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At least 1,567 records · Page 87

Comparison of the Mechanical Properties of a Conjugated Polymer Deposited Using Spin Coating, Interfacial Spreading, Solution Shearing, and Spray Coating

The mechanical properties of π-conjugated (semiconducting) polymers are a key determinant of the stability and manufacturability of devices envisioned for applications in energy and healthcare. These properties—including modulus, extensibility, toughness, and strength—are influenced by the morphology of the solid film, which depends on the method of processing. To date, the majority of work done on the mechanical properties of semiconducting polymers has been performed on films deposited by spin coating, a process not amenable to the manufacturing of large-area films. Here, we compare the mechanical properties of thin films of regioregular poly(3-heptylthiophene) (P3HpT) produced by three scalable deposition processes—interfacial spreading, solution shearing, and spray coating—and spin coating (as a reference). Our results lead to four principal conclusions. (1) Spray-coated films have poor mechanical robustness due to defects and inhomogeneous thickness. (2) Sheared films show the highest modulus, strength, and toughness, likely resulting from a decrease in free volume. (3) Interfacially spread films show a lower modulus but greater fracture strain than spin-coated films. (4) The trends observed in the tensile behavior of films cast using different deposition processes held true for both P3HpT and poly(3-butylthiophene) (P3BT), an analogue with a higher glass transition temperature. Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy reveal many notable differences in the solid structures of P3HpT films generated by all four processes. Herein, while these morphological differences provide possible explanations for differences in the electronic properties (hole mobility), we find that the mechanical properties of the film are dominated by the free volume and surface topography. In field-effect transistors, spread films had mobilities more than 1 magnitude greater than any other films, likely due to a relatively high proportion of edge-on texturing and long coherence length in the crystalline domains. Overall, spread films offer the best combination of deformability and charge-transport properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Linear-in-temperature resistivity for optimally superconducting (Nd,Sr)NiO 2

The occurrence of superconductivity in proximity to various strongly correlated phases of matter has drawn extensive focus on their normal state properties, to develop an understanding of the state from which superconductivity emerges. The recent finding of superconductivity in layered nickelates raises similar interests. However, transport measurements of doped infinite-layer nickelate thin films have been hampered by materials limitations of these metastable compounds: in particular, a high density of extended defects. Here, by moving to a substrate (LaAlO 3 ) 0.3 (Sr 2 TaAlO 6 ) 0.7 that better stabilizes the growth and reduction conditions, we can synthesize the doping series of Nd 1– x Sr x NiO 2 essentially free from extended defects. In their absence, the normal state resistivity shows a low-temperature upturn in the underdoped regime, linear behaviour near optimal doping and quadratic temperature dependence for overdoping. This is phenomenologically similar to the copper oxides despite key distinctions—namely, the absence of an insulating parent compound, multiband electronic structure and a Mott–Hubbard orbital alignment rather than the charge-transfer insulator of the copper oxides. In this study, we further observe an enhancement of superconductivity, both in terms of transition temperature and range of doping. These results indicate a convergence in the electronic properties of both superconducting families as the scale of disorder in the nickelates is reduced.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Rejuvenation as the origin of planar defects in the CrCoNi medium entropy alloy

Abstract High or medium- entropy alloys (HEAs/MEAs) are multi-principal element alloys with equal atomic elemental composition, some of which have shown record-breaking mechanical performance. However, the link between short-range order (SRO) and the exceptional mechanical properties of these alloys has remained elusive. The local destruction of SRO by dislocation glide has been predicted to lead to a rejuvenated state with increased entropy and free energy, creating softer zones within the matrix and planar fault boundaries that enhance the ductility, but this has not been verified. Here, we integrate in situ nanomechanical testing with energy-filtered four-dimensional scanning transmission electron microscopy (4D-STEM) and directly observe the rejuvenation during cyclic mechanical loading in single crystal CrCoNi at room temperature. Surprisingly, stacking faults (SFs) and twin boundaries (TBs) are reversible in initial cycles but become irreversible after a thousand cycles, indicating SF energy reduction and rejuvenation. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation further reveals that the local breakdown of SRO in the MEA triggers these SF reversibility changes. As a result, the deformation features in HEAs/MEAs remain planar and highly localized to the rejuvenated planes, leading to the superior damage tolerance characteristic in this class of alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

AE (Acoustic Emission) for Flip-Chip CGA/FCBGA Defect Detection

C-mode scanning acoustic microscopy (C-SAM) is a nondestructive inspection technique that uses ultrasound to show the internal feature of a specimen. A very high or ultra-high-frequency ultrasound passes through a specimen to produce a visible acoustic microimage (AMI) of its inner features. As ultrasound travels into a specimen, the wave is absorbed, scattered or reflected. The response is highly sensitive to the elastic properties of the materials and is especially sensitive to air gaps. This specific characteristic makes AMI the preferred method for finding "air gaps" such as delamination, cracks, voids, and porosity. C-SAM analysis, which is a type of AMI, was widely used in the past for evaluation of plastic microelectronic circuits, especially for detecting delamination of direct die bonding. With the introduction of the flip-chip die attachment in a package; its use has been expanded to nondestructive characterization of the flip-chip solder bumps and underfill. Figure 1.1 compares visual and C-SAM inspection approaches for defect detection, especially for solder joint interconnections and hidden defects. C-SAM is specifically useful for package features like internal cracks and delamination. C-SAM not only allows for the visualization of the interior features, it has the ability to produce images on layer-by-layer basis. Visual inspection; however, is only superior to C-SAM for the exposed features including solder dewetting, microcracks, and contamination. Ideally, a combination of various inspection techniques - visual, optical and SEM microscopy, C-SAM, and X-ray - need to be performed in order to assure quality at part, package, and system levels. This reports presents evaluations performed on various advanced packages/assemblies, especially the flip-chip die version of ball grid array/column grid array (BGA/CGA) using C-SAM equipment. Both external and internal equipment was used for evaluation. The outside facility provided images of the key features that could be detected using the most advanced C-SAM equipment with a skilled operator. Investigation continued using in-house equipment with its limitations. For comparison, representative X-rays of the assemblies were also gathered to show key defect detection features of these non-destructive techniques. Key images gathered and compared are: Compared the images of 2D X-ray and C-SAM for a plastic LGA assembly showing features that could be detected by either NDE technique. For this specific case, X-ray was a clear winner. Evaluated flip-chip CGA and FCBGA assemblies with and without heat sink by C-SAM. Only the FCCGA package that had no heat sink could be fully analyzed for underfill and bump quality. Cross-sectional microscopy did not revealed peripheral delamination features detected by C-SAM. Analyzed a number of fine pitch PBGA assemblies by C-SAM. Even though the internal features of the package assemblies could be detected, C-SAM was unable to detect solder joint failure at either the package or board level. Twenty times touch ups by solder iron with 700degF tip temperature, each with about 5 second duration, did not induce defects to be detected by C-SAM images. Other techniques need to be considered to induce known defects for characterization. Given NASA's emphasis on the use of microelectronic packages and assemblies and quality assurance on workmanship defect detection, understanding key features of various inspection systems that detect defects in the early stages of package and assembly is critical to developing approaches that will minimize future failures. Additional specific, tailored non-destructive inspection approaches could enable low-risk insertion of these advanced electronic packages having hidden and fine features.

Ghaffarian, Reza↗

Switching and Rectification in Carbon-Nanotube Junctions

Multi-terminal carbon-nanotube junctions are under investigation as candidate components of nanoscale electronic devices and circuits. Three-terminal "Y" junctions of carbon nanotubes (see Figure 1) have proven to be especially interesting because (1) it is now possible to synthesize them in high yield in a controlled manner and (2) results of preliminary experimental and theoretical studies suggest that such junctions could exhibit switching and rectification properties. Following the preliminary studies, current-versus-voltage characteristics of a number of different "Y" junctions of single-wall carbon nanotubes connected to metal wires were computed. Both semiconducting and metallic nanotubes of various chiralities were considered. Most of the junctions considered were symmetric. These computations involved modeling of the quantum electrical conductivity of the carbon nanotubes and junctions, taking account of such complicating factors as the topological defects (pentagons, heptagons, and octagons) present in the hexagonal molecular structures at the junctions, and the effects of the nanotube/wire interfaces. A major component of the computational approach was the use of an efficient Green s function embedding scheme. The results of these computations showed that symmetric junctions could be expected to support both rectification and switching. The results also showed that rectification and switching properties of a junction could be expected to depend strongly on its symmetry and, to a lesser degree, on the chirality of the nanotubes. In particular, it was found that a zigzag nanotube branching at a symmetric "Y" junction could exhibit either perfect rectification or partial rectification (asymmetric current-versus-voltage characteristic, as in the example of Figure 2). It was also found that an asymmetric "Y" junction would not exhibit rectification.

Srivastava, Deepak↗

Magnon spectroscopy in the electron microscope

Abstract The miniaturization of transistors is approaching its limits owing to challenges in heat management and information transfer speed 1 . To overcome these obstacles, emerging technologies such as spintronics 2 are being developed, which make use of the electron’s spin as well as its charge. Local phenomena at interfaces or structural defects will greatly influence the efficiency of spin-based devices, making the ability to study spin-wave propagation at the nanoscale and atomic scale a key challenge 3,4 . The development of high-spatial-resolution tools to investigate spin waves, also called magnons, at relevant length scales is thus essential to understand how their properties are affected by local features. Here we detect bulk THz magnons at the nanoscale using scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM). By using high-resolution electron energy-loss spectroscopy with hybrid-pixel electron detectors, we overcome the challenges posed by weak signals to map THz magnon excitations in a thin NiO nanocrystal. Advanced inelastic electron scattering simulations corroborate our findings. These results open new avenues for detecting magnons and exploring their dispersions and their modifications arising from nanoscale structural or chemical defects. This marks a milestone in magnonics and presents exciting opportunities for the development of spintronic devices.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗

Observation of spatter-induced stochastic lack-of-fusion in laser powder bed fusion using in situ process monitoring

Material produced via additive manufacturing (AM) continues to exhibit variable mechanical properties despite apparent optimization of processing parameters, inhibiting qualification efforts and limiting use in critical applications. Stochastic lack-of-fusion flaws may help explain this variability, but the origin of these seemingly random defects has to this point remained unclear. In this work, we show that spatter particles, material ejected from the laser melt pool, are directly responsible for generating stochastic lack-of-fusion in laser-based powder bed fusion components through the application of spatial statistics. Herein a statistically significant, causal relationship between spatter particles and stochastic lack-of-fusion is established, and the spatial and morphological relationships between spatter and internal flaws are investigated. The occurrence of spatter-induced lack-of-fusion in relation to the inert gas flow and laser trajectory direction is also investigated, and recommendations for mitigating the occurrence of spatter are evaluated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Achieving superior mechanical properties: Tailoring multicomponent microstructure in AISI 9254 spring steel through a two-stage Q&P process and nanoscale carbide integration

In the pursuit of lightweight, durable steel, we have successfully developed a multicomponent structure in AISI 9254 spring steel using a two-stage quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process. The primary objective of this process was to engineer an optimized microstructure consisting of nanobainite, martensite, and nano-carbides. Utilizing the insights gained from the results of advanced techniques such as X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and atom probe tomography (APT) performed on the as-received AISI 9254 spring steel, we refined the quenching and partitioning (Q&P) path, leading to the successful establishment of a bainitic transformation for superior mechanical properties. Our tensile tests revealed a high yield strength (≈ 1600 ± 25 MPa) and ultimate tensile strength (≈ 1850 ± 50 MPa), along with considerable elongation (≈ 11.15 ± 0.25%). We also identified that pre-formed martensite lath defects and high silicon content play crucial roles during the Q&P process, preventing carbide coalescence and increasing strain-hardening capacity. Finally, this study demonstrates the potential of a Q&P process to generate high-strength, ductile steel for automotive and aerospace applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Chromium-doped uranium dioxide fuels: A review

UO 2 doped with parts per million CR 2 O 3 powder is considered a potential near term accident tolerant fuel candidate. Here, the results of decades of industry and academic research into Cr-doped UO 2 are analyzed and their shortcomings are critiqued. Focusing on the incorporation mechanisms of Cr into the fuel matrix, we explore a mechanistic understanding of the characteristic properties of Cr-doped UO 2 , notably, enhanced fission gas retention attributed to enlarged grain sizes following sintering, along with marginal improvements in the thermophysical properties. The findings of recent X-ray Adsorption Near Edge Spectroscopy studies were compared and put into conversation with historic data regarding the incorporation of Cr in UO 2 . On the basis of defect mechanisms, the case is made for the substitutional incorporation of Cr governing the lattice solubility but not the enhanced U diffusivity. Instead, Cr/CR 2 O 3 redox chemistry in a well-defined oxygen potential explains the differences in the U diffusivity and O/M ratio. The primary mechanism of doping enhanced grain growth is found to be liquid assisted sintering due to a CRO (1) eutectic phase at the grain boundaries. The role of inhomogeneities in Cr concentration in UO 2 at various length scales across the materials microstructure is highlighted and connected to promising experimental and modeling work to fill in the gaps in the current understanding of Cr-doped UO 2 . The review considers both the open scientific questions and engineering applications to illustrate the deep connections between the practice and theory in the design of accident tolerant nuclear fuels. In conclusion, the review ends with an outline of future works that combine meticulous irradiation studies and high resolution experiments with next generation modeling and simulations techniques empowered by machine learning advances to accelerate the fabrication and adoption of Cr-doped UO 2 light water reactors.

Cleveland, Mack Wesley [Massachusetts Inst. of Tec↗

Optimization of the Growth of the Van der Waals Materials Bi 2 Se 3 and (Bi 0.5 In 0.5 ) 2 Se 3 by Molecular Beam Epitaxy

The naturally existing chalcogenide Bi 2 Se 3 is topologically nontrivial due to the band inversion caused by the strong spin-orbit coupling inside the bulk of the material. Here, the surface states are spin polarized, protected by the time-inversion symmetry, and thus robust to the scattering caused by nonmagnetic defects. A high-purity topological insulator thin film can be easily grown via molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on various substrates to enable novel electronics, optics, and spintronics applications. However, the unique surface state properties have historically been limited by the film quality, which is evaluated by crystallinity, surface morphology, and transport data. Here we propose and investigate different MBE growth strategies to improve the quality of Bi 2 Se 3 thin films grown by MBE. Based on the surface passivation status, we have classified the substrates into two categories, self-passivated or unpassivated, and determine the optimal growth mechanisms on the representative sapphire and GaAs, respectively. For Bi 2 Se 3 on GaAs, the surface passivation status determines the dominant growth mechanism. In the end, growths of the topological trivial insulator (Bi 0.5 In 0.5 ) 2 Se 3 (BIS) on GaAs are investigated following the protocols proposed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Processing of laser formed SiC powder

Superior SiC characteristics can be achieved through the use of ideal constituent powders and careful post-synthesis processing steps. High purity SiC powders of approx. 1000 A uniform diameter, nonagglomerated and spherical were produced. This required major revision of the particle formation and growth model from one based on classical nucleation and growth to one based on collision and coalescence of Si particles followed by their carburization. Dispersions based on pure organic solvents as well as steric stabilization were investigated. Although stable dispersions were formed by both, subsequent part fabrication emphasized the pure solvents since fewer problems with drying and residuals of the high purity particles were anticipated. Test parts were made by the colloidal pressing technique; both liquid filtration and consolidation (rearrangement) stages were modeled. Green densities corresponding to a random close packed structure (approx. 63%) were achieved; this highly perfect structure has a high, uniform coordination number (greater than 11) approaching the quality of an ordered structure without introducing domain boundary effects. After drying, parts were densified at temperatures ranging from 1800 to 2100 C. Optimum densification temperatures will probably be in the 1900 to 2000 C range based on these preliminary results which showed that 2050 C samples had experienced substantial grain growth. Although overfired, the 2050 C samples exhibited excellent mechanical properties. Biaxial tensile strengths up to 714 MPa and Vickers hardness values of 2430 kg/sq mm 2 were both more typical of hot pressed than sintered SiC. Both result from the absence of large defects and the confinement of residual porosity (less than 2.5%) to small diameter, uniformly distributed pores.

Haggerty, J. S.↗

Weld radiograph enigmas

Weld radiograph enigmas are features observed on X-ray radiographs of welds. Some of these features resemble indications of weld defects, although their origin is different. Since they are not understood, they are a source of concern. There is a need to identify their causes and especially to measure their effect on weld mechanical properties. A method is proposed whereby the enigmas can be evaluated and rated, in relation to the full spectrum of weld radiograph indications. Thie method involves a signature and a magnitude that can be used as a quantitive parameter. The signature is generated as the diference between the microdensitometer trace across the radiograph and the computed film intensity derived from a thickness scan along the corresponding region of the sample. The magnitude is the measured difference in intensity between the peak and base line values of the signature. The procedure is demonstated by comparing traces across radiographs of a weld sample before and after the introduction of a hole and by a system based on a MacIntosh mouse used for surface profiling.

Jemian, Wartan A.↗

Flux flow and flux dynamics in high-T(sub c) superconductors

Because high temperature superconductors, including BYCO and BSCCO, are type 2 superconductors with relatively low H(sub c 1) values and high H(sub c 2) values, they will be in a critical state for many of their applications. In the critical state, with the applied field between H(sub c 1) and H(sub c 2), flux lines have penetrated the material and can form a flux lattice and can be pinned by structural defects, chemical inhomogeneities, and impurities. A detailed knowledge of how flux penetrates the material and its behavior under the influence of applied fields and current flow, and the effect of material processing on these properties, is required in order to apply, and to improve the properties of, these superconductors. When the applied field is changed rapidly, the time dependence of flux change can be divided into three regions, an initial region which occurs very rapidly, a second region in which the magnetization has a 1n(t) behavior, and a saturation region at very long times. A critical field is defined for depinning, H(sub c,p) as that field at which the hysteresis loop changes from irreversible to reversible. As a function of temperature it is found that H(sub c,p) is well described by a power law with an exponent between 1.5 and 2.5. The behavior of H(sub c,p) for various materials and its relationship to flux flow and flux dynamics are discussed.

Bennett, L. H.↗

Flux flow and flux dynamics in high-Tc superconductors

Because high temperature superconductors, including BYCO and BSSCO, are type 2 superconductors with relatively low H(sub c 1) values and high H(sub c 2) values, they will be in a critical state for many of their applications. In the critical state, with the applied field between H(sub c 1) and H(sub c 2), flux lines have penetrated the material and can form a flux lattice and can be pinned by structural defects, chemical inhomogeneities, and impurities. A detailed knowledge of how flux penetrates the material and its behavior under the influence of applied fields and current flow, and the effect of material processing on these properties, is required in order to apply, and to improve the properties of these superconductors. When the applied field is changed rapidly, the time dependence of flux change can be divided into three regions, an initial region which occurs very rapidly, a second region in which the magnetization has a 1n(t) behavior, and a saturation region at very long times. A critical field is defined for depinning, H(sub c,p) as that field at which the hysteresis loop changes from irreversible to reversible. As a function of temperature, it is found that H(sub c,p) is well described by a power law with an exponent between 1.5 and 2.5. The behavior of H(sub c,p) for various materials and its relationship to flux flow and flux dynamics are discussed.

Bennett, L. H.↗

Welding rework data acquisition and automation

Aluminum-Lithium is a modern material that NASA MSFC is evaluating as an option for the aluminum alloys and other aerospace metals presently in use. The importance of aluminum-lithium is in it's superior weight to strength characteristics. However, aluminum-lithium has produced many challenges in regards to manufacturing and maintenance. The solution to these problems are vital to the future uses of the shuttle for delivering larger payloads into earth orbit and are equally important to future commercial applications of aluminum-lithium. The Metals Processes Branch at MSFC is conducting extensive tests on aluminum-lithium which includes the collection of large amounts of data. This report discusses the automation and data acquisition for two processes: the initial weld and the repair. The new approach reduces the time required to collect the data, increases the accuracy of the data, and eliminates several types of human errors during data collection and entry. The same material properties that enhance the weight to strength characteristics of aluminum-lithium contribute to the problems with cracks occurring during welding, especially during the repair/rework process. The repairs are required to remove flaws or defects discovered in the initial weld, either discovered by x-ray, visual inspection, or some other type of nondestructive evaluation. It has been observed that cracks typically appear as a result of or beyond the second repair. MSFC scientists have determined that residual mechanical stress introduced by the welding process is a primary cause of the cracking. Two obvious solutions are to either prevent or minimize the stress introduced during the welding process, or remove or reduce the stress after the welding process and MSFC is investigating both of these.

Romine, Peter L.↗

Evaluation of New Repair Methods for Seal Surface Defects on Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) Hardware

The focus of the evaluation was to develop a back-up method to cell plating for the improvement or repair of seal surface defects within D6-AC steel and 7075-T73 aluminum used in the RSRM program. Several techniques were investigated including thermal and non-thermal based techniques. Ideally the repair would maintain the inherent properties of the substrate without losing integrity at the repair site. The repaired sites were tested for adhesion, corrosion, hardness, microhardness, surface toughness, thermal stability, ability to withstand bending of the repair site, and the ability to endure a high-pressure water blast without compromising the repaired site. The repaired material could not change the inherent properties of the substrate throughout each of the test in order to remain a possible technique to repair the RSRM substrate materials. One repair method, Electro-Spark Alloying, passed all the testing and is considered a candidate for further evaluation.

Stanley, Stephanie D.↗

Evaluation of New Repair Methods for Seal Surface Defects on Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) Hardware

The focus of the evaluation was to develop a back-up method to cell plating for the improvement or repair of seal surface defects within D6-AC steel and 7075-T73 aluminum used in the RSRM program. Several techniques were investigated including thermal and non-thermal based techniques. Ideally the repair would maintain the inherent properties of the substrate without losing integrity at the repair site. The repaired sites were tested for adhesion, corrosion, hardness, microhardness, surface toughness, thermal stability, ability to withstand bending of the repair site, and the ability to endure a high-pressure water blast without compromising the repaired site. The repaired material could not change the inherent properties of the substrate throughout each of the test in order to remain a possible technique to repair the RSRM substrate materials. One repair method, Electro-Spark Alloying, passed all the testing and is considered a candidate for further evaluation.

Stanley, Stephanie↗

Hardness Prediction by Incorporating Heat Transfer and Molten Pool Fluid Flow in a Multi-pass, Multi-layer Weld for Onsite Repair of Grade 91 steel

Introduction: In the current fleet of fossil-fired power plants, creep strength enhanced ferritic steels (CSEF) are used to sustain the harsh service conditions. Enhanced properties of Grade 91 steel result from tempered martensite with a fine distribution of MX and M23C6 carbides. Grade 91 steel is subjected to onsite welding repair to remedy their degradation due to extreme service condition. Knowledge of weld repairability of these steels, such as as-welded hardness distribution, is essential to establishing sound repair procedures. Experimental trial and error tests can consume a lot of time as many welding variables need to be studied. For numerical modelling, most of the multi-pass multi-layer models are based on finite element method, which are limited to solve the heat conduction equation and ignore convective heat transfer due to melt flow. Moreover, the mesh has to be pre-built based on a known or assumed weld cross-section geometry. These finite element based models thus have limited predictive capability as defects are not considered and nugget size are pre-assumed. This research aims at developing a thermal and microstructure evolution model incorporating molten pool dynamics in a multi-pass multi-layer material deposition to predict the as-welded hardness distribution. Technical Approach: All the thermal, physical, and metallurgical properties of Grade 91 as a function of temperature are collected from the literature and inputted into the thermo-fluid model based on Flow-3D, a computational fluid dynamics software. A multi-pass, multi-layer material deposition is simulated where the melting of filler wire into the molten pool is directly considered based on the volume of fluid (VOF) method. The flow behaviour of the molten pool is used to understand the formation of deposition geometry and defects. The temperature profiles during the multi-pass, multi-layer welding are calculated. The results computed using the new model are compared against the experimental data of fusion zone geometry and thermal cycles. Hardness prediction in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) are made using Johnson-Mehl-Avrami (JMA) equation for solid-state phase transformation kinetics. The JMA parameters are extracted from the experimental data available in the literature. For comparison, a standard finite element heat conduction model is also developed to predict the thermal cycles and hardness distribution in the multi-pass, multi-layer weld. Expected Result: Results obtained using the molten pool dynamic simulation versus the finite element heat conduction model are compared. Specifically, the effects of convective heat transfer on the accuracy of the calculated thermal history, bead shape and size, and HAZ hardness distribution are examined.

Modeling, Grade 91 steel, Multi-pass multi-layer d↗