Microstructure Evolution During Cold and Hot Deformation

Dear Colleagues,

The study of the evolution of microstructures during cold and hot deformation is based on material science and mechanics. Experimental and numerical study are both important in searching for the inherent theory behind this evolution.

Research on microstructure evolution during hot and cold deformation has been ongoing for more a century. High temperatures during hot deformation promote plastic deformation and recrystallization, leading to grain refinement and the development of new grain boundaries. Conversely, cold deformation at lower temperatures induces dislocation accumulation, deformation twinning, and strain hardening, resulting in a distinct microstructure.

In the observation of microstructure evolution, several techniques are commonly applied, e.g., scanning electron microscopes, which provide detailed views of microstructures at higher magnifications, including grain shapes, grain boundary features, and dislocations; transmission electron microscopes, which transmit electron beams through samples, allowing for the atomic-level imaging of microstructures; X-ray diffraction, which determines phases, lattice parameters, and grain sizes; and electron backscatter diffraction, which provides detailed information on crystallographic orientations and grain boundary characteristics. Meanwhile, in numerical studies, multi-scale analysis has demonstrated its advantages in studying microstructure evolution.

The emergence of advanced materials necessitates the development of new forming techniques, prompting the need for in-depth research into the microstructure evolution of these materials during these new processes. This is particularly crucial in the formation of complex structural components.

This Special Issue focuses on ‘Microstructure Evolution During Cold and Hot Deformation’, emphasizing the vital role of studying microstructural changes in determining material properties such as strength, ductility, and toughness. Additionally, it explores the implications of these changes in terms of material performance, including resistance to fatigue, fracture, corrosion, and creep. Beyond traditional materials like steel, titanium alloy, and aluminum alloy, this issue welcomes contributions on advanced materials such as superalloys, nanomaterials, and new lightweight materials, as well as on advanced processing techniques. Moreover, research utilizing numerical models to predict microstructure evolution is also within the scope of this Special Issue.

Prof. Dr. Xingang Liu
Dr. Jaka Burja
Dr. Can Wang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Crystals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2100 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• microstructures
• deformation
• fatigue
• corrosion
• fracture
• multi-scale
• advanced materials
• numerical model