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At least 19 records

Review: Magnesium Sheet Alloy Development for Room Temperature Forming

Sheet metal forming operations in the automotive industry, including stamping, flanging, bending, hemming and trimming, are dominantly done at room temperature (RT). Unfortunately, the poor RT formability of magnesium due to its hexagonal close packed (HCP) structure and generally strong texture has limited the use of these processes in high-volume automotive production. However, the formability of magnesium can be improved via fine grain structure and random texture to enable some RT forming operations. Here, this paper presents the latest magnesium alloy development and evaluation by the United States Automotive Materials Partnership (USAMP) in collaboration with its university partners. A new sheet alloy developed in a recent USAMP project, ZAXME11100 (USAMP Alloy 2 Plus), offers excellent ductility (31% tensile elongation) and RT formability (7.8 mm Erichsen Index) in solution-treated condition (T4), and a high yield strength (270 MPa) upon post-forming aging treatment (T6), promising RT forming for automotive applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Phase transformation dynamics guided alloy development for additive manufacturing

Fusion-based additive manufacturing technologies enable the fabrication of geometrically and compositionally complex parts unachievable by conventional manufacturing methods. However, the non-uniform and far-from-equilibrium heating/cooling conditions pose a significant challenge to consistently obtaining desirable phases in the as-printed parts. Here, in this study, we report a martensite stainless steel development guided by phase transformation dynamics revealed by in-situ high-speed, high-energy, high-resolution X-ray diffraction. This developed stainless steel consistently forms desired fully martensitic structure across a wide range of cooling rates (10 2 –10 7 °C/s), which enables direct printing of parts with fully martensitic structure. The as-printed material exhibits a yield strength of 1157 ± 23 MPa, comparable to its wrought counterpart after precipitation-hardening heat-treatment. The as-printed property is attributed to the fully martensitic structure and the fine precipitates formed during the intrinsic heat treatment in additive manufacturing. The phase transformation dynamics guided alloy development strategy demonstrated here opens the path for developing reliable, high-performance alloys specific for additive manufacturing.

17–4 PH stainless steel↗

Rapid assessment of interfacial stabilization mechanisms of metastable precipitates to accelerate high-temperature Al-alloy development

Precipitate strengthened high-temperature alloys are currently used in safety-critical applications. Understanding precipitate stability and solute segregation mechanisms at high temperatures is key to designing high-strength alloys. Rapid in-situ approaches, therefore, are pivotal in accelerating the alloy design process. Hereby using the test case of a promising high-temperature Al-Cu-Mn-Zr alloy, we demonstrate the value of in-situ atom probe tomography coupled with in-situ transmission electron microscopy to reveal atomic-scale mechanisms that lead to the emergence of non-equilibrium solute segregation. Mn and Zr segregation at strengthening precipitate(θ’)-matrix interface increases the kinetic barrier for phase transformation thus retaining high-temperature strength.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Synergistic Coating-Alloy Development for Harsh Environments

The primary objective of the work was to demonstrate model alloy-coating combinations with: A. Improved oxidation resistance with a barrier coating by at least 2x vs. uncoated alloy; B. Uniform coating on a greater than 100:1 aspect ratio structure; and C. Expected reduction of lifecycle cost of a component of >25% based on customer inputs. All three objectives have been achieved.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The Path towards Plasma Facing Components: A Review of State-of-the-art in W-Based Refractory High-Entropy Alloys

Developing advanced materials for plasma-facing components (PFCs) in fusion reactors is a crucial aspect for achieving sustained energy production. Tungsten (W) - based refractory high-entropy alloys (RHEAs) have emerged as promising candidates due to their superior radiation tolerance and high-temperature strength. This review paper will focus on recent advancements in W-based RHEA research, particularly emphasizing the key role of modelling using machine learning (ML) in the stage of discovery by predicting properties for each composition and expediting the identification of optimal RHEA compositions with desired properties. Additionally, the application of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques for fabricating W-based RHEAs is explored, highlighting their advantages for rapid prototyping and multi-compositional sample production in a high throughput manner. The review critically evaluates the current understanding of mechanical properties relevant to PFC applications, including high-temperature strength and ductility. Furthermore, the radiation tolerance of W-based RHEAs under irradiated conditions is discussed. Finally, the validity of current AM-manufactured W-based RHEAs as PFC materials is assessed, and key challenges and opportunities for future research are identified. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of W-based RHEAs for fusion applications and their potential to guide the development and validation of advanced refractory high entropy alloys.

Hatler, Caleb [University of Wisconsin-Madison]↗

Simulation, Structural, Thermal and Mechanical Properties of the FeTiTaVW High Entropy Alloy

Developing new materials to be applied in extreme environments is an opportunity and a challenge for the future. High entropy alloys are new materials that seem promising approaches to work in nuclear fusion reactors. In this work, FeTaTiVW high entropy alloys were developed and characterized with Molecular Dynamic and Hybrid Molecular Dynamic Monte Carlo simulations. The simulation results show that phase separation originates a lower potential energy per atom and a high level of segregation compared to those of a uniform solid solution. Moreover, the experimental diffractogram of the milled powder shows the formation of a body-centred cubic-type structure and the presence of TiO2. In addition, the microstructure of the consolidated material evidenced three phases: W-rich, Ti-rich, and a phase with all the elements. This phase separation observed in the microstructure agrees with the Hybrid Molecular Dynamic Monte Carlo simulation. Moreover, the consolidated material’s thermal conductivity and specific heat are almost constant from 25 °C to 1000 °C, and linear expansion increases with increasing temperature. On the other hand, specific heat and thermal expansion values are in between CuCrZr and W values (materials chosen for the reactor walls). The FeTaTiVW high entropy alloy evidences a ductile behaviour at 1000 °C. Therefore, the promising thermal properties of this system can be attributed to the multiple phases and systems with different compositions of the same elements, which is exciting for future developments.

Martins, Ricardo (ORCID:0000000177685704)↗

FY20 Status Report on Creep Rupture Testing to Support the Development of Alloy 709 Code Case

This report provides an update on the status of the creep rupture testing on the first commercial heat of Alloy 709 in support of the Alloy 709 Code Case development. A creep test laboratory has been set up at ANL that comprises of 15 indirectly loaded test frames capable of testing ASTM-size specimens of the commercial heat of Alloy 709. The systems are equipped with high temperature furnaces capable of operation up to 1000°C in an air environment. During FY18, uniaxial ASTM-sized creep specimens were fabricated from 9 Alloy 709 plates that were processed by AOD, ESR, and ESR-homogenized routes and subsequently solution annealed at 1050, 1100, and 1150°C, and creep-rupture tests were performed at 330MPa and 600°C. The test results led to the down selection of the ESR-1100°C condition to support the code case. In FY19, 15 creep-rupture tests of the ESR-1100°C material, requiring the use of Type K thermocouples, were initiated to support the 100,000-hour Code Case. 8 tests were completed in FY19. In FY20, 6 tests were completed at the time of writing this report. In addition, 1 more test were loaded in FY20, using Type S thermocouples, and was completed. This report presents the data from the completed tests in FY20 and also the microstructural characterization of the fractured specimens. The creep data enabled the preliminary analysis of the creep behavior of this material. The characterization showed that in brittle fractures, the pores were narrow and thin, and elongated in the direction perpendicular to the loading direction, while in ductile fractures, the pores were much rounder. Dense precipitates were observed in all the samples, the size of which grew with test temperature. Some of the precipitates could be identified to be M23C6 based on their cuboid shape.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

FY21 Status Report on Creep Rupture Testing at ANL to Support the Development of Alloy 709 Code Case

This report provides an update on the status of the creep rupture testing on the first commercial heat of Alloy 709 in support of the Alloy 709 Code Case development. Creep tests were performed in air on the lever-arm load frames in the Mechanical and Environmental Testing Laboratory at Argonne National Laboratory (ANL). In FY21, the focus was on the age-hardened ESR-1150°C material. Twenty two tests were initiated, among which ten were completed. This report presents the data from the completed tests. Metallographic characterization of the fractured specimens were performed and the results are included. The creep data enabled the preliminary analysis of the creep behavior of this material. The characterization showed the effect of test temperature and stress on the deformation microstructure.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Graded microstructure and mechanical properties of spark plasma sintered Fe-Cr alloys

Developing graded microstructure and mechanical properties is critical for accelerating the design and optimization of structural materials for a wide range of applications. Here, in this study, Fe-Cr alloys were fabricated by spark plasma sintering (SPS) technique. The microstructure, microhardness, and tensile properties of the as-fabricated and thermally annealed variants were investigated. Graded grain structures were created in the as-fabricated cylinders along both axial and radial directions. Grain size was gradually reduced from the sample periphery to the center. Microhardness measurements reveal a gradual decrease of hardness towards the periphery of the samples. The as-fabricated Fe-Cr alloys show a desired combination of tensile strength and elongation, primarily due to the formation of a high density of oxides, voids, dislocations, and grain boundaries. After in-situ thermal annealing at 600 °C under 60 MPa for 2 h using SPS, the Fe-Cr alloys underwent minimal grain growth, and the graded grain structures were retained. The hardness was more uniformly distributed in the annealed variants, and the tensile strength was reduced with an increase in the total elongation, which is attributed to the dissolution of nano-sized oxide particles and the relief of the residual stress. This study demonstrates that SPS coupled with subsequent heat treatment can tailor the graded microstructure and control the mechanical properties of Fe-Cr alloys, showing potential applications in other alloy systems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High-throughput design of high-performance lightweight high-entropy alloys

Developing affordable and light high-temperature materials alternative to Ni-base superalloys has significantly increased the efforts in designing advanced ferritic superalloys. However, currently developed ferritic superalloys still exhibit low high-temperature strengths, which limits their usage. Here we use a CALPHAD-based high-throughput computational method to design light, strong, and low-cost high-entropy alloys for elevated-temperature applications. Through the high-throughput screening, precipitation-strengthened lightweight high-entropy alloys are discovered from thousands of initial compositions, which exhibit enhanced strengths compared to other counterparts at room and elevated temperatures. The experimental and theoretical understanding of both successful and failed cases in their strengthening mechanisms and order-disorder transitions further improves the accuracy of the thermodynamic database of the discovered alloy system. This study shows that integrating high-throughput screening, multiscale modeling, and experimental validation proves to be efficient and useful in accelerating the discovery of advanced precipitation-strengthened structural materials tuned by the high-entropy alloy concept.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

On the Corrosion Response of Novel Heat Exchangers Manufactured by Casting of Al-Ce-Mg Alloy

Developing low-cost and durable heat exchangers is critical for next-generation heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. The emerging requirement to minimize the total refrigerant charge inventory while ensuring a uniform distribution of refrigerant has led to the deployment of advanced manufacturing strategies. At the same time, corrosion is a longstanding issue for metal components, especially those used in heat exchanger (HX) applications. In this study, Al-Ce-Mg alloy-based HXs have been investigated. The corrosion resistance of HXs prototype manufactured by the casting process has been examined and the potential of a new manufacturing approach has been explored to meet the requirements of emerging needs.

Brechtl, Jamieson↗

Low-Cost Magnesium Alloy Sheet Component Development and Demonstration Project

The overarching objective of this USAMP project was to develop and demonstrate door panels made from magnesium (Mg) sheet with a cost penalty over conventional steel stampings of no more than $5.50/kg saved. The technical approach integrated experiments with advanced computational tools based on Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) methods to develop new alloy chemistries and their thermomechanical processing that promise improved formability and lower forming temperatures. A penultimate task before finally forming the stampings was to incorporate actual microstructure into models that would enable formability simulations. This approach would, for the first time, account for individual magnesium grains moving in an anisotropic fashion unlike that for aluminum or steel that have isotropic properties upon which the current simulation tools are based. In separate activities, new coatings and lubricants to facilitate forming and improved corrosion protection and joining strategies, were developed to ensure that the door could be produced with stated product requirements. A technical cost model, which included parts production, assembly, and paint for a door specifically designed for Mg sheet, showed the cost penalty to be between 4.26 USD to 6.60 USD/kg saved, which enveloped the project’s cost targets. The cost of the coated Mg sheet was identified as the key driver for the cost penalty. The mass of the Mg-intensive door was 7.9 kg, which was 54% less than the baseline steel door.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High-throughput ion irradiation of additively manufactured compositionally complex alloys

Several advanced nuclear reactor designs promise efficiency and safety improvements over the current reactor fleet but are limited by the current set of ASME code-qualified materials. Novel alloys including high-entropy alloys (HEAs), and more broadly compositionally complex alloys (CCAs), have shown promising irradiation-tolerance. However, the vast range of alloy compositions adds to an already time-consuming alloy development process. In this study, to accelerate the development of novel alloys for nuclear applications, a high-throughput (HTP) methodology has been employed. Additive manufacturing has been used to produce a compositional array of unary, binary, ternary, and quaternary alloys, including several CCAs, which span the Cr-Fe-Mn-Ni composition space. Additionally, the compositional array was homogenized at 1000°C for 24 hours and each sample was irradiated using 4-MeV Ni2+ ions at room temperature to a peak damage of 50 dpa, as estimated using SRIM, at the University of Wisconsin Ion Beam Laboratory. A custom XY stage was built to accommodate the large compositional array and half of each sample was masked during irradiation enabling both the irradiated and unirradiated properties of each alloy to be characterized side-by-side. Each alloy was characterized using X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and nanoindentation. CALPHAD simulations spanning the entire Cr-Fe-Mn-Ni composition space at 1000°C were performed to compare predicted equilibrium phases with phases identified experimentally from the unirradiated regions of each alloy. Nanoindentation measurements indicate radiation-induced hardening ranging from ~1-1.5 GPa in each of Cr-Fe-Mn-Ni CCAs, which is relatively insensitive to modest changes in alloy composition and comparable to hardening observed in neutron irradiated Cr-Fe-Mn-Ni CCAs in the literature. Overall, a substantial time savings was realized by employing HTP synthesis, irradiation, and characterization in this study compared to conventional techniques, the implications of which are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Integrated High‐Throughput and Machine Learning Methods to Accelerate Discovery of Molten Salt Corrosion‐Resistant Alloys

Insufficient availability of molten salt corrosion-resistant alloys severely limits the fruition of a variety of promising molten salt technologies that could otherwise have significant societal impacts. To accelerate alloy development for molten salt applications and develop fundamental understanding of corrosion in these environments, here an integrated approach is presented using a set of high-throughput (HTP) alloy synthesis, corrosion testing, and modeling coupled with automated characterization and machine learning. By using this approach, a broad range of Cr-Fe-Mn-Ni alloys are evaluated for their corrosion resistances in molten salt simultaneously demonstrating that corrosion-resistant alloy development can be accelerated by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude. Based on the obtained results, a sacrificial protection mechanism is unveiled in the corrosion of Cr-Fe-Mn-Ni alloys in molten salts which can be applied to protect the less unstable elements in the alloy from being depleted, and provided new insights on the design of high-temperature molten salt corrosion-resistant alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Computational Design of Alloys for Energy Technologies

Advanced materials that maintain their mechanical performance under elevated temperatures, corrosive environments, and a range of static and evolving stresses are needed to improve the efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of a wide spectrum of energy technologies. For instance, cost-efficient alloys that can withstand high temperatures (e.g., 700 °C) have a critical role in improving the efficiency and economics of power generation to support decarbonization of the energy sector; such is true of both the nuclear and fossil energy sectors. Considering both the threats of the energy crisis, namely soaring costs of greenhouse gas emission-producing energy and climate change, it is essential to increase the pace of material discovery and enable rapid paths for material qualification to advance clean energy technologies. Conventionally, alloy development has followed a slow Edisonian process that uses repeated cycles of making, characterizing, and modifying to arrive at optimum composition and processing conditions to achieve the desired component performance. This optimization is followed by the necessary stepwise materials qualification. Furthermore, the increasing adoption of sound data management and physics-informed machine learning represents the next step in the acceleration of materials design and development. In the integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) approach, computational modeling and simulation data from different length and time scales can be combined with complex microstructural details from multimodal experimental characterization and selective property testing to close the design loop for rapid alloy development.

Computational Design Of Materials↗