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At least 163 records · Page 9

Investigation of the dependence of deformation mechanisms on solute content in polycrystalline Mg–Al magnesium alloys by neutron diffraction and acoustic emission

Influence of aluminium content on the deformation mechanisms in Mg–Al binary alloys has been studied using in-situ neutron diffraction and acoustic emission technique. Here, it is shown that the addition of the solute increases the critical resolved shear stress for twinning. Further, the role of aluminium on the solid solution hardening of the basal plane and softening of non-basal planes are discussed using results of the convolutional multiple peak profile analysis of diffraction patterns. In conclusion, the results indicate that the density of both prismatic and pyramidal dislocations increases with increasing alloying content.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Structure of amorphous GeSe{sub 9} by neutron diffraction and first-principles molecular dynamics: Impact of trajectory sampling and size effects

The structure of glassy GeSe{sub 9} was investigated by combining neutron diffraction with density-functional-theory-based first-principles molecular dynamics. In the simulations, three different models of N = 260 atoms were prepared by sampling three independent temporal trajectories, and the glass structures were found to be substantially different from those obtained for models in which smaller numbers of atoms or more rapid quench rates were employed. In particular, the overall network structure is based on Se{sub n} chains that are cross-linked by Ge(Se{sub 4}){sub 1/2} tetrahedra, where the latter are predominantly corner as opposed to edge sharing. The occurrence of a substantial proportion of Ge–Se–Se connections does not support a model in which the material is phase separated into Se-rich and GeSe{sub 2}-rich domains. The appearance of a first-sharp diffraction peak in the Bhatia-Thornton concentration-concentration partial structure factor does, however, indicate a non-uniform distribution of the Ge-centered structural motifs on an intermediate length scale.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Determination of γ/γ' Lattice Misfit in Ni-Based Single-Crystal Superalloys at High Temperatures by Neutron Diffraction

Constrained γ/γ' lattice misfit as a function of temperature (room temperature, 871 °C, 982 °C, 1093 °C, and 1204 °C) is measured by neutron diffraction on the first-generation Ni-based single-crystal superalloy René N4 and second-generation superalloys René N5, CMSX4, and PWA1484. All the alloys studied show negative misfit at temperatures above 871 °C. For René N4, René N5, and PWA1484, the misfit becomes less negative at temperatures above 1093 °C, possibly due to either the chemistry effect or internal stress relaxation. The magnitude of the misfit shows a qualitative agreement with Caron’s misfit model based on Vegard’s coefficients. The Re-free alloy René N4 was found to have a larger γ lattice parameter and γ/γ' misfit due to higher fractions of Cr, Ti, and Mo. After 100 hours of annealing at high temperatures, René N5 shows a more negative misfit than the misfit after the standard heat treatment.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Crystal structure and magnetic properties of Bi{sub 0.8}A{sub 0.2}FeO{sub 3} (A = La, Ca, Sr, Ba) multiferroics using neutron diffraction and Mossbauer spectroscopy

Bi{sub 0.8}A{sub 0.2}FeO{sub 3} (A = La, Ca, Sr, Ba) multiferroics were studied using x-ray, neutron diffraction and magnetization techniques. All the samples crystallized in rhombohedral structure with space group R3c. The compounds exhibit antiferromagnetic (AFM) ordering at 300 K and no evidence of further structural or magnetic transition was observed on lowering of temperature below it. The magnetic structure of these substituted compounds are found to be collinear G-type AFM structure as against the non collinear incommensurate magnetic structure reported in the case of parent compound. The moments on Fe at 6 K are aligned along the a-axis in the case of Ca-doped sample. With increase in the ionic radii of dopant, the moments are found to be aligned in the ac plane and the angle of tilt away from the a-axis increases. The observed change in the magnetic structure with substitution is attributed to the intrinsic structural distortion as evidenced by the change in the bond angle (Fe-O-Fe) and bond distances (Bi-O, Fe-O). It has been found that heterovalent substitution A{sup 2+} results in the formation of oxygen vacancies in the parent lattices as the possibility of Fe{sup 4+} ruled out by Mössbauer spectra recorded at room temperature. Higher value of remnant magnetization (0.4187 emu/g) and coercivity (4.7554kOe) is observed in Bi{sub 0.8}Ba{sub 0.2}FeO{sub 3} sample in comparison to other substituted samples revealing a strong correlation between ionic radii and magnetization.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Multiscale mechanical fatigue damage of stainless steel investigated by neutron diffraction and X-ray microdiffraction

Mechanical fatigue behavior of AL6XN stainless steel as a typical type of planar slip alloy was investigated by in situ neutron diffraction and synchrotron-based X-ray microdiffraction methods. Under cyclic loading at a high strain amplitude (+/- 0.8%), the fatigue damage originated mainly from the accumulation of statistical stored dislocations, as clearly evidenced from a continuous increase in diffraction peak width with increasing the number of load cycles. However, under cyclic loading at a low strain amplitude (+/- 0.3%), the density of statistical stored dislocations became saturated just after a hundred loading cycles and the fatigue damage was mainly dominated by the accumulation of persistent [Alders bands (PLBs) and the complex interactions among various PLBs as evidenced through X-ray microdiffraction measurements. It was further found that there exists obvious grain-orientation-dependent local damage in the low-strain-amplitude fatigued sample. In particular, fatigued grains orientated with [001] paralleling the loading direction are subjected to compressive stress and contain a large number of broad PLBs in boundaries arraying the edge dislocation pile-ups, which generate a large stress gradient leading to local plastic instability. As a result, the highly localized stress field at PLBs in the cyclically-deformed sample at a low strain amplitude may explain the obvious cyclic stress softening.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Magnetism in Solid Oxygen Studied by High-Pressure Neutron Diffraction

This article reviews progress achieved over the last ~ 15 years in our understanding of magnetism in solid oxygen under high pressure with a particular emphasis on the contribution of neutron diffraction in the multi-GPa range. The paper highlights the unexpected complexity of magnetic structures in the δ phase at 5–8 GPa, presents data on the pressure dependence of diffuse scattering in β-O{sub 2} and discusses potential magnetism in ε-O{sub 2}. High-resolution diffraction data of all three solid phases at ambient pressure are presented.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

A Modeling and Neutron Diffraction Study of the High Temperature Properties of Sub-Stoichiometric Yttrium Hydride for Novel Moderator Applications

Low-enriched-uranium (LEU) reactor systems utilize moderators to improve neutron economy. Solid yttrium hydride is one of the primary moderator candidates for high-temperature (>700 °C) nuclear reactor applications. This is due to its ability to retain hydrogen at elevated temperatures compared to other metal hydrides. For reactor modeling purposes, both neutronic and thermos-mechanical modeling, several high-temperature properties for sub-stoichiometric yttrium hydride (YH2−x) are needed. In this paper, we present an atomistics and a neutron diffraction study of the high-temperature properties of Y and YH2−x. Specifically, we focus on the thermal lattice expansion effects in yttrium metal and yttrium hydride, which also govern bulk thermal expansion. Previously reported physical and mechanical properties for sub-stoichiometric yttrium hydride at ambient conditions are expanded using lattice dynamics to take into account high-temperature effects. Accordingly, an array of newly generated properties is presented that enables high-fidelity neutronics, and thermomechanical modeling. These properties include various elastic moduli, thermal expansion parameters for yttrium and yttrium hydride, and single-phase (YH2−x) and two-phase (Y + YH2−x) density as a function of stoichiometry and density.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The Determination of Residual Stress in Quenched and Cold-Compressed 7050 Aluminum Alloy T-Section Forgings by the Contour Method and Neutron Diffraction

Residual stresses were determined through the thickness of quenched and quenched followed by cold compression 7050 aluminum alloy T-section forgings using the contour method and neutron diffraction. 7050 T-section forgings are used for the manufacture of the connecting joints of wing and fuselage. Inevitably high residual stresses are introduced during the quenching process of 7050 T-section forgings, which could be reduced by cold compression to overcome the effect of residual stress on machining deformation. The longitudinal residual stresses obtained by the two techniques achieved good agreement in both trend and magnitude in both the quenched and quenched followed by cold compression 7050 T-section forgings. The stress-free lattice spacing of Al(311), the Bragg reflection used for the neutron measurements, was obtained from a 5-mm slice using the plane-stress condition, and its variation through the thickness is insignificant in both the quenched specimen and quenched followed by cold compression specimen. A comparison of the residual stresses in the quenched specimen and quenched followed by cold compression specimen showed significant changes in range of residual stresses from (− 304, 262 MPa) induced by quenching process to (− 125, 142 MPa) due to 3% cold compression. The percentage reduction in residual stress in the quenched specimen due to 3% cold compression was (46, 59%).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Cold rolling texture evolution of TiB2 particle reinforced Al-based composites by Neutron Diffraction and EBSD analysis

Highlights: • Texture development of in-situ TiB{sub 2} particle reinforced Al matrix composites after cold rolling were characterized. • The sum of rolling texture volume fractions has been significantly reduced by the weak texture in particle deformation zone. • Recrystallization nuclei with the Cube and Rotated-Cube orientations were observed in the particle deformation zones. • Small TiB{sub 2} particles within Al grains kept the parallel relationship with surrounding matrix during the deformation. - Abstract: Texture development of particle-reinforced metal matrix materials (P-MMCs) has not been understood well, especially the effects of second-phase particles during the deformation. In this work, we have investigated the texture evolution of TiB{sub 2}/Al composites during cold rolling by Neutron Diffraction and EBSD analysis. Two forms of TiB{sub 2} particles influenced the texture evolution in different ways. The particle-clusters aggregated along grain boundaries led to a reduction of texture volume fraction; recrystallization nuclei with weak texture appeared around these particle-clusters. Small non-shearable TiB{sub 2} particles dispersed inside Al matrix contributed to strong Copper texture component at high strains; the individual particles rotated together with Al matrix during the deformation. These revealed effects of particles on the texture development in TiB{sub 2}/Al composites provide a reference for the texture control of P-MMCs.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

On single-crystal neutron-diffraction in DACs: quantitative structure refinement of light elements on SNAP and TOPAZ

Quantitative single crystal neutron-diffraction in diamond anvil cells has so far been limited by the neutron flux available at the various neutron sources. As a result, highly precise measurements of the exact position of light elements have not been possible preventing, for example, structural studies of hydrogen and hydrogen bonds under pressure. Here we report experiments carried out on SNAP at the Spallation Neutron Source (ORNL, TN, USA) to explore the possibility and current limits of such studies. Furthermore, we benchmarked the obtained data quality with reference experiments carried out on TOPAZ, a dedicated single-crystal instrument.We show that measuring single-crystal diffraction intensities on SNAP is possible to such a precision that we are able to resolve the hydrogen bonds in potassium dideuterium phosphate (DKDP) as well as in ice VI.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Real-time evolution of texture and temperature during friction stir processing of a magnesium alloy: An operando neutron diffraction study

The real-time development of texture and the evolution of temperature during friction stir processing (FSP) of a Mg alloy were investigated using an operando neutron diffraction measurement. A novel approach was applied in this study where the real-time, quasi-steady state measurements performed as a function of position during FSP are converted to a Lagrangian dataset that reveals the transient behavior as a function of time. The in-situ FSP was carried out under two different thermo-mechanical processing conditions represented by the Zener-Hollomon parameter, Z. Further, the results show that: (i) a shear texture develops from the initial strong basal texture with the peak temperature reaching about 774 K during a low-Z processing and (ii) a strong off-normal texture develops with a peak temperature of 616 K during a high-Z processing. Moreover, time-temperature-texture diagrams were established to reveal the real-time development of the texture during the processing for both the low Z and high Z processing conditions. The changes in texture will be discussed in terms of plastic deformation mechanisms active during various stages of the FSP under the two different processing conditions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Tensile Deformation of DED Graded IN718-René41 Superalloy at 650°C by in-situ Neutron Diffraction and Digital Image Correlation

A compositionally graded material comprised IN718 (718, γ'/γ" strengthened superalloy) and René41 (R41, a medium γ' strengthened superalloy) was fabricated using laser blown-powder directed energy deposition (DED/LB-M). Hot gas path components that require high and low temperature capabilities at different locations may benefit from such graded superalloy, potentially eliminating the use of welded or mechanically joined components and reducing cost. In the present work, microstructure and 650°C tensile behavior of 718-R41 graded superalloy in as-built and heat-treated states are investigated by Digital Image Correlation (DIC), in-situ neutron diffraction, coupled with conventional characterization techniques. The applied heat treatment generates static recrystallization and equiaxed grains in 718 rich compositions, while R41 rich compositions remain partially or un-recrystallized. Yield strengths of 718 and R41 sections in heat-treated state are comparable to wrought forms but the graded compositions show weakness. From neutron experiment, diffraction elastic constants and single crystal elastic constants are calculated, which show small difference between the as-built and heat-treated states and between the γ and γ' phases. Grain-level load transfer from the (220) grains to (200) grains is found to be composition dependent, and qualitatively agrees with DIC measured macroscopic yield strength. Within the (200) grains, the γ/γ' phases deform elastically until the γ phase yields and afterwards the γ' phase takes load from γ phase.

digital image correlation↗

Study of tempering behavior of lath martensite using in situ neutron diffraction

To elucidate changes in the density and substructure of dislocations during tempering of lath martensite steel, a convolutional multiple whole-profile fitting method was applied to in situ neutron diffraction profiles. With increasing tempering temperature, the dislocation density scarcely changed in the beginning and then decreased at temperatures above 473 K, whereas the dislocation arrangement drastically changed at temperatures above 673 K. The strength of the steel is speculated to depend on the density and arrangement of dislocations. - Highlights: • A convolutional multiple whole-profile fitting method was applied. • Dislocation density and dislocation arrangement changing with tempering were discussed. • Dislocation density scarcely changed in the beginning. • And then dislocation density decreased at temperatures above 473 K. • The dislocation arrangement drastically changed at temperatures above 673 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

In-situ neutron diffraction study of deformation behavior of a multi-component high-entropy alloy

Deformation behavior of a high-entropy alloy (HEA) was investigated by in situ tensile deformation with neutron diffraction. It was found that the face-centered cubic (FCC) HEA alloy showed strong crystal elastic and plastic anisotropy, and the evolution of its lattice strains and textures were similar to those observed in conventional FCC metals and alloys. Our results demonstrated that, in spite of chemical complexity, the multi-component HEA behaved like a simple FCC metal and the deformation was caused by the motion of mixed dislocations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Thermal neutron diffraction determination of the magnetic structure of EuCu{sub 2}Ge{sub 2}

The magnetic structure of EuCu{sub 2}Ge{sub 2} has been determined by flat-plate neutron powder diffraction. Two magnetic phases are present in the neutron diffraction pattern at 3.5 K. They have the same moment, within error, and a common transition temperature. Both {sup 151}Eu and {sup 153}Eu Mössbauer spectroscopy show that the two magnetic phases belong to the same crystallographic phase. Both phases can be modelled by planar helimagnetic structures: one with a propagation vector of [0.654(1), 0, 0], the other with a propagation vector of [0.410(1), 0.225(1), 0].

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Utilizing integrated neutron diffraction and elastoplastic self-consistent crystal plasticity model to quantitatively assess the strengthening mechanism in Al–12.5Ce and Al–12.5Ce–0.4Mg alloys

An integrated in-situ neutron diffraction and elastic plastic self-consistent crystal plasticity (EPSC-CP) modeling scheme is performed on a binary Al–12Ce alloy and a ternary Al–12Ce–0.4Mg alloys. Using this scheme, the constitutive parameters, i.e. elastic constants and slip system parameters of individual phases can be calibrated which can be used in microstructure-based CP models to predict materials performance. From this study, it is shown that the elastic constants of Al 11 Ce 3 intermetallics calculated from density function theory calculation in the literature are rather accurate. When applied to the EPSC-CP model, the lattice strains of both the binary and ternary alloys are correctly predicted as compared with experiments, and large lattice strain differences between Al (100) plane and Al 11 Ce 3 (010) plane are demonstrated. The slip system parameters calibrated by the scheme shows that the addition of 0.4 wt% Mg in the alloy has little influence on the critical resolved shear stress of initial dislocation glide in the Al matrix which caused plastic yield in the material. This can be explained by the very dilute Mg solute content in the Al solid solution, causing large spacing of Al–Mg lattice misfit sites and little impact on resistance of dislocation glide at initial yield. The 0.4 wt% Mg addition, on the other hand, has a large influence on the hardening term in the slip system parameters, indicating those Al–Mg misfit sites do help dislocation accumulation during the deformation. The impact of dilute Mg addition on the Al slip system parameters is also reflected in the flow behavior of the ternary alloy: little impact on the yield stress, but a large impact on working hardening and tensile strength of the materials which is consistent with the literature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Neutron diffraction, specific heat and magnetization studies on Nd{sub 2}CuTiO{sub 6}

Structural and physical properties of a double-perovskite compound, Nd{sub 2}CuTiO{sub 6} have been studied using neutron diffraction, magnetization and specific heat measurements. The compound crystallizes in an orthorhombic structure in space group Pnma. The interesting observation we make here is that, though no long range magnetic order is observed between 2 and 300 K, the low temperature specific heat and magnetic susceptibility behavior exhibits non-Fermi liquid like behavior in this insulating compound. The magnetization and specific heat data are presented and discussed in light of these observations.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗