Metallic Crystals: Nucleation, Growth and Microstructural Characterisation

A special issue of Crystals (ISSN 2073-4352). This special issue belongs to the section "Crystalline Metals and Alloys".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2025) | Viewed by 1987

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Brunel Centre for Advanced Solidification Technology (BCAST), Brunel University London, Uxbridge UB8 3PH, UK
Interests: solidification of metallic alloys; aluminum alloys; magnesium alloys; phase transformation; microstructure and mechanical properties; dissimilar metals and alloys: microstructure and mechanical properties; laser welding
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The study of metallic crystals is crucial for advancing our understanding of material properties and developing new alloys and compounds with enhanced performance characteristics. Crystals is pleased to announce a forthcoming Special Issue, “Metallic Crystals: Nucleation, Growth, and Microstructural Characterisation”, which covers nucleation, crystal growth during solidification, and microstructural evolution. Also included in this Special Issue is the microstructural characterization of alloys and compounds.

High-quality research articles and reviews covering all aspects of metallic crystals are welcome.

Prof. Dr. Shouxun Ji
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • alloys
  • metals
  • metallic crystals
  • nucleation
  • crystal growth
  • solidification
  • microstructural evolution
  • microstructural characterization
  • precipitation
  • heat treatment

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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23 pages, 21143 KiB  
Article
Revisiting the Relation Between Magnesium and Heterogeneous Nucleation of Spheroidal Graphite
by Ida Adhiwiguna, Silke Rink, Julian Kuschewski, Marius Großarth and Rüdiger Deike
Crystals 2025, 15(4), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15040347 - 7 Apr 2025
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Abstract
This research presents an innovative method for revisiting heterogeneous nucleation in the formation of spheroidal graphite during the production of ductile cast iron. This study incorporates controlled melting at a temperature of 1200 °C, followed by a rapid cooling process, to increase the [...] Read more.
This research presents an innovative method for revisiting heterogeneous nucleation in the formation of spheroidal graphite during the production of ductile cast iron. This study incorporates controlled melting at a temperature of 1200 °C, followed by a rapid cooling process, to increase the likelihood of revealing and subsequently observing the graphite nuclei. Given the slow dissolution rate of spheroidal graphite, this sequence produces finer graphite nodules associated with residual graphite that has partially dissolved. Furthermore, the investigation explores diverse configurations of treatment agents to reexamine their effects during the nucleation of nodular graphite. The findings revealed that the graphite nucleus comprised oxides, sulfides, carbides, nitrides, and carbo-nitrides, confirming the reliability of the approach considered in this study. Additionally, the research highlights the crucial role of magnesium in the nucleation of nodular graphite structures. Several mechanisms are expected to be used in conjunction with distinct treatment agents. It involves segregation and solubility dynamics, desulfurization and deoxidation, and inclusions as heterogeneous nucleation sites. Full article
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12 pages, 7418 KiB  
Article
Heterogeneous to Homogeneous Melting Transition Observed During a Single Process
by Xue-Qi Lv, Shi-Xin Cong, Xiong-Ying Li and Chun-Ming Xia
Crystals 2024, 14(12), 1047; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14121047 - 30 Nov 2024
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Abstract
The melting mechanism at medium heating rates is unclear, owing to the lack of accurate characterizations of structural changes in poly-directional melting conditions. Here, a particular multilayered nanostructure was selected to control the propagation of melting in a single direction. We predicted the [...] Read more.
The melting mechanism at medium heating rates is unclear, owing to the lack of accurate characterizations of structural changes in poly-directional melting conditions. Here, a particular multilayered nanostructure was selected to control the propagation of melting in a single direction. We predicted the heterogeneous to homogeneous melting (HeM to HoM) transition during a single melting process at medium heating rates of 10–400 K/ps by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, without a change in heating rates. The information on structural changes for the HeM to HoM transition, including the loss of crystallinity and long- and short-range order, are clearly provided by both a single direction and the radial distribution functions. These results contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the HeM to HoM transition induced by heating rates. Full article
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Review

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25 pages, 4926 KiB  
Review
Progress in Plastic Work–Heat Conversion of Metallic Crystals
by Peng-Fei Yue, Shao-Dan Yang, Yan Gao, Rong-Hao Shi, Guo-Shang Zhang, Zhi-Yuan Zhu, Dong Han and Ke-Xing Song
Crystals 2025, 15(2), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst15020164 - 8 Feb 2025
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Abstract
The Taylor–Quinney coefficient (TQC) is a critical parameter quantifying the thermal conversion of plastic work during deformation in metallic crystals. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advances in TQC research, spanning experimental, theoretical, and computational perspectives. The fundamental principles of the [...] Read more.
The Taylor–Quinney coefficient (TQC) is a critical parameter quantifying the thermal conversion of plastic work during deformation in metallic crystals. This review provides a comprehensive summary of recent advances in TQC research, spanning experimental, theoretical, and computational perspectives. The fundamental principles of the TQC are introduced, emphasizing its thermodynamic background and dependence on microstructural features. Experimental studies demonstrate how the strain rate, temperature, and microstructure influence the TQC, with advanced techniques such as infrared thermography and high-speed imaging enabling precise measurements under dynamic conditions. Theoretical models, including internal variable frameworks and nonequilibrium thermodynamics, offer insights into the energy distribution mechanisms and provide predictive capabilities across diverse loading scenarios. Computational simulations, using methods like finite element analysis and molecular dynamics, reveal multiscale thermal conversion mechanisms and the role of dislocation motion and localized heat accumulation in governing TQC values. Challenges and opportunities for TQC research are highlighted, including the need for multiscale modeling, the exploration of complex stress states, and applications under extreme environments. Future directions should focus on integrating advanced experimental techniques and computational models to optimize material design and performance. This review aims to deepen the understanding of the TQC and its implications for energy dissipation and material reliability in high-performance applications. Full article
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