Metals

13 pages, 4296 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molybdenum Effects on Pitting Corrosion Resistance of FeCrMnMoNC Austenitic Stainless Steels

by Heon-Young Ha^1,*

, Tae-Ho Lee¹, Jee-Hwan Bae² and Dong Won Chun²

¹ Steel Department, Korea Institute of Materials Science, 797 Changwondae-ro, Seongsan-gu, Changwon, Gyeongnam 51508, Korea

² Advanced Analysis Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 5, Hwarang-ro 14-gil, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02792, Korea

Metals 2018, 8(8), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080653 - 20 Aug 2018

Cited by 97 | Viewed by 10257

Abstract

For Fe-based 18Cr10Mn0.4N0.5C(0–2.17)Mo (in wt %) austenitic stainless steels, effects of Mo on pitting corrosion resistance and the improvement mechanism were investigated. Alloying Mo increased pitting and repassivation potentials and enhanced the passive film resistance by decreasing number of point defects in the [...] Read more.

For Fe-based 18Cr10Mn0.4N0.5C(0–2.17)Mo (in wt %) austenitic stainless steels, effects of Mo on pitting corrosion resistance and the improvement mechanism were investigated. Alloying Mo increased pitting and repassivation potentials and enhanced the passive film resistance by decreasing number of point defects in the film. In addition, Mo reduced critical dissolution rate of the alloys in acidified chloride solutions, and the alloy with higher Mo content could remain in the passive state in stronger acid. Thus, it was concluded that the alloying Mo enhanced pitting corrosion resistance of the alloys through increasing protectiveness of passive film and lowering pit growth rate. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Corrosion and Protection of Metals)

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8 pages, 1639 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Theoretical Study of Electromagnetic Interference Shielding of 2D MXenes Films

by Zhenyu Li^1,2, Zeyu Wang¹, Weixin Lu^1,2,* and Bo Hou^1,2,*

¹ Optoelectronics and Energy & Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, College of Physics, Soochow University, Suzhou 215006, China

² Key Laboratory of Modern Optical Technologies of Ministry of Education & Key Lab of Advanced Optical Manufacturing Technologies of Jiangsu Province, Suzhou 215006, China

Metals 2018, 8(8), 652; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080652 - 20 Aug 2018

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 6770

Abstract

The advance of research on 2D transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides (collectively known as MXenes) has progressed rapidly since the introduction of Ti₃C₂ in 2011. Nowadays the number of MXene synthesized in lab has reached more than 20, while [...] Read more.

The advance of research on 2D transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides (collectively known as MXenes) has progressed rapidly since the introduction of Ti₃C₂ in 2011. Nowadays the number of MXene synthesized in lab has reached more than 20, while there are currently about 20 theoretically predicted structures. In this study, we calculate the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness of a series of MXene films in theory and find that the results are in good agreement with the measured data. From this, we can use this method to calculate electromagnetic properties of all kinds of 2D material films which are similar to Mxenes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Metallic Films: From Nanofabrication and Nanostructuration to Characterizations and Applications)

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11 pages, 4966 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Local Residual Stress at Blade Surfaces by the V(z) Curve Technique

by Yanxun Xiang¹, Da Teng¹

, Mingxi Deng², Yunze Li¹, Changjun Liu¹ and Fujhen Xuan^1,*

¹ Key Laboratory of Pressure Systems and Safety, MOE, School of Mechanical and Power Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 200237, China

² College of Aerospace Engineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China

Metals 2018, 8(8), 651; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080651 - 19 Aug 2018

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4026

Abstract

The characterization of residual stress in complicated components is a tough issue. The method of Rayleigh surface wave-based V(z) curve is adopted in this work to evaluate the distribution of residual stresses in aeroengine blades. First, the velocity of Rayleigh [...] Read more.

The characterization of residual stress in complicated components is a tough issue. The method of Rayleigh surface wave-based V(z) curve is adopted in this work to evaluate the distribution of residual stresses in aeroengine blades. First, the velocity of Rayleigh surface wave in aeroengine blade was measured by the V(z) curve technique, which can be used to calculate the local residual stress because the change of velocity is thought to be correlated with the contribution from residual stress. Two kinds of plastic-deformed Ti-6Al-4V samples were fabricated by ball-gun shooting to artificially induce distribution of residual stress and then measured by the proposed method. The results indicate that the distribution of the residual stress in both of the samples displays a predictable symmetry. The error of the measured stress is much less than 10% of the yielding stress in Ti-6Al-4V (i.e., about 800 MPa). Finally, the measured residual stresses were verified by X-ray diffraction method, whose results correlate reasonably well with each other. The proposed V(z) curve method and its experimental set-up appear to be a potential in characterizing residual stress at a point-like region, such as in complicated components. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Aerospace Materials)

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16 pages, 10842 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Minimization of the Thermal Impact in the Laser Welding of Dissimilar Stainless Steels

by Francisco Cordovilla^*, Alejandro Tur, Ángel García-Beltrán, Marcos Diaz, Ignacio Angulo and José L. Ocaña

UPM Laser Centre, E.T.S. Ingenieros Industriales, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, C/José Gutiérrez Abascal, 2. 28006 Madrid, Spain

Metals 2018, 8(8), 650; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080650 - 18 Aug 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4197

Abstract

Laser welding of dissimilar stainless steels is of interest when mechanical, corrosion, or esthetical requirements impose the use of a high-performance stainless steels, while production-cost requirements prevent using expensive materials in all the parts of a given device. The compromise may lead to [...] Read more.

Laser welding of dissimilar stainless steels is of interest when mechanical, corrosion, or esthetical requirements impose the use of a high-performance stainless steels, while production-cost requirements prevent using expensive materials in all the parts of a given device. The compromise may lead to the use of the most expensive material in critical areas and the cheapest one in the remaining. Their union can be materialized by laser-pulsed welding. It has intrinsic difficulties derived from the different physical and chemical properties of the steels, and from the need of preserving the protective passive layer. The present work achieves a welded joint with minimum thermal impact by means of laser pulses, capable of preserving the corrosion resistance of the involved stainless steels. The influence of the parameters to define static and dynamic pulses on the material and on the welding regime, keyhole, or heat conduction, is studied. It is used to calculate the overlapping factor of the pulses on the basis of the real dimensions of the melted area. A continuous joint has been built with dynamic pulses. The corrosion resistance of it has been checked showing a similar behavior to the non-heated material. The microstructure of the optimized joint is associated with a reduced HAZ while its mechanical behavior is suitable for its real application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Laser Welding of Industrial Metal Alloys)

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12 pages, 6004 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Primary Structure and Graphite Nodules in Thin-Walled High-Nickel Ductile Iron Castings

by Marcin Górny^1,*

, Magdalena Kawalec¹, Gabriela Sikora¹, Ewa Olejnik¹ and Hugo Lopez²

¹ Faculty of Foundry Engineering, Department of Engineering of Cast Alloys and Composites, AGH University of Science and Technology, St. Reymonta 23, 30-059 Cracow, Poland

² Materials Department, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, 3200 N. Cramer Street, Milwaukee, WI 53211, USA

Metals 2018, 8(8), 649; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080649 - 17 Aug 2018

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 6691

Abstract

This paper considers the most important quality factors in processing spheroidal graphite cast iron; namely, primary grains and graphite nodules in thin-walled ductile iron castings (TWDI). In the present study, the effect of grain refinement (by means of Ti, Nb and Zr) and [...] Read more.

This paper considers the most important quality factors in processing spheroidal graphite cast iron; namely, primary grains and graphite nodules in thin-walled ductile iron castings (TWDI). In the present study, the effect of grain refinement (by means of Ti, Nb and Zr) and of the holding time after spheroidization and inoculation on effecting the primary grains and eutectic structure in TWDI castings was investigated. Moreover, metallographic examinations (including electron backscattering diffraction, EBSD) were carried out to reveal the macro- and micro-structural features during the primary and eutectic solidification of the cast iron. EBSD results indicate that, within a single dendritic grain, there are numerous boundaries that split the grain into numerous smaller areas. In particular, it is found that the graphite nodules are in contact with the boundaries inside the primary dendritic grain. In turn, crystallization of highly branched dendrites is observed, which seems to “push” the graphite nodules into the interdendritic regions during their growth. The present work investigates the dominant mechanism that gives rise to the primary spheroidal graphite cast iron (SGI) structure. In addition, this work shows that the melt quality is closely associated with the resultant morphology and number of austenite dendrites, graphite nodules, and matrix structure. Full article

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14 pages, 8396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Formability and Accelerated Precipitation Behavior of 7075 Al Alloy Extruded Rod by High Temperature Aging

by Ming-Hsiang Ku

, Fei-Yi Hung^*

, Truan-Sheng Lui and Jyun-Jhih Lai

Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan

Metals 2018, 8(8), 648; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080648 - 17 Aug 2018

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 8611

Abstract

This study was conducted for high temperature aging (HTA) to simultaneously reduce current treatment time and increase the tensile ductility of 7075 aluminum alloy. Various high temperatures and different durations for artificial aging were compared. We investigated the microstructure and the tensile properties [...] Read more.

This study was conducted for high temperature aging (HTA) to simultaneously reduce current treatment time and increase the tensile ductility of 7075 aluminum alloy. Various high temperatures and different durations for artificial aging were compared. We investigated the microstructure and the tensile properties of 7075 aluminum alloy extruded rod after various HTAs, and compared them with the outcomes of full annealing (O). The total elongation (TE) of the specimen after solution heat treatment (490 °C, 1 h) and artificial aging (280 °C, 12 h) was about 25%. For full annealing, it is known as 21%. The reason for this was the formation of the η phase in the matrix, which had fewer large particles (Al-Cu phase). The hardening of HTA specimens is higher than that of O, indicating necking resistance during homogeneous plastic deformation. Thereby, HTA treatment increases the formability of 7075 aluminum alloy. Full article

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10 pages, 4667 KiB

Open AccessArticle

B₄C Particles Reinforced Al2024 Composites via Mechanical Milling

by Caleb Carreño-Gallardo^1,*

, Ivanovich Estrada-Guel¹, Claudia López-Meléndez², Ernesto Ledezma-Sillas¹, Rubén Castañeda-Balderas¹, Raúl Pérez-Bustamante³

and José Martín Herrera-Ramírez¹

¹ Advanced Materials Research Center (CIMAV), National Laboratory of Nanotechnology, Miguel de Cervantes No. 120, Chihuahua C.P. 31136, Mexico

² La Salle University of Chihuahua, Prol. Lomas de Majalca No. 11201, Chihuahua C.P. 31020, Mexico

³ CONACYT-The Mexican Corporation for Research on Materials (COMIMSA), Ciencia y Tecnología 790, Fracc. Saltillo 400, Saltillo C.P. 25290, Mexico

Metals 2018, 8(8), 647; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080647 - 17 Aug 2018

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4710

Abstract

The control of a homogeneous distribution of the reinforcing phase in aluminum matrix composites is the main issue during the synthesis of this kind of material. In this work, 2024 aluminum matrix composites reinforced with boron carbide were produced by mechanical milling, using [...] Read more.

The control of a homogeneous distribution of the reinforcing phase in aluminum matrix composites is the main issue during the synthesis of this kind of material. In this work, 2024 aluminum matrix composites reinforced with boron carbide were produced by mechanical milling, using 1 and 2 h of milling. After milling, powdered samples were cold consolidated, sintered and T6 heat treated. The morphology and microstructure of Al2024/B₄C composites were investigated by scanning electron microscopy; analysis of X-ray diffraction peaks were used for the calculation of the crystallite size and microstrains by the Williamson–Hall method. The mechanical properties were evaluated by compression and hardness tests. B₄C particles were found to be well dispersed into the aluminum matrix as a result of the high-energy milling process. The crystallite size of composites milled for 2 h was lower than those milled for 1 h. The hardness, yield strength and maximum strength were significantly improved in the composites processed for 2 h, in comparison to those processed for 1 h and the monolithic 2024 alloy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modern Aerospace Materials)

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17 pages, 9566 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of Carbide Dissolution and Austenite Formation during Ultra-Fast Heating in Medium Carbon Chromium Molybdenum Steel

by Spyros Papaefthymiou^1,*

, Marianthi Bouzouni^1,2 and Roumen H. Petrov^3,4

¹ Laboratory of Physical Metallurgy, Division of Metallurgy and Materials, School of Mining & Metallurgical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, 9, Her. Polytechniou str., Zografos, 15780 Athens, Greece

² Department of Physical Metallurgy and Forming, Hellenic Research Centre for Metals S.A. -ELKEME S.A., 61st km Athens-Lamia Nat. Road, 32011 Oinofyta, Viotia, Greece

³ Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628CD Delft, The Netherlands

⁴ Department of Electrical Energy, Metals, Mechanical constructions & Systems, Ghent University, Technologiepark 903, 9052 Gent, Belgium

Metals 2018, 8(8), 646; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080646 - 16 Aug 2018

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 8886

Abstract

In this study, UltraFast Heat Treatment (UFHT) was applied to a soft annealed medium carbon chromium molybdenum steel. The specimens were rapidly heated and subsequently quenched in a dilatometer. The resulting microstructure consists of chromium-enriched cementite and chromium carbides (in sizes between 5–500 [...] Read more.

In this study, UltraFast Heat Treatment (UFHT) was applied to a soft annealed medium carbon chromium molybdenum steel. The specimens were rapidly heated and subsequently quenched in a dilatometer. The resulting microstructure consists of chromium-enriched cementite and chromium carbides (in sizes between 5–500 nm) within fine (nano-sized) martensitic and bainitic laths. The dissolution of carbides in austenite (γ) during ferrite to austenite phase transformation in conditions of rapid heating were simulated with DICTRA. The results indicate that fine (5 nm) and coarse (200 nm) carbides dissolve only partially, even at peak (austenitization) temperature. Alloying elements, especially chromium (Cr), segregate at austenite/carbide interfaces, retarding the dissolution of carbides and subsequently austenite formation. The sluggish movement of the austenite/carbide interface towards austenite during carbide dissolution was attributed to the partitioning of Cr nearby the interface. Moreover, the undissolved carbides prevent austenite grain growth at peak temperature, resulting in a fine-grained microstructure. Finally, the simulation results suggest that ultrafast heating creates conditions that lead to chemical heterogeneity in austenite and may lead to an extremely refined microstructure consisting of martensite and bainite laths and partially dissolved carbides during quenching. Full article

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17 pages, 7223 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Interfacial Characterization and Bonding Properties of Copper/Aluminum Clad Sheets Processed by Horizontal Twin-Roll Casting, Multi-Pass Rolling, and Annealing

by Zhiping Mao^1,2, Jingpei Xie^2,*

, Aiqin Wang², Wenyan Wang² and Douqin Ma³

¹ School of Physical Engineering, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China

² School of Material Science and Engineering, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China

³ Collaborative Innovation Center of Nonferrous Metals, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China

Metals 2018, 8(8), 645; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080645 - 16 Aug 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5805

Abstract

The copper/aluminum (Cu/Al) clad sheets were produced on a horizontal twin-roll caster and then were multi-pass rolled and annealed. The thickness of the as-cast clad sheet was 8 mm. Rolling was performed with total reductions of 12.5%, 25%, 37.5%, 50%, and 62.5%, separately. [...] Read more.

The copper/aluminum (Cu/Al) clad sheets were produced on a horizontal twin-roll caster and then were multi-pass rolled and annealed. The thickness of the as-cast clad sheet was 8 mm. Rolling was performed with total reductions of 12.5%, 25%, 37.5%, 50%, and 62.5%, separately. The effects of the rolling and annealing processes on the interface and peel strength of the Cu/Al clad sheets were investigated. The evolution of the interface and crack propagation were studied. The interface thickness of the as-cast clad sheet reached 9 μm to 10 μm. The average peel strength (APS) was only 9 N/mm. After multi-pass rolling, the peel strength first slightly increased and then gradually decreased with the increase of the rolling pass number. After annealing, the peel strength remarkably improved. The APS reached 25 N/mm when the rolled thickness was 7 mm. The improvement in the peel strength was due to the following three factors: (1) mechanical locking formed in the Cu/Al direct contact region after rolling, (2) the region of the Al matrix fracture, and (3) mechanical biting from the Cu/Al direct contact region. Full article

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11 pages, 4084 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characterization of Deformation Mechanisms in Mg Alloys by Advanced Acoustic Emission Methods

by Jan Čapek^1,2,*, Michal Knapek^1,3

, Peter Minárik¹

, Jan Dittrich¹ and Kristián Máthis¹

¹ Department of Physics of Materials, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University, Ke Karlovu 5, 121 16 Prague 2, Czech Republic

² Laboratory for Neutron Scattering and Imaging, Paul Scherrer Institut, 5232 Villigen, Switzerland

³ The Czech Academy of Sciences, Nuclear Physics Institute, Řež 130, 250 68 Řež, Czech Republic

Metals 2018, 8(8), 644; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080644 - 16 Aug 2018

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4052

Abstract

Adaptive sequential k-means (ASK) analysis of acoustic emission (AE) data was used to analyze the sources of AE during compression of three AZ31 magnesium samples with different initial texture. The results were compared to the classical hit-based approach. Observation of the deformed microstructure [...] Read more.

Adaptive sequential k-means (ASK) analysis of acoustic emission (AE) data was used to analyze the sources of AE during compression of three AZ31 magnesium samples with different initial texture. The results were compared to the classical hit-based approach. Observation of the deformed microstructure shows that the ASK analysis can distinguish very well between the signal originating in deformation twinning and dislocation slip. Moreover, together with microstructural analysis, the ASK algorithm revealed another source of AE for one of the samples, which was shown to be the double twinning. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Acoustic Emission Testing of Metals and Alloys)

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18 pages, 4634 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Microstructure, Solidification Texture, and Thermal Stability of 316 L Stainless Steel Manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion

by Pavel Krakhmalev^1,*

, Gunnel Fredriksson¹, Krister Svensson¹, Igor Yadroitsev²

, Ina Yadroitsava², Mattias Thuvander³

and Ru Peng⁴

¹ Department of Engineering and Physics, Karlstad University, SE-651 88 Karlstad, Sweden

² Department of Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Bloemfontein, Central University of Technology, Free State 9300, South Africa

³ Department of Physics, Chalmers University of Technology, SE-412 96 Gothenburg, Sweden

⁴ Department of Management and Engineering, Linköping University, SE-581 83 Linköping, Sweden

Metals 2018, 8(8), 643; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080643 - 15 Aug 2018

Cited by 153 | Viewed by 16484

Abstract

This article overviews the scientific results of the microstructural features observed in 316 L stainless steel manufactured by the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) method obtained by the authors, and discusses the results with respect to the recently published literature. Microscopic features of [...] Read more.

This article overviews the scientific results of the microstructural features observed in 316 L stainless steel manufactured by the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) method obtained by the authors, and discusses the results with respect to the recently published literature. Microscopic features of the LPBF microstructure, i.e., epitaxial nucleation, cellular structure, microsegregation, porosity, competitive colony growth, and solidification texture, were experimentally studied by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, diffraction methods, and atom probe tomography. The influence of laser power and laser scanning speed on the microstructure was discussed in the perspective of governing the microstructure by controlling the process parameters. It was shown that the three-dimensional (3D) zig-zag solidification texture observed in the LPBF 316 L was related to the laser scanning strategy. The thermal stability of the microstructure was investigated under isothermal annealing conditions. It was shown that the cells formed at solidification started to disappear at about 800 °C, and that this process leads to a substantial decrease in hardness. Colony boundaries, nevertheless, were quite stable, and no significant grain growth was observed after heat treatment at 1050 °C. The observed experimental results are discussed with respect to the fundamental knowledge of the solidification processes, and compared with the existing literature data. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Additive Manufacturing of Ferrous Materials)

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16 pages, 5669 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Finite Element Analysis on a Newly-Modified Method for the Taylor Impact Test to Measure the Stress-Strain Curve by the Only Single Test Using Pure Aluminum

by Chong Gao¹ and Takeshi Iwamoto^2,*

¹ Graduate School of Engineering, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8527, Japan

² Academy of Science and Technology, Hiroshima University, 1-4-1 Kagamiyama, Higashi-Hiroshima 739-8527, Japan

Metals 2018, 8(8), 642; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080642 - 15 Aug 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 6102

Abstract

In this study, finite element analyses are performed to obtain a stress-strain curve for ductile materials by a combination between the distributions of axial stress and strain at a certain time as a result of one single Taylor impact test. In the modified [...] Read more.

In this study, finite element analyses are performed to obtain a stress-strain curve for ductile materials by a combination between the distributions of axial stress and strain at a certain time as a result of one single Taylor impact test. In the modified Taylor impact test proposed here, a measurement of the external impact force by the Hopkinson pressure bar placed instead of the rigid wall, and an assumption of bi-linear distribution of an axial internal force, are introduced as well as a measurement of deformed profiles at certain time. In order to obtain the realistic results by computations, at first, the parameters in a nonlinear rate sensitive hardening law are identified from the quasi-static and impact tests of pure aluminum at various strain rates and temperature conducted. In the impact test, a miniaturized testing apparatus based on the split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) technique is introduced to achieve a similar level of strain rate as 10⁴ s⁻¹, to the Taylor test. Then, a finite element simulation of the modified test is performed using a commercial software by using the user-subroutine for the hardening law with the identified parameters. By comparing the stress-strain curves obtained by the proposed method and direct calculation of the hardening law, the validity is discussed. Finally, the feasibility of the proposed method is studied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Deformation Behavior of the Alloys under Simple and Combined Loading Conditions at Various Deformation Rate)

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17 pages, 14232 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Determination of the Effective Elastic Modulus for Nodular Cast Iron Using the Boundary Element Method

by Adrián Betancur¹

, Carla Anflor^1,*, André Pereira^2,* and Ricardo Leiderman³

¹ Group of Experimental and Computational Mechanics, University of Brasília, 72.405-610 Gama, Brazil

² Engineering School, Fluminense Federal University, Rua Passo da Patria 156, 24210-240 Niterói, Brazil

³ Institute of Computing, Fluminense Federal University, Rua Passo da Pátria 156, 24210-240 Niterói, Brazil

Metals 2018, 8(8), 641; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080641 - 15 Aug 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4523

Abstract

In this work, a multiscale homogenization procedure using the boundary element method (BEM) for modeling a two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) multiphase microstructure is presented. A numerical routine is specially written for modeling nodular cast iron (NCI) considering the graphite nodules as cylindrical [...] Read more.

In this work, a multiscale homogenization procedure using the boundary element method (BEM) for modeling a two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) multiphase microstructure is presented. A numerical routine is specially written for modeling nodular cast iron (NCI) considering the graphite nodules as cylindrical and real geometries. The BEM is used as a numerical approach for solving the elastic problem of a representative volume element from a mean field model. Numerical models for NCI have generally been developed considering the graphite nodules as voids due to their soft feature. In this sense, three numerical models are developed, and the homogenization procedure is carried out considering the graphite nodules as non-voids. Experimental tensile, hardness, and microhardness tests are performed to determine the mechanical properties of the overall material, matrix, and inclusion nodules, respectively. The nodule sizes, distributions, and chemical compositions are determined by laser scanning microscopy, an X-ray computerized microtomography system (micro-CT), and energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy, respectively. For the numerical model with real inclusions, the boundary mesh is obtained from micro-CT data. The effective properties obtained by considering the real and synthetic nodules’ geometries are compared with those obtained from the experimental work and the existing literature. The final results considering both approaches demonstrate a good agreement. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cast Irons: Properties and Applications)

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14 pages, 7433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Precipitation Hardening on Mechanical and Corrosion Properties of Extruded Mg10Gd Modified with Nd and La

by Petra Maier^1,*

, Maximilian Bechly¹, Chamini L. Mendis² and Norbert Hort³

¹ School of Mechanical Engineering, University of Applied Sciences Stralsund, 18435 Stralsund, Germany

² Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology, Brunel University London, London, UB8 3PH Uxbridge, UK

³ Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht, Magnesium Innovation Center, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany

Metals 2018, 8(8), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080640 - 14 Aug 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4314

Abstract

To improve the mechanical and corrosion properties of Mg10Gd, Nd and La are added, and from that, the influence of precipitation hardening was studied. An increase in strength, by decreasing grain size and increasing the volume fraction of Rare Earth-rich precipitates, has been [...] Read more.

To improve the mechanical and corrosion properties of Mg10Gd, Nd and La are added, and from that, the influence of precipitation hardening was studied. An increase in strength, by decreasing grain size and increasing the volume fraction of Rare Earth-rich precipitates, has been found when increasing the amount of alloying elements. Alloys containing La appear less ductile. Where crack propagation is studied using 3-point bending on Mg10Gd and Mg10Gd1Nd, the failure is mostly driven by twinning; the alloys with La show suppressed twinning, but crack initiation and propagation is caused by brittle and coarse precipitates. Precipitation hardening did not improve fracture toughness and was mostly based on strong grain growth and low solubility of La in Mg. With added alloying elements, the grain size was found to be slightly smaller in the T6 condition—precipitates seem to pin grain boundaries and therefore limit grain boundary mobility. Alloys containing Nd showed the best precipitation hardening response. Corrosion behavior, investigated by voltammetry and immersion, showed the best behavior in the precipitation-hardened condition. Corrosion rates and surface morphology are used to discuss corrosion properties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Selected Papers from the 2^nd International Conference on Light Materials LightMAT 2017)

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12 pages, 4938 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Tellurium on the Formation of MnTe-MnS Composite Inclusions in Non-Quenched and Tempered Steel

by Ping Shen¹

, Qiankun Yang¹, Dong Zhang¹, Shufeng Yang² and Jianxun Fu^1,*

¹ State Key Laboratory of Advanced Special Steel, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Advanced Ferrometallurgy, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China

² School of Metallurgical and Ecological Engineering, University of Science and Technology Beijing, Beijing 100083, China

Metals 2018, 8(8), 639; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080639 - 14 Aug 2018

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 5038

Abstract

Te is a seldom-used alloying element, which is mainly used in free-machining steel. The Te content in this kind of steel is relatively low, and only a small amount of MnTe is generated. In previous studies, the effect of Te on the formation [...] Read more.

Te is a seldom-used alloying element, which is mainly used in free-machining steel. The Te content in this kind of steel is relatively low, and only a small amount of MnTe is generated. In previous studies, the effect of Te on the formation of inclusions was not fully studied. In order to clarify the mechanism, different amounts of tellurium were added into 38MnVS6 steel to form a certain amount of MnTe. The MnTe wrapped the MnS, forming a composite inclusion. With the increase of Te content in the steel, the diameter of inclusion increased, while the aspect ratio of inclusion varied little. The aspect ratio of most inclusions was in the range of 1~3. Besides, the MnS in the MnTe-MnS composite inclusions gradually changed from one big particle to several small particles. The solidification of the steel, as well as the precipitation of MnS and MnTe, was the main factor that affecting the formation of the composite inclusion. The mechanism of the process was systematically expressed in the current study. Full article

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11 pages, 8901 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Martensite–Austenite Constituent on Low-Temperature Toughness in YS 500 MPa Grade Steel Welds

by In Kim^1,2, Hyunbin Nam¹, Myungjin Lee³, Daegeun Nam⁴, Yeongdo Park⁵ and Namhyun Kang^1,*

¹ Department of Material Science and Engineering, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Korea

² Technical Research Center, Hyundai steel Company, Chungnam 31719, Korea

³ Material Development team, Samhaw Steel Company, Busan 47018, Korea

⁴ Dongnam Regional Division, Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, Busan 46742, Korea

⁵ Department of Advanced Material Engineering, Dong-eui University, Busan 47227, Korea

Metals 2018, 8(8), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080638 - 14 Aug 2018

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 5327

Abstract

The effect of martensite–austenite (M–A) constituents and simulated microstructure on low-temperature toughness was investigated in YS 500 MPa grade structural steel welds. The specimens were fabricated using a direct quenching and tempering process. After simulated weld thermal cycles, the coarse-grained heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) [...] Read more.

The effect of martensite–austenite (M–A) constituents and simulated microstructure on low-temperature toughness was investigated in YS 500 MPa grade structural steel welds. The specimens were fabricated using a direct quenching and tempering process. After simulated weld thermal cycles, the coarse-grained heat-affected zone (CGHAZ) and intercritically reheated coarse-grained heat-affected zone (IRCGHAZ) were produced using a Gleeble tester and real welded joint to support the simulation results. The largest low-temperature toughness was observed in the fine-grained heat-affected zone (FGHAZ) owing to the fine-ferrite microstructure. However, the toughness decreased in the IRCGHAZ because of the slender morphology of the M–A constituents that formed primarily along the prior austenite grain boundaries in the IRCGHAZ. Full article

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13 pages, 6041 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transient Liquid Phase Bonding of Semi-Solid Metal 7075 Aluminum Alloy using ZA27 Zinc Alloy Interlayer

by Chaiyoot Meengam^1,*

, Yongyuth Dunyakul², Dech Maunkhaw² and Suppachai Chainarong¹

¹ Department of Engineering, Songkhla Rajabhat University, Songkhla 90000, Thailand

² Department of Industrial Engineering, Rajamangala University of Technology Srivijaya, Songkhla 90000, Thailand

Metals 2018, 8(8), 637; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080637 - 13 Aug 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 7484

Abstract

Transient Liquid Phase Bonding (TLPB) process of semi-solid metal 7075 aluminum alloys (SSM7075) using 50 μm thick of ZA27 zinc alloys as interlayers for the experiment were carried out under bonding temperatures of 480 and 540 °C and bonding times of 30, 60, [...] Read more.

Transient Liquid Phase Bonding (TLPB) process of semi-solid metal 7075 aluminum alloys (SSM7075) using 50 μm thick of ZA27 zinc alloys as interlayers for the experiment were carried out under bonding temperatures of 480 and 540 °C and bonding times of 30, 60, 90 and 120 min respectively. In the bonding zone, the semi-solid state of ZA27 zinc alloy interlayers were diffused into the SSM7075 aluminum alloy. Examination of the bonding zone using Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) showed that the precipitation of the intermetallic compound of η(Zn–Al–Cu), β(Al₂Mg₃Zn₃), T′(Zn₁₀Al₃₅Cu₅₅) and MgZn₂ were formed in the bonding zone. The better homogenized microstructure in the bonding zone was formed when increasing bonding time and bonding temperature. The highest bonding strength was recorded at 17.44 MPa and average hardness was at 87.67 HV with the bonding time of 120 min and temperature at 540 °C. Statistically, the coefficient of determination analysis of bonding strength data was at 99.1%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Diffusion Bonding and Brazing of Advanced Materials)

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10 pages, 2468 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Local Characterization of Precipitation and Correlation with the Prior Austenitic Microstructure in Nb-Ti-Microalloyed Steel by SEM and AFM Methods

by Lena Eisenhut^*

, Jonas Fell and Christian Motz

Department for Materials Science and Engineering, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany

Metals 2018, 8(8), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080636 - 13 Aug 2018

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4301

Abstract

Precipitation is one of the most important influences on microstructural evolution during thermomechanical processing (TMCP) of micro-alloyed steels. Due to precipitation, pinning of prior austenite grain (PAG) boundaries can occur. To understand the mechanisms in detail and in relation to the thermomechanical treatment, [...] Read more.

Precipitation is one of the most important influences on microstructural evolution during thermomechanical processing (TMCP) of micro-alloyed steels. Due to precipitation, pinning of prior austenite grain (PAG) boundaries can occur. To understand the mechanisms in detail and in relation to the thermomechanical treatment, a local characterization of the precipitation state depending on the microstructure is essential. Commonly used methods for the characterization, such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) or matrix dissolution techniques, only have the advantage of local or statistically secured characterization. By using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) techniques, both advantages could be combined. In addition, in the present work a correlation of the precipitation conditions with the prior austenite grain structure for different austenitization states could be realized by Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) measurement and reconstruction methods using the reconstruction software Merengue 2. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Microalloyed Steels)

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19 pages, 7169 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study on Porous Mg-Zn-Zr ZK61 Alloys Produced by Laser Additive Manufacturing

by Min Zhang¹, Changjun Chen^1,*, Chang Liu¹ and Shunquan Wang²

¹ Laser Processing Research Center, School of Mechanical and Electric Engineering, Soochow University, Suzhou 215131, China

² Wuxi Institution of Supervision and Testing on Product Quality, Wuxi 214000, China

Metals 2018, 8(8), 635; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080635 - 13 Aug 2018

Cited by 33 | Viewed by 5094

Abstract

This study reports the effect of Zn contents on surface morphology, porosity, microstructure and mechanical properties of laser additive manufacturing (LAM) porous ZK61 alloys. The surface morphology and porosity of the LAMed porous ZK61 alloys depend on the laser energy input. With increasing [...] Read more.

This study reports the effect of Zn contents on surface morphology, porosity, microstructure and mechanical properties of laser additive manufacturing (LAM) porous ZK61 alloys. The surface morphology and porosity of the LAMed porous ZK61 alloys depend on the laser energy input. With increasing Zn contents, the surface quality of porous Mg-Zn-Zr alloys became worse, the grains are obviously refined and the precipitated phases experienced successive transitions: MgZn → MgZn + Mg₇Zn₃ → Mg₇Zn₃. The microhardness was improved significantly and ranged from 57.67 HV to 109.36 HV, which was ascribed to the fine grain strengthening, solid solution strengthening and precipitation strengthening. The LAMed porous Mg-15 wt.% Zn-0.3 wt.% Zr alloy exhibits the highest ultimate compressive strength (73.07 MPa) and elastic modulus (1.785 GPa). Full article

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13 pages, 2714 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Fatigue Behavior of As-Built L-PBF A357.0 Parts

by Elena Bassoli^1,*

, Lucia Denti¹

, Andrea Comin², Antonella Sola¹

and Emanuele Tognoli¹

¹ Department of Engineering “Enzo Ferrari”, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, via Pietro Vivarelli 10, 41125 Modena, Italy

² Maserati S.p.A., via Emilia Ovest 911, 41123 Modena, Italy

Metals 2018, 8(8), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080634 - 11 Aug 2018

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5405

Abstract

Laser-based powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is nowadays the preeminent additive manufacturing (AM) technique to produce metal parts. Nonetheless, relatively few metal powders are currently available for industrial L-PBF, especially if aluminum-based feedstocks are involved. In order to fill the existing gap, A357.0 (also [...] Read more.

Laser-based powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is nowadays the preeminent additive manufacturing (AM) technique to produce metal parts. Nonetheless, relatively few metal powders are currently available for industrial L-PBF, especially if aluminum-based feedstocks are involved. In order to fill the existing gap, A357.0 (also known as A357 or A13570) powders are here processed by L-PBF and, for the first time, the fatigue behavior is investigated in the as-built state to verify the net-shaping potentiality of AM. Both the low-cycle and high-cycle fatigue areas are analyzed to draw the complete Wohler diagram. The infinite lifetime limit is set to 2 × 10⁶ stress cycles and the staircase method is applied to calculate a mean fatigue strength of 60 MPa. This value is slightly lower but still comparable to the published data for AlSi10Mg parts manufactured by L-PBF, even if the A357.0 samples considered here have not received any post-processing treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fatigue Damage of Additively-Manufactured Metallic Materials)

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21 pages, 16019 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling of Microstructure Evolution of Ti6Al4V for Additive Manufacturing

by Emilio Salsi^*, Michele Chiumenti and Miguel Cervera

International Center for Numerical Methods in Engineering (CIMNE), Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña (UPC), Edificio C1, Campus Norte, Gran Capitán s/n, 08034 Barcelona, Spain

Metals 2018, 8(8), 633; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080633 - 10 Aug 2018

Cited by 64 | Viewed by 10665

Abstract

AM processes are characterized by complex thermal cycles that have a deep influence on the microstructural transformations of the deposited alloy. In this work, a general model for the prediction of microstructure evolution during solid state transformations of Ti6Al4V is presented. Several formulations [...] Read more.

AM processes are characterized by complex thermal cycles that have a deep influence on the microstructural transformations of the deposited alloy. In this work, a general model for the prediction of microstructure evolution during solid state transformations of Ti6Al4V is presented. Several formulations have been developed and employed for modeling phase transformations in other manufacturing processes and, particularly, in casting. The proposed model is mainly based on the combination and modification of some of these existing formulations, leading to a new overall model specifically dedicated to AM. The accuracy and suitability of the integrated model is enhanced, introducing new dedicated features. In fact the model is designed to deal with fast cooling and re-heating cycles typical of AM processes because: (a) it is able to consider incomplete transformations and varying initial content of phases and (b) it can take into account simultaneous transformations.The model is implemented in COMET, an in-house Finite Element (FE)-based framework for the solution of thermo-mechanical engineering problems. The validation of the microstructural model is performed by comparing the simulation results with the data available in the literature. The sensitivity of the model to the variation of material parameters is also discussed. Full article

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14 pages, 9969 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiscale Modeling and Simulation of Directional Solidification Process of Ni-Based Superalloy Turbine Blade Casting

by Qingyan Xu^*

, Cong Yang, Hang Zhang, Xuewei Yan, Ning Tang and Baicheng Liu

Key Laboratory for Advanced Materials Processing Technology (Ministry of Education), School of Materials Science and Engineering, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China

Metals 2018, 8(8), 632; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080632 - 10 Aug 2018

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 9171

Abstract

Ni-based superalloy turbine blades have become indispensable structural parts in modern gas engines. An understanding of the solidification behavior and microstructure formation in directional solidified turbine blades is necessary for improving their high-temperature performance. The multiscale simulation model was developed to simulate the [...] Read more.

Ni-based superalloy turbine blades have become indispensable structural parts in modern gas engines. An understanding of the solidification behavior and microstructure formation in directional solidified turbine blades is necessary for improving their high-temperature performance. The multiscale simulation model was developed to simulate the directional solidification process of superalloy turbine blades. The 3D cellular automaton-finite difference (CA-FD) method was used to calculate heat transfer and grain growth on the macroscopic scale, while the phase-field method was developed to simulate dendrite growth on the microscopic scale. Firstly, the evolution of temperature field of an aero-engine blade and a large industrial gas turbine blade was studied under high-rate solidification (HRS) and liquid-metal cooling (LMC) solidification processes. The varying withdrawal velocity was applied to change the curved mushy zone to a flat shape. Secondly, the grain growth in the aero-engine blade was simulated, and the grain structures in the starter block part and the spiral selector part in the HRS process were compared with those in the LMC process. The simulated grain structures were generally in agreement with experimental results. Finally, the dendrite growth in the typical HRS and LMC solidification process was investigated and the simulation results were compared with the experimental results in terms of dendrite morphology and primary dendritic spacing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 5th UK-China Steel Research Forum)

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25 pages, 1357 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Modeling of Forming Limit Bands for Strain-Based Failure-Analysis of Ultra-High-Strength Steels

by Hamid Reza Bayat^1,*

, Sayantan Sarkar¹, Bharath Anantharamaiah¹, Francesco Italiano², Aleksandar Bach², Shashidharan Tharani¹, Stephan Wulfinghoff¹ and Stefanie Reese¹

¹ Institute of Applied Mechanics, RWTH Aachen University, Mies-van-der-Rohe-Str. 1, 52074 Aachen, Germany

² Ford Werke GmbH, Research and Innovation Center Aachen, Suesterfeldstrasse 200, 52072 Aachen, Germany

Metals 2018, 8(8), 631; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080631 - 10 Aug 2018

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 5359

Abstract

Increased passenger safety and emission control are two of the main driving forces in the automotive industry for the development of light weight constructions. For increased strength to weight ratio, ultra-high-strength steels (UHSSs) are used in car body structures. Prediction of failure in [...] Read more.

Increased passenger safety and emission control are two of the main driving forces in the automotive industry for the development of light weight constructions. For increased strength to weight ratio, ultra-high-strength steels (UHSSs) are used in car body structures. Prediction of failure in such sheet metals is of high significance in the simulation of car crashes to avoid additional costs and fatalities. However, a disadvantage of this class of metals is a pronounced scatter in their material properties due to e.g., the manufacturing processes. In this work, a robust numerical model is developed in order to take the scatter into account in the prediction of the failure in manganese boron steel (22MnB5). To this end, the underlying material properties which determine the shapes of forming limit curves (FLCs) are obtained from experiments. A modified Marciniak–Kuczynski model is applied to determine the failure limits. By using a statistical approach, the material scatter is quantified in terms of two limiting hardening relations. Finally, the numerical solution obtained from simulations is verified experimentally. By generation of the so called forming limit bands (FLBs), the dispersion of limit strains is captured within the bounds of forming limits instead of a single FLC. In this way, the FLBs separate the whole region into safe, necking and failed zones. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Modelling and Simulation of Sheet Metal Forming Processes)

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17 pages, 8289 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Electromagnetic Stirring on the Cast Austenitic Stainless Steel Weldments by Gas Tungsten Arc Welding

by Sheng-Long Jeng^*

, Dai-Ping Su, Jing-Ting Lee and Jiunn-Yuan Huang

Nuclear Fuels and Materials Division, Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taoyuan 32546, Taiwan

Metals 2018, 8(8), 630; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080630 - 10 Aug 2018

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4398

Abstract

Cast austenitic stainless steel (CASS) often contains high contents of silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur to prompt low melting phases to form in the welds. As a result, welding defects can be induced to degrade the welds. This study’s purpose was to investigate the [...] Read more.

Cast austenitic stainless steel (CASS) often contains high contents of silicon, phosphorus, and sulfur to prompt low melting phases to form in the welds. As a result, welding defects can be induced to degrade the welds. This study’s purpose was to investigate the effects of electromagnetic stirring (EMS) on the CASS weldments. The results showed that the ferrites in the heat affected zone (HAZ) had tortuous grain boundaries, while those that were close to the fusion lines had transformed austenites. EMS could reduce the influence of the welding heat to make the grain boundaries less tortuous and the transformed austenites smaller. Although their temperature profiles were almost the same, the gas-tungsten-arc-welding (GTAW) weld had smaller grains with massive ferrite colonies and more precipitates, while the GTAW+EMS weld had denser ferrite colonies with multi-orientations, but fewer precipitates. The hardness of the base metals and HAZs were typically higher than that of the welds. For both of the welds, the root was the region with the highest hardness. The hardness decreased from the root to the cap regions along the thickness direction. The GTAW weld had a higher hardness than the GTAW+EMS weld. At room temperature, the GTAW+EMS weld had a higher notched tensile strength and elongation than the GTAW weld. This could be attributed to the observation that the GTAW+EMS weld had dense and intersecting dendrites and that more austenites were deformed during tensile testing. Full article

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7 pages, 2311 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thermodynamic Reassessment of the Na-Cu and Na-K Binary Systems

by Evgeny Trofimov^1,*, Olga Samoilova², Olga Zaitseva³ and Elena Vakhitova⁴

¹ Department of Materials Science and Physical Chemistry of Materials, South Ural State University, Lenin prospect 76, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia

² Research & Innovation Services, South Ural State University, Lenin prospect 76, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia

³ Department of Industrial and Civil Engineering, South Ural State University, Zlatoust Branch, Turgenev str. 16, Zlatoust 456209, Russia

⁴ ICD-LASMIS, Université de Technologie de Troyes, 12 rue Marie Curie, CS 42060, 10004 Troyes CEDEX, France

Metals 2018, 8(8), 629; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080629 - 10 Aug 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 5165

Abstract

The Na-Cu and Na-K systems are of significant interest due to the use of liquid sodium and melt of sodium and potassium in the nuclear industry as a cooling agent in nuclear reactors. In the present work, thermodynamic modeling of phase equilibria in [...] Read more.

The Na-Cu and Na-K systems are of significant interest due to the use of liquid sodium and melt of sodium and potassium in the nuclear industry as a cooling agent in nuclear reactors. In the present work, thermodynamic modeling of phase equilibria in the Na-Cu and Na-K systems is carried out, based on the available published experimental data. This modeling was done using the “FactSage” software package (version 7.0). The set of Redlich-Kister equation parameters was obtained, which allows one to describe the dependence of Gibbs energy from composition and temperature for solutions that can be formed in the studied systems. Phase diagrams (T-x diagrams) of the investigated systems were calculated. Full article

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11 pages, 5115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thickness Dependence of Toughness in Ultra-Heavy Low-Alloyed Steel Plate after Quenching and Tempering

by Huibin Liu^1,2, Hanqian Zhang^1,2 and Jinfu Li^1,*

¹ School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China

² Baosteel Research Institute, Shanghai 201900, China

Metals 2018, 8(8), 628; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080628 - 10 Aug 2018

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 4806

Abstract

Due to the limitations of manufacturing techniques, inhomogeneous microstructures and properties along the thickness direction have been a big challenge for heavy and ultra-heavy plates of quenched and tempered low-alloyed steel. In this study, variation in microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated from [...] Read more.

Due to the limitations of manufacturing techniques, inhomogeneous microstructures and properties along the thickness direction have been a big challenge for heavy and ultra-heavy plates of quenched and tempered low-alloyed steel. In this study, variation in microstructures and mechanical properties were investigated from the surface to the center of a 130 mm-thick ultra-heavy steel plate. Emphasis was made on toughness performance including impact toughness and crack resisting ability. It was found that the ultimate tensile strength at the plate surface, quarter and center thickness at room temperature are 715, 643 and 618 MPa, respectively. Meanwhile, the ductile-brittle transition temperature defined by fracture appearance for these three plate positions are −100, −30 and −15 °C, respectively. Moreover, the crack resisting ability represented by the nil-ductility temperature are −40, −25 and −10 °C for these three positions respectively. Investigation by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) revealed that the plate surface features finer matrix grain and carbide precipitation, as well as greater frequency of high angle misorientation. These microstructural features contribute to enhancing deformability, retarding cleavage initiation and hindering crack propagation, leading to the pronounced increase in the energy for fracture propagation and the overall impact energy as compared to the other two plate positions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 5th UK-China Steel Research Forum)

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22 pages, 5003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flow-Accelerated Corrosion of Type 316L Stainless Steel Caused by Turbulent Lead–Bismuth Eutectic Flow

by Tao Wan^*

and Shigeru Saito

J-PARC Center, Japan Atomic Energy Agency, 2-4 Shirakata, Tokai-mura, Ibaraki 319-1195, Japan

Metals 2018, 8(8), 627; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080627 - 9 Aug 2018

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 7356

Abstract

Lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE), a heavy liquid metal, is an ideal candidate coolant material for Generation-IV fast reactors and accelerator-driven systems (ADSs), but LBE is also known to pose a considerable corrosive threat to its container. However, the susceptibility of the candidate container material, [...] Read more.

Lead–bismuth eutectic (LBE), a heavy liquid metal, is an ideal candidate coolant material for Generation-IV fast reactors and accelerator-driven systems (ADSs), but LBE is also known to pose a considerable corrosive threat to its container. However, the susceptibility of the candidate container material, 316L stainless steel (SS), to flow-accelerated corrosion (FAC) under turbulent LBE flow, is not well understood. In this study, an LBE loop, referred to as JLBL-1, was used to experimentally study the behavior of 316L SS when subjected to FAC for 3000 h under non-isothermal conditions. An orificed tube specimen, consisting of a straight tube that abruptly narrows and widens at each end, was installed in the loop. The specimen temperature was 450 °C, and a temperature difference between the hottest and coldest legs of the loop was 100 °C. The oxygen concentration in the LBE was lower than 10⁻⁸ wt %. The Reynolds number in the test specimen was approximately 5 × 10⁴. The effects of various hydrodynamic parameters on FAC behavior were studied with the assistance of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analyses, and then a mass transfer study was performed by integrating a corrosion model into the CFD analyses. The results show that the local turbulence level affects the mass concentration distribution in the near-wall region, and therefore, the mass transfer coefficient across the solid/liquid interface. The corrosion depth was predicted on the basis of the mass transfer coefficient obtained in the numerical simulation and was compared with that obtained in the loop. For the abrupt narrow part, the predicted corrosion depth was comparable with the measured corrosion depth, as was the abrupt wide part after involving the wall roughness effects in the prediction; for the straight tube part, the predicted corrosion depth is about 1.3–3.5 times the average experimental corrosion depth, and the possible reason for this discrepancy was provided. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Low-carbon and Stainless Steels)

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30 pages, 26053 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Incremental Forming of Titanium Ti6Al4V Alloy for Cranioplasty Plates—Decision-Making Process and Technological Approaches

by Sever Gabriel Racz, Radu Eugen Breaz^*

, Melania Tera

, Claudia Gîrjob, Cristina Biriș

, Anca Lucia Chicea and Octavian Bologa

Department of Industrial Machines and Equipment, Engineering Faculty, “Lucian Blaga” University of Sibiu, Victoriei 10, 550024 Sibiu, Romania

Metals 2018, 8(8), 626; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080626 - 9 Aug 2018

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 6301

Abstract

Ti6Al4V titanium alloy is considered a biocompatible material, suitable to be used for manufacturing medical devices, particularly cranioplasty plates. Several methods for processing titanium alloys are reported in the literature, each one presenting both advantages and drawbacks. A decision-making method based upon AHP [...] Read more.

Ti6Al4V titanium alloy is considered a biocompatible material, suitable to be used for manufacturing medical devices, particularly cranioplasty plates. Several methods for processing titanium alloys are reported in the literature, each one presenting both advantages and drawbacks. A decision-making method based upon AHP (analytic hierarchy process) was used in this paper for choosing the most recommended manufacturing process among some alternatives. The result of AHP indicated that single-point incremental forming (SPIF) at room temperature could be considered the best approach when manufacturing medical devices. However, Ti6Al4V titanium alloy is known as a low-plasticity material when subjected to plastic deformation at room temperature, so special measures had to be taken. The experimental results of processing parts from Ti6Al4V titanium alloy by means of SPIF and technological aspects are considered. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Titanium Alloys for Biomedical Implants and Devices)

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12 pages, 99234 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanisms for Improvement of Weld Appearance in Autogenous Fiber Laser Welding of Thick Stainless Steels

by Mingjun Zhang^1,2,*, Shun Chen¹, Yingzhe Zhang^1,2, Genyu Chen³ and Zhuming Bi⁴

¹ Key Laboratory of Lightweight and Reliability Technology for Engineering Vehicle, Education Department of Hunan Province, Changsha University of Science and Technology, Changsha 410114, China

² College of Materials and Metallurgical Engineering, Guizhou Institute of Technology, Guiyang 550003, China

³ State Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Manufacturing for Vehicle Body, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China

⁴ Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Fort Wayne, IN 46805, USA

Metals 2018, 8(8), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080625 - 9 Aug 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 6226

Abstract

High-power fiber laser welding is an efficient and effective way to produce heavy section structures. However, there is a significant challenge in producing the welds with free of imperfections such as nail-head-shaped welds, spatters, and root sagging. This is partially due to a [...] Read more.

High-power fiber laser welding is an efficient and effective way to produce heavy section structures. However, there is a significant challenge in producing the welds with free of imperfections such as nail-head-shaped welds, spatters, and root sagging. This is partially due to a lack of understanding of the welding mechanism of high-power fiber laser. In this paper, we were especially interested in the mechanism to improve the appearance of welds, and we focused on the autogenous laser welding on thick stainless steel plates by a 10 kW fiber laser. To look into the relations of process parameters and the quality of welds, a high-speed imaging system was applied to observe the molten pool flow and vapor plume during the welding process. The appearances of welds subjected to different welding conditions were analyzed. The results showed that (1) nail-head-shaped welds were suppressed by using a gas jet during laser welding process. (2) In the forward welding, a gentle upwelling molten metal flow on the rear keyhole wall, a deeper weld pool and a weaker vapor plume resulted in no spatter. (3) The gravity affected the formation of underfills and root sagging significantly during autogenous laser welding of thick plates. (4) When the workpiece was placed vertically in the transverse position, the welding process was stable without an aggregation of molten melt at the back surface. Moreover, the mechanisms of forming root sagging and humps were different at the top surface. Full article

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10 pages, 3445 KiB

Open AccessArticle

New Process with Argon Injected into Ladle around the Tapping Hole for Controlling Slag Carry-over during Continuous Casting Ladle

by Shuguo Zheng^* and Miaoyong Zhu

School of Metallurgy, Northeastern University, Shenyang 110819, China

Metals 2018, 8(8), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/met8080624 - 8 Aug 2018

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4795

Abstract

A new process with argon injected into the ladle around the tapping hole for controlling slag carry-over in a teeming ladle was presented. Physical modeling was used to study the mechanism of controlling slag carry-over, and the feasibility of the new process was [...] Read more.

A new process with argon injected into the ladle around the tapping hole for controlling slag carry-over in a teeming ladle was presented. Physical modeling was used to study the mechanism of controlling slag carry-over, and the feasibility of the new process was also investigated by industrial trials. The results show that vortex forms firstly, and then converts to drain sink. With argon injected into the ladle around the tapping hole, an argon ring was formed, and the rotating angular velocity of the melt close to the tapping hole reduced dramatically, and even vanished when the melt passed the argon ring. Therefore, the new controlling slag carry-over process can eliminate the slag carry-over caused by vortex. The velocity of the melt toward the tapping hole was reduced due to the bubble buoyancy as the melt passed the argon ring. So, the new process can decrease the critical height of slag carry-over caused by drain sink. The application feasibility of the new controlling slag carry-over process is verified by the plant trials. Compared to the traditional teeming ladle process, the new controlling slag carry-over process shows much better efficiency on decreasing the steel residual in the poured ladle. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue 5th UK-China Steel Research Forum)

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