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At least 235 records · Page 13

Microstructure and strength of a thick-section gas-tungsten arc weld in cast Haynes® 282® alloy

A 50-mm deep gas tungsten arc weld was made with matching filler metal in cast Haynes 282 alloy. The narrow gap joint was filled with 104 weld beads. The weld deposit was of high quality with no visible indications of physical defects. The weld heat-affected zone was characterized by microcracking and localized recrystallization. Hardness testing showed that a softened region in the as-welded heat-affected zone was nearly eliminated by post-weld heat treatment. Tensile testing up to 816°C showed that cross-weld specimen strengths were about 80% of the yield strength of the original cast base metal. The rupture strengths of cross-weld specimens are within 20% of wrought base metal reference data.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Deformation and fracture of thin sheet aluminum-lithium alloys: The effect of cryogenic temperatures

The objective is to characterize the fracture behavior and to define the fracture mechanisms for new Al-Li-Cu alloys, with emphasis on the role of indium additions and cryogenic temperatures. Three alloys were investigated in rolled product form: 2090 baseline and 2090 + indium produced by Reynolds Metals, and commercial AA 2090-T81 produced by Alcoa. The experimental 2090 + In alloy exhibited increases in hardness and ultimate strength, but no change in tensile yield strength, compared to the baseline 2090 composition in the unstretched T6 condition. The reason for this behavior is not understood. Based on hardness and preliminary Kahn Tear fracture experiments, a nominally peak-aged condition was employed for detailed fracture studies. Crack initiation and growth fracture toughness were examined as a function of stress state and microstructure using J(delta a) methods applied to precracked compact tension specimens in the LT orientation. To date, J(delta a) experiments have been limited to 23 C. Alcoa 2090-T81 exhibited the highest toughness regardless of stress state. Fracture was accompanied by extensive delamination associated with high angle grain boundaries normal to the fatigue precrack surface and progressed microscopically by a transgranular shear mechanism. In contrast the two peak-aged Reynolds alloys had lower toughness and fracture was intersubgranular without substantial delamination. The influences of cryogenic temperature, microstructure, boundary precipitate structure, and deformation mode in governing the competing fracture mechanisms will be determined in future experiments. Results contribute to the development of predictive micromechanical models for fracture modes in Al-Li alloys, and to fracture resistant materials.

Wagner, John A.↗

Structure and properties during aging of an ultra-high strength Al-Cu-Li-Ag-Mg alloy

The structure and properties of the strengthening phases formed during aging in an Al-Cu-Li-Ag-Mg alloy (Weldalite 049) were elulcidated, by following the development of the microstructure by means of TEM. The results of observations showed that the Weldalite 049 alloy has a series of unusual and technologically useful combinations of mechanical properties in different aging conditions, such as natural aging without prior cold work to produce high strengths, a reversion temper of lower yield strength and unusually high ductility, a room temperature reaging of the reversion temper eventually leading to the original T4 hardness, and ultrahigh-strength T6 properties.

Gayle, Frank W.↗

The Crinkling Strength and the Bending Strength of Round Aircraft Tubing

The upper limit of the column strength of structural members composed of thin material is the maximum axial stress such members can carry when short enough to fail locally, by crinkling. This stress is a function of the mechanical properties of the material and of the geometrical shape of the cross section. The bending strength, as measured by the modulus of rupture, of structural members is also a function of these same variables. Tests were made of round tubes of chromium-molybdenum steel and of duralumin to determine the crinkling strengths and the bending strengths in terms of the specified yield strength and the ratio of diameter to thickness. Empirical formulas are given relating these quantities.

Osgood, William R↗

Improved construction materials for polar regions using microcellular thermoplastic foams

Microcellular polymer foams (MCF) are thermoplastic foams with very small cell diameters, less than 10 microns, and very large cell densities, 10(exp 9) to 10(exp 15) cells per cubic centimeter of unfoamed material. The concept of foaming polymers with microcellular voids was conceived to reduce the amount of material used for mass-produced items without compromising the mechanical properties. The reasoning behind this concept was that if voids smaller than the critical flaw size pre-existing in polymers were introduced into the matrix, they would not affect the overall strength of the product. MCF polycarbonate (PC), polystyrene (PS), and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) were examined to determine the effects of the microstructure towards the mechanical properties of the materials at room and arctic temperatures. Batch process parameters were discovered for these materials and foamed samples of three densities were produced for each material. To quantify the toughness and strength of these polymers, the tensile yield strength, tensile toughness, and impact resistance were measured at room and arctic temperatures. The feasibility of MCF polymers has been demonstrated by the consistent and repeatable MCF microstructures formed, but the improvements in the mechanical properties were not conclusive. Therefore the usefulness of the MCF polymers to replace other materials in arctic environments is questionable.

Cunningham, Daniel J.↗

Improved silicon carbide for advanced heat engines

This is the third annual technical report for the program entitled, Improved Silicon Carbide for Advanced Heat Engines, for the period February 16, 1987 to February 15, 1988. The objective of the original program was the development of high strength, high reliability silicon carbide parts with complex shapes suitable for use in advanced heat engines. Injection molding is the forming method selected for the program because it is capable of forming complex parts adaptable for mass production on an economically sound basis. The goals of the revised program are to reach a Weibull characteristic strength of 550 MPa (80 ksi) and a Weibull modulus of 16 for bars tested in 4-point loading. Two tasks are discussed: Task 1 which involves materials and process improvements, and Task 2 which is a MOR bar matrix to improve strength and reliability. Many statistically designed experiments were completed under task 1 which improved the composition of the batches, the mixing of the powders, the sinter and anneal cycles. The best results were obtained by an attritor mixing process which yielded strengths in excess of 550 MPa (80 ksi) and an individual Weibull modulus of 16.8 for a 9-sample group. Strengths measured at 1200 and 1400 C were equal to the room temperature strength. Annealing of machined test bars significantly improved the strength. Molding yields were measured and flaw distributions were observed to follow a Poisson process. The second iteration of the Task 2 matrix experiment is described.

Whalen, Thomas J.↗

Thermal Aging Effects on the Yield and Tensile Strength of 9Cr-1Mo-V (Grade 91)

The long-term exposure of 9Cr-1Mo-V (Grade 91) steel to elevated temperature can have a significant effect on reducing its yield and tensile strength. The yield and tensile strength changes, in turn, have potential implications to the assurance of the integrity of components constructed with this material over their design or intended lifetime. The ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC), Section III, Division 5 (III-5, high temperature reactors) provides tabulated reduction factors for Grade 91 yield and tensile strength as a function of exposure temperature and time up to 300,000 h. ASME BPVC III-5 s intent to extend these factors to an exposure duration of 500,000 h, the lack of available historic information to support the existing factors, and the recent development of a physics-based prediction model for ASME BPVC application are prime motivation for this study. This work describes results of the conventional time-temperature Hollomon–Jaffe parameter, strength reduction ratio prediction method using an updated, extensive Grade 91 unaged and related aged material strength database. The method, previously used by Oak Ridge National Laboratory in its evaluation of Grade 91 and likely used in development of the existing BPVC III-5 reduction factors, provides strength reduction ratio predictions useful for general component fitness-for-service assessments and for computing BPVC III-5 reduction factors as defined. Specific reduction factors to 500,000 h at 650 °C applicable to ASME BPVC III-5 are computed from the strength reduction ratios.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Fractography of the high temperature hydrogen attack of a medium carbon steel

Results are reported for an experimental study of the microscopic fracture processes associated with hydrogen attack of a commercially produced plain carbon steel in a well-controlled high-temperature hydrogen environment of high purity. In the experiments, sheet samples were exposed to laboratory-grade hydrogen at a pressure of 3.5 MN/sq m and a temperature of 575 C. The fractography of gas-filled fissures and failed tension specimens is analyzed in an effort to identify any predominant microstructural defect associated with fissure formation, the prevalent modes of fracture, and the contribution of gas-filled fissures to the overall failure process. It is found that the tensile properties of the examined steel were significantly degraded after as few as 136 hr of exposure to a high-purity hydrogen atmosphere at 575 C; that the yield strength, ultimate strength, and elongation at fracture were all reduced progressively with increasing exposure time; and that the yield and ultimate strengths were reduced more than 40% after 408 hr while elongation was reduced to less than 2%.

Nelson, H. G.↗

On the Onset of Plasticity: Determination of Strength and Ductility

The analysis of the work hardening variation with stress reveals insight to operative stress-strain mechanisms in material systems. The onset of plasticity can be assessed and related to ensuing plastic deformation up to the structural instability using one constitutive relationship that incorporates both behaviors of rapid work hardening (Stage 3) and the asymptotic leveling of stress (Stage 4). Results are presented for the mechanical behavior analysis of Ti-6Al-4V wherein the work hardening variation of Stages 3 and 4 are found to: be dependent through a constitutive relationship; be useful in a Hall-Petch formulation of yield strength; and provide the basis for a two point-slope fit method to model the experimental work hardening and stress-strain behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Molecular insights into the structure-property relationships of 3D printed polyamide reverse-osmosis membrane for desalination

3D-printing is an emerging method for manufacturing polyamide (PA) reserve osmosis (RO) membranes for water treatment and desalination, which can precisely control membrane structural properties, such as thickness, roughness, and resolution. However, the synthesis-structure (i.e., degree of cross-linking (DC), m-phenylenediamine/trimesoyl chloride (MPD/TMC) ratio, and membrane thickness) to property (permeability and water-salt selectivity) relationships for these membranes has not been well understood. At the same time, a microscopic understanding of the physical mechanism of water and salt transport is needed to guide the design of high-performance 3D-printed membranes and improve the printing efficiency. Furthermore, the atomic-scale transport features and energetics of water and salt ions are studied at high pressure for the 3D-printed PA RO membranes with the different DCs and MPD/TMC ratios through non-equilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations. Factoring in membrane structure properties, rejection ratio of salt ions and pressure-dependent water flux, 3D-printed PA membranes having an MPD/TMC ratio of 3.0:2.0 and a DC between 80%~90% attains ideal performance: high water flux, high rejection of salt ions, and excellent structural integrity. Mechanistically, water permeability for highly cross-linked PA RO membranes depends on the temporary on-and-off channels that allow water molecules to jump from one cavity to another at high pressure. In addition, higher pressures cause rapid compaction of PA membranes’ free volume and membrane thickness. Membrane failure at high pressure is determined by the DC and MPD/TMC ratios-dependent compressive yield strength. In short, these findings provide physical insights for optimizing existing PA membranes and designing next-generation desalination membranes at the molecular level.

3D-printed PA RO membrane↗

On the strength and fracture toughness of an additive manufactured CrCoNi medium-entropy alloy

An additively manufactured (nominally equiatomic) CrCoNi alloy was processed by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF). At ambient temperatures (298 K), this medium-entropy alloy displayed a yield strength, σ y of ~691 ± 9 MPa, and an ultimate tensile strength, σ u of ~926 ± 15.2 MPa; at cryogenic temperatures (77 K), yield and tensile strengths increased respectively to σ y ~ 944 ± 6 MPa and σ u ~ 1382 ± 11 MPa. These strength levels are 57 and 44% higher than that of the wrought alloy, due to strengthening from the solidification cellular structures intertwined with dislocations in the LPBF CrCoNi. The crack-initiation fracture toughness, K JIc was measured to be ~183.7 ± 28 MPa√m at 298 K; this value marginally decreased by ~4% to ~176 ± 11 MPa√m at 77 K. These K JIc values of the LPBF CrCoNi were 11% and 35% lower than the wrought CrCoNi alloy at 298 K and 77 K, respectively. Here, the resistance to crack growth of the LPBF CrCoNi from its hierarchical micro- and meso-structures was evaluated using nonlinear-elastic fracture mechanics by measuring R-curve behavior in the form of the J-integral as a function of crack extension. The specific features of the hierarchical microstructures at different length-scales provide a basis for the strengthening and toughening properties of this additively manufactured medium-entropy alloy. This correlation between the deformation and the hierarchical microstructures at different length-scales may provide future guidance for improving the fracture toughness properties of medium-entropy alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Aging heat treatment design for Haynes 282 made by wire-feed additive manufacturing using high-throughput experiments and interpretable machine learning

Wire-feed additive manufacturing (WFAM) produces superalloys with complex thermal cycles and unique microstructures, often requiring optimized heat treatments. To address this challenge, we present a hybrid approach that combines high-throughput experiments, precipitation simulation, and machine learning to design effective aging conditions for the WFAM Haynes 282 superalloy. Our results demonstrate that the γ’ radius is the critical microstructural feature for strengthening Haynes 282 during post-heat treatment compared with the matrix composition and γ’ volume fraction. New aging conditions at 770°C for 50 hours and 730°C for 200 hours were discovered based on the machine learning model and were applied to enhance yield strength, bringing it on par with the wrought counterpart. This approach has significant implications for future AM alloy production, enabling more efficient and effective heat treatment design to achieve desired properties.

CALPHAD↗

Microstructure-Based Estimation of Strength and Ductility Distributions for \(\alpha +\beta \) Titanium Alloys

Titanium alloys are processed to develop a wide range of microstructure configurations and therefore material properties. While these properties are typically measured experimentally, a framework for property prediction could greatly enhance alloy design and manufacturing. In this work, a microstructure-sensitive framework is presented for the prediction of strength and ductility as well as estimates of the bounds in variability for these properties. The framework explicitly considers distributions of microstructure via new approaches for instantiation of structure in synthetic samples. The parametric evaluation strategy, including the finite element simulation package FEpX, is used to create and test virtual polycrystalline samples to evaluate the variability bounds of mechanical properties in Ti-6Al-4V. Critical parameters for the property evaluation framework are provided by measurements of single crystal properties and advanced characterization of microstructure and slip system strengths in 2D and 3D. Property distributions for yield strength and ductility are presented, along with the validation and verification steps undertaken. Comparisons between strain localization and slip activity in virtual samples and in experimental grain-scale strain measurements are also discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Mechanisms controlling fatigue damage development in continuous fiber reinforced metal matrix composites

Damage in continuous fiber reinforced metal matrix composite materials can be quite complex since there are a number of different constituents (fiber, matrix, and the fiber/matrix interface) that can fail. Multidirectional lay-ups have an even greater number of possible damage orientations and mechanisms. Based on the simplifying assumption of equivalent constituent strain states in the absence of damage, a strain based failure criteria may be applied to determine when and where initial damage will occur. Based on the relative strain to fatigue failure of the fiber and matrix, the possible damage mechanisms of an MMC can be grouped into three categories: (1) matrix dominated, (2) fiber dominated, and (3) self-similar damage growth. A fourth type of damage development, fiber/matrix interface failure, is dependent on the relative strength of the fiber/matrix interface and the matrix yield strength. These four types of damage are discussed and illustrated by examples.

Johnson, W. S.↗

Advanced powder metallurgy aluminum alloys via rapid solidification technology, phase 2

Marko's rapid solidification technology was applied to processing high strength aluminum alloys. Four classes of alloys, namely, Al-Li based (class 1), 2124 type (class 2), high temperature Al-Fe-Mo (class 3), and PM X7091 type (class 4) alloy, were produced as melt-spun ribbons. The ribbons were pulverized, cold compacted, hot-degassed, and consolidated through single or double stage extrusion. The mechanical properties of all four classes of alloys were measured at room and elevated temperatures and their microstructures were investigated optically and through electron microscopy. The microstructure of class 1 Al-Li-Mg alloy was predominantly unrecrystallized due to Zr addition. Yield strengths to the order of 50 Ksi were obtained, but tensile elongation in most cases remained below 2 percent. The class 2 alloys were modified composition of 2124 aluminum alloy, through addition of 0.6 weight percent Zr and 1 weight percent Ni. Nickel addition gave rise to a fine dispersion of intermetallic particles resisting coarsening during elevated temperature exposure. The class 2 alloy showed good combination of tensile strength and ductility and retained high strength after 1000 hour exposure at 177 C. The class 3 Al-Fe-Mo alloy showed high strength and good ductility both at room and high temperatures. The yield and tensile strength of class 4 alloy exceeded those of the commercial 7075 aluminum alloy.

Ray, Ranjan↗

The effects of alloy purity on the mechanical behavior of soft oriented NiAl single crystals

Preliminary results of the effects of alloy purity on the mechanical properties of NiAl single crystals are presented. Two stoichiometric NiAl single crystals with different impurity contents were studied. It is concluded that reductions in the interstitial and substitutional levels cause reduced yield strengths in NiAl. Heat treatment also results in reduced yield and flow stresses in both CP-NiAl and Hp-NiAl which are considered to be due to a reduction in the concentration of thermal vacancies due to vacancy coalescence during heat treatment.

Weaver, M. L.↗

Alloy NASA-HR-1

NASA-HR-1 is a high-strength Fe-Ni-base superalloy that resists high-pressure hydrogen environment embrittlement (HEE), oxidation, and corrosion. Originally derived from JBK-75, NASA-HR-1 has exceptional HEE resistance that can be attributed to its gamma-matrix and eta-free (Ni3Ti) grain boundaries. The chemistry was formulated using a design approach capable of accounting for the simultaneous effects of several alloy additions. This approach included: (1) Systematically modifying gamma-matrix compositions based on JBK-75; (2) Increasing gamma (Ni3(Al,Ti)) volume fraction and adding gamma-matrix strengthening elements to obtain higher strength; and (3) Obtaining precipitate-free grain boundaries. The most outstanding attribute of NASA-HR-1 is its ability to resist HEE while showing much improved strength. NASA-HR-1 has approximately 25% higher yield strength than JXK-75 and exhibits tensile elongation of more than 20% with no ductility loss in a hydrogen environment at 5 ksi, an achievement unparalleled by any other commercially available alloy. Its Cr and Ni contents provide exceptional resistance to environments that promote oxidation and corrosion. Microstructural stability was maintained by improved solid solubility of the gamma-matrix, along with the addition of alloying elements to retard eta (Ni3Ti) precipitation. NASA-HR-1 represents a new system that greatly extends the compositional ranges of existing HEE-resistant Fe-Ni-base superalloys.

Chen, Po-Shou↗