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Metals, Volume 5, Issue 2 (June 2015) – 40 articles , Pages 484-1126

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2780 KiB  
Article
Study on Dual Modification of Al-17%Si Alloys by Structural Heredity
by Jing Zhang, Hongmei Chen, Hui Yu and Yunxue Jin
Metals 2015, 5(2), 1112-1126; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5021112 - 22 Jun 2015
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 5639
Abstract
In this study, Al-17%Si alloys were dual modified by fine-grained structural materials (FSM) according to structural heredity. Microstructure and thermal analyses were undertaken to study the modification effect of the FSM master alloy on primary and eutectic Si. Primary Si is refined to [...] Read more.
In this study, Al-17%Si alloys were dual modified by fine-grained structural materials (FSM) according to structural heredity. Microstructure and thermal analyses were undertaken to study the modification effect of the FSM master alloy on primary and eutectic Si. Primary Si is refined to a smaller size and eutectic Si is modified from needle-like to fibrous shape after FSM master alloy addition. The optimal content of FSM master alloy is 20% and the holding time is 15min. Finer FSM master alloy leads to finer Al-17%Si alloy microstructure and more area percentage of α-Al. DSC analyses results show that FSM master alloy can raise the precipitation temperatures of primary and eutectic Si, meanwhile it can reduce the latent heat of Si solidification process. Full article
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1945 KiB  
Review
Mechanical Relaxation of Metallic Glasses: An Overview of Experimental Data and Theoretical Models
by Chaoren Liu, Eloi Pineda and Daniel Crespo
Metals 2015, 5(2), 1073-1111; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5021073 - 19 Jun 2015
Cited by 52 | Viewed by 10561
Abstract
Relaxation phenomena in glasses are a subject of utmost interest, as they are deeply connected with their structure and dynamics. From a theoretical point of view, mechanical relaxation allows one to get insight into the different atomic-scale processes taking place in the glassy [...] Read more.
Relaxation phenomena in glasses are a subject of utmost interest, as they are deeply connected with their structure and dynamics. From a theoretical point of view, mechanical relaxation allows one to get insight into the different atomic-scale processes taking place in the glassy state. Focusing on their possible applications, relaxation behavior influences the mechanical properties of metallic glasses. This paper reviews the present knowledge on mechanical relaxation of metallic glasses. The features of primary and secondary relaxations are reviewed. Experimental data in the time and frequency domain is presented, as well as the different models used to describe the measured relaxation spectra. Extended attention is paid to dynamic mechanical analysis, as it is the most important technique allowing one to access the mechanical relaxation behavior. Finally, the relevance of the relaxation behavior in the mechanical properties of metallic glasses is discussed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metallic Glasses)
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847 KiB  
Article
Synergic Role of Self-Interstitials and Vacancies in Indium Melting
by Roberto Montanari and Alessandra Varone
Metals 2015, 5(2), 1061-1072; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5021061 - 16 Jun 2015
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4834
Abstract
Precursor effects of indium melting have been investigated by means of Mechanical Spectroscopy (MS) and High Temperature X-ray Diffraction (HT-XRD). MS tests evidenced a sharp drop of dynamic modulus in the temperature range between 418 K and 429 K (melting point). At 429 [...] Read more.
Precursor effects of indium melting have been investigated by means of Mechanical Spectroscopy (MS) and High Temperature X-ray Diffraction (HT-XRD). MS tests evidenced a sharp drop of dynamic modulus in the temperature range between 418 K and 429 K (melting point). At 429 K, HT-XRD showed partial grain re-orientation, peak profile broadening, in particular in the lower part, and peak shift towards lower angles. Experimental results are consistent with density increase of self-interstitials and vacancies in the crystal lattice before melting. Self-interstitials and vacancies play a synergic role in the solid–liquid (S-L) transformation. The increase of self-interstitials over a temperature range of about 10 K before melting has the effect of weakening interatomic bonds (modulus drop) that favors the successive vacancy formation. Finally, the huge increase of vacancy concentration above 428 K leads to the collapse of crystal lattice (melting). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Processes (bio-synthesis) in the Production of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles and Applications)
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849 KiB  
Article
Submicron Particles during Macro- and Micro-Weldings Procedures in Industrial Indoor Environments and Health Implications for Welding Operators
by Pasquale Avino, Maurizio Manigrasso, Pietro Pandolfi, Cosimo Tornese, Diego Settimi and Nicola Paolucci
Metals 2015, 5(2), 1045-1060; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5021045 - 09 Jun 2015
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5179
Abstract
One of the emerging risks in the engineering and electronic industries is the exposure of workers to ultrafine particles during (micro-)welding operations, i.e., processes used for joining two metal parts heated locally, which constitute the base metal, with or without addition of [...] Read more.
One of the emerging risks in the engineering and electronic industries is the exposure of workers to ultrafine particles during (micro-)welding operations, i.e., processes used for joining two metal parts heated locally, which constitute the base metal, with or without addition of another metal which is the filler metal, melted between the edges to be joined. The process is accompanied by formation of metallic fumes arising from the molten metal as well as by the emission of metal fumes of variable composition depending on the alloys welded and fused. The aim of this paper is to investigate the number, concentration and size distribution of submicron particles produced by (micro-)welding processes. Particle number size distribution is continuously measured during (micro-)welding operations by means of two instruments, i.e., Fast Mobility Particle Sizer and Nanoparticle Surface Area Monitor. The temporal variation of the particle number size distribution across the peaks evidences the strong and fast-evolving contribution of nucleation mode particles: peak values are maintained for less than 10 s. The implication of such contribution on human health is linked to the high deposition efficiency of submicronic particles in the alveolar interstitial region of the human respiratory system, where gas exchange occurs. Full article
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514 KiB  
Article
On the Stability of the Melt Jet Stream during Casting of Metallic Glass Wires
by Ayo Olofinjana and Nyuk Yoong Voo
Metals 2015, 5(2), 1029-1044; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5021029 - 08 Jun 2015
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 5537
Abstract
The factors that affect the stability of the melt stream during the casting of wire directly from the melt have been investigated. It is shown that the criticality of process parameters centres mostly on the forces imposed on the melt stream at confluence [...] Read more.
The factors that affect the stability of the melt stream during the casting of wire directly from the melt have been investigated. It is shown that the criticality of process parameters centres mostly on the forces imposed on the melt stream at confluence with the cooling water. The analysis of these forces indicated that the shear component of the disturbance is dependent on the ratio of the velocity of the melt stream (vm) to that of the cooling water (vw) in accord with results obtained from previous experiments. The role of oxide-forming elements in widening the process parameters range is attributed to the increased stability of the melt stream due to the additional shear force resistance offered by the solid oxide layer. The roles of Cr and Si oxides in stabilising the melt stream are confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) of wire indicating the presence of these oxides on fresh as-cast wires. Melt superheat and nozzle clearance distance are not strictly stream stability factors, but rather their role in glass formation prescribes optimal limits for fully amorphous wire. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metallic Glasses)
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703 KiB  
Article
Structure and Mössbauer Analysis of Melt-Spun Fe-Pd Ribbons Containing Ni and Co
by Hanen Rekik, Mahmoud Chemingui, Tarek Bachaga, Amal Cherif, Pere Bruna, Joan Joseph Sunol and Mohamed Khitouni
Metals 2015, 5(2), 1020-1028; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5021020 - 05 Jun 2015
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5232
Abstract
Fe68.45Pd28.21Co1.66Ni1.66 alloy in ribbon geometry was produced by melt spinning. The microstructure of the samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The structural identification of the as-spun ribbon sample and the annealed ones was performed by [...] Read more.
Fe68.45Pd28.21Co1.66Ni1.66 alloy in ribbon geometry was produced by melt spinning. The microstructure of the samples was examined using scanning electron microscopy. The structural identification of the as-spun ribbon sample and the annealed ones was performed by means of X-ray diffraction. All the Bragg peaks were indexed based on an fcc type structure of (γ-Fe, Pd) phase with a lattice parameter a = 3.742 (3) Å. This result was proved by Mössbauer technique. The annealed ribbon at 600 °C shows an L10 ordered fct structure. An endothermic reaction at T = 358 °C followed by an exothermic one at 390 °C were observed on heating. These reactions were attributed to the Curie temperature of nickel and to the annihilation of an excess of quenched-in vacancies, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Alloys 2014)
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1723 KiB  
Article
On Thermal Expansion and Density of CGI and SGI Cast Irons
by Taishi Matsushita, Ehsan Ghassemali, Albano Gómez Saro, Lennart Elmquist and Anders E. W. Jarfors
Metals 2015, 5(2), 1000-1019; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5021000 - 04 Jun 2015
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 7396
Abstract
The thermal expansion and density of Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) and Spheroidal Graphite Iron (SGI) were measured in the temperature range of 25–500 °C using push-rod type dilatometer. The coefficient of the thermal expansion (CTE) of cast iron can be expressed by the [...] Read more.
The thermal expansion and density of Compacted Graphite Iron (CGI) and Spheroidal Graphite Iron (SGI) were measured in the temperature range of 25–500 °C using push-rod type dilatometer. The coefficient of the thermal expansion (CTE) of cast iron can be expressed by the following equation: CTE = 1.38 × 10−5 + 5.38 × 10−8 N − 5.85 × 10−7 G + 1.85 × 10−8 T − 2.41 × 10−6 RP/F − 1.28 × 10−8 NG − 2.97 × 10−7 GRP/F + 4.65 × 10−9 TRP/F + 1.08 × 10−7 G2 − 4.80 × 10−11 T2 (N: Nodularity, G: Area fraction of graphite (%), T: Temperature (°C), RP/F: Pearlite/Ferrite ratio in the matrix). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Casting Alloy Design and Modification)
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1527 KiB  
Article
Hot Ductility Behavior of a Peritectic Steel during Continuous Casting
by Mustafa Merih Arıkan
Metals 2015, 5(2), 986-999; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020986 - 03 Jun 2015
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6873
Abstract
Hot ductility properties of a peritectic steel for welded gas cylinders during continuous casting were studied by performing hot tensile tests at certain temperatures ranging from 1200 to 700 °C for some cooling rates by using Gleeble-3500 thermo-mechanical test and simulation machine in [...] Read more.
Hot ductility properties of a peritectic steel for welded gas cylinders during continuous casting were studied by performing hot tensile tests at certain temperatures ranging from 1200 to 700 °C for some cooling rates by using Gleeble-3500 thermo-mechanical test and simulation machine in this study. The effects of cooling rate and strain rate on hot ductility were investigated and continuous casting process map (time-temperature-ductility) were plotted for this material. Reduction of area (RA) decreases and cracking susceptibility increases during cooling from solidification between certain temperatures depending on the cooling rate. Although the temperatures which fracture behavior change upon cooling during continuous casting may vary for different materials, it was found that the type of fracture was ductile at 1100 and 1050 °C; semi-ductile at 1000 °C, and brittle at 800 °C for the steel P245NB. There is a ductility trough between 1000 and 725 °C. The ductility trough gets slightly narrower as the cooling rate decreases. Full article
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741 KiB  
Communication
Mechanical Behavior of Ultrafine Gradient Grain Structures Produced via Ambient and Cryogenic Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment in Iron
by Heather A. Murdoch, Kristopher A. Darling, Anthony J. Roberts and Laszlo Kecskes
Metals 2015, 5(2), 976-985; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020976 - 03 Jun 2015
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5622
Abstract
Ambient and cryogenic surface mechanical attrition treatments (SMAT) are applied to bcc iron plate. Both processes result in significant surface grain refinement down to the ultrafine-grained regime; the cryogenic treatment results in a 45% greater grain size reduction. However, the refined region is [...] Read more.
Ambient and cryogenic surface mechanical attrition treatments (SMAT) are applied to bcc iron plate. Both processes result in significant surface grain refinement down to the ultrafine-grained regime; the cryogenic treatment results in a 45% greater grain size reduction. However, the refined region is shallower in the cryogenic SMAT process. The tensile ductility of the grain size gradient remains low (<10%), in line with the expected behavior of the refined surface grains. Good tensile ductility in a grain size gradient requires the continuation of the gradient into an undeformed region. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrafine-grained Metals)
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1465 KiB  
Review
Nanotoxicology of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles
by Amedea B. Seabra and Nelson Durán
Metals 2015, 5(2), 934-975; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020934 - 03 Jun 2015
Cited by 174 | Viewed by 24987
Abstract
This review discusses recent advances in the synthesis, characterization and toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles obtained mainly through biogenic (green) processes. The in vitro and in vivo toxicities of these oxides are discussed including a consideration of the factors important for safe use [...] Read more.
This review discusses recent advances in the synthesis, characterization and toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles obtained mainly through biogenic (green) processes. The in vitro and in vivo toxicities of these oxides are discussed including a consideration of the factors important for safe use of these nanomaterials. The toxicities of different metal oxide nanoparticles are compared. The importance of biogenic synthesized metal oxide nanoparticles has been increasing in recent years; however, more studies aimed at better characterizing the potent toxicity of these nanoparticles are still necessary for nanosafely considerations and environmental perspectives. In this context, this review aims to inspire new research in the design of green approaches to obtain metal oxide nanoparticles for biomedical and technological applications and to highlight the critical need to fully investigate the nanotoxicity of these particles. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Physical Processes (bio-synthesis) in the Production of Metal and Metal Oxide Nanoparticles and Applications)
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2959 KiB  
Article
Mechanical and Structural Investigation of Porous Bulk Metallic Glasses
by Baran Sarac, Daniel Sopu, Eunmi Park, Julia Kristin Hufenbach, Steffen Oswald, Mihai Stoica and Jürgen Eckert
Metals 2015, 5(2), 920-933; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020920 - 02 Jun 2015
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6143
Abstract
The intrinsic properties of advanced alloy systems can be altered by changing their microstructural features. Here, we present a highly efficient method to produce and characterize structures with systematically-designed pores embedded inside. The fabrication stage involves a combination of photolithography and deep reactive [...] Read more.
The intrinsic properties of advanced alloy systems can be altered by changing their microstructural features. Here, we present a highly efficient method to produce and characterize structures with systematically-designed pores embedded inside. The fabrication stage involves a combination of photolithography and deep reactive ion etching of a Si template replicated using the concept of thermoplastic forming. Pt- and Zr-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) were evaluated through uniaxial tensile test, followed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) fractographic and shear band analysis. Compositional investigation of the fracture surface performed via energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), as well as Auger spectroscopy (AES) shows a moderate amount of interdiffusion (5 at.% maximum) of the constituent elements between the deformed and undeformed regions. Furthermore, length-scale effects on the mechanical behavior of porous BMGs were explored through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, where shear band formation is observed for a material width of 18 nm. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metallic Glasses)
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824 KiB  
Article
Epitaxial Growth of Hard Ferrimagnetic Mn3Ge Film on Rhodium Buffer Layer
by Atsushi Sugihara, Kazuya Suzuki, Terunobu Miyazaki and Shigemi Mizukami
Metals 2015, 5(2), 910-919; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020910 - 02 Jun 2015
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 6277
Abstract
Mn\(_3\)Ge has a tetragonal Heusler-like D0\(_{22}\) crystal structure, exhibiting a large uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and small saturation magnetization due to its ferrimagnetic spin structure; thus, it is a hard ferrimagnet. In this report, epitaxial growth of a Mn\(_3\)Ge film on a Rh buffer [...] Read more.
Mn\(_3\)Ge has a tetragonal Heusler-like D0\(_{22}\) crystal structure, exhibiting a large uniaxial magnetic anisotropy and small saturation magnetization due to its ferrimagnetic spin structure; thus, it is a hard ferrimagnet. In this report, epitaxial growth of a Mn\(_3\)Ge film on a Rh buffer layer was investigated for comparison with that of a film on a Cr buffer layer in terms of the lattice mismatch between Mn\(_3\)Ge and the buffer layer. The film grown on Rh had much better crystalline quality than that grown on Cr, which can be attributed to the small lattice mismatch. Epitaxial films of Mn\(_3\)Ge on Rh show somewhat small coercivity (\(H_{\rm c}\) = 12.6 kOe) and a large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (\(K_{\rm u}\) = 11.6 Merg/cm\(^3\)), comparable to that of the film grown on Cr. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Manganese-based Permanent Magnets)
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1761 KiB  
Article
Fatigue Behavior of Ultrafine-Grained Medium Carbon Steel with Different Carbide Morphologies Processed by High Pressure Torsion
by Christoph Ruffing, Aaron Kobler, Eglantine Courtois-Manara, Robby Prang, Christian Kübel, Yulia Ivanisenko and Eberhard Kerscher
Metals 2015, 5(2), 891-909; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020891 - 29 May 2015
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 7146
Abstract
The increased attention ultrafine grained (UFG) materials have received over the last decade has been inspired by their high strength in combination with a remarkable ductility, which is a promising combination for good fatigue properties. In this paper, we focus on the effect [...] Read more.
The increased attention ultrafine grained (UFG) materials have received over the last decade has been inspired by their high strength in combination with a remarkable ductility, which is a promising combination for good fatigue properties. In this paper, we focus on the effect of different carbide morphologies in the initial microstructure on the fatigue behavior after high pressure torsion (HPT) treatment of SAE 1045 steels. The two initial carbide morphologies are spheroidized as well as tempered states. The HPT processing increased the hardness of the spheroidized and tempered states from 169 HV and 388 HV to a maximum of 511 HV and 758 HV, respectively. The endurance limit increased linearly with hardness up to about 500 HV independent of the carbide morphology. The fracture surfaces revealed mostly flat fatigue fracture surfaces with crack initiation at the surface or, more often, at non-metallic inclusions. Morphology and crack initiation mechanisms were changed by the severe plastic deformation. The residual fracture surface of specimens with spheroidal initial microstructures showed well-defined dimple structures also after HPT at high fatigue limits and high hardness values. In contrast, the specimens with a tempered initial microstructure showed rather brittle and rough residual fracture surfaces after HPT. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrafine-grained Metals)
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1101 KiB  
Article
Twinning-Detwinning Behavior during Cyclic Deformation of Magnesium Alloy
by Soo Yeol Lee, Huamiao Wang and Michael A. Gharghouri
Metals 2015, 5(2), 881-890; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020881 - 26 May 2015
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 4959
Abstract
In situ neutron diffraction has been used to examine the deformation mechanisms of a precipitation-hardened and extruded Mg-8.5wt.%Al alloy subjected to (i) compression followed by reverse tension (texture T1) and (ii) tension followed by reverse compression (texture T2). Two starting textures are used: [...] Read more.
In situ neutron diffraction has been used to examine the deformation mechanisms of a precipitation-hardened and extruded Mg-8.5wt.%Al alloy subjected to (i) compression followed by reverse tension (texture T1) and (ii) tension followed by reverse compression (texture T2). Two starting textures are used: (1) as-extruded texture, T1, in which the basal pole of most grains is normal to the extrusion axis and a small portion of grains are oriented with the basal pole parallel to the extrusion axis; (2) a reoriented texture, T2, in which the basal pole of most grains is parallel to the extrusion axis. For texture T1, the onset of extension twinning corresponds well with the macroscopic elastic-plastic transition during the initial compression stage. The non-linear macroscopic stress/strain behavior during unloading after compression is more significant than during unloading after tension. For texture T2, little detwinning occurs after the initial tension stage, but almost all of the twinned volumes are detwinned during loading in reverse compression. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metals Challenged by Neutron and Synchrotron Radiation)
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727 KiB  
Article
Analysis of Magneto-Piezoelastic Anisotropic Materials
by Alexander L. Kalamkarov, Pedro M. C. L. Pacheco, Marcelo A. Savi and Animesh Basu
Metals 2015, 5(2), 863-880; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020863 - 26 May 2015
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4207
Abstract
The paper is concerned with the analysis of magneto-piezoelastic anistropic materials. Analytical modeling of magneto-piezoelastic materials is essential for the design and applications in the smart composite structures incorporating them as actuating and sensing constituents. It is shown that Green’s function method is [...] Read more.
The paper is concerned with the analysis of magneto-piezoelastic anistropic materials. Analytical modeling of magneto-piezoelastic materials is essential for the design and applications in the smart composite structures incorporating them as actuating and sensing constituents. It is shown that Green’s function method is applicable to time harmonic magneto-elastic-piezoelectricity problems using the boundary integral technique, and the exact analytical solutions are obtained. As an application, a two-dimensional static plane-strain problem is considered to investigate the effect of magnetic field on piezoelectric materials. The closed-form analytical solutions are obtained for a number of boundary conditions for all components of the magneto-piezoelectric field. As a special case, numerical results are presented for two-dimensional static magneto-electroelastic field of a piezoelectric solid subjected to a concentrated line load and an electric charge. The numerical solutions are obtained for three different piezoelectric materials and they demonstrate a substantial dependence of the stress and electric field distribution on the constitutive properties and magnetic flux. Full article
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2473 KiB  
Article
Effect of Indium Content on the Microstructure, Mechanical Properties and Corrosion Behavior of Titanium Alloys
by Mi-Kyung Han, Jae-Bong Im, Moon-Jin Hwang, Bong-Jun Kim, Hae-Young Kim and Yeong-Joon Park
Metals 2015, 5(2), 850-862; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020850 - 22 May 2015
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6934
Abstract
Ti-xIn (x = 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt%) alloys were prepared to investigate the effect of indium on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of titanium with the aim of understanding the relationship between phase/microstructure and various [...] Read more.
Ti-xIn (x = 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 wt%) alloys were prepared to investigate the effect of indium on the microstructure, mechanical properties, and corrosion behavior of titanium with the aim of understanding the relationship between phase/microstructure and various properties of Ti-xIn alloys. The Ti-xIn alloys exhibited a lamellar α-Ti structure at an indium content of up to 20 wt%. High-resolution TEM images of the Ti-xIn alloys revealed that all the systems contained a fine, acicular martensitic phase, which showed compositional fluctuations at the nanoscopic level. The mechanical properties and corrosion behavior of Ti-xIn alloys were sensitive to the indium content. The Vickers hardness increased as the In content increased because of solid solution strengthening. The Ti-xIn alloys exhibited superior oxidation resistance compared to commercially pure Ti (cp-Ti). Electrochemical results showed that the Ti-xIn alloys exhibited a similar corrosion resistance to cp-Ti. Among the alloys tested, Ti-10In showed a potential for use as a dental material. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Titanium Alloys)
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847 KiB  
Article
A Mathematical Formulation to Estimate the Effect of Grain Refiners on the Ultimate Tensile Strength of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu Alloys
by Halil Ibrahim Kurt, Murat Oduncuoglu and Mehmet Kurt
Metals 2015, 5(2), 836-849; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020836 - 22 May 2015
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4318
Abstract
In this study, the feed-forward (FF) neural networks (NNs) with back-propagation (BP) learning algorithm is used to estimate the ultimate tensile strength of unrefined Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys and refined the alloys by Al-5Ti-1B and Al-5Zr master alloys. The obtained mathematical formula is presented in [...] Read more.
In this study, the feed-forward (FF) neural networks (NNs) with back-propagation (BP) learning algorithm is used to estimate the ultimate tensile strength of unrefined Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys and refined the alloys by Al-5Ti-1B and Al-5Zr master alloys. The obtained mathematical formula is presented in great detail. The designed NN model shows good agreement with test results and can be used to predict the ultimate tensile strength of the alloys. Additionally, the effects of scandium (Sc) and carbon (C) rates are investigated by using the proposed equation. It was observed that the tensile properties of Al-Zn-Mg-Cu alloys improved with the addition of 0.5 Sc and 0.01 C wt.%. Full article
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2121 KiB  
Article
Effect of Sphere Properties on Microstructure and Mechanical Performance of Cast Composite Metal Foams
by Matias Garcia-Avila and Afsaneh Rabiei
Metals 2015, 5(2), 822-835; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020822 - 20 May 2015
Cited by 18 | Viewed by 8318
Abstract
Aluminum-steel composite metal foams (Al-S CMF) are manufactured using steel hollow spheres, with a variety of sphere carbon content, surface roughness, and wall porosity, embedded in an Aluminum matrix through gravity casting technique. The microstructural and mechanical properties of the material were studied [...] Read more.
Aluminum-steel composite metal foams (Al-S CMF) are manufactured using steel hollow spheres, with a variety of sphere carbon content, surface roughness, and wall porosity, embedded in an Aluminum matrix through gravity casting technique. The microstructural and mechanical properties of the material were studied using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, and quasi-static compressive testing. Higher carbon content and surface roughness in the sphere wall were responsible for an increase in formation of intermetallic phases which had a strengthening effect at lower strain levels, increasing the yield strength of the material by a factor of 2, while higher sphere wall porosity resulted in a decrease on the density of the material and improving its cushioning and ductility maintaining its energy absorption capabilities. Full article
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1750 KiB  
Article
Nanoreinforced Cast Al-Si Alloys with Al2O3, TiO2 and ZrO2 Nanoparticles
by Iman S. El-Mahallawi, Ahmed Yehia Shash and Amer Eid Amer
Metals 2015, 5(2), 802-821; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020802 - 20 May 2015
Cited by 82 | Viewed by 9214
Abstract
This study presents a new concept of refining and enhancing the properties of cast aluminum alloys by adding nanoparticles. In this work, the effect of adding alumina (Al2O3), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zirconia (ZrO2) nano-particles [...] Read more.
This study presents a new concept of refining and enhancing the properties of cast aluminum alloys by adding nanoparticles. In this work, the effect of adding alumina (Al2O3), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and zirconia (ZrO2) nano-particles (40 nm) to the aluminum cast alloy A356 as a base metal matrix was investigated. Alumina, titanium dioxide and zirconia nano-powders were stirred in the A356 matrix with different fraction ratios ranging from (0%–5%) by weight at variable stirring speeds ranging from (270, 800, 1500, 2150 rpm) in both the semisolid (600 °C) and liquid (700 °C) state using a constant stirring time of one minute. The cast microstructure exhibited change of grains from dendritic to spherical shape with increasing stirring speed. The fracture surface showed the presence of nanoparticles at the interdendritic spacing of the fracture surface and was confirmed with EDX analysis of these particles. The results of the study showed that the mechanical properties (strength, elongation and hardness) for the nanoreinforced castings using Al2O3, TiO2 and ZrO2 were enhanced for the castings made in the semi-solid state (600 °C) with 2 weight% Al2O3 and 3 weight% TiO2 or ZrO2 at 1500 rpm stirring speed. Full article
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1202 KiB  
Article
Influence of Particulate Reinforcement and Equal-Channel Angular Pressing on Fatigue Crack Growth of an Aluminum Alloy
by Lisa Köhler, Kristin Hockauf and Thomas Lampke
Metals 2015, 5(2), 790-801; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020790 - 18 May 2015
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5444
Abstract
The fatigue crack growth behavior of unreinforced and particulate reinforced Al 2017 alloy, manufactured by powder metallurgy and additional equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP), is investigated. The reinforcement was done with 5 vol % Al2O3 particles with a size fraction of [...] Read more.
The fatigue crack growth behavior of unreinforced and particulate reinforced Al 2017 alloy, manufactured by powder metallurgy and additional equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP), is investigated. The reinforcement was done with 5 vol % Al2O3 particles with a size fraction of 0.2–2 µm. Our study presents the characterization of these materials by electron microscopy, tensile testing, and fatigue crack growth measurements. Whereas particulate reinforcement leads to a drastic decrease of the grain size, the influence of ECAP processing on the grain size is minor. Both reinforced conditions, with and without additional ECAP processing, exhibit reduced fatigue crack growth thresholds as compared to the matrix material. These results can be ascribed to the well-known effect of the grain size on the crack growth, since crack deflection and closure are directly affected. Despite their small grain size, the thresholds of both reinforced conditions depend strongly on the load ratio: tests at high load ratios reduce the fatigue threshold significantly. It is suggested that the strength of the particle-matrix-interface becomes the critical factor here and that the particle fracture at the interfaces dominates the failure behavior. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrafine-grained Metals)
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1401 KiB  
Article
Manufacturing Ultrafine-Grained Ti-6Al-4V Bulk Rod Using Multi-Pass Caliber-Rolling
by Taekyung Lee, Donald S. Shih, Yongmoon Lee and Chong Soo Lee
Metals 2015, 5(2), 777-789; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020777 - 15 May 2015
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7206
Abstract
Ultrafine-grained (UFG) Ti-6Al-4V alloy has attracted attention from the various industries due to its good mechanical properties. Although severe plastic deformation (SPD) processes can produce such a material, its dimension is generally limited to laboratory scale. The present work utilized the multi-pass caliber-rolling [...] Read more.
Ultrafine-grained (UFG) Ti-6Al-4V alloy has attracted attention from the various industries due to its good mechanical properties. Although severe plastic deformation (SPD) processes can produce such a material, its dimension is generally limited to laboratory scale. The present work utilized the multi-pass caliber-rolling process to fabricate Ti-6Al-4V bulk rod with the equiaxed UFG microstructure. The manufactured alloy mainly consisted of alpha phase and showed the fiber texture with the basal planes parallel to the rolling direction. This rod was large enough to be used in the industry and exhibited comparable tensile properties at room temperature in comparison to SPD-processed Ti-6Al-4V alloys. The material also showed good formability at elevated temperature due to the occurrence of superplasticity. Internal-variable analysis was carried out to measure the contribution of deformation mechanisms at elevated temperatures in the manufactured alloy. This revealed the increasing contribution of phase/grain-boundary sliding at 1073 K, which explained the observed superplasticity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrafine-grained Metals)
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994 KiB  
Article
Ultrafine-Grained Precipitation Hardened Copper Alloys by Swaging or Accumulative Roll Bonding
by Igor Altenberger, Hans-Achim Kuhn, Mozhgan Gholami, Mansour Mhaede and Lothar Wagner
Metals 2015, 5(2), 763-776; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020763 - 13 May 2015
Cited by 25 | Viewed by 8488
Abstract
There is an increasing demand in the industry for conductive high strength copper alloys. Traditionally, alloy systems capable of precipitation hardening have been the first choice for electromechanical connector materials. Recently, ultrafine-grained materials have gained enormous attention in the materials science community as [...] Read more.
There is an increasing demand in the industry for conductive high strength copper alloys. Traditionally, alloy systems capable of precipitation hardening have been the first choice for electromechanical connector materials. Recently, ultrafine-grained materials have gained enormous attention in the materials science community as well as in first industrial applications (see, for instance, proceedings of NANO SPD conferences). In this study the potential of precipitation hardened ultra-fine grained copper alloys is outlined and discussed. For this purpose, swaging or accumulative roll-bonding is applied to typical precipitation hardened high-strength copper alloys such as Corson alloys. A detailed description of the microstructure is given by means of EBSD, Electron Channeling Imaging (ECCI) methods and consequences for mechanical properties (tensile strength as well as fatigue) and electrical conductivity are discussed. Finally the role of precipitates for thermal stability is investigated and promising concepts (e.g. tailoring of stacking fault energy for grain size reduction) and alloy systems for the future are proposed and discussed. The relation between electrical conductivity and strength is reported. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrafine-grained Metals)
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1350 KiB  
Review
Processing and Properties of Aluminum and Magnesium Based Composites Containing Amorphous Reinforcement: A Review
by Jayalakshmi Subramanian, Sankaranarayanan Seetharaman and Manoj Gupta
Metals 2015, 5(2), 743-762; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020743 - 11 May 2015
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 7283
Abstract
This review deals with the processing and properties of novel lightweight metal matrix composites. Conventionally, hard and strong ceramic particles are used as reinforcement to fabricate metal matrix composites (MMCs). However, the poor mechanical properties associated with the interfacial de-cohesion and undesirable reactions [...] Read more.
This review deals with the processing and properties of novel lightweight metal matrix composites. Conventionally, hard and strong ceramic particles are used as reinforcement to fabricate metal matrix composites (MMCs). However, the poor mechanical properties associated with the interfacial de-cohesion and undesirable reactions at (ceramic) particle–(metallic) matrix interface represent major drawbacks. To overcome this limitation, metallic amorphous alloys (bulk metallic glass) have been recently identified as a promising alternative. Given the influential properties of amorphous metallic alloys, their incorporation is expected to positively influence the properties of light metal matrices when compared to conventional ceramic reinforcement. In view of this, a short account of the existing literature based on the processing and properties of Al- and Mg-matrix composites containing amorphous/bulk metallic glass (BMG) reinforcement is presented in this review. Full article
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2056 KiB  
Article
Ultrafine-Grained Austenitic Stainless Steels X4CrNi18-12 and X8CrMnNi19-6-3 Produced by Accumulative Roll Bonding
by Mathis Ruppert, Lisa Patricia Freund, Thomas Wenzl, Heinz Werner Höppel and Mathias Göken
Metals 2015, 5(2), 730-742; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020730 - 07 May 2015
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 6432
Abstract
Austenitic stainless steels X4CrNi18-12 and X8CrMnNi19-6-3 were processed by accumulative roll bonding (ARB). Both materials show an extremely high yield strength of 1.25 GPa accompanied by a satisfactory elongation to failure of up to 14% and a positive strain rate sensitivity after two [...] Read more.
Austenitic stainless steels X4CrNi18-12 and X8CrMnNi19-6-3 were processed by accumulative roll bonding (ARB). Both materials show an extremely high yield strength of 1.25 GPa accompanied by a satisfactory elongation to failure of up to 14% and a positive strain rate sensitivity after two ARB cycles. The strain-hardening rate of the austenitic steels reveals a stabilization of the stress-strain behavior during tensile testing. Especially for X8CrMnNi19-6-3, which has an elevated manganese content of 6.7 wt.%, necking is prevented up to comparatively high plastic strains. Microstructural investigations showed that the microstructure is separated into ultrafine-grained channel like areas and relatively larger grains where pronounced nano-twinning and martensite formation is observed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrafine-grained Metals)
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6190 KiB  
Article
Production of Bulk Metallic Glasses by Severe Plastic Deformation
by Lisa Krämer, Karoline S. Kormout, Daria Setman, Yannick Champion and Reinhard Pippan
Metals 2015, 5(2), 720-729; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020720 - 30 Apr 2015
Cited by 21 | Viewed by 6531
Abstract
The aim of this study was to show the possibility to produce bulk metallic glass with severe plastic deformation. High pressure torsion was used to consolidate Zr-based metallic glass powder and deform it further to weld the powder particles together. The produced samples [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to show the possibility to produce bulk metallic glass with severe plastic deformation. High pressure torsion was used to consolidate Zr-based metallic glass powder and deform it further to weld the powder particles together. The produced samples were investigated with Scanning electron microscope (SEM), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to check if the specimens are fully dense and have an amorphous structure. The results show that the specimens remain amorphous during high pressure torsion and the density depends on the applied strain. Additional Vickers hardness measurements enable a comparison with literature and show for Zr-based metallic glass powder typical values (approximately 500 HV). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrafine-grained Metals)
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1377 KiB  
Article
Integral Steel Casting of Full Spade Rudder Trunk Carrier Housing for Supersized Container Vessels through Casting Process Engineering (Sekjin E&T)
by Tae Won Kim, Chul Kyu Jin, Ill Kab Jeong, Sang Sub Lim, Jea Chul Mun, Chung Gil Kang, Hyung Yoon Seo and Jong Deok Kim
Metals 2015, 5(2), 706-719; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020706 - 30 Apr 2015
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 8253
Abstract
In casting steel for offshore construction, integral casted structures are superior to welded structures in terms of preventing fatigue cracks in the stress raisers. In this study, mold design and casting analysis were conducted for integral carrier housing. Casting simulation was used for [...] Read more.
In casting steel for offshore construction, integral casted structures are superior to welded structures in terms of preventing fatigue cracks in the stress raisers. In this study, mold design and casting analysis were conducted for integral carrier housing. Casting simulation was used for predicting molten metal flow and solidification during carrier housing casting, as well as the hot spots and porosity of the designed runner, risers, riser laggings, and the chiller. These predictions were used for deriving the final carrier housing casting plan, and a prototype was fabricated accordingly. A chemical composition analysis was conducted using a specimen sampled from a section of the prototype; the analytically obtained chemical composition agreed with the chemical composition of the existing carrier housing. Tensile and Charpy impact tests were conducted for determining the mechanical material properties. Carrier housing product after normalizing (920 °C/4.5 h, air-cooling) has 371 MPa of yield strength, 582 MPa of tensile strength, 33.4% of elongation as well as 64 J (0 °C) of impact energy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Casting Alloy Design and Modification)
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1964 KiB  
Article
Martensitic Transformation in Ni-Mn-Sn-Co Heusler Alloys
by Alexandre Deltell, Lluisa Escoda, Joan Saurina and Joan Josep Suñol
Metals 2015, 5(2), 695-705; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020695 - 28 Apr 2015
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5920
Abstract
Thermal and structural austenite to martensite reversible transition was studied in melt spun ribbons of Ni50Mn40Sn5Co5, Ni50Mn37.5Sn7.5Co5 and Ni50Mn35Sn10Co5 (at. %) [...] Read more.
Thermal and structural austenite to martensite reversible transition was studied in melt spun ribbons of Ni50Mn40Sn5Co5, Ni50Mn37.5Sn7.5Co5 and Ni50Mn35Sn10Co5 (at. %) alloys. Analysis of X-ray diffraction patterns confirms that all alloys have martensitic structure at room temperature: four layered orthorhombic 4O for Ni50Mn40Sn5Co5, four layered orthorhombic 4O and seven-layered monoclinic 14M for Ni50Mn37.5Sn7.5Co5 and seven-layered monoclinic 14M for Ni50Mn35Sn5Co5. Analysis of differential scanning calorimetry scans shows that higher enthalpy and entropy changes are obtained for alloy Ni50Mn37.5Sn7.5Co5, whereas transition temperatures increases as increasing valence electron density. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Shape Memory Alloys 2014)
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711 KiB  
Article
Selective Laser Melting of Ti-45Nb Alloy
by Holger Schwab, Konda Gokuldoss Prashanth, Lukas Löber, Uta Kühn and Jürgen Eckert
Metals 2015, 5(2), 686-694; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020686 - 27 Apr 2015
Cited by 84 | Viewed by 9763
Abstract
Ti-45Nb is one of the potential alloys that can be applied for biomedical applications as implants due to its low Young’s modulus. Ti-45Nb (wt.%) gas atomized powders were used to produce bulk samples by selective laser melting with three different parameter sets (energy [...] Read more.
Ti-45Nb is one of the potential alloys that can be applied for biomedical applications as implants due to its low Young’s modulus. Ti-45Nb (wt.%) gas atomized powders were used to produce bulk samples by selective laser melting with three different parameter sets (energy inputs). A β-phase microstructure consisting of elliptical grains with an enriched edge of titanium was observed by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction studies. The mechanical properties of these samples were evaluated using hardness and compression tests, which suggested that the strength of the samples increases with increasing energy input within the range considered. Full article
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1909 KiB  
Article
Effect of Milling Time and the Consolidation Process on the Properties of Al Matrix Composites Reinforced with Fe-Based Glassy Particles
by Özge Balcı, Konda Gokuldoss Prashanth, Sergio Scudino, Duygu Ağaoğulları, İsmail Duman, M. Lütfi Öveçoğlu, Volker Uhlenwinkel and Jürgen Eckert
Metals 2015, 5(2), 669-685; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020669 - 27 Apr 2015
Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5854
Abstract
Al matrix composites reinforced with 40 vol% Fe50.1Co35.1Nb7.7B4.3Si2.8 glassy particles have been produced by powder metallurgy, and their microstructure and mechanical properties have been investigated in detail. Different processing routes (hot pressing and hot [...] Read more.
Al matrix composites reinforced with 40 vol% Fe50.1Co35.1Nb7.7B4.3Si2.8 glassy particles have been produced by powder metallurgy, and their microstructure and mechanical properties have been investigated in detail. Different processing routes (hot pressing and hot extrusion) are used in order to consolidate the composite powders. The homogeneous distribution of the glassy reinforcement in the Al matrix and the decrease of the particle size are obtained through ball milling. This has a positive effect on the hardness and strength of the composites. Mechanical tests show that the hardness of the hot pressed samples increases from 51–155 HV, and the strength rises from 220–630 MPa by extending the milling time from 1–50 h. The use of hot extrusion after hot pressing reduces both the strength and hardness of the composites: however, it enhances the plastic deformation significantly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metallic Glasses)
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1901 KiB  
Article
Development of Nanocrystalline 304L Stainless Steel by Large Strain Cold Working
by Marina Odnobokova, Andrey Belyakov and Rustam Kaibyshev
Metals 2015, 5(2), 656-668; https://doi.org/10.3390/met5020656 - 22 Apr 2015
Cited by 63 | Viewed by 7983
Abstract
The microstructural changes leading to nanocrystalline structure development and the respective tensile properties were studied in a 304L stainless steel subjected to large strain cold rolling at ambient temperature. The cold rolling was accompanied by the development of deformation twinning and martensitic transformation. [...] Read more.
The microstructural changes leading to nanocrystalline structure development and the respective tensile properties were studied in a 304L stainless steel subjected to large strain cold rolling at ambient temperature. The cold rolling was accompanied by the development of deformation twinning and martensitic transformation. The latter readily occurred at deformation microshear bands, leading the martensite fraction to approach 0.75 at a total strain of 3. The deformation twinning followed by microshear banding and martensitic transformation promoted the development of nanocrystalline structure consisting of a uniform mixture of austenite and martensite grains with their transverse sizes of 120–150 nm. The developed nanocrystallites were characterized by high dislocation density in their interiors of about 3 × 1015 m−2 and 2 × 1015 m−2 in austenite and martensite, respectively. The development of nanocrystalline structures with high internal stresses led to significant strengthening. The yield strength increased from 220 MPa in the original hot forged state to 1600 MPa after cold rolling to a strain of 3. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ultrafine-grained Metals)
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