams have been constructed for both the fully recrystallized austenite and that deformed in uniaxial compression at 1148 K (875 °C) to a strain of 0.5 for cooling rates ranging from 0.1 to about 100 K/s. The obtained microstructures have been studied in detail using electron backscattered diffraction complemented by transmission electron microscopy. Heavy deformation of the parent austenite has caused a significant expansion of the polygonal ferrite transformation field in the CCT diagram, as well as a shift in the non-equilibrium ferrite transformation fields toward higher cooling rates. Furthermore, the austenite deformation has resulted in a pronounced refinement in both the effective grain (sheaf/packet) size and substructure unit size of the non-equilibrium ferrite microstructures. The optimum microstructure expected to display an excellent balance between strength and toughness is a mix of quasi-polygonal ferrite and granular bainite (often termed "acicular ferrite") produced from the heavily deformed austenite within a processing window covering the cooling rates from about 10 to about 100 K/s.

Microstructural evolution during the homogenization heat treatment of 6XXX and 7XXX aluminum alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Priya, Pikee

Homogenization heat treatment of as-cast billets is an important step in the processing of aluminum extrusions. Microstructural evolution during homogenization involves elimination of the eutectic morphology by spheroidisation of the interdendritic phases, minimization of the microsegregation across the grains through diffusion, dissolution of the low-melting phases, which enhances the surface finish of the extrusions, and precipitation of nano-sized dispersoids (for Cr-, Zr-, Mn-, Sc-containing alloys), which inhibit grain boundary motion to prevent recrystallization. Post-homogenization cooling reprecipitates some of the phases, changing the flow stress required for subsequent extrusion. These precipitates, however, are deleterious for the mechanical properties of the alloy and also hamper the age-hardenability and are hence dissolved during solution heat treatment. Microstructural development during homogenization and subsequent cooling occurs both at the length scale of the Secondary Dendrite Arm Spacing (SDAS) in micrometers and dispersoids in nanometers. Numerical tools to simulate microstructural development at both the length scales have been developed and validated against experiments. These tools provide easy and convenient means to study the process. A Cellular Automaton-Finite Volume-based model for evolution of interdendritic phases is coupled with a Particle Size Distribution-based model for precipitation of dispersoids across the grain. This comprehensive model has been used to study the effect of temperature, composition, as-cast microstructure, and cooling rates during post-homogenization quenching on microstructural evolution. The numerical study has been complimented with experiments involving Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, X-Ray Diffraction and Differential Scanning Calorimetry and a good agreement has with numerical results has been found. The current work aims to study the microstructural evolution during homogenization heat treatment at both length scales which include the (i) dissolution and transformation of the as-cast secondary phases; (ii) precipitation of dispersoids; and (iii) reprecipitation of some of the secondary phases during post-homogenization cooling. The kinetics of the phase transformations are mostly diffusion controlled except for the eta to S phase transformation in 7XXX alloys which is interface reaction rate controlled which has been implemented using a novel approach. Recommendations for homogenization temperature, time, cooling rates and compositions are made for Al-Si-Mg-Fe-Mn and Al-Zn-Cu-Mg-Zr alloys. The numerical model developed has been applied for a through process solidification-homogenization modeling of a Direct-Chill cast AA7050 cylindrical billet to study the radial variation of microstructure after solidification, homogenization and post-homogenization cooling.

Correlation of Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Thermomechanically Processed Low-Carbon Steels Containing Boron and Copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Byoungchul; Lee, Chang Gil; Lee, Tae-Ho

2010-01-01

The correlation of the microstructure and mechanical properties of thermomechanically processed low-carbon steels containing B and Cu was investigated in this study. Eighteen kinds of steel specimens were fabricated by varying B and Cu contents and finish cooling temperatures (FCTs) after controlled rolling, and then tensile and Charpy impact tests were conducted on them. Continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams of the B-free and B-added steel specimens under nondeformed and deformed conditions were constructed by a combination of deformation dilatometry and metallographic methods. The addition of a very small amount of B remarkably decreased the transformation start temperatures near a bainite start temperature (Bs) and thus expanded the formation region of low-temperature transformation phases such as degenerate upper bainite (DUB) and lower bainite (LB) to slower cooling rates. On the other hand, a deformation in the austenite region promoted the formation of quasipolygonal ferrite (QPF) and granular bainite (GB) with an increase in transformation start temperatures. The tensile test results indicated that tensile strength primarily increased with decreasing FCT, while the yield strength did not vary much, except in some specimens. The addition of B and Cu, however, increased the tensile and yield strengths simultaneously because of the significant microstructural change occasionally affected by the FCT. The Charpy impact test results indicated that the steel specimens predominantly composed of LB and lath martensite (LM) had lower upper-shelf energy (USE) than those consisting of GB or DUB, but had nearly equivalent or rather lower ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) in spite of the increased strength. According to the electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis data, it was confirmed that LB and LM microstructures had a relatively smaller effective grain size than GB or DUB microstructures, which enhanced the tortuosity of cleavage crack propagation, thereby resulting in a decrease in DBTT.

Effect of Nitrogen on Transformation Behaviors and Microstructure of V-N Microalloyed Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Baochun; Zhao, Tan; Li, Guiyan; Lu, Qiang

Multi-pass deformation simulation tests were performed on V-N microalloyed steels with different nitrogen addition by using a Gleeble-3800 thermo-mechanical simulator and the corresponding continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams were determined by thermal dilation method and metallographic method. The deformed austenite transformation behavior and resultant microstructure of the tested steels were studied. Furthermore, the effect of nitrogen addition on the transformation behavior and microstructure evolution was analyzed. The results show that the transformed microstructures in the three tested steels are ferrite, pearlite and bainite respectively while the transformation temperatures are not the same. For the two tested steel with higher nitrogen additions, higher ferrite start temperature and critical cooling rates are observed. Furthermore, an increase in nitrogen addition leads to increasing quantities of ferrite and the transformed ferrite is smaller in size. The hardness test results reveal that the hardness number increases with increasing nitrogen addition at low cooling rate while the value tends to be smaller due to increasing nitrogen addition at high cooling rate. Therefore, the hardness number of the steel with high nitrogen addition is not so sensitive to cooling rate as that of the steel with low nitrogen addition.

Effect of lattice-mismatch-induced strains on coupled diffusive and displacive phase transformations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bouville, Mathieu; Ahluwalia, Rajeev

2007-02-01

Materials which can undergo slow diffusive transformations as well as fast displacive transformations are studied using the phase-field method. The model captures the essential features of the time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagrams, continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams, and microstructure formation of these alloys. In some material systems there can exist an intrinsic volume change associated with these transformations. We show that these coherency strains can stabilize mixed microstructures (such as retained austenite-martensite and pearlite-martensite mixtures) by an interplay between diffusive and displacive mechanisms, which can alter TTT and CCT diagrams. Depending on the conditions there can be competitive or cooperative nucleation of the two kinds of phases. The model also shows that small differences in volume changes can have noticeable effects on the early stages of martensite formation and on the resulting microstructures.

Metallurgical characterization of controlled memory wire nickel-titanium rotary instruments.

PubMed

Shen, Ya; Zhou, Hui-Min; Zheng, Yu-Feng; Campbell, Les; Peng, Bin; Haapasalo, Markus

2011-11-01

To improve the fracture resistance of nickel-titanium (NiTi) files, manufacturers have introduced new alloys and developed new manufacturing processes for the fabrication of NiTi files. This study aimed to examine the phase transformation behavior and microstructure of NiTi instruments from a novel controlled memory NiTi wire (CM wire). Instruments of EndoSequence (ES), ProFile (PF), ProFile Vortex (Vortex), Twisted Files (TF), Typhoon (TYP), and Typhoon™ CM (TYP CM), all size 25/.04, were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). Microstructures of etched instruments were observed by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with x-ray energy-dispersive spectrometric (EDS) analyses. The DSC analyses showed that each segment of the TYP CM and Vortex instruments had an austenite transformation completion or austenite-finish (A(f)) temperature exceeding 37°C, whereas the NiTi instruments made from conventional superelastic NiTi wire (ES, PF, and TYP) and TF had A(f) temperatures substantially below mouth temperature. The higher A(f) temperature of TYP CM instruments was consistent with a mixture of austenite and martensite structure, which was observed at room temperature with XRD. All NiTi instruments had room temperature martensite microstructures consisting of colonies of lenticular features with substantial twinning. EDS analysis indicated that the precipitates in all NiTi instruments were titanium-rich, with an approximate composition of Ti(2)Ni. The TYP CM and Vortex instruments with heat treatment contribute to increase austenite transformation temperature. The CM instrument has significant changes in the phase transformation behavior, compared with conventional superelastic NiTi instruments. Copyright © 2011 American Association of Endodontists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Role of microstructures on the M1-M2 phase transition in epitaxial VO2 thin films

PubMed Central

Ji, Yanda; Zhang, Yin; Gao, Min; Yuan, Zhen; Xia, Yudong; Jin, Changqing; Tao, Bowan; Chen, Chonglin; Jia, Quanxi; Lin, Yuan

2014-01-01

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) with its unique sharp resistivity change at the metal-insulator transition (MIT) has been extensively considered for the near-future terahertz/infrared devices and energy harvesting systems. Controlling the epitaxial quality and microstructures of vanadium dioxide thin films and understanding the metal-insulator transition behaviors are therefore critical to novel device development. The metal-insulator transition behaviors of the epitaxial vanadium dioxide thin films deposited on Al2O3 (0001) substrates were systematically studied by characterizing the temperature dependency of both Raman spectrum and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Our findings on the correlation between the nucleation dynamics of intermediate monoclinic (M2) phase with microstructures will open a new avenue for the design and integration of advanced heterostructures with controllable multifunctionalities for sensing and imaging system applications. PMID:24798056

Phase Transformations and Formation of Ultra-Fine Microstructure During Hydrogen Sintering and Phase Transformation (HSPT) Processing of Ti-6Al-4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Pei; Fang, Zhigang Zak; Koopman, Mark; Xia, Yang; Paramore, James; Ravi Chandran, K. S.; Ren, Yang; Lu, Jun

2015-12-01

The hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) process is a novel powder metallurgy method for producing Ti alloys, particularly the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, with ultra-fine microstructure in the as-sintered state. The ultra-fine microstructure is obtained as a direct result of the use of H2 gas during sintering. The refinement of the microstructure during HSPT is similar to that of thermal hydrogen processing (THP) of bulk Ti alloys. For both THP and HSPT of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, the mechanisms of the grain refinement depend on the phase equilibria and phase transformations in the presence of hydrogen, which are surprisingly still not well established to date and are still subjected to research and debate. In recent work by the present authors, a pseudo-binary phase diagram of (Ti-6Al-4V)-H has been determined by using in situ synchrotron XRD and TGA/DSC techniques. Aided by this phase diagram, the current paper focuses on the series of phase transformations during sintering and cooling of Ti-6Al-4V in a hydrogen atmosphere and the mechanisms for the formation of the ultra-fine microstructures obtained. Using experimental techniques, including in situ synchrotron XRD, SEM, EBSD, and TEM, the microstructural refinement was found to be the result of (1) the precipitation of ultra-fine α/α2 within coarse β grains during an isothermal hold at intermediate temperatures, and (2) the eutectoid transformation of β → α + δ at approximately 473 K (200 °C).

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.

Phase transformations in steels: Processing, microstructure, and performance

DOE PAGES

Gibbs, Paul J.

2014-04-03

In this study, contemporary steel research is revealing new processing avenues to tailor microstructure and properties that, until recently, were only imaginable. Much of the technological versatility facilitating this development is provided by the understanding and utilization of the complex phase transformation sequences available in ferrous alloys. Today we have the opportunity to explore the diverse phenomena displayed by steels with specialized analytical and experimental tools. Advances in multi-scale characterization techniques provide a fresh perspective into microstructural relationships at the macro- and micro-scale, enabling a fundamental understanding of the role of phase transformations during processing and subsequent deformation.

Effect of Austenite Deformation on the Microstructure Evolution and Grain Refinement Under Accelerated Cooling Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, H.; Palmiere, E. J.

2017-07-01

Although there has been much research regarding the effect of austenite deformation on accelerated cooled microstructures in microalloyed steels, there is still a lack of accurate data on boundary densities and effective grain sizes. Previous results observed from optical micrographs are not accurate enough, because, for displacive transformation products, a substantial part of the boundaries have disorientation angles below 15 deg. Therefore, in this research, a niobium microalloyed steel was used and electron backscattering diffraction mappings were performed on all of the transformed microstructures to obtain accurate results on boundary densities and grain refinement. It was found that with strain rising from 0 to 0.5, a transition from bainitic ferrite to acicular ferrite occurs and the effective grain size reduces from 5.7 to 3.1 μm. When further increasing strain from 0.5 to 0.7, dynamic recrystallization was triggered and postdynamic softening occurred during the accelerated cooling, leading to an inhomogeneous and coarse transformed microstructure. In the entire strain range, the density changes of boundaries with different disorientation angles are distinct, due to different boundary formation mechanisms. Finally, the controversial influence of austenite deformation on effective grain size of low-temperature transformation products was argued to be related to the differences in transformation conditions and final microstructures.

Prediction and Optimization of Phase Transformation Region After Spot Continual Induction Hardening Process Using Response Surface Method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qin, Xunpeng; Gao, Kai; Zhu, Zhenhua; Chen, Xuliang; Wang, Zhou

2017-09-01

The spot continual induction hardening (SCIH) process, which is a modified induction hardening, can be assembled to a five-axis cooperating computer numerical control machine tool to strengthen more than one small area or relatively large area on complicated component surface. In this study, a response surface method was presented to optimize phase transformation region after the SCIH process. The effects of five process parameters including feed velocity, input power, gap, curvature and flow rate on temperature, microstructure, microhardness and phase transformation geometry were investigated. Central composition design, a second-order response surface design, was employed to systematically estimate the empirical models of temperature and phase transformation geometry. The analysis results indicated that feed velocity has a dominant effect on the uniformity of microstructure and microhardness, domain size, oxidized track width, phase transformation width and height in the SCIH process while curvature has the largest effect on center temperature in the design space. The optimum operating conditions with 0.817, 0.845 and 0.773 of desirability values are expected to be able to minimize ratio (tempering region) and maximize phase transformation width for concave, flat and convex surface workpieces, respectively. The verification result indicated that the process parameters obtained by the model were reliable.

Grain boundary engineering: fatigue fracture

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Das, Arpan

2017-04-01

Grain boundary engineering has revealed significant enhancement of material properties by modifying the populations and connectivity of different types of grain boundaries within the polycrystals. The character and connectivity of grain boundaries in polycrystalline microstructures control the corrosion and mechanical behaviour of materials. A comprehensive review of the previous researches has been carried out to understand this philosophy. Present research thoroughly explores the effect of total strain amplitude on phase transformation, fatigue fracture features, grain size, annealing twinning, different grain connectivity and grain boundary network after strain controlled low cycle fatigue deformation of austenitic stainless steel under ambient temperature. Electron backscatter diffraction technique has been used extensively to investigate the grain boundary characteristics and morphologies. The nominal variation of strain amplitude through cyclic plastic deformation is quantitatively demonstrated completely in connection with the grain boundary microstructure and fractographic features to reveal the mechanism of fatigue fracture of polycrystalline austenite. The extent of boundary modifications has been found to be a function of the number of applied loading cycles and strain amplitudes. It is also investigated that cyclic plasticity induced martensitic transformation strongly influences grain boundary characteristics and modifications of the material's microstructure/microtexture as a function of strain amplitudes. The experimental results presented here suggest a path to grain boundary engineering during fatigue fracture of austenite polycrystals.

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

Stable Eutectoid Transformation in Nodular Cast Iron: Modeling and Validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carazo, Fernando D.; Dardati, Patricia M.; Celentano, Diego J.; Godoy, Luis A.

2017-01-01

This paper presents a new microstructural model of the stable eutectoid transformation in a spheroidal cast iron. The model takes into account the nucleation and growth of ferrite grains and the growth of graphite spheroids. Different laws are assumed for the growth of both phases during and below the intercritical stable eutectoid. At a microstructural level, the initial conditions for the phase transformations are obtained from the microstructural simulation of solidification of the material, which considers the divorced eutectic and the subsequent growth of graphite spheroids up to the initiation of the stable eutectoid transformation. The temperature field is obtained by solving the energy equation by means of finite elements. The microstructural (phase change) and macrostructural (energy balance) models are coupled by a sequential multiscale procedure. Experimental validation of the model is achieved by comparison with measured values of fractions and radius of 2D view of ferrite grains. Agreement with such experiments indicates that the present model is capable of predicting ferrite phase fraction and grain size with reasonable accuracy.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of High-Strength Steel Controlled by Hot Stamping Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ou, Hang; Zhang, Xu; Xu, Junrui; Li, Guangyao; Cui, Junjia

2018-03-01

A novel design and manufacturing method, dubbed "precast," of the cooling system and tools for a hot forming process was proposed in this paper. The integrated structures of the punch and blank holder were determined by analyzing the bending and reverse-bending deformation of the forming parts. The desired crashworthiness performance of an automotive front bumper constructed with this process was obtained by a tailored phase transformation, which generated martensite-bainite in the middle and full martensite transformation in the corner areas. Varying cooling effects in the formed parts caused the highest temperature to be located in the bottom and the lowest on the end of the formed parts. Moreover, the microstructural distributions demonstrated that the bottom possessed a relatively lower content of martensite, while, conversely, the end possessed a higher content. This was precisely the most desired phase distributions for the hot formed parts. For the six-process cycle stamping, the temperatures reached a stable status after an initial rapid increase in the first three process cycles. The microstructural results verified the feasibility of the hot forming tools under multiprocess cycles.

Design of novel materials for additive manufacturing - Isotropic microstructure and high defect tolerance.

PubMed

Günther, J; Brenne, F; Droste, M; Wendler, M; Volkova, O; Biermann, H; Niendorf, T

2018-01-22

Electron Beam Melting (EBM) is a powder-bed additive manufacturing technology enabling the production of complex metallic parts with generally good mechanical properties. However, the performance of powder-bed based additively manufactured materials is governed by multiple factors that are difficult to control. Alloys that solidify in cubic crystal structures are usually affected by strong anisotropy due to the formation of columnar grains of preferred orientation. Moreover, processing induced defects and porosity detrimentally influence static and cyclic mechanical properties. The current study presents results on processing of a metastable austenitic CrMnNi steel by EBM. Due to multiple phase transformations induced by intrinsic heat-treatment in the layer-wise EBM process the material develops a fine-grained microstructure almost without a preferred crystallographic grain orientation. The deformation-induced phase transformation yields high damage tolerance and, thus, excellent mechanical properties less sensitive to process-induced inhomogeneities. Various scan strategies were applied to evaluate the width of an appropriate process window in terms of microstructure evolution, porosity and change of chemical composition.

Retained austenite thermal stability in a nanostructured bainitic steel

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

Avishan, Behzad, E-mail: b_avishan@sut.ac.ir; Garcia-Mateo, Carlos, E-mail: cgm@cenim.csic.es; Yazdani, Sasan, E-mail: yazdani@sut.ac.ir

2013-07-15

The unique microstructure of nanostructured bainite consists of very slender bainitic ferrite plates and high carbon retained austenite films. As a consequence, the reported properties are opening a wide range of different commercial uses. However, bainitic transformation follows the T{sub 0} criteria, i.e. the incomplete reaction phenomena, which means that the microstructure is not thermodynamically stable because the bainitic transformation stops well before austenite reaches an equilibrium carbon level. This article aims to study the different microstructural changes taking place when nanostructured bainite is destabilized by austempering for times well in excess of that strictly necessary to end the transformation.more » Results indicate that while bainitic ferrite seems unaware of the extended heat treatment, retained austenite exhibits a more receptive behavior to it. - Highlights: • Nanostructured bainitic steel is not thermodynamically stable. • Extensive austempering in these microstructures has not been reported before. • Precipitation of cementite particles is unavoidable at longer austempering times. • TEM, FEG-SEM and XRD analysis were used for microstructural characterization.« less

Microstructural Evolution during the Dynamic Deformation of High Strength Navy Steels

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-05-19

phase particles (Figures 23d,e). These include carbides as well as copper precipitates that are of the order of 10 nm or less in size. These particles ...Microstructure and kinetics of martensite transformations in splat-quenched Fe and Fe-Ni alloys - I pure Fe: Acta Metallurgica 30(1982)323. 22. Y. Inokuti...and B. Cantor, Microstructure and kinetics of martensite transformations in splat-quenched Fe and Fe-Ni alloys - II Fe-Ni alloys : Acta

Effect of Co Addition on the Microstructure, Martensitic Transformation and Shape Memory Behavior of Fe-Mn-Si Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Maji, Bikas C.; Krishnan, Madangopal; Sujata, M.; Gouthama; Ray, Ranjit K.

2013-01-01

The effect of Co addition has been studied in Fe-30Mn-6Si- xCo ( x = 0 to 9 wt pct) shape memory alloys in terms of their microstructure, martensitic transformation and shape recovery. Microstructural investigations reveal that in Fe-Mn-Si-Co alloys, the microstructure remains single-phase austenite (γ) up to 5 pct Co and beyond that becomes two-phase comprising γ and off-stoichiometric (Fe,Co)5Mn3Si2 intermetallic π-phases. The forward γ-ɛ martensite transformation start temperature ( M S) decreases with the addition of Co up to 5 pct, and alloys containing more than 5 pct Co, show slightly higher M S possibly on account of two-phase microstructure. Unlike M S, the ɛ-γ reverse transformation start temperature ( A S) has been found to remain almost unaltered by Co addition. In general, addition of Co to Fe-Mn-Si alloys deteriorates shape recovery due to decreasing resistance to plastic yielding concomitant with the formation of stress induced ɛ martensite. However, there is an improvement in shape recovery beyond 5 pct Co addition, possibly due to the strengthening effect arising from the presence of (Fe,Co)5Mn3Si2 precipitates within the two-phase microstructure and due to higher amount of stress induced ɛ martensite.

Microstructural fingerprints of phase transitions in shock-loaded iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, S. J.; Sui, M. L.; Chen, Y. T.; Lu, Q. H.; Ma, E.; Pei, X. Y.; Li, Q. Z.; Hu, H. B.

2013-01-01

The complex structural transformation in crystals under static pressure or shock loading has been a subject of long-standing interest to materials scientists and physicists. The polymorphic transformation is of particular importance for iron (Fe), due to its technological and sociological significance in the development of human civilization, as well as its prominent presence in the earth's core. The martensitic transformation α-->ɛ (bcc-->hcp) in iron under shock-loading, due to its reversible and transient nature, requires non-trivial detective work to uncover its occurrence. Here we reveal refined microstructural fingerprints, needle-like colonies and three sets of {112}<111> twins with a threefold symmetry, with tell-tale features that are indicative of two sequential martensitic transformations in the reversible α-->ɛ phase transition, even though no ɛ is retained in the post-shock samples. The signature orientation relationships are consistent with previously-proposed transformation mechanisms, and the unique microstructural fingerprints enable a quantitative assessment of the volume fraction transformed.

Effect of Composition and Deformation on Coarse-Grained Austenite Transformation in Nb-Mo Microalloyed Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Isasti, N.; Jorge-Badiola, D.; Taheri, M. L.; López, B.; Uranga, P.

2011-12-01

Thermomechanical processing of microalloyed steels containing niobium can be performed to obtain deformed austenite prior to transformation. Accelerated cooling can be employed to refine the final microstructure and, consequently, to improve both strength and toughness. This general rule is fulfilled if the transformation occurs on a quite homogeneous austenite microstructure. Nevertheless, the presence of coarse austenite grains before transformation in different industrial processes is a usual source of concern, and regarding toughness, the coarsest high-angle boundary units would determine its final value. Sets of deformation dilatometry tests were carried out using three 0.06 pct Nb microalloyed steels to evaluate the effect of Mo alloying additions (0, 0.16, and 0.31 pct Mo) on final transformation from both recrystallized and unrecrystallized coarse-grained austenite. Continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams were created, and detailed microstructural characterization was achieved through the use of optical microscopy (OM), field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEGSEM), and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The resultant microstructures ranged from polygonal ferrite (PF) and pearlite (P) at slow cooling ranges to bainitic ferrite (BF) accompanied by martensite (M) for fast cooling rates. Plastic deformation of the parent austenite accelerated both ferrite and bainite transformation, moving the CCT curves to higher temperatures and shorter times. However, an increase in the final heterogeneity was observed when BF packets were formed, creating coarse high-angle grain boundary units.

Effects of annealing conditions on microstructure and mechanical properties of low carbon, manganese transformation-induced plasticity steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jang, Jae-Myeong; Kim, Sung-Joon; Kang, Nam Hyun; Cho, Kyung-Mox; Suh, Dong-Woo

2009-12-01

The effects of annealing conditions on microstructural evolution and mechanical properties have been investigated in low carbon, manganese TRIP (Mn TRIP) steel based on a 0.12C-6Mn-0.5Si-3Al alloy system. The microstructure of cold-rolled sheet subjected to annealing at 760 °C to 800 °C for 30 s to 1800 s consists of a recrystallized ferrite matrix and fine-grained austenite with a phase fraction of 25 % to 35 %. Variation of the annealing conditions remarkably influenced the characteristics of constituent phases and thus affected the tensile strength and elongation. Optimization of microstructural parameters such as grain size and fraction of constituent phases, which control the yield strength, overall work hardening, and the kinetics of strain-induced martensite formation, is thus critical for obtaining an exceptional mechanical balance of the alloy.

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.

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.

Mechanisms of ultrafine-grained austenite formation under different isochronal conditions in a cold-rolled metastable stainless steel

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

Celada-Casero, C., E-mail: c.celada@cenim.csic.es

The primary objective of this work is to obtain fundamental insights on phase transformations, with focus on the reaustenitization process (α′→γ transformation), of a cold-rolled (CR) semi-austenitic metastable stainless steel upon different isochronal conditions (0.1, 1, 10 and 100 °C/s). For this purpose, an exhaustive microstructural characterization has been performed by using complementary experimental such as scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), micro-hardness Vickers and magnetization measurements. It has been detected that all microstructural changes shift to higher temperatures as the heating rate increases. The reaustenitization occurs in two-steps formore » all heating rates, which is attributed to the chemical banding present in the CR state. The α′→γ transformation is controlled by the migration of substitutional alloying elements across the austenite/martensite (γ/α′) interface, which finally leads to ultrafine-grained reaustenitized microstructures (440–280 nm). The morphology of the martensite phase in the CR state has been found to be the responsible for such a grain refinement, along with the presence of χ-phase and nanometric Ni{sub 3}(Ti,Al) precipitates that pin the austenite grain growth, especially upon slowly heating at 0.1 °C/s. - Highlights: •Ultrafine-grained austenite structures are obtained isochronally at 0.1–100 °C/s •The α′→γ transformation occurs in two steps due to the initial chemical banding •A diffusional mechanism governs the α′→γ transformation for all heating rates •The dislocation-cell-type of martensite promotes a diffusional mechanism •Precipitates located at α′/γ interfaces hinder the austenite growth.« less

Phase Transformation Behavior of Medium Manganese Steels with 3 Wt Pct Aluminum and 3 Wt Pct Silicon During Intercritical Annealing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Binhan; Fazeli, Fateh; Scott, Colin; Yue, Stephen

2016-10-01

Medium manganese steels alloyed with sufficient aluminum and silicon amounts contain high fractions of retained austenite adjustable to various transformation-induced plasticity/twinning-induced plasticity effects, in addition to a reduced density suitable for lightweight vehicle body-in-white assemblies. Two hot rolled medium manganese steels containing 3 wt pct aluminum and 3 wt pct silicon were subjected to different annealing treatments in the present study. The evolution of the microstructure in terms of austenite transformation upon reheating and the subsequent austenite decomposition during quenching was investigated. Manganese content of the steels prevailed the microstructural response. The microstructure of the leaner alloy with 7 wt pct Mn (7Mn) was substantially influenced by the annealing temperature, including the variation of phase constituents, the morphology and composition of intercritical austenite, the Ms temperature and the retained austenite fraction. In contrast, the richer variant 10 wt pct Mn steel (10Mn) exhibited a substantially stable ferrite-austenite duplex phase microstructure containing a fixed amount of retained austenite which was found to be independent of the variations of intercritical annealing temperature. Austenite formation from hot band ferrite-pearlite/bainite mixtures was very rapid during annealing at 1273 K (1000 °C), regardless of Mn contents. Austenite growth was believed to be controlled at early stages by carbon diffusion following pearlite/bainite dissolution. The redistribution of Mn in ferrite and particularly in austenite at later stages was too subtle to result in a measureable change in austenite fraction. Further, the hot band microstructure of both steels contained a large fraction of coarse-grained δ-ferrite, which remained almost unchanged during intercritical annealing. A recently developed thermodynamic database was evaluated using the experimental data. The new database achieved a better agreement with the experimental results for the 7Mn steel compared with the existing commercial TCFE database; however, some discrepancy in the predicted phase fractions and compositions still existed. The phase transformation behavior of the two steels during annealing and its implication on the design of high aluminum-silicon medium manganese steels were discussed in detail.

Effect of Plastic Hot Deformation on the Hardness and Continuous Cooling Transformations of 22MnB5 Microalloyed Boron Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barcellona, A.; Palmeri, D.

2009-05-01

The strains, transformation temperatures, microstructure, and microhardness of a microalloyed boron and aluminum precoated steel, which has been isothermally deformed under uniaxial tensile tests, have been investigated at temperatures between 873 and 1223 K, using a fixed strain rate value of 0.08 s-1. The effect of each factor, such as temperature and strain value, has been later valued considering the shift generated on the continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagram. The experimental results consist of the starting temperatures that occur for each transformation, the microhardness values, and the obtained microstructure at the end of each thermomechanical treatment. All the thermomechanical treatments were performed using the thermomechanical simulator Gleeble 1500. The results showed that increasing hot prestrain (HPS) values generate, at the same cooling rate, lower hardness values; this means that the increasing of HPS generates a shift of the CCT diagram toward a lower starting time for each transformation. Therefore, high values of hot deformations during the hot stamping process require a strict control of the cooling process in order to ensure cooling rate values that allow maintaining good mechanical component characteristics. This phenomenon is amplified when the prestrain occurs at lower temperatures, and thus, it is very sensitive to the temperature level.

Relationships Between the Phase Transformation Kinetics, Texture Evolution, and Microstructure Development in a 304L Stainless Steel Under Biaxial Loading Conditions: Synchrotron X-ray and Electron Backscatter Diffraction Studies

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

Cakmak, Ercan; Choo, Hahn; Kang, Jun-Yun

2015-02-11

The relationships between the martensitic phase transformation kinetics, texture evolution, and the microstructure development in the parent austenite phase were studied for a 304L stainless steel that exhibits the transformation-induced plasticity effect under biaxial loading conditions at ambient temperature. The applied loading paths included: pure torsion, simultaneous biaxial torsion/tension, simultaneous biaxial torsion/compression, and stepwise loading of tension followed by torsion (i.e., first loading by uniaxial tension and then by pure torsion in sequence). Synchrotron X-ray and electron backscatter diffraction techniques were used to measure the evolution of the phase fractions, textures, and microstructures as a function of the applied strains.more » The influence of loading character and path on the changes in martensitic phase transformation kinetics is discussed in the context of (1) texture-transformation relationship and the preferred transformation of grains belonging to certain texture components over the others, (2) effects of axial strains on shear band evolutions, and (3) volume changes associated with martensitic transformation.« less

Effect of microalloying elements on microstructure and properties of quenched and tempered constructional steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Qingshen; Huang, Leqing; Di, Guobiao; Wang, Yanfeng; Yang, Yongda; Ma, Changwen

2017-09-01

The effects of microalloying elements Nb, V and Ti on microstructure and properties of quenched and tempered steel were studied. Results showed that the addition of microalloying elements led to the formation of bainite and increased strength, while the austenization and ferrite transformation temperature was barely affected, i.e. 10°C. Microalloying elements shortened the incubation time for bainite transformation by refinement of austenite grain, and decreased the hardenability by forming carbides and therefore reducing the carbon content of super-cooled austenite. Either of them promoted the bainite transformation. The better tempering stability was ascribed to the as hot-rolled bainite microstructure and secondary carbide precipitation during tempering.

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.

Macroscopic and Microstructural Aspects of the Transformation Behavior in a Polycrystalline NiTi Shape Memory Alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benafan, Othmane; Noebe, Ronald D.; Padula, Santo A., II; Lerch, Bradley A.; Bigelow, Glen S.; Gaydosh, Darrell J.; Garg, Anita; An, Ke; Vaidyanathan, Raj

2013-01-01

The mechanical and microstructural behavior of a polycrystalline Ni(49.9)Ti(50.1) (at.%) shape memory alloy was investigated as a function of temperature around the transformation regime. The bulk macroscopic responses, measured using ex situ tensile deformation and impulse excitation tests, were compared to the microstructural evolution captured using in situ neutron diffraction. The onset stress for inelastic deformation and dynamic Young's modulus were found to decrease with temperature, in the martensite regime, reaching a significant minimum at approximately 80 C followed by an increase in both properties, attributed to the martensite to austenite transformation. The initial decrease in material compliance during heating affected the ease with which martensite reorientation and detwinning could occur, ultimately impacting the stress for inelastic deformation prior to the start of the reverse transformation.

Effect of Carbon on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Low C-1.6 pct Mn-0.1 pct Cr-0.3 pct Mo-0.0005 pct B Dual-Phase Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jeong, W. C.

2014-11-01

Effect of carbon on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 0.011 and 0.032 pct carbon dual-phase steels was investigated. r m value was increased to 1.52 at around 400 MPa tensile strength level through the optimal design in the steel chemistry and proper control of phase transformation during continuous galvanizing cycle. The isolated martensite particles are expected to increase the strength but are expected not to be desirable for the deep drawability.

Tailoring the Microstructure of Sol–Gel Derived Hydroxyapatite/Zirconia Nanocrystalline Composites

PubMed Central

2011-01-01

In this study, we tailor the microstructure of hydroxyapatite/zirconia nanocrystalline composites by optimizing processing parameters, namely, introducing an atmosphere of water vapor during sintering in order to control the thermal stability of hydroxyapatite, and a modified sol–gel process that yields to an excellent intergranular distribution of zirconia phase dispersed intergranularly within the hydroxyapatite matrix. In terms of mechanical behavior, SEM images of fissure deflection and the presence of monoclinic ZrO2 content on cracked surface indicate that both toughening mechanisms, stress-induced tetragonal to monoclinic phase transformation and deflection, are active for toughness enhancement. PMID:24764458

Towards ultra-high ductility TRIP-assisted multiphase steels controlled by strain gradient plasticity effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hatami, M. K.; Pardoen, T.; Lacroix, G.; Berke, P.; Jacques, P. J.; Massart, T. J.

2017-01-01

TRansformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) is a very effective mechanism to increase the strain hardening capacity of multiphase steels containing a fraction of metastable austenite, leading to both high strength and large uniform elongation. Excellent performances have been reached in the past 20 years, with recent renewed interest through the development of the 3rd generation of high strength steels often involving a TRIP effect. The microstructure and composition optimization is complex due to the interplay of coupled effects on the transformation kinetics and work hardening such as phase stability, size of retained austenite grains, temperature and loading path. In particular, recent studies have shown that the TRIP effect can only be quantitatively captured for realistic microstructures if strain gradient plasticity effects are taken into account, although direct experimental validation of this claim is missing. Here, an original computational averaging scheme is developed for predicting the elastoplastic response of TRIP aided multiphase steels based on a strain gradient plasticity model. The microstructure is represented by an aggregate of many elementary unit cells involving each a fraction of retained austenite with a specified stability. The model parameters, involving the transformation kinetics, are identified based on experimental tensile tests performed at different temperatures. The model is further assessed towards original experiments, involving temperature changes during deformation. A classical size independent plasticity model is shown unable to capture the TRIP effect on the mechanical response. Conversely, the strain gradient formulation properly predicts substantial variations of the strain hardening with deformation and temperature, hence of the uniform elongation in good agreement with the experiments. A parametric study is performed to get more insight on the effect of the material length scale as well as to determine optimum transformation kinetics to reach the highest possible strength-ductility balance. It is shown that the uniform elongation can potentially be increased by 50% or more, paving the way towards future microstructure engineering efforts.

Macrosegregation and Microstructural Evolution in a Pressure-Vessel Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pickering, E. J.; Bhadeshia, H. K. D. H.

2014-06-01

This work assesses the consequences of macrosegregation on microstructural evolution during solid-state transformations in a continuously cooled pressure-vessel steel (SA508 Grade 3). Stark spatial variations in microstructure are observed following a simulated quench from the austenitization temperature, which are found to deliver significant variations in hardness. Partial-transformation experiments are used to show the development of microstructure in segregated material. Evidence is presented which indicates the bulk microstructure is not one of upper bainite, as it has been described in the past, but one comprised of Widmanstätten ferrite and pockets of lower bainite. Segregation is observed on three different length scales, and the origins of each type are proposed. Suggestions are put forward for how the segregation might be minimized, and its detrimental effects suppressed by heat treatments.

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

Domenichini, P.; Condó, A.M.; Centro Atómico Bariloche, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica, Av. Bustillo 9500, 8400 San Carlos de Bariloche

We report the influence of the microstructure on the martensitic transformation in polycrystalline Cu−Zn−Al thin films with 18R structure. The films are grown in two steps. First, Cu−Al thin films are obtained by DC sputtering. Second, the Zn is introduced in the Cu−Al thin films by the annealing them together with a bulk Cu−Zn−Al reference. The crystalline structure of the films was analyzed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The martensitic transformation temperature was measured by electrical transport using conventional four probe geometry. It was observed that temperatures above 973 K are necessary for zincification of the samples tomore » occur. The resulting martensitic transformation and its hysteresis (barrier for the transformation) depend on the grain size, topology and films thickness. - Highlights: • Polycrystalline Cu−Al−Zn thin films with nanometric grain size are sintered. • Influence of thermal annealing process on the microstructure is analyzed. • Martensitic transformation of Cu−Al−Zn thin films is strongly affected by the microstructure.« less

Microstructures and Continuous Cooling Transformation of CGHAZ in E36 Class V-N-Ti, V-Ti and Nb-Ti Shipbuilding Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shi, Zhongran; Wang, Ruizhen; Wang, Qingfeng; Su, Hang; Chai, Feng; Yang, Caifu

For the purpose of obtaining the optimal microstructures and mechanical properties of the CGHAZ under high input welding, continuous cooling transformation diagrams of the coarse grain heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) and the corresponding microstructures were investigated for a E36 class V-N-Ti, V-Ti, and Nb-Ti shipbuilding steels. The results indicated that the CGHAZ continuous transformation behaviors of Nb-Ti and V-Ti steel were similar, but the V-retard phenomenon was not as apparent as that of Nb. In addition, the cooling rate of ferrite transformation of V-Ti steel was higher than that of Nb-Ti steel. The nitrogen addition in the V-Ti steel enhanced the ferrite transformation, since that increasing the nitrogen could obtain fine (Ti, V)(C, N) particles and refine the original austenite size, which can promote the ferrite nucleation. The bainite transformation range of V-N-Ti steel was obviously lower than that of Nb-Ti, V-Ti steel at the t8/5≥100s.

Deformation of olivine during phase transformation to wadsleyite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohiuddin, A.; Girard, J.; Karato, S. I.

2017-12-01

The strength of subducting slabs in the transition zone is critical in controlling the style of mantle convection. However, rheological properties of a subducted slab are elusive: low temperatures of a slab would make slabs strong, but in many regions there is evidence of intense deformation of slabs in the transition zone. One potential cause of intense deformation of subducting slabs is grain size reduction and accompanied microstructural changes during phase transformation of olivine to its higher-pressure polymorphs. There have been no experimental studies to quantify the influence of grain-size evolution. In addition to grain size reduction, distribution of small grains during phase transformation governs the degree of weakening during phase transformation (for e.g. load bearing framework vs. inter-connected layered framework). We conducted laboratory studies on the size and spatial distribution of new grains of wadsleyite after the transformation from olivine. Our results under static conditions show that an interconnected microstructure develops during the initial stage of phase transformation and that the grain size of the interconnected phase (wadsleyite) depends on the temperature at which the phase transformation occurs (smaller grains at lower temperatures). Development of an interconnected microstructure may lead to strain localization in the weaker phase, i.e. the fine-grained interconnected network accommodates most of the strain and therefore weakening of the entire composite. We will test this model through a series of two synchrotron in-situ deformation experiments: (i) Olivine aggregate will be deformed during slow pressure increase from deep upper mantle pressure ( 10 GPa) to transition zone pressure ( 15 GPa) at a given temperature simulating the deformation of a slab penetrating into the transition zone (ii) olivine is partially transformed to wadsleyite in a multi anvil apparatus at Yale and will be deformed within the stability field where olivine and wadsleyite coexist. We will use the Rotational Drickamer Apparatus (RDA) at a synchrotron facility (Argonne National Lab, 6-BM-B beamline, white beam and x-ray radiography) and characterize the stresses acting on olivine and wadsleyite during such simulations. We plan to present our preliminary results.

Relationships Between the Phase Transformation Kinetics, Texture Evolution, and Microstructure Development in a 304L Stainless Steel Under Biaxial Loading Conditions: Synchrotron X-ray and Electron Backscatter Diffraction Studies

DOE PAGES

Cakmak, Ercan; Choo, Hahn; Kang, Jun-Yun; ...

2015-02-11

Here we report that the relationships between the martensitic phase transformation kinetics, texture evolution, and the microstructure development in the parent austenite phase were studied for a 304L stainless steel that exhibits the transformation-induced plasticity effect under biaxial loading conditions at ambient temperature. The applied loading paths included: pure torsion, simultaneous biaxial torsion/tension, simultaneous biaxial torsion/compression, and stepwise loading of tension followed by torsion (i.e., first loading by uniaxial tension and then by pure torsion in sequence). Synchrotron X-ray and electron backscatter diffraction techniques were used to measure the evolution of the phase fractions, textures, and microstructures as a functionmore » of the applied strains. The influence of loading character and path on the changes in martensitic phase transformation kinetics is discussed in the context of (1) texture-transformation relationship and the preferred transformation of grains belonging to certain texture components over the others, (2) effects of axial strains on shear band evolutions, and (3) volume changes associated with martensitic transformation.« less

The Development and Microstructure Analysis of High Strength Steel Plate NVE36 for Large Heat Input Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Zhang; Liangfa, Xie; Ming, Wei; Jianli, Li

In the shipbuilding industry, the welding efficiency of the ship plate not only has a great effect on the construction cost of the ship, but also affects the construction speed and determines the delivery cycle. The steel plate used for large heat input welding was developed sufficiently. In this paper, the composition of the steel with a small amount of Nb, Ti and large amount of Mn had been designed in micro-alloyed route. The content of C and the carbon equivalent were also designed to a low level. The technology of oxide metallurgy was used during the smelting process of the steel. The rolling technology of TMCP was controlled at a low rolling temperature and ultra-fast cooling technology was used, for the purpose of controlling the transformation of the microstructure. The microstructure of the steel plate was controlled to be the mixed microstructure of low carbon bainite and ferrite. Large amount of oxide particles dispersed in the microstructure of steel, which had a positive effects on the mechanical property and welding performance of the steel. The mechanical property of the steel plate was excellent and the value of longitudinal Akv at -60 °C is more than 200 J. The toughness of WM and HAZ were excellent after the steel plate was welded with a large heat input of 100-250 kJ/cm. The steel plate processed by mentioned above can meet the requirement of large heat input welding.

Hydrogen-enabled microstructure and fatigue strength engineering of titanium alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paramore, James D.; Fang, Zhigang Zak; Dunstan, Matthew; Sun, Pei; Butler, Brady G.

2017-02-01

Traditionally, titanium alloys with satisfactory mechanical properties can only be produced via energy-intensive and costly wrought processes, while titanium alloys produced using low-cost powder metallurgy methods consistently result in inferior mechanical properties, especially low fatigue strength. Herein, we demonstrate a new microstructural engineering approach for producing low-cost titanium alloys with exceptional fatigue strength via the hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) process. The high fatigue strength presented in this work is achieved by creating wrought-like microstructures without resorting to wrought processing. This is accomplished by generating an ultrafine-grained as-sintered microstructure through hydrogen-enabled phase transformations, facilitating the subsequent creation of fatigue-resistant microstructures via simple heat treatments. The exceptional strength, ductility, and fatigue performance reported in this paper are a breakthrough in the field of low-cost titanium processing.

Hydrogen-enabled microstructure and fatigue strength engineering of titanium alloys

DOE PAGES

Paramore, James D.; Fang, Zhigang Zak; Dunstan, Matthew; ...

2017-02-01

Traditionally, titanium alloys with satisfactory mechanical properties can only be produced via energy-intensive and costly wrought processes, while titanium alloys produced using low-cost powder metallurgy methods consistently result in inferior mechanical properties, especially low fatigue strength. Herein, we demonstrate a new microstructural engineering approach for producing low-cost titanium alloys with exceptional fatigue strength via the hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) process. The high fatigue strength presented in this work is achieved by creating wroughtlike microstructures without resorting to wrought processing. This is accomplished by generating an ultrafine-grained as-sintered microstructure through hydrogen-enabled phase transformations, facilitating the subsequent creation of fatigue-resistantmore » microstructures via simple heat treatments. Finally, the exceptional strength, ductility, and fatigue performance reported in this paper are a breakthrough in the field of low-cost titanium processing.« less

Hydrogen-enabled microstructure and fatigue strength engineering of titanium alloys

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

Paramore, James D.; Fang, Zhigang Zak; Dunstan, Matthew

Traditionally, titanium alloys with satisfactory mechanical properties can only be produced via energy-intensive and costly wrought processes, while titanium alloys produced using low-cost powder metallurgy methods consistently result in inferior mechanical properties, especially low fatigue strength. Herein, we demonstrate a new microstructural engineering approach for producing low-cost titanium alloys with exceptional fatigue strength via the hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) process. The high fatigue strength presented in this work is achieved by creating wroughtlike microstructures without resorting to wrought processing. This is accomplished by generating an ultrafine-grained as-sintered microstructure through hydrogen-enabled phase transformations, facilitating the subsequent creation of fatigue-resistantmore » microstructures via simple heat treatments. Finally, the exceptional strength, ductility, and fatigue performance reported in this paper are a breakthrough in the field of low-cost titanium processing.« less

Hydrogen-enabled microstructure and fatigue strength engineering of titanium alloys

PubMed Central

Paramore, James D.; Fang, Zhigang Zak; Dunstan, Matthew; Sun, Pei; Butler, Brady G.

2017-01-01

Traditionally, titanium alloys with satisfactory mechanical properties can only be produced via energy-intensive and costly wrought processes, while titanium alloys produced using low-cost powder metallurgy methods consistently result in inferior mechanical properties, especially low fatigue strength. Herein, we demonstrate a new microstructural engineering approach for producing low-cost titanium alloys with exceptional fatigue strength via the hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) process. The high fatigue strength presented in this work is achieved by creating wrought-like microstructures without resorting to wrought processing. This is accomplished by generating an ultrafine-grained as-sintered microstructure through hydrogen-enabled phase transformations, facilitating the subsequent creation of fatigue-resistant microstructures via simple heat treatments. The exceptional strength, ductility, and fatigue performance reported in this paper are a breakthrough in the field of low-cost titanium processing. PMID:28145527

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

Jana, S.; Devaraj, A.; Kovarik, L.

Transformation kinetics of metastable body-centered cubic γ-UMo phase in U-10 wt.percent Mo alloy during annealing at sub-eutectoid temperatures of 500C and 400C has been determined as a function of time using detailed microstructural characterization by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and atom probe tomography. Based on the results, we found that the phase transformation is initiated by cellular transformation at both the temperatures, which results in formation of a lamellar microstructure along prior γ-UMo grain boundaries.

Genesis of Microstructures in Friction Stir Welding of Ti-6Al-4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tchein, Gnofam Jacques; Jacquin, Dimitri; Coupard, Dominique; Lacoste, Eric; Girot Mata, Franck

2018-06-01

This paper is focused on the genesis of microstructures in friction stir welding (FSW) of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. Several titanium joints, initially prepared with four different preheat treatments, were processed by FSW. Detailed microstructural analyses were performed in order to investigate change in the microstructure during the process. In this work, the FSW processing allows a controlled and stable microstructure to be produced in the stirring zone, regardless of the initial heat treatment or the welding conditions. The welded material undergoes a severe thermomechanical treatment which can be divided into two steps. First, the friction in the shoulder and the plastic strain give rise to the necessary conditions to allow a continuous dynamic recrystallization of the β phase. This operation produces a fine and equiaxed β grain structure. Second, once the pin has moved away, the temperature decreases, and the material undergoes a heat treatment equivalent to air quenching. The material thus exhibits a β → β + α transformation with germination of a fine intergranular Widmanstätten phase within the ex-fully-recrystallized- β grains.

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.

Effect of cryogenic treatment on microstructure, mechanical and wear behaviors of AISI H13 hot work tool steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Koneshlou, Mahdi; Meshinchi Asl, Kaveh; Khomamizadeh, Farzad

2011-01-01

This paper focuses on the effects of low temperature (subzero) treatments on microstructure and mechanical properties of H13 hot work tool steel. Cryogenic treatment at -72 °C and deep cryogenic treatment at -196 °C were applied and it was found that by applying the subzero treatments, the retained austenite was transformed to martensite. As the temperature was decreased more retained austenite was transformed to martensite and it also led to smaller and more uniform martensite laths distributed in the microstructure. The deep cryogenic treatment also resulted in precipitation of more uniform and very fine carbide particles. The microstructural modification resulted in a significant improvement on the mechanical properties of the H13 tool steel.

Effect of deformation schedule on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a thermomechanically processed C-Mn-Si transformation-induced plasticity steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timokhina, I. B.; Hodgson, P. D.; Pereloma, E. V.

2003-08-01

Thermomechanical processing simulations were performed using a hot-torsion machine, in order to develop a comprehensive understanding of the effect of severe deformation in the recrystallized and nonrecrystallized austenite regions on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the 0.2 wt pct C-1.55 wt pct Mn-1.5 wt pct Si transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel. The deformation schedule affected all constituents (polygonal ferrite, bainite in different morphologies, retained austenite, and martensite) of the multiphased TRIP steel microstructure. The complex relationships between the volume fraction of the retained austenite, the morphology and distribution of all phases present in the microstructure, and the mechanical properties of TRIP steel were revealed. The bainite morphology had a more pronounced effect on the mechanical behavior than the refinement of the microstructure. The improvement of the mechanical properties of TRIP steel was achieved by variation of the volume fraction of the retained austenite rather than the overall refinement of the microstructure.

One-step fabrication of BaMoO4 microstructures with controlled morphologies via a simple EDTA-mediated route

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yin, Yongkui; Li, Ying; Zhang, Haifeng; Ren, Fengyun; Zhang, Dawei; Feng, Wenxu; Shao, Lili; Li, Kaijun; Liu, Yang; Sun, Zhanpeng; Li, Miaojing; Song, Gaochen; Wang, Guan

2013-03-01

A facile strategy has been developed to synthesize BaMoO4 microcrystals with different morphologies, such as octopus-like, flower-like, and Chinese-cabbage-like, by using ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid as chelating and capping reagent at room temperature. X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transformer infrared spectroscopy were introduced to characterize the composition, morphology, and chemical information of the as-obtained products. The effects of a series of experimental parameters, such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid quantity and the reagent concentrations, on the morphology and photoluminescence properties of the consequential BaMoO4 microcrystals were investigated in detail. The photoluminescence spectra of the obtained BaMoO4 microstructures exhibited different emission intensities. This method could be readily extended to synthesize BaWO4 microstructures with various morphologies.

The Effect of Titanium Inclusions on HY-80 GMA Weld Deposits

DTIC Science & Technology

1990-12-01

to a tempered bainite- martensite microstructure. The Tim--Temperature- Transformation diagram shown in Figure 1 on page 4 illustrates, these...acicular ferrite laths, or adjacent to grain boundary fcrrite, may eithcr transform to ferrite and carbide aggregates or martensite . or may rcmain...microscopy. While the microstructures do consist mainly of lowver bainite, tempered and untempered martensite can also be present, especially, at faster

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.

In situ optical microscopy of the martensitic phase transformation of lithium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krystian, M.; Pichl, W.

2000-12-01

The phase transformation of lithium was investigated by in situ optical microscopy in a helium cryostat. The martensite microstructure is composed of irregular segments which grow in rapid bursts from many nuclei to a final size of 10 to 20 μm and then are immobilized. A major part of the segments is arranged in groups of parallel lamellas. A theoretical consideration of lattice compatibility predicts the existence of an almost perfectly coherent habit-plane interface between bcc and 9R in lithium. Therefore, the irregular microstructure is interpreted by the presence of the disordered polytype phase. Comparison with an earlier investigation in comparably impure lithium indicates a strong influence of impurities on the transformation mechanism. The connections between the low-temperature phase diagram, the geometrical compatibility condition, and the martensite microstructure are discussed.

Effect of Deformation Parameters on Microstructure and Properties During DIFT of X70HD Pipeline Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Jian; Zhu, Wei; Xiao, Hong; Zhang, Liang-liang; Qin, Hao; Yu, Yue

2018-02-01

Grain refinement is a critical approach to improve the strength of materials without damaging the toughness. The grains of deformation-induced ferrite are considerably smaller than those of proeutectoid ferrite. Grain refinement is crucial to the application of deformation-induced ferrite. The composition of ferrite and bainite or martensite is important in controlling the performance of X70HD pipeline steel, and cooling significantly influences the control of their ratio and grain size. By analyzing the static and dynamic phase-transition points using Gleeble-3800 thermal simulator, thermal simulations were performed through two-stage deformations in the austenite zone. Ferrite transformation rules were studied with thermal simulation tests under different deformation and cooling parameters based on the actual production of cumulative deformation. The influence of deformation parameters on the microstructure transformation was analyzed. Numerous fine-grain deformation-induced ferrites were obtained by regulating various parameters, including deformation temperature, strain rate, cooling rate, final cooling temperature and other parameters. Results of metallographic observation and microtensile testing revealed that the selection of appropriate parameters can refine the grains and improve the performance of the X70HD pipeline steel.

Phase transition in a multiferroic Ni-Mn-Ga single crystal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Veřtát, P.; Drahokoupil, J.; Perevertov, O.; Heczko, O.

2016-08-01

We studied martensitic phase transformation, crystal structure and twinned microstructure of resulting martensite of a Ni-Mn-Ga single crystal as essential conditions for magnetic shape memory effect. Thermal dependence of electric resistivity, magnetic susceptibility and dilatation measurements were measured to characterise kinetics of the transformation. With the help of XRD analysis and optical microscopy we evaluated the hierarchical twinning microstructure in the 10M martensite.

Influence of Al on the Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Behavior of Low-Carbon, Manganese Transformation-Induced-Plasticity Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suh, Dong-Woo; Park, Seong-Jun; Lee, Tae-Ho; Oh, Chang-Seok; Kim, Sung-Joon

2010-02-01

Microstructural design with an Al addition is suggested for low-carbon, manganese transformation-induced-plasticity (Mn TRIP) steel for application in the continuous-annealing process. With an Al content of 1 mass pct, the competition between the recrystallization of the cold-rolled microstructure and the austenite formation cannot be avoided during intercritical annealing, and the recrystallization of the deformed matrix does not proceed effectively. The addition of 3 mass pct Al, however, allows nearly complete recrystallization of the deformed microstructure by providing a dual-phase cold-rolled structure consisting of ferrite and martensite and by suppressing excessive austenite formation at a higher annealing temperature. An optimized annealing condition results in the room-temperature stability of the intercritical austenite in Mn TRIP steel containing 3 mass pct Al, permitting persistent transformation to martensite during tensile deformation. The alloy presents an excellent strength-ductility balance combining a tensile strength of approximately 1 GPa with a total elongation over 25 pct, which is comparable to that of Mn TRIP steel subjected to batch-type annealing.

Prediction of Continuous Cooling Transformation Diagrams for Dual-Phase Steels from the Intercritical Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Colla, V.; Desanctis, M.; Dimatteo, A.; Lovicu, G.; Valentini, R.

2011-09-01

The purpose of the present work is the implementation and validation of a model able to predict the microstructure changes and the mechanical properties in the modern high-strength dual-phase steels after the continuous annealing process line (CAPL) and galvanizing (Galv) process. Experimental continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams for 13 differently alloying dual-phase steels were measured by dilatometry from the intercritical range and were used to tune the parameters of the microstructural prediction module of the model. Mechanical properties and microstructural features were measured for more than 400 dual-phase steels simulating the CAPL and Galv industrial process, and the results were used to construct the mechanical model that predicts mechanical properties from microstructural features, chemistry, and process parameters. The model was validated and proved its efficiency in reproducing the transformation kinetic and mechanical properties of dual-phase steels produced by typical industrial process. Although it is limited to the dual-phase grades and chemical compositions explored, this model will constitute a useful tool for the steel industry.

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

Yablinsky, C. A.; Tippey, K. E.; Vaynman, S.

In this study, the development of oxide dispersion strengthened ferrous alloys has shown that microstructures designed for excellent irradiation resistance and thermal stability ideally contain stable nanoscale precipitates and dislocation sinks. Based upon this understanding, the microstructures of conventionally manufactured ferritic and ferritic-martensitic steels can be designed to include controlled volume fractions of fine, stable precipitates and dislocation sinks via specific alloying and processing paths. The concepts proposed here are categorized as advanced high-Cr ferritic-martensitic (AHCr-FM) and novel tailored precipitate ferritic (TPF) steels, which have the potential to improve the in-reactor performance of conventionally manufactured alloys. AHCr-FM steels have modifiedmore » alloy content relative to current reactor materials (such as alloy NF616/P92) to maximize desirable precipitates and control phase stability. TPF steels are designed to incorporate nickel aluminides, in addition to microalloy carbides, in a ferritic matrix to produce fine precipitate arrays with good thermal stability. Both alloying concepts may also benefit from thermomechanical processing to establish dislocation sinks and modify phase transformation behaviors. Alloying and processing paths toward designed microstructures are discussed for both AHCr-FM and TPF material classes.« less

Loading Path and Control Mode Effects During Thermomechanical Cycling of Polycrystalline Shape Memory NiTi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicholson, D. E.; Benafan, O.; Padula, S. A.; Clausen, B.; Vaidyanathan, R.

2018-01-01

Loading path dependencies and control mode effects in polycrystalline shape memory NiTi were investigated using in situ neutron and synchrotron X-ray diffraction performed during mechanical cycling and thermal cycling at constant strain. Strain-controlled, isothermal, reverse loading (to ± 4%) and stress-controlled, isothermal, cyclic loading (to ± 400 MPa for up to ten cycles) at room temperature demonstrated that the preferred martensite variants selected correlated directly with the macroscopic uniaxial strain and did not correlate with the compressive or tensile state of stress. During cyclic loading (up to ten cycles), no significant cycle-to-cycle evolution of the variant microstructure corresponding to a given strain was observed, despite changes in the slope of the stress-strain response with each cycle. Additionally, thermal cycling (to above and below the phase transformation) under constant strain (up to 2% tensile strain) showed that the martensite variant microstructure correlated directly with strain and did not evolve following thermal cycling, despite relaxation of stress in both martensite and austenite phases. Results are presented in the context of variant reorientation and detwinning processes in martensitic NiTi, the fundamental thermoelastic nature of such processes and the ability of the variant microstructure to accommodate irreversible deformation processes.

Loading Path and Control Mode Effects During Thermomechanical Cycling of Polycrystalline Shape Memory NiTi

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicholson, D. E.; Benafan, O.; Padula, S. A.; Clausen, B.; Vaidyanathan, R.

2018-03-01

Loading path dependencies and control mode effects in polycrystalline shape memory NiTi were investigated using in situ neutron and synchrotron X-ray diffraction performed during mechanical cycling and thermal cycling at constant strain. Strain-controlled, isothermal, reverse loading (to ± 4%) and stress-controlled, isothermal, cyclic loading (to ± 400 MPa for up to ten cycles) at room temperature demonstrated that the preferred martensite variants selected correlated directly with the macroscopic uniaxial strain and did not correlate with the compressive or tensile state of stress. During cyclic loading (up to ten cycles), no significant cycle-to-cycle evolution of the variant microstructure corresponding to a given strain was observed, despite changes in the slope of the stress-strain response with each cycle. Additionally, thermal cycling (to above and below the phase transformation) under constant strain (up to 2% tensile strain) showed that the martensite variant microstructure correlated directly with strain and did not evolve following thermal cycling, despite relaxation of stress in both martensite and austenite phases. Results are presented in the context of variant reorientation and detwinning processes in martensitic NiTi, the fundamental thermoelastic nature of such processes and the ability of the variant microstructure to accommodate irreversible deformation processes.

Fabrication, Densification, and Replica Molding of 3D Carbon Nanotube Microstructures

PubMed Central

Copic, Davor; Park, Sei Jin; Tawfick, Sameh; De Volder, Michael; Hart, A. John

2012-01-01

The introduction of new materials and processes to microfabrication has, in large part, enabled many important advances in microsystems, lab-on-a-chip devices, and their applications. In particular, capabilities for cost-effective fabrication of polymer microstructures were transformed by the advent of soft lithography and other micromolding techniques 1, 2, and this led a revolution in applications of microfabrication to biomedical engineering and biology. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to fabricate microstructures with well-defined nanoscale surface textures, and to fabricate arbitrary 3D shapes at the micro-scale. Robustness of master molds and maintenance of shape integrity is especially important to achieve high fidelity replication of complex structures and preserving their nanoscale surface texture. The combination of hierarchical textures, and heterogeneous shapes, is a profound challenge to existing microfabrication methods that largely rely upon top-down etching using fixed mask templates. On the other hand, the bottom-up synthesis of nanostructures such as nanotubes and nanowires can offer new capabilities to microfabrication, in particular by taking advantage of the collective self-organization of nanostructures, and local control of their growth behavior with respect to microfabricated patterns. Our goal is to introduce vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which we refer to as CNT "forests", as a new microfabrication material. We present details of a suite of related methods recently developed by our group: fabrication of CNT forest microstructures by thermal CVD from lithographically patterned catalyst thin films; self-directed elastocapillary densification of CNT microstructures; and replica molding of polymer microstructures using CNT composite master molds. In particular, our work shows that self-directed capillary densification ("capillary forming"), which is performed by condensation of a solvent onto the substrate with CNT microstructures, significantly increases the packing density of CNTs. This process enables directed transformation of vertical CNT microstructures into straight, inclined, and twisted shapes, which have robust mechanical properties exceeding those of typical microfabrication polymers. This in turn enables formation of nanocomposite CNT master molds by capillary-driven infiltration of polymers. The replica structures exhibit the anisotropic nanoscale texture of the aligned CNTs, and can have walls with sub-micron thickness and aspect ratios exceeding 50:1. Integration of CNT microstructures in fabrication offers further opportunity to exploit the electrical and thermal properties of CNTs, and diverse capabilities for chemical and biochemical functionalization 3. PMID:22806089

Fabrication, densification, and replica molding of 3D carbon nanotube microstructures.

PubMed

Copic, Davor; Park, Sei Jin; Tawfick, Sameh; De Volder, Michael; Hart, A John

2012-07-02

The introduction of new materials and processes to microfabrication has, in large part, enabled many important advances in microsystems, lab-on-a-chip devices, and their applications. In particular, capabilities for cost-effective fabrication of polymer microstructures were transformed by the advent of soft lithography and other micromolding techniques (1, 2), and this led a revolution in applications of microfabrication to biomedical engineering and biology. Nevertheless, it remains challenging to fabricate microstructures with well-defined nanoscale surface textures, and to fabricate arbitrary 3D shapes at the micro-scale. Robustness of master molds and maintenance of shape integrity is especially important to achieve high fidelity replication of complex structures and preserving their nanoscale surface texture. The combination of hierarchical textures, and heterogeneous shapes, is a profound challenge to existing microfabrication methods that largely rely upon top-down etching using fixed mask templates. On the other hand, the bottom-up synthesis of nanostructures such as nanotubes and nanowires can offer new capabilities to microfabrication, in particular by taking advantage of the collective self-organization of nanostructures, and local control of their growth behavior with respect to microfabricated patterns. Our goal is to introduce vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs), which we refer to as CNT "forests", as a new microfabrication material. We present details of a suite of related methods recently developed by our group: fabrication of CNT forest microstructures by thermal CVD from lithographically patterned catalyst thin films; self-directed elastocapillary densification of CNT microstructures; and replica molding of polymer microstructures using CNT composite master molds. In particular, our work shows that self-directed capillary densification ("capillary forming"), which is performed by condensation of a solvent onto the substrate with CNT microstructures, significantly increases the packing density of CNTs. This process enables directed transformation of vertical CNT microstructures into straight, inclined, and twisted shapes, which have robust mechanical properties exceeding those of typical microfabrication polymers. This in turn enables formation of nanocomposite CNT master molds by capillary-driven infiltration of polymers. The replica structures exhibit the anisotropic nanoscale texture of the aligned CNTs, and can have walls with sub-micron thickness and aspect ratios exceeding 50:1. Integration of CNT microstructures in fabrication offers further opportunity to exploit the electrical and thermal properties of CNTs, and diverse capabilities for chemical and biochemical functionalization (3).

Effects of Heating and Cooling Rates on Phase Transformations in 10 Wt Pct Ni Steel and Their Application to Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barrick, Erin J.; Jain, Divya; DuPont, John N.; Seidman, David N.

2017-12-01

10 wt pct Ni steel is a high-strength steel that possesses good ballistic resistance from the deformation induced transformation of austenite to martensite, known as the transformation-induced-plasticity effect. The effects of rapid heating and cooling rates associated with welding thermal cycles on the phase transformations and microstructures, specifically in the heat-affected zone, were determined using dilatometry, microhardness, and microstructural characterization. Heating rate experiments demonstrate that the Ac3 temperature is dependent on heating rate, varying from 1094 K (821 °C) at a heating rate of 1 °C/s to 1324 K (1051 °C) at a heating rate of 1830 °C/s. A continuous cooling transformation diagram produced for 10 wt pct Ni steel reveals that martensite will form over a wide range of cooling rates, which reflects a very high hardenability of this alloy. These results were applied to a single pass, autogenous, gas tungsten arc weld. The diffusion of nickel from regions of austenite to martensite during the welding thermal cycle manifests itself in a muddled, rod-like lath martensitic microstructure. The results of these studies show that the nickel enrichment of the austenite in 10 wt pct Ni steel plays a critical role in phase transformations during welding.

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

Sun, Pei; Fang, Z. Zak; Koopman, Mark

Hydrogen has been investigated for decades as a temporary alloying element to refine the microstructure of Ti-6Al-4V, and is now being used in a novel powder metallurgy method known as "hydrogen sintering and phase transformation". Pseudo-binary phase diagrams of (Ti-6Al-4V)-xH have been studied and developed, but are not well established due to methodological limitations. In this paper, in situ studies of phase transformations during hydrogenation and dehydrogenation of (Ti-6Al-4V)-xH alloys were conducted using high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The eutectoid phase transformation of β ↔ α + δ was observed in themore » (Ti-6Al-4V)-xH alloy via in situ synchrotron XRD at 211 °C with a hydrogen concentration of 37.5 at.% (measured using TGA-DSC). The relationships of hydrogen composition to partial pressure and temperature were investigated in the temperature range 450-900°C. Based on these results, a partial pseudo-binary phase diagram of (Ti-6Al-4V)-xH is proposed for hydrogen compositions up to 60 at.% in the temperature range 100-900°C. Using the data collected in real time under controlled parameters of temperature, composition and hydrogen partial pressure, this work characterizes relevant phase transformations and microstructural evolution for practical titanium-hydrogen technologies of Ti-6Al-4V.« less

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

Sun, Pei; Fang, Zhigang Zak; Koopman, Mark

The hydrogen sintering and phase transformation (HSPT) process is a novel powder metallurgy method for producing Ti alloys, particularly the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, with ultra-fine microstructure in the as-sintered state. The ultra-fine microstructure is obtained as a direct result of the use of H-2 gas during sintering. The refinement of the microstructure during HSPT is similar to that of thermal hydrogen processing (THP) of bulk Ti alloys. For both THP and HSPT of Ti-6Al-4V alloy, the mechanisms of the grain refinement depend on the phase equilibria and phase transformations in the presence of hydrogen, which are surprisingly still not well establishedmore » to date and are still subjected to research and debate. In recent work by the present authors, a pseudo-binary phase diagram of (Ti-6Al-4V)-H has been determined by using in situ synchrotron XRD and TGA/DSC techniques. Aided by this phase diagram, the current paper focuses on the series of phase transformations during sintering and cooling of Ti-6Al-4V in a hydrogen atmosphere and the mechanisms for the formation of the ultra-fine microstructures obtained. Using experimental techniques, including in situ synchrotron XRD, SEM, EBSD, and TEM, the microstructural refinement was found to be the result of (1) the precipitation of ultra-fine alpha/alpha(2) within coarse beta grains during an isothermal hold at intermediate temperatures, and (2) the eutectoid transformation of beta -> alpha + delta d at approximately 473 K (200 degrees C). (C) The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society and ASM International 2015« less

Computational simulation of weld microstructure and distortion by considering process mechanics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mochizuki, M.; Mikami, Y.; Okano, S.; Itoh, S.

2009-05-01

Highly precise fabrication of welded materials is in great demand, and so microstructure and distortion controls are essential. Furthermore, consideration of process mechanics is important for intelligent fabrication. In this study, the microstructure and hardness distribution in multi-pass weld metal are evaluated by computational simulations under the conditions of multiple heat cycles and phase transformation. Because conventional CCT diagrams of weld metal are not available even for single-pass weld metal, new diagrams for multi-pass weld metals are created. The weld microstructure and hardness distribution are precisely predicted when using the created CCT diagram for multi-pass weld metal and calculating the weld thermal cycle. Weld distortion is also investigated by using numerical simulation with a thermal elastic-plastic analysis. In conventional evaluations of weld distortion, the average heat input has been used as the dominant parameter; however, it is difficult to consider the effect of molten pool configurations on weld distortion based only on the heat input. Thus, the effect of welding process conditions on weld distortion is studied by considering molten pool configurations, determined by temperature distribution and history.

A comparative evaluation of laser and GTA welds in a high-strength titanium alloy -- Ti-6-22-22S

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

Baeslack, W.A. III; Hurley, J.; Paskell, T.

1994-12-31

Titanium alloy Ti-6Al-2Sn-2Zr-2Mo-2Cr-025Si (hereafter designated Ti-6-22-22S)is an alpha-beta titanium alloy developed for deep hardenability, high strength, intermediate temperature creep resistance, and moderate toughness. As a potential structural material for next-generation aircraft and aerospace systems, the weldability of Ti-6-22-22S has recently become a subject of increasing importance and concern. In the welding of titanium sheet, achieving satisfactory ductility is the principal limitation to alloy weldability, with poor ductility promoted by a coarse beta grain structure in the weld fusion and near-heat-affected zones. Square-butt welds were produced in 1.6 mm thick Ti-6-22-22S sheet using automatic GTA and CO{sub 2} laser welding systems.more » Microstructure analysis and DPH hardness traverses were performed on mounted. polished and etched specimens. Three-point bend and tensile tests were performed on transverse-weld and longitudinal-weld oriented specimens. Microstructure analysis of the laser welds revealed a fine, columnar fusion zone beta grain macrostructure and a fully-martensitic transformed-beta microstructure. Consistent with the microstructural similarities, fusion zone hardnesses of the laser welds were comparable (385 and 390 DPG, respectively) and greater than that of the base metal (330 DPH). In general, laser welds did not exhibit markedly superior ductilities relative to the GTAW, which was attributed to differences in the nature of the intragranular transformed-beta microstructures, being coarser and softer for the GTAW, the response of these as-welded microstructures to heat treatment, and interactions between the transformed-beta microstructure and the beta grain macrostructure.« less

Effects of Rolling and Cooling Conditions on Microstructure of Umbrella-Bone Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yan-Xin; Fu, Jian-Xun; Zhang, Hua; Xu, Jie; Zhai, Qi-Jie

2017-10-01

The effects of deformation temperature and cooling rate on the micro-structure evolution of umbrella-bone steel was investigated using a Gleeble thermal-mechanical testing machine and dynamic continuous cooling transformation (CCT) curves. The results show that fast cooling which lowers the starting temperature of ferrite transformation leads to finer ferrite grains and more pearlite. Low temperature deformation enhances the hardening effect of austenite and reduces hardenability, allowing a wider range of cooling rates and thus avoiding martensite transformation after deformation. According to the phase transformation rules, the ultimate tensile strength and reduction in area of the wire rod formed in the optimized industrial trial are 636 MPa and 73.6 %, respectively, showing excellent strength and plasticity.

Continuous Cooling Transformations in Nuclear Pressure Vessel Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pous-Romero, Hector; Bhadeshia, Harry K. D. H.

2014-10-01

A class of low-alloy steels often referred to as SA508 represent key materials for the manufacture of nuclear reactor pressure vessels. The alloys have good properties, but the scatter in properties is of prime interest in safe design. Such scatter can arise from microstructural variations but most studies conclude that large components made from such steels are, following heat treatment, fully bainitic. In the present work, we demonstrate with the help of a variety of experimental techniques that the microstructures of three SA508 Gr.3 alloys are far from homogeneous when considered in the context of the cooling rates encountered in practice. In particular, allotriomorphic ferrite that is expected to lead to a deterioration in toughness, is found in the microstructure for realistic combinations of austenite grain size and the cooling rate combination. Parameters are established to identify the domains in which SA508 Gr.3 steels transform only into the fine bainitic microstructures.

Phase Transformations and Microstructural Evolution of Mo-Bearing Stainless Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, T. D.; Dupont, J. N.; Perricone, M. J.; Marder, A. R.

2007-01-01

The good corrosion resistance of superaustenitic stainless steel (SASS) alloys has been shown to be a direct consequence of high concentrations of Mo, which can have a significant effect on the microstructural development of welds in these alloys. In this research, the microstructural development of welds in the Fe-Ni-Cr-Mo system was analyzed over a wide variety of Cr/Ni ratios and Mo contents. The system was first simulated by construction of multicomponent phase diagrams using the CALPHAD technique. Data from vertical sections of these diagrams are presented over a wide compositional range to produce diagrams that can be used as a guide to understand the influence of composition on microstructural development. A large number of experimental alloys were then prepared via arc-button melting for comparison with the diagrams. Each alloy was characterized using various microscopy techniques. The expected δ-ferrite and γ-austenite phases were accompanied by martensite at low Cr/Ni ratios and by σ phase at high Mo contents. A total of 20 possible phase transformation sequences are proposed, resulting in various amounts and morphologies of the γ, δ, σ, and martensite phases. The results were used to construct a map of expected phase transformation sequence and resultant microstructure as a function of composition. The results of this work provide a working guideline for future base metal and filler metal development of this class of materials.

In situ, 3D characterization of the deformation mechanics of a superelastic NiTi shape memory alloy single crystal under multiscale constraint

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

Paranjape, Harshad M.; Paul, Partha P.; Amin-Ahmadi, Behnam

Microstructural elements in NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs) – precipitates, phase boundaries, inclusions, grain boundaries – can be viewed as sources of multiscale constraint that influence their deformation response. In this paper, we characterized in situ, and in 3D, the deformation and the evolution of microstructure during a tension test in a superelastic NiTi specimen containing some of these sources of constraint. The method used was far-field high-energy X-ray diffraction microscopy (ff-HEDM), complemented by electron microscopy. We simulated the local stress state in the specimen using a microstructural model informed by the experimental data. Using these combined microstructure, deformation, andmore » stress data, we report three phenomena, and relate them to specific sources of constraint. During initial elastic loading, axial lattice strain in austenite increased monotonically. On partial stress-induced phase transformation to martensite, the stress redistributed to both phases leading to a stress relaxation in austenite. The specimen contained a dense distribution of inclusions, which led to the activation of martensite habit plane variants that produce less than theoretical maximum transformation strain. Large Ni 4Ti 3 precipitates potentially contributed to the poor transformation response. Under load, proportional gradients in local rotation and elastic stretch developed in the martensite phase, because of the constraint at phase interfaces. Finally, this combined ff-HEDM, electron microscopy, microstructural simulation toolbox provides a versatile method to understand the effect of constraint on inelastic deformation in other alloys with hierarchical microstructure.« less

In situ, 3D characterization of the deformation mechanics of a superelastic NiTi shape memory alloy single crystal under multiscale constraint

DOE PAGES

Paranjape, Harshad M.; Paul, Partha P.; Amin-Ahmadi, Behnam; ...

2017-11-20

Microstructural elements in NiTi shape memory alloys (SMAs) – precipitates, phase boundaries, inclusions, grain boundaries – can be viewed as sources of multiscale constraint that influence their deformation response. In this paper, we characterized in situ, and in 3D, the deformation and the evolution of microstructure during a tension test in a superelastic NiTi specimen containing some of these sources of constraint. The method used was far-field high-energy X-ray diffraction microscopy (ff-HEDM), complemented by electron microscopy. We simulated the local stress state in the specimen using a microstructural model informed by the experimental data. Using these combined microstructure, deformation, andmore » stress data, we report three phenomena, and relate them to specific sources of constraint. During initial elastic loading, axial lattice strain in austenite increased monotonically. On partial stress-induced phase transformation to martensite, the stress redistributed to both phases leading to a stress relaxation in austenite. The specimen contained a dense distribution of inclusions, which led to the activation of martensite habit plane variants that produce less than theoretical maximum transformation strain. Large Ni 4Ti 3 precipitates potentially contributed to the poor transformation response. Under load, proportional gradients in local rotation and elastic stretch developed in the martensite phase, because of the constraint at phase interfaces. Finally, this combined ff-HEDM, electron microscopy, microstructural simulation toolbox provides a versatile method to understand the effect of constraint on inelastic deformation in other alloys with hierarchical microstructure.« less

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

Sun, Ruixue; Chen, Kezheng, E-mail: dxb@sdu.edu.cn; Liao, Zhongmiao

Highlights: ► Hydroxyapatite hierarchical microstructures have been synthesized by a facile method. ► The morphology and size of the building units of 3D structures can be controlled. ► The hydroxyapatite with 3D structure is morphologically and structurally stable up to 800 °C. - Abstract: Hydroxyapatite (HAp) hierarchical microstructures with novel 3D morphology were prepared through a template- and surfactant-free hydrothermal homogeneous precipitation method. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to characterize the morphology and composition of the synthesized products. Interestingly, the obtained HAp with 3D structure is composed ofmore » one-dimensional (1D) nanorods or two-dimensional (2D) nanoribbons, and the length and morphology of these building blocks can be controlled through controlling the pH of the reaction. The building blocks are single crystalline and have different preferential orientation growth under different pH conditions. At low pH values, octacalcium phosphate (OCP) phase formed first and then transformed into HAp phase due to the increased pH value caused by the decomposition of urea. The investigation on the thermal stability reveals that the prepared HAp hierarchical microstructures are morphologically and structurally stable up to 800 °C.« less

Stability of retained austenite in high carbon steel under compressive stress: an investigation from macro to nano scale

PubMed Central

Hossain, R.; Pahlevani, F.; Quadir, M. Z.; Sahajwalla, V.

2016-01-01

Although high carbon martensitic steels are well known for their industrial utility in high abrasion and extreme operating environments, due to their hardness and strength, the compressive stability of their retained austenite, and the implications for the steels’ performance and potential uses, is not well understood. This article describes the first investigation at both the macro and nano scale of the compressive stability of retained austenite in high carbon martensitic steel. Using a combination of standard compression testing, X-ray diffraction, optical microstructure, electron backscattering diffraction imaging, electron probe micro-analysis, nano-indentation and micro-indentation measurements, we determined the mechanical stability of retained austenite and martensite in high carbon steel under compressive stress and identified the phase transformation mechanism, from the macro to the nano level. We found at the early stage of plastic deformation hexagonal close-packed (HCP) martensite formation dominates, while higher compression loads trigger body-centred tetragonal (BCT) martensite formation. The combination of this phase transformation and strain hardening led to an increase in the hardness of high carbon steel of around 30%. This comprehensive characterisation of stress induced phase transformation could enable the precise control of the microstructures of high carbon martensitic steels, and hence their properties. PMID:27725722

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.

Coupled gamma/alpha phase transformations in low-carbon steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mizutani, Yasushi

Since steels have been the most prevalently utilized materials for many years, the desire for steels with low alloying components with a well-balanced combination of high strength and toughness is increasing. Low carbon steels consisting of bainitic microstructures are ideally suited to meeting such technological and economic requirements. Thus it is extremely important to fully clarify the mechanism of bainite formation in order to produce this type of engineering steel by optimized alloy and process design. This research focuses on understanding the mechanism of coupled displacive/diffusional gamma/alpha transformation in low-carbon steels including bainitic and martensitic transformation, and establishing a more comprehensive and physically rational computational model for predictive control of coupled gamma/alpha transformation phenomena. Models for coupled gamma/alpha phase transformation proposed in this study are based on a mechanistic and unified theory and the following assumptions: (1) The energy dissipation due to interface motion can be linearly combined with the energy dissipation due to carbon diffusion. (2) The carbon concentrations at the interface in both gamma and alpha phases are constrained by an interface solute trapping law. (3) Interface motion during nucleation is also governed by the carbon diffusion field velocity. (4) The response function of glissile interface motion can be expressed in the form of thermally activated dislocation glide. In contrast to the conventional semi-empirical models of the previous literature, the computational model proposed in this study is demonstrated to successfully provide a comprehensive and quantitative prediction of the effects of temperature, composition, microstructure, and the interactions among them. This includes the effects of substitutional solutes, morphology of the parent gamma phase, density of nucleation sites, temperature dependent variation of flow stress of matrix, and dynamic recovery of forest dislocations on the kinetics of coupled gamma/alpha phase transformation.

Mechanical properties of low-alloy-steels with bainitic microstructures and varying carbon content

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Weber, A.; Klarner, J.; Vogl, T.; Schöngrundner, R.; Sam, G.; Buchmayr, B.

2016-03-01

Materials used in the oilfield industry are subjected to special conditions. These requirements for seamless steel tubes are between the priorities of strength, toughness and sour gas resistance. Steels with bainitic microstructure provide a great opportunity for those harsh environmental conditions. With different morphologies of bainite, like carbide free, upper or lower bainite, the interaction of high tensile strength and elongation is assumed to be better than with tempered martensite. To form carbide free bainite two ways of processing are proposed, isothermal holding with accurate time control or controlled continuous cooling. Both require knowledge of time-temperature transformation behaviour, which can be reached through a detailed alloying concept, focused on the influence of silicon to supress the carbide nucleation and chromium to stabilize the austenite fraction. The present work is based on three alloys with varying silicon and chromium contents. The carbide free microstructure is obtained by a continuous cooling path. Additionally different heat treatments were done to compare the inherent performance of the bainitic morphologies. The bainitic structures were characterized metallographically for their microstructure and the primary phase by means of transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties of carbide-free structures were analysed with quasi-static tensile tests and Charpy impact tests. Moreover, investigations about hydrogen embrittlement were done with focus on the effect of retained austenite. The results were ranked and compared qualitatively.

Effect of thermomechanical processing on the microstructure and retained austenite stability during in situ tensile testing using synchrotron x-ray diffraction of NbMoAI TRIP steel.

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

Pereloma, E.; Zhang, L.; Liss, K.-D.

2011-06-01

In this work we compare and contrast the stability of retained austenite during tensile testing of Nb-Mo-Al transformation-induced plasticity steel subjected to different thermomechanical processing schedules. The obtained microstructures were characterised using optical metallography, transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The transformation of retained austenite to martensite under tensile loading was observed by in-situ high energy X-ray diffraction at 1ID / APS. It has been shown that the variations in the microstructure of the steel, such as volume fractions of present phases, their morphology and dimensions, play a critical role in the strain-induced transition of retained austenite to martensite.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Austempered Medium-Carbon Spring Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Seong Hoon; Kim, Kwan-Ho; Bae, Chul-Min; Lee, Jae Sang; Suh, Dong-Woo

2018-03-01

Changes in microstructure and mechanical properties of medium-carbon spring steel during austempering were investigated. After austempering for 1 h at 290 °C or 330 °C, the bainite transformation stabilized austenite, and microstructure consisting of bainitic ferrite and austenite could be obtained after final cooling; the retained austenite fraction was smaller in the alloy austempered at 290 °C because carbon redistribution between bainitic ferrite and austenite slowed as the temperature decreased, and thereby gave persistent driving force for the bainite transformation. The products of tensile strength and reduction of area in the austempered alloy were much larger in the austempered steel than in quenched and tempered alloy, mainly because of significant increase in reduction of area in austempered alloy.

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Austempered Medium-Carbon Spring Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kim, Seong Hoon; Kim, Kwan-Ho; Bae, Chul-Min; Lee, Jae Sang; Suh, Dong-Woo

2018-07-01

Changes in microstructure and mechanical properties of medium-carbon spring steel during austempering were investigated. After austempering for 1 h at 290 °C or 330 °C, the bainite transformation stabilized austenite, and microstructure consisting of bainitic ferrite and austenite could be obtained after final cooling; the retained austenite fraction was smaller in the alloy austempered at 290 °C because carbon redistribution between bainitic ferrite and austenite slowed as the temperature decreased, and thereby gave persistent driving force for the bainite transformation. The products of tensile strength and reduction of area in the austempered alloy were much larger in the austempered steel than in quenched and tempered alloy, mainly because of significant increase in reduction of area in austempered alloy.

Deformation-related recrystallization processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drury, Martyn R.; Urai, Janos L.

1990-02-01

Recrystallization is a common microstructural transformation that occurs during deformation, metamorphism and diagenesis of rocks. Studies on minerals and rock analogues have demonstrated that a wide range of recrystallization mechanisms can occur. The range of mechanisms is related to the various ways in which two basic processes, grain boundary migration and new grain boundary formation combine to transform the microstructure. Two recent papers (Drury et al., 1985; Urai et al., 1986) have proposed different schemes for the description of recrystallization mechanisms. The purpose of this paper is to provide a unified framework for the description of mechanisms. Recrystallization mechanisms are divided into three main types; rotation mechanisms which principally involve the formation of new grain boundaries; migration mechanisms which principally involve grain boundary migration; and general mechanisms which involve both basic processes. A further distinction is made on the basis of the continuity of the microstructural transformation with respect to time. Each of the three main types of mechanism can be divided into a number of sub-types depending on whether the processes of grain boundary migration, new grain boundary formation and new grain formation occur in a discontinuous or continuous manner with respect to time. As the terms continuous and discontinuous have been used in the metallurgical literature to signify the spatial continuity of the microstructural transformation, the terms discontinuai and continual are used to refer to the temporal continuity of the transformation. It is recommended that the following aspects should be specified, if possible, in a general description of recrystallization mechanisms: (1) How do the basic processes combine to transform the microstructure. (2) If new grain development occurs, what is the development mechanism, and does new grain formation occur in a continual or discontinuai manner. (3) If grain boundary migration is involved in the transformation, what is the migration mechanism (i.e. fast solute escape migration, slow solute loaded migration, fluid assisted migration, etc.), and is migration a continual or discontinuai process. The application of the unified scheme is illustrated by reviewing studies that have provided detailed information on the recrystallization mechanisms involved. The complicating effects of solid solution impurities, dispersed second phase particles and grain boundary fluid films are also considered and it is demonstrated that variations in content of these types of impurity can significantly effect the types of recrystallization that occur in a given material.

Concepts for the development of nanoscale stable precipitation-strengthened steels manufactured by conventional methods

DOE PAGES

Yablinsky, C. A.; Tippey, K. E.; Vaynman, S.; ...

2014-11-11

In this study, the development of oxide dispersion strengthened ferrous alloys has shown that microstructures designed for excellent irradiation resistance and thermal stability ideally contain stable nanoscale precipitates and dislocation sinks. Based upon this understanding, the microstructures of conventionally manufactured ferritic and ferritic-martensitic steels can be designed to include controlled volume fractions of fine, stable precipitates and dislocation sinks via specific alloying and processing paths. The concepts proposed here are categorized as advanced high-Cr ferritic-martensitic (AHCr-FM) and novel tailored precipitate ferritic (TPF) steels, which have the potential to improve the in-reactor performance of conventionally manufactured alloys. AHCr-FM steels have modifiedmore » alloy content relative to current reactor materials (such as alloy NF616/P92) to maximize desirable precipitates and control phase stability. TPF steels are designed to incorporate nickel aluminides, in addition to microalloy carbides, in a ferritic matrix to produce fine precipitate arrays with good thermal stability. Both alloying concepts may also benefit from thermomechanical processing to establish dislocation sinks and modify phase transformation behaviors. Alloying and processing paths toward designed microstructures are discussed for both AHCr-FM and TPF material classes.« less

Complexion-mediated martensitic phase transformation in Titanium

PubMed Central

Zhang, J.; Tasan, C. C.; Lai, M. J.; Dippel, A. -C.; Raabe, D.

2017-01-01

The most efficient way to tune microstructures and mechanical properties of metallic alloys lies in designing and using athermal phase transformations. Examples are shape memory alloys and high strength steels, which together stand for 1,500 million tons annual production. In these materials, martensite formation and mechanical twinning are tuned via composition adjustment for realizing complex microstructures and beneficial mechanical properties. Here we report a new phase transformation that has the potential to widen the application window of Ti alloys, the most important structural material in aerospace design, by nanostructuring them via complexion-mediated transformation. This is a reversible martensitic transformation mechanism that leads to a final nanolaminate structure of α″ (orthorhombic) martensite bounded with planar complexions of athermal ω (a–ω, hexagonal). Both phases are crystallographically related to the parent β (BCC) matrix. As expected from a planar complexion, the a–ω is stable only at the hetero-interface. PMID:28145484

Complexion-mediated martensitic phase transformation in Titanium.

PubMed

Zhang, J; Tasan, C C; Lai, M J; Dippel, A-C; Raabe, D

2017-02-01

The most efficient way to tune microstructures and mechanical properties of metallic alloys lies in designing and using athermal phase transformations. Examples are shape memory alloys and high strength steels, which together stand for 1,500 million tons annual production. In these materials, martensite formation and mechanical twinning are tuned via composition adjustment for realizing complex microstructures and beneficial mechanical properties. Here we report a new phase transformation that has the potential to widen the application window of Ti alloys, the most important structural material in aerospace design, by nanostructuring them via complexion-mediated transformation. This is a reversible martensitic transformation mechanism that leads to a final nanolaminate structure of α″ (orthorhombic) martensite bounded with planar complexions of athermal ω (a-ω, hexagonal). Both phases are crystallographically related to the parent β (BCC) matrix. As expected from a planar complexion, the a-ω is stable only at the hetero-interface.

Magnetite-hematite transformation: correlation between natural and synthetic features

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barbosa, Paola F.; Lagoeiro, Leonardo; Scholz, Ricardo; Graça, Leonardo M.; Mohallem, Nelcy

2015-06-01

The iron-oxide system can be used as a marker of oxidized and reduced conditions in closed systems. However, natural rocks with iron oxide minerals also exhibit such reactions, although the natural system is typically open. To understand the behaviour of this natural system, some similarities were investigated, in terms of crystallographic textures, between the microstructures of two systems: natural open system and synthetic closed system of iron oxide phase transformation. Particular cases of phase transformation in iron oxide minerals, described as natural reactions of magnetite to hematite and synthetic reactions of hematite to magnetite, were chosen. It is observed, in both scenarios, that the transformation obeys the topotaxial and epitaxial relationship, which are well described for the iron oxide system. However, in natural open systems, the precipitation of a new phase during the in situ transformation modifies the microstructures and must be taken into account as an important factor to describe them.

Comparative study on microstructure and martensitic transformation of aged Ni-rich NiTi and NiTiCo shape memory alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

El-Bagoury, Nader

2016-05-01

In this article the influence of aging heat treatment conditions of 250, 350, 450 and 550 °C for 3 h on the microstructure, martensitic transformation temperatures and mechanical properties of Ni51Ti49Co0 and Ni47 Ti49Co4 shape memory alloys was investigated. This comparative study was carried out using X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscope, energy dispersive spectrometer, differential scanning calorimeter and Vickers hardness tester. The results show that the microstructure of both aged alloys contains martensite phase and Ti2Ni in addition to some other precipitates. The martensitic transformation temperature was increased steadily by increasing the ageing temperature and lowering the value of valence electron number (ev/a) and concentration. Moreover, the hardness measurements were gradually increased at first by increasing the aging temperature from 250 to 350 °C. Further elevating in aging temperature to 450 and 550 °C decreases the hardness value.

Microstructural Evolution and the Precipitation Behavior in X90 Linepipe Steel During Isothermal Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Y.; Wang, H. T.; Wang, Z. D.; Misra, R. D. K.; Wang, G. D.

2018-03-01

Thermomechanical controlled processing of 560-MPa (X90) linepipe steel was simulated in the laboratory using a thermomechanical simulator to study the microstructural evolution and precipitation behavior during isothermal holding. The results indicated that martensite was obtained when the steels were isothermally held for 5 s at 700 °C. Subsequently, granular bainite and acicular ferrite transformation occurred with increased holding time. Different amount of polygonal ferrite formed after isothermally holding for 600-3600 s. Pearlite nucleated after isothermally holding for 3600 s. Precipitation occurred after isothermal holding for 5 s and continuous precipitation occurred at grain boundaries after isothermally holding for 600 s. After isothermally holding for 3600 s, large Nb/Ti carbide precipitated. The presence of MX-type precipitates was confirmed by diffraction pattern. The interphase precipitation (IP) occurred between 5 and 30 s. Maximum hardness was obtained after isothermally holding for 600 s when IP occurred and rapidly decreased to a low value, mainly because polygonal ferrite dominated the microstructure after isothermally holding for 3600 s.

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

Ji Shidong; Murakami, Setsuaki; Kamitakahara, Masanobu

The titania/hydroxyapatite composite granular photo-catalyst with novel microstructure was fabricated by the process based on the liquid immiscibility effect and followed by precalcination and hydrothermal treatment from commercially available powders of {alpha}-Tri-calcium phosphate and TiO{sub 2}. XRD, SEM, BET, optical microscopy and UV-vis spectrophotometer were applied to characterize the prepared photo-catalyst. Microstructure analysis indicated that the granule was weaved by rod-shaped hydroxyapatite crystals whose surface was covered by nano-sized TiO{sub 2}. In the composite granules, the active surface of anatase was retained effectively. With the hybridization of TiO{sub 2} and HAp, a 16-nm blue-shift of absorption edge could be observedmore » and the crystallinity of anatase could be enhanced by precalcination. The granules with the rod-shaped hydroxyapatite crystals performing as scaffold work as three-dimensional high porous, size-controllable small reactor. The phase and microstructure transformation of the granule before and after hydrothermal treatment was investigated and its decomposition ability was evaluated by using Methylene blue as a target pollutant compound.« less

Early Stages of Microstructure and Texture Evolution during Beta Annealing of Ti-6Al-4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pilchak, A. L.; Sargent, G. A.; Semiatin, S. L.

2018-03-01

The early stages of microstructure evolution during annealing of Ti-6Al-4V in the beta phase field were established. For this purpose, a series of short-time heat treatments was performed using sheet samples that had a noticeable degree of alpha-phase microtexture in the as-received condition. Reconstruction of the beta-grain structure from electron-backscatter-diffraction measurements of the room-temperature alpha-phase texture revealed that microstructure evolution at short times was controlled not by general grain growth, but rather by nucleation-and-growth events analogous to discontinuous recrystallization. The nuclei comprised a small subset of beta grains that were highly misoriented relative to those comprising the principal texture component of the beta matrix. From a quantitative standpoint, the transformation kinetics were characterized by an Avrami exponent of approximately unity, thus suggestive of metadynamic recrystallization. The recrystallization process led to the weakening and eventual elimination of the initial beta texture through the growth of a population of highly misoriented grains.

Progress in thermomechanical control of steel plates and their commercialization

PubMed Central

Nishioka, Kiyoshi; Ichikawa, Kazutoshi

2012-01-01

The water-cooled thermomechanical control process (TMCP) is a technology for improving the strength and toughness of water-cooled steel plates, while allowing control of the microstructure, phase transformation and rolling. This review describes metallurgical aspects of the microalloying of steel, such as niobium addition, and discusses advantages of TMCP, for example, in terms of weldability, which is reduced upon alloying. Other covered topics include the development of equipment, distortions in steel plates, peripheral technologies such as steel making and casting, and theoretical modeling, as well as the history of property control in steel plate production and some early TMCP technologies. We provide some of the latest examples of applications of TMCP steel in various industries such as shipbuilding, offshore structures, building construction, bridges, pipelines, penstocks and cryogenic tanks. This review also introduces high heat-affected-zone toughness technologies, wherein the microstructure of steel is improved by the addition of fine particles of magnesium-containing sulfides and magnesium- or calcium-containing oxides. We demonstrate that thanks to ongoing developments TMCP has the potential to meet the ever-increasing demands of steel plates. PMID:27877477

Progress in thermomechanical control of steel plates and their commercialization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nishioka, Kiyoshi; Ichikawa, Kazutoshi

2012-04-01

The water-cooled thermomechanical control process (TMCP) is a technology for improving the strength and toughness of water-cooled steel plates, while allowing control of the microstructure, phase transformation and rolling. This review describes metallurgical aspects of the microalloying of steel, such as niobium addition, and discusses advantages of TMCP, for example, in terms of weldability, which is reduced upon alloying. Other covered topics include the development of equipment, distortions in steel plates, peripheral technologies such as steel making and casting, and theoretical modeling, as well as the history of property control in steel plate production and some early TMCP technologies. We provide some of the latest examples of applications of TMCP steel in various industries such as shipbuilding, offshore structures, building construction, bridges, pipelines, penstocks and cryogenic tanks. This review also introduces high heat-affected-zone toughness technologies, wherein the microstructure of steel is improved by the addition of fine particles of magnesium-containing sulfides and magnesium- or calcium-containing oxides. We demonstrate that thanks to ongoing developments TMCP has the potential to meet the ever-increasing demands of steel plates.

Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of Excel alloy pressure tube material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sattari, Mohammad

Microstructural characterization and mechanical properties of Excel (Zr-3.5%Sn-0.8%Mo-0.8%Nb), a dual phase alphaZr -hcp and betaZr-bcc pressure tube material, is discussed in the current study which is presented in manuscript format. Chapter 3 discusses phase transformation temperatures using different techniques such as quantitative metallography, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and electrical resistivity. It was found that the alphaZr → alphaZr+beta Zr and alphaZr+betaZr → betaZr transformation temperatures are in the range of 600-690°C and 960-970°C respectively. Also it was observed that upon quenching from temperatures below ˜860°C the martensitic transformation of betaZr to alpha'--hcp is halted and instead the microstructure transforms into retained Zr with o hexagonal precipitates inside betaZr grains. Chapter 4 deals with aging response of Excel alloy. Precipitation hardening was observed in samples water-quenched from high in the alphaZr+beta Zr or betaZr regions followed by aging. The optimum aging conditions were found to be 450°C for 1 hour. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed dispersion of fine precipitates (˜10nm) inside the martensitic phase. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed the chemical composition of precipitates to be Zr-30wt%Mo-25wt%Nb-2wt%Fe. Electron crystallography using whole pattern symmetry of the convergent beam electron diffraction (CBED) patterns together with selected area diffraction (SAD) polycrystalline ring patterns, suggests the -6m2 point group for the precipitates belonging to hexagonal crystal structure, with a= 2.936 A and c=4.481 A, i.e. c/a =1.526. Crystallographic texture and high temperature tensile properties as well as creep-rupture properties of different microstructures are discussed in Chapter 5. Texture analysis showed that solution treatment high in the alpha Zr+betaZr or betaZr regions followed by water quenching or air cooling results in a more random texture compared to typical pressure tube texture. Variant selection was observed upon water quenching while partial memory effect and some transformation texture with variant selection was observed in the air-cooled sample. The results of creep-rupture tests suggest that fully martensitic and aged microstructure has better creep properties at high stress levels (>700 MPa) while the microstructure from air cooling from high in the alphaZr+betaZr region is less sensitive to stress and shows better creep properties compared to the as-received annealed microstructure at lower stresses (<560 MPa).

Kinetic Behavior and Microstructure of Pearlite Isothermal Transformation Under High Undercooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liang, Yu; Xu, Pingwei; Xiang, Song; Liang, Yilong; Xiong, Hu; Li, Jing

2018-06-01

The kinetic behavior of highly undercooled austenite and its effects on the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of high-carbon steel are studied. The undercooling degree is increased through a temporary undercooling treatment at the bainite transformation temperature of 380 °C to 450 °C before the pearlite isothermal transformation at 500 °C to 620 °C. The transformation kinetics reveals an increased nose temperature and a rightward shift of the transformation curve under high undercooling conditions. In addition, the undercooling treatment leads to an increased driving force during pearlite transformation, which is responsible for the refined hierarchical structures of pearlite. As a result, a 20 to 40 pct size reduction is achieved for pearlite colonies and lamellae. Such refinement is in turn attributed to an 26 pct increase in reduction in area. This work provides both a new understanding of high-performance fully pearlitic steels for practical applications and new perspectives for potential technological applications in drawing processes for hypoeutectoid steels.

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.

Modelling of deformation and recrystallisation microstructures in rocks and ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bons, Paul D.; Evans, Lynn A.; Gomez-Rivas, Enrique; Griera, Albert; Jessell, Mark W.; Lebensohn, Ricardo; Llorens, Maria-Gema; Peternell, Mark; Piazolo, Sandra; Weikusat, Ilka; Wilson, Chris J. L.

2015-04-01

Microstructures both record the deformation history of a rock and strongly control its mechanical properties. As microstructures in natural rocks only show the final "post-mortem" state, geologists have attempted to simulate the development of microstructures with experiments and later numerical models. Especially in-situ experiments have given enormous insight, as time-lapse movies could reveal the full history of a microstructure. Numerical modelling is an alternative approach to simulate and follow the change in microstructure with time, unconstrained by experimental limitations. Numerical models have been applied to a range of microstructural processes, such as grain growth, dynamic recrystallisation, porphyroblast rotation, vein growth, formation of mylonitic fabrics, etc. The numerical platform "Elle" (www.elle.ws) in particular has brought progress in the simulation of microstructural development as it is specifically designed to include the competition between simultaneously operating processes. Three developments significantly improve our capability to simulate microstructural evolution: (1) model input from the mapping of crystallographic orientation with EBSD or the automatic fabric analyser, (2) measurement of grain size and crystallographic preferred orientation evolution using neutron diffraction experiments and (3) the implementation of the full-field Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) solver for modelling anisotropic crystal-plastic deformation. The latter enables the detailed modelling of stress and strain as a function of local crystallographic orientation, which has a strong effect on strain localisation such as, for example, the formation of shear bands. These models can now be compared with the temporal evolution of crystallographic orientation distributions in in-situ experiments. In the last decade, the possibility to combine experiments with numerical simulations has allowed not only verification and refinement of the numerical simulation technique but also increased significantly the ability to predict and/or interpret natural microstructures. This contribution will present the most recent developments in in-situ and numerical modelling of deformation and recrystallisation microstructures in rocks and in ice.

Stability of phase transformation models for Ti-6Al-4V under cyclic thermal loading imposed during laser metal deposition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Klusemann, Benjamin; Bambach, Markus

2018-05-01

Processing conditions play a crucial role for the resulting microstructure and properties of the material. In particular, processing materials under non-equilibrium conditions can lead to a remarkable improvement of the final properties [1]. Additive manufacturing represents a specific process example considered in this study. Models for the prediction of residual stresses and microstructure in additive manufacturing processes, such as laser metal deposition, are being developed with huge efforts to support the development of materials and processes as well as to support process design [2-4]. Since the microstructure predicted after each heating and cooling cycle induced by the moving laser source enters the phase transformation kinetics and microstucture evolution of the subsequent heating and cooling cycle, a feed-back loop for the microstructure calculation is created. This calculation loop may become unstable so that the computed microstructure and related properties become very sensitive to small variations in the input parameters, e.g. thermal conductivity. In this paper, a model for phase transformation in Ti-6Al-4V, originally proposed by Charles Murgau et al. [5], is adopted and minimal adjusted concerning the decomposition of the martensite phase are made. This model is subsequently used to study the changes in the predictions of the different phase volume fractions during heating and cooling under the conditions of laser metal deposition with respect to slight variations in the thermal process history.

Nanometric Scale Investigation of Phase Transformations in Advanced Steels for Automotive Application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drillet, Josée; Valle, Nathalie; Iung, Thierry

2012-12-01

The current trend toward producing lighter vehicles in the automotive industry is driven by the need to conform to the new exhaust emission control regulations. This objective presents a challenge to steel manufacturers. The difficulty lies in designing new alloys with an optimum strength/formability/cost balance for the various components. Here, the key to success lies in controlling the steel microstructure and especially the phase transformations at the smallest possible scale. Among the different alloying elements, light elements such as carbon and boron are of prime importance due to their major effects on the kinetics of phase transformations. Characterization tools combining high spatial and analytical resolution such as secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and field emission gun-transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used. In this article, the examples presented are as follows. (1) Boron segregation and precipitation effects to control hardenability in martensitic steels. (2) Local carbon distribution in advanced high-strength steels, with a specific emphasis on martensite tempering. Links have been established between the boron and carbon distribution and the formability.

Effect of heat treatment on the microstructure of a 2CrMoNiWV rotor steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Cheng

A wide range of experiments have been carried out on a 2CrMoNiWV low alloy steel to investigate the effect of various heat treatment conditions on microstructural change, alloy carbide transformation mechanism and mechanical properties.Two complete continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams were constructed for this steel on the basis of experimental dilatometry thermal analysis, metallographic examination and current phase transformation theory. The significance of these two diagrams is in that they can be directly utilised in industrial practice as a reference during heat treatment for this material. Meanwhile it was confirmed that this 2CrMoNiWV steel can be transformed to a fully bainitic microstructure over a wide range of cooling rates and this feature proved this steel suitable for large diameter steam turbine rotor application.An innovative carbide extraction technique for the XRD identification of carbide phase has been developed. The detailed description of this new technique and its advantages are discussed in this thesis. The extensive work using TEM/EDX has set up essential "finger prints" for the quick examination of large amounts of individual carbide existing at various heat treated conditions. Simultaneous measurements and determinations were made on particle composition, morphological change, the type, amount and distribution of these carbide phases. Thus the sequence of carbide transformation for this 2CrMoNiWV steel during tempering has been established.The characteristic microstructures of various heat treated specimens were carefully examined and discussed. Theoretical thermodynamic equilibria predictions were calculated using MTDATA. A very good agreement was found between experimental results and theoretical predictions on those critical transformation temperatures and a good correlation of carbide evolution sequences was obtained. Based on experimental results and theoretical predictions, the role of tungsten in promoting creep resistance to the material is elucidated.The usefulness of equilibrium thermodynamic calculations using MTDATA in predicting the microstructural changes and carbide evolution has been demonstrated in this work, particularly the separate effect of composition on the stable carbide dispersion where a thermodynamic approach offers great benefits.A possibly optimised heat treatment route is suggested for the large diameter rotor forgings which involves austenitising at 980°C for 10 hours following by oil quenching and then tempering at 675°C for 20 hours following by air cooling.Some general conclusions are drawn from this study, especially with regard to the effect of heat treatment on the microstructure of this 2CrMoNiWV steel and suggestions for further work are made.

Ni-Mn-Ga Single Crystal Exhibiting Multiple Magnetic Shape Memory Effects

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Heczko, Oleg; Veřtát, Petr; Vronka, Marek; Kopecky, Vít; Perevertov, Oleksiy

2016-09-01

Both magnetically induced phase transformation and magnetically induced reorientation (MIR) effects were observed in one Ni50Mn28Ga22 single crystal sample by direct measurement of the magnetic field-induced strain. We investigated various twinning microstructures ranged from single twin interface to fine twinning and crossing twins to evaluate what controls the apparent twinning stress crucial for MIR. The main challenges for the applications of these effects are outlined.

Phase transformations in a Cu−Cr alloy induced by high pressure torsion

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

Korneva, Anna, E-mail: a.korniewa@imim.pl; Straumal, Boris; Institut für Nanotechnologie, Karlsruher Institut für Technologie, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen

2016-04-15

Phase transformations induced by high pressure torsion (HPT) at room temperature in two samples of the Cu-0.86 at.% Cr alloy, pre-annealed at 550 °C and 1000 °C, were studied in order to obtain two different initial states for the HPT procedure. Observation of microstructure of the samples before HPT revealed that the sample annealed at 550 °C contained two types of Cr precipitates in the Cu matrix: large particles (size about 500 nm) and small ones (size about 70 nm). The sample annealed at 1000 °C showed only a little fraction of Cr precipitates (size about 2 μm). The subsequentmore » HPT process resulted in the partial dissolution of Cr precipitates in the first sample and dissolution of Cr precipitates with simultaneous decomposition of the supersaturated solid solution in another. However, the resulting microstructure of the samples after HPT was very similar from the standpoint of grain size, phase composition, texture analysis and hardness measurements. - Highlights: • Cu−Cr alloy with two different initial states was deformed by HPT. • Phase transformations in the deformed materials were studied. • SEM, TEM and X-ray diffraction techniques were used for microstructure analysis. • HPT leads to formation the same microstructure independent of the initial state.« 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.

Analysis of phase transformations in Inconel 738C alloy after regenerative heat treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kazantseva, N.; Davidov, D.; Vinogradova, N.; Ezhov, I.; Stepanova, N.

2018-03-01

Study is based on the characterization of the chemical composition the phase transformations in Inconel 738C gas turbine blade after standard regenerative heat treatment. The microstructure and chemical composition were examined by scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. It was found the degradation of microstructure of the blade feather. Redistribution of the chemical elements decreasing the corrosion resistance was observed inside the blade feather. The carbide transformation and sigma phase were found in the structure of the blade feather. It is found that the standard regenerative heat treatment of the IN738 operative gas turbine blade does not effect on carbides transformation, TCP σ-phase dissolution, and thus do not guarantee the full recovery of the IN738 gas turbine blade.

Copper-silicon-magnesium alloys for latent heat storage

DOE PAGES

Gibbs, P. J.; Withey, E. A.; Coker, E. N.; ...

2016-06-21

The systematic development of microstructure, solidification characteristics, and heat of solidification with composition in copper-silicon-magnesium alloys for thermal energy storage is presented. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to relate the thermal characteristics to microstructural development in the investigated alloys and clarifies the location of one of the terminal three-phase eutectics. Repeated thermal cycling highlights the thermal storage stability of the transformation through multiple melting events. In conclusion, two near-terminal eutectic alloys display high enthalpies of solidification, relatively narrow melting ranges, and stable transformation hysteresis behaviors suited to thermal energy storage.

Microstructural investigations of 0.2% carbon content steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tollabimazraehno, Sajjad; Hingerl, Kurt

2011-10-01

The effect of thermal annealing to get different phases on low carbon steel was investigated. Steel sheets (0.2 wt. % C) of 900 μm thickness were heat treated to produce different structures. All the samples have the same starting point, transformation to coarse austenite at 900 degree Celsius. The nano indentation results revealed that samples have different hadness. By making conventional SEM micrographs, focus ion beam maps, and Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) the microstructural development and grain boundary variation of transformed phases martensite, biainte, tempered martensite and different combination of these phases were studied.

Partial-Isothermally-Treated Low Alloy Ultrahigh Strength Steel with Martensitic/Bainitic Microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luo, Quanshun; Kitchen, Matthew; Patel, Vinay; Filleul, Martin; Owens, Dave

We introduce a new strengthening heat treatment of a Ni-Cr-Mo-V alloyed spring steel by partial isothermal salt-bath and subsequent air-cooling and tempering. Detailed isothermal treatments were made at temperatures below or above the Ms point (230°C). The salt bath time was controlled between 10 and 80 minutes. Through the new treatment, the candidate steel developed ultrahigh tensile strength 2,100 MPa, yield strength 1,800 MPa, elongation 8-10 %, hardness 580-710 HV, and V-notch Charpy toughness 10-12 J. Optical and electron microscopic observations and X-ray diffraction revealed multi-phase microstructures of bainitic/martensitic ferrites, fine carbide precipitates and retained austenite. Carbon partitioning during the bainitic/martensitic transformation was investigated for its remarkable influence on the strengthening mechanism.

Phase transformation in thiamine hydrochloride tablets: Influence on tablet microstructure, physical properties, and performance.

PubMed

Chakravarty, Paroma; Suryanarayanan, Raj; Govindarajan, Ramprakash

2012-04-01

The objective of this article was to monitor phase transformation in thiamine hydrochloride, from a nonstoichiometric hydrate (NSH) to a hemihydrate (HH), in stored tablets, prepared both by direct compression and wet granulation, and to relate the storage-induced phase transformation with changes in tablet microstructure, physical properties, and performance. Raman spectroscopy revealed complete NSH → HH transformation in tablets, within 30 h of storage at 40°C/75% relative humidity. When the tablets were prepared by wet granulation of NSH alone, there was a marked increase in both tablet volume and hardness on storage. However, when microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was included in granulation, the resulting stored tablets also exhibited a pronounced increase in disintegration time. In contrast, tablets prepared by dry processing via compression of a NSH-MCC physical mixture did not exhibit any changes in properties, despite the in situ solid form conversion. Scanning electron microscopy revealed growth of needle-like HH crystals in all stored tablets and mercury porosimetry revealed considerable changes in the pore size distribution during storage. Longer storage led to crystal growth (Ostwald ripening), causing further gradual but less dramatic changes in properties. The phase transformation and the complex interparticulate associations in the tablet influenced the changes in tablet microstructure, compact physical properties, and product behavior. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Modification of the Stress-Strain Curve for High-Strength Line Pipe Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jonsson, Katherine

2013-01-01

This thesis presents work performed to improve the work hardening behaviour of an X80 microalloyed steel through various Interrupted Thermal Treatments (ITT). The aim of this work was to determine the relationships between thermal history, microstructure and mechanical properties through both qualitative and quantitative measures. Prior to the ITT experiments, a continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagram was constructed under no-strain conditions to identify the transformation temperatures and products that are achievable in X80 steel. The thermal treatments were applied using a Gleeble thermal-mechanical simulator to generate a variety of microstructures in various fractions and morphologies. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to investigate and quantify the microstructures in terms of phase fraction and grain size. The ITT experiments successfully generated microstructures comprised of ferrite, bainitic ferrite, martensite and martensite-austenite (M-A) without the addition of strain. The effect of cooling rates, interrupt temperature, re-heat temperature and hold times were investigated and the mechanical performance was correlated with the quantified microstructures. Although the ITT experiments did not improve the strength relative to a continuously cooled sample, the work hardening coefficient was increased as a result of the interrupted thermal treatments.

A heat treatment procedure to produce fine-grained lamellar microstructures in a P/M titanium aluminide alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Au, Peter

A process for fabricating advanced aerospace titanium aluminide alloys starting from metal powders (the hot isostatically consolidated P/M process) is presented in this thesis. This process does not suffer the difficulties of chemical inhomogeneities and coarse grain structure of castings. In addition heat treatments which take advantage of the refined structure of HIP processed materials are developed to achieve microstructure control and subsequent mechanical property control. It is shown that a better "property balance" is possible after the heat treatment of HIP consolidated materials than it is with alternative processing. It is well understood that the standard microstructures (near-gamma, duplex, nearly lamellar, and fully lamellar) do not have the balanced mechanical properties (tensile, yield, creep and fatigue strength, ductility and fracture toughness) necessary for optimal performance in aero engine and automotive applications. In this work a fine-grained fully lamellar (FGFL) microstructure is developed for property control and in particular for achieving a much improved property balance. A heat treatment procedure for this purpose which consists of cyclic processing in the alpha transus temperature region to achieve an FGFL structure with grain sizes in the range of 50 mum to 150 mum is presented. Compared with conventional duplex structured materials, the minimum creep rate is an order of magnitude lower with only a 10% loss in tensile yield strength. Moreover, a three-fold increase in tensile elongation is possible by converting to an FGFL structure with only a 30% loss in minimum creep rate. These are attractive trade-offs when considering the use of these alloys for aerospace purposes. A thorough literature review of the mechanisms of formation of standard microstructures and their deformation under mechanical loading is contained in the thesis. In addition, conventional techniques to produce FGFL microstructures in wrought and cast materials are discussed in detail. Beyond the review, the results of experiments are described for determining the alpha transus temperature, the phase transformation kinetics in this region and the effects of heat treatment time and cooling rate on microstructure. Based on this preliminary work, a heat treatment to achieve a FGFL microstructure with grain sizes in the range of 50 mum to 150 mum is proposed and confirmed. The room temperature and high temperature mechanical properties of these materials are compared with those of conventional duplex and fully lamellar structures. The results of this experimentation are discussed in terms of the fundamental mechanisms for controlling microstructure and mechanical properties in these materials. The potential for applying cyclic heat treatments to cast and wrought materials to improve the mechanical property balance in engineering practice is discussed.

Effects of high pressure on microstructure evolution and crystallization mechanisms during solidification of nickel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Hai-Tao; Mo, Yun-Fei; Liu, Rang-Su; Tian, Ze-An; Liu, Hai-Rong; Hou, Zhao-Yang; Zhou, Li-Li; Liang, Yong-Chao; Peng, Ping

2018-03-01

To deeply understand the effects of high pressure on microstructural evolutions and crystallization mechanisms of liquid metal Ni during solidification process, MD simulation studies have been performed under 7 pressures of 0 ˜ 30 GPa, at cooling rate of 1.0 × 1011 K s-1. Adopting several microstructural analyzing methods, especially the cluster-type index method (CTIM-2) to analyze the local microstructures in the system. It is found that the pressure has important influence on the formation and evolution of microstructures, especially of the main basic clusters in the system. All the simulation systems are directly solidified into crystal structures, and the 1421, 1422, 1441 and 1661 bond-types, as well the FCC (12 0 0 0 12 0), HCP (12 0 0 0 6 6) and BCC (14 6 0 8 0 0) clusters play a key role in the microstructure transitions from liquid to crystal structures. The crystallization temperature T c is enhanced almost linearly with the increase of pressure. Highly interesting, it is found for the first time that there is an important phase transformation point from FCC to BCC structures between 20 ˜ 22.5 GPa during the solidification processes from the same initial liquid system at the same cooling rate. And the effect of increasing pressure is similar to that of decreasing cooling rate for the phase transformation of microstructures during solidification process of liquid metal Ni system, though they have different concrete effecting mechanisms.

Construction of continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagram using Gleeble for coarse grained heat affected zone of SA106 grade B steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vimalan, G.; Muthupandi, V.; Ravichandran, G.

2018-05-01

A continuous cooling transformation diagram is constructed for simulated coarse grain heat affected zone (CGHAZ) of SA106 grade B carbon steel. Samples are heated to a peak temperature of 1200°C in the Gleeble thermo mechanical simulator and then cooled at different cooling rates varying from 0.1°C/s to 100°C/s. Microstructure of the specimens simulated at different cooling rates were characterised by optical microscopy and hardness was assessed by Vicker's hardness test and micro-hardness test. Transformation temperatures and the corresponding phase fields were identified from dilatometric curves and the same could be confirmed by correlating with the microstructures at room temperature. These data were used to construct the CCT diagram. Phase fields were found to have ferrite, pearlite, bainite and martensite or their combinations. With the help of this CCT diagram it is possible to predict the microstructure and hardness of coarse grain HAZ experiencing different cooling rates. The constructed CCT diagram becomes an important tool in evaluating the weldability of SA106 grade B carbon steel.

Microstructures, Martensitic Transformation, and Mechanical Behavior of Rapidly Solidified Ti-Ni-Hf and Ti-Ni-Si Shape Memory Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, X. L.; Song, K. K.; Zhang, L. M.; Xing, H.; Sarac, B.; Spieckermann, F.; Maity, T.; Mühlbacher, M.; Wang, L.; Kaban, I.; Eckert, J.

2018-03-01

In this work, the microstructure and mechanical properties of rapidly solidified Ti50- x/2Ni50- x/2Hf x ( x = 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 at.%) and Ti50- y/2Ni50- y/2Si y ( y = 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 at.%) shape memory alloys (SMAs) were investigated. The sequence of the phase formation and transformations in dependence on the chemical composition is established. Rapidly solidified Ti-Ni-Hf or Ti-Ni-Si SMAs are found to show relatively high yield strength and large ductility for specific Hf or Si concentrations, which is due to the gradual disappearance of the phase transformation from austenite to twinned martensite and the predominance of the phase transformation from twinned martensite to detwinned martensite during deformation as well as to the refinement of dendrites and the precipitation of brittle intermetallic compounds.

Mechanical instabilities in periodic porous elasto-plastic solids.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Singamaneni, Srikanth; Bertoldi, Katia; Chang, Sehoon; Jang, Ji-Hyun; Young, Seth; Thomas, Edwin; Boyce, Mary; Tsukruk, Vladimir

2009-03-01

We describe the transformation of the periodic microporous structures fabricated by interference lithography followed by their freezing below glass transition. Periodic porous microstructures subjected to internal compressive stresses can undergo sudden structural transformation at a critical strain. The pattern transformation of collapsed pores is caused by the stresses originated during the polymerization of acrylic acid (rubbery component) inside of cylindrical pores and the subsequent solvent evaporation in the organized microporous structure. The results of a non-linear numerical investigation confirm the critical role of the bifurcation of the periodic solid under compressive stresses. In striking contrast to the earlier observations of elastic instabilities in porous elastomeric solids, the elastic-plastic nature of the crosslinked periodic microstructure studied here provides for the ability to lock in the transformed pattern with complete relaxation of the internal stresses. By confining the polymerization of acrylic acid to localized porous areas complex microscopic periodic structures are obtained.

Assessment of Shape Memory Alloys - From Atoms To Actuators - Via In Situ Neutron Diffraction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Benafan, Othmane

2014-01-01

As shape memory alloys (SMAs) become an established actuator technology, it is important to identify the fundamental mechanisms responsible for their performance by understanding microstructure performance relationships from processing to final form. Yet, microstructural examination of SMAs at stress and temperature is often a challenge since structural changes occur with stress and temperature and microstructures cannot be preserved through quenching or after stress removal, as would be the case for conventional materials. One solution to this dilemma is in situ neutron diffraction, which has been applied to the investigation of SMAs and has offered a unique approach to reveal the fundamental micromechanics and microstructural aspects of bulk SMAs in a non-destructive setting. Through this technique, it is possible to directly correlate the micromechanical responses (e.g., internal residual stresses, lattice strains), microstructural evolutions (e.g., texture, defects) and phase transformation properties (e.g., phase fractions, kinetics) to the macroscopic actuator behavior. In this work, in situ neutron diffraction was systematically employed to evaluate the deformation and transformation behavior of SMAs under typical actuator conditions. Austenite and martensite phases, yield behavior, variant selection and transformation temperatures were characterized for a polycrystalline NiTi (49.9 at. Ni). As the alloy transforms under thermomechanical loading, the measured textures and lattice plane-level variations were directly related to the cyclic actuation-strain characteristics and the dimensional instability (strain ratcheting) commonly observed in this alloy. The effect of training on the shape memory characteristics of the alloy and the development of two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) were also assessed. The final conversion from a material to a useful actuator, typically termed shape setting, was also investigated in situ during constrained heatingcooling and subsequent shape recovery experiments. Neutron diffraction techniques are also being applied to the investigation of novel high temperature SMAs with the objective of designing alloys with better stability, higher transition temperatures and ultimately superior durability.

Development of Weld Metal Microstructures in Pulsed Laser Welding of Duplex Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mirakhorli, F.; Malek Ghaini, F.; Torkamany, M. J.

2012-10-01

The microstructure of the weld metal of a duplex stainless steel made with Nd:YAG pulsed laser is investigated at different travel speeds and pulse frequencies. In terms of the solidification pattern, the weld microstructure is shown to be composed of two distinct zones. The presence of two competing heat transfer channels to the relatively cooler base metal and the relatively hotter previous weld spot is proposed to develop two zones. At high overlapping factors, an array of continuous axial grains at the weld centerline is formed. At low overlapping factors, in the zone of higher cooling rate, a higher percentage of ferrite is transformed to austenite. This is shown to be because with extreme cooling rates involved in pulsed laser welding with low overlapping, the ferrite-to-austenite transformation can be limited only to the grain boundaries.

Microstructural Evolution and Deformation Behavior of a Hot-Rolled and Heat Treated Fe-8Mn-4Al-0.2C Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cai, Zhihui; Ding, Hua; Ying, Zhengyan; Misra, R. D. K.

2014-04-01

The microstructural evolution following tensile deformation of a hot-rolled and heat treated Fe-8Mn-4Al-0.2C steel was studied. Quenching in the range of 750-800 °C followed by tempering at 200 °C led to a ferrite-austenite mixed microstructure that was characterized by excellent combination of tensile strength of 800-1000 MPa and elongation of 30-40%, and a three-stage work hardening behavior. During the tensile deformation, the retained austenite transformed into martensite and delayed the onset of necking, thus leading to a higher ductility via the transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) effect. The improvement of elongation is attributed to diffusion of carbon from δ-ferrite to austenite during tempering, which improves the stability of austenite, thus contributing to enhanced tensile ductility.

Numerical simulation of temperature field, microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of HSS during hot stamping

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

Shi, Dongyong; Liu, Wenquan; Ying, Liang, E-mail: pinghu@dlut.edu.cn

The hot stamping of boron steels is widely used to produce ultra high strength automobile components without any spring back. The ultra high strength of final products is attributed to the fully martensitic microstructure that is obtained through the simultaneous forming and quenching of the hot blanks after austenization. In the present study, a mathematical model incorporating both heat transfer and the transformation of austenite is presented. A FORTRAN program based on finite element technique has been developed which permits the temperature distribution and microstructure evolution of high strength steel during hot stamping process. Two empirical diffusion-dependent transformation models undermore » isothermal conditions were employed respectively, and the prediction capability on mechanical properties of the models were compared with the hot stamping experiment of an automobile B-pillar part.« less

Effect of Cooling Mode on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Pipeline Steel for Strain Based Design and Research on its Deformation Mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hesong, Zhang; Yonglin, Kang

With the rapid development of oil and gas industry long distance pipelines inevitably pass through regions with complex geological activities. In order to avoid large deformation the pipelines must be designed based on strain criteria. In this paper the alloy system of X80 high deformability pipeline steel was designed which was 0.25%Mo-0.05%C-1.75%Mn. The effect of controlled cooling process on microstructure and mechanical properties of X80 high deformability pipeline steel were systematically investigated. Through the two-stage controlled cooling process the microstructure of the X80 high deformability pipeline steel were ferrite, bainite and M/A island. There were two kinds of ferrite which were polygonal ferrite (PF) and quasi-polygonal ferrite (QF). The bainite was granular bainite ferrite (GF). Along with the decrease of the start cooling temperature, the volume fraction of ferrite and M/A both increased, the yield ratio (Y/T) decreased, the uniform elongation (uEl) increased firstly with the content of ferrite increased but then decreased with the content and size of M/A increased. When the finish cooling temperature decreasing, the size of M/A became finer. As the start cooling temperature was 690 °C and the finish cooling temperature was 450 °C the volume fraction of ferrite was 23%, the size of ferrite grain was 5μm, the size of M/A island was below 1μm and the structure uniformity was the best. The deformation mechanism of X80 high deformability pipeline steel was analyzed. The best way to improve the work hardening rate was reducing the size of M/A islands on the premise of a certain volume fraction. The decreasing path of instantaneous strain hardening index (n*-value) showed three stages in the deformation process. The n*-value kept stable in the second stage, the reason was that the retained austenite transformed into martensite and the phase transition improved the strain hardening ability of the microstructure. This phenomenon was called transformation induced plasticity effect (TRIP).

Effect of heat treatment on the microstructure of Co-Cr-W alloy fabricated by laser additive manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ren, Bo; Chen, Changjun; Zhang, Min

2018-04-01

Stellite 6 cobalt-based alloy powder was used to produce Co-Cr-W alloy using laser additive manufacturing technology, and then different heat treatment strategies were carried out on the deposited sample. The characteristics of microstructure under different heat treatment conditions were investigated using scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscope, and x-ray diffraction. The results show that the as-deposited sample has few cracks or pores, and the microstructure is typical dendritic structure, and lamellar eutectic carbides are rich in Cr in interdendritic. The matrix mainly consists of γ phases and a few ɛ phases. Some γ phases transform into ɛ phases after 900°C/6 h aging treatment and lamellar eutectic carbides transform into blocky carbides presenting as a network, most of the carbides are rich in Cr and a few are rich in W. When heat treated at 1200°C/1 h followed by water cooling and then treated at 900°C/6 h followed by furnace cooling, it can be found that some γ phases transform into ɛ phases. The carbides transform into elliptical M23C6 carbides that are rich in Cr with the size of 1 to 3 μm and a part of W-rich carbides.

Simulated HAZ continuous cooling transformation diagram of a bogie steel of high-speed railway

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Yue; Chen, Hui; Liu, Yan; Hang, Zongqiu

2017-07-01

Simulated HAZ continuous cooling transformation (SH-CCT) diagram presents the start and end points of phase transformation and the relationships of the microstructures of HAZ, temperature and cooling rates. It is often used to assess the weldability of materials. In this paper, a weathering steel Q345C which is widely used in the bogies manufacturing was studied. The cooling times from 800∘C to 500∘C (t8/5) were from 3 s to 6000 s, aiming to study the microstructures under different cooling rates. Different methods such as color metallography were used to obtain the metallography images. The results show that ferrite nucleates preferentially at the prior austenite grain boundaries and grows along the grain boundaries with a lath-like distribution when t8/5 is 300 s. Austenite transforms into ferrite, pearlite and bainite with decreasing t8/5. Pearlite disappears completely when t8/5 = 150 s. Martensite gradually appears when t8/5 decreases to 30 s. The hardness increases with decreasing t8/5. The SH-CCT diagram indicates that the welding input and t8/5 should be taken into consideration when welding. This work provides the relationships of welding parameters and microstructures.

Ultra-fine grained microstructure of metastable beta Ti-15Mo alloy and its effects on the phase transformations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Václavová, K.; Stráský, J.; Zháňal, P.; Veselý, J.; Polyakova, V.; Semenova, I.; Janeček, M.

2017-05-01

Processing of metastable titanium alloys by severe plastic deformation provides an opportunity to achieve exceptional grain refinement, to enhance the strength and to affect phase transformations occurring during thermal treatment. The main aim of this study is to investigate the microstructure of ultra-fine grained (UFG) material and effect of microstructural changes on phase transformations in metastable β-Ti alloy Ti-15Mo. Metastable β-Ti alloys are currently the most studied Ti-based materials with prospective use in medicine. Ti-15Mo alloy after solution treatment contains metastable β-phase. Metastable ω-phase and stable α-phase particles are formed upon annealing,. Solution treated Ti-15Mo alloy was deformed by high pressure torsion (HPT) at room temperature. Severely deformed structure after HPT with grain size of ~200 nm was studied by transmission electron microscopy. In-situ electrical resistance measurements showed significant changes in undergoing phase transformations when compared to coarse-grained (CG) material. Scanning electron microscopy revealed heterogeneous precipitation of α-particles at grain boundaries (GB). Due to the high density of GBs in UFG structure, these precipitates are very fine and equiaxed. The study demonstrates that SPD is capable of enhancing mechanical properties due to grain refinement and via affecting precipitation processes in metastable β-Ti alloys.

Modelling study on the three-dimensional neutron depolarisation response of the evolving ferrite particle size distribution during the austenite-ferrite phase transformation in steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, H.; van der Zwaag, S.; van Dijk, N. H.

2018-07-01

The magnetic configuration of a ferromagnetic system with mono-disperse and poly-disperse distribution of magnetic particles with inter-particle interactions has been computed. The analysis is general in nature and applies to all systems containing magnetically interacting particles in a non-magnetic matrix, but has been applied to steel microstructures, consisting of a paramagnetic austenite phase and a ferromagnetic ferrite phase, as formed during the austenite-to-ferrite phase transformation in low-alloyed steels. The characteristics of the computational microstructures are linked to the correlation function and determinant of depolarisation matrix, which can be experimentally obtained in three-dimensional neutron depolarisation (3DND). By tuning the parameters in the model used to generate the microstructure, we studied the effect of the (magnetic) particle size distribution on the 3DND parameters. It is found that the magnetic particle size derived from 3DND data matches the microstructural grain size over a wide range of volume fractions and grain size distributions. A relationship between the correlation function and the relative width of the particle size distribution was proposed to accurately account for the width of the size distribution. This evaluation shows that 3DND experiments can provide unique in situ information on the austenite-to-ferrite phase transformation in steels.

Phase Transformation and Aging Behavior of Al0.5CoCrFeNiSi0.2 High-Entropy Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, C.; Wu, G. F.; Dai, P. Q.

2015-05-01

An Al0.5CoCrFeNiSi0.2 high-entropy alloy was prepared by vacuum arc melting. The alloy was aged from 700 to 1100 °C. The effects of aging on the phase transformation and mechanical performances were explored. The as-cast alloy showed a dendritic (DR) microstructure. The DR region was an Fe,Cr-rich FCC phase, while the interdendritic (ID) region was a spinodal structure composed of Fe,Cr-rich BCC (A2) and Ni,Al-rich BCC (B2) phases. At aging temperatures between 700 and 900 °C, the Fe,Cr-rich BCC (A2) phase in the ID region transformed into σ and Fe,Cr-rich FCC phases. Meanwhile, some Ni,Al-rich FCC phase particles precipitated from the DR region. During aging at 1100 °C, the DR microstructure disappeared, and a microstructure composed of Fe,Cr-rich FCC and Ni,Al-rich BCC (B2) phases both possessing a lamellar shape was developed. The alloy exhibited evident hardening and lower tensile strain when the aging temperature was lower than 1000 °C, which was mainly attributed to the generation of the σ phase in the ID region. However, a contrasting behavior was observed when the aging temperature was higher than 1000 °C, which was attributed to the redissolution of the σ phase and the microstructure coarsening.

Phase Transformation and Creep of Mg-Al-Ca Based Die-Cast Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suzuki, Akane; Saddock, Nicholas D.; Jones, J. Wayne; Pollock, Tresa M.

The microstructure and microstructural stability of die-cast AC53 (Mg-5Al-3Ca) and AXJ530 (Mg-5Al-3Ca-0.15Sr) have been investigated in detail by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Both alloys have an as-cast microstructure of α-Mg with (Mg, Al)2Ca (dihexagonal C36) eutectic at grain boundaries. During aging at 573 K, the C36 phase transforms to Al2Ca (cubic Cl5) phase. These two phases have a crystallographic orientation relationship of (0001)C36//{111}C15 and [2110]C36//[011]C15, and the transformation from C36 to C15 occurs by a shear-assisted process. Despite this change in the phase constitution, the network structure of the intermetallic compound(s) surrounding α-Mg grains is fairly stable, morphologically, even after prolonged exposure at elevated temperature. In the α-Mg matrix phase, precipitation of Al2Ca was observed after aging for 360 ks at 573 K. The precipitates are disc-shaped with a habit plane of {111}C15//(0001)α. AXJ530 shows higher creep resistance than AC53. The dislocation substructure that evolved during creep deformation was investigated in both alloys, and the basal and non-basal slip of a-dislocation and other slip modes of a+c- dislocations were observed. The relationship between creep properties and microstructure is discussed.

Transformation twinning of Ni-Mn-Ga characterized with temperature-controlled atomic force microscopy.

PubMed

Reinhold, Matthew; Watson, Chad; Knowlton, William B; Müllner, Peter

2010-06-01

The magnetomechanical properties of ferromagnetic shape memory alloy Ni-Mn-Ga single crystals depend strongly on the twin microstructure, which can be modified through thermomagnetomechanical training. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM) were used to characterize the evolution of twin microstructures during thermomechanical training of a Ni-Mn-Ga single crystal. Experiments were performed in the martensite phase at 25 degrees C and in the austenite phase at 55 degrees C. Two distinct twinning surface reliefs were observed at room temperature. At elevated temperature (55 degrees C), the surface relief of one twinning mode disappeared while the other relief remained unchanged. When cooled back to 25 degrees C, the twin surface relief recovered. The relief persisting at elevated temperature specifies the positions of twin boundaries that were present when the sample was polished prior to surface characterization. AFM and MFM following thermomechanical treatment provide a nondestructive method to identify the crystallographic orientation of each twin and of each twin boundary plane. Temperature dependent AFM and MFM experiments reveal the twinning history thereby establishing the technique as a unique predictive tool for revealing the path of the martensitic and reverse transformations of magnetic shape memory alloys.

Transformation twinning of Ni–Mn–Ga characterized with temperature-controlled atomic force microscopy

PubMed Central

Reinhold, Matthew; Watson, Chad; Knowlton, William B.; Müllner, Peter

2010-01-01

The magnetomechanical properties of ferromagnetic shape memory alloy Ni–Mn–Ga single crystals depend strongly on the twin microstructure, which can be modified through thermomagnetomechanical training. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) and magnetic force microscopy (MFM) were used to characterize the evolution of twin microstructures during thermomechanical training of a Ni–Mn–Ga single crystal. Experiments were performed in the martensite phase at 25 °C and in the austenite phase at 55 °C. Two distinct twinning surface reliefs were observed at room temperature. At elevated temperature (55 °C), the surface relief of one twinning mode disappeared while the other relief remained unchanged. When cooled back to 25 °C, the twin surface relief recovered. The relief persisting at elevated temperature specifies the positions of twin boundaries that were present when the sample was polished prior to surface characterization. AFM and MFM following thermomechanical treatment provide a nondestructive method to identify the crystallographic orientation of each twin and of each twin boundary plane. Temperature dependent AFM and MFM experiments reveal the twinning history thereby establishing the technique as a unique predictive tool for revealing the path of the martensitic and reverse transformations of magnetic shape memory alloys. PMID:20589105

Multiscale Characterization of Nickel Titanium Shape Memory Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gall, Keith

Shape memory alloys were characterized by a variety of methods to investigate the relationship between microstructural phase transformation, macroscale deformation due to mechanical loading, material geometry, and initial material state. The major portion of the work is application of digital image correlation at several length scales to SMAs under mechanical loading. In addition, the connection between electrical resistance, stress, and strain was studied in NiTi wires. Finally, a new processing method was investigated to develop porous NiTi samples, which can be examined under DIC in future work. The phase transformation temperatures of a Nickel-Titanium based shape memory alloy (SMA) were initially evaluated under stress-free conditions by the differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) technique. Results show that the phase transformation temperature is significantly higher for transition from de-twinned martensite to austenite than from twinned martensite or R phase to austenite. To further examine transformation temperatures as a function of initial state a tensile test apparatus with in-situ electrical resistance (ER) measurements was used to evaluate the transformation properties of SMAs at a variety of stress levels and initial compositions. The results show that stress has a significant influence on the transformation of detwinned martensite, but a small influence on R phase and twinned martensite transformations. Electrical resistance changes linearly with strain during the transformations from both kinds of martensite to austenite. The linearity between ER and strain during the transformation from de-twinned martensite to austenite is not affected by the stress, facilitating application to control algorithms. A revised phase diagram is drawn to express these results. To better understand the nature of the local and global strain fields that accompany phase transformation in shape memory alloys (SMAs), here we use high resolution imaging together with image correlation processing at several length scales. The Digital Image Correlation (DIC) method uses digital images captured during material deformation to generate displacement and strain field maps of the specimen surface. Both 5x optical magnification and low magnification provide details of localized strain behavior during the stress induced phase transformation in polycrystalline Nickel-Titanium SMA samples. Tension bars with (and without) machined geometric defects are tested with (and without) paint speckle pattern to investigate the response near pore-like defects. Results from the standard tensile bars (no defect) show a recoverable transformation propagate across the sample (from both ends towards center) that is observed as localization in the DIC calculated strain field. Biaxial strain measurements from the DIC method also provide data to calculate a Poisson Ratio as a function of transformation progress. Specimens with a circular (0.5 mm dia) defect exhibit similar strain-localization behaviors, but the stress concentration causes early material transformation near the defect. Analysis of the magnified images illustrates strain field localization due to the underlying polycrystalline microstructure of the NiTi specimen. Last, a study presents the development of new processing techniques for porous SMA materials. Porous SMAs are potential candidates in a variety of applications where micro-macrochannels might improve thermal response of mechanical actuators or promote bone ingrowth for biomedical implant devices. Recent methods in powder metallurgy have shown that adding small amounts of Niobium improves densification of sintered NiTi alloys. New results here show how porous NiTiNb microstructures are processed using temporary steel wire space holder. The wires (or layered 2-D meshes) are electrochemically dissolved to leave a complex network of pores throughout a dense NiTiNb alloy. The processing method presented here allows better control of pore geometry and arrangement when compared to existing techniques in NiTiNb powder metallurgy.

Aseismic creep along the North Anatolian Fault quantified by coupling microstructural strain and chemical analyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaduri, Maor; Gratier, Jean-Pierre; Renard, François; Çakir, Ziyadin; Lasserre, Cécile

2017-04-01

In the last decade aseismic creep has been noted as one of the key processes along tectonic plate boundaries. It contributes to the energy budget during the seismic cycle, delaying or triggering the occurrence of large earthquakes. Several major continental active faults show spatial alternation of creeping and locked segments. A great challenge is to understand which parameters control the transition from seismic to aseismic deformation in fault zones, such as the lithology, the degree of deformation from damage rocks to gouge, and the stress driven fault architecture transformations at all scales. The present study focuses on the North Anatolian Fault (Turkey) and characterizes the mechanisms responsible for the partition between seismic and aseismic deformation. Strain values were calculated using various methods, e.g. Fry, R-φs from microstructural measurements in gouge and damage samples collected on more than 30 outcrops along the fault. Maps of mineral composition were reconstructed from microprobe measurements of gouge and damage rock microstructure, in order to calculate the relative mass changes due to stress driven processes during deformation. Strain values were extracted, in addition to the geometrical properties of grain orientation and size distribution. Our data cover subsamples in the damage zones that were protected from deformation and are reminiscent of the host rock microstructure and composition, and subsamples that were highly deformed and recorded both seismic and aseismic deformations. Increase of strain value is linked to the evolution of the orientation of the grains from random to sheared sub-parallel and may be related to various parameters: (1) relative mass transfer increase with increasing strain indicating how stress driven mass transfer processes control aseismic creep evolution with time; (2) measured strain is strongly related with the initial lithology and with the evolution of mineral composition: monomineralic rocks are stronger (less deformed) than polymineralic ones; (3) strain measurements allow to evaluate the cumulated geological displacement accommodated by aseismic creep and the relative ratio between seismic and aseismic displacement for each section of an active fault. These relations allow to quantify more accurately the aseismic creep processes and their evolution with time along the North Anatolian Fault which are controlled by a superposition of two kinds of mechanisms: (1) stress driven mass transfer (pressure solution and metamorphism) that control local and regional mass transfer and associated rheology evolution and (2) grain boundary sliding along weak mineral interfaces (initially weak minerals or more often transformed by deformation-related reactions).

Phase stability, porosity distribution and microstructural evolution of amorphous Al{sub 50}Ti{sub 50} powders consolidated by electrical resistance sintering

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

Urban, P., E-mail: purban@us.es; Montes, J. M.; Cintas, J.

2015-03-30

The effect of intensity and duration of the electrical resistance sintering process on the phase stability, porosity distribution and microstructural evolution of Al{sub 50}Ti{sub 50} amorphous powders is studied. The phase transformations during the consolidation process were determined by X-ray diffraction. The porosity distribution was observed by optical and scanning electron microscopy. The amorphous phase is partially transformed to the crystalline phase during the sintering process, and formation of AlTi and AlTi{sub 3} intermetallic compounds occurs for temperatures higher than 300 °C. Finally, it is observed that the compacts core have lower porosity and a higher tendency to the amorphous-crystallinemore » phase transformation than the periphery.« less

Investigation of Hardness Change for Spot Welded Tailored Blank in Hot Stamping Using CCT and Deformation-CCT Diagrams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yogo, Yasuhiro; Kurato, Nozomi; Iwata, Noritoshi

2018-04-01

When an outer panel of a B-pillar is manufactured with the hot stamping process, reinforcements are spot welded on its inner side. Before reinforcements are added, the microstructure of the outer panel is martensite. However, reheating during spot welding changes the martensite to ferrite, which has a lower hardness in the heat-affected zone than in other areas. If spot welding is conducted before hot stamping for making a spot welded tailored blank, the microstructure in the spot welded tailored blank after hot stamping is martensite. This sequence of processes avoids hardness reduction due to spot welding. In this study, the hardness and microstructure around spot welded parts of the tailored blank were investigated. The results clearly showed that areas close to the spot welded parts are severely stretched during hot stamping. In addition, stretching suppresses the martensitic phase transformation and reduces the hardness. To characterize this phenomenon, a simulation was conducted that considered the effects of pre-strain on the phase transformation. A continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagram and a deformation continuous cooling transformation (DCCT) diagram were made in order to quantify the effect of the cooling rate and pre-strain on the phase transformation and hardness. The hardness was then calculated using the experimentally measured CCT and DCCT diagrams and the finite element analysis results. The calculated hardness was compared with the experimental hardness. Good agreement was found between the calculated and experimental results.

Investigation of Hardness Change for Spot Welded Tailored Blank in Hot Stamping Using CCT and Deformation-CCT Diagrams

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yogo, Yasuhiro; Kurato, Nozomi; Iwata, Noritoshi

2018-06-01

When an outer panel of a B-pillar is manufactured with the hot stamping process, reinforcements are spot welded on its inner side. Before reinforcements are added, the microstructure of the outer panel is martensite. However, reheating during spot welding changes the martensite to ferrite, which has a lower hardness in the heat-affected zone than in other areas. If spot welding is conducted before hot stamping for making a spot welded tailored blank, the microstructure in the spot welded tailored blank after hot stamping is martensite. This sequence of processes avoids hardness reduction due to spot welding. In this study, the hardness and microstructure around spot welded parts of the tailored blank were investigated. The results clearly showed that areas close to the spot welded parts are severely stretched during hot stamping. In addition, stretching suppresses the martensitic phase transformation and reduces the hardness. To characterize this phenomenon, a simulation was conducted that considered the effects of pre-strain on the phase transformation. A continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagram and a deformation continuous cooling transformation (DCCT) diagram were made in order to quantify the effect of the cooling rate and pre-strain on the phase transformation and hardness. The hardness was then calculated using the experimentally measured CCT and DCCT diagrams and the finite element analysis results. The calculated hardness was compared with the experimental hardness. Good agreement was found between the calculated and experimental results.

Microstructural Evolution During Cold Rolling and Subsequent Annealing in Low-Carbon Steel with Different Initial Microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ogawa, Toshio; Dannoshita, Hiroyuki; Maruoka, Kuniaki; Ushioda, Kohsaku

2017-08-01

Microstructural evolution during cold rolling and subsequent annealing of low-carbon steel with different initial microstructures was investigated from the perspective of the competitive phenomenon between recrystallization of ferrite and reverse phase transformation from ferrite to austenite. Three kinds of hot-rolled sheet specimens were prepared. Specimen P consisted of ferrite and pearlite, specimen B consisted of bainite, and specimen M consisted of martensite. The progress of recovery and recrystallization of ferrite during annealing was more rapid in specimen M than that in specimens P and B. In particular, the recrystallized ferrite grains in specimen M were fine and equiaxed. The progress of ferrite-to-austenite phase transformation during intercritical annealing was more rapid in specimen M than in specimens P and B. In all specimens, the austenite nucleation sites were mainly at high-angle grain boundaries, such as those between recrystallized ferrite grains. The austenite distribution was the most uniform in specimen M. Thus, we concluded that fine equiaxed recrystallized ferrite grains were formed in specimen M, leading to a uniform distribution of austenite.

Small strain multiphase-field model accounting for configurational forces and mechanical jump conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schneider, Daniel; Schoof, Ephraim; Tschukin, Oleg; Reiter, Andreas; Herrmann, Christoph; Schwab, Felix; Selzer, Michael; Nestler, Britta

2018-03-01

Computational models based on the phase-field method have become an essential tool in material science and physics in order to investigate materials with complex microstructures. The models typically operate on a mesoscopic length scale resolving structural changes of the material and provide valuable information about the evolution of microstructures and mechanical property relations. For many interesting and important phenomena, such as martensitic phase transformation, mechanical driving forces play an important role in the evolution of microstructures. In order to investigate such physical processes, an accurate calculation of the stresses and the strain energy in the transition region is indispensable. We recall a multiphase-field elasticity model based on the force balance and the Hadamard jump condition at the interface. We show the quantitative characteristics of the model by comparing the stresses, strains and configurational forces with theoretical predictions in two-phase cases and with results from sharp interface calculations in a multiphase case. As an application, we choose the martensitic phase transformation process in multigrain systems and demonstrate the influence of the local homogenization scheme within the transition regions on the resulting microstructures.

EVALUATION OF SPECIFICATION RANGES FOR CREEP STRENGTH ENHANCED FERRITIC STEELS

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

Shingledecker, John P; Santella, Michael L; Wilson, Keely A

2008-01-01

Creep Strength Enhanced Ferritic Steels (CSEF) such as Gr. 91, 911, 92, and 122 require a fully martensitic structure for optimum properties, mainly good creep strength. However, broad chemical compositional ranges are specified for these steel grades which can strongly influence the microstructures obtained. In this study, we have produced chemical compositions within the specification ranges for these alloys which intentionally cause the formation of ferrite or substantially alter the lower intercritical temperatures (A1) so as to affect the phase transformation behavior during tempering. Thermodynamic modeling, thermo-mechanical simulation, tensile testing, creep testing, and microstructural analysis were used to evaluate thesemore » materials. The results show the usefulness of thermodynamic calculations for setting rational chemical composition ranges for CSEF steels to control the critical temperatures, set heat-treatment temperature limits, and eliminate the formation of ferrite.« less

Engineering fluid flow using sequenced microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amini, Hamed; Sollier, Elodie; Masaeli, Mahdokht; Xie, Yu; Ganapathysubramanian, Baskar; Stone, Howard A.; di Carlo, Dino

2013-05-01

Controlling the shape of fluid streams is important across scales: from industrial processing to control of biomolecular interactions. Previous approaches to control fluid streams have focused mainly on creating chaotic flows to enhance mixing. Here we develop an approach to apply order using sequences of fluid transformations rather than enhancing chaos. We investigate the inertial flow deformations around a library of single cylindrical pillars within a microfluidic channel and assemble these net fluid transformations to engineer fluid streams. As these transformations provide a deterministic mapping of fluid elements from upstream to downstream of a pillar, we can sequentially arrange pillars to apply the associated nested maps and, therefore, create complex fluid structures without additional numerical simulation. To show the range of capabilities, we present sequences that sculpt the cross-sectional shape of a stream into complex geometries, move and split a fluid stream, perform solution exchange and achieve particle separation. A general strategy to engineer fluid streams into a broad class of defined configurations in which the complexity of the nonlinear equations of fluid motion are abstracted from the user is a first step to programming streams of any desired shape, which would be useful for biological, chemical and materials automation.

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

Microstructural characterization of Charpy-impact-tested nanostructured bainite

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

Tsai, Y.T.; Chang, H.T.; Huang, B.M.

2015-09-15

In this work, a possible cause of the extraordinary low impact toughness of nanostructured bainite has been investigated. The microstructure of nanostructured bainite consisted chiefly of carbide-free bainitic ferrite with retained austenite films. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) measurement indicated that no retained austenite existed in the fractured surface of the Charpy-impact-tested specimens. Fractographs showed that cracks propagated mainly along bainitic ferrite platelet boundaries. The change in microstructure after impact loading was verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations, confirming that retained austenite was completely transformed to strain-induced martensite during the Charpy impact test. However, the zone affected by strained-induced martensite wasmore » found to be extremely shallow, only to a depth of several micrometers from the fracture surface. It is appropriately concluded that upon impact, as the crack forms and propagates, strain-induced martensitic transformation immediately occurs ahead of the advancing crack tip. The successive martensitic transformation profoundly facilitates the crack propagation, resulting in the extremely low impact toughness of nanostructured bainite. Retained austenite, in contrast to its well-known beneficial role, has a deteriorating effect on toughness during the course of Charpy impact. - Highlights: • The microstructure of nanostructured bainite consisted of nano-sized bainitic ferrite subunits with retained austenite films. • Special sample preparations for SEM, XRD and TEM were made, and the strain-affected structures have been explored. • Retained austenite films were found to transform into martensite after impact loading, as evidenced by XRD and TEM results. • The zone of strain-induced martensite was found to extend to only several micrometers from the fracture surface. • The poor Charpy impact toughness is associated with the fracture of martensite at a high strain rate during impact loading.« less

Diffusive and martensitic nucleation kinetics in solid-solid transitions of colloidal crystals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peng, Yi; Li, Wei; Wang, Feng; Still, Tim; Yodh, Arjun G.; Han, Yilong

2017-05-01

Solid-solid transitions between crystals follow diffusive nucleation, or various diffusionless transitions, but these kinetics are difficult to predict and observe. Here we observed the rich kinetics of transitions from square lattices to triangular lattices in tunable colloidal thin films with single-particle dynamics by video microscopy. Applying a small pressure gradient in defect-free regions or near dislocations markedly transform the diffusive nucleation with an intermediate-stage liquid into a martensitic generation and oscillation of dislocation pairs followed by a diffusive nucleus growth. This transformation is neither purely diffusive nor purely martensitic as conventionally assumed but a combination thereof, and thus presents new challenges to both theory and the empirical criterion of martensitic transformations. We studied how pressure, density, grain boundary, triple junction and interface coherency affect the nucleus growth, shape and kinetic pathways. These novel microscopic kinetics cast new light on control solid-solid transitions and microstructural evolutions in polycrystals.

Self-Focusing and the Talbot Effect in Conformal Transformation Optics.

PubMed

Wang, Xiangyang; Chen, Huanyang; Liu, Hui; Xu, Lin; Sheng, Chong; Zhu, Shining

2017-07-21

Transformation optics has been used to propose various novel optical devices. With the help of metamaterials, several intriguing designs, such as invisibility cloaks, have been implemented. However, as the basic units should be much smaller than the working wavelengths to achieve the effective material parameters, and the sizes of devices should be much larger than the wavelengths of illumination to work within the light-ray approximation, it is a big challenge to implement an experimental system that works simultaneously for both geometric optics and wave optics. In this Letter, by using a gradient-index microstructured optical waveguide, we realize a device of conformal transformation optics (CTO) and demonstrate its self-focusing property for geometry optics and the Talbot effect for wave optics. In addition, the Talbot effect in such a system has a potential application to transfer digital information without diffraction. Our findings demonstrate the photon controlling ability of CTO in a feasible experiment system.

Self-Focusing and the Talbot Effect in Conformal Transformation Optics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiangyang; Chen, Huanyang; Liu, Hui; Xu, Lin; Sheng, Chong; Zhu, Shining

2017-07-01

Transformation optics has been used to propose various novel optical devices. With the help of metamaterials, several intriguing designs, such as invisibility cloaks, have been implemented. However, as the basic units should be much smaller than the working wavelengths to achieve the effective material parameters, and the sizes of devices should be much larger than the wavelengths of illumination to work within the light-ray approximation, it is a big challenge to implement an experimental system that works simultaneously for both geometric optics and wave optics. In this Letter, by using a gradient-index microstructured optical waveguide, we realize a device of conformal transformation optics (CTO) and demonstrate its self-focusing property for geometry optics and the Talbot effect for wave optics. In addition, the Talbot effect in such a system has a potential application to transfer digital information without diffraction. Our findings demonstrate the photon controlling ability of CTO in a feasible experiment system.

Diffusive and martensitic nucleation kinetics in solid-solid transitions of colloidal crystals

PubMed Central

Peng, Yi; Li, Wei; Wang, Feng; Still, Tim; Yodh, Arjun G.; Han, Yilong

2017-01-01

Solid–solid transitions between crystals follow diffusive nucleation, or various diffusionless transitions, but these kinetics are difficult to predict and observe. Here we observed the rich kinetics of transitions from square lattices to triangular lattices in tunable colloidal thin films with single-particle dynamics by video microscopy. Applying a small pressure gradient in defect-free regions or near dislocations markedly transform the diffusive nucleation with an intermediate-stage liquid into a martensitic generation and oscillation of dislocation pairs followed by a diffusive nucleus growth. This transformation is neither purely diffusive nor purely martensitic as conventionally assumed but a combination thereof, and thus presents new challenges to both theory and the empirical criterion of martensitic transformations. We studied how pressure, density, grain boundary, triple junction and interface coherency affect the nucleus growth, shape and kinetic pathways. These novel microscopic kinetics cast new light on control solid–solid transitions and microstructural evolutions in polycrystals. PMID:28504246

Transformation of BCC and B2 High Temperature Phases to HCP and Orthorhombic Structures in the Ti-Al-Nb System. Part I: Microstructural Predictions Based on a Subgroup Relation Between Phases

PubMed Central

Bendersky, L. A.; Roytburd, A.; Boettinger, W. J.

1993-01-01

Possible paths for the constant composition coherent transformation of BCC or B2 high temperature phases to low temperature HCP or Orthorhombic phases in the Ti-Al-Nb system are analyzed using a sequence of ciystallographic structural relationships developed from subgroup symmetry relations. Symmetry elements lost in each step of the sequence determine the possibilities for variants of the low symmetry phase and domains that can be present in the microstructure. The orientation of interdomain interfaces is determined by requiring the existence of a strain-free interface between the domains. Polydomain structures are also determined that minimize elastic energy. Microstructural predictions are made for comparison to experimental results given by Benderslcy and Boettinger [J. Res. Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. 98, 585 (1993)]. PMID:28053487

Structural, microstructural and thermal analysis of U-(6-x)Zr-xNb alloys (x = 0, 2, 4, 6)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kaity, Santu; Banerjee, Joydipta; Parida, S. C.; Bhasin, Vivek

2018-06-01

Uranium-rich U-Zr-Nb alloy is considered as a good alternative fuel for fast reactors from the perspective of excellent dimensional stability and desired thermo-physical properties to achieve higher burnup. Detailed investigations related to the structural and microstructural characterization, thermal expansion, phase transformation, microhardness were carried out on U-6Zr, U-4Zr-2Nb, U-2Zr-4Nb and U-6Nb alloys (composition in wt%) where the total amount of alloying elements was restricted to 6 wt%. Structural, microstructural and thermal analysis studies revealed that these alloys undergo a series of transformations from high temperature bcc γ-phase to a variety of equilibrium and intermediate phases depending upon alloy composition, cooling rate and quenching. The structural analysis was carried out by Rietveld refinement. The data of U-Nb and U-Zr-Nb alloys have been highlighted and compared with binary U-Zr alloy.

Effect of microstructure on the elasto-viscoplastic deformation of dual phase titanium structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozturk, Tugce; Rollett, Anthony D.

2018-02-01

The present study is devoted to the creation of a process-structure-property database for dual phase titanium alloys, through a synthetic microstructure generation method and a mesh-free fast Fourier transform based micromechanical model that operates on a discretized image of the microstructure. A sensitivity analysis is performed as a precursor to determine the statistically representative volume element size for creating 3D synthetic microstructures based on additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V characteristics, which are further modified to expand the database for features of interest, e.g., lath thickness. Sets of titanium hardening parameters are extracted from literature, and The relative effect of the chosen microstructural features is quantified through comparisons of average and local field distributions.

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.

Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Ti-22Al-25Nb (At.%) Orthorhombic Alloy with Three Typical Microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Wei; Zeng, Weidong; Liu, Yantao; Xie, Guoxin; Liang, Xiaobo

2018-01-01

Microstructural evolution, tensile and creep behavior of Ti-22Al-25Nb (at.%) orthorhombic alloy with three typical microstructures were investigated. The three typical microstructures were obtained by different solution and age treatment temperatures and analyzed by the BSE technique. The tensile strengths of the alloy at room temperature and 650 °C were investigated. The creep behaviors of the three typical microstructures were also studied at 650 °C/150 MPa for 100 h in air. The phase transformation mechanisms in creep deformation were also found. The experimental results showed that the formations of the three typical microstructures were decided by the isothermal forging and heat treatment. It was supposed that the high-temperature solution treatment might be dominant for the volume fraction and diameter of the equiaxed particles. While the double age treatment would lead to lamellar O phases. Due to grain refinement strengthening, the equiaxed microstructure presented the best tensile strength and ductility. The fully lamellar microstructure had the best creep resistance than that of other microstructures. In this paper, the phenomenon of creep-induced α 2 phase decomposition was occurred during creep deformation of the equiaxed microstructure.

Characterizing microstructural features of biomedical samples by statistical analysis of Mueller matrix images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

He, Honghui; Dong, Yang; Zhou, Jialing; Ma, Hui

2017-03-01

As one of the salient features of light, polarization contains abundant structural and optical information of media. Recently, as a comprehensive description of polarization property, the Mueller matrix polarimetry has been applied to various biomedical studies such as cancerous tissues detections. In previous works, it has been found that the structural information encoded in the 2D Mueller matrix images can be presented by other transformed parameters with more explicit relationship to certain microstructural features. In this paper, we present a statistical analyzing method to transform the 2D Mueller matrix images into frequency distribution histograms (FDHs) and their central moments to reveal the dominant structural features of samples quantitatively. The experimental results of porcine heart, intestine, stomach, and liver tissues demonstrate that the transformation parameters and central moments based on the statistical analysis of Mueller matrix elements have simple relationships to the dominant microstructural properties of biomedical samples, including the density and orientation of fibrous structures, the depolarization power, diattenuation and absorption abilities. It is shown in this paper that the statistical analysis of 2D images of Mueller matrix elements may provide quantitative or semi-quantitative criteria for biomedical diagnosis.

Twinning and martensite in a 304 austenitic stainless steel

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

Shen, Yongfeng; Li, Xi; Sun, Xin

2012-08-30

The microstructure characteristics and deformation behavior of 304L stainless steel during tensile deformation at two different strain rates have been investigated by means of interrupted tensile tests, electron-backscatter-diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. The volume fractions of transformed martensite and deformation twins at different stages of the deformation process were measured using X-ray diffraction method and TEM observations. It is found that the volume fraction of martensite monotonically increases with increasing strain but decreases with increasing strain rate. On the other hand, the volume fraction of twins increases with increasing strain for strain level less than 57%. Beyondmore » that, the volume fraction of twins decreases with increasing strain. Careful TEM observations show that stacking faults (SFs) and twins preferentially occur before the nucleation of martensite. Meanwhile, both {var_epsilon}-martensite and {alpha}{prime}-martensite are observed in the deformation microstructures, indicating the co-existence of stress induced- transformation and strain-induced-transformation. We also discussed the effects of twinning and martensite transformation on work-hardening as well as the relationship between stacking faults, twinning and martensite transformation.« less

Size effects in martensitic microstructures: Finite-strain phase field model versus sharp-interface approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tůma, K.; Stupkiewicz, S.; Petryk, H.

2016-10-01

A finite-strain phase field model for martensitic phase transformation and twinning in shape memory alloys is developed and confronted with the corresponding sharp-interface approach extended to interfacial energy effects. The model is set in the energy framework so that the kinetic equations and conditions of mechanical equilibrium are fully defined by specifying the free energy and dissipation potentials. The free energy density involves the bulk and interfacial energy contributions, the latter describing the energy of diffuse interfaces in a manner typical for phase-field approaches. To ensure volume preservation during martensite reorientation at finite deformation within a diffuse interface, it is proposed to apply linear mixing of the logarithmic transformation strains. The physically different nature of phase interfaces and twin boundaries in the martensitic phase is reflected by introducing two order-parameters in a hierarchical manner, one as the reference volume fraction of austenite, and thus of the whole martensite, and the second as the volume fraction of one variant of martensite in the martensitic phase only. The microstructure evolution problem is given a variational formulation in terms of incremental fields of displacement and order parameters, with unilateral constraints on volume fractions explicitly enforced by applying the augmented Lagrangian method. As an application, size-dependent microstructures with diffuse interfaces are calculated for the cubic-to-orthorhombic transformation in a CuAlNi shape memory alloy and compared with the sharp-interface microstructures with interfacial energy effects.

Multi-Scale Modeling of Microstructural Evolution in Structural Metallic Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Lei

Metallic alloys are a widely used class of structural materials, and the mechanical properties of these alloys are strongly dependent on the microstructure. Therefore, the scientific design of metallic materials with superior mechanical properties requires the understanding of the microstructural evolution. Computational models and simulations offer a number of advantages over experimental techniques in the prediction of microstructural evolution, because they can allow studies of microstructural evolution in situ, i.e., while the material is mechanically loaded (meso-scale simulations), and bring atomic-level insights into the microstructure (atomistic simulations). In this thesis, we applied a multi-scale modeling approach to study the microstructural evolution in several metallic systems, including polycrystalline materials and metallic glasses (MGs). Specifically, for polycrystalline materials, we developed a coupled finite element model that combines phase field method and crystal plasticity theory to study the plasticity effect on grain boundary (GB) migration. Our model is not only coupled strongly (i.e., we include plastic driving force on GB migration directly) and concurrently (i.e., coupled equations are solved simultaneously), but also it qualitatively captures such phenomena as the dislocation absorption by mobile GBs. The developed model provides a tool to study the microstructural evolution in plastically deformed metals and alloys. For MGs, we used molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the nucleation kinetics in the primary crystallization in Al-Sm system. We calculated the time-temperature-transformation curves for low Sm concentrations, from which the strong suppressing effect of Sm solute on Al nucleation and its influencing mechanism are revealed. Also, through the comparative analysis of both Al attachment and Al diffusion in MGs, it has been found that the nucleation kinetics is controlled by interfacial attachment of Al, and that the attachment behavior takes place collectively and heterogeneously, similarly to Al diffusion in MGs. Finally, we applied the MD technique to study the origin of five-fold twinning nucleation during the solidification of Al base alloys. We studied several model alloys and reported the observed nucleation pathway. We found that the key factors controlling the five-fold twinning are the twin boundary energy and the formation of pentagon structures, and the twin boundary energy plays the dominant role in the five-fold twinning in the model alloys studied.

The Microstructural Basis of Damping in High Damping Alloys

DTIC Science & Technology

1989-09-01

This transformation is diffusionless and is characterized by the cooperative movement of atoms in a given section of crystal. Removal of the stress...martensites. The cooperative movement of atoms causes large internal friction and high damping. The temperature range in which this transformation can

Crystallization Kinetics in Fluorochloroziroconate Glass-Ceramics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alvarez, Carlos J.

Annealing fluorochlorozirconate (FCZ) glasses nucleates BaCl2 nanocrystals in the glass matrix, resulting in a nanocomposite glass-ceramic that has optical properties suitable for use as a medical X-ray imaging plate. Understanding the way in which the BaCl¬2 nanocrystal nucleation, growth and phase transformation processes proceed is critical to controlling the optical behavior. However, there is a very limited amount of information about the formation, morphology, and distribution of the nanocrystalline particles in FCZ glass-ceramics. In this thesis, the correlation between the microstructure and the crystallization kinetics of FCZ glass-ceramics, are studied in detail. In situ X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy annealing experiments are used to analyze the crystal structure, size and distribution of BaCl 2 nanocrystals in FCZ glass-ceramics as a function of annealing rate and temperature. Microstructural analysis of the early stages on nucleation identified the formation of both BaCl2 and BaF2 nanocrystals. Annealing FCZ glass-ceramics above 280°C can cause the formation of additional glass matrix phase crystals, their microstructure and the annealing parameters required for their growth are identified. As the crystalline phases grow directly from the glass, small variations in processing of the glass can have a profound influence on the crystallization process. The information obtained from these experiments improves the understanding of the nucleation, growth and phase transformation process of the BaCl¬2 nanocrystals and additional crystalline phases that form in FCZ glass-ceramics, and may help expedite the implementation of FCZ glass-ceramics as next-generation X-ray detectors. Lastly, as these glass-ceramics may one day be commercialized, an investigation into their degradation in different environmental conditions was also performed. The effects of direct contact with water or prolonged exposure to humid environments on the microstructure and the optical properties for FCZ glasses and glass-ceramics was explored.

Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Behavior of a Hot-Rolled High-Manganese Dual-Phase Transformation-Induced Plasticity/Twinning-Induced Plasticity Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fu, Liming; Shan, Mokun; Zhang, Daoda; Wang, Huanrong; Wang, Wei; Shan, Aidang

2017-05-01

The microstructures and deformation behavior were studied in a high-temperature annealed high-manganese dual-phase (28 vol pct δ-ferrite and 72 vol pct γ-austenite) transformation-induced plasticity/twinning-induced plasticity (TRIP/TWIP) steel. The results showed that the steel exhibits a special Lüders-like yielding phenomenon at room temperature (RT) and 348 K (75 °C), while it shows continuous yielding at 423 K, 573 K and 673 K (150 °C, 300 °C and 400 °C) deformation. A significant TRIP effect takes place during Lüders-like deformation at RT and 348 K (75 °C) temperatures. Semiquantitative analysis of the TRIP effect on the Lüders-like yield phenomenon proves that a softening effect of the strain energy consumption of strain-induced transformation is mainly responsible for this Lüders-like phenomenon. The TWIP mechanism dominates the 423 K (150 °C) deformation process, while the dislocation glide controls the plasticity at 573 K (300 °C) deformation. The delta-ferrite, as a hard phase in annealed dual-phase steel, greatly affects the mechanical stability of austenite due to the heterogeneous strain distribution between the two phases during deformation. A delta-ferrite-aided TRIP effect, i.e., martensite transformation induced by localized strain concentration of the hard delta-ferrite, is proposed to explain this kind of Lüders-like phenomenon. Moreover, the tensile curve at RT exhibits an upward curved behavior in the middle deformation stage, which is principally attributed to the deformation twinning of austenite retained after Lüders-like deformation. The combination of the TRIP effect during Lüders-like deformation and the subsequent TWIP effect greatly enhances the ductility in this annealed high-manganese dual-phase TRIP/TWIP steel.

Prediction of Austenite Formation Temperatures Using Artificial Neural Networks

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schulze, P.; Schmidl, E.; Grund, T.; Lampke, T.

2016-03-01

For the modeling and design of heat treatments, in consideration of the development/ transformation of the microstructure, different material data depending on the chemical composition, the respective microstructure/phases and the temperature are necessary. Material data are, e.g. the thermal conductivity, heat capacity, thermal expansion and transformation data etc. The quality of thermal simulations strongly depends on the accuracy of the material data. For many materials, the required data - in particular for different microstructures and temperatures - are rare in the literature. In addition, a different chemical composition within the permitted limits of the considered steel alloy cannot be predicted. A solution for this problem is provided by the calculation of material data using Artificial Neural Networks (ANN). In the present study, the start and finish temperatures of the transformation from the bcc lattice to the fcc lattice structure of hypoeutectoid steels are calculated using an Artificial Neural Network. An appropriate database containing different transformation temperatures (austenite formation temperatures) to train the ANN is selected from the literature. In order to find a suitable feedforward network, the network topologies as well as the activation functions of the hidden layers are varied and subsequently evaluated in terms of the prediction accuracy. The transformation temperatures calculated by the ANN exhibit a very good compliance compared to the experimental data. The results show that the prediction performance is even higher compared to classical empirical equations such as Andrews or Brandis. Therefore, it can be assumed that the presented ANN is a convenient tool to distinguish between bcc and fcc phases in hypoeutectoid steels.

From Solidification Processing to Microstructure to Mechanical Properties: A Multi-scale X-ray Study of an Al-Cu Alloy Sample

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

Tourret, D.; Mertens, J. C. E.; Lieberman, E.

We follow an Al-12 at. pct Cu alloy sample from the liquid state to mechanical failure, using in situ X-ray radiography during directional solidification and tensile testing, as well as three-dimensional computed tomography of the microstructure before and after mechanical testing. The solidification processing stage is simulated with a multi-scale dendritic needle network model, and the micromechanical behavior of the solidified microstructure is simulated using voxelized tomography data and an elasto-viscoplastic fast Fourier transform model. This study demonstrates the feasibility of direct in situ monitoring of a metal alloy microstructure from the liquid processing stage up to its mechanical failure,more » supported by quantitative simulations of microstructure formation and its mechanical behavior.« less

From Solidification Processing to Microstructure to Mechanical Properties: A Multi-scale X-ray Study of an Al-Cu Alloy Sample

DOE PAGES

Tourret, D.; Mertens, J. C. E.; Lieberman, E.; ...

2017-09-13

We follow an Al-12 at. pct Cu alloy sample from the liquid state to mechanical failure, using in situ X-ray radiography during directional solidification and tensile testing, as well as three-dimensional computed tomography of the microstructure before and after mechanical testing. The solidification processing stage is simulated with a multi-scale dendritic needle network model, and the micromechanical behavior of the solidified microstructure is simulated using voxelized tomography data and an elasto-viscoplastic fast Fourier transform model. This study demonstrates the feasibility of direct in situ monitoring of a metal alloy microstructure from the liquid processing stage up to its mechanical failure,more » supported by quantitative simulations of microstructure formation and its mechanical behavior.« less

From Solidification Processing to Microstructure to Mechanical Properties: A Multi-scale X-ray Study of an Al-Cu Alloy Sample

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tourret, D.; Mertens, J. C. E.; Lieberman, E.; Imhoff, S. D.; Gibbs, J. W.; Henderson, K.; Fezzaa, K.; Deriy, A. L.; Sun, T.; Lebensohn, R. A.; Patterson, B. M.; Clarke, A. J.

2017-11-01

We follow an Al-12 at. pct Cu alloy sample from the liquid state to mechanical failure, using in situ X-ray radiography during directional solidification and tensile testing, as well as three-dimensional computed tomography of the microstructure before and after mechanical testing. The solidification processing stage is simulated with a multi-scale dendritic needle network model, and the micromechanical behavior of the solidified microstructure is simulated using voxelized tomography data and an elasto-viscoplastic fast Fourier transform model. This study demonstrates the feasibility of direct in situ monitoring of a metal alloy microstructure from the liquid processing stage up to its mechanical failure, supported by quantitative simulations of microstructure formation and its mechanical behavior.

Auto-combustion synthesis, Mössbauer study and catalytic properties of copper-manganese ferrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Velinov, N.; Petrova, T.; Tsoncheva, T.; Genova, I.; Koleva, K.; Kovacheva, D.; Mitov, I.

2016-12-01

Spinel ferrites with nominal composition Cu 0.5Mn 0.5Fe 2 O 4 and different distribution of the ions are obtained by auto-combustion method. Mössbauer spectroscopy, X-ray Diffraction, Thermogravimetry-Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Scanning Electron Microscopy and catalytic test in the reaction of methanol decomposition is used for characterization of synthesized materials. The spectral results evidence that the phase composition, microstructure of the synthesized materials and the cation distribution depend on the preparation conditions. Varying the pH of the initial solution microstructure, ferrite crystallite size, cation oxidation state and distribution of ions in the in the spinel structure could be controlled. The catalytic behaviour of ferrites in the reaction of methanol decomposition also depends on the pH of the initial solution. Reduction transformations of mixed ferrites accompanied with the formation of Hägg carbide χ-Fe 5 C 2 were observed by the influence of the reaction medium.

Novel pre-alloyed powder processing of modified alnico 8: Correlation of microstructure and magnetic properties

DOE PAGES

Anderson, I. E.; Kassen, A. G.; White, E. M. H.; ...

2015-04-13

Progress is reviewed on development of an improved near-final bulk magnet fabrication process for alnico 8, as a non-rare earth permanent magnet with promise for sufficient energy density and coercivity for electric drive motors. This study showed that alnico bulk magnets in near-final shape can be made by simple compression molding from spherical high purity gas atomized pre-alloyed powder. Dwell time at peak sintering temperature (1250°C) greatly affected grain size of the resulting magnet alloys. This microstructure transformation was demonstrated to be useful for gaining partially aligned magnetic properties and boosting energy product. Furthermore, while a route to increased coercivitymore » was not identified by these experiments, manufacturability of bulk alnico magnet alloys in near-final shapes was demonstrated, permitting further processing and alloy modification experiments that can target higher coercivity and better control of grain anisotropy during grain growth.« less

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.

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)

In-situ High Temperature Phase Transformations in Ceramics

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-07-28

microscopy - SEM and transmission electron microscopy - TEM), have identified important microstructural considerations, such as the critical ...particularly with judicial design of the critical particle size and microstructure.12, 47, 48 Likewise, preliminary work indicates the possibility of high...toughening of fiber reinforced, fibrous monolithic or laminated ceramic matrix composites.49, 50 enstatite was above a 7 μm critical grain size

Microchemical Analysis of Non-Metallic Inclusions in C-Mn Steel Shielded Metal Arc Welds by Analytical Transmission Electron Microscopy.

DTIC Science & Technology

1998-06-01

transformation ( CCT ) diagram Figure 2.2. The microstructures that develop are determined by the cooling rate, alloying element and oxygen content of the weld...TIME Figure 2.2 CCT Diagram for the weld metal of low-carbon, low-alloy steels [From Ref. 2] To assist material scientists in microstructure

Evolution of microstructure and precipitates in 2xxx aluminum alloy after severe plastic deformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adamczyk-Cieslak, B.; Zdunek, J.; Mizera, J.

2016-04-01

This paper investigates the influence of precipitation on the microstructure development in a 2xxx aluminum alloy subjected to hydrostatic extrusion. A three step reduction of the diameter was performed using hydrostatic extrusion (HE) process: from 20mm (initial state) to 10 mm, 5 mm and 3 mm, which corresponds to the logarithmic deformations ɛ = 1.4, ɛ = 2.8 and ɛ = 3.8 respectively. The microstructure and precipitation analysis before and after deformation was performed using transmission electron microscope (TEM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As a result of the tests, a very significant influence of precipitation on the degree of refinement and mechanism of microstructure transformation was stated.

The Effect of Post-heat Treatment on the Microstructures of Single Crystal DD6 Superalloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Dongfan; Gao, Hangshan; Wen, Zhixun; Li, Zhenwei; Yue, Zhufeng

2016-09-01

Various thermal cycles at the end of solution heat treatment and their influences on microstructure of single crystal superalloy DD6 were studied by experiments. During various thermal cycles, the qualitative and quantitative microstructure of samples quenched of the transformations is microscopically characterized. This completely includes the large changes in volume fraction, size distribution and morphology of gamma prime precipitate experienced in the upper temperature transformation. Noticeable deviation from the equilibrium volume fraction of γ' phase is detected in both the dissolution and precipitation processes above 1,120°C for both moderate cooling and heating rate; differences were mainly attributed to the unsteady nature of the turbulent flow. The growth and alignment of the γ' precipitates are deeply influenced by several factors, e.g. ageing time, cooling rate and quenching temperature. In addition, interesting findings such as "labyrinth" and "cluster" morphologies were observed by scanning electron microscope. During precipitation processes, the complicated microstructure evolution is illustrated by considering the consecutive equilibrium shapes of a coherent precipitate, which grows under the interaction with its neighbors and the coherency of the precipitates improves their potential to resist dissolution.

Effects of processing and prolonged high temperature exposure on the microstructure of Nb-1Zr-C sheet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Uz, Mehmet; Titran, R. H.

1993-01-01

High temperature stability of the microstructure of Nb-1Zr sheet containing 0.1 and 0.06 wt. percent C was studied as affected by processing and prolonged 1350 K exposure with and without applied stress. Sheets were fabricated by cold rolling bars that were single-, double-, or triple-extruded at 1900 K. Creep samples were double-annealed (1 h at 1755 K + 2 h at 1475 K) prior to testing at 1350 K and 10,000 - 34,500 h. The microstructures of the as-cast, extruded, rolled, DA, and crept samples were characterized using various metallographic and analytical methods. The precipitates were rather coarse Nb2C initially, but transformed to finer (less than or equal to 1 micron) carbides of (Zr, Nb)C with each subsequent high temperature process. The grain size, and the relative amount and morphology of (Zr, Nb)C were found to be affected by the number of extrusions and to some extent by C-content. However, the microstructures of all the crept samples were similar with (Zr, Nb)C distributed throughout the matrix indicating that prolonged exposure to 1350 K gave rise to complete transformation of Nb2C to (Zr, Nb)C regardless of the processing history. These and other observations are presented with the emphasis on the correlation between processing, microstructure, and creep properties.

Magnetic field control of microstructural development in melt-spun Pr2Co14 B

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McGuire, Michael A.; Rios, Orlando; Conner, Ben S.; Carter, William G.; Huang, Mianliang; Sun, Kewei; Palasyuk, Olena; Jensen, Brandt; Zhou, Lin; Dennis, Kevin; Nlebedim, Ikenna C.; Kramer, Matthew J.

2017-05-01

In the processing of commercial rare earth permanent magnets, use of external magnetic fields is limited mainly to the alignment of anisotropic particles and the polarization of the finished magnets. Here we explore the effects of high magnetic fields on earlier stages of magnet synthesis, including the crystallization and chemical phase transformations that produce the 2:14:1 phase in the Pr-Co-B system. Pr2Co14 B alloys produced by melt-spinning were annealed in the presence of strong applied magnetic fields (H=90 kOe). The resulting materials were characterized by x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and magnetization measurements. We find that magnetic fields suppress the nucleation and growth of crystalline phases, resulting in significantly smaller particle sizes. In addition, magnetic fields applied during processing strongly affects chemical phase selection, suppressing the formation of Pr2Co14 B and α-Co in favor of Pr2Co17 . The results demonstrate that increased control over key microstructural properties is achievable by including a strong magnetic field as a processing parameter for rare-earth magnet materials.

Active porous transition towards spatiotemporal control of molecular flow in a crystal membrane

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Takasaki, Yuichi; Takamizawa, Satoshi

2015-11-01

Fluidic control is an essential technology widely found in processes such as flood control in land irrigation and cell metabolism in biological tissues. In any fluidic control system, valve function is the key mechanism used to actively regulate flow and miniaturization of fluidic regulation with precise workability will be particularly vital in the development of microfluidic control. The concept of crystal engineering is alternative to processing technology in microstructure construction, as the ultimate microfluidic devices must provide molecular level control. Consequently, microporous crystals can instantly be converted to microfluidic devices if introduced in an active transformability of porous structure and geometry. Here we show that the introduction of a stress-induced martensitic transition mechanism converts a microporous molecular crystal into an active fluidic device with spatiotemporal molecular flow controllability through mechanical reorientation of subnanometre channels.

Self-organization of maze-like structures via guided wrinkling.

PubMed

Bae, Hyung Jong; Bae, Sangwook; Yoon, Jinsik; Park, Cheolheon; Kim, Kibeom; Kwon, Sunghoon; Park, Wook

2017-06-01

Sophisticated three-dimensional (3D) structures found in nature are self-organized by bottom-up natural processes. To artificially construct these complex systems, various bottom-up fabrication methods, designed to transform 2D structures into 3D structures, have been developed as alternatives to conventional top-down lithography processes. We present a different self-organization approach, where we construct microstructures with periodic and ordered, but with random architecture, like mazes. For this purpose, we transformed planar surfaces using wrinkling to directly use randomly generated ridges as maze walls. Highly regular maze structures, consisting of several tessellations with customized designs, were fabricated by precisely controlling wrinkling with the ridge-guiding structure, analogous to the creases in origami. The method presented here could have widespread applications in various material systems with multiple length scales.

Phase Boundary Propagation in Li-Alloying Battery Electrodes Revealed by Liquid-Cell Transmission Electron Microscopy

DOE PAGES

Leenheer, Andrew J.; Jungjohann, Katherine L.; Zavadil, Kevin R.; ...

2016-05-31

Battery cycle life is directly influenced by the microstructural changes occurring in the electrodes during charge and discharge cycles. In this study, we image in situ the nanoscale phase evolution in negative electrode materials for Li-ion batteries using a fully enclosed liquid cell in a transmission electron microscope (TEM) to reveal early degradation that is not evident in the charge–discharge curves. To compare the electrochemical phase transformation behavior between three model materials, thin films of amorphous Si, crystalline Al, and crystalline Au were lithiated and delithiated at controlled rates while immersed in a commercial liquid electrolyte. This method allowed formore » the direct observation of lithiation mechanisms in nanoscale negative electrodes, revealing that a simplistic model of a surface-to-interior lithiation front is insufficient. For the crystalline films, a lithiation front spread laterally from a few initial nucleation points, with continued grain nucleation along the growing interface. The intermediate lithiated phases were identified using electron diffraction, and high-resolution postmortem imaging revealed the details of the final microstructure. Lastly, our results show that electrochemically induced solid–solid phase transformations can lead to highly concentrated stresses at the laterally propagating phase boundary which should be considered for future designs of nanostructured electrodes for Li-ion batteries.« less

Effect of Cooling Rate on Phase Transformations in a High-Strength Low-Alloy Steel Studied from the Liquid Phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dorin, Thomas; Stanford, Nicole; Taylor, Adam; Hodgson, Peter

2015-12-01

The phase transformation and precipitation in a high-strength low-alloy steel have been studied over a large range of cooling rates, and a continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagram has been produced. These experiments are unique because the measurements were made from samples cooled directly from the melt, rather than in homogenized and re-heated billets. The purpose of this experimental design was to examine conditions pertinent to direct strip casting. At the highest cooling rates which simulate strip casting, the microstructure was fully bainitic with small regions of pearlite. At lower cooling rates, the fraction of polygonal ferrite increased and the pearlite regions became larger. The CCT diagram and the microstructural analysis showed that the precipitation of NbC is suppressed at high cooling rates, and is likely to be incomplete at intermediate cooling rates.

High-temperature ultrasonic characterization of the mechanical and microstructural behavior of a fibrous composite with a magnesium lithium aluminum silicate glass-ceramic matrix

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

Cutard, T.; Huger, M.; Fargeot, D.

The mechanical behavior and the microstructural modifications of a SiC-fiber-reinforced magnesium lithium aluminum silicate glass-ceramic (SiC/MASL) have been characterized by ultrasonic measurement of uniaxial Young`s modulus at high temperature. Under vacuum, long isothermal agings in the 750--1,000 C temperature range have shown matrix modifications in terms of crystallization of residual glassy phases, and of phase transformations in the Li{sub 2}O-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}-SiO{sub 2} system. In air, long isothermal agings performed under the same conditions have led to the same matrix transformations but in competition with oxidation mechanisms of the carbon fiber-matrix interphase. All of these matrix and/or interface transformations havemore » been confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy, scanning acoustic microscopy, and microindentation tests.« less

Microstructure design of low alloy transformation-induced plasticity assisted steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Ruixian

The microstructure of low alloy Transformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) assisted steels has been systematically varied through the combination of computational and experimental methodologies in order to enhance the mechanical performance and to fulfill the requirement of the next generation Advanced High Strength Steels (AHSS). The roles of microstructural parameters, such as phase constitutions, phase stability, and volume fractions on the strength-ductility combination have been revealed. Two model alloy compositions (i.e. Fe-1.5Mn-1.5Si-0.3C, and Fe-3Mn-1Si-0.3C in wt%, nominal composition) were studied. Multiphase microstructures including ferrite, bainite, retained austenite and martensite were obtained through conventional two step heat treatment (i.e. intercritical annealing-IA, and bainitic isothermal transformation-BIT). The effect of phase constitution on the mechanical properties was first characterized experimentally via systematically varying the volume fractions of these phases through computational thermodynamics. It was found that martensite was the main phase to deteriorate ductility, meanwhile the C/VA ratio (i.e. carbon content over the volume fraction of austenite) could be another indicator for the ductility of the multiphase microstructure. Following the microstructural characterization of the multiphase alloys, two microstructural design criteria (i.e. maximizing ferrite and austenite, suppressing athermal martensite) were proposed in order to optimize the corresponding mechanical performance. The volume fraction of ferrite was maximized during the IA with the help of computational thermodyanmics. On the other hand, it turned out theoretically that the martensite suppression could not be avoided on the low Mn contained alloy (i.e. Fe- 1.5Mn-1.5Si-0.3C). Nevertheless, the achieved combination of strength (~1300MPa true strength) and ductility (˜23% uniform elongation) on the low Mn alloy following the proposed design criteria fulfilled the requirement of the next generation AHSS. To further optimize the microstructure such that the designed criteria can be fully satisfied, further efforts have been made on two aspects: heat treatment and alloy addition. A multi-step BIT treatment was designed and successfully reduced the martensite content on the Fe-1.5Mn-1.5Si-0.3C alloy. Microstructure analysis showed a significant reduction on the volume fraction of martensite after the multi-step BIT as compared to the single BIT step. It was also found that, a slow cooling rate between the two BIT treatments resulted in a better combination of strength and ductility than rapid cooling or conventional one step BIT. Moreover, the athermal martensite formation can be fully suppressed by increasing the Mn content (Fe-3Mn-1Si-0.3C) and through carefully designed heat treatments. The athermal martensite-free alloy provided consistently better ductility than the martensite containing alloy. Finally, a microstructure based semi-empirical constitutive model has been developed to predict the monotonic tensile behavior of the multiphase TRIP assisted steels. The stress rule of mixture and isowork assumption for individual phases was presumed. Mecking-Kocks model was utilized to simulate the flow behavior of ferrite, bainitic ferrite and untransformed retained austenite. The kinetics of strain induced martensitic transformation was modeled following the Olson-Cohen method. The developed model has results in good agreements with the experimental results for both TRIP steels studied with same model parameters.

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.

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.

Microstructure and Shape Memory Behavior of Ti-Nb Shape Memory Alloy Thin Film

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Meng, X. L.; Sun, B.; Sun, J. Y.; Gao, Z. Y.; Cai, W.; Zhao, L. C.

2017-09-01

Ti-Nb shape memory alloy (SMA) thin film is a promising candidate applied as microactuator in biomedical field. In this study, the microstructure and shape memory behavior of Ti-Nb SMA thin films in different heat treatment conditions have been investigated. Fine ω phases embedded in the β phase matrix suppress the martensitic transformation of the films. As a result, the as-deposited and most of the annealed films consist of the β and α″ dual phases. The annealed Ti-Nb thin film shows excellent superelasticity effect when deformed above the reverse martensitic transformation temperature, that is 3.5% total recovery strain can be obtained when 4% pre-strain is loaded.

Microstructure and Texture Evolutions of Biomedical Ti-13Nb-13Zr Alloy Processed by Hydrostatic Extrusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ozaltin, K.; Panigrahi, A.; Chrominski, W.; Bulutsuz, A. G.; Kulczyk, M.; Zehetbauer, M. J.; Lewandowska, M.

2017-11-01

A biomedical β-type Ti-13Nb-13Zr (TNZ) (wt pct) ternary alloy was subjected to severe plastic deformation by means of hydrostatic extrusion (HE) at room temperature without intermediate annealing. Its effect on microstructure, mechanical properties, phase transformations, and texture was investigated by light and electron microscopy, mechanical tests (Vickers microhardness and tensile tests), and XRD analysis. Microstructural investigations by light microscope and transmission electron microscope showed that, after HE, significant grain refinement took place, also reaching high dislocation densities. Increases in strength up to 50 pct occurred, although the elongation to fracture left after HE was almost 9 pct. Furthermore, Young's modulus of HE-processed samples showed slightly lower values than the initial state due to texture. Such mechanical properties combined with lower Young's modulus are favorable for medical applications. Phase transformation analyses demonstrated that both initial and extruded samples consist of α' and β phases but that the phase fraction of α' was slightly higher after two stages of HE.

Grain boundary phase transformations in PtAu and relevance to thermal stabilization of bulk nanocrystalline metals

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

O’Brien, C. J.; Barr, C. M.; Price, P. M.

There has recently been a great deal of interest in employing immiscible solutes to stabilize nanocrystalline microstructures. Existing modeling efforts largely rely on mesoscale Monte Carlo approaches that employ a simplified model of the microstructure and result in highly homogeneous segregation to grain boundaries. However, there is ample evidence from experimental and modeling studies that demonstrates segregation to grain boundaries is highly non-uniform and sensitive to boundary character. This work employs a realistic nanocrystalline microstructure with experimentally relevant global solute concentrations to illustrate inhomogeneous boundary segregation. Furthermore, experiments quantifying segregation in thin films are reported that corroborate the prediction thatmore » grain boundary segregation is highly inhomogeneous. In addition to grain boundary structure modifying the degree of segregation, the existence of a phase transformation between low and high solute content grain boundaries is predicted. In order to conduct this study, new embedded atom method interatomic potentials are developed for Pt, Au, and the PtAu binary alloy.« less

Effect of microstructure on transformation-induced plasticity of silicon-containing low-alloy steel

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

Tomita, Yoshiyuki; Morioka, Kojiro

1997-04-01

Fe-0.6C-1.5Si-0.8Mn steel was studied to determine the effect of the microstructure on transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) of silicon-containing low-alloy steel. A remarkable increase in elongation through TRIP can develop in the steel subjected to the following heat treatments: (1) austemper combined with subcritical annealing (SA Aus-T): subcritical annealing at 993K followed by austempering at 673K and then light tempering (after austenitization at 1173K); (2) austemper coupled with interrupted quenching (IQ Aus-T): interrupted quenching at 533K followed by austempering at 673K and light tempering (after austenization at 1,173K). The SA Aus-T treatment produced the triple structures of carbide-free upper bainite, retained austenitemore » ({gamma}R), and free ferrite. As a result of the IQ Aus-T treatment, the triple structures of carbide-free upper bainite, {gamma}R, and tempered martensite appeared. The results are described and microstructural factors in TRIP are discussed.« less

Grain boundary phase transformations in PtAu and relevance to thermal stabilization of bulk nanocrystalline metals

DOE PAGES

O’Brien, C. J.; Barr, C. M.; Price, P. M.; ...

2017-10-31

There has recently been a great deal of interest in employing immiscible solutes to stabilize nanocrystalline microstructures. Existing modeling efforts largely rely on mesoscale Monte Carlo approaches that employ a simplified model of the microstructure and result in highly homogeneous segregation to grain boundaries. However, there is ample evidence from experimental and modeling studies that demonstrates segregation to grain boundaries is highly non-uniform and sensitive to boundary character. This work employs a realistic nanocrystalline microstructure with experimentally relevant global solute concentrations to illustrate inhomogeneous boundary segregation. Furthermore, experiments quantifying segregation in thin films are reported that corroborate the prediction thatmore » grain boundary segregation is highly inhomogeneous. In addition to grain boundary structure modifying the degree of segregation, the existence of a phase transformation between low and high solute content grain boundaries is predicted. In order to conduct this study, new embedded atom method interatomic potentials are developed for Pt, Au, and the PtAu binary alloy.« less

Surface effect investigation on multipactor in microwave components using the EM-PIC method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Yun; Ye, Ming; He, Yong-Ning; Cui, Wan-Zhao; Wang, Dan

2017-11-01

Multipactor poses a great risk to microwave components in space and its accurate controllable suppression is still lacking. To evaluate the secondary electron emission (SEE) of arbitrary surface states on multipactor, metal samples fabricated with ideal smoothness, random roughness, and micro-structures on the surface are investigated through SEE experiments and multipactor simulations. An accurate quantitative relationship between the SEE parameters and the multipactor discharge threshold in practical components has been established through Electromagnetic Particle-In-Cell (EM-PIC) simulation. Simulation results of microwave components, including the impedance transformer and the coaxial filter, exhibit an intuitive correlation between the critical SEE parameters, varied due to different surface states, and multipactor thresholds. It is demonstrated that it is the surface micro-structures with certain depth and morphology that determine the average yield of secondaries, other than the random surface relieves. Both the random surface relieves and micro-structures have a scattering effect on SEE, and the yield is prone to be identical upon different elevation angles of incident electrons. It possesses a great potential in the optimization and improvement of suppression technology without the exhaustion of the technological parameter.

Study on the Microstructure and Liquid Phase Formation in a Semisolid Gray Cast Iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Benati, Davi Munhoz; Ito, Kazuhiro; Kohama, Kazuyuki; Yamamoto, Hajime; Zoqui, Eugenio José

2017-10-01

The development of high-quality semisolid raw materials requires an understanding of the phase transformations that occur as the material is heated up to the semisolid state, i.e., its melting behavior. The microstructure of the material plays a very important role during semisolid processing as it determines the flow behavior of the material when it is formed, making a thorough understanding of the microstructural evolution essential. In this study, the phase transformations and microstructural evolution in Fe2.5C1.5Si gray cast iron specially designed for thixoforming processes as it was heated to the semisolid state were observed using in situ high-temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy. At room temperature, the alloy has a matrix of pearlite and ferrite with fine interdendritic type D flake graphite. During heating, the main transformations observed were graphite precipitation inside the grains and at the austenite grain boundaries; graphite flakes and graphite precipitates growing and becoming coarser with the increasing temperature; and the beginning of melting at around 1413 K to 1423 K (1140 °C to 1150 °C). Melting begins with the eutectic phase ( i.e., the carbon-rich phase) and continues with the primary phase (primary austenite), which is consumed as the temperature increases. Melting of the eutectic phase composed by coarsened interdendritic graphite flakes produced a semi-continuous liquid network homogeneously surrounding and wetting the dendrites of the solid phase, causing grains to detach from each other and producing the intended solid globules immersed in liquid.

Origins of microstructural transformations in charged vesicle suspensions: the crowding hypothesis.

PubMed

Seth, Mansi; Ramachandran, Arun; Murch, Bruce P; Leal, L Gary

2014-09-02

It is observed that charged unilamellar vesicles in a suspension can spontaneously deflate and subsequently transition to form bilamellar vesicles, even in the absence of externally applied triggers such as salt or temperature gradients. We provide strong evidence that the driving force for this deflation-induced transition is the repulsive electrostatic pressure between charged vesicles in concentrated suspensions, above a critical effective volume fraction. We use volume fraction measurements and cryogenic transmission electron microscopy imaging to quantitatively follow both the macroscopic and microstructural time-evolution of cationic diC18:1 DEEDMAC vesicle suspensions at different surfactant and salt concentrations. A simple model is developed to estimate the extent of deflation of unilamellar vesicles caused by electrostatic interactions with neighboring vesicles. It is determined that when the effective volume fraction of the suspension exceeds a critical value, charged vesicles in a suspension can experience "crowding" due to overlap of their electrical double layers, which can result in deflation and subsequent microstructural transformations to reduce the effective volume fraction of the suspension. Ordinarily in polydisperse colloidal suspensions, particles interacting via a repulsive potential transform into a glassy state above a critical volume fraction. The behavior of charged vesicle suspensions reported in this paper thus represents a new mechanism for the relaxation of repulsive interactions in crowded situations.

Sink or swim? Bone density as a mechanism for buoyancy control in early cetaceans.

PubMed

Gray, Noel-Marie; Kainec, Kimberly; Madar, Sandra; Tomko, Lucas; Wolfe, Scott

2007-06-01

Previous analyses have shown that secondarily aquatic tetrapods, including whales, exhibit osteological adaptations to life in water as part of their complex buoyancy control systems. These structural specializations of bone span hyperostosis through osteoporosis. The past 15 years of paleontological effort has provided an unprecedented opportunity to examine the osteological transformation of whales as they make their transition to an obligate aquatic lifestyle over a 10-million-year period. It is hypothesized that whales manifest their osteological specialization in the same manner as extant semiaquatic and fully aquatic mammals. This study presents and analysis of the microstructural features of bone in early and late archaic cetaceans, and in a comparative sample of modern terrestrial, semiaquatic, and aquatic mammals. Bone histology was examined from the ribs of 10 fossilized individuals representing five early cetacean families, including Pakicetidae, Ambulocetidae, Protocetidae, Remintonocetidae, and Basilosauridae. Comparisons were then made with rib histology from nine genera of extant mammals including: Odocoileus (deer), Bos (cow), Equus (horse), Canis (dog), Lutra (river otter), Enhydra (sea otter), Choeropsis (pygmy hippo), Trichechus (sea cow), and Delphinus (dolphin). Results show that the transition from terrestrial, to semiaquatic, to obligate aquatic locomotion in archaeocetes involved a radical shift in bone function achieved by means of profound changes at the microstructural level. A surprising finding was that microstructural change predates gross anatomical shift in archaeocetes associated with swimming. Histological analysis shows that high bone density is an aquatic specialization that provides static buoyancy control (ballast) for animals living in shallow water, while low bone density is associated with dynamic buoyancy control for animals living in deep water. Thus, there was a shift from the typical terrestrial form, to osteopetrosis and pachyosteosclerosis, and then to osteoporosis in the first quarter of cetacean evolutionary history. 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The Kinetics of Bainitic Transformation of Roll Steel 75Kh3MF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kletsova, O. A.; Krylova, S. E.; Priymak, E. Yu.; Gryzunov, V. I.; Kamantsev, S. V.

2018-01-01

The critical points of steel 75Kh3MF and the temperature of the start of martensitic transformation are determined by a dilatometric method. The thermokinetic and isothermal diagrams of decomposition of supercooled austenite are plotted. The microstructure and microhardness of steel specimens cooled at different rates are studied. The kinetics of the occurrence of bainitic transformation in the steel is calculated using the Austin-Ricket equation.

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

Wiengmoon, A., E-mail: ampornw@nu.ac.th

The effects of Si on microstructure and phase transformation at elevated temperature of ferritic 31wt.%Cr-1.1wt.%C white cast irons with up to 3wt.%Si have been studied. Applications of these irons include parts requiring heat resistance at elevated temperature. The irons were produced by sand casting. The microstructure in as-cast condition and after being subjected to high temperature (700 to 1000 °C) was investigated by light microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy. The results revealed that the as-cast microstructure consisted mainly of primary ferrite dendrites and eutectic (ferrite + M{sub 7}C{sub 3}). Si promotes M{sub 7}C{sub 3}-to-M{sub 23}C{sub 6} transformation in themore » irons subjected to transformation at elevated temperature, but no sigma phase was found. The extent of M{sub 7}C{sub 3}-to-M{sub 23}C{sub 6} transformation increases proportional to the increasing transformation temperature, holding time and Si content in the irons. For the iron with 1.0wt.%Si content after holding at elevated temperatures, martensite was also found, which could be attributed to carbon accretion effects in eutectic ferrite. Si was incorporated in M{sub 23}C{sub 6} such that M{sub 23}C{sub 6} containing Si can show darker contrast under SEM-BEI as compared to M{sub 7}C{sub 3}; this is the opposite to what has been observed for the cases of typical M{sub 23}C{sub 6} and M{sub 23}C{sub 6} containing Mo or W. The results obtained are important to understand the change in properties of ferritic, high chromium irons containing Si subjected to elevated temperature.« less

Towards long lasting zirconia-based composites for dental implants. Part I: innovative synthesis, microstructural characterization and in vitro stability.

PubMed

Palmero, Paola; Fornabaio, Marta; Montanaro, Laura; Reveron, Helen; Esnouf, Claude; Chevalier, Jérôme

2015-05-01

In order to fulfill the clinical requirements for strong, tough and stable ceramics used in dental applications, we designed and developed innovative zirconia-based composites, in which equiaxial α-Al2O3 and elongated SrAl12O19 phases are dispersed in a ceria-stabilized zirconia matrix. The composite powders were prepared by an innovative surface coating route, in which commercial zirconia powders were coated by inorganic precursors of the second phases, which crystallize on the zirconia particles surface under proper thermal treatment. Samples containing four different ceria contents (in the range 10.0-11.5 mol%) were prepared by carefully tailoring the amount of the cerium precursor during the elaboration process. Slip cast green bodies were sintered at 1450 °C for 1 h, leading to fully dense materials. Characterization of composites by SEM and TEM analyses showed highly homogeneous microstructures with an even distribution of both equiaxial and elongated-shape grains inside a very fine zirconia matrix. Ce content plays a major role on aging kinetics, and should be carefully controlled: sample with 10 mol% of ceria were transformable, whereas above 10.5 mol% there is negligible or no transformation during autoclave treatment. Thus, in this paper we show the potential of the innovative surface coating route, which allows a perfect tailoring of the microstructural, morphological and compositional features of the composites; moreover, its processing costs and environmental impacts are limited, which is beneficial for further scale-up and real use in the biomedical field. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Boron on the Strength and Toughness of Direct-Quenched Low-Carbon Niobium Bearing Ultra-High-Strength Martensitic Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hannula, Jaakko; Kömi, Jukka; Porter, David A.; Somani, Mahesh C.; Kaijalainen, Antti; Suikkanen, Pasi; Yang, Jer-Ren; Tsai, Shao-Pu

2017-11-01

The effect of boron on the microstructures and mechanical properties of laboratory-control-rolled and direct-quenched 6-mm-thick steels containing 0.08 wt pct C and 0.02 wt pct Nb were studied. The boron contents were 24 ppm and a residual amount of 4 ppm. Two different finish rolling temperatures (FRTs) of 1093 K and 1193 K (820 °C and 920 °C) were used in the hot rolling trials to obtain different levels of pancaked austenite prior to DQ. Continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams were constructed to reveal the effect of boron on the transformation behavior of these steels. Microstructural characterization was carried out using various microscopy techniques, such as light optical microscopy (LOM) and scanning electron microscopy-electron backscatter diffraction (SEM-EBSD). The resultant microstructures after hot rolling were mixtures of autotempered martensite and lower bainite (LB), having yield strengths in the range 918 to 1067 MPa with total elongations to fracture higher than 10 pct. The lower FRT of 1093 K (820 °C) produced better combinations of strength and toughness as a consequence of a higher degree of pancaking in the austenite. Removal of boron lowered the 34 J/cm2 Charpy-V impact toughness transition temperature from 206 K to 158 K (-67 °C to -115 °C) when the finishing rolling temperature of 1093 K (820 °C) was used without any loss in the strength values compared to the boron-bearing steel. This was due to the finer and more uniform grain structure in the boron-free steel. Contrary to expectations, the difference was not caused by the formation of borocarbide precipitates, as verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations, but through the grain coarsening effect of boron.

Microstructural characterization in dissimilar friction stir welding between 304 stainless steel and st37 steel

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

Jafarzadegan, M.; State Key Laboratory of Advanced Welding Production Technology, School of Materials Science and Eng., Harbin Institute of Technology, P.O. Box: 150001, Harbin; Feng, A.H.

2012-12-15

In the present study, 3 mm-thick plates of 304 stainless steel and st37 steel were welded together by friction stir welding at a welding speed of 50 mm/min and tool rotational speed of 400 and 800 rpm. X-ray diffraction test was carried out to study the phases which might be formed in the welds. Metallographic examinations, and tensile and microhardness tests were used to analyze the microstructure and mechanical properties of the joint. Four different zones were found in the weld area except the base metals. In the stir zone of the 304 stainless steel, a refined grain structure withmore » some features of dynamic recrystallization was evidenced. A thermomechanically-affected zone was characterized on the 304 steel side with features of dynamic recovery. In the other side of the stir zone, the hot deformation of the st37 steel in the austenite region produced small austenite grains and these grains transformed to fine ferrite and pearlite and some products of displacive transformations such as Widmanstatten ferrite and martensite by cooling the material after friction stir welding. The heat-affected zone in the st37 steel side showed partially and fully refined microstructures like fusion welding processes. The recrystallization in the 304 steel and the transformations in the st37 steel enhanced the hardness of the weld area and therefore, improved the tensile properties of the joint. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer FSW produced sound welds between st37 low carbon steel and 304 stainless steel. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The SZ of the st37 steel contained some products of allotropic transformation. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The material in the SZ of the 304 steel showed features of dynamic recrystallization. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The finer microstructure in the SZ increased the hardness and tensile strength.« less

Thermal regulation in multiple-source arc welding involving material transformations

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

Doumanidis, C.C.

1995-06-01

This article addresses regulation of the thermal field generated during arc welding, as the cause of solidification, heat-affected zone and cooling rate related metallurgical transformations affecting the final microstructure and mechanical properties of various welded materials. This temperature field is described by a dynamic real-time process model, consisting of an analytical composite conduction expression for the solid region, and a lumped-state, double-stream circulation model in the weld pool, integrated with a Gaussian heat input and calibrated experimentally through butt joint GMAW tests on plain steel plates. This model serves as the basis of an in-process thermal control system employing feedbackmore » of part surface temperatures measured by infrared pyrometry; and real-time identification of the model parameters with a multivariable adaptive control strategy. Multiple heat inputs and continuous power distributions are implemented by a single time-multiplexed torch, scanning the weld surface to ensure independent, decoupled control of several thermal characteristics. Their regulation is experimentally obtained in longitudinal GTAW of stainless steel pipes, despite the presence of several geometrical, thermal and process condition disturbances of arc welding.« less

Serial sectioning of grain microstructures under junction control: An old problem in a new guise

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zöllner, D.; Streitenberger, P.

2015-04-01

In the present work the importance of 3D and 4D microstructure analyses are shown. To that aim, we study polycrystalline grain microstructures obtained by grain growth under grain boundary, triple line and quadruple point control. The microstructures themselves are obtained by mesoscopic computer simulations, which enjoy a far greater control over the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters affecting grain growth than can be realized experimentally. In extensive simulation studies we find by 3D respectively 4D microstructure analyses that metrical and topological properties of the microstructures depend strongly on the microstructural feature controlling the growth kinetics. However, the differences between the growth kinetics vanish when we look at classical 2D sections of the 3D ensembles making a differentiation of the controlling grain feature near impossible.

Crystallographic texture and microstructural changes in fusion welds of recrystallized Zry-4 rolled plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moya Riffo, A.; Vicente Alvarez, M. A.; Santisteban, J. R.; Vizcaino, P.; Limandri, S.; Daymond, M. R.; Kerr, D.; Okasinski, J.; Almer, J.; Vogel, S. C.

2017-05-01

This work presents a detailed characterization of the microstructural and crystallographic texture changes observed in the transition region in a weld between two Zircaloy-4 cold rolled and recrystallized plates. The microstructural study was performed by optical microscopy under polarized light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Texture changes were characterized at different lengthscales: in the micrometric size, orientation imaging maps (OIM) were constructed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), in the millimetre scale, high energy XRD experiments were done at the Advanced Photon Source (USA) and compared to neutron diffraction texture determinations performed in the HIPPO instrument at Los Alamos National Laboratory. In the heat affected zone (HAZ) we observed the development of Widmanstätten microstructures, typical of the α(hcp) to β(bcc) phase transformation. Associated with these changes a rotation of the c-poles is found in the HAZ and fusion zone. While the base material shows the typical texture of a cold rolled plate, with their c-poles pointing 35° apart from the normal direction of the plate in the normal-transversal line, in the HAZ, c-poles align along the transversal direction of the plate and then re-orient along different directions, all of these changes occurring within a lengthscale in the order of mm. The evolution of texture in this narrow region was captured by both OIM and XRD, and is consistent with previous measurements done by Neutron Diffraction in the HIPPO diffractometer at Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA. The microstructural and texture changes along the HAZ were interpreted as arising due to the effect of differences in the cooling rate and β grain size on the progress of the different α variants during transformation. Fast cooling rates and large β grains are associated to weak variant selection during the β->α transformation, while slow cooling rates and fine β grains result in strong variant selection.

Crystallographic texture and microstructural changes in fusion welds of recrystallized Zry-4 rolled plates

DOE PAGES

Riffo, A. Moya; Vicente Alvarez, M. A.; Santisteban, J. R.; ...

2017-02-08

This study presents a detailed characterization of the microstructural and crystallographic texture changes observed in the transition region in a weld between two Zircaloy-4 cold rolled and recrystallized plates. The microstructural study was performed by optical microscopy under polarized light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Texture changes were characterized at different lengthscales: in the micrometric size, orientation imaging maps (OIM) were constructed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), in the millimetre scale, high energy XRD experiments were done at the Advanced Photon Source (USA) and compared to neutron diffraction texture determinations performed in the HIPPO instrument at Los Alamos National Laboratory.more » In the heat affected zone (HAZ) we observed the development of Widmanstätten microstructures, typical of the α( hcp) to β( bcc) phase transformation. Associated with these changes a rotation of the c-poles is found in the HAZ and fusion zone. While the base material shows the typical texture of a cold rolled plate, with their c-poles pointing 35° apart from the normal direction of the plate in the normal-transversal line, in the HAZ, c-poles align along the transversal direction of the plate and then re-orient along different directions, all of these changes occurring within a lengthscale in the order of mm. The evolution of texture in this narrow region was captured by both OIM and XRD, and is consistent with previous measurements done by Neutron Diffraction in the HIPPO diffractometer at Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA. The microstructural and texture changes along the HAZ were interpreted as arising due to the effect of differences in the cooling rate and β grain size on the progress of the different α variants during transformation. Fast cooling rates and large β grains are associated to weak variant selection during the β–>α transformation, while slow cooling rates and fine β grains result in strong variant selection.« less

Crystallographic texture and microstructural changes in fusion welds of recrystallized Zry-4 rolled plates

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

Riffo, A. Moya; Vicente Alvarez, M. A.; Santisteban, J. R.

This study presents a detailed characterization of the microstructural and crystallographic texture changes observed in the transition region in a weld between two Zircaloy-4 cold rolled and recrystallized plates. The microstructural study was performed by optical microscopy under polarized light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Texture changes were characterized at different lengthscales: in the micrometric size, orientation imaging maps (OIM) were constructed by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), in the millimetre scale, high energy XRD experiments were done at the Advanced Photon Source (USA) and compared to neutron diffraction texture determinations performed in the HIPPO instrument at Los Alamos National Laboratory.more » In the heat affected zone (HAZ) we observed the development of Widmanstätten microstructures, typical of the α( hcp) to β( bcc) phase transformation. Associated with these changes a rotation of the c-poles is found in the HAZ and fusion zone. While the base material shows the typical texture of a cold rolled plate, with their c-poles pointing 35° apart from the normal direction of the plate in the normal-transversal line, in the HAZ, c-poles align along the transversal direction of the plate and then re-orient along different directions, all of these changes occurring within a lengthscale in the order of mm. The evolution of texture in this narrow region was captured by both OIM and XRD, and is consistent with previous measurements done by Neutron Diffraction in the HIPPO diffractometer at Los Alamos National Laboratory, USA. The microstructural and texture changes along the HAZ were interpreted as arising due to the effect of differences in the cooling rate and β grain size on the progress of the different α variants during transformation. Fast cooling rates and large β grains are associated to weak variant selection during the β–>α transformation, while slow cooling rates and fine β grains result in strong variant selection.« less

In-situ investigation of stress-induced martensitic transformation in Ti–Nb binary alloys with low Young's modulus [In-situ high-energy X-ray diffraction investigation on stress-induced martensitic transformation in Ti-Nb binary alloys

DOE PAGES

Chang, L. L.; Wang, Y. D.; Ren, Y.

2015-11-04

Microstructure evolution, mechanical behaviors of cold rolled Ti-Nb alloys with different Nb contents subjected to different heat treatments were investigated. Here, optical microstructure and phase compositions of Ti-Nb alloys were characterized using optical microscopy and X-ray diffractometre, while mechanical behaviors of Ti-Nb alloys were examined by using tension tests. Stress-induced martensitic transformation in a Ti-30. at%Nb binary alloy was in-situ explored by synchrotron-based high-energy X-ray diffraction (HE-XRD). The results obtained suggested that mechanical behavior of Ti-Nb alloys, especially Young's modulus was directly dependent on chemical compositions and heat treatment process. According to the results of HE-XRD, α"-V1 martensite generated priormore » to the formation of α"-V2 during loading and a partial reversible transformation from α"-V1 to β phase was detected while α"-V2 tranformed to β completely during unloading.« 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.

Processing, Microstructures and Properties of a Dual Phase Precipitation-Hardening PM Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schade, Christopher

To improve the mechanical properties of PM stainless steels in comparison with their wrought counterparts, a PM stainless steel alloy was developed which combines a dual-phase microstructure with precipitation-hardening. The use of a mixed microstructure of martensite and ferrite results in an alloy with a combination of the optimum properties of each phase, namely strength and ductility. The use of precipitation hardening via the addition of copper results in additional strength and hardness. A range of compositions was studied in combination with various sintering conditions to determine the optimal thermal processing to achieve the desired microstructure. The microstructure could be varied from predominately ferrite to one containing a high percentage of martensite by additions of copper and a variation of the sintering temperature before rapid cooling. Mechanical properties (transverse rupture strength (TRS), yield strength, tensile strength, ductility and impact toughness) were measured as a function of the v/o ferrite in the microstructure. A dual phase alloy with the optimal combination of properties served as the base for introducing precipitation hardening. Copper was added to the base alloy at various levels and its effect on the microstructure and mechanical properties was quantified. Processing at various sintering temperatures led to a range of microstructures; dilatometry was used utilized to monitor and understand the transformations and the formation of the two phases. The aging process was studied as a function of temperature and time by measuring TRS, yield strength, tensile strength, ductility, impact toughness and apparent hardness. It was determined that optimum aging was achieved at 538°C for 1h. Aging at slightly lower temperatures led to the formation of carbides, which contributed to reduced hardness and tensile strength. As expected, at the peak aging temperature, an increase in yield strength and ultimate tensile strength as well as apparent hardness was found. Aging also lead to an unexpected and concurrent increase in ductility and impact toughness. The alloys also showed an increase in strain hardening on aging. The increase in ductility varied with the v/o martensite in the microstructure and was shown to occur after short time intervals at the optimum aging temperature. Compressive strength measurements revealed that the increase in ductility was due to the relaxation of residuals stresses that occur when the high temperature austenite transforms to martensite in the dual phase microstructure. The specific volume of martensite is much larger than that of austenite so that when the transformation takes place, a compressive stress is induced in the ferrite. In the sintered state, the residual stress leads to a higher work hardening rate in tension. When the alloy is aged, the work hardening rate is reduced and the ductility is increased compared with the sintered state, even though aging increases the strength and apparent hardness.

Modeling macro-and microstructures of Gas-Metal-Arc Welded HSLA-100 steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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, thus suggesting that previous modeling results based on laminar flow need to be re-examined. A comparison of the 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 Widmanstätten 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.

Twin and habit plane microstructures due to the tetragonal to monoclinic transformation of zirconia

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simha, N. K.

1997-02-01

We first construct Bain strains for the tetragonal to monoclinic ( t → m) transformation of zirconia (ZrO 2), and then examine the resulting twin and habit plane microstructures. The ( t → m) transformation in zirconia occurs via two paths; transformation along path I has two Bain strains that involve shearing of a rectangular face of the tetragonal unit cell, and shearing of the square base corresponds to path II. The monoclinic variants resulting from each of the three Bain strains can form 12 twins, and four of the twins corresponding to path II are neither of type I nor of type II. Habit planes do not exist for the transformation along path I, whereas transformation along path II has: (± 0.8139, ± 0.3898, - 0.4309) t, (± 0.6489, ± 0.6271, - 0.4309) t, (± 0.7804, ± 0.4530, - 0.4309) t. We predict the exact twin planes observed by Bailey [(1964) Phase transformation at high temperatures in hafnia and zirconia. Proc. Roy. Soc.279A, 395-412], Bansal and Heuer [(1972) On a martensitic phase transformation in Zirconia ZrO 2—I. Metallographic evidence. Acta Metall.20, 1281-1289] and Buljan et al. [(1976) Optical and X-ray single crystal studies of the monoclinic ↔ tetragonal transition in ZrO 2. J. Am. Ceram. Soc.59, 351-354]; additional twins and habit planes that we predict have not yet been observed.

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.

Modeling of Microstructure Evolution During the Thermomechanical Processing of Titanium Alloys (Preprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-07-01

Tailoring the Properties of Aluminum and Titanium Alloys", Deformation, Processing, and Structure , G. Krauss, ed., ASM International, Materials Park, OH...1984, pp. 279-354. 51. G.W. Kuhlman, "A Critical Appraisal of Thermomechanical Processing of Structural Titanium Alloys", Microstructure/ Property ... titanium alloys is heavily dependent on the allotropic transformation from a hexagonal-close-packed crystal structure (denoted as alpha phase) found at

Thermal Stabilization and Mechanical Properties of Nanocrystalline Iron-Nickel-Zirconium Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kotan, Hasan

Ultrafine grained and nanostructured materials are promising for structural applications because of the high strength compared to coarse grained counterparts. However, their widespread application is limited by an inherently high driving force for thermally induced grain growth, even at low temperatures. Accordingly, the understanding of and control over grain growth in nanoscale materials is of great technological and scientific importance as many physical properties (i.e. mechanical properties) are functions of the average grain size and the grain size distribution within the microstructure. Here, we investigate the microstructural evolution and grain growth in Fe-Ni alloys with Zr addition and differentiate the stabilization mechanisms acting on grain boundaries. Fe-Ni alloys are chosen for stability investigations since they are important for understanding the behavior of many steels and other ferrous alloys. Zirconium is proven to be an effective grain size stabilizer in pure Fe and Fe-base systems. In this study, nanocrystalline alloys were prepared by high energy ball milling. In situ and ex situ experiments were utilized to directly follow grain growth and microstructural evolution as a function of temperature and composition. The information obtained from these experiments enables the real time observation of microstructural evolution and phase transformation and provides a unique view of dynamic reactions as they occur. The knowledge of the thermal stability will exploit the potential high temperature applications and the consolidation conditions (i.e. temperature and pressure) to obtain high dense materials for advanced mechanical tests. Our investigations reveal that the grain growth of Fe-Ni alloys is not affected by Ni content but strongly inhibited by the addition of 1 at% Zr up to about 700 °C. The microstructural stability is lost due to the bcc-to-fcc transformation (occurring at 700°C) by the sudden appearance of abnormally grown fcc grains. However it was determined grain growth can be suppressed kinetically at higher temperatures for high Zr containing alloys by precipitation of intermetallic compounds. Eventually at high enough temperatures the retention of nanocrystallinity was lost, leaving behind fine micron grains filled with nanoscale intermetallic precipitates. Despite the loss of stability the in-situ formed precipitates were found to induce an Orowan hardening affect. The results from the mechanical tests show that Orowan particle strengthening can be as significant as Hall Petch hardening is at the smallest grain sizes.

Controlled mechanical buckling for origami-inspired construction of 3D microstructures in advanced materials.

PubMed

Yan, Zheng; Zhang, Fan; Wang, Jiechen; Liu, Fei; Guo, Xuelin; Nan, Kewang; Lin, Qing; Gao, Mingye; Xiao, Dongqing; Shi, Yan; Qiu, Yitao; Luan, Haiwen; Kim, Jung Hwan; Wang, Yiqi; Luo, Hongying; Han, Mengdi; Huang, Yonggang; Zhang, Yihui; Rogers, John A

2016-04-25

Origami is a topic of rapidly growing interest in both the scientific and engineering research communities due to its promising potential in a broad range of applications. Previous assembly approaches of origami structures at the micro/nanoscale are constrained by the applicable classes of materials, topologies and/or capability of control over the transformation. Here, we introduce an approach that exploits controlled mechanical buckling for autonomic origami assembly of 3D structures across material classes from soft polymers to brittle inorganic semiconductors, and length scales from nanometers to centimeters. This approach relies on a spatial variation of thickness in the initial 2D structures as an effective strategy to produce engineered folding creases during the compressive buckling process. The elastic nature of the assembly scheme enables active, deterministic control over intermediate states in the 2D to 3D transformation in a continuous and reversible manner. Demonstrations include a broad set of 3D structures formed through unidirectional, bidirectional, and even hierarchical folding, with examples ranging from half cylindrical columns and fish scales, to cubic boxes, pyramids, starfish, paper fans, skew tooth structures, and to amusing system-level examples of soccer balls, model houses, cars, and multi-floor textured buildings.

High pressure phase transformations revisited

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Levitas, Valery I.

2018-04-01

High pressure phase transformations play an important role in the search for new materials and material synthesis, as well as in geophysics. However, they are poorly characterized, and phase transformation pressure and pressure hysteresis vary drastically in experiments of different researchers, with different pressure transmitting media, and with different material suppliers. Here we review the current state, challenges in studying phase transformations under high pressure, and the possible ways in overcoming the challenges. This field is critically compared with fields of phase transformations under normal pressure in steels and shape memory alloys, as well as plastic deformation of materials. The main reason for the above mentioned discrepancy is the lack of understanding that there is a fundamental difference between pressure-induced transformations under hydrostatic conditions, stress-induced transformations under nonhydrostatic conditions below yield, and strain-induced transformations during plastic flow. Each of these types of transformations has different mechanisms and requires a completely different thermodynamic and kinetic description and experimental characterization. In comparison with other fields the following challenges are indicated for high pressure phase transformation: (a) initial and evolving microstructure is not included in characterization of transformations; (b) continuum theory is poorly developed; (c) heterogeneous stress and strain fields in experiments are not determined, which leads to confusing material transformational properties with a system behavior. Some ways to advance the field of high pressure phase transformations are suggested. The key points are: (a) to take into account plastic deformations and microstructure evolution during transformations; (b) to formulate phase transformation criteria and kinetic equations in terms of stress and plastic strain tensors (instead of pressure alone); (c) to develop multiscale continuum theories, and (d) to couple experimental, theoretical, and computational studies of the behavior of a tested sample to extract information about fields of stress and strain tensors and concentration of high pressure phase, transformation criteria and kinetics. The ideal characterization should contain complete information which is required for simulation of the same experiments.

High pressure phase transformations revisited.

PubMed

Levitas, Valery I

2018-04-25

High pressure phase transformations play an important role in the search for new materials and material synthesis, as well as in geophysics. However, they are poorly characterized, and phase transformation pressure and pressure hysteresis vary drastically in experiments of different researchers, with different pressure transmitting media, and with different material suppliers. Here we review the current state, challenges in studying phase transformations under high pressure, and the possible ways in overcoming the challenges. This field is critically compared with fields of phase transformations under normal pressure in steels and shape memory alloys, as well as plastic deformation of materials. The main reason for the above mentioned discrepancy is the lack of understanding that there is a fundamental difference between pressure-induced transformations under hydrostatic conditions, stress-induced transformations under nonhydrostatic conditions below yield, and strain-induced transformations during plastic flow. Each of these types of transformations has different mechanisms and requires a completely different thermodynamic and kinetic description and experimental characterization. In comparison with other fields the following challenges are indicated for high pressure phase transformation: (a) initial and evolving microstructure is not included in characterization of transformations; (b) continuum theory is poorly developed; (c) heterogeneous stress and strain fields in experiments are not determined, which leads to confusing material transformational properties with a system behavior. Some ways to advance the field of high pressure phase transformations are suggested. The key points are: (a) to take into account plastic deformations and microstructure evolution during transformations; (b) to formulate phase transformation criteria and kinetic equations in terms of stress and plastic strain tensors (instead of pressure alone); (c) to develop multiscale continuum theories, and (d) to couple experimental, theoretical, and computational studies of the behavior of a tested sample to extract information about fields of stress and strain tensors and concentration of high pressure phase, transformation criteria and kinetics. The ideal characterization should contain complete information which is required for simulation of the same experiments.

Transformation of BCC and B2 High Temperature Phases to HCP and Orthorhombic Structures in the Ti-Al-Nb System. Part II: Experimental TEM Study of Microstructures

PubMed Central

Bendersky, L. A.; Boettinger, W. J.

1993-01-01

Possible transformation paths that involve no long range diffusion and their corresponding microstructural details were predicted by Bendersky, Roytburd, and Boettinger [J. Res. Natl. Inst. Stand. Technol. 98, 561 (1993)] for Ti-Al-Nb alloys cooled from the high temperature BCC/B2 phase field into close-packed orthorhombic or hexagonal phase fields. These predictions were based on structural and symmetry relations between the known phases. In the present paper experimental TEM results show that two of the predicted transformation paths are indeed followed for different alloy compositions. For Ti-25Al-12.5Nb (at%), the path includes the formation of intermediate hexagonal phases, A3 and DO19, and subsequent formation of a metastable domain structure of the low-temperature O phase. For alloys close to Ti-25Al-25Nb (at%), the path involves an intermediate B19 structure and subsequent formation of a translational domain structure of the O phase. The path selection depends on whether B2 order forms in the high temperature cubic phase prior to transformation to the close-packed structure. The paper also analyzes the formation of a two-phase modulated microstructure during long term annealing at 700 °C. The structure forms by congruent ordering of the DO19 phase to the O phase, and then reprecipitation of the DO19 phase, possibly by a spinodal mechanism. The thermodynamics underlying the path selection and the two-phase formation are also discussed. PMID:28053488

Elastic limit and microplastic response of hardened steels

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

Zaccone, M.A.; Krauss, G.

Tempered martensite-retained austenite microstructures were produced by direct quenching a series of 41XX medium carbon steels, direct quenching and reheating a series of five 0.8C-Cr-Ni-Mo steels and intercritically austenitizing at various temperatures, and quenching a SAE 52100 steel. All specimens were tempered either at 150 C or at 200 C. Specimens were subjected to compression and tension testing in the microstrain regime to determine the elastic limits and microplastic response of the microstructures. The retained austenite and matrix carbon content of the intercritically austenized specimens were measured by X-ray diffraction and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The elastic limit of the microstructures decreasesmore » with increasing amounts of retained austenite. Refining of the austenite distribution increases the elastic limit. Low elastic limits are mainly due to low flow stresses in the austenite and not internal stresses. The elastic limit correlates with the largest austenite free-mean path by a Hall-Petch type equation. The elastic limit increases with decreasing intercritical austenitizing temperature in the SAE 52100 due to a lower carbon content in the matrix reducing the retained austenite levels and retained carbides that refine grain size and, therefore, the austenite distribution in quenched specimens. In the microplastic region, the strain is accommodated by successively smaller austenite regions until the flow strength matches that of the martensite. Reheating and quenching refines the microstructure and renders the austenite unstable in the microplastic regime, causing transformation of the austenite to martensite by a strain-induced mechanism. The transformation of austenite to martensite occurs by a stress-assisted mechanism in medium carbon steels. The low elastic limits in medium carbon steels were due to the inability of the strain from the stress-assisted transformation to balance the plastic strain accumulated in the austenite.« less

Study Of The Perovskite to Post-Perovskite Transformation Using Multigrain Crystallography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Merkel, Sébastien; Langrand, Christopher; Hilairet, Nadège; Rosa, Angelika; Svitlyk, Volodymyr; Dobson, David

2017-04-01

At P/T conditions of the D'' layer, Bridgmanite transforms into its high-pressure phase of (Mg,Fe)SiO3 post-perovskite(pPv). Observations of seismic anisotropy in D'' are inferred to arise from textures and microstructures within pPv. Specifically, mantle flow is though to cause pPv to deform, creating lattice-preferred orientations (Merkel et al, 2006, 2007; Miyagi et al, 2010; Nisr et al, 2012). However, debates emerged in the literature whether experimentally observed textures were induced by plastic deformation of the sample or by phase transformation from a previous phase (Walte et al 2009, Okada et al, 2010, Miyagi et al, 2011) and whether this could explain the observed patterns of anisotropy in the lowermost mantle (Dobson et al, 2013). Here, we use multigrain crystallography (Sørensen et al, 2012) to characterize hundreds of crystals in a polycrystalline material in-situ as it is transforming. This technique has been recently adapted for Diamond Anvil Cell (DAC) high pressure experiments (Ice et al, 2005; Nisr et al, 2012, 2014; Barton et al, 2012; Zhang et al, 2013, 2016; Rosa et al, 2015, 2016). Potentially, DAC multigrain crystallography is useful for the determination of the orientation and position of individual grains with an average resolution in grain orientation and position below 0.2° and 5 μm, respectively (Langrand et al, in press). We will presents results on the potential resolution of the method with tests on (Mg,Fe)SiO3 itself and on how the method is now being used for tracking individual grains during the Pv/pPv transition in NaCoF3 up to 25 GPa and at T between 600-900 K. At 600 K, the sample transforms to powder rings and looses the grain microstructure. At 900 K, large grains are preserved as the sample fully transforms to pPv and back to Pv. At the end, the results of such experiments will be used to understand transformation mechanisms between Pv and pPv and the development of microstructures and anisotropy in the Earth's D'' layer.

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

Haslam, J J; Wall, M A; Johnson, D L

We have measured and modeled the change in electrical resistivity due to partial transformation to the martensitic {alpha}{prime}-phase in a {delta}-phase Pu-Ga matrix. The primary objective is to relate the change in resistance, measured with a 4-probe technique during the transformation, to the volume fraction of the {alpha}{prime} phase created in the microstructure. Analysis by finite element methods suggests that considerable differences in the resistivity may be anticipated depending on the orientational and morphological configurations of the {alpha}{prime} particles. Finite element analysis of the computed resistance of an assembly of lenticular shaped particles indicates that series resistor or parallel resistormore » approximations are inaccurate and can lead to an underestimation of the predicted amount of {alpha}{prime} in the sample by 15% or more. Comparison of the resistivity of a simulated network of partially transformed grains or portions of grains suggests that a correction to the measured resistivity allows quantification of the amount of {alpha}{prime} phase in the microstructure with minimal consideration of how the {alpha}{prime} morphology may evolve. It is found that the average of the series and parallel resistor approximations provide the most accurate relationship between the measured resistivity and the amount of {alpha}{prime} phase. The methods described here are applicable to any evolving two-phase microstructure in which the resistance difference between the two phases is measurable.« less

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

Lopes, E.S.N.; Cremasco, A.; Afonso, C.R.M.

Aging heat treatment can be a good way to optimize mechanical properties, changing the microstructure, and hence, the mechanical behavior of Ti alloys. The effects of aging heat treatments on {beta}-type Ti-30Nb alloy were investigated to evaluate the kinetics of {alpha}'' {yields} {alpha} + {beta} transformation. The results obtained from differential scanning calorimetry and high-temperature X-ray diffraction experiments indicated the complete decomposition of orthorhombic {alpha}'' phase at close to 300 deg. C, followed by {alpha} phase precipitation at 470 deg. C. The aging heat treatments also enabled us to observe a transformation sequence {alpha}'' {yields} {beta} + {omega} {yields} {beta}more » + {omega} + {alpha}, indicating martensite decomposition and {omega} phase precipitation at 260 deg. C after 2 h, followed by {alpha} phase nucleation after heating at 400 deg. C for 1 h. The elastic modulus and Vickers hardness of Ti-30Nb alloy were found to be very sensitive to the microstructural changes caused by heat treatment. - Highlights: {yields} DSC and XRD shed light on the {alpha}'' decomposition and nucleation of {omega} and {alpha} phases. {yields} Aging allows for {alpha}''{yields}{beta} transformation and nucleation of {omega} dispersed in the {beta} matrix. {yields} During aging, {alpha}'' interplanar distances are reduced to enable {beta} phase nucleation. {yields} Mechanical behavior is dependent on the microstructure and the phases in the alloy. {yields} It is not possible to obtain high strength and low elastic modulus by applying aging.« less

Simulating Thermal Cycling and Isothermal Deformation Response of Polycrystalline NiTi

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Manchiraju, Sivom; Gaydosh, Darrell J.; Noebe, Ronald D.; Anderson, Peter M.

2011-01-01

A microstructure-based FEM model that couples crystal plasticity, crystallographic descriptions of the B2-B19' martensitic phase transformation, and anisotropic elasticity is used to simulate thermal cycling and isothermal deformation in polycrystalline NiTi (49.9at% Ni). The model inputs include anisotropic elastic properties, polycrystalline texture, DSC data, and a subset of isothermal deformation and load-biased thermal cycling data. A key experimental trend is captured.namely, the transformation strain during thermal cycling is predicted to reach a peak with increasing bias stress, due to the onset of plasticity at larger bias stress. Plasticity induces internal stress that affects both thermal cycling and isothermal deformation responses. Affected thermal cycling features include hysteretic width, two-way shape memory effect, and evolution of texture with increasing bias stress. Affected isothermal deformation features include increased hardening during loading and retained martensite after unloading. These trends are not captured by microstructural models that lack plasticity, nor are they all captured in a robust manner by phenomenological approaches. Despite this advance in microstructural modeling, quantitative differences exist, such as underprediction of open loop strain during thermal cycling.

Nanoscale multiphase phase field approach for stress- and temperature-induced martensitic phase transformations with interfacial stresses at finite strains

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Basak, Anup; Levitas, Valery I.

2018-04-01

A thermodynamically consistent, novel multiphase phase field approach for stress- and temperature-induced martensitic phase transformations at finite strains and with interfacial stresses has been developed. The model considers a single order parameter to describe the austenite↔martensitic transformations, and another N order parameters describing N variants and constrained to a plane in an N-dimensional order parameter space. In the free energy model coexistence of three or more phases at a single material point (multiphase junction), and deviation of each variant-variant transformation path from a straight line have been penalized. Some shortcomings of the existing models are resolved. Three different kinematic models (KMs) for the transformation deformation gradient tensors are assumed: (i) In KM-I the transformation deformation gradient tensor is a linear function of the Bain tensors for the variants. (ii) In KM-II the natural logarithms of the transformation deformation gradient is taken as a linear combination of the natural logarithm of the Bain tensors multiplied with the interpolation functions. (iii) In KM-III it is derived using the twinning equation from the crystallographic theory. The instability criteria for all the phase transformations have been derived for all the kinematic models, and their comparative study is presented. A large strain finite element procedure has been developed and used for studying the evolution of some complex microstructures in nanoscale samples under various loading conditions. Also, the stresses within variant-variant boundaries, the sample size effect, effect of penalizing the triple junctions, and twinned microstructures have been studied. The present approach can be extended for studying grain growth, solidifications, para↔ferro electric transformations, and diffusive phase transformations.

Effect of Intercritical Annealing on Microstructural Evolution and Properties of Quenched & Partitioned (Q&P) Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Riming; Jin, Xuejun; Wang, Chenglin; Wang, Li

2016-04-01

Transformation of metastable austenite into martensite in novel quenched & partitioned (Q&P) steels improves sheet formability, allowing this class of high-strength steels to be used for automotive structural components. The current work studies the microstructural evolution by varying intercritical annealing time ( t a), as well as its influence on the martensite-austenite constituent and mechanical properties of Q&P steels. As the t a was prolonged, the morphology of retained austenite progressively transformed from block to a mixture of block and film, and finally changed to totally film. Based on electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD) measurements and uniaxial tensile response, the holding time of 600 s at 760 °C was determined to produce the best results in terms of highest volume fraction of retained austenite ( f γ = 15.8%) and largest strain (26.8%) at the ultimate tensile strength (892 MPa). This difference in work-hardening behavior corresponds directly to the transformation rate of retained austenite with different morphology. The slower rate of transformation of filmy austenite allowed for work hardening to persist at high strains where the transformation effect had already been exhausted in the blocky one. There is great potential for properties improvement through adjustment of metastability of retained austenite.

Effects of laser polishing on surface microstructure and corrosion resistance of additive manufactured CoCr alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, W. J.; Yung, K. C.; Choy, H. S.; Xiao, T. Y.; Cai, Z. X.

2018-06-01

Laser polishing of 3D printed metal components has drawn great interest in view of its potential applications in the dental implant industries. In this study, corrosion resistance, surface composition and crystalline structure of CoCr alloys were investigated. The corrosion resistance, micromorphology, composition, phase transformations and crystalline structures of samples were characterized using an electrochemical analyzer, scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM), respectively. The results indicate that high laser powers and low object distances within a certain range can facilitate the formation of complex oxide films, which exhibits high corrosion resistance. Further, object distances have a significant influence on cooling rates during the solidification of the melt pool in laser polishing, and fast cooling generates vast amounts of vacancies and defects, which result in the crystalline phase transformation from γ to ε. Consequently, the formed oxides play an important role in corrosion resistance on the outer layer, and inner layer with γ phase also helps keep the CoCr alloys in a stable structure with high resistant to corrosion. The two process parameters in laser polishing, laser power and object distances, are demonstrated as being important for controlling the surface microstructures and corrosion resistance of the additive manufactured CoCr alloy components.

Ultrasonic cavitation erosion-corrosion behavior of friction stir processed stainless steel.

PubMed

Selvam, Karthikeyan; Mandal, Priya; Grewal, Harpreet Singh; Arora, Harpreet Singh

2018-06-01

Cavitation erosion remains the primary cause of material degradation in fluid machinery components operating at high speed. Micro-jets/shock waves caused by implosion of bubbles on material surface results in significant material loss and premature failure of the components. The presence of corrosive medium further exuberates this effect, causing rapid degradation. Here, we demonstrate a novel pathway to control cavitation erosion-corrosion by tailoring the surface properties using submerged friction stir processing (FSP), a severe plastic deformation process. FSP parameters were varied over wide range of strain-rates to generate tailored microstructures. High strain-rate processing resulted in nearly single phase fine grained structure while low strain-rate processing resulted in phase transformation in addition to grain refinement. As-received and processed samples were subjected to ultrasonic cavitation in distilled water as well as in corrosive environment of 3.5% NaCl solution. Individual roles of cavitation erosion, corrosion and their synergistic effects were analyzed. Depending on the microstructure, processed samples showed nearly 4-6 times higher cavitation erosion resistance compared to as-received alloy. Superior cavitation erosion-corrosion resistance of processed samples was attributed to surface strengthening, higher strain-hardening ability and quick passivation kinetics. The results of current study could be potentially transformative in designing robust materials for hydro-dynamic applications. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A microstructural study of the degradation and calcium release from hydroxyapatite-calcium oxide ceramics made by infiltration.

PubMed

Zhang, Qinghao; Schmelzer, Eva; Gerlach, Jörg C; Nettleship, Ian

2017-04-01

Hydroxyapatite pellets, partially densified in a low-temperature heat treatment, were infiltrated with calcium nitrate solution followed by in-situ precipitation of Ca(OH) 2 and CaCO 3 . The infiltrated bodies were then densified to high relative density and the calcium carbonate transformed to calcium oxide during sintering and resulted in biphasic hydroxyapatite-CaO ceramics. This work investigated the influence of the infiltration on surface morphology, weight change, and microstructural-level degradation caused by exposure to saline at pH=7.4 and a temperature of 20°C. The CaO rendered the materials more susceptible to degradation, and released calcium into the saline faster than single phase, calcium deficient hydroxyapatite (HA) that were used as a control. In consequence, these ceramics could be used to release calcium into the culture microenvironments of bone tissue or bone marrow cells next to a scaffold surface. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Research on metal solidification in zero-g state

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Papazian, J. M.; Larson, D. J., Jr.

1975-01-01

The containerless solidification of several pure metals and metallic alloys was studied in a low gravity environment. The tests were performed in the MSFC 4.2 s drop tower using a rapid wire melting apparatus designed and built for this purpose. Pure iron and nickel, and alloys of iron-nickel, iron-carbon, nickel-aluminum and tungsten-rhenium were all melted and solidified at a gravity level of approximately 100.000/-4 g. Interpretation of the results has led to an appreciation of the factors controlling the successful execution of this drop test experiment and to a delineation of the limits of applicability of the apparatus. Preliminary metallurgical evaluations are presented of the overall shapes, lattice parameters, surface microstructure,, cross-sectional microstructures, solidification and transformation sequences, evaporative segregation, and localized solute redistribution observed in the low-gravity specimens. The effects of low gravity on metallic solidification are discussed with particular emphasis on observations of spontaneous undercooling and evaporative segregation in uncontained melts.

Magnetic field control of microstructural development in melt-spun Pr 2 Co 14 B

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

McGuire, Michael A.; Rios, Orlando; Conner, Ben S.

In the processing of commercial rare earth permanent magnets, use of external magnetic fields is limited mainly to the alignment of anisotropic particles and the polarization of the finished magnets. Here we explore the effects of high magnetic fields on earlier stages of magnet synthesis, including the crystallization and chemical phase transformations that produce the 2:14:1 phase in the Pr-Co-B system. Pr 2Co 14B alloys produced by melt-spinning were annealed in the presence of strong applied magnetic fields (H=90 kOe). The resulting materials were characterized by x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and magnetization measurements. We find that magnetic fields suppress themore » nucleation and growth of crystalline phases, resulting in significantly smaller particle sizes. In addition, magnetic fields applied during processing strongly affects chemical phase selection, suppressing the formation of Pr 2Co 14B and α-Co in favor of Pr 2Co 17. Here, the results demonstrate that increased control over key microstructural properties is achievable by including a strong magnetic field as a processing parameter for rare-earth magnet materials.« less

Controlling the microstructure and associated magnetic properties of Ni 0.2Mn 3.2Ga 0.6 melt-spun ribbons by annealing

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

Khan, Mahmud; Alshammari, Ohud; Balasubramanian, Balamurugan

2017-03-01

Here we report on the structural and magnetic properties of Ni 0.2Mn 3.2Ga 0.6 melt-spun ribbons. The as-spun ribbons were found to exhibit mixed cubic phases that transform to non-cubic structure upon annealing. Additionally, an amorphous phase was found to co-exist in all ribbons. The SEM images show that minor grain formation occurs on the as-spun ribbons. However, the formation of extensive nano-grains was observed on the surfaces of the annealed ribbons. While the as-spun ribbons exhibit predominantly paramagnetic behavior, the ribbons annealed under various thermal conditions were found to be ferromagnetic with a Curie temperature of about 380 K.more » The ribbons annealed at 450 °C for 30 minutes exhibit a large coercive field of about 2500 Oe. The experimental results show that the microstructure and associated magnetic properties of the ribbons can be controlled by annealing techniques. The coercive fields and the shape of the magnetic hysteresis loops vary significantly with annealing conditions. As a result, exchange bias effects have also been observed in the annealed ribbons.« less

Magnetic field control of microstructural development in melt-spun Pr 2 Co 14 B

DOE PAGES

McGuire, Michael A.; Rios, Orlando; Conner, Ben S.; ...

2017-01-27

In the processing of commercial rare earth permanent magnets, use of external magnetic fields is limited mainly to the alignment of anisotropic particles and the polarization of the finished magnets. Here we explore the effects of high magnetic fields on earlier stages of magnet synthesis, including the crystallization and chemical phase transformations that produce the 2:14:1 phase in the Pr-Co-B system. Pr 2Co 14B alloys produced by melt-spinning were annealed in the presence of strong applied magnetic fields (H=90 kOe). The resulting materials were characterized by x-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and magnetization measurements. We find that magnetic fields suppress themore » nucleation and growth of crystalline phases, resulting in significantly smaller particle sizes. In addition, magnetic fields applied during processing strongly affects chemical phase selection, suppressing the formation of Pr 2Co 14B and α-Co in favor of Pr 2Co 17. Here, the results demonstrate that increased control over key microstructural properties is achievable by including a strong magnetic field as a processing parameter for rare-earth magnet materials.« less

The Influence of Duration of Mechanical Activation of Titanium Powder on its Morphology, Microstructure, and Microhardness

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ditenberg, I. A.; Korchagin, M. A.; Pinzhin, Yu. P.; Melnikov, V. V.; Tyumentsev, A. N.; Grinyaev, K. V.; Smirnov, I. V.; Radishevskii, V. L.; Tsverova, A. S.; Sukhanov, I. I.

2017-10-01

Using the methods of X-ray diffraction analysis and scanning and transmission electron microscopy, an investigation of the influence of duration of mechanical activation on morphology and structure of titanium powder is performed. In the course of processing the following stages of material transformation are revealed: fragmentation of the initial powder, conglomeration, and ovalization of the conglomerates. It is found that when the duration of mechanical activation increases, the characteristic size of coherent scattering regions is significantly decreased, which is accompanied by an increase in the value of microdistortions and intensive fragmentation of the crystal lattice inside powder particles followed by the formation of highly defective nanostructured states. The transformation of microstructure is accompanied by a considerable increase in microhardness.

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

EBSD Analysis of Relationship Between Microstructural Features and Toughness of a Medium-Carbon Quenching and Partitioning Bainitic Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Qiangguo; Huang, Xuefei; Huang, Weigang

2017-12-01

A multiphase microstructure of bainite, martensite and retained austenite in a 0.3C bainitic steel was obtained by a novel bainite isothermal transformation plus quenching and partitioning (B-QP) process. The correlations between microstructural features and toughness were investigated by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and the results showed that the multiphase microstructure containing approximately 50% bainite exhibits higher strength (1617 MPa), greater elongation (18.6%) and greater impact toughness (103 J) than the full martensite. The EBSD analysis indicated that the multiphase microstructure with a smaller average local misorientation (1.22°) has a lower inner stress concentration possibility and that the first formed bainitic ferrite plates in the multiphase microstructure can refine subsequently generated packets and blocks. The corresponding packet and block average size decrease from 11.9 and 2.3 to 8.4 and 1.6 μm, respectively. A boundary misorientation analysis indicated that the multiphase microstructure has a higher percentage of high-angle boundaries (67.1%) than the full martensite (57.9%) because of the larger numbers and smaller sizes of packets and blocks. The packet boundary obstructs crack propagation more effectively than the block boundary.

Effect of prolonged isothermal heat treatment on the mechanical behavior of advanced NANOBAIN steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Avishan, Behzad

2017-09-01

The microstructural evolution and consequent changes in strength and ductility of advanced NANOBAIN steel during prolonged isothermal heat-treatment stages were investigated. The microstructure and mechanical properties of nanostructured bainite were not expected to be influenced by extending the heat-treatment time beyond the optimum value because of the autotempering phenomenon and high tempering resistance. However, experimental results indicated that the microstructure was thermodynamically unstable and that prolonged austempering resulted in carbon depletion from high-carbon retained austenite and carbide precipitations. Therefore, austenite became thermally less stable and partially transformed into martensite during cooling to room temperature. Prolonged austempering did not lead to the typical tempering sequence of bainite, and the sizes of the microstructural constituents were independent of the extended heat-treatment times. This independence, in turn, resulted in almost constant ultimate tensile strength values. However, microstructural variations enhanced the yield strength and the hardness of the material at extended isothermal heat-treatment stages. Finally, although microstructural changes decreased the total elongation and impact toughness, considerable combinations of mechanical properties could still be achieved.

The Influence of Mo, Cr and B Alloying on Phase Transformation and Mechanical Properties in Nb Added High Strength Dual Phase Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Girina, O.; Fonstein, N.; Yakubovsky, O.; Panahi, D.; Bhattacharya, D.; Jansto, S.

The influence of Nb, Mo, Cr and B on phase transformations and mechanical properties are studied in a 0.15C-2.0Mn-0.3Si-0.020Ti dual phase steel separately and in combination. The formation and decomposition of austenite together with recrystallization of ferrite are evaluated by dilatometry and constructed CCT-diagrams in laboratory processed cold rolled material cooled after full austenitization and from intercritical temperature range. The effect of alloying elements on formation of austenite through their effect on initial hot rolled structure is taken into account. The interpretation of phase transformations during heating and cooling is supported by metallography. The effect of alloying elements on mechanical properties and structure are evaluated by annealing simulations. It has been shown that mechanical properties are strongly influenced by alloying additions such as Nb, Mo, Cr and B through their effect on ferrite formation during continuous cooling and corresponding enrichment of remaining austenite by carbon. Depending on combined effect of these alloying elements, different phase transformations can be promoted during cooling. This allows controlling of final microstructural constituents and mechanical properties.

Hydroxyapatite formation from cuttlefish bones: kinetics.

PubMed

Ivankovic, H; Tkalcec, E; Orlic, S; Ferrer, G Gallego; Schauperl, Z

2010-10-01

Highly porous hydroxyapatite (Ca(10)(PO(4))(6)·(OH)(2), HA) was prepared through hydrothermal transformation of aragonitic cuttlefish bones (Sepia officinalis L. Adriatic Sea) in the temperature range from 140 to 220°C for 20 min to 48 h. The phase composition of converted hydroxyapatite was examined by quantitative X-ray diffraction (XRD) using Rietveld structure refinement and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) approach was used to follow the kinetics and mechanism of transformation. Diffusion controlled one dimensional growth of HA, predominantly along the a-axis, could be defined. FTIR spectroscopy determined B-type substitutions of CO(3) (2-) groups. The morphology and microstructure of converted HA was examined by scanning electron microscopy. The general architecture of cuttlefish bones was preserved after hydrothermal treatment and the cuttlefish bones retained its form with the same channel size (~80 × 300 μm). The formation of dandelion-like HA spheres with diameter from 3 to 8 μm were observed on the surface of lamellae, which further transformed into various radially oriented nanoplates and nanorods with an average diameter of about 200-300 nm and an average length of about 8-10 μm.

Thermal Behavior of an HSLA Steel and the Impact in Phase Transformation: Submerged Arc Welding (SAW) Process Approach to Pipelines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Costa, P. S.; Reyes-Valdés, F. A.; Saldaña-Garcés, R.; Delgado, E. R.; Salinas-Rodríguez, A.

Heat input during welding metal fusion generates different transformations, such as grain growth, hydrogen cracking, and the formation of brittle structures, generally associated with the heat-affected zone (HAZ). For this reason, it is very important to know the behavior of this area before welding. This paper presents a study of the thermal behavior and its effect on phase transformations in the HAZ, depending on cooling rates (0.1-200 °C/s) to obtain continuous cooling transformation (CCT) curves for an high-strength low-alloy (HSLA) steel. In order to determine the formed phases, optical microscopy and Vickers microhardness measurement were used. The experimental CCT curve was obtained from an HSLA steel, and the results showed that, with the used cooling conditions, the steel did not provide formation of brittle structures. Therefore, it is unlikely that welds made by submerged arc welding (SAW) may lead to hydrogen embrittlement in the HAZ, which is one of the biggest problems of cracking in gas conduction pipelines. In addition, with these results, it will be possible to control the microstructure to optimize the pipe fabrication with SAW process in industrial plants.

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.

Localizing sources of acoustic emission during the martensitic transformation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niemann, R.; Kopeček, J.; Heczko, O.; Romberg, J.; Schultz, L.; Fähler, S.; Vives, E.; Mañosa, L.; Planes, A.

2014-06-01

Acoustic avalanches are a general feature of solids under stress, e.g., evoked by external compression or arising from internal processes like martensitic phase transformations. From integral measurements, it is usually concluded that nucleation, phase boundary pinning, or interface incompatibilities during this first-order phase transition all may generate acoustic emission. This paper studies the local sources of acoustic emission to enlight the microscopic mechanisms. From two-dimensional spatially resolved acoustic emission measurement and simultaneous optical observation of the surface, we can identify microstructural events at the phase boundary that lead to acoustic emission. A resolution in the 100-μm range was reached for the location of acoustic emission sources on a coarse-grained Ni-Mn-Ga polycrystal. Both, the acoustic activity and the size distribution of the microstructural transformation events, exhibit power-law behavior. The origin of the acoustic emission are elastically incompatible areas, such as differently oriented martensitic plates that meet each other, lamellae growing up to grain boundaries, and grain boundaries in proximity to transforming grains. Using this result, we propose a model to explain the decrease of the critical exponent under a mechanical stress or magnetic field.

Microstructural study of the polymorphic transformation in pentacene thin films.

PubMed

Murakami, Yosuke; Tomiya, Shigetaka; Koshitani, Naoki; Kudo, Yoshihiro; Satori, Kotaro; Itabashi, Masao; Kobayashi, Norihito; Nomoto, Kazumasa

2009-10-02

We have observed, by high-resolution cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, the first direct evidence of polymorphic transformation in pentacene thin films deposited on silicon oxide substrates. Polymorphic transformation from the thin-film phase to the bulk phase occurred preferentially near polycrystalline grain boundaries, which exhibit concave surfaces. This process is thought to be driven by compressive stress caused by the grain boundaries. In addition to this stress, lattice mismatch between the two phases also results in structural defect formation.

Role of Microstructure on the Performance of UHTCs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Sylvia M.; Gasch, Matthew J.; Lawson, John W.; Gusman, Michael I.; Stackpoole, Mairead

2010-01-01

We have investigated a number of methods to control microstructure. We have routes to form: a) in situ "composites" b) Very fine microstructures. Arcjet testing and other characterization of monolithic materials. Control oxidation through microstructure and composition. Beginning to incorporate these materials as matrices for composites. Modeling effort to facilitate material design and characterization.

Effect of intra-oral aging on t→m phase transformation, microstructure, and mechanical properties of Y-TZP dental ceramics.

PubMed

Miragaya, Luciana Meireles; Guimarães, Renato Bastos; Souza, Rodrigo Othávio de Assunção E; Santos Botelho, Glauco Dos; Antunes Guimarães, José Guilherme; da Silva, Eduardo Moreira

2017-08-01

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of intra-oral aging on the tetragonal-to-monoclinic (t→m) phase transformation of two Y-TZP dental ceramics - Lava Frame (Frame) and Lava Plus (Plus) - and determine the impact of this response on their microstructures and mechanical properties: flexural strength, Young's modulus, microhardness and fracture toughness. Standardized ceramic specimens were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). After the baseline analysis, the specimens were attached to personalized intra-oral resin appliances and exposed to the oral cavity of 20 subjects for 60 days and then analyzed again. Specimens produced for mechanical properties evaluation were also analyzed before and after the 60-day intra-oral aging. The data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey HSD's post hoc test (α=0.05). Weibull analysis was used to evaluate the strength reliability. Both Y-TZP ceramics suffered t→m phase transformation after 60-day intra-oral aging (Plus=4.7%/Frame=7.7%). SEM and AFM analyses showed dislodgement of ZrO 2 grains and a significant increase in roughness after intra-oral aging for both ceramics. Both Y-TZP ceramics suffered a decrease on flexural strength, Young's modulus and fracture toughness after intra-oral aging (p<0.05). Only Plus presented a decrease of microhardness after intra-oral aging (p<0.05). Intra-oral aging for 60 days produced t→m phase transformation, changed the microstructure and decreased the mechanical properties of two Y-TZP dental ceramics. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Probing heat transfer, fluid flow and microstructural evolution during fusion welding of alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Wei

The composition, geometry, structure and properties of the welded joints are affected by the various physical processes that take place during fusion welding. Understanding these processes has been an important goal in the contemporary welding research to achieve structurally sound and reliable welds. In the present thesis research, several important physical processes including the heat transfer, fluid flow and microstructural evolution in fusion welding were modeled based on the fundamentals of transport phenomena and phase transformation theory. The heat transfer and fluid flow calculation is focused on the predictions of the liquid metal convection in the weld pool, the temperature distribution in the entire weldment, and the shape and size of the fusion zone (FZ) and heat affected zone (HAZ). The modeling of microstructural evolution is focused on the quantitative understanding of phase transformation kinetics during welding of several important alloys under both low and high heating and cooling conditions. Three numerical models were developed in the present thesis work: (1) a three-dimensional heat transfer and free surface flow model for the gas metal arc (GMA) fillet welding considering the complex weld joint geometry, (2) a phase transformation model based on the Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) theory, and (3) a one-dimensional numerical diffusion model considering multiple moving interfaces. To check the capabilities of the developed models, several cases were investigated, in which the predictions from the models were compared with the experimental results. The cases studied are the follows. For the modeling of heat transfer and fluid flow, the welding processes studied included gas tungsten arc (GTA) linear welding, GTA transient spot welding, and GMA fillet welding. The calculated weldment geometry and thermal cycles was validated against the experimental data under various welding conditions. For the modeling of microstructural evolution, the welded materials investigated included AISI 1005 low-carbon steel, 1045 medium-carbon steel, 2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS) and Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The calculated phase transformation kinetics were compared with the experimental results obtained using an x-ray diffraction technique by Dr. John W. Elmer of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

The effect of surface grinding and sandblasting on flexural strength and reliability of Y-TZP zirconia ceramic.

PubMed

Kosmac, T; Oblak, C; Jevnikar, P; Funduk, N; Marion, L

1999-11-01

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of grinding and sandblasting on the microstructure, biaxial flexural strength and reliability of two yttria stabilized tetragonal zirconia (Y-TZP) ceramics. Two Y-TZP powders were used to produce fine grained and coarse grained microstructures. Sixty discs from each material were randomly divided into six groups of ten. For each group, a different surface treatment was applied: dry grinding, wet grinding, sandblasting, dry grinding + sandblasting, sandblasting + dry grinding and a control group. Biaxial flexural strength was determined and data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Tukey's HSD test (p < 0.05). In addition, Weibull statistics was used to analyze the variability of flexural strength. The relative amount of transformed monoclinic zirconia, corresponding transformed zone depth (TZD) and the mean critical defect size Ccr were calculated. There was no difference in mean strength between the as sintered fine and coarse grained Y-TZP. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between the control group and ground fine grained material for both wet and dry grinding. Sandblasting significantly increased the strength in fine and coarse grained materials. All surface treatment procedures reduced the Weibull modulus of Y-TZP. For both materials, the highest amount of the monoclinic phase and the largest TZD was found after sandblasting. Lower amounts of the monoclinic phase were obtained after both grinding procedures, where the highest mean critical defect size Ccr was also calculated. Our results indicate that sandblasting may provide a powerful technique for strengthening Y-TZP in clinical practice. In contrast, grinding may lead to substantial strength degradation and reduced reliability of prefabricated zirconia elements, therefore, sandblasting of ground surfaces is suggested.

Kinetics of transformation of deformation processed gold-matrix composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wongpreedee, Kageeporn

Gold matrix Ḏeformation-processed M&barbelow;etal M&barbelow;etal C&barbelow;omposites (DMMC) have been developed that have better strength and conductivity than conventional gold alloys. However, DMMC possess metastable two-phase microstructures, and their strength and conductivity decrease after prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. The kinetics of the transformation from the metastable two-phase microstructure to the equilibrium single-phase solid solution is of interest. This document describes a study of the elevated temperature stability of Au DMMC's and the relationship between microstructure and resistivity of three compositions: Au-7 vol %Ag, Au-14 vol %Ag, and Au-vol 7%Pt. DMMC samples were prepared by a powder metallurgy technique and mechanical processes. The smallest final diameter of these wires was 120 mum. Avrami and Arrhenius relations were used to evaluate the kinetic transformation. The extensive deformation used to produce these composites reshaped the initially equi-axed powder particles into a nanofilamentary composite. Electrical resistivity measurements were used to determine the degree of transformation from the initial metastable nano-filamentary composite to the equilibrium solid solution condition. These measurements indicated that this transformation in Au-14 at%Ag, Au-7 at %Ag Au and Au-7 at %Pt DMMC wires proceeded with activation energies of 141, 156, and 167 kJ/mol, respectively. It is thought that these empirically determined activation energies differ from those determined in single crystal, planar interface Au-Ag and Au-Pt diffusion couples due to chemical potential, surface curvature, and strain effects. The DMMC systems reach the equilibrium solid solution condition faster than single crystal, planar interface systems for two reasons: (1) far more defects (dislocations, grain boundaries, vacancies from non-conservative dislocation motion, etc.) are present in the Au-Ag and Au-Pt DMMC composites, and (2) the small radius of curvature of the Ag and Pt filaments increases the chemical potential for diffusion in the DMMC.

Transformation Stasis Phenomenon of Bainite Formation in Low-Carbon, Multicomponent Alloyed Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lan, Liangyun; Kong, Xiangwei

2017-11-01

The transformation stasis phenomenon of bainite formation in low-carbon steel was detected using a high-resolution dilatometer. The phenomenon occurred at different stages for different isothermal temperatures. In combination with microstructural observation, the calculated overall activation energy of transformation and interface migration velocity shed new light on the cause of formation of the stasis phenomenon. The temporary stasis formed at the initial stage of phase transformation for high isothermal temperature was attributed to the drag effect of substitutional atoms, which leads to low-interface migration velocity and large overall activation energy.

Phase and microstructural development in alumina sol-gel coatings on CoCr alloy.

PubMed

Bae, I J; Standard, O C; Roger, G J; Brazil, D

2004-09-01

Phase transformation of gamma-Al(2)O(3) to alpha-Al(2)O(3) in alumina sol gel coatings on biomedical CoCr alloy was studied as function of heat treatment temperature and time. Transformation in unseeded coatings was significant only above approximately 1200 degrees C. Addition of alpha-Al(2)O(3) seed particles having an average size of approximately 40 nm lowered the phase transformation temperature to around 800 degrees C. These particles were considered to act as heterogeneous nucleation sites for epitaxial growth of the alpha-Al(2)O(3) phase. The kinetics and activation energy (420 kJ/mol) for the phase transformation in the seeded coatings were similar to those reported for seeded monolithic alumina gels indicating that the transformation mechanism is the same in the two material configurations. Avrami growth parameters indicated that the mechanism was diffusion controlled and invariant over the temperature range studied but that growth was possibly constrained by the finite size of the seed particles and/or coating thickness. The phase transformation occurred by the growth of alpha-Al(2)O(3) grains at the expense of the precursor fine-grained gamma-Al(2)O(3) matrix and near-complete transformation coincided with physical impingement of the growing grains. The grain size at impingement was approximately 100 nm which agreed well with that predicted from the theoretical linear spacing of seed particles in the initial sol.

About the choice of Gibbs' potential for modelling of FCC ↔ HCP transformation in FeMnSi-based shape memory alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Evard, Margarita E.; Volkov, Aleksandr E.; Belyaev, Fedor S.; Ignatova, Anna D.

2018-05-01

The choice of Gibbs' potential for microstructural modeling of FCC ↔ HCP martensitic transformation in FeMn-based shape memory alloys is discussed. Threefold symmetry of the HCP phase is taken into account on specifying internal variables characterizing volume fractions of martensite variants. Constraints imposed on model constants by thermodynamic equilibrium conditions are formulated.

The Effect of Heat Input and Composition on Weld Metal Microstructures in Thin Section HY-130 GMAW(Gas Metal Are Welding) Weldments

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

weldments, Glover et al. [Ref. Ej show, via a schematic CCT diagram , that austenite should transform to coarse polygonal ferrite with regions of pearlite...are essentially subjected to continuous cooling during solidification, so the resultant microstructures should be predictable from CCT diagrams . Unfortunately...cooling rate variaticn just within a single weld pass. Although individual CCT diagrams for weld metals are generally not available, the influence of

Thermal Modeling of Resistance Spot Welding and Prediction of Weld Microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sheikhi, M.; Valaee Tale, M.; Usefifar, GH. R.; Fattah-Alhosseini, Arash

2017-11-01

The microstructure of nuggets in resistance spot welding can be influenced by the many variables involved. This study aimed at examining such a relationship and, consequently, put forward an analytical model to predict the thermal history and microstructure of the nugget zone. Accordingly, a number of numerical simulations and experiments were conducted and the accuracy of the model was assessed. The results of this assessment revealed that the proposed analytical model could accurately predict the cooling rate in the nugget and heat-affected zones. Moreover, both analytical and numerical models confirmed that sheet thickness and electrode-sheet interface temperature were the most important factors influencing the cooling rate at temperatures lower than about T l/2. Decomposition of austenite is one of the most important transformations in steels occurring over this temperature range. Therefore, an easy-to-use map was designed against these parameters to predict the weld microstructure.

Microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of a low alloy high strength Ni-Cr-Mo-V steel during heat treatment process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, C.; Han, S.

2018-05-01

In order to obtain an optimal heat treatment for a low alloy high strength Ni-Cr-Mo-V steel, the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of the material were studied. For this purpose, a series of quenching and temper experiments were carried out. The results showed that the effects of tempering temperature, time, original microstructure on the microstructural evolution and final properties were significant. The martensite can be completely transformed into the tempered lath structure. The width and length of the lath became wider and shorter, respectively with increasing temperature and time. The amount and size of the precipitates increased with temperature and time. The yield strength (YS), ultimate tensile strength (UTS) and hardness decreased with temperature and time, but the reduction in area (Z), elongation (E) and impact toughness displayed an opposite trend, which was related to the morphological evolution of the lath tempered structure.

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.

Effect of Quenching Process on the Microstructure and Hardness of High-Carbon Martensitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Qin-tian; Li, Jing; Shi, Cheng-bin; Yu, Wen-tao

2015-11-01

The microstructure and hardness of high-carbon martensitic stainless steel (HMSS) were investigated using thermal expansion analyzer, Thermo-calc, scanning electron microscope, x-ray diffraction, and Ultra-high temperature confocal microscope. The results indicate that the experimental steel should be austenitized in the temperature range of 1025-1075 °C, which can give a maximum hardness of 62 HRc with the microstructure consisting of martensite, retained austenite, and some undissolved carbides. With increasing austenitizing temperature, the amount of retained austenite increases, while the volume fraction of carbides increases first and then decreases. The starting temperature and finish temperature of martensite formation decrease with increasing cooling rates. Air-quenched samples can obtain less retained austenite, more compact microstructure, and higher hardness, compared with that of oil-quenched samples. For HMSS, the martensitic transformation takes place at some isolated areas with a slow nucleation rate.

A hybrid finite-element and cellular-automaton framework for modeling 3D microstructure of Ti–6Al–4V alloy during solid–solid phase transformation in additive manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Shaohua; Xu, Yaopengxiao; Jiao, Yang

2018-06-01

Additive manufacturing such as selective laser sintering and electron beam melting has become a popular technique which enables one to build near-net-shape product from packed powders. The performance and properties of the manufactured product strongly depends on its material microstructure, which is in turn determined by the processing conditions including beam power density, spot size, scanning speed and path etc. In this paper, we develop a computational framework that integrates the finite element method (FEM) and cellular automaton (CA) simulation to model the 3D microstructure of additively manufactured Ti–6Al–4V alloy, focusing on the β → α + β transition pathway in a consolidated alloy region as the power source moves away from this region. Specifically, the transient temperature field resulted from a scanning laser/electron beam following a zig-zag path is first obtained by solving nonlinear heat transfer equations using the FEM. Next, a CA model for the β → α + β phase transformation in the consolidated alloy is developed which explicitly takes into account the temperature dependent heterogeneous nucleation and anisotropic growth of α grains from the parent β phase field. We verify our model by reproducing the overall transition kinetics predicted by the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov theory under a typical processing condition and by quantitatively comparing our simulation results with available experimental data. The utility of the model is further demonstrated by generating large-field realistic 3D alloy microstructures for subsequent structure-sensitive micro-mechanical analysis. In addition, we employ our model to generate a wide spectrum of alloy microstructures corresponding to different processing conditions for establishing quantitative process-structure relations for the system.

Analysis of Transformation Plasticity in Steel Using a Finite Element Method Coupled with a Phase Field Model

PubMed Central

Cho, Yi-Gil; Kim, Jin-You; Cho, Hoon-Hwe; Cha, Pil-Ryung; Suh, Dong-Woo; Lee, Jae Kon; Han, Heung Nam

2012-01-01

An implicit finite element model was developed to analyze the deformation behavior of low carbon steel during phase transformation. The finite element model was coupled hierarchically with a phase field model that could simulate the kinetics and micro-structural evolution during the austenite-to-ferrite transformation of low carbon steel. Thermo-elastic-plastic constitutive equations for each phase were adopted to confirm the transformation plasticity due to the weaker phase yielding that was proposed by Greenwood and Johnson. From the simulations under various possible plastic properties of each phase, a more quantitative understanding of the origin of transformation plasticity was attempted by a comparison with the experimental observation. PMID:22558295

Correlation between the thermal performance and the microstructure of the material used in medium and high voltage transformer terminals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Salas, Y. J.; Vera-Monroy, S. P.; Mejia-Camacho, A.; Rivera, W.

2017-12-01

In Colombia, energy companies neglect the distribution that represents the main and most valuable process, presenting shortcomings in prevention and forecasting programs, using contractors who perform corrective maintenance of the components without guaranteeing the quality and performance of the materials. Within the process, the terminals determine the effective connection between the voltage line and the transformer, which have faults that are evidenced by the thermal deterioration of the material. In this work, a diagnosis of the thermal performance of these components was carried out and it was correlated with the microstructure, observing variations of the working temperature, with a thermography camera, for three types of terminals, which were classified by X-ray fluorescence in brass Z20, Z40 and Z60, and for two types of connection, copper and aluminium. The microstructure results showed that copper is the conductor that degrades the terminals faster, evidencing cracking of the material; on the other hand, the Z40 brass was the most stable with the lowest temperature variation regardless of the conductor diameter; however, in all cases the behaviour of higher temperature to lower calibre is satisfied.

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

Co removal and phase transformations during high power diode laser irradiation of cemented carbide

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barletta, M.; Rubino, G.; Gisario, A.

2011-02-01

The use of a continuous wave-high power diode laser for removing surface Co-binder from Co-cemented tungsten carbide (WC-Co (5.8 wt%.)) hardmetal slabs was investigated. Combined scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses were performed in order to study the phase transformations and micro-structural modifications of the WC-Co substrates occurring during and after laser irradiation. The micro-structure of the WC-Co progressively transforms as energy density increased, exhibiting stronger removal of Co and WC grain growth. At very high energy density, local melting of the WC grains with the formation of big agglomerates of interlaced grains is observed, and the crystalline structure of the irradiated substrate shows the presence of a brittle ternary eutectic phase of W, Co and C (often referred to as the η-phase). The latter can be detrimental to the mechanical properties of WC-Co. Therefore, the proper adjustment of the laser processing parameters plays a crucial role in surface treatments of WC-Co substrates prior to post-processing like diamond deposition.

Evolution of rapidly solidified NiAlCu(B) alloy microstructure.

PubMed

Czeppe, Tomasz; Ochin, Patrick

2006-10-01

This study concerned phase transformations observed after rapid solidification and annealing at 500, 700 and 800 degrees C in 56.3 Ni-39.9 Al-3.8 Cu-0.06 B (E1) and 59.8 Ni-36.0 Al-4.3 Cu-0.06 B (E2) alloys (composition in at.%). Injection casting led to a homogeneous structure of very small, one-phase grains (2-4 microm in size). In both alloys, the phase observed at room temperature was martensite of L1(0) structure. The process of the formation of the Ni(5)Al(3) phase by atomic reordering proceeded at 285-394 degrees C in the case of E1 alloy and 450-550 degrees C in the case of E2 alloy. Further decomposition into NiAl (beta) and Ni(3)Al (gamma') phases, the microstructure and crystallography of the phases depended on the path of transformations, proceeding in the investigated case through the transformation of martensite crystallographic variants. This preserved precise crystallographic orientation between the subsequent phases, very stable plate-like morphology and very small beta + gamma' grains after annealing at 800 degrees C.

Transformation-Induced, Geometrically Necessary, Dislocation-Based Flow Curve Modeling of Dual-Phase Steels: Effect of Grain Size

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ramazani, Ali; Mukherjee, Krishnendu; Prahl, Ulrich; Bleck, Wolfgang

2012-10-01

The flow behavior of dual-phase (DP) steels is modeled on the finite-element method (FEM) framework on the microscale, considering the effect of the microstructure through the representative volume element (RVE) approach. Two-dimensional RVEs were created from microstructures of experimentally obtained DP steels with various ferrite grain sizes. The flow behavior of single phases was modeled through the dislocation-based work-hardening approach. The volume change during austenite-to-martensite transformation was modeled, and the resultant prestrained areas in the ferrite were considered to be the storage place of transformation-induced, geometrically necessary dislocations (GNDs). The flow curves of DP steels with varying ferrite grain sizes, but constant martensite fractions, were obtained from the literature. The flow curves of simulations that take into account the GND are in better agreement with those of experimental flow curves compared with those of predictions without consideration of the GND. The experimental results obeyed the Hall-Petch relationship between yield stress and flow stress and the simulations predicted this as well.

Localized melt-scan strategy for site specific control of grain size and primary dendrite arm spacing in electron beam additive manufacturing

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

Raghavan, Narendran; Simunovic, Srdjan; Dehoff, Ryan

In addition to design geometry, surface roughness, and solid-state phase transformation, solidification microstructure plays a crucial role in controlling the performance of additively manufactured components. Crystallographic texture, primary dendrite arm spacing (PDAS), and grain size are directly correlated to local solidification conditions. We have developed a new melt-scan strategy for inducing site specific, on-demand control of solidification microstructure. We were able to induce variations in grain size (30 μm–150 μm) and PDAS (4 μm - 10 μm) in Inconel 718 parts produced by the electron beam additive manufacturing system (Arcam®). A conventional raster melt-scan resulted in a grain size ofmore » about 600 μm. The observed variations in grain size with different melt-scan strategies are rationalized using a numerical thermal and solidification model which accounts for the transient curvature of the melt pool and associated thermal gradients and liquid-solid interface velocities. The refinement in grain size at high cooling rates (>104 K/s) is also attributed to the potential heterogeneous nucleation of grains ahead of the epitaxially growing solidification front. The variation in PDAS is rationalized using a coupled numerical-theoretical model as a function of local solidification conditions (thermal gradient and liquid-solid interface velocity) of the melt pool.« less

Zirconia toughened SiC whisker reinforced alumina composites small business innovation research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Loutfy, R. O.; Stuffle, K. L.; Withers, J. C.; Lee, C. T.

1987-01-01

The objective of this phase 1 project was to develop a ceramic composite with superior fracture toughness and high strength, based on combining two toughness inducing materials: zirconia for transformation toughening and SiC whiskers for reinforcement, in a controlled microstructure alumina matrix. The controlled matrix microstructure is obtained by controlling the nucleation frequency of the alumina gel with seeds (submicron alpha-alumina). The results demonstrate the technical feasibility of producing superior binary composites (Al2O3-ZrO2) and tertiary composites (Al2O3-ZrO2-SiC). Thirty-two composites were prepared, consolidated, and fracture toughness tested. Statistical analysis of the results showed that: (1) the SiC type is the key statistically significant factor for increased toughness; (2) sol-gel processing with a-alumina seed had a statistically significant effect on increasing toughness of the binary and tertiary composites compared to the corresponding mixed powder processing; and (3) ZrO2 content within the range investigated had a minor effect. Binary composites with an average critical fracture toughness of 6.6MPam sup 1/2, were obtained. Tertiary composites with critical fracture toughness in the range of 9.3 to 10.1 MPam sup 1/2 were obtained. Results indicate that these composites are superior to zirconia toughened alumina and SiC whisker reinforced alumina ceramic composites produced by conventional techniques with similar composition from published data.

Microstructure, hyperfine interaction and magnetic transition of Fe-25%Ni-5%Si-x%Co alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gungunes, H.

2016-12-01

Morphological and magnetic properties in Fe-25%Ni-5%Si-x%Co (x = 0, 10, 15) alloys are investigated. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Mössbauer spectroscopy and AC magnetic susceptibility measurements are used to determine the physical properties of alloys. The martensite morphology changed depending on the Co content. The Mössbauer study shows that the volume fraction and hyperfine field of martensite increases while isomer shift values decrease with increasing Co content. On the other hand; AC susceptibility results showed that; Co is an effective element which can be used to control both the magnetic transition and martensitic transformation temperatures.

Microstructural studies of hydrogen damage in metastable stainless steels. Ph.D. Thesis

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

Chen, S.

1994-12-31

The primary objective of this dissertation is to determine the role of microstructure in hydrogen-induced damage in austenitic stainless steels. Specific attention was focused on the interactions between hydrogen and the austenitic grain, twin boundaries and the matrix, and the associated phase transformations. An experimental program of research was conducted to determine the phase transformation and cracking path in hydrogen charged stainless steels. Normal-purity AISI 304 (Fe18CrYNi) and high-purity 305 (Fe18Cr12Ni) solution-annealet stainless steels were examined. The steels were cathodically charged with hydrogen at 1, 10 and 100 mA/sq cm at room temperature for 5 min. to 32 hours, inmore » an 1N H2SO4 solution with 0.25 g/l of NaAsO2 added as a hydrogen recombination poison. Resultant changes in microstructure and hydrogen damage due to charging and subsequent room temperature aging were studied by x-ray diffraction, optical microscope (in the Nomarski mode), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A new phase in 305 stainless steel was observed, and was identified as an epsilon(*) (hcp) hydride due to hydrogen charging. Two new phases in 304 stainless steel were found as gamma(*) (fcc) and epsilon(*) hydrides from hydrogen charging. The hydride formation mechanisms during charging were: (1) gamma yields gamma(*) hydride and (2) gamma yields epsilon yields epsilon(*) hydride. These hydrides are unstable and decomposed during room temperature aging in air. The decomposition mechanisms were: (1) epsilon(*) hydride (hcp) yields expanded epsilon (hcp) phase yields a (bcc) phase; (2) gamma(*) hydride yields gamma phase. The grain and twin boundary cracks were the results of charging and identified as the preferred cracking sites. Transgranular crack initiation and growth accompanied the decomposition of hydrides and were controlled by hydrogen outgassing during room temperature aging.« less

Application of morphological synthesis for understanding electrode microstructure evolution as a function of applied charge/discharge cycles

DOE PAGES

Glazoff, Michael V.; Dufek, Eric J.; Shalashnikov, Egor V.

2016-09-15

Morphological analysis and synthesis operations were employed for analysis of electrode microstructure transformations and evolution accompanying the application of charge/discharge cycles to electrochemical storage systems (batteries). Using state-of-the-art morphological algorithms, it was possible to predict microstructure evolution in porous Si electrodes for Li-ion batteries with sufficient accuracy. Algorithms for image analyses (segmentation, feature extraction, and 3D-reconstructions using 2D-images) were also developed. Altogether, these techniques could be considered supplementary to phase-field mesoscopic approach to microstructure evolution that is based upon clear and definitive changes in the appearance of microstructure. However, unlike in phase-field, the governing equations for morphological approach are geometry-,more » not physics-based. Similar non-physics based approach to understanding different phenomena was attempted with the introduction of cellular automata. It is anticipated that morphological synthesis and analysis will represent a useful supplementary tool to phase-field and will render assistance to unraveling the underlying microstructure-property relationships. The paper contains data on electrochemical characterization of different electrode materials that was conducted in parallel to morphological study.« less

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.

Nonlinear optical microscopy and ultrasound imaging of human cervical structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reusch, Lisa M.; Feltovich, Helen; Carlson, Lindsey C.; Hall, Gunnsteinn; Campagnola, Paul J.; Eliceiri, Kevin W.; Hall, Timothy J.

2013-03-01

The cervix softens and shortens as its collagen microstructure rearranges in preparation for birth, but premature change may lead to premature birth. The global preterm birth rate has not decreased despite decades of research, likely because cervical microstructure is poorly understood. Our group has developed a multilevel approach to evaluating the human cervix. We are developing quantitative ultrasound (QUS) techniques for noninvasive interrogation of cervical microstructure and corroborating those results with high-resolution images of microstructure from second harmonic generation imaging (SHG) microscopy. We obtain ultrasound measurements from hysterectomy specimens, prepare the tissue for SHG, and stitch together several hundred images to create a comprehensive view of large areas of cervix. The images are analyzed for collagen orientation and alignment with curvelet transform, and registered with QUS data, facilitating multiscale analysis in which the micron-scale SHG images and millimeter-scale ultrasound data interpretation inform each other. This novel combination of modalities allows comprehensive characterization of cervical microstructure in high resolution. Through a detailed comparative study, we demonstrate that SHG imaging both corroborates the quantitative ultrasound measurements and provides further insight. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of specific microstructural cervical change in pregnancy should lead to novel approaches to the prevention of preterm birth.

The Formation of Martensitic Austenite During Nitridation of Martensitic and Duplex Stainless Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zangiabadi, Amirali; Dalton, John C.; Wang, Danqi; Ernst, Frank; Heuer, Arthur H.

2017-01-01

Isothermal martensite/ferrite-to-austenite phase transformations have been observed after low-temperature nitridation in the martensite and δ-ferrite phases in 15-5 PH (precipitation hardening), 17-7 PH, and 2205 (duplex) stainless steels. These transformations, in the region with nitrogen concentrations of 8 to 16 at. pct, are consistent with the notion that nitrogen is a strong austenite stabilizer and substitutional diffusion is effectively frozen at the paraequilibrium temperatures of our experiments. Our microstructural and diffraction analyses provide conclusive evidence for the martensitic nature of these phase transformations.

Phase transformation and microstructural evolution of nanostructured oxides and nitrides under ion irradiations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lu, Fengyuan

Material design at the nanometer scale is an effective strategy for developing advanced materails with enhanced radiation tolerance for advanced nuclear energy systems as high densities of surfaces and interfaces of the nanostructured materials may behave as effective sinks for defect recovery. However, nanostructured materials may not be intrinsically radiation tolerant, and the interplay among the factors of crystal size, temperature, chemical composition, surface energy and radiation conditions may eventually determine material radiation behaviors. Therefore, it is necessary to understand the radiation effects of nanostructured materials and the underlying physics for the design of advanced nanostructured nuclear materials. The main objective of this doctoral thesis is to study the behavior of nanostructured oxides and nitrides used as fuel matrix and waste forms under extreme radiation conditions with the focus of phase transformation, microstructural evolution and damage mechanisms. Radiation experiments were performed using energetic ion beam techniques to simulate radiation damage resulting from energetic neutrons, alpha-decay events and fission fragments, and various experimental approaches were employed to characterize materials’ microstructural evolution and phase stability upon intense radiation environments including transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy. Thermal annealing experiments indicated that nanostructured ZrO2 phase stability is strongly affected by the grain size. Radiation results on nanostructured ZrO2 indicated that thermodynamically unstable or metastable high temperature phases can be induced by energetic beam irradiation at room temperature. Various phase transformation among different polymorphs of monoclinic, tetragonal and amorphous states can be induced, and different mechanisms are responsible for structural transformations including oxygen vacancies accumulation upon displacive damage, radiation-assistant recrystallization and thermal spike by ionization radiation. The radiation response of nanosized pyrochlores indicated that the radiation tolerance of nanoceramics is highly dependent on the composition and size. Nanosized tantalate pyrochlores KxLnyTa2O 7-v (Ln = Gd, Y, Lu) with the average grain size around 10 - 15 nm are highly sensitive to radiation-induced amorphization. The pyrochlore A to B site ionic radius ratio rA/rB is crucial in determining the radiation tolerance of pyrochlores, and a minimum rA/rB of 1.605 exists for the occurring of radiation induced amorphization. The interplay among chemical compositions, structural deviation and grain size eventually determines the phase stability and structural transformation processes of tantalate pyrochlores under intense radiation environments. ZrN shows extremely high phase stability under both displacive ion irradiation and ionizing swift heavy ion irradiation. However, a contraction in lattice constant up to ~ 1.42 % can be induced in nanocrystalline ZrN irradiated with displacive ion beams. In contrast, the strongly ionizing swift heavy ions cannot induce any lattice contraction. Such lattice contractions may be due to a negative strain field in the ZrN nanograins related to N vacancies built up upon displacive radiation. Ion irradiations also lead to the formation of orthorhombic ZrSi phase at the interface between ZrN and Si substrate, resulting from atom mixing and precipitation upon ion irradiations. The fundamental knowledge provides critical data for assessing and quantifying nanostructured ceramics as fuel matrix and waste forms utilized in the extreme environments of advanced nuclear energy systems. Further possibilities are being pursued in manipulating microstructure at the nano-scale, controlling phase stability and tailoring the physical properties of materials for various important engineering applications.

Tunable supercapacitance of electrospun Mn3O4 beaded chains via charge- discharge cycling and control parameters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radhamani, A. V.; Ramachandra Rao, M. S.

2017-05-01

Here we report on the tunable supercapacitance of the Mn3O4 beaded chains synthesized by a simple and low cost electro-spinning process. Tuning is achieved by controlled phase transformation of surface spinel Mn3O4 beaded chains to layered-birnessite MnO2 nanoflakes through galvanostatic charge-discharge cycling. Phase transformation rate is optimized to get maximum capacitance by controlling the parameters such as applied specific current value, number of galvanostatic charge-discharge cycles, micro-structure of working electrode material and the selection of potential range. A maximum specific capacitance of ∼445 F g-1 and areal capacitance of ∼495 mF cm-2 are obtained at current densities of 0.5 A g-1 and 0.125 mA cm-2 respectively. The superior performance in case of layered-spinel composites among similar nanostructures is due to high surface to volume ratio of the MnO2 nanoflakes formed from the Mn3O4 beaded chains which in turn give rise to large number of surface active sites for the redox reaction to take place. About 100% of capacity retention and coulombic efficiency are observed for ∼1000 cycles even at a higher current density of 7 A g-1. Morphological dependence of the phase transformation rate is investigated by preparing two different morphologies of Mn3O4viz., octahedrons and spherical nanoparticles.

Effects of Roughing on Finish Rolling Simulations in Microalloyed Strip Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chalimba, S. A. J.; Mostert, R. J.; Stumpf, W. E.; Siyasiya, C. W.; Banks, K. M.

2017-11-01

The effects of a roughing pass in hot rolling simulations were assessed in VN and Nb-Ti steels. Continuous cooling phase transformation temperatures, flow curves, softening mechanisms (dynamic transformation DT and dynamic recrystallization DRX), and deformed microstructure morphologies were analyzed. The application of one or more roughing passes eliminates the effects of prior microstructural history and ensures that all stock material experiences equivalent hot working conditions and state of the microalloying elements. It has been shown that roughing in hot simulation has the following positive influences: (1) provide more reliable flow stress data; (2) give greater consistencies and accuracy in analysis of softening mechanisms giving three distinct regimes (DT regime at temperatures below 800 °C, DT/DRX inter-mode regime between 800 and 950 °C and DRX regime for temperatures above 950 °C for VN steel); (3) promotion of softening mechanisms as evidence by low critical strains (ɛ_{{{c} {DT}}} was within the range 0.08-0.12, while for finishing-only pass, the ɛ_{{{c} {DT}}} was in the range of 0.11-0.14 at \\dot{ɛ } = 0.1 s-1); (4) for roughing and finishing schedules, DT was verified to occur at temperatures 117 and 133 °C above Ae3 for VN steel and Nb-Ti steel, respectively, compared to the F-only schedules which showed that DT can only occur at temperatures below the Ae3; (5) RF schedules promoted uniform microstructural morphologies compared to inhomogeneous microstructures realized in F-only schedules.

Elastic limit and microplastic response of hardened steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zaccone, M. A.; Krauss, G.

1993-10-01

Tempered martensite-retained austenite microstructures were produced by direct quenching a series of 41XX medium carbon steels, direct quenching and reheating a series of five 0.8C-Cr- Ni-Mo steels and intercritically austenitizing at various temperatures, and quenching a SAE 52100 steel. All specimens were tempered either at 150 °C or at 200 °C. Specimens were subjected to compression and tension testing in the microstrain regime to determine the elastic limits and microplastic response of the microstructures. The retained austenite and matrix carbon content of the intercritically austenized specimens were measured by X-ray diffraction and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The elastic limit of the microstructures decreases with increasing amounts of retained austenite. Refining of the austenite distribution increases the elastic limit. Low elastic limits are mainly due to low flow stresses in the austenite and not internal stresses. The elastic limit correlates with the largest austenite free-mean path by a Hall-Petch type equation. The elastic limit increases with decreasing intercritical austenitizing temperature in the SAE 52100 due to (1) a lower carbon content in the matrix reducing the retained austenite levels and (2) retained carbides that refine grain size and, therefore, the austenite distribution in quenched specimens. The microplastic response of stable austenite-martensite composites may be modeled by a rule of mixtures. In the microplastic region, the strain is accommodated by successively smaller austenite regions until the flow strength matches that of the martensite. Reheating and quenching refines the microstructure and renders the austenite unstable in the microplastic regime, causing transformation of the austenite to martensite by a strain-induced mechanism. The transformation of austenite to martensite occurs by a stress-assisted mechanism in medium carbon steels. The low elastic limits in medium carbon steels were due to the inability of the strain from the stress-assisted transformation of austenite to martensite to balance the plastic strain accumulated in the austenite.

Determination of grain size distribution function using two-dimensional Fourier transforms of tone pulse encoded images

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Generazio, E. R.

1986-01-01

Microstructural images may be tone pulse encoded and subsequently Fourier transformed to determine the two-dimensional density of frequency components. A theory is developed relating the density of frequency components to the density of length components. The density of length components corresponds directly to the actual grain size distribution function from which the mean grain shape, size, and orientation can be obtained.

High Yield Strength Cast Steel With Improved Weldability

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-05-01

Transformation ( CCT ) diagram presented in Figure 25. It is clear that these low carbon steels generally will produce martensite and~or bainite over a very wide...microstructure. The CCT diagram developed from the Gleeble evaluations appears to indicate a martensite start (MJ temperature of approximately 800° F...Regardless of the exact identity of the transformation products, the CCT diagram contains the features desired for the experimental alloy system

Phase-field modeling of the beta to omega phase transformation in Zr–Nb alloys

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

Yeddu, Hemantha Kumar; Lookman, Turab

A three-dimensional elastoplastic phase-field model is developed, using the Finite Element Method (FEM), for modeling the athermal beta to omega phase transformation in Zr–Nb alloys by including plastic deformation and strain hardening of the material. The microstructure evolution during athermal transformation as well as under different stress states, e.g. uni-axial tensile and compressive, bi-axial tensile and compressive, shear and tri-axial loadings, is studied. The effects of plasticity, stress states and the stress loading direction on the microstructure evolution as well as on the mechanical properties are studied. The input data corresponding to a Zr – 8 at.% Nb alloy aremore » acquired from experimental studies as well as by using the CALPHAD method. Our simulations show that the four different omega variants grow as ellipsoidal shaped particles. Our results show that due to stress relaxation, the athermal phase transformation occurs slightly more readily in the presence of plasticity compared to that in its absence. The evolution of omega phase is different under different stress states, which leads to the differences in the mechanical properties of the material. The variant selection mechanism, i.e. formation of different variants under different stress loading directions, is also nicely captured by our model.« less

Phase transformation during surface ablation of cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide with pulsed UV laser

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, T.; Lou, Q.; Dong, J.; Wei, Y.; Liu, J.

Surface ablation of cobalt-cemented tungsten carbide hard metal has been carried out in this work using a 308 nm, 20 ns XeCl excimer laser. Surface microphotography and XRD, as well as an electron probe have been used to investigate the transformation of phase and microstructure as a function of the pulse-number of laser shots at a laser fluence of 2.5 J/cm2. The experimental results show that the microstructure of cemented tungsten carbide is transformed from the original polygonal grains of size 3 μm to interlaced large, long grains with an increase in the number of laser shots up to 300, and finally to gross grains of size 10 μm with clear grain boundaries after 700 shots of laser irradiation. The crystalline structure of the irradiated area is partly transformed from the original WC to βWC1-x, then to αW2C and CW3, and finally to W crystal. It is suggested that the undulating `hill-valley' morphology may be the result of selective removal of cobalt binder from the surface layer of the hard metal. The formation of non-stoichiometric tungsten carbide may result from the escape of elemental carbon due to accumulated heating of the surface by pulsed laser irradiation.

TiO2/bone composite materials for the separation of heavy metal impurities from waste water solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dakroury, G.; Labib, Sh.; Abou El-Nour, F. H.

2012-09-01

Pure bone material obtained from cow meat, as apatite-rich material, and TiO2-bone composite materials are prepared and studied to be used for heavy metal ions separation from waste water solutions. Meat wastes are chemically and thermally treated to control their microstructure in order to prepare the composite materials that fulfill all the requirements to be used as selective membranes with high performance, stability and mechanical strength. The prepared materials are analyzed using Hg-porosimetry for surface characterization, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDAX) for elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) for chemical composition investigation. Structural studies are performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Microstructural properties are studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and specific surface area studies are performed using Brunauer-Emmet-Teller (BET) method. XRD studies show that multiphase structures are obtained as a result of 1h sintering at 700-1200 °C for both pure bone and TiO2-bone composite materials. The factors affecting the transport of different heavy metal ions through the selected membranes are determined from permeation flux measurements. It is found that membrane pore size, membrane surface roughness and membrane surface charge are the key parameters that control the transport or rejection of heavy metal ions through the selected membranes.

Thermohydrogen processing (THP) of titanium alloy and titanium-aluminum alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qazi, Javaid Iqbal

The microstructures, phases and phase transformations occurring in cast and Hot Isostatic Pressed (HIP'd) Ti-6Al-4V-H and the blended elemental (BE) TiAl-H systems were investigated. In this work, the existing Ti-6Al-4V-H phase diagram was revised and the time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagrams for beta-phase (isothermal) and martensite (quench plus aging) decomposition were determined at different hydrogen concentrations. Alloying with hydrogen decreases the nose temperatures for the start of both the beta/martensite decompositions in a linear fashion and increases the nose times for both of these in a non-linear fashion. During aging at temperatures below the beta transus temperature, the martensite decomposes into alpha+betaM (metastable beta) and on quenching, from the aging temperature, the betaM transforms to martensite + beta R (residual beta) with the amount of latter increasing with increasing hydrogen content. Microstructures varying from alpha-lamellar laths to fine equiaxed alpha-grains were produced in the Ti-6Al-4V alloy, by using different thermohydrogen processing (THP) treatments. A microstructure consisting of mixed equiaxed and elongated alpha-grains were only produced in samples containing 30at.%H after the complete decomposition of the beta/martensite below a critical temperature (Tc), followed by dehydrogenation. A mixture consisting of partially equiaxed alpha-grains thus produced by THP, increased the tensile strength from 841MPa (starting Ti-6Al-4V) to 965MPa after THP and also increased the % elongation from 7.5% to 10.5%. In addition to other THP parameters, the final microstructure also depends on the starting microstructure and recommendations are made for future work in this regard. Initial results of temperature cycling treatments, which involved heat treating of Ti-6Al-4V samples containing 30at.%H at 680°C for 5 minutes followed by water quenching and repetition of the same treatment for 10 cycles, did not show a decrease in the average prior beta grain size; recommendations have been made for future work in this area. Fully dense hydrogenated nano-crystalline TiAl compacts were produced from BE powders. HIP'ing of the mechanically alloyed hydrogenated powders at 850°C resulted in a homogenous microstructure, whereas prior powder particle boundaries were visible in the samples produced from non-hydrogenated powders. The hydrogen was removed by vacuum annealing resulting in nano-size gamma-TiAl.

Embrittlement and Flow Localization in Reactor Structural Materials

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

Xianglin Wu; Xiao Pan; James Stubbins

2006-10-06

Many reactor components and structural members are made from metal alloys due, in large part, to their strength and ability to resist brittle fracture by plastic deformation. However, brittle fracture can occur when structural material cannot undergo extensive, or even limited, plastic deformation due to irradiation exposure. Certain irradiation conditions lead to the development of a damage microstructure where plastic flow is limited to very small volumes or regions of material, as opposed to the general plastic flow in unexposed materials. This process is referred to as flow localization or plastic instability. The true stress at the onset of neckingmore » is a constant regardless of the irradiation level. It is called 'critical stress' and this critical stress has strong temperature dependence. Interrupted tensile testes of 316L SS have been performed to investigate the microstructure evolution and competing mechanism between mechanic twinning and planar slip which are believed to be the controlling mechanism for flow localization. Deformation twinning is the major contribution of strain hardening and good ductility for low temperatures, and the activation of twinning system is determined by the critical twinning stress. Phases transform and texture analyses are also discussed in this study. Finite element analysis is carried out to complement the microstructural analysis and for the prediction of materaials performance with and without stress concentration and irradiation.« less

Effects of Thermomechanical History on the Tensile Behavior of Nitinol Ribbon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lach, Cynthia L.; Turner, Travis L.; Taminger, Karen M.; Shenoy, Ravi N.

2002-01-01

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) have enormous potential for a wide variety of applications. A large body of work exists on the characterization of the microstructure and stress-strain behavior of these alloys, Nitinol (NiTi) in particular. However, many attributes of these materials are yet to be fully understood. Previous work at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC) has included fabrication of hybrid composite specimens with embedded Nitinol actuators and modeling of their thermomechanical behavior. An intensive characterization effort has been undertaken to facilitate fundamental understanding of this alloy and to promote implementation of Nitinol in aerospace applications. Previous work revealed attributes of the Nitinol ribbon that were not easily rationalized with existing data in the literature. In particular, tensile behavior at ambient temperature showed significant dependence on the thermomechanical history prior to testing. The present work is focused on characterizing differences in the microstructure of Nitinol ribbons exposed to four different thermomechanical histories and correlation of the microstructure with tensile properties. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis were employed to rationalize the microstructures present after exposure to various thermomechanical histories. Three of the Nitinol ribbon conditions were reversible upon heating (in the DSC) through the reverse transformation temperature (A(sub f) to transform the microstructure to austenite. However, the prior thermomechanical conditioning for the Nitinol ribbon that reflected the entire fabrication procedure (4% thermal cycle condition) was found to have an irreversible effect on the microstructure, as it remained unchanged after repeated complete thermal cycles. Tensile tests were conducted to determine the effect of prior thermomechancal conditioning on both the tensile behavior of the Nitinol ribbons and the stress state of the microstructure. The stress-strain behavior of the Nitinol actuators appears to be governed by the interplay between two major variables: namely, microstructural constituents such as the R-phase and the martensite; and the stress state of these constituents (whether twinned with low residual stresses, or detwinned with high residual stresses). The most significant difference in the stress-strain behavior of the four conditions, the critical stress required to achieve an initial stress plateau, was found to depend on both the amount and stress state (twinned or detwinned) of R-phase present in the initial microstructure. Thus, the effect of prior thermomechanical processing is critical to the resulting tensile behavior of the Nitinol actuator. For numerical modeling inputs one must take into account the entire fabrication process on the Nitinol actuator.

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

A new insight into high-strength Ti62Nb12.2Fe13.6Co6.4Al5.8 alloys with bimodal microstructure fabricated by semi-solid sintering

PubMed Central

Liu, L. H.; Yang, C.; Kang, L. M.; Qu, S. G.; Li, X. Q.; Zhang, W. W.; Chen, W. P.; Li, Y. Y.; Li, P. J.; Zhang, L. C.

2016-01-01

It is well known that semi-solid forming could only obtain coarse-grained microstructure in a few alloy systems with a low melting point, such as aluminum and magnesium alloys. This work presents that semi-solid forming could also produce novel bimodal microstructure composed of nanostructured matrix and micro-sized (CoFe)Ti2 twins in a titanium alloy, Ti62Nb12.2Fe13.6Co6.4Al5.8. The semi-solid sintering induced by eutectic transformation to form a bimodal microstructure in Ti62Nb12.2Fe13.6Co6.4Al5.8 alloy is a fundamentally different approach from other known methods. The fabricated alloy exhibits high yield strength of 1790 MPa and plastic strain of 15.5%. The novel idea provides a new insight into obtaining nano-grain or bimodal microstructure in alloy systems with high melting point by semi-solid forming and into fabricating high-performance metallic alloys in structural applications. PMID:27029858

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.

Friction behavior of a microstructured polymer surface inspired by snake skin.

PubMed

Baum, Martina J; Heepe, Lars; Gorb, Stanislav N

2014-01-01

The aim of this study was to understand the influence of microstructures found on ventral scales of the biological model, Lampropeltis getula californiae, the California King Snake, on the friction behavior. For this purpose, we compared snake-inspired anisotropic microstructured surfaces to other microstructured surfaces with isotropic and anisotropic geometry. To exclude that the friction measurements were influenced by physico-chemical variations, all friction measurements were performed on the same epoxy polymer. For frictional measurements a microtribometer was used. Original data were processed by fast Fourier transformation (FFT) with a zero frequency related to the average friction and other peaks resulting from periodic stick-slip behavior. The data showed that the specific ventral surface ornamentation of snakes does not only reduce the frictional coefficient and generate anisotropic frictional properties, but also reduces stick-slip vibrations during sliding, which might be an adaptation to reduce wear. Based on this extensive comparative study of different microstructured polymer samples, it was experimentally demonstrated that the friction-induced stick-slip behavior does not solely depend on the frictional coefficient of the contact pair.

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.

Yb-fibre Laser Welding of 6 mm Duplex Stainless Steel 2205

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bolut, M.; Kong, C. Y.; Blackburn, J.; Cashell, K. A.; Hobson, P. R.

Duplex stainless steel (DSS) is one of the materials of choice for structural and nuclear applications, having high strength and good corrosion resistance when compared with other grades of stainless steel. The welding process used to join these materials is critical as transformation of the microstructure during welding directly affects the material properties. High power laser welding has recently seen an increase in research interest as it offers both speed and flexibility. This paper presents an investigation into the important parameters affecting laser welding of DSS grade 2205, with particular focus given to the critical issue of phase transformation during welding. Bead-on-plate melt-run trials without filler material were performed on 6mm thick plates using a 5 kW Yb-fibre laser. The laser beam was characterized and a Design of Experiment approach was used to quantify the impact of the process parameters. Optical metallographic methods were used to examine the resulting microstructures.

Titanium Dioxide Coating Prepared by Use of a Suspension-Solution Plasma-Spray Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Du, Lingzhong; Coyle, Thomas W.; Chien, Ken; Pershin, Larry; Li, Tiegang; Golozar, Mehdi

2015-08-01

Titanium dioxide coatings were prepared from titanium isopropoxide solution containing nano TiO2 particles by use of a plasma-spray process. The effects of stand-off distance on coating composition and microstructure were investigated and compared with those for pure solution precursor and a water-based suspension of TiO2. The results showed that the anatase content of the coating increased with increasing stand-off distance and the rate of deposition decreased with increasing spray distance. Anatase nanoparticles in solution were incorporated into the coatings without phase transformation whereas most of the TiO2 in the precursor solution was transformed into rutile. The microstructure of preserved anatase particles bound by rutile improved the efficiency of deposition of the coating. The amount of anatase phase can be adjusted by variation of the ratio of solution to added anatase TiO2 nanoparticles.

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

Chang, L. L.; Wang, Y. D.; Ren, Y.

Microstructure evolution, mechanical behaviors of cold rolled Ti-Nb alloys with different Nb contents subjected to different heat treatments were investigated. Here, optical microstructure and phase compositions of Ti-Nb alloys were characterized using optical microscopy and X-ray diffractometre, while mechanical behaviors of Ti-Nb alloys were examined by using tension tests. Stress-induced martensitic transformation in a Ti-30. at%Nb binary alloy was in-situ explored by synchrotron-based high-energy X-ray diffraction (HE-XRD). The results obtained suggested that mechanical behavior of Ti-Nb alloys, especially Young's modulus was directly dependent on chemical compositions and heat treatment process. According to the results of HE-XRD, α"-V1 martensite generated priormore » to the formation of α"-V2 during loading and a partial reversible transformation from α"-V1 to β phase was detected while α"-V2 tranformed to β completely during unloading.« less

Influence of Temperature on Fatigue-Induced Martensitic Phase Transformation in a Metastable CrMnNi-Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biermann, Horst; Glage, Alexander; Droste, Matthias

2016-01-01

Metastable austenitic steels can exhibit a fatigue-induced martensitic phase transformation during cyclic loading. It is generally agreed that a certain strain amplitude and a threshold of the cumulated plastic strain must be exceeded to trigger martensitic phase transformation under cyclic loading. With respect to monotonic loading, the martensitic phase transformation takes place up to a critical temperature—the so-called M d temperature. The goal of the present investigation is to determine an M d,c temperature which would be the highest temperature at which a fatigue-induced martensitic phase transformation can take place. For this purpose, fatigue tests controlled by the total strain were performed at different temperatures. The material investigated was a high-alloy metastable austenitic steel X3CrMnNi16.7.7 (16.3Cr-7.2Mn-6.6Ni-0.03C-0.09N-1.0Si) produced using the hot pressing technique. The temperatures were set in the range of 283 K (10 °C) ≤ T ≤ 473 K (200 °C). Depending on the temperature and strain amplitude, the onset of the martensitic phase transformation shifted to different values of the cumulated plastic strain, or was inhibited completely. Moreover, it is known that metastable austenitic CrMnNi steels with higher nickel contents can exhibit the deformation-induced twinning effect. Thus, at higher temperatures and strain amplitudes, a transition from the deformation-induced martensitic transformation to deformation-induced twinning takes place. The fatigue-induced martensitic phase transformation was monitored during cyclic loading using a ferrite sensor. The microstructure after the fatigue tests was examined using the back-scattered electrons, the electron channeling contrast imaging and the electron backscatter diffraction techniques to study the temperature-dependent dislocation structures and phase transformations.

Thermomechanical processing of microalloyed powder forged steels and a cast vanadium steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dogan, B.; Davies, T. J.

1985-09-01

The effects of controlled rolling on transformation behavior of two powder forged (P/F) microalloyed vanadium steels and a cast microalloyed vanadium steel were investigated. Rolling was carried out in the austenitic range below the recrystallization temperature. Equiaxed grain structures were produced in specimens subjected to different reductions and different cooling rates. The ferrite grain size decreased with increasing deformation and cooling rate. Ferrite nucleated on second phase particles, deformation bands, and on elongated prior austenite grain boundaries; consequently a high fractional ferrite refinement was achieved. Deformation raised the ferrite transformation start temperature while the time to transformation from the roll finish temperature decreased. Cooling rates in the cast steel were higher than in P/F steels for all four cooling media used, and the transformation start temperatures of cast steels were lower than that of P/F steel. Intragranular ferrite nucleation, which played a vital role in grain refinement, increased with cooling rate. Fully bainitic microstructures were formed at higher cooling rates in the cast steel. In the P/F steels inclusions and incompletely closed pores served as sites for ferrite nucleation, often forming a ‘secondary’ ferrite. The rolling schedule reduced the size of large pores and particle surface inclusions and removed interconnected porosity in the P/F steels.

Long-term stability and properties of zirconia ceramics for heavy duty diesel engine components

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Larsen, D. C.; Adams, J. W.

1985-01-01

Physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of commercially available transformation-toughened zirconia are measured. Behavior is related to the material microstructure and phase assemblage. The stability of the materials is assessed after long-term exposure appropriate for diesel engine application. Properties measured included flexure strength, elastic modulus, fracture toughness, creep, thermal shock, thermal expansion, internal friction, and thermal diffusivity. Stability is assessed by measuring the residual property after 1000 hr/1000C static exposure. Additionally static fatigue and thermal fatigue testing is performed. Both yttria-stabilized and magnesia-stabilized materials are compared and contrasted. The major limitations of these materials are short term loss of properties with increasing temperature as the metastable tetragonal phase becomes more stable. Fine grain yttria-stabilized material (TZP) is higher strength and has a more stable microstructure with respect to overaging phenomena. The long-term limitation of Y-TZP is excessive creep deformation. Magnesia-stabilized PSZ has relatively poor stability at elevated temperature. Overaging, decomposition, and/or destabilization effects are observed. The major limitation of Mg-PSZ is controlling unwanted phase changes at elevated temperature.

Synthesis of Hierarchical Nanoporous Microstructures via the Kirkendall Effect in Chemical Reduction Process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Ling; Pang, Chao; He, Dafang; Shen, Liming; Gupta, Arunava; Bao, Ningzhong

2015-11-01

A series of novel hierarchical nanoporous microstructures have been synthesized through one-step chemical reduction of micron size Cu2O and Co3O4 particles. By controlling the reduction time, non-porous Cu2O microcubes sequentially transform to nanoporous Cu/Cu2O/Cu dented cubic composites and hollow eightling-like Cu microparticles. The mechanism involved in the complex structural evolution is explained based on oxygen diffusion and Kirkendall effect. The nanoporous Cu/Cu2O/Cu dented cubic composites exhibit superior electrochemical performance as compared to solid Cu2O microcubes. The reduction of nonporous Co3O4 also exhibits a uniform sequential reduction process from nonporous Co3O4 to porous Co3O4/CoO composites, porous CoO, porous CoO/Co composites, and porous foam-like Co particles. Nanoscale channels originate from the particle surface and eventually develop inside the entire product, resulting in porous foam-like Co microparticles. The Kirkendall effect is believed to facilitate the formation of porous structures in both processes.

Effects of load and thermal histories on mechanical behavior of materials; Proceedings of the Symposium, Denver, CO, Feb. 25, 26, 1987

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

Liaw, P.K.; Nicholas, T.

This volume includes topics on fatigue crack propagation; isothermal and thermal-mechanical fatigue; and microstructure, fracture, and damage. Papers are presented on transients in fatigue crack growth, elevated-temperature fatigue crack propagation, the role of crack closure in crack retardation in P/M and I/M aluminum alloys, the acoustic interrogation of fatigue overload effects, and the effects of frequency and environment on crack growth in Inconel 718. Special attention is given to isothermal fatigue failure mechanisms in low-tin lead-based solder, the stress and strain controlled low-cycle fatigue of Pb-Sn solder for electronic packaging applications, load sequence effects on the deformation of isolated microplasticmore » grains, and thermal fatigue of stainless steel. Other papers are on the influence of thermal aging on the creep crack growth behavior of a Cr-Mo steel, the effect of cyclic loading on the fracture toughness of a modified 4340 steel, and the effects of hot rolling condition and boron microalloying on phase transformation and microstructure in niobium-bearing interstitial free steel.« less

Oxygen deficiency induced deterioration in microstructure and magnetic properties at Y{sub 3}Fe{sub 5}O{sub 12}/Pt interface

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

Song, Dongsheng; Zhu, Jing, E-mail: jzhu@mail.tsinghua.edu.cn; Ma, Li

2015-07-27

Transport efficiency of pure spin current across the ferromagnetic films adjacent with a nonmagnetic metal is strongly dependent on the spin mixing conductance, which is very sensitive to atomic-level interface conditions. Here, by the means of advanced electron microscopy techniques, atomic structure, electronic structure, and magnetic properties at Y{sub 3}Fe{sub 5}O{sub 12} (YIG)/Pt interface are detailed characterized to correlate the microstructure and magnetic properties with interfacial transport properties. It is found that the order-disorder structure transformation at the interface is accompanied with oxygen deficiency, thus the reduced iron valence and the break of magnetic atom-O-magnetic atom bridges, which is responsiblemore » for superexchange interaction and magnetic order. It is also found that the magnetic moment of interfacial iron ions is decreased. The disorder interfacial layer with suppressed magnetism finally contributes to the declined spin transport efficiency. Our results provide the knowledge to control and manipulate the interfacial structure and properties in order to obtain higher spin transport efficiency.« less

High-pressure deformation of calcite marble and its transformation to aragonite under non-hydrostatic conditions

USGS Publications Warehouse

Hacker, B.R.; Kirby, S.H.

1993-01-01

We conducted deformation experiments on Carrara marble in the aragonite and calcite stability fields to observe the synkinematic transformation of calcite to aragonite, and to identify any relationships between transformation and deformation or sample strength. Deformation-induced microstructures in calcite crystals varied most significantly with temperature, ranging from limited slip and twinning at 400??C, limited recrystallization at 500??C, widespread recrystallization at 600 and 700??C, to grain growth at 800-900??C. Variations in confining pressure from 0.3 to 2.0 GPa have no apparent effect on calcite deformation microstructures. Aragonite grew in 10-6-10-7 s-1strain rate tests conducted for 18-524 h at confining pressures of 1.7-2.0 GPa and temperatures of 500-600??C. As in our previously reported hydrostatic experiments on this same transformation, the aragonite nucleated on calcite grain boundaries. The extent of transformation varied from a few percent conversion near pistons at 400??C, 2.0 GPa and 10-4 s-1 strain rate in a 0.8 h long experiment, to 98% transformation in a 21-day test at a strain rate of 10-7 s-7, a temperature of 600??C and a pressure of 2.0 GPa. At 500??C, porphyroblastic 100-200 ??m aragonite crystals grew at a rate faster than 8 ?? 10-1m s-1. At 600??C, the growth of aragonite neoblasts was slower, ???6 ?? 10-1 m s -1, and formed 'glove-and-finger' cellularprecipitation-like textures identical to those observed in hydrostatic experiments. The transformation to aragonite is not accompanied by a shear instability or anisotropic aragonite growth, consistent with its relatively small volume change and latent heat in comparison with compounds that do display those features. ?? 1993.

Grain boundary engineering to control the discontinuous precipitation in multicomponent U10Mo alloy

DOE PAGES

Devaraj, Arun; Kovarik, Libor; Kautz, Elizabeth; ...

2018-03-30

Here, we demonstrate here that locally stabilized structure and compositional segregation at grain boundaries in a complex multicomponent alloy can be modified using high temperature homogenization treatment to influence the kinetics of phase transformations initiating from grain boundaries during subsequent low temperature annealing. Using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography of a model multicomponent metallic alloy —uranium-10 wt% molybdenum (U-10Mo) a nuclear fuel, that is highly relevant to worldwide nuclear non-proliferation efforts, we demonstrate the ability to change the structure and compositional segregation at grain boundary, which then controls the subsequent discontinuous precipitation kinetics during sub-eutectoid annealing.more » A change in grain boundary from one characterized by segregation of Mo and impurities at grain boundary to a phase boundary with a distinct U 2MoSi 2C wetting phase precipitates introducing Ni and Al rich interphase complexions caused a pronounced reduction in area fraction of subsequent discontinuous precipitation. The broader implication of this work is in highlighting the role of grain boundary structure and composition in metallic alloys on dictating the fate of grain boundary initiated phase transformations like discontinuous precipitation or cellular transformation. This work highlights a new pathway to tune the grain boundary structure and composition to tailor the final microstructure of multicomponent metallic alloys.« less

Grain boundary engineering to control the discontinuous precipitation in multicomponent U10Mo alloy

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

Devaraj, Arun; Kovarik, Libor; Kautz, Elizabeth

Here, we demonstrate here that locally stabilized structure and compositional segregation at grain boundaries in a complex multicomponent alloy can be modified using high temperature homogenization treatment to influence the kinetics of phase transformations initiating from grain boundaries during subsequent low temperature annealing. Using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography of a model multicomponent metallic alloy —uranium-10 wt% molybdenum (U-10Mo) a nuclear fuel, that is highly relevant to worldwide nuclear non-proliferation efforts, we demonstrate the ability to change the structure and compositional segregation at grain boundary, which then controls the subsequent discontinuous precipitation kinetics during sub-eutectoid annealing.more » A change in grain boundary from one characterized by segregation of Mo and impurities at grain boundary to a phase boundary with a distinct U 2MoSi 2C wetting phase precipitates introducing Ni and Al rich interphase complexions caused a pronounced reduction in area fraction of subsequent discontinuous precipitation. The broader implication of this work is in highlighting the role of grain boundary structure and composition in metallic alloys on dictating the fate of grain boundary initiated phase transformations like discontinuous precipitation or cellular transformation. This work highlights a new pathway to tune the grain boundary structure and composition to tailor the final microstructure of multicomponent metallic alloys.« less

The relevance of grain dissection for grain size reduction in polar ice: insights from numerical models and ice core microstructure analysis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

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

2017-09-01

The flow of ice depends on the properties of the aggregate of individual ice crystals, such as grain size or lattice orientation distributions. Therefore, an understanding of the processes controlling ice micro-dynamics is needed to ultimately develop a physically based macroscopic ice flow law. We investigated the relevance of the process of grain dissection as a grain-size-modifying process in natural ice. For that purpose, we performed numerical multi-process microstructure modelling and analysed microstructure and crystallographic orientation maps from natural deep ice-core samples from the North Greenland Eemian Ice Drilling (NEEM) project. Full crystallographic orientations measured by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) have been used together with c-axis orientations using an optical technique (Fabric Analyser). Grain dissection is a feature of strain-induced grain boundary migration. During grain dissection, grain boundaries bulge into a neighbouring grain in an area of high dislocation energy and merge with the opposite grain boundary. This splits the high dislocation-energy grain into two parts, effectively decreasing the local grain size. Currently, grain size reduction in ice is thought to be achieved by either the progressive transformation from dislocation walls into new high-angle grain boundaries, called subgrain rotation or polygonisation, or bulging nucleation that is assisted by subgrain rotation. Both our time-resolved numerical modelling and NEEM ice core samples show that grain dissection is a common mechanism during ice deformation and can provide an efficient process to reduce grain sizes and counter-act dynamic grain-growth in addition to polygonisation or bulging nucleation. Thus, our results show that solely strain-induced boundary migration, in absence of subgrain rotation, can reduce grain sizes in polar ice, in particular if strain energy gradients are high. We describe the microstructural characteristics that can be used to identify grain dissection in natural microstructures.

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

Microstructural stability of fine-grained fully lamellar XD TiAl alloys by step aging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Hanliang; Maruyama, K.; Seo, D. Y.; Au, P.

2005-05-01

XD TiAl alloys (Ti-45 and 47Al-2Nb-2Mn+0.8 vol pct TiB2) (at. pct) were oil quenched to produce fine-grained fully lamellar (FGFL) structures, and aging treatments at different temperatures for different durations were carried out to stabilize the FGFL structures. Microstructural examinations show that the aging treatments cause phase transformation of α 2 to γ, resulting in stabilization of the lamellar structure, as indicated by a significant decrease in α 2 volume fraction. However, several degradation processes are also introduced. After aging, within lamellar colonies, the α 2 lamellae become finer due to dissolution, whereas most of the γ lamellae coarsen. The dissolution of α 2 involves longitudinal dissolution and lateral dissolution. In addition, at lamellar colony boundaries, lamellar termination migration, nucleation and growth of γ grains, and discontinuous coarsening occur. With the exception of longitudinal dissolution, all the other transformation modes are considered as degradation processes as they result in a reduction in α 2/ γ interfaces. Different phase transformation modes are present to varying degrees in the aged FGFL structures, depending on aging conditions and Al content. A multiple step aging reduces the drive force for phase transformation at high temperature by promoting phase transformation via longitudinal dissolution at low temperatures. As a result, this aging procedure effectively stabilizes the lamellar structure and suppresses other degradation processes. Therefore, the multiple step aging is suggested to be an optimal aging condition for stabilizing FGFL XD TiAl alloys.

Development and Technology of Large Thickness TMCP Steel Plate with 390MPA Grade Used for Engineering Machinery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Xiaoshu; Zhang, Zhijun; Zhang, Peng

Recently, with the rapid upgrading of the equipment in the steel Corp, the rolling technology of TMCP has been rapidly developed and widely applied. A large amount of steel plate has been produced by using the TMCP technology. The TMCP processes have been used more and more widely and replaced the heat treatment technology of normalizing, quenching and tempering heat process. In this paper, low financial input is considered in steel plate production and the composition of the steel has been designed with low C component, a limited alloy element of the Nb, and certain amounts of Mn element. During the continuous casting process, the size of the continuous casting slab section is 300 mm × 2400 mm. The rolling technology of TMCP is controlled at a lower rolling and red temperature to control the transformation of the microstructure. Four different rolling treatments are chosen to test its effects on the 390MPa grade low carbon steel of bainitic microstructure and properties. This test manages to produce a proper steel plate fulfilling the standard mechanical properties. Specifically, low carbon bainite is observed in the microstructure of the steel plate and the maximum thickness of steel plate under this TMCP technology is up to 80mm. The mechanical property of the steel plate is excellent and the KV2 at -40 °C performs more than 200 J. Moreover, the production costs are greatly reduced when the steel plate is produced by this TMCP technology when replacing the current production process of quenching and tempering. The low cost steel plate could well meet the requirements of producing engineering machinery in the steel market.

Corrosion-induced microstructural developments in 316 stainless steel during exposure to molten Li2BeF4(FLiBe) salt

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zheng, Guiqiu; He, Lingfeng; Carpenter, David; Sridharan, Kumar

2016-12-01

The microstructural developments in the near-surface regions of AISI 316 stainless steel during exposure to molten Li2BeF4 (FLiBe) salt have been investigated with the goal of using this material for the construction of the fluoride salt-cooled high-temperature reactor (FHR), a leading nuclear reactor concept for the next generation nuclear plants (NGNP). Tests were conducted in molten FLiBe salt (melting point: 459 °C) at 700 °C in graphite crucibles and 316 stainless steel crucibles for exposure duration of up to 3000 h. Corrosion-induced microstructural changes in the near-surface regions of the samples were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in conjunction with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) with EDS capabilities. Intergranular corrosion attack in the near-surface regions was observed with associated Cr depletion along the grain boundaries. High-angle grain boundaries (15-180°) were particularly prone to intergranular attack and Cr depletion. The depth of attack extended to the depths of 22 μm after 3000-h exposure for the samples tested in graphite crucible, while similar exposure in 316 stainless steel crucible led to the attack depths of only about 11 μm. Testing in graphite crucibles led to the formation of nanometer-scale Mo2C, Cr7C3 and Al4C3 particle phases in the near-surface regions of the material. The copious depletion of Cr in the near-surface regions induced a γ-martensite to α-ferrite phase (FeNix) transformation. Based on the microstructural analysis, a thermal diffusion controlled corrosion model was developed and experimentally validated for predicting long-term corrosion attack depth.

Texture studies of hot compressed near alpha titanium alloy (IMI 834) at 1000°C with different strain rates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kodli, B. K.; Saxena, K. K.; Dey, S. R.; Pancholi, V.; Bhattacharjee, A.

2015-04-01

IMI 834 Titanium alloy is a near alpha (hcp) titanium alloy used for high temperature applications with the service temperature up to 600°C. Generally, this alloy is widely used in gas turbine engine applications such as low pressure compressor discs. For these applications, good fatigue and creep properties are required, which have been noticed better in a bimodal microstructure, containing 15-20% volume fraction of primary alpha grains (αp) and remaining bcc beta (β) grains transformed secondary alpha laths (αs). The bimodal microstructure is achieved during processing of IMI 834 in the high temperature α+β region. The major issue of bimodal IMI 834 during utilization is its poor dwell fatigue life time caused by textured macrozones. Textured macrozone is the spatial accumulation of similar oriented grains in the microstructure generated during hot processing in the high temperature α+β region. Textured macrozone can be mitigated by controlling the hot deformation with certain strain rate under stable plastic conditions having β grains undergoing dynamic recrystallization. Hence, a comprehensive study is required to understand the deformation behavior of α and β grains at different strain rates in that region. Hot compression tests up to 5°% strain of the samples are performed with five different strain rates i.e. 10-3 s-1, 10-2 s-1, 10-1 s-1, 1 s-1 and 10 s-1 at 1000°C using Gleeble 3800. The resultant bimodal microstructure and the texture studies of primary alpha grains (αp) and secondary alpha laths (αs) are carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-electron back scattered diffraction (EBSD) method.

Long-Term Effects of Temperature Exposure on SLM 304L Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amine, Tarak; Kriewall, Caitlin S.; Newkirk, Joseph W.

2018-03-01

Austenitic stainless steel is extensively used in industries that operate at elevated temperatures. This work investigates the high-temperature microstructure stability as well as elevated-temperature properties of 304L stainless steel fabricated using the selective laser melting (SLM) process. Significant microstructural changes were seen after a 400°C aging process for as little as 25 h. This dramatic change in microstructure would not be expected based on the ferrite decomposition studied in conventional 304L materials. The as-built additively manufactured alloy has much faster kinetic response to heat treatment at 400°C. An investigation of the structures which occur, the kinetics of the various transformations, and the mechanical properties is presented. The impact of this on the application of SLM 304L is discussed.

The Microstructure and Properties of Super Martensitic Stainless Steel Microalloyed with Tungsten and Copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Dong; Li, Jun; Liu, Yu-Rong; Yong, Qi-Long; Su, Jie; Cao, Jian-Chun; Tao, Jing-Mei; Zhao, Kun-Yu

2011-06-01

The microstructure and properties of super martensitic stainless steel (SMSS) microalloyed with tungsten and copper were studied by means of optical microscopy, dilatometer, X-ray diffraction, and tensile tests. The results showed that the microstructure of SMSS, after quenching and tempering, was a typical biphase structure with tempered martensite and reversed austenite dispersedly distributed in the martensite matrix. W and Cu were added into the SMSS to reduce the transformation temperature (Ms) and improve the strength and hardness of the matrix by grain refining and solid solution strengthening. Thermocalc calculations confirmed that M23C6 compound and Laves phase were precipitated during tempering in the investigated steel. Compared with the traditional SMSS, the steel microalloyed with W and Cu performed better mechanical properties.

Prediction of Microstructure in High-Strength Ductile Forging Parts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Urban, M.; Keul, C.; Back, A.; Bleck, W.; Hirt, G.

2010-06-01

Governmental, environmental and economic demands call for lighter, stiffer and at the same time cheaper products in the vehicle industry. Especially safety relevant parts have to be stiff and at the same time ductile. The strategy of this project was to improve the mechanical properties of forging steel alloys by employing a high-strength and ductile bainitic microstructure in the parts while maintaining cost effective process chains to reach these goals for high stressed forged parts. Therefore, a new steel alloy combined with an optimized process chain has been developed. To optimize the process chain with a minimum of expensive experiments, a numerical approach was developed to predict the microstructure of the steel alloy after the process chain based on FEM simulations of the forging and cooling combined with deformation-time-temperature-transformation-diagrams.

Microstructural Parameters in 8 MeV Electron-Irradiated BOMBYX MORI Silk Fibers by Wide-ANGLE X-Ray Scattering Studies (waxs)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sangappa, Asha, S.; Sanjeev, Ganesh; Subramanya, G.; Parameswara, P.; Somashekar, R.

2010-01-01

The present work looks into the microstructural modification in electron irradiated Bombyx mori P31 silk fibers. The irradiation process was performed in air at room temperature using 8 MeV electron accelerator at different doses: 0, 25, 50 and 100 kGy. Irradiation of polymer is used to cross-link or degrade the desired component or to fix the polymer morphology. The changes in microstructural parameters in these natural polymer fibers have been computed using wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) data and employing line profile analysis (LPA) using Fourier transform technique of Warren. Exponential, Lognormal and Reinhold functions for the column length distributions have been used for the determination of crystal size, lattice strain and enthalpy parameters.

A Smart Superwetting Surface with Responsivity in Both Surface Chemistry and Microstructure.

PubMed

Zhang, Dongjie; Cheng, Zhongjun; Kang, Hongjun; Yu, Jianxin; Liu, Yuyan; Jiang, Lei

2018-03-26

Recently, smart surfaces with switchable wettability have aroused much attention. However, only single surface chemistry or the microstructure can be changed on these surfaces, which significantly limits their wetting performances, controllability, and applications. A new surface with both tunable surface microstructure and chemistry was prepared by grafting poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) onto the pillar-structured shape memory polymer on which multiple wetting states from superhydrophilicity to superhydrophobicity can be reversibly and precisely controlled by synergistically regulating the surface microstructure and chemistry. Meanwhile, based on the excellent controllability, we also showed the application of the surface as a rewritable platform, and various gradient wettings can be obtained. This work presents for the first time a surface with controllability in both surface chemistry and microstructure, which starts some new ideas for the design of novel superwetting materials. © 2018 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Effect of microstructure on static and dynamic mechanical properties of high strength steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qu, Jinbo

The high speed deformation behavior of a commercially available dual phase (DP) steel was studied by means of split Hopkinson bar apparatus in shear punch (25m/s) and tension (1000s-1) modes with an emphasis on the influence of microstructure. The cold rolled sheet material was subjected to a variety of heat treatment conditions to produce several different microstructures, namely ferrite plus pearlite, ferrite plus bainite and/or acicular ferrite, ferrite plus bainite and martensite, and ferrite plus different fractions of martensite. Static properties (0.01mm/s for shear punch and 0.001s -1 for tension) of all the microstructures were also measured by an MTS hydraulic machine and compared to the dynamic properties. The effects of low temperature tempering and bake hardening were investigated for some ferrite plus martensite microstructures. In addition, two other materials, composition designed as high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel and transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel, were heat treated and tested to study the effect of alloy chemistry on the microstructure and property relationship. A strong effect of microstructure on both static and dynamic properties and on the relationship between static and dynamic properties was observed. According to the variation of dynamic factor with static strength, three groups of microstructures with three distinct behaviors were identified, i.e. classic dual phase (ferrite plus less than 50% martensite), martensite-matrix dual phase (ferrite plus more than 50% martensite), and non-dual phase (ferrite plus non-martensite). Under the same static strength level, the dual phase microstructure was found to absorb more dynamic energy than other microstructures. It was also observed that the general dependence of microstructure on static and dynamic property relationship was not strongly influenced by chemical composition, except the ferrite plus martensite microstructures generated by the TRIP chemistry, which exhibited much better dynamic factor values. This may suggest that solid solution strengthening should be more utilized in the design of crashworthy dual phase steels.

Microstructure-strength relations in a hardenable stainless steel with 16 pct Cr, 1.5 pct Mo, and 5 pct Ni

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grobner, P. J.; Blšs, V.

1984-07-01

Metallographic studies have been conducted on a 0.024 pct C-16 pct Cr-1.5 pct Mo-5 pct Ni stainless steel to study the phase reactions associated with heat treatments and investigate the strengthening mechanisms of the steel. In the normalized condition, air cooled from 1010 °C, the microstructure consists of 20 pct ferrite and 80 pct martensite. Tempering in a temperature range between 500 and 600 °C results in a gradual transformation of martensite to a fine mixture of ferrite and austenite. At higher tempering temperatures, between 600 and 800 °C, progressively larger quantities of austenite form and are converted during cooling to proportionally increasing amounts of fresh martensite. The amount of retained austenite in the microstructure is reduced to zero at 800 °C, and the microstructure contains 65 pct re-formed martensite and 35 pct total ferrite. Chromium rich M23C6 carbides precipitate in the single tempered microstructures. The principal strengthening is produced by the presence of martensite in the microstructure. Additional strengthening is provided by a second tempering treatment at 400 °C due to the precipitation of ultrafine (Cr, Mo) (C,N) particles in the ferrite.

Nonlinear optical microscopy and ultrasound imaging of human cervical structure

PubMed Central

Reusch, Lisa M.; Feltovich, Helen; Carlson, Lindsey C.; Hall, Gunnsteinn; Campagnola, Paul J.; Eliceiri, Kevin W.

2013-01-01

Abstract. The cervix softens and shortens as its collagen microstructure rearranges in preparation for birth, but premature change may lead to premature birth. The global preterm birth rate has not decreased despite decades of research, likely because cervical microstructure is poorly understood. Our group has developed a multilevel approach to evaluating the human cervix. We are developing quantitative ultrasound (QUS) techniques for noninvasive interrogation of cervical microstructure and corroborating those results with high-resolution images of microstructure from second harmonic generation imaging (SHG) microscopy. We obtain ultrasound measurements from hysterectomy specimens, prepare the tissue for SHG, and stitch together several hundred images to create a comprehensive view of large areas of cervix. The images are analyzed for collagen orientation and alignment with curvelet transform, and registered with QUS data, facilitating multiscale analysis in which the micron-scale SHG images and millimeter-scale ultrasound data interpretation inform each other. This novel combination of modalities allows comprehensive characterization of cervical microstructure in high resolution. Through a detailed comparative study, we demonstrate that SHG imaging both corroborates the quantitative ultrasound measurements and provides further insight. Ultimately, a comprehensive understanding of specific microstructural cervical change in pregnancy should lead to novel approaches to the prevention of preterm birth. PMID:23412434

Austenitizing Temperature Effects on the Martensitic Transformation, Microstructural Characteristics, and Mechanical Performance of Modified Ferritic Heat-Resistant Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhou, Xiaosheng; Liu, Yongchang; Liu, Chenxi; Yu, Liming; Li, Huijun

2018-06-01

The martensitic transformation, microstructural characteristics, and mechanical performance of modified ferritic heat-resistant steels under various austenitizing conditions were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, microstructural examination, and mechanical tests. When the austenitizing temperature was as high as 1200 °C, a considerable amount of δ-ferrite formed, and the austenite grain size was seen to decrease. Higher austenitizing temperatures were found to promote martensite formation, but retard martensite growth, and the lath width increased as the austenitizing temperature increased. After tempering, rod-like and granular M23C6 carbides appeared within the tempered martensite, the average size and composition of which were dependent on the austenitizing conditions. When the austenitizing temperature was 1050 °C, granular MX with sizes less than 6 nm were identified in the δ-ferrite, while for other austenitizing temperatures, plate MX was inside the δ-ferrite. At 1200 °C, the length of the plate MX was as high as 100 nm, and the number density of plate MX decreased. The steel austenitized at 1150 °C exhibited the best tensile performance. It was found that the presence of a large amount of δ-ferrite would initiate cracking, thereby impeding the tensile strength.

Kinetics and Equilibrium of Age-Induced Precipitation in Cu-4 At. Pct Ti Binary Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Semboshi, Satoshi; Amano, Shintaro; Fu, Jie; Iwase, Akihiro; Takasugi, Takayuki

2017-03-01

Transformation kinetics and phase equilibrium of metastable and stable precipitates in age-hardenable Cu-4 at. pct Ti binary alloy have been investigated by monitoring the microstructural evolution during isothermal aging at temperatures between 693 K (420 °C) and 973 K (700 °C). The microstructure of the supersaturated solid solution evolves in four stages: compositional modulation due to spinodal decomposition, continuous precipitation of the needle-shaped metastable β'-Cu4Ti with a tetragonal structure, discontinuous precipitation of cellular components containing stable β-Cu4Ti lamellae with an orthorhombic structure, and eventually precipitation saturation at equilibrium. In specimens aged below 923 K (650 °C), the stable β-Cu4Ti phase is produced only due to the cellular reaction, whereas it can be also directly obtained from the intergranular needle-shaped β'-Cu4Ti precipitates in specimens aged at 973 K (700 °C). The precipitation kinetics and phase equilibrium observed for the specimens aged between 693 K (420 °C) and 973 K (700 °C) were characterized in accordance with a time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagram and a Cu-Ti partial phase diagram, which were utilized to determine the alloy microstructure, strength, and electrical conductivity.

Phase Transformation of Andalusite-Mullite and Its Roles in the Microstructure and Sinterability of Refractory Ceramic

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Bowen; He, Mengsheng; Wang, Huaguang

2017-07-01

Andalusite has been realized as a special mineral for the production of refractory ceramics due to its unique property to automatically decompose into mullite and silica during heating at high temperature. The phase transformation from andalusite to mullite plays a critical role for the effective applications of andalusite. This study investigated the microstructural characteristics and sinterability of andalusite powder during high-temperature decomposition. The andalusite powder was bonded with kaolin and prepared as a cylinder green body at 20 MPa; it was then fired at 1423 K to 1723 K (1150 °C to 1450 °C). The microstructures and mechanical strengths of the sintered ceramics were studied by the compressive test, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that newly born mullite appeared as rodlike microcrystals and dispersed around the initial andalusite. At 1423 K (1150 °C), the mullitization of andalusite was started, but the complete mullitization was not found until firing at 1723 K (1450 °C). The compressive strength of the ceramics increased from 93.7 to 294.6 MPa while increasing the fire temperature from 1423 K to 1723 K (1150 °C to 1450 °C). Meanwhile, the bulk density of the ceramics was only slightly changed from 2.15 to 2.19 g/cm3.

Dry Sliding Wear Behavior and Subsurface Microstructure Evolution of Mg97Zn1Y2 Alloy in a Wide Sliding Speed Range

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

An, J.; Xuan, X. H.; Zhao, J.; Sun, W.; Liang, C.

2016-12-01

The wear properties of Mg97Zn1Y2 alloy were investigated using the pin-on-disk wear machine within a load range of 20-380 N and a sliding speed range of 0.2-4.0 m/s. Analysis of worn surfaces using scanning electron microscope and energy-dispersive x-ray spectrometer revealed that wear mechanisms including abrasion + oxidation, delamination accompanied by heavy surface oxidation and delamination operated in mild wear regime, while wear mechanisms such as severe plastic deformation, severe plastic deformation accompanied by spallation of oxidation layer and surface melting prevailed in severe wear regime. The microstructural evolution and hardness change in subsurfaces were examined by optical microscopy and hardness tester. The transformation of surface material from the deformed into dynamic recrystallization (DRX) microstructure was observed before and after mild-to-severe transition. The reason for mild-to-severe wear transition was identified as the transformation of strain hardening to DRX softening in subsurface. Mg97Zn1Y2 alloy has a superior mild-to-severe wear transition resistance to AZ alloys because of its higher recrystallization temperature. A novel model for evaluating the critical surface temperature of mild-to-severe wear transition was established using DRX kinetics.

Effect of Annealing Temperature on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Hot-Dip Galvanizing DP600 Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hai-yan, Sun; Zhi-li, Liu; Yang, Xu; Jian-qiang, Shi; Lian-xuan, Wang

Hot-dip galvanizing dual phase steel DP600 steel grade with low Si was produced by steel plant and experiments by simulating galvanizing thermal history. The microstructure was observed and analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of different annealing temperatures on the microstructure and mechanical properties of dual-phase steel was also discussed. The experimental results show that the dual-phase steel possesses excellent strength and elongation that match EN10346 600MPa standards. The microstructure is ferrite and martensite. TEM micrograph shows that white ferrite with black martensite islands inlay with a diameter of around 1um and the content of 14 18%. The volume will expand and phase changing take the form of shear transformation when ferrite converted to martensite. So there are high density dislocations in ferrite crystalline grain near martensite. The martensite content growing will be obvious along with annealing temperature going up. But the tendency will be weak when temperature high.

Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Behavior of a CMnSiAl TRIP Steel Subjected to Partial Austenitization Along with Quenching and Partitioning Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kong, H.; Chao, Q.; Cai, M. H.; Pavlina, E. J.; Rolfe, B.; Hodgson, P. D.; Beladi, H.

2018-02-01

The present study investigated the microstructure evolution and mechanical behavior in a low carbon CMnSiAl transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) steel, which was subjected to a partial austenitization at 1183 K (910 °C) followed by one-step quenching and partitioning (Q&P) treatment at different isothermal holding temperatures of [533 K to 593 K (260 °C to 320 °C)]. This thermal treatment led to the formation of a multi-phase microstructure consisting of ferrite, tempered martensite, bainitic ferrite, fresh martensite, and retained austenite, offering a superior work-hardening behavior compared with the dual-phase microstructure (i.e., ferrite and martensite) formed after partial austenitization followed by water quenching. The carbon enrichment in retained austenite was related to not only the carbon partitioning during the isothermal holding process, but also the carbon enrichment during the partial austenitization and rapid cooling processes, which has broadened our knowledge of carbon partitioning mechanism in conventional Q&P process.

Microstructural evolution of bainitic steel severely deformed by equal channel angular pressing.

PubMed

Nili-Ahmadabadi, M; Haji Akbari, F; Rad, F; Karimi, Z; Iranpour, M; Poorganji, B; Furuhara, T

2010-09-01

High Si bainitic steel has been received much of interest because of combined ultra high strength, good ductility along with high wear resistance. In this study a high Si bainitic steel (Fe-0.22C-2.0Si-3.0Mn) was used with a proper microstructure which could endure severe plastic deformation. In order to study the effect of severe plastic deformation on the microstructure and properties of bainitic steel, Equal Channel Angular Pressing was performed in two passes at room temperature. Optical, SEM and TEM microscopies were used to examine the microstructure of specimens before and after Equal Channel Angular Pressing processing. X-ray diffraction was used to measure retained austenite after austempering and Equal Channel Angular Pressing processing. It can be seen that retained austenite picks had removed after Equal Channel Angular Pressing which could attributed to the transformation of austenite to martensite during severe plastic deformation. Enhancement of hardness values by number of Equal Channel Angular Pressing confirms this idea.

Microstructural evolution of ion-irradiated sol–gel-derived thin films

DOE PAGES

Shojaee, S. A.; Qi, Y.; Wang, Y. Q.; ...

2017-07-17

In this paper, the effects of ion irradiation on the microstructural evolution of sol–gel-derived silica-based thin films were examined by combining the results from Fourier transform infrared, Raman, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering spectrometry, and elastic recoil detection. Variations in the chemical composition, density, and structure of the constituent phases and interfaces were studied, and the results were used to propose a microstructural model for the irradiated films. It was discovered that the microstructure of the films after ion irradiation and decomposition of the starting organic materials consisted of isolated hydrogenated amorphous carbon clusters within an amorphous and carbon-incorporatedmore » silica network. A decrease in the bond angle of Si–O–Si bonds in amorphous silica network along with an increase in the concentration of carbon-rich SiO x C y tetrahedra were the major structural changes caused by ion irradiation. Finally, in addition, hydrogen release from free carbon clusters was observed with increasing ion energy and fluence.« 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.

The Peculiarities of Structure Formation and Properties of Zirconia-Based Nanocomposites with Addition of Al2O3 and NiO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Danilenko, I.; Lasko, G.; Brykhanova, I.; Burkhovetski, V.; Ahkhozov, L.

2017-02-01

The present study is devoted to the problem of enhancing fracture toughness of ZrO2 ceramic materials through the formation of composite structure by addition of Al2O3 and NiO particles. In this paper, we analyzed the general and distinguished features of microstructure of both composite materials and its effect on fracture toughness of materials. In this paper, we used the XRD, SEM, and EDS methods for determination of granulometric, phase, and chemical composition of sintered materials. The peculiarities of dependence of fracture toughness values from dopant concentration and changing the Y3+ amount in zirconia grains allow us to assume that at least two mechanisms can affect the fracture toughness of ZrO2 ceramics. Crack bridging/deflection processes with the "transformation toughening" affect the K1C values depending on the dopant concentration. Crack deflection mechanism affects the K1C values when the dopant concentrations are low, and transformation toughening affects the K1C values when the dopant concentrations begin to have an impact on microstructure reorganization-redistribution of Y3+ ions and formation of Y3+-depleted grains with high ability to phase transformation.

Anisotropic Negative Thermal Expansion Behavior of the As-Fabricated Ti-Rich and Equiatomic Ti-Ni Alloys Induced by Preferential Grain Orientation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhong-Xun; Ma, Xiao; Cao, Shan-Shan; Ke, Chang-Bo; Zhang, Xin-Ping

2017-12-01

The present study focuses on the anisotropic negative thermal expansion (NTE) behaviors of Ti-rich (Ti54Ni46) and equiatomic Ti-Ni (Ti50Ni50) alloys fabricated by vacuum arc melting and without subsequent plastic deformation. Both alloys exhibit NTE responses in vertical and horizontal directions, and the total strains and CTEs of the NTE stage along the two mutually perpendicular measuring directions are obviously different, indicating obvious anisotropic NTE behavior of the alloys. Besides, the numerical differences between the starting temperature of NTE and austenitic transformation and between the finishing temperature of NTE and austenitic transformation are very small, which indicates that an apparent relationship exists between the NTE behavior and the phase transformation. The microstructure in the vertical cross sections shows obviously preferential orientation characteristics: Ti2Ni phases of both alloys grow along the vertical direction, and B19' martensite of Ti50Ni50 alloy has distinct preferential orientation, which results from a large temperature gradient between the top and the bottom of the button ingots during solidification. The microstructure with preferential orientation induces the anisotropic NTE behavior of the samples.

In-situ characterization of highly reversible phase transformation by synchrotron X-ray Laue microdiffraction

DOE PAGES

Chen, Xian; Tamura, Nobumichi; MacDowell, Alastair; ...

2016-05-23

The alloy Cu 25 Au 30 Zn 45 undergoes a huge first-order phase transformation (6% strain) and shows a high reversibility under thermal cycling and an unusual martensitc microstructure in sharp contrast to its nearby compositions. We discovered this alloy by systematically tuning the composition so that its lattice parameters satisfy the cofactor conditions (i.e., the kinematic conditions of compatibility between phases). It was conjectured that satisfaction of these conditions is responsible for the enhanced reversibility as well as the observed unusual fluid-like microstructure during transformation, but so far, there has been no direct evidence confirming that these observed microstructuresmore » are those predicted by the cofactor conditions. In order to verify this hypothesis, we use synchrotron X-ray Laue microdiffraction to measure the orientations and structural parameters of variants and phases near the austenite/martensite interface. The areas consisting of both austenite and multi-variants of martensite are scanned by microLaue diffraction. The cofactor conditions have been examined from the kinematic relation of lattice vectors across the interface. The continuity condition of the interface is precisely verified from the correspondent lattice vectors between two phases.« less

On the synthesis of AlPO4-21 molecular sieve by vapor phase transport method and its phase transformation to AlPO4-15 molecular sieve

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Hui; Chen, Jingjing; Chen, Xia; Leng, Yixin; Zhong, Jing

2015-04-01

An experimental design was applied to the synthesis of AlPO4-21 molecular sieve (AWO structure) by vapor phase transport (VPT) method, using tetramethylguanidine (TMG) as the template. In this study, the effects of crystallization time, crystallization temperature, phosphor content, template content and water content in the synthesis gel were investigated. The materials obtained were characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Microstructural analysis of the crystal growth in vapor synthetic conditions revealed a revised crystal growth route from zeolite AlPO4-21 to AlPO4-15 in the presence of the TMG. Homogenous hexagonal prism AlPO4-21 crystals with size of 7 × 3 μm were synthesized at a lower temperature (120 °C), which were completely different from the typical tabular parallelogram crystallization microstructure of AlPO4-21 phase. The crystals were transformed into AlPO4-21 phase with higher crystallization temperature, longer crystallization time, higher P2O5/Al2O3 ratio and higher TMG/Al2O3 ratio.

Anisotropic Negative Thermal Expansion Behavior of the As-Fabricated Ti-Rich and Equiatomic Ti-Ni Alloys Induced by Preferential Grain Orientation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhao, Zhong-Xun; Ma, Xiao; Cao, Shan-Shan; Ke, Chang-Bo; Zhang, Xin-Ping

2018-03-01

The present study focuses on the anisotropic negative thermal expansion (NTE) behaviors of Ti-rich (Ti54Ni46) and equiatomic Ti-Ni (Ti50Ni50) alloys fabricated by vacuum arc melting and without subsequent plastic deformation. Both alloys exhibit NTE responses in vertical and horizontal directions, and the total strains and CTEs of the NTE stage along the two mutually perpendicular measuring directions are obviously different, indicating obvious anisotropic NTE behavior of the alloys. Besides, the numerical differences between the starting temperature of NTE and austenitic transformation and between the finishing temperature of NTE and austenitic transformation are very small, which indicates that an apparent relationship exists between the NTE behavior and the phase transformation. The microstructure in the vertical cross sections shows obviously preferential orientation characteristics: Ti2Ni phases of both alloys grow along the vertical direction, and B19' martensite of Ti50Ni50 alloy has distinct preferential orientation, which results from a large temperature gradient between the top and the bottom of the button ingots during solidification. The microstructure with preferential orientation induces the anisotropic NTE behavior of the samples.

Planar LTCC transformers for high voltage flyback converters.

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

Schofield, Daryl; Schare, Joshua M.; Glass, Sarah Jill

This paper discusses the design and use of low-temperature (850 C to 950 C) co-fired ceramic (LTCC) planar magnetic flyback transformers for applications that require conversion of a low voltage to high voltage (> 100V) with significant volumetric constraints. Measured performance and modeling results for multiple designs showed that the LTCC flyback transformer design and construction imposes serious limitations on the achievable coupling and significantly impacts the transformer performance and output voltage. This paper discusses the impact of various design factors that can provide improved performance by increasing transformer coupling and output voltage. The experiments performed on prototype units demonstratedmore » LTCC transformer designs capable of greater than 2 kV output. Finally, the work investigated the effect of the LTCC microstructure on transformer insulation. Although this paper focuses on generating voltages in the kV range, the experimental characterization and discussion presented in this work applies to designs requiring lower voltage.« less

Friction and the development of hard alloy surface microstructures during wear

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gnyusov, S. F.; Tarassov, S. Yu.

1997-12-01

Investigations of wear in sliding friction of WC-Hadfield steel hard alloy against cast tool steel have been carried out in a broad range of velocities and pressure values. Structural and phase composition variations have been revealed. Friction-affected zone was found to be 450 µm in depth. Structural γ → α, γ → transformation regions are located within 100 μm of the surface. These transformations contributed to the total solid solution deformation hardening.

The Effect of Welding Process on the Microstructure of HY-130 Steel Weldments

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-12-01

low -carbon, high-strength, low - alloy (HSLA) steels (C below 0.07 per- cent), the weld metal changed from coarse polygonal ferrite to...17. Ricks. R. A., Barritte, G. S., and Howell, P. R., "The Influence of Second Phase Particles on Diffusional Phase Transformations in Steels ... phase , austenite, may transform to mar- tensite on rapid cooling. The martensite has the exact same composi- tion as the austenite (up to two

Characterization of coarse bainite transformation in low carbon steel during simulated welding thermal cycles

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

Lan, Liangyun, E-mail: lanly@me.neu.edu.cn; State Key Laboratory of Rolling Technology and Automation, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819; Kong, Xiangwei

2015-07-15

Coarse austenite to bainite transformation in low carbon steel under simulated welding thermal cycles was morphologically and crystallographically characterized by means of optical microscope, transmission electron microscope and electron backscattered diffraction technology. The results showed that the main microstructure changes from a mixture of lath martensite and bainitic ferrite to granular bainite with the increase in cooling time. The width of bainitic laths also increases gradually with the cooling time. For a welding thermal cycle with relatively short cooling time (e.g. t{sub 8/5} is 30 s), the main mode of variant grouping at the scale of individual prior austenite grainsmore » changes from Bain grouping to close-packed plane grouping with the progress of phase transformation, which results in inhomogeneous distribution of high angle boundaries. As the cooling time is increased, the Bain grouping of variants becomes predominant mode, which enlarges the effective grain size of product phase. - Highlights: • Main microstructure changes and the width of lath structure increases with cooling time. • Variant grouping changes from Bain zone to close-packed plane grouping with the transformation. • The change of variant grouping results in uneven distribution of high angle grain boundary. • Bain grouping is main mode for large heat input, which lowers the density of high angle boundary.« less

Effects of aging treatment on the microstructure and superelasticity of columnar-grained Cu71Al18Mn11 shape memory alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Ji-li; Huang, Hai-you; Xie, Jian-xin

2016-10-01

The effect of aging treatment on the superelasticity and martensitic transformation critical stress in columnar-grained Cu71Al18Mn11 shape memory alloy (SMA) at the temperature ranging from 250°C to 400°C was investigated. The microstructure evolution during the aging treatment was characterized by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The results show that the plate-like bainite precipitates distribute homogeneously within austenitic grains and at grain boundaries. The volume fraction of bainite increases with the increase in aging temperature and aging time, which substantially improves the martensitic transformation critical stress of the alloy, whereas the bainite only slightly affects the superelasticity. This behavior is attributed to a coherent relationship between the bainite and the austenite, as well as to the bainite and the martensite exhibiting the same crystal structure. The variations of the martensitic transformation critical stress and the superelasticity of columnar-grained Cu71Al18Mn11 SMA with aging temperature and aging time are described by the Austin-Rickett equation, where the activation energy of bainite precipitation is 77.2 kJ·mol-1. Finally, a columnar-grained Cu71Al18Mn11 SMA with both excellent superelasticity (5%-9%) and high martensitic transformation critical stress (443-677 MPa) is obtained through the application of the appropriate aging treatments.

Controlling the polypyrrole microstructures using swollen liquid crystals as structure directing agent

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dutt, S.; Sharma, R.

2017-10-01

Microstructures of polypyrrole (PPy) with different morphology were synthesized using swollen liquid crystals (SLCs) as soft structure directing agents and confinement effect on the control of PPy microstructures have been thoroughly investigated. SLCs are the quaternary mixtures of aqueous phase: oil phase: surfactant: co-surfactant. Mesophases of PPy were synthesized by trapping small amount of pyrrole in the oil phase of SLCs. Spherical, fiber and rod-like microstructures of PPy were synthesized by adding ammonium persulphate (APS) as an oxidant under different synthesis conditions using SLCs. The possible mechanism for the formation of different PPy microstructures also proposed in this study.

Characterization of Ternary NiTiPt High-Temperature Shape Memory Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rios, Orlando; Noebe, Ronald; Biles, Tiffany; Garg, Anita; Palczer, Anna; Scheiman, Daniel; Seifert, Hans Jurgen; Kaufman, Michael

2005-01-01

Pt additions substituted for Ni in NiTi alloys are known to increase the transformation temperature of the alloy but only at fairly high Pt levels. However, until now only ternary compositions with a very specific stoichiometry, Ni50-xPtxTi50, have been investigated and then only to very limited extent. In order to learn about this potential high-temperature shape memory alloy system, a series of over twenty alloys along and on either side of a line of constant stoichiometry between NiTi and TiPt were arc melted, homogenized, and characterized in terms of their microstructure, transformation temperatures, and hardness. The resulting microstructures were examined by scanning electron microscopy and the phase compositions quantified by energy dispersive spectroscopy."Stoichiometric" compositions along a line of constant stoichiometry between NiTi to TiPt were essentially single phase but by any deviations from a stoichiometry of (Ni,Pt)50Ti50 resulted in the presence of at least two different intermetallic phases, depending on the overall composition of the alloy. Essentially all alloys, whether single or two-phase, still under went a martensitic transformation. It was found that the transformation temperatures were depressed with initial Pt additions but at levels greater than 10 at.% the transformation temperature increased linearly with Pt content. Also, the transformation temperatures were relatively insensitive to alloy stoichiometry within the range of alloys examined. Finally, the dependence of hardness on Pt content for a series of Ni50-xPtxTi50 alloys showed solution softening at low Pt levels, while hardening was observed in ternary alloys containing more than about 10 at.% Pt. On either side of these "stoichiometric" compositions, hardness was also found to increase significantly.

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.

Effect of Cooling Rate on Microstructure and Centerline Segregation of a High-Strength Steel for Shipbuilding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ye, Qibin; Liu, Zhenyu; Wang, Guodong

Ultra-fast cooling (UFC) has been increasingly applied in industry, but accompanying with great changes of rolling strategy. It is therefore of importance to evaluate the characteristics of steels produced by UFC as compared to those processed by conventional accelerated cooling (ACQ. The present study examines the microstructure through thickness and centerline segregation of solute elements between UFC and ACC steels, both of which were rolled at a final rolling temperature at around non-recrystallized temperature. UFC steel showed the pronounced microstructural transition from lath-type bainite with Widmanstätten ferrite at subsurface to acicular ferrite in an average size of 5 µm dispersed with degenerate pearlite in the interior. In contrast, ACC steel had the homogeneous microstructure through the thickness, which was distinguished with coarser polygonal ferrite grains and pearlite nodules. Moreover, the centerline segregation was significantly suppressed by applying UFC at a higher cooling rate of 40 K/s compared to 17K/s for ACC steel. The significant differences in the microstructure and centerline segregation caused by various cooling rate is discussed from the view of γ→α transformation.

Measurement of kinaesthetic properties of in-brine table olives by microstructure of fracture surface, sensory evaluation and texture profile analysis (TPA).

PubMed

Lanza, Barbara; Amoruso, Filomena

2018-02-02

A series of transformations occur in olive fruit both during ripening and processing. In particular, significant changes in the microstructural composition affect the flavour, texture, nutrients and overall quality of the end product. Texture is one of the sensory quality attributes of greatest importance to consumer acceptance. In the present work, kinaesthetic properties of in-brine table olives of three cultivars of Olea europaea L. (Bella di Cerignola, Peranzana and Taggiasca cvs) were provided by several measurements of olive tissue texture by sensory, rheological and microstructural approaches. Olives at the same stage of ripening and processed with the same technology, but belonging to different cultivars, showed significant differences at microstructural, sensorial and rheological levels. To describe the relationship between the three variables, multiple regression analysis and principal component analysis were chosen. Differences in microstructure were closely related both in terms of hardness measured by texture profile analysis and hardness measured by sensory analysis. The information provided could be an aid for screening and training of a sensory panel. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

The transformation of magnetite to hematite and its influence on the rheology of iron oxide rock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lagoeiro, Leonardo; Barbosa, Paola; Goncalves, Fabio; Rodrigues, Carlos

2013-04-01

Phase transformation is an important process for strain localization after the initiation of ductile shear zones. In polyphase aggregates one important aspect to consider is likely to be the interconnectivity of weak phase after the transformation of the load-bearing framework grains. However the physical processes involved in that transition is not well understood, partially because the microstructures of the initial weakening are generally obliterated by subsequent deformation. Iron oxide-quartz rocks from paleoproterozoic Iron Formations in southern Brazil preserve microstructures that allow a good insight into the evolution of the deformation mechanisms and fabrics during the transition from a load-bearing framework (magnetite) to an interconnected weak phase (hematite). We conducted microstructural and textural analyses of aggregates of magnetite and hematite combining observations in an optical microscope and measurements in the electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD). The samples were cut parallel to the mineral lineation (the X-axis) and perpendicular to the foliation. Our goal was to understand the evolution of fabric and texture of the iron oxide aggregates caused by the change in deformation behavior resulting from the phase transformation. The studied samples consist mainly of aggregates of magnetite and hematite in a varied proportions. Samples that preserve the early microstructures consist in aggregate of magnetite grains of varied sizes. The grains are partially transformed to hematite along {111} planes but no foliation is observed in the samples. Basically the samples consist of grains of irregular shapes and a weak or absent crystallographic preferred orientation. The newly transformed hematite crystals share the (0001) planes and directions <11-20> with planes {111} and directions <110> of magnetite grains. Other samples present relicts of initial magnetite grains surrounded by a matrix of tabular to platy hematite crystals. The matrix show a preferred orientation of hematite grains. Close to the magnetite, hematite crystals show crystallographic relationship similar to those observed inside the magnetite crystals showing a good match in crystallographic planes and directions. However away from the magnetite crystals hematite of the matrix tend to show a more independent crystallographic orientation with respect to the magnetite grains. The poles to the basal planes of hematite distributed in a small circle centered around the Z-axis and the crystallographic directions <11-20> spread in a wide angle along the foliation plane. In samples where no crystal of magnetite grains is observed only platy hematite with a strong shape preferred orientation occur. Their basal planes show a strong concentration around the foliation pole contrasting to the more dispersed distribution around the Z-axis found in the samples with magnetite relicts.The directions <11-20> also distributed along the foliation planes in platy hematite samples but with a narrower angles than those of samples with magnetite relicts. The progressive transformation of magnetite to hematite led to a change in the iron formation rock fabrics from an isotropic distribution of a load-supporting magnetite to an interconnected weak platy hematite forming a strongly anisotropic fabric. The hard magnetite behaves in a brittle manner with a very limited operation of slip along the main crystallographic planes. The microfracturing creates an easy path for oxidation and transformation of magnetite. The newly formed hematite grains behave in a ductile manner and form a matrix of strongly oriented crystals. The deformation mechanisms change from the microfracturing of the harder magnetite phase to a crystal plastic deformation of the softer hematite platy grains through slip along their basal planes.

Design and development of NiTi-based precipitation-strengthened high-temperature shape memory alloys for actuator applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hsu, Derek Hsen Dai

As a vital constituent in the field of smart materials and structures, shape memory alloys (SMAs) are becoming ever-more important due to their wide range of commercial and industrial applications such as aircraft couplings, orthodontic wires, and eyeglasses frames. However, two major obstacles preventing SMAs from fulfilling their potential as excellent actuator materials are: 1) the lack of commercially-viable SMAs that operate at elevated temperatures, and 2) the degradation of mechanical properties and shape memory behavior due to thermal cyclic fatigue. This research utilized a thermodynamically-driven systems design approach to optimize the desired properties by controlling the microstructure and processing of high-temperature SMAs (HTSMAs). To tackle the two aforementioned problems with HTSMAs, the introduction of Ni2TiAl coherent nanoprecipitates in a Ni-Ti-Zr/Hf HTSMA matrix is hypothesized to strengthen the martensite phase while simultaneously increasing the transformation temperature. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to determine the transformation temperatures and thermal cyclic stability of each alloy. Also, microstructural characterization was performed using X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atom probe tomography (APT). Lastly, compression testing was used to assess the mechanical behavior of the alloys. From the investigation of the first set of Ni48.5Ti31.5-X Zr20AlX (X = 0, 1, 2, 3) prototype alloys, Al addition was found to decrease the transformation temperatures, decrease the thermal cyclic stability, but also increase the strength due to the nucleation and growth of embrittling NiTi2 and NiTiZr Laves phases. However, the anticipated Heusler phase precipitation did not occur. The next study focused on Ni50Ti30-XHf20Al X (X = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) prototype alloys which replaced Zr with Hf to avoid the formation of brittle Laves phases. Heusler precipitation was successfully demonstrated in the aged 4 and 5% Al alloys, but no transformation was detected. Finally, the last investigation explored the potential of high transformation temperatures in Ni50Ti25-XHf25AlX and Ni50Ti20-XHf30AlX (X = 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5) prototype alloys. The final design was narrowed down to a Ni 50Ti20Hf25Al5 alloy aged at 800°C that is expected to exhibit high transformation temperatures while concurrently strengthened by Heusler nanoprecipitates.

Fabrication of sinterable silicon nitride by injection molding

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Quackenbush, C. L.; French, K.; Neil, J. T.

1982-01-01

Transformation of structural ceramics from the laboratory to production requires development of near net shape fabrication techniques which minimize finish grinding. One potential technique for producing large quantities of complex-shaped parts at a low cost, and microstructure of sintered silicon nitride fabricated by injection molding is discussed and compared to data generated from isostatically dry-pressed material. Binder selection methodology, compounding of ceramic and binder components, injection molding techniques, and problems in binder removal are discussed. Strength, oxidation resistance, and microstructure of sintered silicon nitride fabricated by injection molding is discussed and compared to data generated from isostatically dry-pressed material.

Observation of martensitic transformation in Ni50Mn41Cu4Sn5 Heusler alloy prepared by mechanical alloying

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saini, Dinesh; Singh, Satyavir; Banerjee, M. K.; Sachdev, K.

2017-05-01

Mechanical alloying route has been employed for preparation of a single phase Ni50Mn41Cu4Sn5 (atomic %) Heusler alloy. Use of high energy planetary ball mill enables successful preparation of the same as authenticated by detailed X-ray diffraction (XRD) study. Microstructural study is carried out by optical and scanning electron microscopic techniques. XRD results reveal that increasing milling time leads to reduction in crystallite size and concurrent increase in lattice strain. Microstructural results indicate formation of self-assembled martensite twins.

Interface Propagation and Microstructure Evolution in Phase Field Models of Stress-Induced Martensitic Phase Transformations

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-01-01

ffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffiffi 3s1 ÿ s2 2b s x: ð8Þ Note that Eqs. (7) and (8) are nonlinear diffusion equations, and as such possess solitonic ...ðDGh ¼ 0Þ is approached, an Mÿ—Mþ interface splits into Mÿ—A and A—Mþ diffuse interfaces sepa- rated by a layer of A ( soliton splitting – Falk, 1983...in the bottom figure for g1, the dark blue field corresponds to g2 ¼ 1, i.e., with the variant M2. After passing through a complex microstructure

Low Temperature Phase Transformations in Copper-Quenched Ti-44.5Al-8Nb-2.5V Alloy

PubMed Central

Cao, Shouzhen; Xiao, Shulong; Chen, Yuyong; Xu, Lijuan; Wang, Xiaopeng; Han, Jianchao

2017-01-01

In this study, an easily controlled transformation similar to the β + α → β + α + γ and the analysis of metastable phases in a β solidifying Ti-44.5Al-8Nb-2.5V alloy were investigated. Therefore, a liquid alloy copper-quenching followed by annealing at an application temperature (850 °C) has been carried out. Following quenching, a microstructure composed of several supersaturated phases—the basket-weave β0 (βbv) phase, the plate-like α2 (αp) phase and the stripe-like γ (γs) phase—was obtained. In the annealing processes, phase transformations in the prior βbv and αp phases domain corresponded nicely to the β + α → β + α + γ transformation during solidification. Also, in the annealed γs phase, the kinetics of the phase transformations involving the metastable L12 phase was firstly detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The L12 phase had a lattice structure similar to the γ phase, whereas the composition of the phase was similar to the α2 phase. The formation of the γ pre-twin phase with an anti-phase boundary (APB) was detected in the γs phase of the matrix. The orientation relationships between the γs and precipitated: γ (γp) phase are <101]γs//<114]γp, (101¯)γs//(1¯10)γp and (01¯0)γs//(221¯)γp. PMID:28772561

Trace moisture detection in oil filled transformer by ceramic sensor

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saha, Debdulal; Sengupta, K.

2015-02-01

This paper reports on the suitability of thin film nano porous γ-alumina sensor for sensing parts per million (ppm) moisture present in transformer oil. Transformer oil degrades slowly by weathering, causing dielectric break down voltage of the oil to fall down. For improving this break down voltage, water must be removed from the transformer oil. Flash point of the transformer oil ranges from 150°C to 200°C.When the oil is slowly heated up to 75°C water vapour comes out from oil which is detected by ceramic sensor. The sensor is prepared from organo-metallic precursor by sol-gel process. Gold coated α-alumina substrate was dipped within the alumina hydra-sol and a thin film of γ-alumina formed on the substrate. The sensor capacitance was measured as a function of ppm moisture level. The circuit produces an output voltage which is precisely related to the absolute value of the capacitance of the dielectric material. In order to improve the sensitivity, parallel electrode structure was patterned on the nano porous dielectric. The response is sufficiently linear in extremely low ppm level moisture. A prototype hygrometer was built for detection of trace moisture in transformer oil. Porous alumina can be produced at a relatively low cost and in a variety of structural configurations. Sol- gel processing of alumina allows superior control on pore morphology, phase formation, purity and product microstructure compared to the more traditional techniques like Anodic oxidation of alumina sheets, tape cast by different sizes of alumina powder etc.

Investigation of the Microstructural Changes and Hardness Variations of Sub-Zero Treated Cr-V Ledeburitic Tool Steel Due to the Tempering Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jurči, Peter; Dománková, Mária; Ptačinová, Jana; Pašák, Matej; Kusý, Martin; Priknerová, Petra

2018-03-01

The microstructure and tempering response of Cr-V ledeburitic steel Vanadis 6 subjected to sub-zero treatment at - 196 °C for 4 h have been examined with reference to the same steel after conventional heat treatment. The obtained experimental results infer that sub-zero treatment significantly reduces the retained austenite amount, makes an overall refinement of microstructure, and induces a significant increase in the number and population density of small globular carbides with a size 100-500 nm. At low tempering temperatures, the transient M3C-carbides precipitated, whereas their number was enhanced by sub-zero treatment. The presence of chromium-based M7C3 precipitates was evidenced after tempering at the temperature of normal secondary hardening; this phase was detected along with the M3C. Tempering above 470 °C converts almost all the retained austenite in conventionally quenched specimens while the transformation of retained austenite is rather accelerated in sub-zero treated material. As a result of tempering, a decrease in the population density of small globular carbides was recorded; however, the number of these particles retained much higher in sub-zero treated steel. Elevated hardness of sub-zero treated steel can be referred to more completed martensitic transformation and enhanced number of small globular carbides; this state is retained up to a tempering temperature of around 500 °C in certain extent. Correspondingly, lower as-tempered hardness of sub-zero treated steel tempered above 500 °C is referred to much lower contribution of the transformation of retained austenite, and to an expectedly lower amount of precipitated alloy carbides.

Radon exhalation of hardening concrete: monitoring cement hydration and prediction of radon concentration in construction site.

PubMed

Kovler, Konstantin

2006-01-01

The unique properties of radon as a noble gas are used for monitoring cement hydration and microstructural transformations in cementitious system. It is found that the radon concentration curve for hydrating cement paste enclosed in the chamber increases from zero (more accurately - background) concentrations, similar to unhydrated cement. However, radon concentrations developed within 3 days in the test chamber containing cement paste were approximately 20 times higher than those of unhydrated cement. This fact proves the importance of microstructural transformations taking place in the process of cement hydration, in comparison with cement grain, which is a time-stable material. It is concluded that monitoring cement hydration by means of radon exhalation method makes it possible to distinguish between three main stages, which are readily seen in the time dependence of radon concentration: stage I (dormant period), stage II (setting and intensive microstructural transformations) and stage III (densification of the structure and drying). The information presented improves our understanding of the main physical mechanisms resulting in the characteristic behavior of radon exhalation in the course of cement hydration. The maximum value of radon exhalation rate observed, when cement sets, can reach 0.6 mBq kg(-1) s(-1) and sometimes exceeds 1.0 mBq kg(-1) s(-1). These values exceed significantly to those known before for cementitious materials. At the same time, the minimum ventilation rate accepted in the design practice (0.5 h(-1)), guarantees that the concentrations in most of the cases will not exceed the action level and that they are not of any radiological concern for construction workers employed in concreting in closed spaces.

Effect of austempering temperature and time on mechanical properties of SAE 9260 steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dalwatkar, Ranjit; Prabhu, N.; Singh, R. K. P.

2018-04-01

This work describes the effect of austempering heat treatment on microstrcuture and mechanical properties of SAE 9260 steel. Steel samples, austenitized at 900 °C for one hour, were isothermally heat treated in the temperature range 300,325 and 350 °C for different times. Microstructural characterization was carried out using optical and scanning electron microscopes. The microstructure of the austempered samples consisted of bainitic ferrite and retained austenite. The volume fraction of retained austenite was determined using X-ray diffraction. Isothermal heat treatment at 350 °C for 20 min, resulted in a retained austenite content of around 38% in the microstructure. Increase in isothermal transformation temperature led to an increase in the fraction of retained austenite. Also, good combination of strength and ductility was obtained in the samples with increased amounts of retained austenite.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of heat-resistant 12% Cr ferritic-martensitic steel EK-181 after thermomechanical treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Polekhina, N. A.; Litovchenko, I. Yu.; Tyumentsev, A. N.; Astafurova, E. G.; Chernov, V. M.; Leontyeva-Smirnova, M. V.

2015-10-01

The effect of high-temperature thermomechanical treatment (TMT) with the deformation in the austenitic region on the features of microstructure, phase transformations and mechanical properties of low-activation 12% Cr ferritic-martensitic steel EK-181 is investigated. It is established, that directly after thermomechanical treatment (without tempering) the sizes and density of V(CN) particles are comparable with those after a traditional heat treatment (air quenching and tempering at 720°C, 3 h), where these particles are formed only during tempering. It causes the increasing of the yield strength of the steel up to ≈1450 MPa at room temperature and up to ≈430 MPa at the test temperature T = 650°C. The potential of microstructure modification by this treatment aimed at improving heat resistance of steel is discussed.

Tensile Deformation Temperature Impact on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AISI 316LN Austenitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xiong, Yi; He, Tiantian; Lu, Yan; Ren, Fengzhang; Volinsky, Alex A.; Cao, Wei

2018-03-01

Uniaxial tensile tests were conducted on AISI 316LN austenitic stainless steel from - 40 to 300 °C at a rate of 0.5 mm/min. Microstructure and mechanical properties of the deformed steel were investigated by optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopies, x-ray diffraction, and microhardness testing. The yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, elongation, and microhardness increase with the decrease in the test temperature. The tensile fracture morphology has the dimple rupture feature after low-temperature deformations and turns to a mixture of transgranular fracture and dimple fracture after high-temperature ones. The dominating deformation microstructure evolves from dislocation tangle/slip bands to large deformation twins/slip bands with temperature decrease. The deformation-induced martensite transformation can only be realized at low temperature, and its quantity increases with the decrease in the temperature.

TRADITIONAL METALLURGY, NANOTECHNOLOGIES AND STRUCTURAL MATERIALS: A SORBY AWARD LECTURE

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

Louthan, M

2007-07-17

Traditional metallurgical processes are among the many ''old fashion'' practices that use nanoparticles to control the behavior of materials. Many of these practices were developed long before microscopy could resolve nanoscale features, yet the practitioners learned to manipulate and control microstructural elements that they could neither see nor identify. Furthermore, these early practitioners used that control to modify microstructures and develop desired material properties. Centuries old colored glass, ancient high strength steels and medieval organ pipes derived many of their desirable features through control of nanoparticles in their microstructures. Henry Sorby was among the first to recognize that the propertiesmore » of rocks, minerals, metals and organic materials were controlled by microstructure. However, Mr. Sorby was accused of the folly of trying to study mountains with a microscope. Although he could not resolve nanoscale microstructural features, Mr. Sorby's observations revolutionized the study of materials. The importance of nanoscale microstructural elements should be emphasized, however, because the present foundation for structural materials was built by manipulating those features. That foundation currently supports several multibillion dollar industries but is not generally considered when the nanomaterials revolution is discussed. This lecture demonstrates that using nanotechnologies to control the behavior of metallic materials is almost as old as the practice of metallurgy and that many of the emergent nanomaterials technologists are walking along pathways previously paved by traditional metallurgists.« less

X-ray imaging and controlled solidification of Al-Cu alloys toward microstructures by design

DOE PAGES

Clarke, Amy J.; Tourret, Damien; Imhoff, Seth D.; ...

2015-01-30

X-ray imaging, which permits the microscopic visualization of metal alloy solidification dynamics, can be coupled with controlled solidification to create microstructures by design. In this study, this x-ray image shows a process-derived composite microstructure being made from a eutectic Al-17.1 at.%Cu alloy by successive solidification and remelting steps.

Microstructure synthesis control of biological polyhydroxyalkanoates with mass spectrometry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pederson, Erik Norman

Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA's) are a class of biologically produced polymers, or plastic, that is synthesized by various microorganisms. PHA's are made from biorenewable resources and are fully biodegradable and biocompatible, making them an environmentally friendly green polymer. A method of incorporating polymer microstructure into the PHA synthesized in Ralstonia eutropha was developed. These microstructures were synthesized with polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and poly(hydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) as the polymer domains. To synthesize the PHB V copolymer, the additional presence of valerate was required. To control valerate substrate additions to the bioreactor, an off-gas mass spectrometry (MS) feedback control system was developed. Important process information including the cell physiology, growth kinetics, and product formation kinetics in the bioreactor was obtained with MS and used to control microstructure synthesis. The two polymer microstructures synthesized were core-shell granules and block copolymers. Block copolymers control the structure of the individual polymer chains while core-shell granules control the organization of many polymer chains. Both these microstructures result in properties unattainable by blending the two polymers together. The core-shell structures were synthesized with controlled domain thickness based on a developed model. Different block copolymers compositions were synthesized by varying the switching time of the substrate pulses responsible for block copolymer synthesis. The block copolymers were tested to determine their chemical properties and cast into films to determine the materials properties. These block copolymer films possessed new properties not achieved by copolymers or blends of the two polymers.

Microstructure of Matrix in UHTC Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Johnson, Sylvia; Stackpoole, Margaret; Gusman, Michael I.; Chavez-Garia Jose; Doxtad, Evan

2011-01-01

Approaches to controlling the microstructure of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) are described.. One matrix material has been infiltrated into carbon weaves to make composite materials. The microstructure of these composites is described.

The effect of microstructure on the deformation modes and mechanical properties of Ti-6Al-2Nb-1Ta-0.8Mo: Part II. Equiaxed structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Fu-Shiong; Starke, E. A.; Gysler, A.

1984-10-01

The Ti-6Al-2Nb-lTa-0.8Mo alloy was processed to develop both near-basal and transverse textures. Samples were annealed at different temperatures to vary the equiaxed alpha grain size and the thick-ness of the grain boundary beta, and subsequently quenched in order to transform the beta phase to either martensite, tempered martensite, or Widmanstätten alpha + beta. The effect of microstructure and texture on tensile properties and on fracture toughness was investigated. In addition, yield locus diagrams were constructed in order to study the texture strengthening effect. The yield strength was found to be strongly dependent on the thickness and Burgers relationship of the transformed beta phase surrounding the alpha grains. A texture hardening effect as large as 60 pct was found for the basal-texture material but only 15 pct for the transverse texture material. These variations are asso-ciated with differences in deformation behavior.

Effect of Nano CeO2 Addition on the Microstructure and Properties of a Cu-Al-Ni Shape Memory Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pandey, Abhishek; Jain, Ashish Kumar; Hussain, Shahadat; Sampath, V.; Dasgupta, Rupa

2016-08-01

This article deals with the effect of adding nano CeO2 to act as a grain pinner/refiner to a known Cu-Al-Ni shape memory alloy. Elements were taken in a predefined ratio to prepare 300 g alloy per batch and melted in an induction furnace. Casting was followed by homogenization at 1173 K (900 °C) and rolling to make sheets of 0.5-mm thickness. Further, samples were characterized for microstructure using optical and electron microscope, hardness, and different phase studies by X-ray and transformation temperatures by differential scanning calorimetry. X-ray peak broadenings and changes were investigated to estimate the crystallite size, lattice strain, and phase changes due to different processing steps. A nearly uniform distribution of CeO2 and better martensitic structure were observed with increasing CeO2. The addition of CeO2 also shows a visible effect on the transformation temperature and phase formation.

Effect of heat treatment on properties of HfO2 film deposited by ion-beam sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Huasong; Jiang, Yugang; Wang, Lishuan; Li, Shida; Yang, Xiao; Jiang, Chenghui; Liu, Dandan; Ji, Yiqin; Zhang, Feng; Chen, Deying

2017-11-01

The effects of atmosphere heat treatment on optical, stress, and microstructure properties of an HfO2 film deposited by ion-beam sputtering were systematically researched. The relationships among annealing temperature and refractive index, extinction coefficient, physical thickness, forbidden-band width, tape trailer width, Urbach energy, crystal phase structure, and stress were assessed. The results showed that 400 °C is the transformation point, and the microstructure of the HfO2 film changed from an amorphous into mixed-phase structure. Multistage phonons appeared on the HfO2 film, and the trends of the refractive index, extinction coefficient, forbidden-band width change, and Urbach energy shifted from decrease to increase. With the elevation of the annealing temperature, the film thickness increased monotonously, the compressive stress gradually turned to tensile stress, and the transformation temperature point for the stress was between 200 °C and 300 °C. Therefore, the change in the stress is the primary cause for the shifts in thin-film thickness.

Phase transformation kinetics in rolled U-10 wt. % Mo foil: Effect of post-rolling heat treatment and prior γ-UMo grain size

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

Jana, Saumyadeep; Overman, Nicole; Varga, Tamas

The effect of sub-eutectoid heat treatment on the phase transformation behavior in rolled U-10 wt.percent Mo (U10Mo) foils was systematically investigated. The as-cast 5 mm thick foils were initially homogenized at 900 degrees C for 48 hours and were hot rolled to 2 mm and later cold rolled down to 0.2 mm. Three starting microstructures were evaluated: (i) hot- + cold-rolled to 0.2 mm (as-rolled condition), (ii) hot- + cold-rolled to 0.2 mm + annealed at 700 deg. C for 1 hour, and (iii) hot- + cold-rolled to 0.2 mm + annealed at 1000 deg. C for 60 hours. U10Momore » rolled foils went through various degrees of decomposition when subjected to the sub-eutectoid heat-treatment step and formed a lamellar microstructure through a cellular reaction mostly along the previous γ-UMo grain boundaries.« less

[Analysis of scatterer microstructure feature based on Chirp-Z transform cepstrum].

PubMed

Guo, Jianzhong; Lin, Shuyu

2007-12-01

The fundamental research field of medical ultrasound has been the characterization of tissue scatterers. The signal processing method is widely used in this research field. A new method of Chirp-Z Transform Cepstrum for mean spacing estimation of tissue scatterers using ultrasonic scattered signals has been developed. By using this method together with conventional AR cepstrum method, we processed the backscattered signals of mimic tissue and pig liver in vitro. The results illustrated that the Chirp-Z Transform Cepstrum method is effective for signal analysis of ultrasonic scattering and characterization of tissue scatterers, and it can improve the resolution for mean spacing estimation of tissue scatterers.

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

Synergistic Effects among the Structure, Martensite Transformation and Shear Band in a Shape Memory Alloy-Metallic Glass Composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Xudong; Ren, Junqiang; Ding, Xiangdong

2018-05-01

In this work, we use the finite element method to investigate the free volume evolution, as well as the martensite transformation effect and its connection with the pretreatment strain, in a shape memory alloy-metallic glass composite. Our simulation results show that the martensite phase transformation can enhance the blocking effect while relieving the free volume localization. The synergistic effect among the martensite transformation effect, blocking effect, and shear band interaction in the composite is responsible for the tensile plasticity and work-hardening capability. In addition, we design a Sierpinski carpet-like fractal microstructure so that the composite exhibits improved tensile performance as a result of the enhanced synergistic effect. However, the tensile performance of the composite deteriorates with increasing pretreatment strain since the martensite transformation effect is weakened.

Characterization of microstructure and texture across dissimilar super duplex/austenitic stainless steel weldment joint by super duplex filler metal

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

Eghlimi, Abbas, E-mail: a.eghlimi@ma.iut.ac.ir; Shamanian, Morteza; Eskandarian, Masoomeh

In the present paper, microstructural changes across an as-welded dissimilar austenitic/duplex stainless steel couple welded by a super duplex stainless steel filler metal using gas tungsten arc welding process is characterized with optical microscopy and electron back-scattered diffraction techniques. Accordingly, variations of microstructure, texture, and grain boundary character distribution of base metals, heat affected zones, and weld metal were investigated. The results showed that the weld metal, which was composed of Widmanstätten austenite side-plates and allotriomorphic grain boundary austenite morphologies, had the weakest texture and was dominated by low angle boundaries. The welding process increased the ferrite content but decreasedmore » the texture intensity at the heat affected zone of the super duplex stainless steel base metal. In addition, through partial ferritization, it changed the morphology of elongated grains of the rolled microstructure to twinned partially transformed austenite plateaus scattered between ferrite textured colonies. However, the texture of the austenitic stainless steel heat affected zone was strengthened via encouraging recrystallization and formation of annealing twins. At both interfaces, an increase in the special character coincident site lattice boundaries of the primary phase as well as a strong texture with <100> orientation, mainly of Goss component, was observed. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • Weld metal showed local orientation at microscale but random texture at macroscale. • Intensification of <100> orientated grains was observed adjacent to the fusion lines. • The austenite texture was weaker than that of the ferrite in all duplex regions. • Welding caused twinned partially transformed austenites to form at SDSS HAZ. • At both interfaces, the ratio of special CSL boundaries of the primary phase increased.« less

Homogeneous and heterogeneous micro-structuring of austenitic stainless steels by the low temperature plasma nitriding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aizawa, T.; Yoshihara, S.-I.

2018-06-01

The austenitic stainless steels have been widely utilized as a structural component and member as well as a die and mold substrate for stamping. AISI316 dies and molds require for the surface treatment to accommodate the sufficient hardness and wear resistance to them. In addition, the candidate treatment methods must be free from toxicity, energy consumption and inefficiency. The low temperature plasma nitriding process has become one of the most promising methods to make solid-solution hardening by the nitrogen super-saturation. In the present paper, the high density RF/DC plasma nitriding process was applied to form the uniform nitrided layer in the AISI316 matrix and to describe the essential mechanism of inner nitriding in this low temperature nitriding process. In case of the nitrided AISI316 at 673 K for 14.4ks, the nitrided layer thickness became 60 μm with the surface hardness of 1700 HV and the surface nitrogen content of 7 mass %. This inner nitriding process is governed by the synergetic interrelation among the nitrogen super-saturation, the lattice expansion, the phase transformation, the plastic straining, the microstructure refinement and the acceleration of nitrogen diffusion. As far as this interrelation is sustained during the nitriding process, the original austenitic microstructure is homogeneously nitrided to have fine grains with the average size of 0.1 μm and the high crystallographic misorientation angles and to have two phase (γ + α’) structures with the plateau of nitrogen content by 5 mass%. Once this interrelation does not work anymore, the homogeneous microstructure changed itself to the heterogeneous one. The plastic straining took place in the selected coarse grains; they were partially refined into subgrains. This plastic localization accompanied the localized phase transformation.

High-Pressure Minerals in Meteorites: Constraints on Shock Conditions and Duration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sharp, Thomas G.

2004-01-01

The objective of this research was to better understand the conditions and duration of shock metamorphism in meteorites through microstructural and microanalytical characterization of high-pressure minerals. A) Continue to investigate the mineralogy and microstructures of melt-veins in a suite of chondritic samples ranging from shock grades S3 through S6 to determine how the mineral assemblages that crystallize at high-pressure and are related to shock grade. B) Investigate the chemical, mineralogical, and microstructural heterogeneities that occur across melt veins to interpret crystallization histories. C) Use static high-pressure experiments to simulate crystallization of melt veins for mineralogical and textural comparisons with the melt veins of naturally shocked samples. D) Characterize the compositions and defect microstructures of polycrystalline ringwoodite, wadsleyite, majorite, (Mg,Fe)Si03-ilmenite and (Mg,Fe)SiO3-perovskite in S6 samples to understand the mechanisms of phase transformations that occur during shock. These results will combined with kinetic data to constrain the time scales of kinetic processes. E) Investigate the transformations of metastable high-pressure minerals back to low- pressure forms to constrain post-shock temperatures and estimates of the peak shock pressure. Of these objectives, we have obtained publishable data on A, B and D. I am currently doing difficult high-pressure melting and quench experiments on an L chondrite known as Mbale. These experiments will provide additional constraints on the mineral assemblages that are produced during rapid quench of an L chondrite at pressures of 16 to 25 GPa. Results from published or nearly published research is presented below. Lists of theses, dissertations and publications are given below.

Alpha – omega and omega – alpha phase transformations in zirconium under hydrostatic pressure: A 3D mesoscale study

DOE PAGES

Yeddu, Hemantha Kumar; Zong, Hongxiang; Lookman, Turab

2015-09-28

Here, a three dimensional (3D) elastoplastic phase-field model is developed for modeling the hydrostatic pressure-induced alpha – omega phase transformation and the reverse phase transformation, i.e. omega – alpha, in zirconium (Zr). Plastic deformation and strain hardening of the material are also considered in the model. The microstructure evolution during both phase transformations is studied. The transformation start pressures at different temperatures are predicted and are plotted as a phase diagram. The effect of phase transformations on the mechanical properties of the material is also studied. The input data corresponding to pure Zr are acquired from experimental studies as wellmore » as by using the CALPHAD method. Our simulations show that three different omega variants form as laths. On release of pressure, reverse phase transformation initiates at lath boundaries. We observe that both phase transformations are martensitic in nature and also occur at the same pressure, i.e. little hysteresis. The transformation start pressures and the kinetics of the transformation predicted by our model are in good agreement with experimental results.« less

Alpha – omega and omega – alpha phase transformations in zirconium under hydrostatic pressure: A 3D mesoscale study

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

Yeddu, Hemantha Kumar; Zong, Hongxiang; Lookman, Turab

Here, a three dimensional (3D) elastoplastic phase-field model is developed for modeling the hydrostatic pressure-induced alpha – omega phase transformation and the reverse phase transformation, i.e. omega – alpha, in zirconium (Zr). Plastic deformation and strain hardening of the material are also considered in the model. The microstructure evolution during both phase transformations is studied. The transformation start pressures at different temperatures are predicted and are plotted as a phase diagram. The effect of phase transformations on the mechanical properties of the material is also studied. The input data corresponding to pure Zr are acquired from experimental studies as wellmore » as by using the CALPHAD method. Our simulations show that three different omega variants form as laths. On release of pressure, reverse phase transformation initiates at lath boundaries. We observe that both phase transformations are martensitic in nature and also occur at the same pressure, i.e. little hysteresis. The transformation start pressures and the kinetics of the transformation predicted by our model are in good agreement with experimental results.« less

Predictive modeling of solidification during laser additive manufacturing of nickel superalloys: recent developments, future directions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghosh, Supriyo

2018-01-01

Additive manufacturing (AM) processes produce parts with improved physical, chemical, and mechanical properties compared to conventional manufacturing processes. In AM processes, intricate part geometries are produced from multicomponent alloy powder, in a layer-by-layer fashion with multipass laser melting, solidification, and solid-state phase transformations, in a shorter manufacturing time, with minimal surface finishing, and at a reasonable cost. However, there is an increasing need for post-processing of the manufactured parts via, for example, stress relieving heat treatment and hot isostatic pressing to achieve homogeneous microstructure and properties at all times. Solidification in an AM process controls the size, shape, and distribution of the grains, the growth morphology, the elemental segregation and precipitation, the subsequent solid-state phase changes, and ultimately the material properties. The critical issues in this process are linked with multiphysics (such as fluid flow and diffusion of heat and mass) and multiscale (lengths, times and temperature ranges) challenges that arise due to localized rapid heating and cooling during AM processing. The alloy chemistry-process-microstructure-property-performance correlation in this process will be increasingly better understood through multiscale modeling and simulation.

Ultrasonic-assisted solution combustion synthesis of porous Na3V2(PO4)3/C: formation mechanism and sodium storage performance

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Qiuyun; Liu, Qing; Chu, Xiangcheng; Zhang, Yiling; Yan, Youwei; Xue, Lihong; Zhang, Wuxing

2017-04-01

Solution combustion synthesis (SCS) is an effective and rapid method for synthesizing nanocrystalline materials. However, the control over size, morphology, and microstructure are rather limited in SCS. Here, we develop a novel ultrasonic-assisted solution combustion route to synthesize the porous and nano-sized Na3V2(PO4)3/C composites, and reveal the effects of ultrasound on the structural evolution of NVP/C. Due to the cavitation effects generated from ultrasonic irradiation, the ultrasonic-assisted SCS can produce honeycomb precursor, which can be further transformed into porous Na3V2(PO4)3/C with reticular and hollow structures after thermal treatment. When used as cathode material for Na-ion batteries, the porous Na3V2(PO4)3/C delivers an initial discharge capacity of 118 mAh g-1 at 0.1 C and an initial coulombic efficiency of 85%. It can retain 93.8% of the initial capacity after 120 cycles at 0.2 C. The results demonstrate that ultrasonic-assisted SCS can be a new strategy to design crystalline nanomaterials with tunable microstructures.

PTCR characteristics and microstructure of porous (Ba,Sr)TiO3 ceramics prepared by spark plasma sintering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Ki-Ju; Tang, Dongxu; Park, K.; Cho, Won-Seung

2010-02-01

Porous Y-doped (Ba,Sr)TiO3 ceramics were prepared by the spark plasma sintering of (Ba,Sr)TiO3 powders with different amounts of carbon black, and by subsequently burning out the carbon black acting as a pore precursor. The microstructure, PTCR and gas-sensing characteristics for porous Y-doped (Ba,Sr)TiO3 ceramics were investigated. Spark plasma sintered (Ba,Sr)TiO3 ceramics revealed a very fine microstructure containing submicron-sized grains with a cubic phase and revealed an increased porosity after the carbon black was burned out. As a result of reoxidation treatment, the grain size of the (Ba,Sr)TiO3 ceramics increased to a few μm and the cubic phase transformed into a tetragonal phase. The phase transformation of (Ba,Sr)TiO3 ceramics was affected by grain size. The PTCR jump in the (Ba,Sr)TiO3 ceramics prepared by adding 40 vol.% carbon black showed an excellent value of 4.72 × 106, which was ten times higher than the PTCR jump in (Ba,Sr)TiO3 ceramics. The electrical resistivity of the porous (Ba,Sr)TiO3 ceramics was recovered as the atmosphere changed from a reducing gas (N2) to an oxidizing gas (O2) under consecutive heating and cooling cycles.

Effect of austempering temperature on cavitation behaviour of unalloyed ADI material

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

Dojcinovic, Marina; Eric, Olivera; Rajnovic, Dragan

2013-08-15

This paper provides an in-depth study and description of cavitation damage and microstructural changes in two types of unalloyed austempered ductile iron (ADI). ADI materials used were austempered at 300 and 400 °C having ausferrite microstructure with 16 and 31.4% of retained austenite, respectively. Metallographic examination was carried out to study the morphology of their cavitation-damaged surfaces. Cavitation damage was initiated at graphite nodules as well as in the interface between a graphite nodule and an ausferrite matrix. Furthermore, microcracking and ferrite/retained austenite morphology were proved to be of great importance for cavitation resistance. Mass loss rate revealed that ADImore » austempered at 400 °C has a higher cavitation resistance in water than ADI austempered at 300 °C. A higher amount of retained austenite in ADI austempered at 400 °C played an important role in increasing cavitation resistance. The good cavitation behaviour of ADI austempered at 400 °C was due to the matrix hardening by stress assisted phase transformation of retained austenite into martensite (SATRAM) phenomenon, as shown by X-ray diffraction analysis. - Highlights: • Cavitation rate of two ADI materials was tested. • ADI material with a lower hardness has had a lower cavitation rate. • The main reason is microstructural transformations during cavitation. • SATRAM phenomenon increases cavitation resistance.« less

Microstructure and magnetic behavior studies of processing-controlled and composition-modified Fe-Ni and Mn-Al alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Geng, Yunlong

L10-type (Space group P4/mmm) magnetic compounds, including FeNi and MnAl, possess promising technical magnetic properties of both high magnetization and large magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy, and thus offer potential in replacing rare earth permanent magnets in some applications. In equiatomic Fe-Ni, the disorder-order transformation from fcc structure to the L10 structure is a diffusional transformation, but is inhibited by the low ordering temperature. The transformation could be enhanced through the creation of vacancies. Thus, mechanical alloying was employed to generate more open-volume defects. A decrease in grain size and concomitant increase in grain boundary area resulted from the mechanical alloying, while an initial increase in internal strain (manifested through an increase in dislocation density) was followed by a subsequent decrease with further alloying. However, a decrease in the net defect concentration was determined by Doppler broadening positron annihilation spectroscopy, as open volume defects utilized dislocations and grain boundaries as sinks. An alloy, Fe32Ni52Zr3B13, formed an amorphous structure after rapid solidification, with a higher defect concentration than crystalline materials. Mechanical milling was utilized in an attempt to generate even more defects. However, it was observed that Fe32Ni52Zr3B13 underwent crystallization during the milling process, which appears to be related to enhanced vacancy-type defect concentrations allowing growth of pre-existing Fe(Ni) nuclei. The milling and enhanced vacancy concentration also de-stabilizes the glass, leading to decreased crystallization temperatures, and ultimately leading to complete crystallization. In Mn-Al, the L10 structure forms from the parent hcp phase. However, this phase is slightly hyperstoichiometric relative to Mn, and the excess Mn occupies Al sites and couples antiparallel to the other Mn atoms. In this study, the Zr substituted preferentially for the Mn atoms in the Al layer, resulting in an increase in saturation magnetization, from 115 emu/g in the alloys without Zr to 128 emu/g in Mn53Al43C 3Zr1. To further improve the coercivity in Mn53Al 43C3Zr1, microstructure modification was achieved through the addition of excessive C and through surfactant-assisted mechanical milling. Enhancement in coercivity was accomplished through the microstructure modification, however, the loss of saturation magnetization was observed due to the formation of other equilibrium phases, including epsilon, beta-Mn and ZrO.

Phase transformation in SiOx/SiO₂ multilayers for optoelectronics and microelectronics applications.

PubMed

Roussel, M; Talbot, E; Pratibha Nalini, R; Gourbilleau, F; Pareige, P

2013-09-01

Due to the quantum confinement, silicon nanoclusters (Si-ncs) embedded in a dielectric matrix are of prime interest for new optoelectronics and microelectronics applications. In this context, SiO(x)/SiO₂ multilayers have been prepared by magnetron sputtering and subsequently annealed to induce phase separation and Si clusters growth. The aim of this paper is to study phase separation processes and formation of nanoclusters in SiO(x)/SiO₂ multilayers by atom probe tomography. Influences of the silicon supersaturation, annealing temperature and SiO(x) and SiO₂ layer thicknesses on the final microstructure have been investigated. It is shown that supersaturation directly determines phase separation regime between nucleation/classical growth and spinodal decomposition. Annealing temperature controls size of the particles and interface with the surrounding matrix. Layer thicknesses directly control Si-nc shapes from spherical to spinodal-like structures. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of Advanced Ods Ferritic Steels for Fast Reactor Fuel Cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ukai, S.; Oono, N.; Ohtsuka, S.; Kaito, T.

Recent progress of the 9CrODS steel development is presented focusing on their microstructure control to improve sufficient high-temperature strength as well as cladding manufacturing capability. The martensitic 9CrODS steel is primarily candidate cladding materials for the Generation IV fast reactor fuel. They are the attractive composite-like materials consisting of the hard residual ferrite and soft tempered martensite, which are able to be easily controlled by α-γ phase transformation. The residual ferrite containing extremely nanosized oxide particles leads to significantly improved creep rupture strength in 9CrODS cladding. The creep strength stability at extended time of 60,000 h at 700 ºC is ascribed to the stable nanosized oxide particles. It was also reviewed that 9CrODS steel has well irradiation stability and fuel pin irradiation test was conducted up to 12 at% burnup and 51 dpa at the cladding temperature of 700ºC.

Primary creep deformation behaviors related with lamellar interface in TiAl alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cho, Han Seo; Nam, Soo Woo; Kim, Young-Won

1998-02-01

Constant tensile stress creep tests under the condition of 760 816°C/172 276 MPa in an air environment are conducted, and the microstructural evolution during primary creep deformation at the creep condition of 816°C/172 MPa was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for the lamellar structured Ti-45. 5Al-2Cr-2.6Nb-0.17W-0.lB-0.2C-0.15Si (at.%) alloy. The amount of creep strain deformed during primary creep stage is considered to be the summation of the strains occurred by gliding of initial dislocations and of newly generated dislocations. Creep rate controlling process within the primary stage seems to be shifting from the initial dislocation climb controlled to the generation of the new dislocations by the phase transformation of 2 to as creep strain increases.

Processing - microstructure relationships of chemically vapor deposited zirconia fiber coating for environmentally durable silicon carbide/silicon carbide composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Jinil

In SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composites, toughness is obtained by adding a fiber coating which provides a weak interface for crack deflection and debonding between the fiber and the matrix. However, the most commonly used fiber coatings, carbon and boron nitride, are unstable in oxidative environments. In the present study, the feasibility of using a chemically vapor deposited zirconia (CVD-ZrO 2) fiber coating as an oxidation-resistant interphase for SiC/SiC composites was investigated. The feasibility of the CVD-ZrO2 coating as a useful interphase for SiC/SiC composites was investigated with emphasis on developing critical processing-microstructure relationships. A study of morphological evolution in the CVD-ZrO2 coating suggested that a size-controlled displacive phase transformation from tetragonal ZrO2 (t-ZrO2) to monoclinic ZrO2 (m-ZrO2) was the key mechanism responsible for the weak interface behavior exhibited by the ZrO2 coating. The pre-delamination occurred as a result of (i) continuous formation of t-ZrO2 nuclei on the deposition surface; (ii) martensitic transformation of the tetragonal phase to a monoclinic phase upon reaching a critical grain size; and (iii) development of significant compressive hoop stresses due to the volume dilation associated with the transformation. We also discovered that low oxygen partial pressure in the CVD reactor was required for the nucleation of t-ZrO2 and was ultimately responsible for the delamination behavior. The effects of oxygen partial pressure on the nucleation behavior of the CVD-ZrO2 coating was systematically studied by intentionally adding the controlled amount of O2 into the CVD chamber. Characterization results suggested that the number density of t-ZrO2 nuclei apparently decreased with increasing the oxygen partial pressure from 0.004 to 1.6 Pa. Also, the coating layer became more columnar and contained larger m-ZrO2 grains. The observed relationships between the oxygen partial pressure and the morphological characteristics of the ZrO 2 coating were explained in the context of the grain size and oxygen deficiency effects which have been previously reported to cause the stabilization of the t-ZrO2 phase in bulk ZrO2 specimens.

MR-based trabecular bone microstructure is not altered in subjects with indolent systemic mastocytosis.

PubMed

Baum, Thomas; Karampinos, Dimitrios C; Brockow, Knut; Seifert-Klauss, Vanadin; Jungmann, Pia M; Biedermann, Tilo; Rummeny, Ernst J; Bauer, Jan S; Müller, Dirk

2015-01-01

Subjects with indolent systemic mastocytosis (ISM) have an increased risk for osteoporosis. It has been demonstrated that trabecular bone microstructure analysis improves the prediction of bone strength beyond dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry-based bone mineral density. The purpose of this study was to obtain Magnetic Resonance (MR)-based trabecular bone microstructure parameters as advanced imaging biomarkers in subjects with ISM (n=18) and compare them with those of normal controls (n=18). Trabecular bone microstructure parameters were not significantly (P>.05) different between subjects with ISM and controls. These findings revealed important pathophysiological information about ISM-associated osteoporosis and may limit the use of trabecular bone microstructure analysis in this clinical setting. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Understanding the Interaction between a Steel Microstructure and Hydrogen

PubMed Central

Depover, Tom; Laureys, Aurélie; Wallaert, Elien

2018-01-01

The present work provides an overview of the work on the interaction between hydrogen (H) and the steel’s microstructure. Different techniques are used to evaluate the H-induced damage phenomena. The impact of H charging on multiphase high-strength steels, i.e., high-strength low-alloy (HSLA), transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) and dual phase (DP) is first studied. The highest hydrogen embrittlement resistance is obtained for HSLA steel due to the presence of Ti- and Nb-based precipitates. Generic Fe-C lab-cast alloys consisting of a single phase, i.e., ferrite, bainite, pearlite or martensite, and with carbon contents of approximately 0, 0.2 and 0.4 wt %, are further considered to simplify the microstructure. Finally, the addition of carbides is investigated in lab-cast Fe-C-X alloys by adding a ternary carbide forming element to the Fe-C alloys. To understand the H/material interaction, a comparison of the available H trapping sites, the H pick-up level and the H diffusivity with the H-induced mechanical degradation or H-induced cracking is correlated with a thorough microstructural analysis. PMID:29710803

Microstructural and Textural Differences Induced by Water and Furnace Cooling in Commercially Pure Zr Annealed in the α + β Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chai, Linjiang; Wang, Tingting; Ren, Yi; Song, Bo; Guo, Ning; Chen, Liangyu

2018-07-01

In this work, a commercially pure Zr sheet with a typical bimodal basal texture was annealed in an α + β region and then subjected to different coolings (in water and furnace). Microstructures and textures of both the as-received and the heat-treated specimens were investigated by electron channeling contrast imaging and electron backscatter diffraction techniques. Results show that a duplex microstructure consisting of untransformed bulk α grains and twinned martensitic plates is produced in the water-cooled specimen, which possesses a weakened texture compared to the initial one. For the specimen cooled in furnace, however, a uniform microstructure fully comprised of coarser equiaxed grains with a strengthened texture is obtained. Analyses reveal that the rapid cooling in water could suppress variant selection behaviors during β → α transformation and allow α plates with scattered orientations to be nucleated inside β phases, contributing to the weakened texture. In contrast, during slow cooling in furnace, β boundaries would act as preferred nucleation sites of α embryos, resulting in a strong variant selection that accounts for the intensified texture.

Effects of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical behaviour of additive manufactured porous Ti6Al4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmadi, S. M.; Jain, R. K. Ashok Kumar; Zadpoor, A. A.; Ayas, C.; Popovich, V. A.

2017-12-01

Titanium and its alloys such as Ti6Al4V play a major role in the medical industry as bone implants. Nowadays, by the aid of additive manufacturing (AM), it is possible to manufacture porous complex structures which mimic human bone. However, AM parts are near net shape and post processing may be needed to improve their mechanical properties. For instance, AM Ti6Al4V samples may be brittle and incapable of withstanding dynamic mechanical loads due to their martensitic microstructure. The aim of this study was to apply two different heat treatment regimes (below and above β-transus) to investigate their effects on the microstructure and mechanical properties of porous Ti6Al4V specimens. After heat treatment, fine acicular α‧ martensitic microstructure was transformed to a mixture of α and β phases. The ductility of the heat-treated specimens, as well as some mechanical properties such as hardness, plateau stress, and first maximum stress changed while the density and elastic gradient of the porous structure remained unchanged.

Simulations of Precipitate Microstructure Evolution during Heat Treatment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Kaisheng; Sterner, Gustaf; Chen, Qing; Jou, Herng-Jeng; Jeppsson, Johan; Bratberg, Johan; Engström, Anders; Mason, Paul

Precipitation, a major solid state phase transformation during heat treatment processes, has for more than one century been intensively employed to improve the strength and toughness of various high performance alloys. Recently, sophisticated precipitation reaction models, in assistance with well-developed CALPHAD databases, provide an efficient and cost-effective way to tailor precipitate microstructures that maximize the strengthening effect via the optimization of alloy chemistries and heat treatment schedules. In this presentation, we focus on simulating precipitate microstructure evolution in Nickel-base superalloys under arbitrary heat treatment conditions. The newly-developed TC-PRISMA program has been used for these simulations, with models refined especially for non-isothermal conditions. The effect of different cooling profiles on the formation of multimodal microstructures has been thoroughly examined in order to understand the underlying thermodynamics and kinetics. Meanwhile, validations against several experimental results have been carried out. Practical issues that are critical to the accuracy and applicability of the current simulations, such as modifications that overcome mean-field approximations, compatibility between CALPHAD databases, selection of key parameters (particularly interfacial energy and nucleation site densities), etc., are also addressed.

Microstructural and Textural Differences Induced by Water and Furnace Cooling in Commercially Pure Zr Annealed in the α + β Region

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chai, Linjiang; Wang, Tingting; Ren, Yi; Song, Bo; Guo, Ning; Chen, Liangyu

2018-03-01

In this work, a commercially pure Zr sheet with a typical bimodal basal texture was annealed in an α + β region and then subjected to different coolings (in water and furnace). Microstructures and textures of both the as-received and the heat-treated specimens were investigated by electron channeling contrast imaging and electron backscatter diffraction techniques. Results show that a duplex microstructure consisting of untransformed bulk α grains and twinned martensitic plates is produced in the water-cooled specimen, which possesses a weakened texture compared to the initial one. For the specimen cooled in furnace, however, a uniform microstructure fully comprised of coarser equiaxed grains with a strengthened texture is obtained. Analyses reveal that the rapid cooling in water could suppress variant selection behaviors during β → α transformation and allow α plates with scattered orientations to be nucleated inside β phases, contributing to the weakened texture. In contrast, during slow cooling in furnace, β boundaries would act as preferred nucleation sites of α embryos, resulting in a strong variant selection that accounts for the intensified texture.

Quantitatively differentiating microstructural variations of skeletal muscle tissues by multispectral Mueller matrix imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Yang; He, Honghui; He, Chao; Ma, Hui

2016-10-01

Polarized light is sensitive to the microstructures of biological tissues and can be used to detect physiological changes. Meanwhile, spectral features of the scattered light can also provide abundant microstructural information of tissues. In this paper, we take the backscattering polarization Mueller matrix images of bovine skeletal muscle tissues during the 24-hour experimental time, and analyze their multispectral behavior using quantitative Mueller matrix parameters. In the processes of rigor mortis and proteolysis of muscle samples, multispectral frequency distribution histograms (FDHs) of the Mueller matrix elements can reveal rich qualitative structural information. In addition, we analyze the temporal variations of the sample using the multispectral Mueller matrix transformation (MMT) parameters. The experimental results indicate that the different stages of rigor mortis and proteolysis for bovine skeletal muscle samples can be judged by these MMT parameters. The results presented in this work show that combining with the multispectral technique, the FDHs and MMT parameters can characterize the microstructural variation features of skeletal muscle tissues. The techniques have the potential to be used as tools for quantitative assessment of meat qualities in food industry.

Characterization by thermoelectric power of a commercial aluminum-iron-silicon alloy (8011) during isothermal precipitation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Luiggi, Ney José A.

1998-11-01

We have characterized a commercial 8011 (Al-Fe-Si) alloy by studying samples under different initial states of strain hardening and iron and silicon supersaturation using thermoelectric power as a measurement technique. Isothermal kinetics of precipitation are obtained in the temperature range between 225 °C and 600 °C. We determine the atom fraction precipitated for each microstructural condition, identifying the dominant alloying additions and evaluating the typical parameters of the precipitated phases, such as, for example, the apparent activation energy. Finally, we determine the time-temperature-transformation (TTT) diagrams. Our results prove that iron is the alloying addition that controls the precipitation kinetics of the 8011 alloy in the temperature range studied.

Microstructural Evolution of Dy2O3-TiO2 Powder Mixtures during Ball Milling and Post-Milled Annealing

PubMed Central

Huang, Jinhua; Ran, Guang; Lin, Jianxin; Shen, Qiang; Lei, Penghui; Wang, Xina; Li, Ning

2016-01-01

The microstructural evolution of Dy2O3-TiO2 powder mixtures during ball milling and post-milled annealing was investigated using XRD, SEM, TEM, and DSC. At high ball-milling rotation speeds, the mixtures were fined, homogenized, nanocrystallized, and later completely amorphized, and the transformation of Dy2O3 from the cubic to the monoclinic crystal structure was observed. The amorphous transformation resulted from monoclinic Dy2O3, not from cubic Dy2O3. However, at low ball-milling rotation speeds, the mixtures were only fined and homogenized. An intermediate phase with a similar crystal structure to that of cubic Dy2TiO5 was detected in the amorphous mixtures annealed from 800 to 1000 °C, which was a metastable phase that transformed to orthorhombic Dy2TiO5 when the annealing temperature was above 1050 °C. However, at the same annealing temperatures, pyrochlore Dy2Ti2O7 initially formed and subsequently reacted with the remaining Dy2O3 to form orthorhombic Dy2TiO5 in the homogenous mixtures. The evolutionary mechanism of powder mixtures during ball milling and subsequent annealing was analyzed. PMID:28772375

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

Xu, Pei-quan; Li, Leijun, E-mail: leijun.li@ualberta.ca; Zhang, Chunbo

The as-welded microstructure of laser-welded Ti-6Al-4V is characterized as a function of CO2 key-hole mode laser welding speed. Martensitic α′ is the predominant phase, with some α and retained β. Phase transformation is affected by the cooling rate through laser welding speed. A higher welding speed of 1.6 to 2.0 m/min produced more martensite α′ and less retained β in the welds. 1.4 m/min welding speed produced small amounts of α, besides the martensite α′. A trace of δ titanium hydride phase seems to have formed in the weld fusion zone. Moiré fringes are a common feature in the TEMmore » microstructure, due to abundance of multi-phase interfaces. Tensile twins and clusters of dislocations indicate that plastic deformation has happened in the as-welded microstructure, indicating the local stress levels to be approaching the yield stress on-cooling during laser welding.« less

The effects of CuO particle size on microstructure evolution of AgCuO compo-sites in plastic deformation process: finite element simulation and experimental study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Zhiguo; Cao, Hanxing; Zhou, Xiaolong; Zhou, Zhaobo; Cao, Jianchun

2018-04-01

The effects of CuO with different particle sizes on the microstructure evolution of AgCuO composite material during plastic deformation process were investigated by finite element (FE) analysis and experiment. The results are as follows: with the decrease of CuO particle size, the degree of radial compression and axial elongation of CuO particle cluster increase gradually, as well as the dispersion of CuO also increase. Meanwhile, the shape of CuO particles is constantly transformed from polygonal to fibrous, which makes the number of linear fibrous CuO increase continuously while bent fibrous CuO reduce gradually. By comparing the simulation and experiment results we find that there are four different typical microstructure regions, which caused by the interaction between monoclinic and cubic CuO during the extrusion process.

Correlative microscopy of detergent granules.

PubMed

van Dalen, G; Nootenboom, P; Heussen, P C M

2011-03-01

The microstructure of detergent products for textile cleaning determines to a large extent the physical properties of these products. Correlative microscopy was used to reveal the microstructure by reconciling images obtained by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray microtomography and Fourier transform infrared microscopy. These techniques were applied on the same location of a subsample of a spray-dried detergent base powder embedded in polyacrylate. In this way, the three-dimensional internal and external structure of detergent granules could be investigated from milli to nano scale with detailed spatial information about the components present. This will generate knowledge how to design optimal microstructures for laundry products to obtain product properties demanded by the market. This method is also very useful for other powder systems used in a large variety of industries (e.g. for pharmaceutical, food, ceramic and metal industries). © 2010 The Authors Journal of Microscopy © 2010 The Royal Microscopical Society.

Multiphase Microstructure in a Metastability-Assisted Medium Carbon Alloy Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Cheng; Cui, Xixi; Yang, Chen

2018-05-01

A medium carbon alloy steel is processed by austenizing at 900 °C for 30 min, then rapid quenching into a patented quenching liquid and holding at 170 °C for 5 min, finally isothermally holding at 250 °C for different times. The morphology and mechanical properties are performed by using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. A multiphase microstructure characterized by a mixture of lenticular prior martensite (PM), fine needle bainitic ferrite and filmy retained austenite (RA) is obtained. It is found that the PM formed firstly upon quenching can accelerate the subsequent bainitic transformation and promote refinement of multiphase colonies. The results show that an optimum mechanical property of a 4000.9 MPa bending strength and a 2030 MPa tensile strength is achieved at 250 °C for 120 min, which is attributed to the multiphase microstructural characteristics and a high product of the volume fraction of RA and the carbon content of austenite.

Periodic Inclusion—Matrix Microstructures with Constant Field Inclusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Liping; James, Richard D.; Leo, Perry H.

2007-04-01

We find a class of special microstructures consisting of a periodic array of inclusions, with the special property that constant magnetization (or eigenstrain) of the inclusion implies constant magnetic field (or strain) in the inclusion. The resulting inclusions, which we term E-inclusions, have the same property in a finite periodic domain as ellipsoids have in infinite space. The E-inclusions are found by mapping the magnetostatic or elasticity equations to a constrained minimization problem known as a free-boundary obstacle problem. By solving this minimization problem, we can construct families of E-inclusions with any prescribed volume fraction between zero and one. In two dimensions, our results coincide with the microstructures first introduced by Vigdergauz,[1,2] while in three dimensions, we introduce a numerical method to calculate E-inclusions. E-inclusions extend the important role of ellipsoids in calculations concerning phase transformations and composite materials.

Microstructure Evolution and Failure Analysis of an Aluminum-Copper Cathode Conductive Head Produced by Explosive Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Yanni; Luo, Yongguang; Qu, Hongtao; Zou, Juntao; Liang, Shuhua

2017-12-01

In this paper, microstructure evolution and failure analysis of the aluminum-copper interface of cathode conductive heads during their use were studied. The interface morphologies, compositions, conductivity and mechanical properties were investigated and analyzed. Obvious corrosion was found on the surface of the contact interface, which was more prevalent on an Al matrix. The crack increased sharply in the local metallurgical bonding areas on the interface, with the compound volume having no significant change. The phase transformation occurred on the interface during use, which was investigated using the elemental composition and x-ray diffraction pattern. The microhardness near the interface increased accordingly. An obvious electrical conductivity decrease appeared on the Al/Cu interface of the cathode conductive head after use over a specific time interval. Therefore, the deterioration of the microstructures and corrosion are the primary factors that affect the electrical conductivity and effective bonding, which will lead to eventual failure.

Determination of the continuous cooling transformation diagram of a high strength low alloyed steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kang, Hun Chul; Park, Bong June; Jang, Ji Hun; Jang, Kwang Soon; Lee, Kyung Jong

2016-11-01

The continuous cooling transformation diagram of a high strength low alloyed steel was determined by a dilatometer and microscopic analysis (OM, SEM) as well as thermodynamic analysis. As expected, Widmanstätten ferrite, bainite and martensite coexisted for most cooling rates, which made it difficult to determine the transformation kinetics of individual phases. However, peaks were clearly observed in the dilatometric {d( {LVDT} )}/{dT} curves. By overlapping the {d( {LVDT} )}/{dT} curves, which were determined using various cooling rates, peaks were separated and the peak rate temperatures, as well as the temperature at the start of transformation (5%) and the end of transformation (95%) of an individual phase, were determined. A SEM analysis was also conducted to identify which phase existed and to quantify the volume fraction of each phase. It was confirmed that the additional {d( {LVDT} )}/{dT} curve analysis described the transformation behavior more precisely than the conventional continuous cooling transformation diagram, as determined by the volume measured from the microstructure analysis.

Effect of Heat Input on Inclusion Evolution Behavior in Heat-Affected Zone of EH36 Shipbuilding Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Jincheng; Zou, Xiaodong; Matsuura, Hiroyuki; Wang, Cong

2018-03-01

The effects of heat input parameters on inclusion and microstructure characteristics have been investigated using welding thermal simulations. Inclusion features from heat-affected zones (HAZs) were profiled. It was found that, under heat input of 120 kJ/cm, Al-Mg-Ti-O-(Mn-S) composite inclusions can act effectively as nucleation sites for acicular ferrites. However, this ability disappears when the heat input is increased to 210 kJ/cm. In addition, confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) was used to document possible inclusion-microstructure interactions, shedding light on how inclusions assist beneficial transformations toward property enhancement.

Novel multiform morphologies of hydroxyapatite: Synthesis and growth mechanism

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mary, I. Reeta; Sonia, S.; Viji, S.; Mangalaraj, D.; Viswanathan, C.; Ponpandian, N.

2016-01-01

Morphological evolution of materials becomes a prodigious challenge due to their key role in defining their functional properties and desired applications. Herein, we report the synthesis of hydroxyapatite (HAp) microstructures with multiform morphologies, such as spheres, cubes, hexagonal rods and nested bundles constructed from their respective nanoscale building blocks via a simple cost effective hydro/solvothermal method. A possible formation mechanism of diverse morphologies of HAp has been presented. Structural analysis based on X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirms the purity of the HAp microstructures. The multiform morphologies of HAp were corroborated by using Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM).

Effect of Heat Input on Inclusion Evolution Behavior in Heat-Affected Zone of EH36 Shipbuilding Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, Jincheng; Zou, Xiaodong; Matsuura, Hiroyuki; Wang, Cong

2018-06-01

The effects of heat input parameters on inclusion and microstructure characteristics have been investigated using welding thermal simulations. Inclusion features from heat-affected zones (HAZs) were profiled. It was found that, under heat input of 120 kJ/cm, Al-Mg-Ti-O-(Mn-S) composite inclusions can act effectively as nucleation sites for acicular ferrites. However, this ability disappears when the heat input is increased to 210 kJ/cm. In addition, confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) was used to document possible inclusion-microstructure interactions, shedding light on how inclusions assist beneficial transformations toward property enhancement.

Thermal stability of the microstructure of an aged Nb-Zr-C alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Uz, Mehmet; Titran, Robert H.

1990-01-01

The effects of thermal aging with and without an applied stress on the microstructure of a Nb-Zr-C alloy containing 0.9 wt percent Zr and 0.06 wt percent C were studied. Chemical analysis, metallographic examination, energy dispersive x-ray spectra of the bulk material, and chemical and x-ray analyses of the phase-extracted residue were used to characterize the microstructure. The samples examined were from a creep strength study involving hot and cold working, and various combinations of exposure to temperatures ranging from 1350 to 1755 K with and without applied load for times as long as 34,000 plus hours. The results showed that the initial microstructure consisted primarily of orthorombic precipitates of Nb sub 2 C which were partially or completely transformed to face-centered cubic carbides of nb and Zr, (Zr, Nb)C, upon prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures. Furthermore, it was found that the microstructure of the alloy is extremely stable owing to the very finely distributed precipitates throughout its matrix and along the grain boundaries. The lattice parameters of the cubic carbides were determed to vary from 0.458 to 0.465 nm as the Zr/Nb ratio varied from 38/62 to 75/25.

Structural development of human brain white matter from mid-fetal to perinatal stage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ouyang, Austin; Yu, Qiaowen; Mishra, Virendra; Chalak, Lina; Jeon, Tina; Sivarajan, Muraleedharan; Jackson, Greg; Rollins, Nancy; Liu, Shuwei; Huang, Hao

2015-03-01

The structures of developing human brain white matter (WM) tracts can be effectively quantified by DTI-derived metrics, including fractional anisotropy (FA), mean, axial and radial diffusivity (MD, AD and RD). However, dynamics of WM microstructure during very early developmental period from mid-fetal to perinatal stage is unknown. It is difficult to accurately measure microstructural properties of these WM tracts due to severe contamination from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In this study, high resolution DTI of fetal brains at mid-fetal stage (20 weeks of gestation or 20wg), 19 brains in the middle of 3rd trimester (35wg) and 17 brains around term (40wg) were acquired. We established first population-averaged DTI templates at these three time points and extracted WM skeleton. 16 major WM tracts in limbic, projection, commissural and association tract groups were traced with DTI tractography in native space. The WM skeleton in the template space was inversely transformed back to the native space for measuring core WM microstructures of each individual tract. Continuous microstructural enhancement and volumetric increase of WM tracts were found from 20wg to 40wg. The microstructural enhancement from FA measurement is decelerated in late 3rd trimester compared to mid-fetal to middle 3rd trimester, while volumetric increase of prefrontal WM tracts is accelerated. The microstructural enhancement from 35wg to 40wg is heterogeneous among different tract groups with microstructures of association tracts undergoing most dramatic change. Besides decreases of RD indicating active myelination, the decrease of AD for most WM tracts during late 3rd trimester suggests axonal packing process.

Gas Metal Arc Welding Process Modeling and Prediction of Weld Microstructure in MIL A46100 Armor-Grade Martensitic Steel

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-06-01

acicular/Widmanstatten ferrite (a version of ferrite possessing an acicular/ lenticular - plate morphology which grows into the untransformed aus- tenite...boundary regions which have been transformed into allotriomorphic ferrite, as well as lenticular -shaped Widmanstatten plates advancing from the

Numerical modeling of heat-transfer and the influence of process parameters on tailoring the grain morphology of IN718 in electron beam additive manufacturing

DOE PAGES

Raghavan, Narendran; Dehoff, Ryan; Pannala, Sreekanth; ...

2016-04-26

The fabrication of 3-D parts from CAD models by additive manufacturing (AM) is a disruptive technology that is transforming the metal manufacturing industry. The correlation between solidification microstructure and mechanical properties has been well understood in the casting and welding processes over the years. This paper focuses on extending these principles to additive manufacturing to understand the transient phenomena of repeated melting and solidification during electron beam powder melting process to achieve site-specific microstructure control within a fabricated component. In this paper, we have developed a novel melt scan strategy for electron beam melting of nickel-base superalloy (Inconel 718) andmore » also analyzed 3-D heat transfer conditions using a parallel numerical solidification code (Truchas) developed at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The spatial and temporal variations of temperature gradient (G) and growth velocity (R) at the liquid-solid interface of the melt pool were calculated as a function of electron beam parameters. By manipulating the relative number of voxels that lie in the columnar or equiaxed region, the crystallographic texture of the components can be controlled to an extent. The analysis of the parameters provided optimum processing conditions that will result in columnar to equiaxed transition (CET) during the solidification. Furthermore, the results from the numerical simulations were validated by experimental processing and characterization thereby proving the potential of additive manufacturing process to achieve site-specific crystallographic texture control within a fabricated component.« less

Grain boundary engineering to control the discontinuous precipitation in multicomponent U10Mo alloy

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

Devaraj, Arun; Kovarik, Libor; Kautz, Elizabeth

Grain boundaries in metallic alloys often play a crucial role, not only in determining the mechanical properties or thermal stability of alloys, but also in dictating the phase transformation kinetics during thermomechanical processing. We demonstrate that locally stabilized structure and compositional segregation at grain boundaries—“grain boundary complexions”—in a complex multicomponent alloy can be modified to influence the kinetics of cellular transformation during subsequent thermomechanical processing. Using aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography analysis of a metallic nuclear fuel highly relevant to worldwide nuclear non-proliferation efforts —uranium-10 wt% molybdenum (U-10Mo) alloy, new evidence for the existence of grainmore » boundary complexion is provided. We then modified the concentration of impurities dissolved in Υ-UMo grain interiors and/or segregated to Υ-UMo grain boundaries by changing the homogenization treatment, and these effects were used used to retard the kinetics of cellular transformation during subsequent sub-eutectoid annealing in this U-10-Mo alloy during sub-eutectoid annealing. Thus, this work provided insights on tailoring the final microstructure of the U-10Mo alloy, which can potentially improve the irradiation performance of this important class of alloy fuels.« less

Multidisciplinary characterization of the long-bone cortex growth patterns through sheep's ontogeny.

PubMed

Cambra-Moo, Oscar; Nacarino-Meneses, Carmen; Díaz-Güemes, Idoia; Enciso, Silvia; García Gil, Orosia; Llorente Rodríguez, Laura; Rodríguez Barbero, Miguel Ángel; de Aza, Antonio H; González Martín, Armando

2015-07-01

Bone researches have studied extant and extinct taxa extensively trying to disclose a complete view of the complex structural and chemical transformations that model and remodel the macro and microstructure of bone during growth. However, to approach bone growth variations is not an easy task, and many aspects related with histological transformations during ontogeny remain unresolved. In the present study, we conduct a holistic approach using different techniques (polarized microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction) to examine the histomorphological and histochemical variations in the cortical bone of sheep specimens from intrauterine to adult stages, using environmentally controlled specimens from the same species. Our results suggest that during sheep bone development, the most important morphological (shape and size) and chemical transformations in the cortical bone occur during the first weeks of life; synchronized but dissimilar variations are established in the forelimb and hind limb cortical bone; and the patterns of bone tissue maturation in both extremities are differentiated in the adult stage. All of these results indicate that standardized histological models are useful not only for evaluating many aspects of normal bone growth but also to understand other important influences on the bones, such as pathologies that remain unknown. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Characterization of a High Strength, Refractory High Entropy Alloy, AlMo0.5NbTa0.5TiZr

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jensen, Jacob

High entropy alloys (HEAs) are a relatively new class of materials that have garnered significant interest over the last decade due to their intriguing balance of properties including high strength, toughness, and corrosion resistance. In contrast to conventional alloy systems, HEAs are based on four or more principal elements with near equimolar concentrations and tend to have simple microstructures due to the preferential formation of solid solution phases. HEAs appear to offer new pathways to lightweighting in structural applications, new alloys for elevated temperature components, and new magnetic materials, but more thorough characterization studies are needed to assess the viability of the recently developed multicomponent materials. One such HEA, AlMo0.5NbTa0.5TiZr, was selected to be the basis for this characterization study in part due to its strength at elevated temperatures (sigma0.2 = 1600 MPa at T = 800 °C) and low density compared with commercially available Ni-based superalloys. The refractory element containing HEA composition was developed in order to balance the high temperature strength of the refractory elements with the desirable properties achieved by the high entropy alloying design approach for potential use in aerospace thermal protection and structural applications. Ingots of AlMo0.5NbTa0.5TiZr were cast by vacuum arc melting followed by hot isostatic pressing (HIP) and homogenization at 1400 °C for 24 hrs with a furnace cool of 10 °C/min. The resulting microstructure was characterized at multiple length scales using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning transmission electron microscopy (SEM), conventional and scanning transmission electron microscopy (TEM and STEM), and x-ray energy dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS). The microstructure was found to consist of a periodic, coherent two phase mixture, where a disordered bcc phase is aligned orthogonally in an ordered B2 phase. Through microstructural evolution heat treatment studies, the nanoscale interpenetrating microstructure was discovered to form via a conditional spinodal reaction pathway involving a congruent ordering transformation preceding spinodal decomposition. In order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the true morphology of these phases and obtain a novel perspective of 3D elemental segregation in the HEA, STEM-high angle annular darkfield (HAADF) micrographs and XEDS spectral images were utilized in the tomographic reconstruction of the microstructure, which was inherently difficult to observe through conventional characterization techniques. The microstructure of the alloy was ultimately refined by incremental variations to the base alloy composition in an effort to remove deleterious intermetallic phases adversely affecting ductility. Despite the excellent compressive strength across a wide range of temperatures and the ability to tailor the microstructure by compositional modifications, microstructural and phase transformations in the desired operating temperature range indicate that the AlMo0.5NbTa0.5TiZr alloy may not be a suitable material for high temperature aerospace structural components.

Effects of small-grit grinding and glazing on mechanical behaviors and ageing resistance of a super-translucent dental zirconia.

PubMed

Lai, Xuan; Si, Wenjie; Jiang, Danyu; Sun, Ting; Shao, Longquan; Deng, Bin

2017-11-01

The purpose of this study is to elucidate the effects of small-grit grinding on the mechanical behaviors and ageing resistance of a super-translucent dental zirconia and to investigate the necessity of glazing for the small-grit ground zirconia. Small-grit grinding was performed using two kinds of silicon carbide abrasive papers. The control group received no grinding. The unground surfaces and the ground surfaces were glazed by an experienced dental technician. Finally, the zirconia materials were thermally aged in water at 134°C for 5h. After aforementioned treatments, we observed the surface topography and the microstructures, and measured the extent of monoclinic phase, the nano-hardness and nano-modulus of the possible transformed zone and the flexural strength. Small-grit grinding changed the surface topography. The zirconia microstructure did not change obviously after surface treatments and thermal ageing; however, the glaze in contact with zirconia showed cracks after thermal ageing. Small-grit grinding did not induce a phase transformation but improved the flexural strength and ageing resistance. Glazing prevented zirconia from thermal ageing but severely diminished the flexural strength. The nano-hardness and nano-modulus of the surface layer were increased by ultrafine grinding. The results suggest that small-grit grinding is beneficial to the strength and ageing resistance of the super-translucent dental zirconia; however, glazing is not necessary and even impairs the strength for the super-translucent dental zirconia. This study is helpful to the researches about dental grinding tools and maybe useful for dentists to choose reasonable zirconia surface treatments. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of microstructures on the performance of rare-earth-free MnBi magnetic materials and magnets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nguyen, Vuong Van; Nguyen, Truong Xuan

2018-03-01

Since the solidification of MnBi alloys is peritectic, their microstructures always consist of the starting phases of Mn and Bi and the productive phase MnBi. The high performance of MnBi bulk magnets requires appropriate routes of preparing MnBi powders of high spontaneous magnetization Ms and large coercivity iHc as well a route of producing bulk magnets thereof. In these routes, the microstructures of arc-melted alloys, annealed alloys and magnets strongly related to the quality of powders and the performance of magnets. The paper proves that: i) The microstructure of fine Mn-inclusions embedded in the matrix of Bi is preferred for arc-melted alloys to realize the rapid evolution of the ferromagnetic phase inside them during their sequent annealing process; ii) The time-controlled annealing process plays a key role in controlling the microstructure with the main ferromagnetic phase matrix, in which the rest of Mn and the Bi accumulations are embedded; iii) The cold (in-liquid-nitrogen) ball milling annealed alloys is required for preparing a high quality powders with the preferred sub-micrometer microstructure without a Bi-decomposition; iv) The short-time warm compaction is crucial to fabricate dense, highly textured bulk magnets with the micrometer microstructure. The realization and control of these preferred microstructures figured in these routes enhance the chance of preparing MnBi bulk magnets with the energy product (BH)max larger than 8 MGOe.

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

Ji, Yanzhou; Heo, Tae Wook; Zhang, Fan

Here we present our theoretical assessment of the kinetic pathways during phase transformations of multi-component Ti alloys. Employing the graphical thermodynamic approach and an integrated free energy function based on the realistic thermodynamic database and assuming that a displacive structural transformation occurs much faster than long-range diffusional processes, we analyze the phase stabilities of Ti-6Al -4V (Ti-6wt.%Al -4wt.%V). Our systematic analyses predict a variety of possible kinetic pathways for β to (α + β) transformations leading to different types of microstructures under various heat treatment conditions. In addition, the possibility of unconventional kinetic pathways is discussed. Lastly, we also brieflymore » discuss the application of our approach to general multicomponent/multiphase alloy systems.« less

Machining-induced surface transformations of magnesium alloys to enhance corrosion resistance in human-like environment

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

Bruschi, Stefania; Bertolini, Rachele; Ghiotti, Andrea

We report that magnesium alloys are becoming increasingly attractive for producing temporary prosthetic devices thanks to their bioresorbable characteristics in human body. However, their poor corrosion resistance to body fluids seriously limits their applicability. In this work, machining-induced surface transformations are explored as means to enhance corrosion resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloy. Surface characteristics including topography, residual stresses, wettability, microstructures and depth of transformed layer, were analysed and correlated to in-vitro corrosion resistance. Results showed that cryogenic machining at low feed provided the most promising corrosion reduction. Finally, thorough physical characterizations gave fundamental insights into possible drivers for this enhancedmore » resistance.« less

Machining-induced surface transformations of magnesium alloys to enhance corrosion resistance in human-like environment

DOE PAGES

Bruschi, Stefania; Bertolini, Rachele; Ghiotti, Andrea; ...

2018-04-22

We report that magnesium alloys are becoming increasingly attractive for producing temporary prosthetic devices thanks to their bioresorbable characteristics in human body. However, their poor corrosion resistance to body fluids seriously limits their applicability. In this work, machining-induced surface transformations are explored as means to enhance corrosion resistance of AZ31 magnesium alloy. Surface characteristics including topography, residual stresses, wettability, microstructures and depth of transformed layer, were analysed and correlated to in-vitro corrosion resistance. Results showed that cryogenic machining at low feed provided the most promising corrosion reduction. Finally, thorough physical characterizations gave fundamental insights into possible drivers for this enhancedmore » resistance.« less

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

Garlea, Elena; Steiner, M. A.; Calhoun, C. A.

The α-phase transformation kinetics of as-cast U - 8 wt% Mo below the eutectoid temperature have been established by in situ neutron diffraction. α-phase weight fraction data acquired through Rietveld refinement at five different isothermal hold temperatures can be modeled accurately utilizing a simple Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov impingement-based theory, and the results are validated by a corresponding evolution in the γ-phase lattice parameter during transformation that follows Vegard’s law. Neutron diffraction data is used to produce a detailed Time-Temperature-Transformation diagram that improves upon inconsistencies in the current literature, exhibiting a minimum transformation start time of 40 min at temperatures between 500 °Cmore » and 510 °C. Lastly, the transformation kinetics of U – 8 wt% Mo can vary significantly from as-cast conditions after extensive heat treatments, due to homogenization of the typical dendritic microstructure which possesses non-negligible solute segregation.« less

Annealing effect on the magnetic induced austenite transformation in polycrystalline freestanding Ni-Co-Mn-In films produced by co-sputtering

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

Crouïgneau, G., E-mail: guillaume.crouigneau@neel.cnrs.fr; Univ. Grenoble Alpes, CRETA, F-38000 Grenoble; CNRS, Inst. NEEL, F-38000 Grenoble

2015-01-21

Ni-Co-Mn-In freestanding films, with a magneto-structural transformation at room temperature were successfully produced by co-sputtering and post-annealing methods leading to film composition mastering. For a post-annealing temperature of 700 °C, the phase transformation occurs slightly above room temperature, with a twisted martensitic microstructure phase observed at 300 K by Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy. Magnetization measurements on a polycrystalline film showed a phase transformation from a weakly magnetic martensite to a magnetic austenite phase. Moreover, an inverse magnetocaloric effect with an entropy variation of 4 J/kg K under 5 T was also measured. A simple magneto-actuation experiment based on the magnetic induced austenite transformation wasmore » also successfully completed. The possibility to insert such films in microsystems is clearly demonstrated in this work.« less

Direct metal writing: Controlling the rheology through microstructure

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

Chen, Wen; Thornley, Luke; Coe, Hannah G.

Most metal additive manufacturing approaches are based on powder-bed melting techniques such as laser selective melting or electron beam melting, which often yield uncontrolled microstructures with defects (e.g., pores or microcracks) and residual stresses. Here, we introduce a proof-of-concept prototype of a 3D metal freeform fabrication process by direct writing of metallic alloys in the semi-solid regime. This process is achieved through controlling the particular microstructure and the rheological behavior of semi-solid alloy slurries, which demonstrate a well suited viscosity and a shear thinning property to retain the shape upon printing. Furthermore, the ability to control the microstructure through thismore » method yields a flexible manufacturing route to fabricating 3D metal parts with full density and complex geometries.« less

Direct metal writing: Controlling the rheology through microstructure

DOE PAGES

Chen, Wen; Thornley, Luke; Coe, Hannah G.; ...

2017-02-27

Most metal additive manufacturing approaches are based on powder-bed melting techniques such as laser selective melting or electron beam melting, which often yield uncontrolled microstructures with defects (e.g., pores or microcracks) and residual stresses. Here, we introduce a proof-of-concept prototype of a 3D metal freeform fabrication process by direct writing of metallic alloys in the semi-solid regime. This process is achieved through controlling the particular microstructure and the rheological behavior of semi-solid alloy slurries, which demonstrate a well suited viscosity and a shear thinning property to retain the shape upon printing. Furthermore, the ability to control the microstructure through thismore » method yields a flexible manufacturing route to fabricating 3D metal parts with full density and complex geometries.« less

Programmable thermal emissivity structures based on bioinspired self-shape materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Athanasopoulos, N.; Siakavellas, N. J.

2015-12-01

Programmable thermal emissivity structures based on the bioinspired self-shape anisotropic materials were developed at macro-scale, and further studied theoretically at smaller scale. We study a novel concept, incorporating materials that are capable of transforming their shape via microstructural rearrangements under temperature stimuli, while avoiding the use of exotic shape memory materials or complex micro-mechanisms. Thus, programmed thermal emissivity behaviour of a surface is achievable. The self-shape structure reacts according to the temperature of the surrounding environment or the radiative heat flux. A surface which incorporates self-shape structures can be designed to quickly absorb radiative heat energy at low temperature levels, but is simultaneously capable of passively controlling its maximum temperature in order to prevent overheating. It resembles a “game” of colours, where two or more materials coexist with different values of thermal emissivity/ absorptivity/ reflectivity. The transformation of the structure conceals or reveals one of the materials, creating a surface with programmable - and therefore, variable- effective thermal emissivity. Variable thermal emissivity surfaces may be developed with a total hemispherical emissivity ratio (ɛEff_H/ɛEff_L) equal to 28.

Programmable thermal emissivity structures based on bioinspired self-shape materials

PubMed Central

Athanasopoulos, N.; Siakavellas, N. J.

2015-01-01

Programmable thermal emissivity structures based on the bioinspired self-shape anisotropic materials were developed at macro-scale, and further studied theoretically at smaller scale. We study a novel concept, incorporating materials that are capable of transforming their shape via microstructural rearrangements under temperature stimuli, while avoiding the use of exotic shape memory materials or complex micro-mechanisms. Thus, programmed thermal emissivity behaviour of a surface is achievable. The self-shape structure reacts according to the temperature of the surrounding environment or the radiative heat flux. A surface which incorporates self-shape structures can be designed to quickly absorb radiative heat energy at low temperature levels, but is simultaneously capable of passively controlling its maximum temperature in order to prevent overheating. It resembles a “game” of colours, where two or more materials coexist with different values of thermal emissivity/ absorptivity/ reflectivity. The transformation of the structure conceals or reveals one of the materials, creating a surface with programmable – and therefore, variable- effective thermal emissivity. Variable thermal emissivity surfaces may be developed with a total hemispherical emissivity ratio (εEff_H/εEff_L) equal to 28. PMID:26635316

Microstructure characterization and strengthening mechanisms of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) Fe-9%Cr and Fe-14%Cr extruded bars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chauhan, A.; Bergner, F.; Etienne, A.; Aktaa, J.; de Carlan, Y.; Heintze, C.; Litvinov, D.; Hernandez-Mayoral, M.; Oñorbe, E.; Radiguet, B.; Ulbricht, A.

2017-11-01

The collaborative study is focused on the relationship between microstructure and yield stress for an ODS Fe-9%Cr-based transformable alloy and an ODS Fe-14%Cr-based ferritic alloy. The contributions to the total room temperature yield stress arising from various strengthening mechanisms are addressed on the basis of a comprehensive description of the microstructures uncovered by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) and atom probe tomography (APT). While these methods provide a high degree of complementarity, a reasonable agreement was found in cases of overlap of information. The derived set of microstructure parameters along with reported strengthening equations was used to calculate the room temperature yield stress. The estimates were critically compared with the measured yield stress for an extended set of alloys including data reported for Fe-Cr model alloys and steels thus covering one order of magnitude or more in grain size, dislocation density, particle density and yield stress. The comparison shows that particle strengthening, dislocation forest strengthening, and Hall-Petch strengthening are the major contributions and that a mixed superposition rule reproduces the measured yield stress within experimental scatter for the whole extended set of alloys. The wide variation of microstructures additionally underpins the conclusions and goes beyond previous work, in which one or few ODS steels and narrow microstructure variations were typically covered.

Slurry erosion induced surface nanocrystallization of bulk metallic glass

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ji, Xiulin; Wu, Jili; Pi, Jinghong; Cheng, Jiangbo; Shan, Yiping; Zhang, Yingtao

2018-05-01

Microstructure evolution and phase transformation of metallic glasses (MGs) could occur under heating condition or mechanical deformation. The cross-section of as-cast Zr55Cu30Ni5Al10 MG rod was impacted by the solid particles when subjected to erosion in slurry flow. The surface microstructure was observed by XRD before and after slurry erosion. And the stress-driven de-vitrification increases with the increase of erosion time. A microstructure evolution layer with 1-2 μm thickness was formed on the topmost eroded surface. And a short range atomic ordering prevails in the microstructure evolution layer with crystalline size around 2-3 nm embedded in the amorphous matrix. The XPS analysis reveals that most of the metal elements in the MG surface, except for Cu, were oxidized. And a composite layer with ZrO2 and Al2O3 phases were formed in the topmost surface after slurry erosion. The cooling rate during solidification of MG has a strong influence on the slurry erosion induced nanocrystallization. And a lower cooling rate favors the surface nanocrystallization because of lower activation energy and thermo-stability. Finally, the slurry erosion induced surface nanocrystallization and microstructure evolution result in surface hardening and strengthening. Moreover, the microstructure evolution mechanisms were discussed and it is related to the cooling rate of solidification and the impact-induced temperature rise, as well as the combined effects of the impact-induced plastic flow, inter-diffusion and oxidation of the metal elements.

In Situ TEM Nanoindentation Studies on Stress-Induced Phase Transformations in Metallic Materials

DOE PAGES

Liu, Y.; Wang, H.; Zhang, X.

2015-11-30

Though abundant phase transformations are in general thermally driven processes, there are many examples wherein stresses can induce phase transformations. We applied numerous in situ techniques, such as in situ x-ray diffraction and neutron diffraction in order to reveal phase transformations. Recently, an in situ nanoindentation technique coupled with transmission electron microscopy demonstrated the capability to directly correlating stresses with phase transformations and microstructural evolutions at a submicron length scale. We briefly review in situ studies on stress-induced diffusional and diffusionless phase transformations in amorphous CuZrAl alloy and NiFeGa shape memory alloy. Moreover, in the amorphous CuZrAl, in situ nanoindentationmore » studies show that the nucleation of nanocrystals (a diffusional process) occurs at ultra-low stresses manifested by a prominent stress drop. In the NiFeGa shape memory alloy, two distinctive types of martensitic (diffusionless) phase transformations accompanied by stress plateaus are observed, including a reversible gradual phase transformation at low stress levels, and an irreversible abrupt phase transition at higher stress levels.« less

Dilatometric investigation of α(orthorhombic)→β(tetragonal) transformation in U-15 wt.% Cr alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rameshkumar, Santhosh; Raju, Subramanian; Saibaba, Saroja

2018-04-01

The α→β transformation characteristics in U-15wt.% Cr alloy have been investigated by dilatometry at slow heating rates (3-10 K min-1). The starting microstructure of U-15Cr alloy consists of a mixture of metastable βm-U(body centred tetroganal), α-U(orthorhombic) and elemental Cr(bcc) phases. Upon heating, the metastable βmU phase has progressively transformed to equilibrium α-U structure; before, finally undergoing equilibrium α→β transformation with further increase in temperature. The measured α→β transformation temperature, when extrapolated to 0 K min-1 heating rate has been found to be higher than the currently accepted equilibrium phase diagram estimate. This is due to the kinetic difficulty associated with Cr-diffusion in U-15Cr alloy. The kinetics of α→β transformation upon continuous heating has been modeled in terms of a suitable framework for diffusional transformations, and the effective activation energy for overall transformation has been estimated to be in the range 160-180 kJ mol-1.

Control of microfabricated structures powered by flagellated bacteria using phototaxis

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steager, Edward; Kim, Chang-Beom; Patel, Jigarkumar; Bith, Socheth; Naik, Chandan; Reber, Lindsay; Kim, Min Jun

2007-06-01

Flagellated bacteria have been employed as microactuators in low Reynolds number fluidic environments. SU-8 microstructures have been fabricated and released on the surface of swarming Serratia marcescens, and the flagella propel the structures along the swarm surface. Phototactic control of these structures is demonstrated by exposing the localized regions of the swarm to ultraviolet light. The authors additionally discuss the control of microstructures in an open channel powered by bacteria which have been docked through a blotting technique. A tracking algorithm has been developed to analyze swarming patterns of the bacteria as well as the kinematics of the microstructures.

Phase transformation and deformation behavior of NiTi-Nb eutectic joined NiTi wires

PubMed Central

Wang, Liqiang; Wang, Cong; Zhang, Lai-Chang; Chen, Liangyu; Lu, Weijie; Zhang, Di

2016-01-01

NiTi wires were brazed together via eutectic reaction between NiTi and Nb powder deposited at the wire contact region. Phase transformation and deformation behavior of the NiTi-Nb eutectic microstructure were investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and cyclic loading-unloading tests. Results show that R phase and B19′ martensite transformation are induced by plastic deformation. R phase transformation, which significantly contributes to superelasticity, preferentially occurs at the interfaces between NiTi and eutectic region. Round-shaped Nb-rich phase with rod-like and lamellar-type eutectics are observed in eutectic regions. These phases appear to affect the deformation behavior of the brazed NiTi-Nb region via five distinct stages in stress-strain curves: (I) R phase reorientation, (II) R phase transformation from parent phase, (III) elastic deformation of reoriented martensite accompanied by the plastic deformation of Nb-rich phase and lamellar NiTi-Nb eutectic, (IV) B19′ martensitic transformation, and (V) plastic deformation of the specimen. PMID:27049025

α-Phase transformation kinetics of U – 8 wt% Mo established by in situ neutron diffraction

DOE PAGES

Garlea, Elena; Steiner, M. A.; Calhoun, C. A.; ...

2016-05-08

The α-phase transformation kinetics of as-cast U - 8 wt% Mo below the eutectoid temperature have been established by in situ neutron diffraction. α-phase weight fraction data acquired through Rietveld refinement at five different isothermal hold temperatures can be modeled accurately utilizing a simple Johnson-Mehl-Avrami-Kolmogorov impingement-based theory, and the results are validated by a corresponding evolution in the γ-phase lattice parameter during transformation that follows Vegard’s law. Neutron diffraction data is used to produce a detailed Time-Temperature-Transformation diagram that improves upon inconsistencies in the current literature, exhibiting a minimum transformation start time of 40 min at temperatures between 500 °Cmore » and 510 °C. Lastly, the transformation kinetics of U – 8 wt% Mo can vary significantly from as-cast conditions after extensive heat treatments, due to homogenization of the typical dendritic microstructure which possesses non-negligible solute segregation.« less

Surface and Bulk Carbide Transformations in High-Speed Steel

PubMed Central

Godec, M.; Večko Pirtovšek, T.; Šetina Batič, B.; McGuiness, P.; Burja, J.; Podgornik, B.

2015-01-01

We have studied the transformation of carbides in AISI M42 high-speed steels in the temperature window used for forging. The annealing was found to result in the partial transformation of the large, metastable M2C carbides into small, more stable grains of M6C, with an associated change in the crystal orientation. In addition, MC carbides form during the transformation of M2C to M6C. From the high-speed-steel production point of view, it is beneficial to have large, metastable carbides in the cast structure, which later during annealing, before the forging, transform into a structure of polycrystalline carbides. Such carbides can be easily decomposed into several small carbides, which are then randomly distributed in the microstructure. The results also show an interesting difference in the carbide-transformation reactions on the surface versus the bulk of the alloy, which has implications for in-situ studies of bulk phenomena that are based on surface observations. PMID:26537780

CO2 as a smart gelator for Pluronic aqueous solutions.

PubMed

Liu, Chengcheng; Mei, Qingqing; Zhang, Jianling; Kang, Xinchen; Peng, Li; Han, Buxing; Xue, Zhimin; Sang, Xinxin; Yang, Xiaogan; Wu, Zhonghua; Li, Zhihong; Mo, Guang

2014-11-25

It was found that CO2 could induce the gelation of Pluronic aqueous solutions, during which the microstructure of the solution transforms from randomly dispersed spherical micelles to cubic close packed micelles. The gelation switched by compressed CO2 has many advantages and can be applied in the synthesis of porous materials.

[Fractography of the long tubular bones of the lower extremities in trauma by blunt objects].

PubMed

Kriukov, V N; Bakhmet'ev, V I

1991-01-01

New data on micromorphological signs of fracture of long tubular bones in normal distribution and transformation of deforming forces are presented. Fractographic signs of bone for each destructive stage, signs of repeated trauma are singled out. Interrelationship between bone microstructure and conditions of its destruction is stated.

Effect of Annealing Time on Microstructural Evolution and Deformation Characteristics in 10Mn1.5Al TRIP Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Qihang; Zhang, Yulong; Wang, Li

2015-05-01

To investigate microstructural evolution and its effects on the deformation behaviors of cold-rolled 10Mn1.5Al TRIP steel, a series of intercritical annealing treatments with various holding times from 3 minutes to 48 hours were conducted. With the increase of the holding time from 3 minutes to 12 hours, the elongation was improved from 15 to 42 pct, while the tensile strength was only reduced from 1210 to 1095 MPa; the strength-ductility combination thus exceeded 45 GPa pct. Austenite was found to coexist with martensite within deformed grains, which reduced the strain concentration at the interface. The austenite transformation fraction, as measured from the {220} peaks, after 3 minutes annealing was half that after 12 hours annealing. This is an indication that the slip systems were more easily activated in the micro-scaled grains compared with nano-scaled grains. Therefore, although the stability of austenite would have increased during annealing, size-induced slip suppression was reduced. Thus, more strain was accommodated in the austenite, facilitating a greater strain-induced transformation and better ductility.

The Microstructural Evolution and Special Flow Behavior of Ti-5Al-2Sn-2Zr-4Mo-4Cr During Isothermal Compression at a Low Strain Rate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sun, J. Z.; Li, M. Q.; Li, H.

2017-09-01

The microstructural evolution and special flow behavior of Ti-5Al-2Sn-2Zr-4Mo-4Cr during isothermal compression at a strain rate of 0.0001 s-1 were investigated. The dislocation climbs in elongated α grains resulted in the formation of low-angle boundaries that transform into high-angle boundaries with greater deformation, and the elongated α grains subsequently separated into homogenous globular α grains with the penetration of the β phase. The simultaneous occurrence of discontinuous dynamic recrystallization and continuous dynamic recrystallization in the primary β grains resulted in a trimode grain distribution. The β grains surrounded by dislocations presented an equilateral-hexagonal morphology, which suggests that grain boundary sliding through dislocation climbs was the main deformation mechanism. The true stress-strain curves for 1073 and 1113 K abnormally intersect at a strain of 0.35, related to the α → β phase transformation and distinct growth of the β grain size.

Formation of anomalous eutectic in Ni-Sn alloy by laser cladding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Zhitai; Lin, Xin; Cao, Yongqing; Liu, Fencheng; Huang, Weidong

2018-02-01

Ni-Sn anomalous eutectic is obtained by single track laser cladding with the scanning velocity from 1 mm/s to 10 mm/s using the Ni-32.5 wt.%Sn eutectic powders. The microstructure of the cladding layer and the grain orientations of anomalous eutectic were investigated. It is found that the microstructure is transformed from primary α-Ni dendrites and the interdendritic (α-Ni + Ni3Sn) eutectic at the bottom of the cladding layer to α-Ni and β-Ni3Sn anomalous eutectic at the top of the cladding layer, whether for single layer or multilayer laser cladding. The EBSD maps and pole figures indicate that the spatially structure of α-Ni phase is discontinuous and the Ni3Sn phase is continuous in anomalous eutectic. The transformation from epitaxial growth columnar at bottom of cladding layer to free nucleation equiaxed at the top occurs, i.e., the columnar to equiaxed transition (CET) at the top of cladding layer during laser cladding processing leads to the generation of anomalous eutectic.

Theoretical Assessment on the Phase Transformation Kinetic Pathways of Multi-component Ti Alloys: Application to Ti-6Al- 4V

DOE PAGES

Ji, Yanzhou; Heo, Tae Wook; Zhang, Fan; ...

2015-12-21

Here we present our theoretical assessment of the kinetic pathways during phase transformations of multi-component Ti alloys. Employing the graphical thermodynamic approach and an integrated free energy function based on the realistic thermodynamic database and assuming that a displacive structural transformation occurs much faster than long-range diffusional processes, we analyze the phase stabilities of Ti-6Al -4V (Ti-6wt.%Al -4wt.%V). Our systematic analyses predict a variety of possible kinetic pathways for β to (α + β) transformations leading to different types of microstructures under various heat treatment conditions. In addition, the possibility of unconventional kinetic pathways is discussed. Lastly, we also brieflymore » discuss the application of our approach to general multicomponent/multiphase alloy systems.« less

Experimental evidence of stress-field-induced selection of variants in Ni-Mn-Ga ferromagnetic shape-memory alloys

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

Wang, Y. D.; Key Laboratory for Anisotropy and Texture of Materials; Brown, D. W.

2007-05-01

The in situ time-of-flight neutron-diffraction measurements captured well the martensitic transformation behavior of the Ni-Mn-Ga ferromagnetic shape-memory alloys under uniaxial stress fields. We found that a small uniaxial stress applied during phase transformation dramatically disturbed the distribution of variants in the product phase. The observed changes in the distributions of variants may be explained by considering the role of the minimum distortion energy of the Bain transformation in the effective partition among the variants belonging to the same orientation of parent phase. It was also found that transformation kinetics under various stress fields follows the scale law. The present investigationsmore » provide the fundamental approach for scaling the evolution of microstructures in martensitic transitions, which is of general interest to the condensed matter community.« less

Dependence of stress-induced omega transition and mechanical twinning on phase stability in metastable β Ti–V alloys

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

Wang, X.L.; Li, L.; Mei, W.

2015-09-15

Tensile properties and deformation microstructures of a series of binary β Ti–16–22V alloys have been investigated. The results show that the plastic deformation mode changes from the plate-like stress-induced ω phase transformation with a special habit plane of (− 5052){sub ω}//(3 − 3 − 2){sub β} to (332)<113> type deformation twinning with increasing the content of vanadium in the β Ti–16–22 wt.% V alloys. The plate-like stress-induced ω phase has a special orientation relationship with the β phase matrix, i.e., [110]{sub β}//[− 12 − 10]{sub ω}, (3 − 3 − 2){sub β}//(− 5052){sub ω} and (− 55 − 4){sub β}//(30more » − 31){sub ω}. The alloys plastically deformed by stress-induced ω phase transformation exhibit relatively higher yield strength than those deformed via (332)<113> type deformation twinning. It can be concluded that the stability of β phase plays a significant role in plastic deformation mode, i.e., stress-induced ω phase transformation or (332)<113> type deformation twinning, which governs the mechanical property of the β Ti–16–22 wt.% V alloys. - Highlights: • Tensile properties and deformed microstructures of β Ti–16–22V alloys were studied. • Stress-induced ω phase transformation and (332)<113> twinning occur in the alloys. • Stability of β phase plays a significant role in plastic deformation mode. • Plastic deformation mode governs the mechanical property of the alloys.« less

Investigation on Simultaneous Effects of Shot Peen and Austenitizing Time and Temperature on Grain Size and Microstructure of Austenitic Manganese Steel (Hadfield)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beheshti, M.; Zabihiazadboni, M.; Ismail, M. C.; Kakooei, S.; Shahrestani, S.

2018-03-01

Optimal conditions to increase life time of casting parts have been investigated by applying various cycles of heat treatment and shot peening on Hadfield steel surface. Metallographic and SEM microstructure examinations were used to determine the effects of shot peen, austenitizing time and temperature simultaneously. The results showed that with increasing austenitizing time and temperature of casting sample, carbides resolved in austenite phase and by further increase of austenitizing temperature and time, the austenite grain size becomes larger. Metallographic images illustrated that shot peening on Hadfield steel surface; Austenite - Martensite transformation has not occurred, but its matrix hardened through twining formation process.

Functional fatigue behavior of superelastic beta Ti-22Nb-6Zr(at%) alloy for load-bearing biomedical applications.

PubMed

Sheremetyev, V; Brailovski, V; Prokoshkin, S; Inaekyan, K; Dubinskiy, S

2016-01-01

Ti-22Nb-6Zr (at.%) alloy with different processing-induced microstructures (highly-dislocated partially recovered substructure, polygonized nanosubgrained (NSS) dislocation substructure, and recrystallized structure) was subjected to strain-controlled tension-tension fatigue testing in the 0.2...1.5% strain range (run-out at 10^6 cycles). The NSS alloy obtained after cold-rolling with 0.3 true strain and post-deformation annealing at 600 °C showed the lowest Young's modulus and globally superior fatigue performance due to the involvement of reversible stress-induced martensitic transformation in the deformation process. This NSS structure appears to be suitable for biomedical applications with an extended variation range of loading conditions (orthopedic implants). Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

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.

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

Chen, Aiying; Liu, Jiabin; Wang, Hongtao

Gradient materials often have attractive mechanical properties that outperform uniform microstructure counterparts. It remains a difficult task to investigate and compare the performance of various gradient microstructures due to the difficulty of fabrication, the wide range of length scales involved, and their respective volume percentage variations. We have investigated four types of gradient microstructures in 304 stainless steels that utilize submicrotwins, nanotwins, nanocrystalline-, ultrafine- and coarse-grains as building blocks. Tensile tests reveal that the gradient microstructure consisting of submicrotwins and nanotwins has a persistent and stable work hardening rate and yields an impressive combination of high strength and high ductility,more » leading to a toughness that is nearly 50% higher than that of the coarse-grained counterpart. Ex- and in-situ transmission electron microscopy indicates that nanoscale and submicroscale twins help to suppress and limit martensitic phase transformation via the confinement of martensite within the twin lamellar. Twinning and detwinning remain active during tensile deformation and contribute to the work hardening behavior. We discuss the advantageous properties of using submicrotwins as the main load carrier and nanotwins as the strengthening layers over those coarse and nanocrystalline grains. Furthermore, our work uncovers a new gradient design strategy to help metals and alloys achieve high strength and high ductility.« less

Multi-modal porous microstructure for high temperature fuel cell application

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wejrzanowski, T.; Haj Ibrahim, S.; Cwieka, K.; Loeffler, M.; Milewski, J.; Zschech, E.; Lee, C.-G.

2018-01-01

In this study, the effect of microstructure of porous nickel electrode on the performance of high temperature fuel cell is investigated and presented based on a molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) cathode. The cathode materials are fabricated from slurry consisting of nickel powder and polymeric binder/solvent mixture, using the tape casting method. The final pore structure is shaped through modifying the slurry composition - with or without the addition of porogen(s). The manufactured materials are extensively characterized by various techniques involving: micro-computed tomography (micro-XCT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), mercury porosimetry, BET and Archimedes method. Tomographic images are also analyzed and quantified to reveal the evolution of pore space due to nickel in situ oxidation to NiO, and infiltration by the electrolyte. Single-cell performance tests are carried out under MCFC operation conditions to estimate the performance of the manufactured materials. It is found that the multi-modal microstructure of MCFC cathode results in a significant enhancement of the power density generated by the reference cell. To give greater insight into the understanding of the effect of microstructure on the properties of the cathode, a model based on 3D tomography image transformation is proposed.

Effect of cobalt on microstructure and properties of AlCr1.5CuFeNi2Cox high-entropy alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kukshal, Vikas; Patnaik, Amar; Bhat, I. K.

2018-04-01

The present paper investigates the effect of Co addition on the alloying behaviour, microstructure and the resulting properties of cast AlCr1.5CuFeNi2Cox high-entropy alloys intended to be used for high temperature applications. The elements Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Co (Purity > 99) weighing approximately 800 g was melted in a high temperature vacuum induction furnace. The microstructure, phase transformation, density, microhardness and compressive strength of the samples were analysed using x-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopes (SEM), Vickers microhardness tester and universal Testing machine. The crystalline structure of the alloys exhibits simple FCC and BCC phases. The microstructures investigation of the alloys shows the segregation of copper in the interdendritic region resulting in Cu-rich FCC phase. The addition of Co further enhances the formation of FCC phase resulting in the decrease in micro hardness value of the alloys, which varies from 471 HV to 364 HV with increase in the cobalt content from x = 0 to x = 1 (molar ratio). The similar decreasing trend is also observed for the compressive strength of the alloys.

Monitoring temporal microstructural variations of skeletal muscle tissues by multispectral Mueller matrix polarimetry

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dong, Yang; He, Honghui; He, Chao; Ma, Hui

2017-02-01

Mueller matrix polarimetry is a powerful tool for detecting microscopic structures, therefore can be used to monitor physiological changes of tissue samples. Meanwhile, spectral features of scattered light can also provide abundant microstructural information of tissues. In this paper, we take the 2D multispectral backscattering Mueller matrix images of bovine skeletal muscle tissues, and analyze their temporal variation behavior using multispectral Mueller matrix parameters. The 2D images of the Mueller matrix elements are reduced to the multispectral frequency distribution histograms (mFDHs) to reveal the dominant structural features of the muscle samples more clearly. For quantitative analysis, the multispectral Mueller matrix transformation (MMT) parameters are calculated to characterize the microstructural variations during the rigor mortis and proteolysis processes of the skeletal muscle tissue samples. The experimental results indicate that the multispectral MMT parameters can be used to judge different physiological stages for bovine skeletal muscle tissues in 24 hours, and combining with the multispectral technique, the Mueller matrix polarimetry and FDH analysis can monitor the microstructural variation features of skeletal muscle samples. The techniques may be used for quick assessment and quantitative monitoring of meat qualities in food industry.

Effect of sintering temperature on the electrolysis of TiO2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Ze-quan; Ru, Li-yue; Bai, Cheng-guang; Zhang, Na; Wang, Hai-hua

2012-07-01

The effects of sintering temperature on the microstructure and the conductivity of TiO2 cathodes were studied by examining the phase composition, microstructure, and element contents of the sintered cathodes and the cathodic products using X-ray diffraction and scanning electronic microscopy-energy dispersive spectrometry. The oxygen vacancy, conductivity, average pore diameter, and specific surface area of the sintered cathodes were detected by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, four-point probe, and ASPA 2010. The results showed that TiO2 phase transformations occurred, and oxygen vacancies formed with the increase of sintering temperature. The cathodic conductivity improved, but the average pore diameter and the effective response area of the TiO2 cathode were reduced when the sintering temperature increased. These phenomena could weaken the contact between reaction ions and electrons and also had the same effect on the cathodes and the molten salt. Moreover, they were disadvantageous to ion migration, so a lower sintering temperature was favorable for the microstructure of electrolysis. Consequently, the cathodic conductivity may be improved, but the microstructure became compact with the increase of sintering temperature. The cathodic products at different temperatures indicated that the cathodic conductivity was more important for electrolysis.

Mesoscale Thermodynamically motivated Statistical Mechanics based Kinetic Model for Sintering monoliths

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mohan, Nisha

Modeling the evolution of microstructure during sintering is a persistent challenge in ceramics science, although needed as the microstructure impacts properties of an engineered material. Bridging the gap between microscopic and continuum models, kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) methods provide a stochastic approach towards sintering and microstructure evolution. These kMC models work at the mesoscale, with length and time-scales between those of atomistic and continuum approaches. We develop a sintering/compacting model for the two-phase sintering of boron nitride ceramics and allotropes alike. Our formulation includes mechanisms for phase transformation between h-BN and c-BN and takes into account thermodynamics of pressure and temperature on interaction energies and mechanism rates. In addition to replicating the micro-structure evolution observed in experiments, it also captures the phase diagram of Boron Nitride materials. Results have been analyzed in terms of phase diagrams and crystal growth. It also serves with insights to guide the choice of additives and conditions for the sintering process.While detailed time and spatial resolutions are lost in any MC, the progression of stochastic events still captures plausible local energy minima and long-time temporal developments. DARPA.

A diffusion model-free framework with echo time dependence for free-water elimination and brain tissue microstructure characterization.

PubMed

Molina-Romero, Miguel; Gómez, Pedro A; Sperl, Jonathan I; Czisch, Michael; Sämann, Philipp G; Jones, Derek K; Menzel, Marion I; Menze, Bjoern H

2018-03-23

The compartmental nature of brain tissue microstructure is typically studied by diffusion MRI, MR relaxometry or their correlation. Diffusion MRI relies on signal representations or biophysical models, while MR relaxometry and correlation studies are based on regularized inverse Laplace transforms (ILTs). Here we introduce a general framework for characterizing microstructure that does not depend on diffusion modeling and replaces ill-posed ILTs with blind source separation (BSS). This framework yields proton density, relaxation times, volume fractions, and signal disentanglement, allowing for separation of the free-water component. Diffusion experiments repeated for several different echo times, contain entangled diffusion and relaxation compartmental information. These can be disentangled by BSS using a physically constrained nonnegative matrix factorization. Computer simulations, phantom studies, together with repeatability and reproducibility experiments demonstrated that BSS is capable of estimating proton density, compartmental volume fractions and transversal relaxations. In vivo results proved its potential to correct for free-water contamination and to estimate tissue parameters. Formulation of the diffusion-relaxation dependence as a BSS problem introduces a new framework for studying microstructure compartmentalization, and a novel tool for free-water elimination. © 2018 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Microstructure Images Restoration of Metallic Materials Based upon KSVD and Smoothing Penalty Sparse Representation Approach.

PubMed

Li, Qing; Liang, Steven Y

2018-04-20

Microstructure images of metallic materials play a significant role in industrial applications. To address image degradation problem of metallic materials, a novel image restoration technique based on K-means singular value decomposition (KSVD) and smoothing penalty sparse representation (SPSR) algorithm is proposed in this work, the microstructure images of aluminum alloy 7075 (AA7075) material are used as examples. To begin with, to reflect the detail structure characteristics of the damaged image, the KSVD dictionary is introduced to substitute the traditional sparse transform basis (TSTB) for sparse representation. Then, due to the image restoration, modeling belongs to a highly underdetermined equation, and traditional sparse reconstruction methods may cause instability and obvious artifacts in the reconstructed images, especially reconstructed image with many smooth regions and the noise level is strong, thus the SPSR (here, q = 0.5) algorithm is designed to reconstruct the damaged image. The results of simulation and two practical cases demonstrate that the proposed method has superior performance compared with some state-of-the-art methods in terms of restoration performance factors and visual quality. Meanwhile, the grain size parameters and grain boundaries of microstructure image are discussed before and after they are restored by proposed method.

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.

Temperature-Driven Structural and Morphological Evolution of Zinc Oxide Nano-Coalesced Microstructures and Its Defect-Related Photoluminescence Properties

PubMed Central

Lim, Karkeng; Abdul Hamid, Muhammad Azmi; Shamsudin, Roslinda; Al-Hardan, N.H.; Mansor, Ishak; Chiu, Weesiong

2016-01-01

In this paper, we address the synthesis of nano-coalesced microstructured zinc oxide thin films via a simple thermal evaporation process. The role of synthesis temperature on the structural, morphological, and optical properties of the prepared zinc oxide samples was deeply investigated. The obtained photoluminescence and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy outcomes will be used to discuss the surface structure defects of the prepared samples. The results indicated that the prepared samples are polycrystalline in nature, and the sample prepared at 700 °C revealed a tremendously c-axis oriented zinc oxide. The temperature-driven morphological evolution of the zinc oxide nano-coalesced microstructures was perceived, resulting in transformation of quasi-mountain chain-like to pyramidal textured zinc oxide with increasing the synthesis temperature. The results also impart that the sample prepared at 500 °C shows a higher percentage of the zinc interstitial and oxygen vacancies. Furthermore, the intensity of the photoluminescence emission in the ultraviolet region was enhanced as the heating temperature increased from 500 °C to 700 °C. Lastly, the growth mechanism of the zinc oxide nano-coalesced microstructures is discussed according to the reaction conditions. PMID:28773425

High-performance formamidinium-based perovskite solar cells via microstructure-mediated δ-to-α phase transformation

DOE PAGES

Liu, Tanghao; Zong, Yingxia; Zhou, Yuanyuan; ...

2017-03-14

The δ → α phase transformation is a crucial step in the solution-growth process of formamidinium-based lead triiodide (FAPbI 3) hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite (HOIP) thin films for perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Because the addition of cesium (Cs) stabilizes the α phase of FAPbI 3-based HOIPs, here our research focuses on FAPbI 3(Cs) thin films. We show that having a large grain size in the δ-FAPbI 3(Cs) non-perovskite intermediate films is essential for the growth of high-quality α-FAPbI 3(Cs) HOIP thin films. Here grain coarsening and phase transformation occur simultaneously during the thermal annealing step. A large starting grain size inmore » the δ-FAPbI 3(Cs) thin films suppresses grain coarsening, precluding the formation of voids at the final α-FAPbI 3(Cs)–substrate interfaces. PSCs based on the interface void-free α-FAPbI 3(Cs) HOIP thin films are much more efficient and stable in the ambient atmosphere. This interesting finding inspired us to develop a simple room-temperature aging method for preparing coarse-grained δ-FAPbI 3(Cs) intermediate films, which are subsequently converted to coarse-grained, high-quality α-FAPbI 3(Cs) HOIP thin films. As a result, this study highlights the importance of microstructure meditation in the processing of formamidinium-based PSCs.« less

Effect of sulfur content on the microstructure and toughness of simulated heat-affected zone in Ti-killed steels

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

Jyelong Lee; Yeongtsuen Pan

1993-06-01

Four Ti-killed steels were made to study the specific influence of sulfur on the inclusion, microstructure, and toughness of a simulated heat-affected zone (HAZ). The HAZ toughness was mainly determined by the volume fraction of intragranular acicular ferrite (IAF) which was closely related to the supercooling required to initiate austenite to ferrite transformation. The extent of supercooling was strongly influenced by the composition of grain boundary and inclusions. Sulfur addition up to 102 ppm caused a segregation of sulfur to the grain boundaries and a change of inclusion phase from predominantly Ti-oxides to Ti-oxysulphides and MnS. This behavior, in turn,more » suppressed the formation of IAF polygonal ferrite and promoted the formation of IAF. Further addition of sulfur elevated transformation temperature and promoted the formation of polygonal ferrite due to the refinement of grain size and the increase of grain boundary associated inclusions. A methodology was proposed to evaluate the intragranular nucleation potential of inclusions, and the results showed that Ti-oxysulphides possessed better nucleation potential for IAF than Ti-oxides and MnS. With the lowest transformation temperature and most effective nuclei, the best HAZ toughness can be obtained at sulfur content of 102 ppm due to the achievement of the maximum volume fraction of IAF.« less

Mechanical and functional behavior of high-temperature Ni-Ti-Pt shape memory alloys

DOE PAGES

Buchheit, Thomas E.; Susan, Donald F.; Massad, Jordan E.; ...

2016-01-22

A series of Ti-rich Ni-Ti-Pt ternary alloys with 13 to 18 at. pct Pt were processed by vacuum arc melting and characterized for their transformation behavior to identify shape memory alloys (SMA) that undergo transformation between 448 K and 498 K (175 °C and 225 °C) and achieve recoverable strain exceeding 2 pct. From this broader set of compositions, three alloys containing 15.5 to 16.5 at. pct Pt exhibited transformation temperatures in the vicinity of 473 K (200 °C), thus were targeted for more detailed characterization. Preliminary microstructural evaluation of these three compositions revealed a martensitic microstructure with small amountsmore » of Ti 2(Ni,Pt) particles. Room temperature mechanical testing gave a response characteristic of martensitic de-twinning followed by a typical work-hardening behavior to failure. Elevated mechanical testing, performed while the materials were in the austenitic state, revealed yield stresses of approximately 500 MPa and 3.5 pct elongation to failure. Thermal strain recovery characteristics were more carefully investigated with unbiased incremental strain-temperature tests across the 1 to 5 pct strain range, as well as cyclic strain-temperature tests at 3 pct strain. As a result, the unbiased shape recovery results indicated a complicated strain recovery path, dependent on prestrain level, but overall acceptable SMA behavior within the targeted temperature and recoverable strain range.« less

Microstructural and superficial modification in a Cu-Al-Be shape memory alloy due to superficial severe plastic deformation under sliding wear conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Figueroa, C. G.; Garcia-Castillo, F. N.; Jacobo, V. H.; Cortés-Pérez, J.; Schouwenaars, R.

2017-05-01

Stress induced martensitic transformation in copper-based shape memory alloys has been studied mainly in monocrystals. This limits the use of such results for practical applications as most engineering applications use polycristals. In the present work, a coaxial tribometer developed by the authors was used to characterise the tribological behaviour of polycrystalline Cu-11.5%Al-0.5%Be shape memory alloy in contact with AISI 9840 steel under sliding wear conditions. The surface and microstructure characterization of the worn material was conducted by conventional scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy, while the mechanical properties along the transversal section were measured by means of micro-hardness testing. The tribological behaviour of Cu-Al-Be showed to be optimal under sliding wear conditions since the surface only presented a slight damage consisting in some elongated flakes produced by strong plastic deformation. The combination of the plastically modified surface and the effects of mechanically induced martensitic transformation is well-suited for sliding wear conditions since the modified surface provides the necessary strength to avoid superficial damage while superelasticity associated to martensitic transformation is an additional mechanism which allows absorbing mechanical energy associated to wear phenomena as opposed to conventional ductile alloys where severe plastic deformation affects several tens of micrometres below the surface.

Effect of isothermal heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of Reduced Activation Ferritic Martensitic steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chandravathi, K. S.; Sasmal, C. S.; Laha, K.; Parameswaran, P.; Nandagopal, M.; Vijayanand, V. D.; Mathew, M. D.; Jayakumar, T.; Rajendra Kumar, E.

2013-04-01

Hardness, tensile properties and microstructural changes in 9Cr-1W-0.06Ta-0.22V-0.08C Reduced Activation Ferritic-Martensitic steel have been investigated after subjecting the steel with isothermal heat treatments for 5 min at temperatures in the range 973-1473 K (below Ac1 to above Ac3 transformation temperatures) followed by oil quenching and tempering at 1033 K for 1 h. These studies have been carried out in an effort to assess the strength of the steel at different microstructural conditions. Optical, scanning and transmission electron microscopic investigations have been carried out to assess the microstructural changes of the steel upon various heat treatments. The steel developed predominantly tempered martensitic structure after the heat treatments. The hardness, tensile strength and the prior austenitic grain size of the steel exhibited minimum values for soaking heat treatment in the intercritical temperature range (i.e.) between Ac1 and Ac3; whereas the ductility was maximum. With increase in isothermal heat treatment temperature above Ac3, hardness, tensile strength and grain size of the steel were found to increase with consequent decrease in tensile ductility. TEM investigations revealed that the coarsening of subgrain and precipitates at grain and sub-grain boundaries on heat treatment of the steel in the inter-critical temperature range. The tensile properties of the steel have been correlated with microstructure.

Microstructure, texture, and mechanical properties of friction stir welded commercial brass alloy

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

Heidarzadeh, A., E-mail: ak.hz62@gmail.com

Microstructural evolution during friction stir welding of single-phase brass and corresponding mechanical properties were investigated. For this purpose, 2 mm thick brass plate was friction stir welded at a rotational speed of 450 rpm and traverse speed of 100 mm/min. The microstructure of the joint was studied using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy equipped with electron back scattered diffraction system, and scanning transmission electron microscopy. The mechanical properties were measured using hardness and tensile tests. The formation of subgrains and their transformation into new grains in conjunction with existence of A{sub 1}{sup ⁎}, A{sub 2}{sup ⁎} and C texture componentsmore » revealed that the continuous dynamic recrystallization plays a dominant role in the microstructural evolution. However, grain boundary bulging, along with the formation of twin boundaries, and presence of the G texture component showed that the discontinues dynamic recrystallization may participate in the new grain formation. Furthermore, the different strengthening mechanisms, which caused the higher strength of the joint, were discussed. - Highlights: •Microstructural evolution during FSW of a single phase brass was investigated. •CDRX and DDRX were the main mechanisms of the grain structure formation during FSW. •GDRX and SRX were not contributed in grain structure formation. •The lamellas TBs were formed in the SZ of the joints. •Grain boundary, dislocation, and texture effects resulted in higher strength.« less

The effects of annealing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe 28Ni 18Mn 33Al 21

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

Meng, Fanling; Qiu, Jingwen; Baker, Ian

In this paper, As-cast Fe 28Ni 18Mn 33Al 21, which consists of aligned, 50 nm, (Ni, Al)-rich B2, and (Fe, Mn)-rich f.c.c. phases, was annealed at a variety of temperatures up to 1423 K and the microstructure and mechanical properties were examined. It was shown that the as-cast microstructure arises from a eutectoid transformation at ~1300 K. Annealing at temperatures ≤1073 K produces β-Mn-structured precipitates and hardness values up to 816 HV, while annealing at temperatures >1073 K leads to dramatic coarsening of the two-phase B2/f.c.c. microstructure (up to 5.5 µm after 50 h at 1273 K), but does notmore » lead to β-Mn precipitation. Interestingly, annealing at temperatures >1073 K delays the onset of β-Mn precipitation during subsequent anneals at lower temperatures. Coarsening the B2/f.c.c. lamellar structure by annealing at higher temperatures softens it and leads to increases in ductility from fracture before yield to ~8 % elongation. Finally, the presence of β-Mn precipitates makes the very fine, brittle B2/f.c.c. microstructures even more brittle, but significant ductility (8.4 % elongation) is possible even with β-Mn precipitates present if the B2/f.c.c. matrix is coarse and, hence, more ductile.« less

The effects of annealing on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Fe 28Ni 18Mn 33Al 21

DOE PAGES

Meng, Fanling; Qiu, Jingwen; Baker, Ian; ...

2015-08-20

In this paper, As-cast Fe 28Ni 18Mn 33Al 21, which consists of aligned, 50 nm, (Ni, Al)-rich B2, and (Fe, Mn)-rich f.c.c. phases, was annealed at a variety of temperatures up to 1423 K and the microstructure and mechanical properties were examined. It was shown that the as-cast microstructure arises from a eutectoid transformation at ~1300 K. Annealing at temperatures ≤1073 K produces β-Mn-structured precipitates and hardness values up to 816 HV, while annealing at temperatures >1073 K leads to dramatic coarsening of the two-phase B2/f.c.c. microstructure (up to 5.5 µm after 50 h at 1273 K), but does notmore » lead to β-Mn precipitation. Interestingly, annealing at temperatures >1073 K delays the onset of β-Mn precipitation during subsequent anneals at lower temperatures. Coarsening the B2/f.c.c. lamellar structure by annealing at higher temperatures softens it and leads to increases in ductility from fracture before yield to ~8 % elongation. Finally, the presence of β-Mn precipitates makes the very fine, brittle B2/f.c.c. microstructures even more brittle, but significant ductility (8.4 % elongation) is possible even with β-Mn precipitates present if the B2/f.c.c. matrix is coarse and, hence, more ductile.« less

Morphology-controllable growth of GdVO4:Eu3+ nano/microstructures for an optimum red luminescence

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Liusai; Li, Guangshe; Zhao, Minglei; Zheng, Jing; Guan, Xiangfeng; Li, Liping

2012-06-01

Chemically tailoring microstructures for an optimum red luminescence is a subject at the forefront of many disciplines, which still remains a challenge due to a poor knowledge about the roles of defects in structures. In this work, GdVO4 :Eu3+ nano/microstructures of different morphologies, including tomato-like, cookie-circle-like, and ellipsoidal-like nanoparticles, and microspheroids were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal route using trisodium citrate as a capping agent. During the growth processes, the types of vanadyl ions were adjusted by varying pH value to control the morphologies and nano/microstructures with the help of trisodium citrate. The possible mechanisms for the growth processes into diverse morphologies are presented. Further, a systematic study on defect characteristics pertinent to these diverse morphologies has been explored to achieve an optimum red luminescence. The ability is clearly shown to generate different nano/microstructures of diverse morphologies and varied defect concentrations, which provides a great opportunity for morphological control in tailoring the red luminescence property for many technological applications.

Morphology-controllable growth of GdVO4:Eu3+ nano/microstructures for an optimum red luminescence.

PubMed

Yang, Liusai; Li, Guangshe; Zhao, Minglei; Zheng, Jing; Guan, Xiangfeng; Li, Liping

2012-06-22

Chemically tailoring microstructures for an optimum red luminescence is a subject at the forefront of many disciplines, which still remains a challenge due to a poor knowledge about the roles of defects in structures. In this work, GdVO(4) :Eu(3+) nano/microstructures of different morphologies, including tomato-like, cookie-circle-like, and ellipsoidal-like nanoparticles, and microspheroids were synthesized via a simple hydrothermal route using trisodium citrate as a capping agent. During the growth processes, the types of vanadyl ions were adjusted by varying pH value to control the morphologies and nano/microstructures with the help of trisodium citrate. The possible mechanisms for the growth processes into diverse morphologies are presented. Further, a systematic study on defect characteristics pertinent to these diverse morphologies has been explored to achieve an optimum red luminescence. The ability is clearly shown to generate different nano/microstructures of diverse morphologies and varied defect concentrations, which provides a great opportunity for morphological control in tailoring the red luminescence property for many technological applications.

Evolution and Control of 2219 Aluminum Microstructural Features Through Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Taminger, Karen M.; Hafley, Robert A.; Domack, Marcia S.

2006-01-01

The layer-additive nature of the electron beam freeform fabrication (EBF3) process results in a tortuous thermal path producing complex microstructures including: small homogeneous equiaxed grains; dendritic growth contained within larger grains; and/or pervasive dendritic formation in the interpass regions of the deposits. Several process control variables contribute to the formation of these different microstructures, including translation speed, wire feed rate, beam current and accelerating voltage. In electron beam processing, higher accelerating voltages embed the energy deeper below the surface of the substrate. Two EBF3 systems have been established at NASA Langley, one with a low-voltage (10-30kV) and the other a high-voltage (30-60 kV) electron beam gun. Aluminum alloy 2219 was processed over a range of different variables to explore the design space and correlate the resultant microstructures with the processing parameters. This report is specifically exploring the impact of accelerating voltage. Of particular interest is correlating energy to the resultant material characteristics to determine the potential of achieving microstructural control through precise management of the heat flux and cooling rates during deposition.

Dynamics of Transformation from Platinum Icosahedral Nanoparticles to Larger FCC Crystal at Millisecond Time Resolution

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

Gao, Wenpei; Wu, Jianbo; Yoon, Aram

Atomic motion at grain boundaries is essential to microstructure development, growth and stability of catalysts and other nanostructured materials. However, boundary atomic motion is often too fast to observe in a conventional transmission electron microscope (TEM) and too slow for ultrafast electron microscopy. We report on the entire transformation process of strained Pt icosahedral nanoparticles (ICNPs) into larger FCC crystals, captured at 2.5 ms time resolution using a fast electron camera. Results show slow diffusive dislocation motion at nm/s inside ICNPs and fast surface transformation at μm/s. By characterizing nanoparticle strain, we show that the fast transformation is driven bymore » inhomogeneous surface stress. And interaction with pre-existing defects led to the slowdown of the transformation front inside the nanoparticles. Particle coalescence, assisted by oxygen-induced surface migration at T ≥ 300°C, also played a critical role. Thus by studying transformation in the Pt ICNPs at high time and spatial resolution, we obtain critical insights into the transformation mechanisms in strained Pt nanoparticles.« less

On a phase field approach for martensitic transformations in a crystal plastic material at a loaded surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmitt, Regina; Kuhn, Charlotte; Müller, Ralf

2017-07-01

A continuum phase field model for martensitic transformations is introduced, including crystal plasticity with different slip systems for the different phases. In a 2D setting, the transformation-induced eigenstrain is taken into account for two martensitic orientation variants. With aid of the model, the phase transition and its dependence on the volume change, crystal plastic material behavior, and the inheritance of plastic deformations from austenite to martensite are studied in detail. The numerical setup is motivated by the process of cryogenic turning. The resulting microstructure qualitatively coincides with an experimentally obtained martensite structure. For the numerical calculations, finite elements together with global and local implicit time integration scheme are employed.

Fabrication of micro-lens array on convex surface by meaning of micro-milling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Peng; Du, Yunlong; Wang, Bo; Shan, Debin

2014-08-01

In order to develop the application of the micro-milling technology, and to fabricate ultra-precision optical surface with complex microstructure, in this paper, the primary experimental research on micro-milling complex microstructure array is carried out. A complex microstructure array surface with vary parameters is designed, and the mathematic model of the surface is set up and simulated. For the fabrication of the designed microstructure array surface, a micro three-axis ultra-precision milling machine tool is developed, aerostatic guideway drove directly by linear motor is adopted in order to guarantee the enough stiffness of the machine, and novel numerical control strategy with linear encoders of 5nm resolution used as the feedback of the control system is employed to ensure the extremely high motion control accuracy. With the help of CAD/CAM technology, convex micro lens array on convex spherical surface with different scales on material of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and pure copper is fabricated using micro tungsten carbide ball end milling tool based on the ultra-precision micro-milling machine. Excellent nanometer-level micro-movement performance of the axis is proved by motion control experiment. The fabrication is nearly as the same as the design, the characteristic scale of the microstructure is less than 200μm and the accuracy is better than 1μm. It prove that ultra-precision micro-milling technology based on micro ultra-precision machine tool is a suitable and optional method for micro manufacture of microstructure array surface on different kinds of materials, and with the development of micro milling cutter, ultraprecision micro-milling complex microstructure surface will be achieved in future.

In Situ Microstructural Control and Mechanical Testing Inside the Transmission Electron Microscope at Elevated Temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Baoming; Haque, M. A.

2015-08-01

With atomic-scale imaging and analytical capabilities such as electron diffraction and energy-loss spectroscopy, the transmission electron microscope has allowed access to the internal microstructure of materials like no other microscopy. It has been mostly a passive or post-mortem analysis tool, but that trend is changing with in situ straining, heating and electrical biasing. In this study, we design and demonstrate a multi-functional microchip that integrates actuators, sensors, heaters and electrodes with freestanding electron transparent specimens. In addition to mechanical testing at elevated temperatures, the chip can actively control microstructures (grain growth and phase change) of the specimen material. Using nano-crystalline aluminum, nickel and zirconium as specimen materials, we demonstrate these novel capabilities inside the microscope. Our approach of active microstructural control and quantitative testing with real-time visualization can influence mechanistic modeling by providing direct and accurate evidence of the fundamental mechanisms behind materials behavior.

Room temperature creep behavior of Ti–Nb–Ta–Zr–O alloy

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

Zhang, Wei-dong

The room temperature creep behavior and deformation mechanisms of a Ti–Nb–Ta–Zr–O alloy, which is also called “gum metal”, were investigated with the nanoindentation creep and conventional creep tests. The microstructure was observed with electron backscattered diffraction analysis (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that the creep stress exponent of the alloy is sensitive to cold deformation history of the alloy. The alloy which was cold swaged by 85% shows high creep resistance and the stress exponent is approximately equal to 1. Microstructural observation shows that creep process of the alloy without cold deformation is controlled by dislocationmore » mechanism. The stress-induced α' martensitic phase transformation also occurs. The EBSD results show that the grain orientation changes after the creep tests, and thus, the creep of the cold-worked alloy is dominated by the shear deformation of giant faults without direct assistance from dislocations. - Highlights: •Nanoindentation was used to investigate room temperature creep behavior of gum metal. •The creep stress exponent of gum metal is sensitive to the cold deformation history. •The creep stress exponent of cold worked gum metal is approximately equal to 1. •The creep of the cold-worked gum metal is governed by the shear deformation of giant faults.« less

Laser Additive Manufacturing of F/M Steels for Radiation Tolerant Nuclear Components

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

Lienert, Thomas J.; Maloy, Stuart Andrew

According to the Nuclear Energy R&D Roadmap Report submitted to Congress in 2010, one the key challenges facing the nuclear energy industry involves development of new reactor designs with reduced capital costs. Two related R&D objectives outlined in the report include: 1) Making improvements in the affordability of new reactors; and 2) Development of structural materials to withstand irradiation for longer periods. Laser additive manufacturing (LAM) is particularly well suited for more rapid and economical fabrication of reactor components relative to current fabrication methods. The proposed work involving LAM directly addresses the two R&D objectives outlined above relevant to themore » pertinent mission problems. The classical Materials Science approach involving development of Process/Structure/Property/Performance (P/S/P/P) relations was employed in this project. Processing included LAM and heat-treating. Thermal cycling during LAM is discussed here, and phase diagrams and continuous cooling transformation (CCT) diagrams are used to rationalize microstructural evolution. Structures were characterized including grain size & morphology, volume fraction, morphology, composition and location of carbides in as-deposited and heat-treated conditions. In the simplest sense, the goal was to control microstructures through process manipulation with a view toward optimizing properties and performance in service.« less

The Influence of Annealing Temperature and Time on the Formation of δ-Phase in Additively-Manufactured Inconel 625

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoudt, M. R.; Lass, E. A.; Ng, D. S.; Williams, M. E.; Zhang, F.; Campbell, C. E.; Lindwall, G.; Levine, L. E.

2018-07-01

This research evaluated the kinetics of δ-phase growth in laser powder bed additively-manufactured (AM) Inconel 625 during post-build stress-relief heat treatments. The temperatures ranged between 650 °C and 1050 °C, and the times from 0.25 to 168 hours. The presence of δ-phase was verified for each temperature/time combination through multiple techniques. A conventional time-temperature-transformation diagram was constructed from the time-temperature data. Comparison to the growth in wrought IN625 with a similar nominal composition revealed that δ-phase formation occurred at least two orders of magnitude faster in the AM IN625. The results of this study also revealed that the segregated microstructure in the as-built condition has a strong influence on the kinetics of δ-phase formation in AM IN625 as compared to a homogenized material. Since control of the δ-phase growth is essential for reliable prediction of the performance of IN625 components in service, avoiding heat treatments that promote the formation of δ-phase in AM components that are not homogenized is highly recommended. This will be particularly true at elevated temperatures where the microstructural stability and the consistency of mechanical properties are more likely to be affected by the presence of δ-phase.

The Influence of Annealing Temperature and Time on the Formation of δ-Phase in Additively-Manufactured Inconel 625

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stoudt, M. R.; Lass, E. A.; Ng, D. S.; Williams, M. E.; Zhang, F.; Campbell, C. E.; Lindwall, G.; Levine, L. E.

2018-05-01

This research evaluated the kinetics of δ-phase growth in laser powder bed additively-manufactured (AM) Inconel 625 during post-build stress-relief heat treatments. The temperatures ranged between 650 °C and 1050 °C, and the times from 0.25 to 168 hours. The presence of δ-phase was verified for each temperature/time combination through multiple techniques. A conventional time-temperature-transformation diagram was constructed from the time-temperature data. Comparison to the growth in wrought IN625 with a similar nominal composition revealed that δ-phase formation occurred at least two orders of magnitude faster in the AM IN625. The results of this study also revealed that the segregated microstructure in the as-built condition has a strong influence on the kinetics of δ-phase formation in AM IN625 as compared to a homogenized material. Since control of the δ-phase growth is essential for reliable prediction of the performance of IN625 components in service, avoiding heat treatments that promote the formation of δ-phase in AM components that are not homogenized is highly recommended. This will be particularly true at elevated temperatures where the microstructural stability and the consistency of mechanical properties are more likely to be affected by the presence of δ-phase.

Lead-germanium ohmic contact on to gallium arsenide formed by the solid phase epitaxy of germanium: A microstructure study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radulescu, Fabian

2000-12-01

Driven by the remarkable growth in the telecommunication market, the demand for more complex GaAs circuitry continued to increase in the last decade. As a result, the GaAs industry is faced with new challenges in its efforts to fabricate devices with smaller dimensions that would permit higher integration levels. One of the limiting factors is the ohmic contact metallurgy of the metal semiconductor field effect transistor (MESFET), which, during annealing, induces a high degree of lateral diffusion into the substrate. Because of its limited reaction with the substrate, the Pd-Ge contact seems to be the most promising candidate to be used in the next generation of MESFET's. The Pd-Ge system belongs to a new class of ohmic contacts to compound semiconductors, part of an alloying strategy developed only recently, which relies on solid phase epitaxy (SPE) and solid phase regrowth to "un-pin" the Fermi level at the surface of the compound semiconductor. However, implementing this alloy into an integrated process flow proved to be difficult due to our incomplete understanding of the microstructure evolution during annealing and its implications on the electrical properties of the contact. The microstructure evolution and the corresponding solid state reactions that take place during annealing of the Pd-Ge thin films on to GaAs were studied in connection with their effects on the electrical properties of the ohmic contact. The phase transformations sequence, transition temperatures and activation energies were determined by combining differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for thermal analysis with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for microstructure identification. In-situ TEM annealing experiments on the Pd/Ge/Pd/GaAs ohmic contact system have permitted real time determination of the evolution of contact microstructure. The kinetics of the solid state reactions, which occur during ohmic contact formation, were determined by measuring the grain growth rates associated with each phase from the videotape recordings. With the exception of the Pd-GaAs interactions, it was found that four phase transformations occur during annealing of the Pd:Ge thin films on top of GaAs. The microstructural information was correlated with specific ohmic contact resistivity measurements performed in accordance with the transmission line method (TLM) and these results demonstrated that the Ge SPE growth on top of GaAs renders the optimal electrical properties for the contact. By using the focused ion beam (FIB) method to produce microcantilever beams, the residual stress present in the thin film system was studied in connection with the microstructure. Although, the PdGe/epi-Ge/GaAs seemed to be the optimal microstructural configuration, the presence of PdGe at the interface with GaAs did not damage the contact resistivity significantly. These results made it difficult to establish a charge transport mechanism across the interface but they explained the wide processing window associated with this contact.

Effect of Cold Rolling and Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Ti-4Al-1Mn Titanium Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gaur, Rishi; Gupta, R. K.; AnilKumar, V.; Banwait, S. S.

2018-05-01

Mechanical behavior of Ti-4Al-1Mn titanium alloy has been studied in annealed, cold-rolled and heat-treated conditions. Room temperature tensile strength as well as % elongation has been found to be low with increasing amount of cold rolling. Lowering of strength in cold worked condition is attributed to premature failure. However, the same has been mitigated after heat treatment. Significant effect of cooling media (air and water) from heat treatment temperature on microstructure was not found except for the degree of fineness of α plates. Optimum properties (strength as well as ductility) were exhibited by samples subjected to 15% cold rolling and heat treatment below β transus temperature, which can be attributed to presence of recrystallized microstructure. In cold worked condition, the microstructure shows fine fragmented α plates/Widmanstätten morphology with high dislocation density along with a large amount of strain fields and twinning, which gets transformed to recrystallized equiaxed microstructure and with plate-like morphology after near β heat treatment. Prior cold work is found to have a significant effect on mechanical properties supported by evolution of microstructure. Twinning is found to be assisting in deformation as well as in recrystallization through the formation of deformation and annealing twins during cold working and heat treatment. Fracture analysis of the tested sample with prior cold work and heat-treated condition revealed quasi-ductile failure as compared to only ductile failure features seen for samples heat treated without prior cold work.

Development of Nanostructured Austempered Ductile Cast Iron

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Panneerselvam, Saranya

Austempered Ductile Cast Iron is emerging as an important engineering materials in recent years because of its excellent combination of mechanical properties such as high strength with good ductility, good fatigue strength and fracture toughness together with excellent wear resistance. These combinations of properties are achieved by the microstructure consisting of acicular ferrite and high carbon austenite. Refining of the ausferritic microstructure will further enhance the mechanical properties of ADI and the presence of proeutectoid ferrite in the microstructure will considerably improve the ductility of the material. Thus, the focus of this investigation was to develop nanostructured austempered ductile cast iron (ADI) consisting of proeutectoid ferrite, bainitic ferrite and high carbon austenite and to determine its microstructure-property relationships. Compact tension and cylindrical tensile test samples were prepared as per ASTM standards, subjected to various heat treatments and the mechanical tests including the tensile tests, plane strain fracture toughness tests, hardness tests were performed as per ASTM standards. Microstructures were characterized by optical metallography, X-ray diffraction, SEM and TEM. Nanostructured ADI was achieved by a unique heat treatment consisting of austenitization at a high temperature and subsequent plastic deformation at the same austenitizing temperature followed by austempering. The investigation also examined the effect of cryogenic treatment, effect of intercritical austenitizing followed by single and two step austempering, effect of high temperature plastic deformation on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the low alloyed ductile cast iron. The mechanical and thermal stability of the austenite was also investigated. An analytical model has been developed to understand the crack growth process associated with the stress induced transformation of retained austenite to martensite.

Shape memory behavior of single crystal and polycrystalline Ni-rich NiTiHf high temperature shape memory alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saghaian, Sayed M.

NiTiHf shape memory alloys have been receiving considerable attention for high temperature and high strength applications since they could have transformation temperatures above 100 °C, shape memory effect under high stress (above 500 MPa) and superelasticity at high temperatures. Moreover, their shape memory properties can be tailored by microstructural engineering. However, NiTiHf alloys have some drawbacks such as low ductility and high work hardening in stress induced martensite transformation region. In order to overcome these limitations, studies have been focused on microstructural engineering by aging, alloying and processing. Shape memory properties and microstructure of four Ni-rich NiTiHf alloys (Ni50.3Ti29.7Hf20, Ni50.7Ti 29.3Hf20, Ni51.2Ti28.8Hf20, and Ni52Ti28Hf20 (at. %)) were systematically characterized in the furnace cooled condition. H-phase precipitates were formed during furnace cooling in compositions with greater than 50.3Ni and the driving force for nucleation increased with Ni content. Alloy strength increased while recoverable strain decreased with increasing Ni content due to changes in precipitate characteristics. The effects of the heat treatments on the transformation characteristics and microstructure of the Ni-rich NiTiHf shape memory alloys have been investigated. Transformation temperatures are found to be highly annealing temperature dependent. Generation of nanosize precipitates (˜20 nm in size) after three hours aging at 450 °C and 550 °C improved the strength of the material, resulting in a near perfect dimensional stability under high stress levels (> 1500 MPa) with a work output of 20-30 J cm- 3. Superelastic behavior with 4% recoverable strain was demonstrated at low and high temperatures where stress could reach to a maximum value of more than 2 GPa after three hours aging at 450 and 550 °C for alloys with Ni great than 50.3 at. %. Shape memory properties of polycrystalline Ni50.3Ti29.7 Hf20 alloys were studied via thermal cycling under stress and isothermal stress cycling experiments in tension. Recoverable strain of ˜5% was observed for the as-extruded samples while it was decreased to ˜4% after aging due to the formation of precipitates. The aged alloys demonstrated near perfect shape memory effect under high tensile stress level of 700 MPa and perfect superelasticity at high temperatures up to 230 °C. Finally, the tension-compression asymmetry observed in NiTiHf where recoverable tensile strain was higher than compressive strain. The shape memory properties of solutionized and aged Ni-rich Ni50.3Ti29.7Hf20 single crystals were investigated along the [001], [011], and [111] orientations in compression. [001]-oriented single crystals showed high dimensional stability under stress levels as high as 1500 MPa in both the solutionized and aged conditions, but with transformation strains of less than 2%. Perfect superelasticity with recoverable strain of more than 4% was observed for solutionized and 550 °C-3h aged single crystals along the [011] and [111] orientations, and general superelastic behavior was observed over a wide temperature range. The calculated transformation strains were higher than the experimentally observed strains since the calculated strains could not capture the formation of martensite plates with (001) compound twins. KEYWORDS: NiTiHf, High Temperature Shape memory alloys, Mechanical Characterization, High Strength Shape Memory Alloy, Orientation Dependence of NiTiHf Sayed.

Development of the novel ferrous-based stainless steel for biomedical applications, part I: high-temperature microstructure, mechanical properties and damping behavior.

PubMed

Wu, Ching-Zong; Chen, Shih-Chung; Shih, Yung-Hsun; Hung, Jing-Ming; Lin, Chia-Cheng; Lin, Li-Hsiang; Ou, Keng-Liang

2011-10-01

This research investigated the high-temperature microstructure, mechanical properties, and damping behavior of Fe-9 Al-30 Mn-1C-5 Co (wt.%) alloy by means of electron microscopy, experimental model analysis, and hardness and tensile testing. Subsequent microstructural transformation occurred when the alloy under consideration was subjected to heat treatment in the temperature range of 1000-1150 °C: γ → (γ+κ). The κ-phase carbides had an ordered L'1(2)-type structure with lattice parameter a = 0.385 nm. The maximum yield strength (σ(y)), hardness, elongation, and damping coefficient of this alloy are 645 MPa, Hv 292, ~54%, and 178.5 × 10(-4), respectively. These features could be useful in further understanding the relationship between the biocompatibility and the wear and corrosion resistance of the alloy, so as to allow the development of a promising biomedical material. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Microstructure evolution and mechanical properties degradation of HPNb alloy after a five-year service

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guo, Jingfeng; Cao, Tieshan; Cheng, Congqian; Meng, Xianming; Zhao, Jie

2018-04-01

The microstructure and mechanical properties of ethylene cracking furnace tube (HPNb alloy) are investigated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), tensile tests and Charpy impact tests at room temperature, tensile tests and creep tests at high temperature in this paper. The primary carbides of HPNb alloy coarsened and formed a continuous network after a five-year service. Furthermore, a lot of fine secondary carbides precipitated in the dendrite interior. The primary carbides M7C3 and NbC transformed into M23C6 and G phase after service, respectively. The furnace tube after service exhibits higher yield strength, lower tensile strength, worse ductility and toughness than as-cast tube at room temperature. At high temperature, the tensile strength and yield strength of service tube are higher than as-cast tube, but its tensile elongation is lower. The creep strength of HPNb alloy at high temperature decreases after a five-year service. Both microstructure and mechanical properties of ethylene cracking furnace tube have deteriorated after a five-year service.

The Effect of Chilling and Ce Addition on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Al-23Si Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vijeesh, V.; Narayan Prabhu, K.

2017-01-01

The present work involves the study of the effect of varying concentration of Ce addition on microstructure and mechanical properties of Al-23%Si alloys. Melt-treated alloys were solidified in copper, brass, stainless steel molds to assess the effect of cooling rate. The effect on microstructure was assessed by measuring the fineness of primary silicon and eutectic silicon particle characteristics. The Ce melt treatment transformed the coarse and irregular primary silicon into refined polyhedral silicon crystals, and the effect was more significant at higher cooling rates. Although the melt treatment had refined the eutectic silicon at lower cooling rates, it did not show any considerable effect on the eutectic silicon at higher cooling rates. The mechanical properties of the alloy increased significantly with increase in cooling rates and cerium concentration. Analysis of the results and literature reveals that the refined primary silicon was formed as a result of an invariant reaction between Ce compounds and primary silicon at higher temperatures.

Effect of gas flow ratio on the microstructure and mechanical properties of boron phosphide films prepared by reactive magnetron sputtering

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jia, Z. C.; Zhu, J. Q.; Jiang, C. Z.; Shen, W. X.; Han, J. C.; Chen, R. R.

2011-10-01

Boron phosphide films were grown on silicon substrate by radio frequency reactive magnetron sputtering using boron target and hydrogen phosphine at different gas flow ratios (PH 3/Ar) at lower temperature. The chemical composition, microstructure and mechanical properties were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectrum, FTIR spectrum, surface profilometer and nano-indenter. The results indicate that the atomic ratio (P/B) rises from 1.06 up to 1.52 with the gas flow ratio increasing from 3/50 to 15/50. Simultaneously, the hardness and Young's modulus decrease from 25.4 GPa to 22.5 GPa, and 250.4 GPa to 238.4 GPa, respectively. Microstructure transforms from microcrystalline state to amorphous state along with the gas flow ratio increasing. Furthermore higher gas flow ratio leads to lower stress. The BP film prepared at the gas flow ratio of 3/50 can be contributed with the best properties.

Current-Assisted Diffusion Bonding of Extruded Ti-22Al-25Nb Alloy by Spark Plasma Sintering: Interfacial Microstructure and Mechanical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jianlei; Wang, Guofeng; Jiao, Xueyan; Gu, Yibin; Liu, Qing; Li, You

2018-05-01

Spark plasma sintering (SPS) technology was used to current-assisted bond extruded Ti-22Al-25Nb alloy. The effects of bonding temperature (920-980 °C) and bonding time (10-30 min) on the microstructure evolution and shear strength of this alloy were investigated systematically. The temperature distribution in the specimen during the current-assisted bonding process was also analyzed by numerical simulation. It is noted that the highest temperature was obtained at the bonding interface. As the bonding temperature and bonding time increased, the voids in the interface shrank increasingly until they vanished. A complete metallurgical bonding interface could be produced at 960 °C/20 min/10 MPa, exhibiting the highest shear strength of 269.3 MPa. In addition, the shear strength of the bonded specimen depended on its interfacial microstructure. With increased bonding temperature, the fracture mode transformed from the intergranular fracture at the bonding interface to the cleavage fracture in the substrate.

Microstructural, mechanical and tribological investigation of 30CrMnSiNi2A ultra-high strength steel under various tempering temperatures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arslan Hafeez, Muhammad; Farooq, Ameeq

2018-01-01

The aim of the research was to investigate the variation in microstructural, mechanical and tribological characteristics of 30CrMnSiNi2A ultra-high strength steel as a function of tempering temperatures. Steel was quenched at 880 °C and tempered at five different tempering temperatures ranging from 250 °C to 650 °C. Optical microscopy and pin on disc tribometer was used to evaluate the microstructural and wear properties. Results show that characteristics of 30CrMnSiNi2A are highly sensitive to tempering temperatures. Lathe and plate shaped martensite obtained by quenching transform first into ε-carbide, second cementite, third coarsened and spheroidized cementite and finally into recovered ferrite and austenite. Hardness, tensile and yield strengths decreased while elongation increased with tempering temperatures. On the other hand, wear rate first markedly decreased and then increased. Optimum amalgamation of characteristics was achieved at 350 °C.

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.

(The relationship between microstructure and magnetic properties in high-energy permanent magnets characterized by polytwinned structures)

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

Not Available

1992-01-01

This report summarizes the results of a study of the relationship between microstructure and magnetic properties in a unique genre of ferromagnetic material characterized by a polysynthetically twinned structure which arises during solid state transformation. These results stem from the work over a period of approximately 27 months of a nominal 3 year grant period. The report also contains a proposal to extend the research project for an additional 3 years. The polytwinned structures produce an inhomogeneous magnetic medium in which the easy axis of magnetization varies quasi-periodically giving rise to special domain configurations which are expected to markedly influencemore » the mechanism of magnetization reversal and hysteresis behavior of these materials in bulk or thin films. The extraordinary permanent magnet properties exhibited by the well-known Co-Pt alloys as well as the Fe-Pt and Fe-Pd systems near the equiatomic composition derive from the formation of a polytwinned microstructure.« less

[The relationship between microstructure and magnetic properties in high-energy permanent magnets characterized by polytwinned structures

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

Not Available

1992-07-01

This report summarizes the results of a study of the relationship between microstructure and magnetic properties in a unique genre of ferromagnetic material characterized by a polysynthetically twinned structure which arises during solid state transformation. These results stem from the work over a period of approximately 27 months of a nominal 3 year grant period. The report also contains a proposal to extend the research project for an additional 3 years. The polytwinned structures produce an inhomogeneous magnetic medium in which the easy axis of magnetization varies quasi-periodically giving rise to special domain configurations which are expected to markedly influencemore » the mechanism of magnetization reversal and hysteresis behavior of these materials in bulk or thin films. The extraordinary permanent magnet properties exhibited by the well-known Co-Pt alloys as well as the Fe-Pt and Fe-Pd systems near the equiatomic composition derive from the formation of a polytwinned microstructure.« less

Ti Alloys Processed By Selective Laser Melting And By Laser Cladding: Microstructures And Mechanical Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mertens, Anne; Contrepois, Quentin; Dormal, Thierry; Lemaire, Olivier; Lecomte-Beckers, Jacqueline

2012-07-01

In this study, samples of alloy Ti-6Al-4V have been processed by Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and by Laser Cladding (LC), two layer-by-layer near-net-shape processes allowing for economic production of complex parts. The resulting microstructures have been characterised in details, so as to allow for a better understanding of the solidification process and of the subsequent phase transformations taking place upon cooling for both techniques. On the one hand, a new “MesoClad” laser with a maximum power of 300 W has been used successfully to produce thin wall samples by LC. On the other hand, the influence of processing parameters on the mechanical properties was investigated by means of uniaxial tensile testing performed on samples produced by SLM with different orientations with respect to the direction of mechanical solicitation. A strong anisotropy in mechanical behaviour was thus interpreted in relations with the microstructures and processing conditions.

Phase separated microstructure and dynamics of polyurethane elastomers under strain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Iacob, Ciprian; Padsalgikar, Ajay; Runt, James

The molecular mobility of polyurethane elastomers is of the utmost importance in establishing physical properties for uses ranging from automotive tires and shoe soles to more sophisticated aerospace and biomedical applications. In many of these applications, chain dynamics as well as mechanical properties under external stresses/strains are critical for determining ultimate performance. In order to develop a more complete understanding of their mechanical response, we explored the effect of uniaxial strain on the phase separated microstructure and molecular dynamics of the elastomers. We utilize X-ray scattering to investigate soft segment and hard domain orientation, and broadband dielectric spectroscopy for interrogation of the dynamics. Uniaxial deformation is found to significantly perturb the phase-separated microstructure and chain orientation, and results in a considerable slowing down of the dynamics of the elastomers. Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements of the polyurethanes under uniaxial deformation are also employed and the results are quantitatively correlated with mechanical tensile tests and the degree of phase separation from small-angle X-ray scattering measurements.

Effects of multiple firings on the microstructure of zirconia and veneering ceramics.

PubMed

Alkurt, Murat; Yeşil Duymus, Zeynep; Gundogdu, Mustafa

2016-01-01

The aim of study was to evaluate the effects of multiple firings on the microstructures of zirconia and two ceramics. Vita VM9 (VMZ) and Cerabien ZR (C-Z) ceramics on a zirconia framework and zirconia without veneering ceramic (WO-Z) were evaluated. Firing methods included firing two, five, and ten times (n=10). The effects of multiple firings on the surface hardness of the materials were evaluated using a Vickers hardness (HV) tester. Data were analyzed by two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (α=0.05). After firing five and ten times, the hardness of VM-Z and C-Z increased significantly (p<0.001). The HVs of the Cerabien ZR and Vita VM9 veneering ceramics were similar (p>0.05). In the XRD analysis, zirconia had similar tetragonal (t)-monoclinic (m) phase transformations of Y-TZP after the different firing times. Clinically, multiple firings did not affect the microstructure of zirconia, but the structures of the two ceramics were affected.