Facile synthesis of B-type carbonated nanoapatite with tailored microstructure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gualtieri, Magdalena Lassinantti; Romagnoli, Marcello; Hanuskova, Miriam; Fabbri, Elena; Gualtieri, Alessandro F.

2014-01-01

Nanolime and a phosphate-based chelating agent were used to synthesize B-type carbonated apatite. Developed Rietveld refinement strategies allowed one to determine process yield, product crystallinity as well as structural (unit cell) and microstructural (size, strain) parameters. The effect of synthesis temperature (20–60 °C) as well as Ca/P ratio (1.5–2.5) and solid content (10–30 wt%) of the starting batch on these properties were investigated. FTIR, TEM and gas adsorption data provided supporting evidence. The process yield was 42–60 wt% and found to be governed by the Ca/P ratio. The purified products had high specific surface area (107–186 m 2 /g) and crystallinity (76–97%). The unit cell parameters, correlated to the degree of structural carbonate, were sensitive to the Ca/P ratio. Instead, temperature governed the microstructural parameters. Less strained and larger crystals were obtained at higher temperatures. Long-term aging up to 6 months at 20 °C compensated for higher crystal growth kinetics at higher temperature. - Graphical abstract: Controlled synthesis of carbonated apatite at moderate temperatures using nanolime and sodiumhexametaphosphate as starting reagent. - Highlights: • Chemical synthesis of nano-sized apatite with tailored microstructure was performed. • Colloidal Ca(OH) 2 and a phosphorus-based chelating agents were used as reagents. • The method is simple and reproducible which facilitate industrial process scale-up. • Rietveld refinement strategies for product characterization were developed. • Rietveld analyses provided yield, microstructural and structure information

MICROSTRUCTURE CHARACTERISTIC OF ALUMINUM TITANATE SYNTHESIED BY BOTH SOLID- STATE AND SOL-GEL PROCESSES

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M. Khosravi Saghezchi

2015-12-01

Full Text Available A comparing study on formation and microstructure features of aluminum titanate is investigated through both solid-state and sol-gel processes. Aluminum titanate formed by firing at 1350ºC and 1450ºC for 4h in solid-state process. In the sol-gel process formation of submicron sized particles is followed by addition of sucrose into the transparent sol. XRD analysis was confirmed the formation of aluminum titanate at 1400ºC  in lower duration of calcination (3h without any additives in the sol-gel process. In this work 2wt% MgO is added to the samples as the additive for forming acceleration of aluminum titanate. The influence of MgO addition and heat treatment are studied on phase formation and microstructure development of aluminum titanate in both procedures. Additive optimizes aluminum titanate formation at lower temperatures (1300-1350ºC. Phase and microstructure studies of Mg containing samples optimally show significance in aluminum titanate formation.

Microstructure of Semi-Solid 6063 Alloy Fabricated by Radial Forging Combined with Unidirectional Compression Recrystallization and Partial Melting Process

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Wang Yongfei

2017-01-01

Full Text Available Radial forging combined with unidirectional compression (RFCUM is introduced in recrystallization and partial melting (RAP to fabricate semi-solid 6063 aluminum alloy, which can be defined as a process of RFCUM-RAP. In this study, the microstructures of semi-solid 6063 alloy prepared by semi-solid isothermal treatment (SSIT and RFCUM-RAP processes are investigated. The results show that, the solid grains of semi-solid alloy prepared by SSIT are large and irregular. However, solid grains of semi-solid billet prepared by RFCUC-RAP are fine and spherical. Additionally, during RFCUC-RAP process, with the increase of isothermal holding time, the shape of solid grain is more and more spherical, but the size of solid grain is gradually increased. To obtain ideal semi-solid microstructure, the optimal isothermal holding temperature and time are 630 °C and 5~10 min, respectively.

Nonlinear ionic transport through microstructured solid electrolytes: homogenization estimates

Science.gov (United States)

Curto Sillamoni, Ignacio J.; Idiart, Martín I.

2016-10-01

We consider the transport of multiple ionic species by diffusion and migration through microstructured solid electrolytes in the presence of strong electric fields. The assumed constitutive relations for the constituent phases follow from convex energy and dissipation potentials which guarantee thermodynamic consistency. The effective response is heuristically deduced from a multi-scale convergence analysis of the relevant field equations. The resulting homogenized response involves an effective dissipation potential per species. Each potential is mathematically akin to that of a standard nonlinear heterogeneous conductor. A ‘linear-comparison’ homogenization technique is then used to generate estimates for these nonlinear potentials in terms of available estimates for corresponding linear conductors. By way of example, use is made of the Maxwell-Garnett and effective-medium linear approximations to generate estimates for two-phase systems with power-law dissipation. Explicit formulas are given for some limiting cases. In the case of threshold-type behavior, the estimates exhibit non-analytical dilute limits and seem to be consistent with fields localized in low energy paths.

Potential recovery for Reissner--Mindlin and Kirchhoff--Love plate models using global Carleman estimates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Osses, Axel; Palacios, Benjamín

2013-01-01

In this paper, we consider two linear plate models, namely the Reissner–Mindlin system (R–M) and the Kirchhoff–Love equation (K–L), which come from linear elasticity. We prove global Carleman inequalities for both models with boundary observations and under a suitable hypothesis on the parameters. We use these estimates to study the inverse problem of recovering a spatially dependent potential from knowledge of Neumann boundary data. We obtain L 2 -Lipschitz stability for K–L and H 1 -Lipschitz stability for R–M under the assumption that the potentials are equal at the boundary. (paper)

Vibration analysis of orthotropic circular and elliptical nano-plates embedded in elastic medium based on nonlocal Mindlin plate theory and using Galerkin method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Anjomshoa, Amin; Tahani, Masoud

2016-01-01

In the present study a continuum model based on the nonlocal elasticity theory is developed for free vibration analysis of embedded ortho tropic thick circular and elliptical nano-plates rested on an elastic foundation. The elastic foundation is considered to behave like a Pasternak type of foundations. Governing equations for vibrating nano-plate are derived according to the Mindlin plate theory in which the effects of shear deformations of nano-plate are also included. The Galerkin method is then employed to obtain the size dependent natural frequencies of nano-plate. The solution procedure considers the entire nano-plate as a single super-continuum element. Effect of nonlocal parameter, lengths of nano-plate, aspect ratio, mode number, material properties, thickness and foundation on circular frequencies are investigated. It is seen that the nonlocal frequencies of the nano-plate are smaller in comparison to those from the classical theory and this is more pronounced for small lengths and higher vibration modes. It is also found that as the aspect ratio increases or the nanoplate becomes more elliptical, the small scale effect on natural frequencies increases. Further, it is observed that the elastic foundation decreases the influence of nonlocal parameter on the results. Since the effect of shear deformations plays an important role in vibration analysis and design of nano-plates, by predicting smaller values for fundamental frequencies, the study of these nano-structures using thick plate theories such as Mindlin plate theory is essential.

Investigation of Microstructure in Solid State Welded Al-Cu-Li alloy

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No Kookil

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Al-Li alloys have been extensively used in aerospace vehicle structure since the presence of lithium increases the modulus and reduce the density of the alloy. Especially the third generation Al-Cu-Li alloy shows enhanced fracture toughness at cryogenic temperatures so that the alloy has been used on the fuel tank of space launchers, like Super Lightweight External Tank of the Space Shuttle. Since the commercial size of the plate cannot accommodate the large tank size of the launcher, joining several pieces is required. However, lithium is highly reactive and its compounds can decompose with heat from conventional fusion welding and form different types of gases which result in formation of defects. In this study, the microstructure change is investigated after solid state welding process to join the Al-Cu-Li sheets with optical and transmission electron microscopic analysis of precipitates.

A Microstructural Evaluation of Friction Stir Welded 7075 Aluminum Rolled Plate Heat Treated to the Semi-Solid State

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Ava Azadi Chegeni

2018-01-01

Full Text Available Two rolled plates of 7075 aluminum alloy were used as starting material. The plates were welded using a simultaneous double-sided friction stir welding (FSW process. One way of obtaining feedstock materials for Semi-solid processing or thixoforming is via deformation routes followed by partial melting in the semi-solid state. As both the base plate materials and the friction weld area have undergone extensive deformation specimens were subjected to a post welding heat-treatment in the semi-solid range at a temperature of 628 °C, for 3 min in order to observe the induced microstructural changes. A comparison between the microstructural evolution and mechanical properties of friction stir welded plates was performed before and after the heat-treatment in the Base Metal (BM, the Heat Affected Zone (HAZ, the Thermomechanically Affected Zone (TMAZ and the Nugget Zone (NZ using optical microscopy, Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM and Vickers hardness tests. The results revealed that an extremely fine-grained structure, obtained in the NZ after FSW, resulted in a rise of hardness from the BM to the NZ. Furthermore, post welding heat-treatment in the semi-solid state gave rise to a consistent morphology throughout the material which was similar to microstructures obtained by the thixoforming process. Moreover, a drop of hardness was observed after heat treatment in all regions as compared to that in the welded microstructure.

Research progress on microstructure evolution of semi-solid aluminum alloys in ultrasonic field and their rheocasting

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Wu Shusen

2014-07-01

Full Text Available The effects of ultrasonic vibration (UV treatment on microstructure of semi-solid aluminum alloys and the application of UV in rheocasting process are reviewed. Good semi-solid slurry can be produced by high-intensity UV process for aluminum alloys. The microstructures of Al-Si, Al-Mg and Al-Cu alloys produced by rheocasting assisted with UV are compact and with fine grains. The mechanical properties of the UV treated alloys are increased by about 20%-30%. Grain refinement of the alloys is generally considered because of cavitation and acoustic streaming caused by UV. Apart from these mechanisms, a hypothesis of the fuse of dendrite root caused by capillary infiltration in the ultrasonic field, as well as a mechanism of crystallites falling off from the mould-wall and crystal multiplication by mechanical vibration effect in indirect ultrasonic vibration are proposed to explain the microstructure evolution of the alloys.

Discrete singular convolution method for the analysis of Mindlin plates on elastic foundations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Civalek, Omer; Acar, Mustafa Hilmi

2007-01-01

The method of discrete singular convolution (DSC) is used for the bending analysis of Mindlin plates on two-parameter elastic foundations for the first time. Two different realizations of singular kernels, such as the regularized Shannon's delta (RSD) kernel and Lagrange delta sequence (LDS) kernel, are selected as singular convolution to illustrate the present algorithm. The methodology and procedures are presented and bending problems of thick plates on elastic foundations are studied for different boundary conditions. The influence of foundation parameters and shear deformation on the stress resultants and deflections of the plate have been investigated. Numerical studies are performed and the DSC results are compared well with other analytical solutions and some numerical results

Microstructural evolution and thixoformability of semi-solid aluminum 319s alloy during re-melting

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hu, X.G.; Zhu, Q.; Lu, H.X.; Zhang, F.; Li, D.Q.; Midson, S.P.

2015-01-01

The aim of this paper is to characterize both microstructural evolution and thixoformability during partial melting of semi-solid 319s alloy. The thixoformability criteria of 319s was initially investigated by thermodynamic analysis. In-situ observation of partial re-melting was performed by a Confocal Laser Scanning Microscope to determine the effect of heating rate on melting characteristics. Meanwhile, the microstructural evolution of 319s alloy at extremely low heating rate was also investigated in order to understand the mechanism of re-melting process. The studies demonstrated that 319s alloy is suitable for thixocasting because of the controllable liquid fraction in the operating window of 15 °C. The process window was effected by both temperature and heating time. The primary particles evolution in 319s alloy can be divided into four stages, and the coarsening rate during isothermal test is 227 μm 3 /s. The effective method to obtain desirable microstructure is to manage the time in the semi-solid state by controlling heating rate and soaking time. - Highlights: • The thixoformability of 319s is discussed by using SPSC and thermodynamic analysis. • The re-melting processes at different heating rate are in-situ observed. • We identified the four stages of microstructural evolution during re-melting. • The coarsening rate K for 319s during isothermal test is identified. • The variation tendency of Si particle size with increasing time is reported

Effect of volume ratio of liquid to solid on the interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of high chromium cast iron and medium carbon steel bimetal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xiong Bowen; Cai Changchun; Lu Baiping

2011-01-01

Highlights: → Volume ratio of liquid to solid affects significantly the interfacial microstructure. → Elemental diffusion activity is increased by increasing volume ratio. → Mechanical property is improved by increasing volume ratio. - Abstract: The high chromium cast iron and medium carbon steel bimetal was fabricated by liquid-solid casting technology. The effect of volume ratios of liquid to solid (6:1, 10:1 and 12:1) on the interfacial microstructure and mechanical properties of bimetal was investigated. The interfacial microstructure was analyzed using scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM). The shear strength and microhardness in as-cast condition were studied at room temperature. The results show that the volume ratios of liquid to solid affect significantly the interfacial microstructure. When liquid-solid volume ratio was 6:1, the unbonded region was detected in interface region because the imported heat energy cannot support effectively the diffusion of element, whereas, when liquid-solid volume ratios reach 10:1 and 12:1, a sound interfacial microstructure was achieved by the diffusion of C, Cr, Mo, Cu and Mn, and metallurgical bonding without unbonded region, void and hole, etc. was detected. With the increase of liquid-solid volume ratio, the elemental diffusion activity improves, resulting in the increase of width of interface transition region. At the same distance from interface, with the increase of liquid-solid volume ratio, the microhardness is degraded in HCCI, but increased in MCS. The shear strength is also improved with the increase of liquid-solid volume ratio.

Multidimensional microstructured photonic device based on all-solid waveguide array fiber and magnetic fluid

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Miao Yinping

2016-11-01

Full Text Available An all-solid waveguide array fiber (WAF is one kind of special microstructured optical fiber in which the higher-index rods are periodically distributed in a low-index silica host to form the transverse two-dimensional photonic crystal. In this paper, one kind of multidimensional microstructured optical fiber photonic device is proposed by using electric arc discharge method to fabricate periodic tapers along the fiber axis. By tuning the applied magnetic field intensity, the propagation characteristics of the all-solid WAF integrated with magnetic fluid are periodically modulated in both radial and axial directions. Experimental results show that the wavelength changes little while the transmission loss increases for an applied magnetic field intensity range from 0 to 500 Oe. The magnetic field sensitivity is 0.055 dB/Oe within the linear range from 50 to 300 Oe. Meanwhile, the all-solid WAF has very similar thermal expansion coefficient for both high- and low-refractive index glasses, and thermal drifts have a little effect on the mode profile. The results show that the temperature-induced transmission loss is <0.3 dB from 26°C to 44°C. Further tuning coherent coupling of waveguides and controlling light propagation, the all-solid WAF would be found great potential applications to develop new micro-nano photonic devices for optical communications and optical sensing applications.

Microstructural evolution of nanograin nickel-zirconia cermet anode materials for solid oxide fuel cell applications

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Nayak, Bibhuti Bhusan

2012-01-01

The aim of the study is to study the structure, microstructure, porosity, thermal expansion, electrical conductivity and electrochemical behavior of the anode material thus synthesized in order to find its suitability for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anode application

How Knowledge Is Constructed and Exchanged in Virtual Communities of Physicians: Qualitative Study of Mindlines Online.

Science.gov (United States)

Wieringa, Sietse; Engebretsen, Eivind; Heggen, Kristin; Greenhalgh, Trisha

2018-02-02

As a response to the criticisms evidence-based practice currently faces, groups of health care researchers and guideline makers have started to call for the appraisal and inclusion of different kinds of knowledge in guideline production (other than randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) to better link with the informal knowledge used in clinical practice. In an ethnographic study, Gabbay and Le May showed that clinicians in everyday practice situations do not explicitly or consciously use guidelines. Instead, they use mindlines: collectively shared, mostly tacit knowledge that is shaped by many sources, including accumulated personal experiences, education (formal and informal), guidance, and the narratives about patients that are shared among colleagues. In this study on informal knowledge, we consider virtual networks of clinicians as representative of the mindlines in the wider medical community, as holders of knowledge, as well as catalysts of knowing. The aim of this study was to explore how informal knowledge and its creation in communities of clinicians can be characterized as opposed to the more structured knowledge produced in guideline development. This study included a qualitative study of postings on three large virtual networks for physicians in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Norway, taking the topic of statins as a case study and covering more than 1400 posts. Data were analyzed thematically with reference to theories of collaborative knowledge construction and communities of practice. The dataset showed very few postings referring to, or seeking to adhere to, explicit guidance and recommendations. Participants presented many instances of individual case narratives that highlighted quantitative test results and clinical examination findings. There was an emphasis on outliers and the material, regulatory, and practical constraints on knowledge use by clinicians. Participants conveyed not-so-explicit knowledge as tacit and practical knowledge

How Knowledge Is Constructed and Exchanged in Virtual Communities of Physicians: Qualitative Study of Mindlines Online

Science.gov (United States)

2018-01-01

Background As a response to the criticisms evidence-based practice currently faces, groups of health care researchers and guideline makers have started to call for the appraisal and inclusion of different kinds of knowledge in guideline production (other than randomized controlled trials [RCTs]) to better link with the informal knowledge used in clinical practice. In an ethnographic study, Gabbay and Le May showed that clinicians in everyday practice situations do not explicitly or consciously use guidelines. Instead, they use mindlines: collectively shared, mostly tacit knowledge that is shaped by many sources, including accumulated personal experiences, education (formal and informal), guidance, and the narratives about patients that are shared among colleagues. In this study on informal knowledge, we consider virtual networks of clinicians as representative of the mindlines in the wider medical community, as holders of knowledge, as well as catalysts of knowing. Objective The aim of this study was to explore how informal knowledge and its creation in communities of clinicians can be characterized as opposed to the more structured knowledge produced in guideline development. Methods This study included a qualitative study of postings on three large virtual networks for physicians in the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Norway, taking the topic of statins as a case study and covering more than 1400 posts. Data were analyzed thematically with reference to theories of collaborative knowledge construction and communities of practice. Results The dataset showed very few postings referring to, or seeking to adhere to, explicit guidance and recommendations. Participants presented many instances of individual case narratives that highlighted quantitative test results and clinical examination findings. There was an emphasis on outliers and the material, regulatory, and practical constraints on knowledge use by clinicians. Participants conveyed not

Early-time particle dynamics and non-affine deformations during microstructure selection in solids

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sengupta, Surajit [Centre for Advanced Materials, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, 2A and 2B, Raja S C Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032 (India); Rao, Madan [Raman Research Institute, C V Raman Avenue, Bangalore 560 080 (India); Bhattacharya, Jayee [S N Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences, Block JD, Sector III, Salt Lake, Kolkata 700 098 (India)

2011-07-27

Solid-solid transitions are invariably associated with groups of particles whose deformations cannot be expressed as an affine strain about a reference configuration. The dynamics of these non-affine zones (NAZ) determine the subsequent microstructure, i.e. the mesoscale patterning resulting from the structural transition. Here, we focus on early-time dynamics of individual particles within an NAZ associated with a nucleation event. We show that the early-time behavior of these particles have distinctive characteristics depending on the transition temperature. The dynamics is heterogeneous, consisting of a few active particles exhibiting complex intermittent jamming and flow in response to internal stresses generated during the transformation. At low temperatures, the dynamics of these active particles is ballistic and the structural transformation proceeds via string-like correlated movement of active particles, along ridges in the potential energy topography set up by inactive particles. On increasing temperature, the dynamics of active particles show an abrupt transition from ballistic to diffusive behavior with a diffusion coefficient which appears to be independent of temperature. This dynamical transition in the nature of the trajectories of particles is coincident with a discontinuous transition in the microstructure of the solid. Finally, we characterize this transition in terms of a dynamical order parameter in the space of trajectories and discuss its connection with the glass transition and rheology of soft and granular matter.

Microstructure characterisation of solid oxide electrolysis cells operated at high current density

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bowen, Jacob R.; Bentzen, Janet Jonna; Chen, Ming

degradation of cell components in relation to the loss of electrochemical performance specific to the mode of operation. Thus descriptive microstructure characterization methods are required in combination with electrochemical characterization methods to decipher degradation mechanisms. In the present work......High temperature solid oxide cells can be operated either as fuel cells or electrolysis cells for efficient power generation or production of hydrogen from steam or synthesis gas (H2 + CO) from steam and CO2 respectively. When operated under harsh conditions, they often exhibit microstructural...... quantified using the mean linear intercept method as a function of current density and correlated to increases in serial resistance. The above structural changes are then compared in terms of electrode degradation observed during the co-electrolysis of steam and CO2 at current densities up to -1.5 A cm-2...

Size-dependent vibrations of post-buckled functionally graded Mindlin rectangular microplates

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R. Ansari

Full Text Available In this paper, the free vibration behavior of post-buckled functionally graded (FG Mindlin rectangular microplates are described based on the modified couple stress theory (MCST. This theory enables the consideration of the size-effect through introducing material length scale parameters. The FG microplates made of a mixture of metal and ceramic are considered whose volume fraction of components is expressed by a power law function. By means of Hamilton's principle, the nonlinear governing equations and associated boundary conditions are derived for FG micro-plates in the postbuckling domain. The governing equations and boundary conditions are then discretized by using the generalized differential quadrature (GDQ method before solving numerically by the pseudo-arclength continuation technique. In the solution procedure, the postbuckling problem of microplates is investigated first. Afterwards, the free vibration of microplates around the buckled configuration is discussed. The effects of dimensionless length scale parameter, material gradient index and aspect ratio on the on the postbuckling path and frequency of FG microplates subject to arbitrary edge supports are thoroughly discussed.

Cosserat modeling of cellular solids

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Onck, P.R.

Cellular solids inherit their macroscopic mechanical properties directly from the cellular microstructure. However, the characteristic material length scale is often not small compared to macroscopic dimensions, which limits the applicability of classical continuum-type constitutive models. Cosserat

Numerical evaluation of micro-structural parameters of porous supports in metal-supported solid oxide fuel cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Reiss, Georg; Frandsen, Henrik Lund; Brandstätter, Wilhelm

2014-01-01

Metallic supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) are considered as a durable and cost effective alternative to the state-of-the-art ceramic supported cell designs. In order to understand the mass and charge transport in the metal-support of this new type of cell a novel technique involving X......-ray tomography and micro-structural modelling is presented in this work. The simulation technique comprises a novel treatment of the boundary conditions, which leads to more accurate effective transport parameters compared to those, which can be achieved with the conventional homogenisation procedures....... Furthermore, the porosity distribution in the metal-support was determined, which provided information about the inhomogeneous nature of the material. In addition to that, transport parameters for two identified, different dense layers of the metal-support are evaluated separately. The results...

Atomistic Simulation of Interfaces in Materials of Solid State Ionics

Science.gov (United States)

Ivanov-Schitz, A. K.; Mazo, G. N.

2018-01-01

The possibilities of describing correctly interfaces of different types in solids within a computer experiment using molecular statics simulation, molecular dynamics simulation, and quantum chemical calculations are discussed. Heterophase boundaries of various types, including grain boundaries and solid electrolyte‒solid electrolyte and ionic conductor‒electrode material interfaces, are considered. Specific microstructural features and mechanisms of the ion transport in real heterophase structures (cationic conductor‒metal anode and anionic conductor‒cathode) existing in solid state ionics devices (such as solid-state batteries and fuel cells) are discussed.

Asymptotical construction of a fully coupled, Reissner–Mindlin model for piezoelectric composite plates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liao Lin; Yu Wenbin

2008-01-01

The variational asymptotic method is used to construct a fully coupled Reissner–Mindlin model for piezoelectric composite plates with some surfaces parallel to the reference surface coated with electrodes. Taking advantage of the smallness of the plate thickness, we asymptotically split the original three-dimensional electromechanical problem into a one-dimensional through-the-thickness analysis and a two-dimensional plate analysis. The through-the-thickness analysis serves as a link between the original three-dimensional analysis and the plate analysis by providing a constitutive model for the plate analysis and recovering the three-dimensional field variables in terms of two-dimensional plate global responses. The present theory is implemented into the computer program VAPAS (variational asymptotic plate and shell analysis). The resulting model is as simple as an equivalent single-layer, first-order shear deformation theory with accuracy comparable to higher-order layerwise theories. Various numerical examples have been used to validate the present model

A new insight into high-strength Ti62Nb12.2Fe13.6Co6.4Al5.8 alloys with bimodal microstructure fabricated by semi-solid sintering.

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, L H; Yang, C; Kang, L M; Qu, S G; Li, X Q; Zhang, W W; Chen, W P; Li, Y Y; Li, P J; Zhang, L C

2016-03-31

It is well known that semi-solid forming could only obtain coarse-grained microstructure in a few alloy systems with a low melting point, such as aluminum and magnesium alloys. This work presents that semi-solid forming could also produce novel bimodal microstructure composed of nanostructured matrix and micro-sized (CoFe)Ti2 twins in a titanium alloy, Ti62Nb12.2Fe13.6Co6.4Al5.8. The semi-solid sintering induced by eutectic transformation to form a bimodal microstructure in Ti62Nb12.2Fe13.6Co6.4Al5.8 alloy is a fundamentally different approach from other known methods. The fabricated alloy exhibits high yield strength of 1790 MPa and plastic strain of 15.5%. The novel idea provides a new insight into obtaining nano-grain or bimodal microstructure in alloy systems with high melting point by semi-solid forming and into fabricating high-performance metallic alloys in structural applications.

Lead-germanium ohmic contact on to gallium arsenide formed by the solid phase epitaxy of germanium: A microstructure study

Science.gov (United States)

Radulescu, Fabian

2000-12-01

Driven by the remarkable growth in the telecommunication market, the demand for more complex GaAs circuitry continued to increase in the last decade. As a result, the GaAs industry is faced with new challenges in its efforts to fabricate devices with smaller dimensions that would permit higher integration levels. One of the limiting factors is the ohmic contact metallurgy of the metal semiconductor field effect transistor (MESFET), which, during annealing, induces a high degree of lateral diffusion into the substrate. Because of its limited reaction with the substrate, the Pd-Ge contact seems to be the most promising candidate to be used in the next generation of MESFET's. The Pd-Ge system belongs to a new class of ohmic contacts to compound semiconductors, part of an alloying strategy developed only recently, which relies on solid phase epitaxy (SPE) and solid phase regrowth to "un-pin" the Fermi level at the surface of the compound semiconductor. However, implementing this alloy into an integrated process flow proved to be difficult due to our incomplete understanding of the microstructure evolution during annealing and its implications on the electrical properties of the contact. The microstructure evolution and the corresponding solid state reactions that take place during annealing of the Pd-Ge thin films on to GaAs were studied in connection with their effects on the electrical properties of the ohmic contact. The phase transformations sequence, transition temperatures and activation energies were determined by combining differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) for thermal analysis with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for microstructure identification. In-situ TEM annealing experiments on the Pd/Ge/Pd/GaAs ohmic contact system have permitted real time determination of the evolution of contact microstructure. The kinetics of the solid state reactions, which occur during ohmic contact formation, were determined by measuring the grain growth rates

Microstructure and fractal characteristics of the solid-liquid interface forming during directional solidification of Inconel 718

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

WANG Ling

2007-08-01

Full Text Available The solidification microstructure and fractal characteristics of the solid-liquid interfaces of Inconel 718, under different cooling rates during directional solidification, were investigated by using SEM. Results showed that 5 μm/s was the cellular-dendrite transient rate. The prime dendrite arm spacing (PDAS was measured by Image Tool and it decreased with the cooling rate increased. The fractal dimension of the interfaces was calculated and it changes from 1.204310 to 1.517265 with the withdrawal rate ranging from 10 to 100 μm/s. The physical significance of the fractal dimension was analyzed by using fractal theory. It was found that the fractal dimension of the dendrites can be used to describe the solidification microstructure and parameters at low cooling rate, but both the fractal dimension and the dendrite arm spacing are needed in order to integrally describe the evaluation of the solidification microstructure completely.

Control of microstructure and mechanical properties of laser solid formed Inconel 718 superalloy by electromagnetic stirring

Science.gov (United States)

Liu, Fencheng; Cheng, Hongmao; Yu, Xiaobin; Yang, Guang; Huang, Chunping; Lin, Xin; Chen, Jing

2018-02-01

The coarse columnar grains and special interface in laser solid formed (LSFed) Inconel 718 superalloy workpieces seriously affect their mechanical properties. To improve the microstructure and mechanical properties of LSFed Inconel 718 superalloy, electromagnetic stirring (EMS) was introduced to alter the solidification process of the molten pool during LSF. The results show that EMS could not completely eliminate the epitaxially growing columnar grains, however, the strong convection of liquid metals can effectively influence the solid-liquid interface growing mode. The segregation of alloying elements on the front of solid-liquid interface is inhibited and the degree of constitutional supercooling decreases correspondingly. Comparing the microstructures of samples formed under different process parameters, the size and amount of the γ+Laves eutectic phases formed in interdendritic area decrease along with the increasing magnetic field intensity, resulting in more uniformly distributed alloying elements. The residual stress distribution is proved to be more uniform, which is beneficial to the grain refinement after recrystallilzaiton. Mechanical properties testing results show an improvement of 100 MPa in tensile strength and 22% in elongation was obtained after EMS was used. The high cycle fatigue properties at room temperature was also improved from 4.09 × 104 cycles to 8.21 × 104 cycles for the as-deposited samples, and from 5.45 × 104 cycles to 12.73 × 104 cycles for the heat treated samples respectively.

Microstructure and deformation behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloy by high-power laser solid forming

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ren, Y.M.; Lin, X.; Fu, X.; Tan, H.; Chen, J.; Huang, W.D.

2017-01-01

This work investigated the microstructure and tensile deformation behavior of Ti-6Al-4V alloy fabricated using a high-power laser solid forming (LSF) additive manufacturing. The results show that the post-fabricated heat-treated microstructure consists of coarse columnar prior-β grains (630–1000 μm wide) and α-laths (5–9 μm) under different scanning velocities (900 and 1500 mm/min), which caused large elongation (∼18%) superior to the conventional laser additive manufacturing Ti-6Al-4V alloy. The deformation behavior of the LSF Ti-6Al-4V alloy was investigated using in situ tensile test scanning electron microscopy. The results show that shear-bands appeared along the α/β interface and slip-bands occurred within the α-laths, which lead to cracks decaying in a zigzag-pattern in the LSF Ti-6Al-4V alloy with basket-weave microstructure. These results demonstrate that the small columnar prior-β grains and fine basket-weave microstructure exhibiting more α/β interfaces and α-laths can disperse the load and resist the deformation in the LSF Ti-6Al-4V components. In addition, a modified microstructure selection map of the LSF Ti-6Al-4V alloy was established, which can reasonably predict the microstructure evolution and relative grain size in the LSF process.

Effects of chemical synthesis parameters on the Zr O2: 8% mol Mg O solid electrolytes electric conductivity and microstructure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Avila, D.M.; Muccillo, E.N.S.

1996-01-01

Electrical conductivity measurements and scanning electron microscope observations have been done in Zr O 2 - 8 mol % Mg O solid electrolytes. The main purpose was to investigate to what extent some processing variables can influence the electrical behaviour and microstructural characteristics of the sintered ceramic. Zirconia powders have been prepared under different pH and temperature of precipitation, and washing media conditions. The results show that many structural characteristics of the calcined powders are 'lost' during sintering, giving rise to ceramics with similar electrical properties, besides minor differences in the final microstructure. The washing media play the major role on both microstructural development and electrical conductivity. (author)

"Liquid-liquid-solid"-type superoleophobic surfaces to pattern polymeric semiconductors towards high-quality organic field-effect transistors.

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Yuchen; Su, Bin; Jiang, Lei; Heeger, Alan J

2013-12-03

Precisely aligned organic-liquid-soluble semiconductor microwire arrays have been fabricated by "liquid-liquid-solid" type superoleophobic surfaces directed fluid drying. Aligned organic 1D micro-architectures can be built as high-quality organic field-effect transistors with high mobilities of >10 cm(2) ·V(-1) ·s(-1) and current on/off ratio of more than 10(6) . All these studies will boost the development of 1D microstructures of organic semiconductor materials for potential application in organic electronics. © 2013 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Microstructure of Tablet-Pharmaceutical Significance, Assessment, and Engineering.

Science.gov (United States)

Sun, Changquan Calvin

2017-05-01

To summarize the microstructure - property relationship of pharmaceutical tablets and approaches to improve tablet properties through tablet microstructure engineering. The main topics reviewed here include: 1) influence of material properties and manufacturing process parameters on the evolution of tablet microstructure; 2) impact of tablet structure on tablet properties; 3) assessment of tablet microstructure; 4) development and engineering of tablet microstructure. Microstructure plays a decisive role on important pharmaceutical properties of a tablet, such as disintegration, drug release, and mechanical strength. Useful information on mechanical properties of a powder can be obtained from analyzing tablet porosity-pressure data. When helium pycnometry fails to accurately measure true density of a water-containing powder, non-linear regression of tablet density-pressure data is a useful alternative method. A component that is more uniformly distributed in a tablet generally exerts more influence on the overall tablet properties. During formulation development, it is highly recommended to examine the relationship between any property of interest and tablet porosity when possible. Tablet microstructure can be engineered by judicious selection of formulation composition, including the use of the optimum solid form of the drug and appropriate type and amount of excipients, and controlling manufacturing process.

Prospective use of the 3D printing technology for the microstructural engineering of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell components

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hernandez-Rodriguez, E. M.; Acosta-Mora, P.; Mendez-Ramos, J.; Borges Chinea, E.; Esparza Ferrera, P.; Canales-Vazquez, J.; Nunez, P.; Ruiz-Morales, J.

2014-07-01

A cost-effective micro-manufacturing process to accurately build 3D microstructures for their prospective use in the fabrication of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells components has been tested. The 3D printing method, based on the stereo lithography, allows solidifying layer by layer a dispersion of ceramic material in a liquid photosensitive organic monomer. A simple projector, a computer-controlled z-stage and a few PowerPoint slides may be used for the fabrication of a wide range of complex 3D microstructures in few minutes. In this work, 3D ceramic microstructures based on the yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were successfully fabricated. The micro structured ceramic components produced were stable after sintering at 1400 degree centigrade for 4 h. Impedance measurements show that the fabrication process does not have any detrimental effect on the electrical properties of the structured material. (Author)

Prospective use of the 3D printing technology for the microstructural engineering of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell components

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hernandez-Rodriguez, E. M.; Acosta-Mora, P.; Mendez-Ramos, J.; Borges Chinea, E.; Esparza Ferrera, P.; Canales-Vazquez, J.; Nunez, P.; Ruiz-Morales, J.

2014-01-01

A cost-effective micro-manufacturing process to accurately build 3D microstructures for their prospective use in the fabrication of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells components has been tested. The 3D printing method, based on the stereo lithography, allows solidifying layer by layer a dispersion of ceramic material in a liquid photosensitive organic monomer. A simple projector, a computer-controlled z-stage and a few PowerPoint slides may be used for the fabrication of a wide range of complex 3D microstructures in few minutes. In this work, 3D ceramic microstructures based on the yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) were successfully fabricated. The micro structured ceramic components produced were stable after sintering at 1400 degree centigrade for 4 h. Impedance measurements show that the fabrication process does not have any detrimental effect on the electrical properties of the structured material. (Author)

White Matter Microstructural Abnormalities in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Diffusional Kurtosis Imaging Analysis.

Science.gov (United States)

Xie, Y; Zhang, Y; Qin, W; Lu, S; Ni, C; Zhang, Q

2017-03-01

Increasing DTI studies have demonstrated that white matter microstructural abnormalities play an important role in type 2 diabetes mellitus-related cognitive impairment. In this study, the diffusional kurtosis imaging method was used to investigate WM microstructural alterations in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to detect associations between diffusional kurtosis imaging metrics and clinical/cognitive measurements. Diffusional kurtosis imaging and cognitive assessments were performed on 58 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and 58 controls. Voxel-based intergroup comparisons of diffusional kurtosis imaging metrics were conducted, and ROI-based intergroup comparisons were further performed. Correlations between the diffusional kurtosis imaging metrics and cognitive/clinical measurements were assessed after controlling for age, sex, and education in both patients and controls. Altered diffusion metrics were observed in the corpus callosum, the bilateral frontal WM, the right superior temporal WM, the left external capsule, and the pons in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with controls. The splenium of the corpus callosum and the pons had abnormal kurtosis metrics in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Additionally, altered diffusion metrics in the right prefrontal WM were significantly correlated with disease duration and attention task performance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. With both conventional diffusion and additional kurtosis metrics, diffusional kurtosis imaging can provide additional information on WM microstructural abnormalities in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Our results indicate that WM microstructural abnormalities occur before cognitive decline and may be used as neuroimaging markers for predicting the early cognitive impairment in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. © 2017 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Effect of nanofiller’s size and shape on the solid state microstructure and thermal properties of poly(butylene succinate) nanocomposites

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Papageorgiou, Dimitrios G.; Chrissafis, Konstantinos; Pavlidou, Eleni; Deliyanni, Eleni A.; Papageorgiou, George Z.; Terzopoulou, Zoi; Bikiaris, Dimitrios N.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • The microstructure and thermal properties of PBSu-based nanocomposites were studied. • Ag and SiO 2 were dispersed more uniformly, compared to GO and MWCNTs. • PBSu/Ag nanocomposites exhibited higher nucleation activity and faster rates. • The order of nucleation efficiency of the fillers was GO < MWCNTs < SiO 2 < Ag. • The activation energy of nanocomposite samples was lower than that of PBSu. - Abstract: We report a study of the solid state microstructure and crystallization kinetics of poly(butylene succinate) (PBSu) reinforced with nanofillers of different shapes, sizes and geometries such as silver, silica (SiO 2 ), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene oxide (GO). The solid state structure of neat polymer and nanocomposites were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), polarized optical microscopy (POM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicated that the nanocomposite samples exhibited enhanced crystallinity and nucleation density, along with smaller spherulite size. Additionally, the spherical nanofillers were dispersed more uniformly in the polymeric matrix, than the other two filler types. The crystallization kinetics under both isothermal and dynamic conditions were also studied and as was expected, the nanocomposite samples, crystallize at higher rates due to the increased number of nucleation sites, as was calculated with Avrami, Dobreva and Friedman’s methods. From the crystallization study it was found that the nanocomposite filled with Ag nanoparticles exhibited the highest rates from all other fillers followed from SiO 2 and MWCNTs while GO showed the lowest rates

Microstructural causes of negative creep in cast superalloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Frank, G.

1990-01-01

The dissertation examines by means of microstructural investigations and modelling calculations two types of superalloys: the nickel-base cast alloy IN 738 LC (γ'-hardened, containing MC and M 23 C 6 carbides), and the cobalt-base cast alloy FSX 414 (containing M 23 C 6 carbides, solid solution-hardened). The task was to determine the causes of microstructural volume contraction, in order to improve and facilitate explanation and extrapolation of the materials' long-term behaviour at high temperatures, and to derive if possible information on appropriate measures preventing negative creep, which may lead to critical damage of bolted joints, for instance. (orig./MM) [de

Effect of chip size on mechanical property and microstructure of AZ91D magnesium alloy prepared by solid state recycling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hu Maoliang; Ji Zesheng; Chen Xiaoyu; Zhang Zhenkao

2008-01-01

In this study, different kinds of AZ91D magnesium alloy chips were prepared by solid state recycling. Mechanical properties and microstructures of the recycled specimens were investigated. Various microstructural analyses were performed using the techniques of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and oxygen-nitrogen analysis. Microstructural observations revealed that all the recycled specimens consisted of fine grains due to dynamic recrystallization. The oxide precipitate content is closely related to the recycled chip size. Accumulated oxygen concentration linearly increases with the total surface area of the machined chips in the recycled specimens. Ambient oxide in the recycled specimen contributes to a higher ultimate tensile strength and a higher elongation to failure; however, excessive oxide in the recycled specimen may adversely affect the elongation to failure

Microstructural and microchemical studies of phase stability in V-O solid solution

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ghosh, Chanchal, E-mail: chanchal@igcar.gov.in [Metallurgy & Materials Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, HBNI, Kalpakkam 603102, Tamil Nadu (India); Singh, Akash [Metallurgy & Materials Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, HBNI, Kalpakkam 603102, Tamil Nadu (India); Basu, Joysurya [Metallurgy & Materials Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, HBNI, Kalpakkam 603102, Tamil Nadu (India); Department of Metallurgical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology (BHU), Varanasi 221005, Uttar Pradesh (India); Ramachandran, Divakar; Mohandas, E [Metallurgy & Materials Group, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, HBNI, Kalpakkam 603102, Tamil Nadu (India)

2017-02-15

Over the last couple of decades vanadium and V-based alloys have received significant attention as a potential structural material for fusion power applications because of their favourable mechanical properties under irradiation and at elevated temperatures. They are also considered as the advanced options of storage materials for hydrogen and its isotopes. However, the higher affinity of V for O, C and N poses critical challenges in its engineering applications since they lead to degradation of mechanical properties. They can further interact with the matrix to produce metallic oxy-carbo-nitride precipitates. To a certain limit, these precipitates are beneficial and can be exploited to enhance the mechanical behaviour of the alloy through suitable microstructural design. However, this requires a prior knowledge of the interaction between the alloy and the impurity solutes. In the present work vanadium specific experiments have been designed and carried out to bring out the V-interstitial solute interaction by charging oxygen in the near surface region of vanadium. Microstructural and microchemical behaviour of the V-O solid solution has been studied through HRTEM (high resolution transmission electron microscopy) and HAADF (high angle annular dark field) coupled with EELS. Quantitative electron microscopy has been carried out to study structural modification of the alloy in atomic level caused by O charging. - Highlights: •Controlled experiments were carried out in pulsed laser ablation set-up to promote V-O interaction. • As a consequence of O dissolution, V transformed into a bct structure which is otherwise a bcc structure. •In V-O solid solution, dissolved O in the V matrix introduces significant amount of lattice strain. • Present work can be extended for introducing interstitial O in other pure transition metals and their alloys.

Microstructure and thermoelectric properties of doped p-type CoSb3 under TGZM effect

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Hongqiang; Li, Shuangming; Li, Xin; Zhong, Hong

2017-05-01

The Co-96.9 wt% Sb hypoeutectic alloy doped by 0.12 wt% YbFe was solidified in a Bridgman-type furnace based on temperature gradient zone melting (TGZM) effect. A mushy zone was observed between the complete liquid zone and the solid zone at different thermal stabilization time ranging from 15 min to 40 h. The mushy-zone solidified microstructures of the alloy only consist of CoSb3 and Sb phase. After 40 h thermal stabilization time, the volume fraction of CoSb3 in the mushy zone increases significantly up to 99.6% close to the solid-liquid interface. The hardness and fracture toughness of doped CoSb3 can reach 7.01 ± 0.69 GPa and 0.78 ± 0.08 MPa·m1/2, respectively. Meanwhile, the thermoelectric properties of the alloy were measured ranging from room temperature (RT) to 850 K. The Seebeck coefficient of the specimen prepared by TGZM effect after 40 h could reach 155 μV/K and the ZT value is 0.47 at 660 K, showing that it is feasible to prepare CoSb3 bulk material via TGZM effect. As a simple and one-step solidification method, the TGZM technique could be applied in the preparation of skutterudite compounds.

Stochastic multi-scale analysis of homogenised properties considering uncertainties in cellular solid microstructures using a first-order perturbation

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Khairul Salleh Basaruddin

Full Text Available Randomness in the microstructure due to variations in microscopic properties and geometrical information is used to predict the stochastically homogenised properties of cellular media. Two stochastic problems at the micro-scale level that commonly occur due to fabrication inaccuracies, degradation mechanisms or natural heterogeneity were analysed using a stochastic homogenisation method based on a first-order perturbation. First, the influence of Young's modulus variation in an adhesive on the macroscopic properties of an aluminium-adhesive honeycomb structure was investigated. The fluctuations in the microscopic properties were then combined by varying the microstructure periodicity in a corrugated-core sandwich plate to obtain the variation of the homogenised property. The numerical results show that the uncertainties in the microstructure affect the dispersion of the homogenised property. These results indicate the importance of the presented stochastic multi-scale analysis for the design and fabrication of cellular solids when considering microscopic random variation.

Quantitative Analysis of Ductile Iron Microstructure – A Comparison of Selected Methods for Assessment

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Mrzygłód B.

2013-09-01

Full Text Available Stereological description of dispersed microstructure is not an easy task and remains the subject of continuous research. In its practical aspect, a correct stereological description of this type of structure is essential for the analysis of processes of coagulation and spheroidisation, or for studies of relationships between structure and properties. One of the most frequently used methods for an estimation of the density Nv and size distribution of particles is the Scheil - Schwartz - Saltykov method. In this article, the authors present selected methods for quantitative assessment of ductile iron microstructure, i.e. the Scheil - Schwartz - Saltykov method, which allows a quantitative description of three-dimensional sets of solids using measurements and counts performed on two-dimensional cross-sections of these sets (microsections and quantitative description of three-dimensional sets of solids by X-ray computed microtomography, which is an interesting alternative for structural studies compared to traditional methods of microstructure imaging since, as a result, the analysis provides a three-dimensional imaging of microstructures examined.

Air-stable n-type colloidal quantum dot solids

KAUST Repository

Ning, Zhijun; Voznyy, Oleksandr; Pan, Jun; Hoogland, Sjoerd H.; Adinolfi, Valerio; Xu, Jixian; Li, Min; Kirmani, Ahmad R.; Sun, Jonpaul; Minor, James C.; Kemp, Kyle W.; Dong, Haopeng; Rollny, Lisa R.; Labelle, André J.; Carey, Graham H.; Sutherland, Brandon R.; Hill, Ian G.; Amassian, Aram; Liu, Huan; Tang, Jiang; Bakr, Osman; Sargent, E. H.

2014-01-01

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) offer promise in flexible electronics, light sensing and energy conversion. These applications rely on rectifying junctions that require the creation of high-quality CQD solids that are controllably n-type (electron-rich) or p-type (hole-rich). Unfortunately, n-type semiconductors made using soft matter are notoriously prone to oxidation within minutes of air exposure. Here we report high-performance, air-stable n-type CQD solids. Using density functional theory we identify inorganic passivants that bind strongly to the CQD surface and repel oxidative attack. A materials processing strategy that wards off strong protic attack by polar solvents enabled the synthesis of an air-stable n-type PbS CQD solid. This material was used to build an air-processed inverted quantum junction device, which shows the highest current density from any CQD solar cell and a solar power conversion efficiency as high as 8%. We also feature the n-type CQD solid in the rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of atmospheric NO2. This work paves the way for new families of electronic devices that leverage air-stable quantum-tuned materials. © 2014 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.

Air-stable n-type colloidal quantum dot solids

KAUST Repository

Ning, Zhijun

2014-06-08

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) offer promise in flexible electronics, light sensing and energy conversion. These applications rely on rectifying junctions that require the creation of high-quality CQD solids that are controllably n-type (electron-rich) or p-type (hole-rich). Unfortunately, n-type semiconductors made using soft matter are notoriously prone to oxidation within minutes of air exposure. Here we report high-performance, air-stable n-type CQD solids. Using density functional theory we identify inorganic passivants that bind strongly to the CQD surface and repel oxidative attack. A materials processing strategy that wards off strong protic attack by polar solvents enabled the synthesis of an air-stable n-type PbS CQD solid. This material was used to build an air-processed inverted quantum junction device, which shows the highest current density from any CQD solar cell and a solar power conversion efficiency as high as 8%. We also feature the n-type CQD solid in the rapid, sensitive, and specific detection of atmospheric NO2. This work paves the way for new families of electronic devices that leverage air-stable quantum-tuned materials. © 2014 Macmillan Publishers Limited. All rights reserved.

Fabrication of fillable microparticles and other complex 3D microstructures

Science.gov (United States)

McHugh, Kevin J.; Nguyen, Thanh D.; Linehan, Allison R.; Yang, David; Behrens, Adam M.; Rose, Sviatlana; Tochka, Zachary L.; Tzeng, Stephany Y.; Norman, James J.; Anselmo, Aaron C.; Xu, Xian; Tomasic, Stephanie; Taylor, Matthew A.; Lu, Jennifer; Guarecuco, Rohiverth; Langer, Robert; Jaklenec, Ana

2017-09-01

Three-dimensional (3D) microstructures created by microfabrication and additive manufacturing have demonstrated value across a number of fields, ranging from biomedicine to microelectronics. However, the techniques used to create these devices each have their own characteristic set of advantages and limitations with regards to resolution, material compatibility, and geometrical constraints that determine the types of microstructures that can be formed. We describe a microfabrication method, termed StampEd Assembly of polymer Layers (SEAL), and create injectable pulsatile drug-delivery microparticles, pH sensors, and 3D microfluidic devices that we could not produce using traditional 3D printing. SEAL allows us to generate microstructures with complex geometry at high resolution, produce fully enclosed internal cavities containing a solid or liquid, and use potentially any thermoplastic material without processing additives.

Zirconium microstructures: uncharted possibilities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Samajdar, I.; Kumar, Gulshan; Singh, Jaiveer; Lodh, Arijit; Srivastava, D.; Tewari, R.; Dey, G.K.; Saibaba, N.

2015-01-01

The 'conventional' Zirconium microstructures can be significantly extended with information on: (i) microtexture, (ii) residual stresses and (iii) local mechanical properties. Though these involve different tools, but a consolidated microstructure can be crated. This is the theme of this presentation. Examples of this consolidated picture will be made from deformation twinning, recovery-recrystallization, burst ductility and orientation versus solid solution hardening. (author)

Studies of fracture processes in Cr-Mo-V ferritic steel with various types of microstructures

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dzioba, I., E-mail: pkmid@tu.kielce.p [Fundamentals of Machine Design Chair, Kielce University of Technology, Al.1000-lecia PP 7, 25-314 Kielce (Poland); Gajewski, M., E-mail: gajem@tu.kielce.p [Fundamentals of Machine Design Chair, Kielce University of Technology, Al.1000-lecia PP 7, 25-314 Kielce (Poland); Neimitz, A., E-mail: neimitz@tu.kielce.p [Fundamentals of Machine Design Chair, Kielce University of Technology, Al.1000-lecia PP 7, 25-314 Kielce (Poland)

2010-10-15

In this paper, the authors report on analysis of the influence of microstructure on ductile and cleavage fracture mechanisms. The question investigated was whether microstructure observations alone can provide sufficient information to predict the possible fracture mechanism or change in fracture mechanism. Four different microstructures of ferritic steel were tested after four different heat treatments. The microstructures examined were ferritic, ferritic-pearlitic, ferritic-bainitic, and tempered martensitic types. It was concluded that the ratio (S{sub C}/S{sub 0}) of the area covered by carbides to the total area of a ferritic grain (measured by taking into account large carbides) is the only possible quantitative measure that can be used to predict cleavage fracture.

Corrosion and microstructural aspects of dissimilar joints of titanium and type 304L stainless steel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mudali, U. Kamachi.; Ananda Rao, B.M.; Shanmugam, K.; Natarajan, R.; Raj, Baldev

2003-01-01

To link titanium and zirconium metal based (Ti, Zr-2, Ti-5%Ta, Ti-5%Ta-1.8Nb) dissolver vessels containing highly radioactive and concentrated corrosive nitric acid solution to other nuclear fuel reprocessing plant components made of AISI type 304L stainless steel (SS), high integrity and corrosion resistant dissimilar joints between them are necessary. Fusion welding processes produce secondary precipitates which dissolve in nitric acid, and hence solid-state processes are proposed. In this work, various dissimilar joining processes available for producing titanium-304L SS joints with adequate strength, ductility and corrosion resistance for this critical application are highlighted. Developmental efforts made at IGCAR, Kalpakkam are outlined. The possible methods and the microstructural-metallurgical properties of the joints along with corrosion results obtained with three phase (liquid, vapour, condensate) corrosion testing are discussed. Based on the results, dissimilar joint produced by the explosive joining process was adopted for plant application

High-aspect ratio microstructures in p-type GaAs and InP created by proton beam writing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Menzel, F.; Spemann, D.; Butz, T.

2011-01-01

With proton beam writing (PBW) and subsequent electrochemical etching in HF-solution the creation of high-aspect ratio microstructures in p-type InP was performed for the first time. Microstructures with high surface quality as well as high-aspect ratio possessing lateral dimensions down to 1 μm were produced. Furthermore, free-standing microstructures were created in this material by a combined irradiation with 2.25 MeV protons and 1.125 MeV H 2 + molecules, were the smallest structure dimension of 0.6 μm was achieved for a horizontal needle. The creation of nearly perfect circular microstructures indicates that the crystal structure has little effect on the structuring process by PBW in this material. Moreover, the effect of reduced etching inside of closed irradiation patterns, already known from Si and GaAs, was observed also in InP. In further PBW experiments and subsequent electrochemical etching with KOH-solution p-type GaAs microstructures were produced. By using a 4-fold higher etch current density of 45 mA/cm 2 compared to former PBW experiments on this material the quality of the microstructures could be improved significantly leading to high aspect-ratio structures with minimum lateral sizes of ∼1 μm, nearly vertical side walls as well as circular microstructures. This shows the reduced influence of the crystal structure on the shape of the microstructures compared to experiments with lower etch current density where only flat microstructures with inclined side walls determined by the crystal structure could be created.

Nominally brittle cracks in inhomogeneous solids: From microstructural disorder to continuum-level scale

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jonathan eBarés

2014-11-01

Full Text Available We analyze the intermittent dynamics of cracks in heterogeneous brittle materials and the roughness of the resulting fracture surfaces by investigating theoretically and numerically crack propagation in an elastic solid of spatially-distributed toughness. The crack motion split up into discrete jumps, avalanches, displaying scale-free statistical features characterized by universal exponents. Conversely, the ranges of scales are non-universal and the mean avalanche size and duration depend on the loading microstructure and specimen parameters according to scaling laws which are uncovered. The crack surfaces are found to be logarithmically rough. Their selection by the fracture parameters is formulated in term of scaling laws on the structure functions measured on one-dimensional roughness profiles taken parallel and perpendicular to the direction of crack growth.

Blood typing using microstructured waveguide smart cuvette.

Science.gov (United States)

Zanishevskaya, Anastasiya A; Shuvalov, Andrey A; Skibina, Yulia S; Tuchin, Valery V

2015-04-01

We introduce a sensitive method that allows one to distinguish positive and negative agglutination reactions used for blood typing and determination of Rh affinity with a high precision. The method is based on the unique properties of photonic crystal waveguides, i.e., microstructured waveguides (MSWs). The transmission spectrum of an MSW smart cuvette filled by a specific or nonspecific agglutinating serum depends on the scattering, refractive, and absorptive properties of the blood probe. This concept was proven in the course of a laboratory clinical study. The obtained ratio of the spectral-based discrimination parameter for positive and negative reactions (I+/I-) was found to be 16 for standard analysis and around 2 for used sera with a weak activity.

Analysis of the discontinuous Petrov-Galerkin method with optimal test functions for the Reissner-Mindlin plate bending model

KAUST Repository

Calo, Victor M.

2014-01-01

We analyze the discontinuous Petrov-Galerkin (DPG) method with optimal test functions when applied to solve the Reissner-Mindlin model of plate bending. We prove that the hybrid variational formulation underlying the DPG method is well-posed (stable) with a thickness-dependent constant in a norm encompassing the L2-norms of the bending moment, the shear force, the transverse deflection and the rotation vector. We then construct a numerical solution scheme based on quadrilateral scalar and vector finite elements of degree p. We show that for affine meshes the discretization inherits the stability of the continuous formulation provided that the optimal test functions are approximated by polynomials of degree p+3. We prove a theoretical error estimate in terms of the mesh size h and polynomial degree p and demonstrate numerical convergence on affine as well as non-affine mesh sequences. © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effect of Heat Input on Microstructure and Hardness Distribution of Laser Welded Si-Al TRIP-Type Steel

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Adam Grajcar

2014-01-01

Full Text Available This study is concerned with issues related to laser welding of Si-Al type TRIP steels with Nb and Ti microadditions. The tests of laser welding of thermomechanically rolled sheet sections were carried out using keyhole welding and a solid-state laser. The tests carried out for various values of heat input were followed by macro- and microscopic metallographic investigations as well as by microhardness measurements of welded areas. A detailed microstructural analysis was carried out in the penetration area and in various areas of the heat affected zone (HAZ. Special attention was paid to the influence of cooling conditions on the stabilisation of retained austenite, the most characteristic structural component of TRIP steels. The tests made it possible to determine the maximum value of heat input preventing the excessive grain growth in HAZ and to identify the areas of the greatest hardness reaching 520 HV0.1.

Three dimensional electrochemical simulation of solid oxide fuel cell cathode based on microstructure reconstructed by marching cubes method

Science.gov (United States)

He, An; Gong, Jiaming; Shikazono, Naoki

2018-05-01

In the present study, a model is introduced to correlate the electrochemical performance of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) with the 3D microstructure reconstructed by focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) in which the solid surface is modeled by the marching cubes (MC) method. Lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is used to solve the governing equations. In order to maintain the geometries reconstructed by the MC method, local effective diffusivities and conductivities computed based on the MC geometries are applied in each grid, and partial bounce-back scheme is applied according to the boundary predicted by the MC method. From the tortuosity factor and overpotential calculation results, it is concluded that the MC geometry drastically improves the computational accuracy by giving more precise topology information.

Non-affine fields in solid-solid transformations: the structure and stability of a product droplet.

Science.gov (United States)

Paul, Arya; Sengupta, Surajit; Rao, Madan

2014-01-08

We describe the microstructure, morphology, and dynamics of growth of a droplet of martensite nucleating in a parent austenite during a solid-solid transformation, using a Landau theory written in terms of both conventional affine elastic deformations and non-affine deformations. Non-affineness, φ, serves as a source of strain incompatibility and screens long-ranged elastic interactions. It is produced wherever the local stress exceeds a threshold and anneals diffusively thereafter. Using a variational calculation, we find three types of stable solution (labeled I, II, and III) for the structure of the product droplet, depending on the stress threshold and the scaled mobilities of φ parallel and perpendicular to the parent-product interface. The profile of the non-affine field φ is different in these three solutions: I is characterized by a vanishingly small φ, II admits large values of φ localized in regions of high stress within the parent-product interface, and III is a structure in which φ completely wets the parent-product interface. The width l and size W of the twins follow the relation l is proportional to √W in solution I; this relation does not hold for II or III. We obtain a dynamical phase diagram featuring these solutions, and argue that they represent specific solid-state microstructures.

Development of non-dendritic microstructures in AA6061 cast billets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zhang, X.-D.; Chadwick, T.A.; Bryant, J.D. [Reynolds Metals Co., Chester, VA (United States)

2000-07-01

Non-dendritic structures have been shown to have many advantages over conventional, dendritic structures in castable aluminum alloys. Examples include high structural integrity, reduced porosity, excellent formability and enhanced near net-shape forming capability. Non-dendritic materials are characterized by an equiaxed, globularized grain structure. Previous work has focused on the application of these structures in traditional casting alloys such as A356 and A357, and on the processing of these alloys during semi-solid forming and squeeze casting. There is considerably less information on the impact of non-dendritic microstructures upon solid state deformation, and the use of such microstructures in the processing of traditional wrought aluminum alloys. In this paper, we will present our recent work in casting non-dendritic AA6061 alloy using different techniques, and discuss the effects of cast structure on deformation behavior during solid state processing at elevated temperatures. Cast microstructures were modified during direct chill casting using three different methods: magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) agitation, mechanical stirring, and high loadings of grain refiner. A detailed microstructure characterization will be presented and discussed in terms of structural integrity, grain morphology, and their effects on deformation in the solid state. (orig.)

Experimental study on microstructure characters of foamed lightweight soil

Science.gov (United States)

Qiu, Youqiang; Li, Yongliang; Li, Meixia; Liu, Yaofu; Zhang, Liujun

2018-01-01

In order to verify the microstructure of foamed lightweight soil and its characters of compressive strength, four foamed lightweight soil samples with different water-soild ratio were selected and the microstructure characters of these samples were scanned by electron microscope. At the same time, the characters of compressive strength of foamed lightweight soil were analyzed from the microstructure. The study results show that the water-soild ratio has a prominent effect on the microstructure and compressive strength of foamed lightweight soil, with the decrease of water-solid ratio, the amount and the perforation of pores would be reduced significantly, thus eventually forming a denser and fuller interior structure. Besides, the denser microstructure and solider pore-pore wall is benefit to greatly increase mechanical intensity of foamed lightweight soil. In addition, there are very few acicular ettringite crystals in the interior of foamed lightweight soil, its number is also reduced with the decrease in water-soild ratio.

Effects of minor Si on microstructures and room temperature fracture toughness of niobium solid solution alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kong, Bin, E-mail: kongbin@buaa.edu.cn; Jia, Lina, E-mail: jialina@buaa.edu.cn; Su, Linfen, E-mail: sulinfen@mse.buaa.edu.cn; Guan, Kai, E-mail: guankai@mse.buaa.edu.cn; Weng, Junfei, E-mail: wengjf@mse.buaa.edu.cn; Zhang, Hu, E-mail: zhanghu@buaa.edu.cn

2015-07-15

Controlling the elements content in the niobium solid solution (Nb{sub SS}) is significant for the better comprehensive performance of Nb-silicide-based alloys. In this paper, the effects of minor Si on the microstructures and room temperature fracture toughness of Nb–(0/0.5/1/2)Si–27.63Ti–12.92Cr–2.07Al–1.12Hf (at%, unless stated otherwise) solid solution alloys were investigated. The alloys were processed by vacuum arc-casting (AC), and then heat treated (HT) at 1425 °C for 10 h. In HT alloys, Nb{sub SS} grains are refined gradually with the increase of Si content. Meanwhile, the volume fraction of Cr{sub 2}Nb and silicides phases precipitates increases. The fracture toughness of HT alloys decreases at first but then increases in the range of 0 to 2% Si, because it is a combinatorial process of positive and negative effects caused by the addition of Si. The refinement of Nb{sub SS} grains displays positive effect on fracture toughness, while the increase of solid solubility of Si in Nb{sub SS} and brittle Cr{sub 2}Nb and Nb-silicides precipitate phases display negative effect.

Microstructure of Semi-Solid Billets Produced by Electromagnetic Stirring and Behavior of Primary Particles during the Indirect Forming Process

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Chul Kyu Jin

2018-04-01

Full Text Available An A356 alloy semi-solid billet was fabricated using electromagnetic stirring. After inserting the semi-solid billet into an indirect die, a thin plate of 1.2 mm thickness was fabricated by applying compression. The microstructure of the semi-solid billets fabricated in various stirring conditions (solid fraction and stirring force were analyzed. The deformation and behavior of the primary α-Al particles were analyzed for various parameters (solid fraction, die friction, compression rate, and compression pressure. In the stirred billets, a globular structure was dominant, while a dendrite structure was dominant in the unstirred billets. As the solid fraction decreased and the stirring current increased, the equivalent diameter and roundness of the primary α-Al particles decreased. The primary α-Al particle sizes were reduced as the compressing velocity increased, while a greater number of particles could move as the compressing pressure increased. As the path over which the motion occurred became smoother, the fluidity of the particles improved. Under compression, bonded primary α-Al particles became separated into individual particles again, as the bonds were broken. As wearing caused by friction and collisions between the particles during this motion occurred, the particle sizes were reduced, and the particle shapes become increasingly spheroid.

Preliminary microstructural examination of high and low ductility type 316 creep rupture specimens

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bolton, C.J.; Cordwell, J.E.; Hooper, A.J.; Marshall, P.; Steeds, J.; Wickens, A.

1977-09-01

A preliminary report is presented dealing with the examination of creep specimens from five casts of AISI Type 316 stainless steel which ruptured with variable ductility. Specimen microstructures and attempts to identify factors responsible for high or low creep ductility are discussed. (author)

Creep of Two-Phase Microstructures for Microelectronic Applications

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Reynolds, Heidi Linch [Univ. of California, Berkeley, CA (United States)

1998-12-01

The mechanical properties of low-melting temperature alloys are highly influenced by their creep behavior. This study investigates the dominant mechanisms that control creep behavior of two-phase, low-melting temperature alloys as a function of microstructure. The alloy systems selected for study were In-Ag and Sn-Bi because their eutectic compositions represent distinctly different microstructure.” The In-Ag eutectic contains a discontinuous phase while the Sn-Bi eutectic consists of two continuous phases. In addition, this work generates useful engineering data on Pb-free alloys with a joint specimen geometry that simulates microstructure found in microelectronic applications. The use of joint test specimens allows for observations regarding the practical attainability of superplastic microstructure in real solder joints by varying the cooling rate. Steady-state creep properties of In-Ag eutectic, Sn-Bi eutectic, Sn-xBi solid-solution and pure Bi joints have been measured using constant load tests at temperatures ranging from O°C to 90°C. Constitutive equations are derived to describe the steady-state creep behavior for In-Ageutectic solder joints and Sn-xBi solid-solution joints. The data are well represented by an equation of the form proposed by Dom: a power-law equation applies to each independent creep mechanism. Rate-controlling creep mechanisms, as a function of applied shear stress, test temperature, and joint microstructure, are discussed. Literature data on the steady-state creep properties of Sn-Bi eutectic are reviewed and compared with the Sn-xBi solid-solution and pure Bi joint data measured in the current study. The role of constituent phases in controlling eutectic creep behavior is discussed for both alloy systems. In general, for continuous, two-phase microstructure, where each phase exhibits significantly different creep behavior, the harder or more creep resistant phase will dominate the creep behavior in a lamellar microstructure. If a

Fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy for vestibular schwannoma (VS): Comparison between cystic-type and solid-type VS

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shirato, Hiroki; Sakamoto, Touru; Takeichi, Norihito; Aoyama, Hidefumi; Suzuki, Keishiro; Kagei, Kenji; Nishioka, Takashi; Fukuda, Satoshi; Sawamura, Yutaka; Miyasaka, Kazuo

2000-01-01

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness and complications of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) for cystic-type vestibular schwannoma (VS) with those of solid-type VS. Methods and Materials: In 65 patients treated with fractionated SRT between 1991 and 1999, 20 were diagnosed with cystic VS, in which at least one-third of the tumor volume was a cystic component on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and 45 were diagnosed with solid VS. Thirty-six Gy to 50 Gy in 20-25 fractions was administered to the isocenter and approximately 80% of the periphery of the tumor. All cystic and solid components were included in the gross tumor volume. The mean follow-up period was 37 months, ranging from 6 to 97 months. Results: The actuarial 3-year rate of no episode of enlargement greater than 2.0 mm was 55% for cystic-type and 75% for solid-type VS; the difference was statistically significant (p 0.023). The actuarial 3-year tumor-reduction (reduction in tumor size greater than 2.0 mm) rates were 93% and 31%, respectively (p = 0.0006). The overall actuarial tumor control rate (no tumor growth greater than 2.0 mm after 2 years or no requirement of salvage surgery) was 92% at 5 years in 44 patients with a follow-up period of 2 or more years. There was no difference in the class hearing preservation rate between cystic VS and solid VS. No permanent trigeminal or facial nerve palsy was observed in either group. Conclusion: Transient tumor enlargement occurs in cystic VS more frequently than in solid-type VS, but the subsequent tumor-reduction rate in cystic VS is better.

Microstructural evolution during DPRM process of semisolid ledeburitic D2 tool steel.

Science.gov (United States)

Mohammed, M N; Omar, M Z; Syarif, J; Sajuri, Z; Salleh, M S; Alhawari, K S

2013-01-01

Semisolid metal processing is a relatively new technology that offers several advantages over liquid processing and solid processing because of the unique behaviour and characteristic microstructure of metals in this state. With the aim of finding a minimum process chain for the manufacture of high-quality production at minimal cost for forming, the microstructural evolution of the ledeburitic AISI D2 tool steel in the semisolid state was studied experimentally. The potential of the direct partial remelting (DPRM) process for the production of AISI D2 with a uniform globular microstructure was revealed. The liquid fraction was determined using differential scanning calorimetry. The microstructures of the samples were investigated using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscopy analyser, while X-ray phase analysis was performed to identify the phase evolution and the type of carbides. Mechanical characterisation was completed by hardness measurements. The typical microstructure after DPRM consists of metastable austenite which was located particularly in the globular grains (average grain size about 50 μ m), while the remaining interspaces were filled by precipitated eutectic carbides on the grain boundaries and lamellar network.

Microstructural Evolution during DPRM Process of Semisolid Ledeburitic D2 Tool Steel

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

M. N. Mohammed

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Semisolid metal processing is a relatively new technology that offers several advantages over liquid processing and solid processing because of the unique behaviour and characteristic microstructure of metals in this state. With the aim of finding a minimum process chain for the manufacture of high-quality production at minimal cost for forming, the microstructural evolution of the ledeburitic AISI D2 tool steel in the semisolid state was studied experimentally. The potential of the direct partial remelting (DPRM process for the production of AISI D2 with a uniform globular microstructure was revealed. The liquid fraction was determined using differential scanning calorimetry. The microstructures of the samples were investigated using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscopy analyser, while X-ray phase analysis was performed to identify the phase evolution and the type of carbides. Mechanical characterisation was completed by hardness measurements. The typical microstructure after DPRM consists of metastable austenite which was located particularly in the globular grains (average grain size about 50 μm, while the remaining interspaces were filled by precipitated eutectic carbides on the grain boundaries and lamellar network.

Microstructural Evolution during DPRM Process of Semisolid Ledeburitic D2 Tool Steel

Science.gov (United States)

Mohammed, M. N.; Omar, M. Z.; Syarif, J.; Sajuri, Z.; Salleh, M. S.; Alhawari, K. S.

2013-01-01

Semisolid metal processing is a relatively new technology that offers several advantages over liquid processing and solid processing because of the unique behaviour and characteristic microstructure of metals in this state. With the aim of finding a minimum process chain for the manufacture of high-quality production at minimal cost for forming, the microstructural evolution of the ledeburitic AISI D2 tool steel in the semisolid state was studied experimentally. The potential of the direct partial remelting (DPRM) process for the production of AISI D2 with a uniform globular microstructure was revealed. The liquid fraction was determined using differential scanning calorimetry. The microstructures of the samples were investigated using an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectroscopy analyser, while X-ray phase analysis was performed to identify the phase evolution and the type of carbides. Mechanical characterisation was completed by hardness measurements. The typical microstructure after DPRM consists of metastable austenite which was located particularly in the globular grains (average grain size about 50 μm), while the remaining interspaces were filled by precipitated eutectic carbides on the grain boundaries and lamellar network. PMID:24223510

Quantitative data analysis methods for 3D microstructure characterization of Solid Oxide Cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jørgensen, Peter Stanley

through percolating networks and reaction rates at the triple phase boundaries. Quantitative analysis of microstructure is thus important both in research and development of optimal microstructure design and fabrication. Three dimensional microstructure characterization in particular holds great promise...... for gaining further fundamental understanding of how microstructure affects performance. In this work, methods for automatic 3D characterization of microstructure are studied: from the acquisition of 3D image data by focused ion beam tomography to the extraction of quantitative measures that characterize...... the microstructure. The methods are exemplied by the analysis of Ni-YSZ and LSC-CGO electrode samples. Automatic methods for preprocessing the raw 3D image data are developed. The preprocessing steps correct for errors introduced by the image acquisition by the focused ion beam serial sectioning. Alignment...

A model problem concerning ionic transport in microstructured solid electrolytes

Science.gov (United States)

Curto Sillamoni, Ignacio J.; Idiart, Martín I.

2015-11-01

We consider ionic transport by diffusion and migration through microstructured solid electrolytes. The assumed constitutive relations for the constituent phases follow from convex energy and dissipation potentials which guarantee thermodynamic consistency. The effective response is determined by homogenizing the relevant field equations via the notion ofmulti-scale convergence. The resulting homogenized response involves several effective tensors, but they all require the solution of just one standard conductivity problem over the representative volume element. A multi-scale model for semicrystalline polymer electrolytes with spherulitic morphologies is derived by applying the theory to a specific class of two-dimensional microgeometries for which the effective response can be computed exactly. An enriched model accounting for a random dispersion of filler particles with interphases is also derived. In both cases, explicit expressions for the effective material parameters are provided. The models are used to explore the effect of crystallinity and filler content on the overall response. Predictions support recent experimental observations on doped poly-ethylene-oxide systems which suggest that the anisotropic crystalline phase can actually support faster ion transport than the amorphous phase along certain directions dictated by the morphology of the polymeric chains. Predictions also support the viewpoint that ceramic fillers improve ionic conductivity and cation transport number via interphasial effects.

Review of mechanical properties and microstructures of types 304 and 316 stainless steel after long-term aging

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Horak, J.A.; Sikka, V.K.; Raske, D.T.

Because commercial liquid metal fast breeder reactors (LMFBRs) will be designed to last for 35 to 40 years, an understanding of the mechanical behavior of the structural alloys used is required for times of 2.2 to 2.5x10 5 h (assuming a 70% availability factor). Types 304 and 316 stainless steel are used extensively in LMFBR systems. These alloys are in a metastable state when installed and evolve to a more stable state and, therefore, microstructure during plant operation. Correlations of microstructures and mechanical properties during aging under representative LMFBR temperature and loading conditions is desirable from the standpoint of assuring safe, reliable, and economic plant operation. We reviewed the mechanical properties and microstructures of types 304 and 316 stainless steel wrought alloys, welds, and castings after long-term aging in air to 9x10 4 h (about 10-1/2 years). The principal effect of such aging is to reduce fracture toughness (as measured in Charpy impact tests) and tensile ductility. Examples are cited, however, where, because stable microstructures are achieved, these as well as strength-related properties can be expected to remain adequate for service life exposures. (author)

Growth and solid/solid transformation in a Ni-Si eutectic alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dutra, A.T. [Department of Materials Engineering, State University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6122, Campinas 13083-970, SP (Brazil); Ferrandini, P.L. [Department of Materials Engineering, State University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6122, Campinas 13083-970, SP (Brazil); Costa, C.A.R. [Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6154, Campinas 13083-970, SP (Brazil); Goncalves, M.C. [Institute of Chemistry, State University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6154, Campinas 13083-970, SP (Brazil); Caram, R. [Department of Materials Engineering, State University of Campinas, P.O. Box 6122, Campinas 13083-970, SP (Brazil)]. E-mail: rcaram@fem.unicamp.br

2005-08-16

High temperature structural components demand materials that maintain satisfactory mechanical and chemical characteristics. These needs may be met by applying some eutectic alloys, including Ni-Ni{sub 3}Si. This paper deals with the directional solidification of Ni-Ni{sub 3}Si grown under several growth rates. The analysis of the eutectic microstructure was carried out using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results obtained provided a precise analysis of the Ni{sub 3}Si phase. It could be noticed that the solid/solid transformations by which Ni{sub 3}Si phase goes through, deeply affects its morphology. In addition, quantitative information on the eutectic structure was obtained. It was confirmed that the growth rate variation deeply affects the final microstructure as it influences the efficiency of atomic diffusion along the solid/liquid interface.

Growth and solid/solid transformation in a Ni-Si eutectic alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dutra, A.T.; Ferrandini, P.L.; Costa, C.A.R.; Goncalves, M.C.; Caram, R.

2005-01-01

High temperature structural components demand materials that maintain satisfactory mechanical and chemical characteristics. These needs may be met by applying some eutectic alloys, including Ni-Ni 3 Si. This paper deals with the directional solidification of Ni-Ni 3 Si grown under several growth rates. The analysis of the eutectic microstructure was carried out using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). The results obtained provided a precise analysis of the Ni 3 Si phase. It could be noticed that the solid/solid transformations by which Ni 3 Si phase goes through, deeply affects its morphology. In addition, quantitative information on the eutectic structure was obtained. It was confirmed that the growth rate variation deeply affects the final microstructure as it influences the efficiency of atomic diffusion along the solid/liquid interface

Microstructural effects in drug release by solid and cellular polymeric dosage forms: A comparative study.

Science.gov (United States)

Blaesi, Aron H; Saka, Nannaji

2017-11-01

In recent studies, we have introduced melt-processed polymeric cellular dosage forms to achieve both immediate drug release and predictable manufacture. Dosage forms ranging from minimally-porous solids to highly porous, open-cell and thin-walled structures were prepared, and the drug release characteristics investigated as the volume fraction of cells and the excipient molecular weight were varied. In the present study, both minimally-porous solid and cellular dosage forms consisting of various weight fractions of Acetaminophen drug and polyethylene glycol (PEG) excipient are prepared and analyzed. Microstructures of the solid forms and the cell walls range from single-phase solid solutions of the excipient and a small amount of drug molecules to two-phase composites of the excipient and tightly packed drug particles. Results of dissolution experiments show that the minimally-porous solid forms disintegrate and release drug by slow surface erosion. The erosion rate decreases as the drug weight fraction is increased. By contrast, the open-cell structures disintegrate rapidly by viscous exfoliation, and the disintegration time is independent of drug weight fraction. Drug release models suggest that the solid forms erode by convective mass transfer of the faster-eroding excipient if the drug volume fraction is small. At larger drug volume fractions, however, the slower-eroding drug particles hinder access of the free-flowing fluid to the excipient, thus slowing down erosion of the composite. Conversely, the disintegration rate of the cellular forms is limited by diffusion of the dissolution fluid into the excipient phase of the thin cell walls. Because the wall thickness is of the order of the drug particle size, and the particles are enveloped by the excipient during melt-processing, the drug particles cannot hinder diffusion through the excipient across the walls. Thus the disintegration time of the cellular forms is mostly unaffected by the volume fraction of drug

Synthesis and characterization of type solid solution in the binary ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

We have investigated Bi2O3–Eu2O3 binary system by doping with Eu2O3 in the composition range from 1 to 10 mole% via solid state reactions and succeeded to stabilize -Bi2O3 ... Our experimental observations strongly suggested that oxygen deficiency type non-stoichiometry is present in doped type solid solutions.

Propagation of sech2-type solitary waves in higher-order KdV-type systems

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ilison, O.; Salupere, A.

2005-01-01

Wave propagation in microstructured media is essentially influenced by nonlinear and dispersive effects. The simplest model governing these effects results in the Korteweg-de Vries (KdV) equation. In the present paper a KdV-type evolution equation, including the third- and fifth-order dispersive and the fourth-order nonlinear terms, is used for modelling the wave propagation in microstructured solids like martensitic-austenitic alloys. The model equation is solved numerically under localised initial conditions. Possible solution types are defined and discussed. The existence of a threshold is established. Below the threshold, the relatively small solitary waves decay in time. However, if the amplitude exceeds a certain threshold, i.e., the critical value, then such a solitary wave can propagate with nearly a constant speed and amplitude and consequently conserve the energy

A simple model for the microstructural evolution of solids under irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Valentin, P.P.; Martin, G.

1982-01-01

The coupled evolutions of the void and dislocation populations in crystals under high-temperature irradiation are studied by a simple heuristic theoretical approach: rate equations are used for describing both defect concentrations and microstructural variables, and the trajectories of the point representative of the microstructure in the appropriate state space are studied. Qualitatively different microstructural evolutions are found depending on the irradiation flux and temperature. Non-trivial behaviours are revealed such as: transient swelling, effect of cold work on the incubation dose for swelling, large dose divergence of evolutions which looked similar at low dose (which should result in large swelling heterogeneities) and radiation-enhanced sintering. (author)

Multi-length scale tomography for the determination and optimization of the effective microstructural properties in novel hierarchical solid oxide fuel cell anodes

Science.gov (United States)

Lu, Xuekun; Taiwo, Oluwadamilola O.; Bertei, Antonio; Li, Tao; Li, Kang; Brett, Dan J. L.; Shearing, Paul R.

2017-11-01

Effective microstructural properties are critical in determining the electrochemical performance of solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), particularly when operating at high current densities. A novel tubular SOFC anode with a hierarchical microstructure, composed of self-organized micro-channels and sponge-like regions, has been fabricated by a phase inversion technique to mitigate concentration losses. However, since pore sizes span over two orders of magnitude, the determination of the effective transport parameters using image-based techniques remains challenging. Pioneering steps are made in this study to characterize and optimize the microstructure by coupling multi-length scale 3D tomography and modeling. The results conclusively show that embedding finger-like micro-channels into the tubular anode can improve the mass transport by 250% and the permeability by 2-3 orders of magnitude. Our parametric study shows that increasing the porosity in the spongy layer beyond 10% enhances the effective transport parameters of the spongy layer at an exponential rate, but linearly for the full anode. For the first time, local and global mass transport properties are correlated to the microstructure, which is of wide interest for rationalizing the design optimization of SOFC electrodes and more generally for hierarchical materials in batteries and membranes.

Relationship between microstructure and fracture types in a UNS S32205 duplex stainless steel

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Maria Victoria Biezma

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Duplex stainless steels are susceptible to the formation of sigma phase at high temperature which could potentially be responsible for catastrophic service failure of components. Thermal treatments were applied to duplex stainless steels in order to promote the precipitation of different fractions of sigma phase into a ferrite-austenite microstructure. Quantitative image analysis was employed to characterize the microstructure and Charpy impact tests were used in order to evaluate the mechanical degradation caused by sigma phase presence. The fracture morphology of the Charpy test specimens were thoroughly observed in SEM, looking for a correlation between the microstructure and the fracture types in UNS S32205 duplex stainless steel. The main conclusion is the strong embrittlement effect of sigma phase since it is possible to observe a transition from transgranular fracture to intergranular fracture as increases the percentage of sigma phase. Thus, the mixed modes of fracture are predominant in the present study with high dependence on sigma phase percentages obtained by different thermal treatments.

The Prediction Methods for Potential Suspended Solids Clogging Types during Managed Aquifer Recharge

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xinqiang Du

2014-04-01

Full Text Available The implementation and development of managed aquifer recharge (MAR have been limited by the clogging attributed to physical, chemical, and biological reactions. In application field of MAR, physical clogging is usually the dominant type. Although numerous studies on the physical clogging mechanism during MAR are available, studies on the more detailed suspended clogging types and its prediction methods still remain few. In this study, a series of column experiments were inducted to show the process of suspended solids clogging process. The suspended solids clogging was divided into three types of surface clogging, inner clogging and mixed clogging based on the different clogging characteristics. Surface clogging indicates that the suspended solids are intercepted by the medium surface when suspended solids grain diameter is larger than pore diameter of infiltration medium. Inner clogging indicates that the suspended solids particles could transport through the infiltration medium. Mixed clogging refers to the comprehensive performance of surface clogging and inner clogging. Each suspended solids clogging type has the different clogging position, different changing laws of hydraulic conductivity and different deposition profile of suspended solids. Based on the experiment data, the ratio of effective medium pore diameter (Dp and median grain size of suspended solids (d50 was proposed as the judgment index for suspended solids clogging types. Surface clogging occurred while Dp/d50 was less than 5.5, inner clogging occurred while Dp/d50 was greater than 180, and mixed clogging occurred while Dp/d50 was between 5.5 and 180. In order to improve the judgment accuracy and applicability, Bayesian method, which considered more ratios of medium pore diameter (Dp and different level of grain diameter of suspended solids (di, were developed to predict the potential suspended solids types.

Modeling the microstructural evolution during constrained sintering

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bjørk, Rasmus; Frandsen, Henrik Lund; Tikare, V.

A numerical model able to simulate solid state constrained sintering of a powder compact is presented. The model couples an existing kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) model for free sintering with a finite element (FE) method for calculating stresses on a microstructural level. The microstructural response...... to the stress field as well as the FE calculation of the stress field from the microstructural evolution is discussed. The sintering behavior of two powder compacts constrained by a rigid substrate is simulated and compared to free sintering of the same samples. Constrained sintering result in a larger number...

Tracking Solid Oxide Cell Microstructure Evolution by High Resolution 3D Nano-Tomography

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

De Angelis, Salvatore

. The degradation processes are mainly attributed to morphological changes occurring within the electrodes microstructure. Therefore, precise tracking of 3D microstructural evolution during operation is considered crucial to understanding the complex relationship between microstructure and performance. In this work......, X-ray ptychographic tomography is applied to SOC materials, demonstrating unprecedented spatial resolution and data quality. The eect of a complete redox cycle on the same Ni-YSZ microstructure is visualized ex-situ in 3D, showing major rearrangement of the nickel network after reduction......, the formation of cracks in the YSZ, and void formation in nickel oxide after oxidation. Capitalizing on the high resolution of ptychography, the eect of nickel coarsening on the Ni-YSZ microstructure evolution is studied ex-situ in three dimensions, while the sample is repeatedly scanned and treated at high...

Microstructural evolution and wear characteristics of equal channel angular pressing processed semi-solid-cast hypoeutectic aluminum alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Thuong, Nguyen Van; Zuhailawati, Hussain; Seman, Anasyida Abu; Huy, Tran Duc; Dhindaw, Brij Kumar

2015-01-01

Highlights: • We produced aluminum feedstock for ECAP by two casting techniques: conventional and with cooling slope. • Globular α-Al phase was found in cooling slope sample compared to dendritic in the conventional. • After ECAP uniform Si particles distribution and fine α-Al were observed for cooling slope. • We observed significant improvement in wear resistance of ECAPed sample produced by cooling slope. - Abstract: This work investigated the microstructural evolution of Al–7Si–Mg alloy cast semi-solid using a cooling slope as well as conventional casting followed by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) in a 120° die. Feed materials were prepared for ECAP by cooling slope casting and by conventional casting. The microstructure of the processed alloys extruded was observed by optical microscope and by transmission electron microscope, and their hardness and wear resistance were evaluated. After ECAP processing, the primary α-Al phase tended to be elongated while the Si particles became fragmented and more nearly globular in shape and uniform in size than in the as-cast sample. The microstructure of the cooling slope-cast ECAPed samples was more homogenous than that of the conventionally cast ECAPed sample. The α-Al phase sub-grains were refined to sub-micrometer sizes for samples cast by both methods after ECAP. The hardness of the cooling slope-cast ECAPed sample was also higher than that of the conventionally cast ECAPed sample. The wear resistance of the alloy improved after cooling slope casting and ECAP processing

Direct Simulation of Transport Properties from Three-Dimensional (3D) Reconstructed Solid-Oxide Fuel-Cell (SOFC) Electrode Microstructures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gunda, Naga Siva Kumar; Mitra, Sushanta K

2012-01-01

A well-known approach to develop a high efficiency solid-oxide fuel-cell (SOFC) consists of extracting the microstructure and transport properties such as volume fractions, internal surface area, geometric connectivity, effective gas diffusivity, effective electronic conductivity and geometric tortuosities from three-dimensional (3D) microstructure of the SOFC electrodes; thereafter, performing the SOFC efficiency calculations using previously mentioned quantities. In the present work, dual-beam focused ion beam - scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM) is applied on one of the SOFC cathodes, a lanthanum strontium manganite (LSM) electrode, to estimate the aforementioned properties. A framework for calculating transport properties is presented in this work. 3D microstructures of LSM electrode are reconstructed from a series of two-dimensional (2D) cross-sectional FIB-SEM images. Volume percentages of connected, isolated and dead-ends networks of pore and LSM phases are estimated. Different networks of pore and LSM phases are discretized with tetrahedral elements. Finally, the finite element method (FEM) is applied to calculate effective gas diffusivity and electronic conductivity of pore and LSM phases, respectively. Geometric tortuosities are estimated from the porosity and effective transport properties. The results obtained using FEM are compared with the finite volume method (FVM) results obtained by Gunda et al. [J. Power Sources, 196(7), 35929(2011)] and other numerical results obtained on randomly generated porous medium. Effect of consideration of dead-ends and isolated-ends networks on calculation of effective transport properties is studied.

Microstructural analysis of the type-II boundary region in Alloy 152 weld

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yoo, Seung Chang; Choi, Kyoung Joon; Kim, Ji Hyun [Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology, Ulsan (Korea, Republic of)

2014-10-15

The weld metals are more susceptible to SCC growth and that most cracks are blunted by the fusion boundary. However, they also found that some cracking occurs along the fusion boundary, often in an area with high hardness. Nelson et al. investigated a DMW of Monel 409 stainless steel and American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 1080 alloy and found a type-II boundary, which exists parallel to the fusion boundary in the dilution zone. They conclude that the type-II boundary is a potential path for crack growth. While there are several theories for the mechanisms of the type-II boundary formation, they conclude that the type-II boundary forms from the allotropic δ-γ transformation at the base metal in the elevated austenitic temperature range. As the operation time of nuclear power plants using DMWs of Alloy 152 and A533 Gr. B increases, these DMWs must be evaluated for their resistance to SCC for long-term operations. However, only few studies have investigated the thermal aging effects induced by long-term operations at high temperature. Type-II boundary is known as a potential crack path from the results of crack growth test at DMW without any heat treatment. So the analysis about type-II boundary with applying heat treatment could be helpful to evaluate the susceptibility to SCC of structural materials. The objective of this study is to analyze the detailed microstructure of the type-II boundary region in the DMW of Alloy 152 and A533 Gr. B, after applying heat treatment simulating thermal aging effect of a nuclear power plant operation condition to evaluate the susceptibility of this region to SCC. The microstructure of the type-II boundary region in the DMW of Alloy 152 and A533 Gr. B were analyzed with an energy dispersive x-ray spectroscope attached to a scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and a nanoindentation test. Microstructural, grain boundary orientation, nanohardness analysis were conducted in the type

Microstructural analysis of the type-II boundary region in Alloy 152 weld

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yoo, Seung Chang; Choi, Kyoung Joon; Kim, Ji Hyun

2014-01-01

The weld metals are more susceptible to SCC growth and that most cracks are blunted by the fusion boundary. However, they also found that some cracking occurs along the fusion boundary, often in an area with high hardness. Nelson et al. investigated a DMW of Monel 409 stainless steel and American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) 1080 alloy and found a type-II boundary, which exists parallel to the fusion boundary in the dilution zone. They conclude that the type-II boundary is a potential path for crack growth. While there are several theories for the mechanisms of the type-II boundary formation, they conclude that the type-II boundary forms from the allotropic δ-γ transformation at the base metal in the elevated austenitic temperature range. As the operation time of nuclear power plants using DMWs of Alloy 152 and A533 Gr. B increases, these DMWs must be evaluated for their resistance to SCC for long-term operations. However, only few studies have investigated the thermal aging effects induced by long-term operations at high temperature. Type-II boundary is known as a potential crack path from the results of crack growth test at DMW without any heat treatment. So the analysis about type-II boundary with applying heat treatment could be helpful to evaluate the susceptibility to SCC of structural materials. The objective of this study is to analyze the detailed microstructure of the type-II boundary region in the DMW of Alloy 152 and A533 Gr. B, after applying heat treatment simulating thermal aging effect of a nuclear power plant operation condition to evaluate the susceptibility of this region to SCC. The microstructure of the type-II boundary region in the DMW of Alloy 152 and A533 Gr. B were analyzed with an energy dispersive x-ray spectroscope attached to a scanning electron microscope (SEM-EDS), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and a nanoindentation test. Microstructural, grain boundary orientation, nanohardness analysis were conducted in the type

Diffusion and Interface Effects during Preparation of All-Solid Microstructured Fibers

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Kobelke Jens

2014-09-01

Full Text Available All-solid microstructured optical fibers (MOF allow the realization of very flexible optical waveguide designs. They are prepared by stacking of doped silica rods or canes in complex arrangements. Typical dopants in silica matrices are germanium and phosphorus to increase the refractive index (RI, or boron and fluorine to decrease the RI. However, the direct interface contact of stacking elements often causes interrelated chemical reactions or evaporation during thermal processing. The obtained fiber structures after the final drawing step thus tend to deviate from the targeted structure risking degrading their favored optical functionality. Dopant profiles and design parameters (e.g., the RI homogeneity of the cladding are controlled by the combination of diffusion and equilibrium conditions of evaporation reactions. We show simulation results of diffusion and thermal dissociation in germanium and fluorine doped silica rod arrangements according to the monitored geometrical disturbances in stretched canes or drawn fibers. The paper indicates geometrical limits of dopant structures in sub-µm-level depending on the dopant concentration and the thermal conditions during the drawing process. The presented results thus enable an optimized planning of the preform parameters avoiding unwanted alterations in dopant concentration profiles or in design parameters encountered during the drawing process.

Structural, microstructural and electrochemical properties of dispersed-type polymer nanocomposite films

Science.gov (United States)

Arya, Anil; Sharma, A. L.

2018-01-01

Free-standing solid polymer nanocomposite (PEO-PVC)  +  LiPF6-TiO2 films have been prepared through a standard solution-cast technique. The improvement in structural, microstructural and electrochemical properties has been observed on the dispersion of nanofiller in polymer salt complex. X-ray diffraction studies clearly reflect the formation of complex formation, as no corresponding salt peak appeared in the diffractograms. The Fourier transform infrared analysis suggested clear and convincing evidence of polymer-ion, ion-ion and polymer-ion-nanofiller interaction. The highest ionic conductivity of the prepared solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) films is ~5  ×  10-5 S cm-1 for 7 wt.% TiO2. The linear sweep voltammetry provides the electrochemical stability window of the prepared SPE films, about ~3.5 V. The ion transference number has been estimated, t ion  =  0.99 through the DC polarization technique. Dielectric spectroscopic studies were performed to understand the ion transport process in polymer electrolytes. All solid polymer electrolytes possess good thermal stability up to 300 °C. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis confirms the decrease of the melting temperature and signal of glass transition temperature with the addition of nanofiller, which indicates the decrease of crystallinity of the polymer matrix. An absolute correlation between diffusion coefficient (D), ion mobility (µ), number density (n), double-layer capacitance (C dl), glass transition temperature, melting temperature (T m), free ion area (%) and conductivity (σ) has been observed. A convincing model to study the role of nanofiller in a polymer salt complex has been proposed, which supports the experimental findings. The prepared polymer electrolyte system with significant ionic conductivity, high ionic transference number, and good thermal and voltage stability could be suggested as a potential candidate as electrolyte cum separator for the fabrication of a

Effect of Microstructure Evolution on the Overall Response of Porous-Plastic Solids

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Stefano Mariani

2010-02-01

Full Text Available Ductile fracture is the macroscopic result of a micromechanical process consisting in void nucleation and growth to coalescence. While growing in size, voids also evolve in shape because of the non-uniform deformation field in the surrounding material; this shape evolution is either disregarded or approximately accounted for by constitutive laws for porous-plastic solids. To assess the effect of void distortion on the overall properties of a porous-plastic material prior to any coalescence-dominated event, we here present a micromechanical study in which the void-containing material is treated as a two-phase (matrix and inclusion composite. A cylindrical representative volume element (RVE, featuring elliptic cross-section and containing a coaxial and confocal elliptic cylindrical cavity, is considered. In case of a matrix obeying J2 flow theory of plasticity, the overall yield domain and the evolution laws for the volume fraction and aspect ratio of the void are obtained. Under assigned strain histories, these theoretical findings are then compared to finite element unit-cell simulations, in order to assess the capability of the proposed results to track microstructure evolution. The improvements with respect to the customarily adopted Gurson’s model are also discussed.

Microstructure development and texture evolution of aluminum multi-port extrusion tube during the porthole die extrusion

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fan, X.H. [State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240 (China); Tang, D., E-mail: tangding@sjtu.edu.cn [State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240 (China); Fang, W.L.; Li, D.Y.; Peng, Y.H. [State Key Laboratory of Mechanical System and Vibration, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240 (China); School of Mechanical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai 200240 (China)

2016-08-15

Aluminum multi-port extrusion tube is processed by the porthole die extrusion and the internal tube walls are welded through the solid state metallurgical bonding. In order to observe the development of grains and their orientations under severe plastic deformation and solid state welding, the extrusion butt together with the die is quenched immediately after extrusion to preserve the grain structure in the processing. The forming histories of selected material points are obtained by analyzing the optical microscopy graph. The evolution of the microstructure along the forming path is characterized by electro backscattered diffraction. It is found that geometrical dynamic recrystallization happens in the process. Grains are elongated, scattered at the transition zone and shear intensive zone, and then pinched off when they are pushed out from the die orifice. The shear-type orientations are predominant at the surface layer on the longitudinal section of the tube web and have penetrated into the intermediate layer. The rolling-type orientations are formed at the central layer. Texture gradient through the thickness of the tube web is observed. And cube orientated grains are found at the seam weld region. - Highlights: •Microstructure of extrusion butt is preserved after the micro scale porthole die extrusion. •Grain morphology history along forming path is investigated. •Texture evolutions on three material flows are present. •Texture gradient exists on the longitudinal section of the internal wall of profile. •Rolling-type and cube textures are found at the solid state welding region.

Microstructure of rapidly solidified materials

Science.gov (United States)

Jones, H.

1984-07-01

The basic features of rapidly solidified microstructures are described and differences arising from alternative processing strategies are discussed. The possibility of achieving substantial undercooling prior to solidification in processes such as quench atomization and chill block melt spinning can give rise to striking microstructural transitions even when external heat extraction is nominally Newtonian. The increased opportunity in laser and electron beam surface melting for epitaxial growth on the parent solid at an accelerating rate, however, does not exclude the formation of nonequilibrium phases since the required undercooling can be locally attained at the solidification front which is itself advancing at a sufficiently high velocity. The effects of fluid flow indicated particularly in melt spinning and surface melting are additional to the transformational and heat flow considerations that form the present basis for interpretation of such microstructural effects.

Influence of mechanical and thermal treatments on microstructure and mechanical properties of titanium stabilized austenitic stainless steels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sidhom, H.

1983-12-01

Thermal and mechanical treatments for microstructure optimization in titanium stabilized austenitic stainless steels used in nuclear industry are examined. The steels studied Z10CNDT15-15B and Z6CNDT17-13 are of the type 15-15 Ti and 316 Ti. These treatments allow the elimination of casting heterogeneity produced by dendritic solidification, improve mechanical properties particularly creep and the best compromise between grain size solid solution of metal additions is obtained. Secondary precipitation of (TiMo)C on dislocations is improved by a previous strain hardening. The precipitation reinforce the good effect of strain hardening by stabilization of the microstructure producing a better resistance to recrystallization [fr

Direct comparison between X-ray nanotomography and scanning electron microscopy for the microstructure characterization of a solid oxide fuel cell anode

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Quey, R.; Suhonen, H.; Laurencin, J.; Cloetens, P.; Bleuet, P.

2013-01-01

X-ray computed nanotomography (nano-CT) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) have been applied to characterize the microstructure of a Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) anode. A direct comparison between the results of both methods is conducted on the same region of the microstructure to assess the spatial resolution of the nano-CT microstructure, SEM being taken as a reference. A registration procedure is proposed to find out the position of the SEM image within the nano-CT volume. It involves a second SEM observation, which is taken along an orthogonal direction and gives an estimate reference SEM image position, which is then refined by an automated optimization procedure. This enables an unbiased comparison between the cell porosity morphologies provided by both methods. In the present experiment, nano-CT is shown to underestimate the number of pores smaller than 1 μm and overestimate the size of the pores larger than 1.5 μm. - Highlights: ► X-ray computed nanotomography (nano-CT) and SEM are used to characterize an SOFC anode. ► A methodology is proposed to compare the nano-CT and SEM data on the same region. ► The spatial resolution of the nano-CT data is assessed from that comparison

Pore-structure and microstructural investigation of organomodified/Inorganic nano-montmorillonite cementitious nanocomposites

Science.gov (United States)

Papatzani, Styliani; Grammatikos, Sotirios; Adl-Zarrabi, Bijan; Paine, Kevin

2018-04-01

In the present paper, the effect of three different types of nano-montmorillonite dispersions (nMt) on the (i) microstructure as witnessed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, (ii) long term density measurements and (iii) pore structure as determined via Mercury Intrusion Porosimetry of Portland - limestone cement formulations have been compared, in an effort to determine the upper and lower bound of nMt addition in cementitious nanocomposites. The reference formulation, contained 60% PC and 40% LS by mass of binder aiming at the minimization of clinker and maximization of other constituents. Two aqueous organomodified NMt dispersions (one dispersed with non-ionic fatty alcohol and the other with anionic alkyl aryl sulphonate) and one aqueous inorganic NMt dispersion (dispersed with sodium tripolyphosphate) were added at 0.5, 1, 2, 4 and 5.5% by mass of solids as replacement of Portland cement. The water to solids ratio was kept constant at 0.3. The inorganic nMt showed the greatest potentials for microstructural enhancement. The way in which the level of the nMt platelet separation affected the pastes was discussed. The research reported was part of a much broader project supported by the EU.

Multiferroic properties in NdFeO3-PbTiO3 solid solutions

Science.gov (United States)

Kumar, Sunil; Pal, Jaswinder; Kaur, Shubhpreet; Agrawal, P.; Singh, Mandeep; Singh, Anupinder

2018-05-01

The x(NdFeO3) - 1-x(PbTiO3) where x = 0.2 solid solution was prepared using solid state reaction route. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) data reveals the single phase formation. The microstructure shows grain growth with lesser porosity. The energy dispersive analysis confirms the presence of elements in stochiometric proportion. The polarization vs. Electric field loop estabilished a ferroelectric type behavior but lossy in nature. This lossy nature may be due to the presence of large leakage current in solid solution. The Magnetization vs. Magnetic field plot exhibits a unsaturated hysteriss loop indicates that the sample is not purely ferromagnetic.

Microstructural degradation of Ni-YSZ anodes for solid oxide fuel cells

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Thyden, K.

2008-03-15

Ni-YSZ cermets have been used as anode materials in SOFCs for more than 20 years. Despite this fact, the major cause of degradation within the Ni-YSZ anode, namely Ni sintering / coarsening, is still not fully understood. Even if microstructural studies of anodes in tested cells are of technological relevance, it is difficult to identify the effect from isolated parameters such as temperature, fuel gas composition and polarization. Model studies of high temperature aged Ni-YSZ cermets are generally performed in atmospheres containing relatively low concentrations of H2O. In this work, the microstructural degradation in both electrochemically longterm tested cells and high-temperature aged model materials are studied. Since Ni particle sintering / coarsening is attributed to be the major cause of anode degradation, this subject attains the primary focus. A large part of the work is focused on improving microstructural techniques and shows that the application of low acceleration voltages (<= 1 kV) in a FE-SEM makes it possible to obtain two useful types of contrast between the phases in Ni-YSZ composites. By changing between the ordinary lateral SE detector and the inlens detector, using similar microscope settings, two very different sample characteristics are probed: 1) The difference in secondary emission coefficient, delta, between the percolating and non-percolating Ni is maximized in the low-voltage range due to a high delta for the former and the suppression of delta by a positive charge for the latter. This difference yields a contrast between the two phases which is picked up by an inlens secondary electron detector. 2) The difference in backscatter coefficient, eta, between Ni and YSZ is shown to increase with decreasing voltage. The contrast is illustrated in images collected by the normal secondary detector since parts of the secondary signals are generated by backscattered electrons. High temperature aging experiments of model Ni-YSZ anode cermets show

A review of microstructural analysis on U3Si2-Al plate-type fuel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ti Zhongxin; Guo Yibai

1995-12-01

The microstructure of U 3 Si 2 -Al plate-type fuel, that is the microstructure of fuel particles, compatibility of the fuel particles and Al matrix, fuel particles distribution, dogbone area morphology, clad and meat thickness, bone quality of clad/frame and clad/fuel core, and the effect of these factors on products quality were comprehensively investigated and analyzed by means of optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry (EDX), image processing technique, etc.. The main results are as following: U-7.7%Si alloy contains two phases: primary U 3 Si 2 and small amount of USi (about 12%), free-uranium was not detected in fuel particles; the dogbone area is the key factor affecting fuel plate quality (1 ref., 16 figs., 4 tabs.)

Triple phase boundary specific pathway analysis for quantitative characterization of solid oxide cell electrode microstructure

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jørgensen, Peter Stanley; Ebbehøj, Søren Lyng; Hauch, Anne

2015-01-01

of the pathways through which they can be reached. New methods for performing TPB specific pathway analysis on 3D image data are introduced, analyzing the pathway properties of each TPB site in the electrode structure. The methods seek to provide additional information beyond whether the TPB sites are percolating......The density and percolation of Triple phase boundary sites are important quantities in analyzing microstructures of solid oxide fuel cell electrodes from tomography data. However, these measures do not provide descriptions of the quality of the TPB sites in terms of the length and radius...... or not by also analyzing the pathway length to the TPB sites and the bottleneck radius of the pathway. We show how these methods can be utilized in quantifying and relating the TPB specific results to cell test data of an electrode reduction protocol study for Ni/Scandia-and-Yttria-doped-Zirconia (Ni...

Prospective use of the 3D printing technology for the microstructural engineering of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell components

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Hernández-Rodríguez, E. M.

2014-10-01

Full Text Available A cost-effective micro-manufacturing process to accurately build 3D microstructures for their prospective use in the fabrication of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells components has been tested. The 3D printing method, based on the stereolithography, allows solidifying layer by layer a dispersion of ceramic material in a liquid photosensitive organic monomer. A simple projector, a computer-controlled z-stage and a few PowerPoint slides may be used for the fabrication of a wide range of complex 3D microstructures in few minutes. In this work, 3D ceramic microstructures based on the yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ were successfully fabricated. The microstructured ceramic components produced were stable after sintering at 1400 ºC for 4 h. Impedance measurements show that the fabrication process does not have any detrimental effect on the electrical properties of the structured material.Se ha probado un método económico de microfabricación que permite construir con precisión microestructuras 3D para su potencial uso en la producción de componentes de pilas de combustible de óxidos sólidos. El método de impresión 3D basado en la estereolitografía, permite solidificar, capa por capa, una dispersión de material cerámico en un líquido que contiene un monómero orgánico fotosensible. Un simple proyector, una plataforma vertical automatizada y unas pocas imágenes de PowerPoint pueden ser utilizados para la fabricación de un amplio rango de estructuras complejas 3D en unos pocos minutos. En este trabajo se han fabricado con éxito microestructuras 3D basadas en la zirconia dopada con itria (YSZ. El material cerámico microestructurado producido se mantuvo estable después de sinterizarse a 1400 ºC durante 4 h. Las medidas de impedancia demostraron que el proceso de fabricación no tenía ningún efecto perjudicial en las propiedades eléctricas del material estructurado.

Concurrent multiscale modeling of microstructural effects on localization behavior in finite deformation solid mechanics

Science.gov (United States)

Alleman, Coleman N.; Foulk, James W.; Mota, Alejandro; Lim, Hojun; Littlewood, David J.

2018-02-01

The heterogeneity in mechanical fields introduced by microstructure plays a critical role in the localization of deformation. To resolve this incipient stage of failure, it is therefore necessary to incorporate microstructure with sufficient resolution. On the other hand, computational limitations make it infeasible to represent the microstructure in the entire domain at the component scale. In this study, the authors demonstrate the use of concurrent multiscale modeling to incorporate explicit, finely resolved microstructure in a critical region while resolving the smoother mechanical fields outside this region with a coarser discretization to limit computational cost. The microstructural physics is modeled with a high-fidelity model that incorporates anisotropic crystal elasticity and rate-dependent crystal plasticity to simulate the behavior of a stainless steel alloy. The component-scale material behavior is treated with a lower fidelity model incorporating isotropic linear elasticity and rate-independent J2 plasticity. The microstructural and component scale subdomains are modeled concurrently, with coupling via the Schwarz alternating method, which solves boundary-value problems in each subdomain separately and transfers solution information between subdomains via Dirichlet boundary conditions. In this study, the framework is applied to model incipient localization in tensile specimens during necking.

Rheological behavior of semi-solid 7075 aluminum alloy at steady state

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Li Yageng

2014-03-01

Full Text Available The further application of semi-solid processing lies in the in-depth fundamental study like rheological behavior. In this research, the apparent viscosity of the semi-solid slurry of 7075 alloy was measured using a Couette type viscometer. The effects of solid fraction and shearing rate on the apparent viscosity of this alloy were investigated under different processing conditions. It can be seen that the apparent viscosity increases with an increase in the solid fraction from 10% to 50% (temperature 620 篊 to 630 篊 at steady state. When the solid fraction was fixed, the apparent viscosity can be decreased by altering the shearing rate from 61.235 s-1 to 489.88 s-1 at steady state. An empirical equation that shows the effects of solid fraction and shearing rate on the apparent viscosity is fitted. The microstructure of quenched samples was examined to understand the alloy抯 rheological behavior.

Microencapsulated Comb-Like Polymeric Solid-Solid Phase Change Materials via In-Situ Polymerization

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Wei Li

2018-02-01

Full Text Available To enhance the thermal stability and permeability resistance, a comb-like polymer with crystallizable side chains was fabricated as solid-solid phase change materials (PCMs inside the cores of microcapsules and nanocapsules prepared via in-situ polymerization. In this study, the effects on the surface morphology and microstructure of micro/nanocapsules caused by microencapsulating different types of core materials (i.e., n-hexadecane, ethyl hexadecanoate, hexadecyl acrylate and poly(hexadecyl acrylate were systematically studied via field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM and transmission electron microscope (TEM. The confined crystallization behavior of comb-like polymer PCMs cores was investigated via differential scanning calorimeter (DSC. Comparing with low molecular organic PCMs cores, the thermal stability of PCMs microencapsulated comb-like polymer enhanced significantly, and the permeability resistance improved obviously as well. Based on these resultant analysis, the microencapsulated comb-like polymeric PCMs with excellent thermal stability and permeability resistance showed promising foreground in the field of organic solution spun, melt processing and organic coating.

On the propagation of solitary pulses in microstructured materials

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ilison, O.; Salupere, A.

2006-01-01

KdV-type evolution equation, including the third- and the fifth-order dispersive and the fourth-order nonlinear terms, is used for modelling the wave propagation in microstructured solids like martensitic-austenitic alloys. The character of the dispersion depends on the signs of the third- and the fifth-order dispersion parameters. In the present paper the model equation is solved numerically under localised initial conditions in the case of mixed dispersion, i.e., the character of dispersion is normal for some wavenumbers and anomalous for others. Two types of solution are defined and discussed. Relatively small solitary waves result in irregular solution. However, if the amplitude exceeds a certain threshold a solution having regular time-space behaviour emerges. The latter has tree sub-types: 'plaited' solitons, two solitary waves and single solitary wave. Depending on the value of the amplitude of the initial pulse these sub-types can appear alone or in a certain sequence

Diffraction analysis of the microstructure of materials

CERN Document Server

Scardi, Paolo

2004-01-01

Diffraction Analysis of the Microstructure of Materials provides an overview of diffraction methods applied to the analysis of the microstructure of materials. Since crystallite size and the presence of lattice defects have a decisive influence on the properties of many engineering materials, information about this microstructure is of vital importance in developing and assessing materials for practical applications. The most powerful and usually non-destructive evaluation techniques available are X-ray and neutron diffraction. The book details, among other things, diffraction-line broadening methods for determining crystallite size and atomic-scale strain due, e.g. to dislocations, and methods for the analysis of residual (macroscale) stress. The book assumes only a basic knowledge of solid-state physics and supplies readers sufficient information to apply the methods themselves.

Design and Characterisation of Solid Electrolytes for All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Sveinbjörnsson, Dadi Þorsteinn

The development of all-solid-state lithium batteries, in which the currently used liquid electrolytes are substituted for solid electrolyte materials, could lead to safer batteries offering higher energy densities and longer cycle lifetimes. Designing suitable solid electrolytes with sufficient...... chemical and electrochemical stability, high lithium ion conduction and negligible electronic conduction remains a challenge. The highly lithium ion conducting LiBH4-LiI solid solution is a promising solid electrolyte material. Solid solutions with a LiI content of 6.25%-50% were synthesised by planetary......-rich microstructures during ball milling is found to significantly influence the conductivity of the samples. The long-range diffusion of lithium ions was measured using quasi-elastic neutron scattering. The solid solutions are found to exhibit two-dimensional conduction in the hexagonal plane of the crystal structure...

GENERAL P, TYPE-I S, AND TYPE-II S WAVES IN ANELASTIC SOLIDS; INHOMOGENEOUS WAVE FIELDS IN LOW-LOSS SOLIDS.

Science.gov (United States)

Borcherdt, Roger D.; Wennerberg, Leif

1985-01-01

The physical characteristics for general plane-wave radiation fields in an arbitrary linear viscoelastic solid are derived. Expressions for the characteristics of inhomogeneous wave fields, derived in terms of those for homogeneous fields, are utilized to specify the characteristics and a set of reference curves for general P and S wave fields in arbitrary viscoelastic solids as a function of wave inhomogeneity and intrinsic material absorption. The expressions show that an increase in inhomogeneity of the wave fields cause the velocity to decrease, the fractional-energy loss (Q** minus **1) to increase, the deviation of maximum energy flow with respect to phase propagation to increase, and the elliptical particle motions for P and type-I S waves to approach circularity. Q** minus **1 for inhomogeneous type-I S waves is shown to be greater than that for type-II S waves, with the deviation first increasing then decreasing with inhomogeneity. The mean energy densities (kinetic, potential, and total), the mean rate of energy dissipation, the mean energy flux, and Q** minus **1 for inhomogeneous waves are shown to be greater than corresponding characteristics for homogeneous waves, with the deviations increasing as the inhomogeneity is increased for waves of fixed maximum displacement amplitude.

Microstructure and Hardness of Mg - 9Li - 6Al Alloy After Different Variants of Solid Solution Treatment

Science.gov (United States)

Zheng, Haipeng; Fei, Pengfei; Wu, Ruizhi; Hou, Legan; Zhang, Milin

2018-03-01

The microstructure and the hardness of cast magnesium alloy Mg - 9% Li - 6% Al are studied after a treatment for solid solution at 300, 350, and 450°C for 0.5 - 5 h. The phase composition of the alloy is represented by α-Mg, β-Li, thin-plate and faceted particles of an AlLi phase, and particles of a MgLi2Al θ-phase. The θ-phase dissolves in the matrix in the initial stage of the solution treatment, which causes growth in the hardness of the alloy. At a temperature above 350°C the AlLi phase dissolves giving way to short rod-like precipitates of a θ-phase, which remain steady in the process of solution treatment. The hardness of the alloy deceases in this stage for this reason.

Influence of ceramic particulate type on microstructure and tensile strength of aluminum matrix composites produced using friction stir processing

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

I. Dinaharan

2016-06-01

Full Text Available Friction stir processing (FSP was applied to produce aluminum matrix composites (AMCs. Aluminum alloy AA6082 was used as the matrix material. Various ceramic particles, such as SiC, Al2O3, TiC, B4C and WC, were used as reinforcement particle. AA6082 AMCs were produced using a set of optimized process parameters. The microstructure was studied using optical microscopy, filed emission scanning electron microscopy and electron back scattered diagram. The results indicated that the type of ceramic particle did not considerably vary the microstructure and ultimate tensile strength (UTS. Each type of ceramic particle provided a homogeneous dispersion in the stir zone irrespective of the location and good interfacial bonding. Nevertheless, AA6082/TiC AMC exhibited superior hardness and wear resistance compared to other AMCs produced in this work under the same set of experimental conditions. The strengthening mechanisms and the variation in the properties are correlated to the observed microstructure. The details of fracture mode are further presented.

Experimental investigation of thixoforging process on microstructure and mechanical properties of the centrifugal pump flange

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kazemi, A.; Nourouzi, S.; Gorji, A. [Babol University of Technology, Babol (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Kolahdooz, A. [Islamic Azad University, Isfahan (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2015-07-15

In this paper, a thixoforging method is studied as one of the semi-solid forming processes. At the first step, the influence of semi-solid temperature, holding time, and ram speed of the hydraulic press are investigated on microstructure and mechanical properties of thixoforged A356 aluminum alloy parts. For this purpose, the slope plate casted billets are heated up to semi-solid temperature of 580, 590, and 600 .deg. C and holding time of 5, 10, and 15 minutes and then are deformed using the press with ram speeds of 1, 3 and 5 mm/s. Results show that the best mechanical properties are related to the thixoforged specimen with the finest microstructure which is thixoforged at semi-solid temperature of 600 .deg. C, holding time of 5 minutes and ram speed of 5 mm/s. Afterwards, the T6 heat treatment is performed to improve mechanical properties of parts produced by thixoforging process. At the final step of experiments in order to investigate the effect of using slope plate prior to reheating on microstructure and mechanical properties, semi-solid forging is done by using the gravity casted billet.

Microstructures and phase formation in rapidly solidified Sm-Fe alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shield, J.E.; Kappes, B.B.; Meacham, B.E.; Dennis, K.W.; Kramer, M.J.

2003-01-01

Sm-Fe-based alloys were produced by melt spinning with various melt spinning parameters and alloying additions. The structural and microstructural evolution varied and strongly depended on processing and alloy composition. The microstructural scale was found to vary from micron to nanometer scale depending on the solidification rate and alloying additions. Additions of Si, Ti, V, Zr and Nb with C were all found to refine the scale, and the degree of refinement was dependent on the atomic size of the alloying agent. The alloying was also found to affect the dynamical aspects of the melt spinning process, although in general the material is characterized by a poor melt stream and pool, which in part contributes to the microstructural variabilities. The alloying additions also suppressed the long-range ordering, leading to formation of the TbCu 7 -type structure. The ordering was recoverable upon heat treatment, although the presence of alloying agents suppressed the recovery process relative to the binary alloy. This was attributed to the presence of Ti (V, Nb, Zr) in solid solution, which limited the diffusion kinetics necessary for ordering. In the binary alloy, the ordering led to the development of antiphase domain structures, with the antiphase boundaries effectively pinning Bloch walls

Power laws and elastic nonlinearity in materials with complex microstructure

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Scalerandi, M., E-mail: marco.scalerandi@infm.polito.it

2016-01-28

Nonlinear ultrasonic methods have been widely used to characterize the microstructure of damaged solids and consolidated granular media. Besides distinguishing between materials exhibiting classical nonlinear behaviors from those exhibiting hysteresis, it could be of importance the discrimination between ultrasonic indications from different physical sources (scatterers). Elastic hysteresis could indeed be due to dislocations, grain boundaries, stick-slip at interfaces, etc. Analyzing data obtained on various concrete samples, we show that the power law behavior of the nonlinear indicator vs. the energy of excitation could be used to classify different microscopic features. In particular, the power law exponent ranges between 1 and 3, depending on the nature of nonlinearity. We also provide a theoretical interpretation of the collected data using models for clapping and hysteretic nonlinearities. - Highlights: • Several materials exhibit a nontrivial nonlinear elastic behavior which can be ascribed to different physical sources. • The quantitative nonlinear response is dependent on the type of microstructure present in the material. • A nonlinear indicator could be defined which depends on the excitation energy of the sample. • Assuming a power law dependence, the exponent depends on the microstructure of the material and could evolve in time. • Experimental results on concrete are discussed and a theoretical description is proposed.

Impact of solid second phases on deformation mechanisms of naturally deformed salt rocks (Kuh-e-Namak, Dashti, Iran) and rheological stratification of the Hormuz Salt Formation

Science.gov (United States)

Závada, P.; Desbois, G.; Urai, J. L.; Schulmann, K.; Rahmati, M.; Lexa, O.; Wollenberg, U.

2015-05-01

Viscosity contrasts displayed in flow structures of a mountain namakier (Kuh-e-Namak - Dashti), between 'weak' second phase bearing rock salt and 'strong' pure rock salt types are studied for deformation mechanisms using detailed quantitative microstructural study. While the solid inclusions rich ("dirty") rock salts contain disaggregated siltstone and dolomite interlayers, "clean" salts reveal microscopic hematite and remnants of abundant fluid inclusions in non-recrystallized cores of porphyroclasts. Although the flow in both, the recrystallized "dirty" and "clean" salt types is accommodated by combined mechanisms of pressure-solution creep (PS), grain boundary sliding (GBS), transgranular microcracking and dislocation creep accommodated grain boundary migration (GBM), their viscosity contrasts observed in the field outcrops are explained by: 1) enhanced ductility of "dirty" salts due to increased diffusion rates along the solid inclusion-halite contacts than along halite-halite contacts, and 2) slow rates of intergranular diffusion due to dissolved iron and inhibited dislocation creep due to hematite inclusions for "clean" salt types Rheological contrasts inferred by microstructural analysis between both salt rock classes apply in general for the "dirty" salt forming Lower Hormuz and the "clean" salt forming the Upper Hormuz of the Hormuz Formation and imply strain rate gradients or decoupling along horizons of mobilized salt types of different composition and microstructure.

Review of effects of long-term aging on the mechanical properties and microstructures of Types 304 and 316 stainless steel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Horak, J.A.; Sikka, V.K.; Raske, D.T.

1985-01-01

Because commercial liquid metal fast breeder reactor (LMFBR) are designed to last for 40 years or more, an understanding of the mechanical behavior of the structural alloys used in them is required for times on the order of 2.5 x 10 5 h (assuming a 70% availability factor). Types 304 and 316 stainless steel are used extensively in LMFBR systems. At the beginning of life these alloys are in a metastable state and evolve to a more stable state and, therefore, more stable microstructure during plant operation. Correlations of microstructures and mechanical properties during aging under representative LMFBR temperature and loading conditions are desirable from the standpoint of assuring safe, reliable, and economic plant operation. We reviewed the mechanical properties and microstructures of types 304 and 316 stainless steel wrought alloys after long-term aging in air for times up to 9 x 10 4 h (about 10-1/2 years). The principal effect of such aging is to reduce low temperature fracture toughness (as measured by Charpy impact test) and tensile ductility. Examples are cited, however, where, because stable microstructures are achieved, these as well as strength-related properties can be expected to remain adequate for anticipated service life conditions. 16 refs., 19 figs

Characterization, Microstructure, and Dielectric properties of cubic pyrochlore structural ceramics

KAUST Repository

Li, Yangyang

2013-05-01

The (BMN) bulk materials were sintered at 1050°C, 1100°C, 1150°C, 1200°C by the conventional ceramic process, and their microstructure and dielectric properties were investigated by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) (including the X-ray energy dispersive spectrometry EDS and high resolution transmission electron microscopy HRTEM) and dielectric impedance analyzer. We systematically investigated the structure, dielectric properties and voltage tunable property of the ceramics prepared at different sintering temperatures. The XRD patterns demonstrated that the synthesized BMN solid solutions had cubic phase pyrochlore-type structure when sintered at 1050°C or higher, and the lattice parameter (a) of the unit cell in BMN solid solution was calculated to be about 10.56Å. The vibrational peaks observed in the Raman spectra of BMN solid solutions also confirmed the cubic phase pyrochlore-type structure of the synthesized BMN. According to the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images, the grain size increased with increasing sintering temperature. Additionally, it was shown that the densities of the BMN ceramic tablets vary with sintering temperature. The calculated theoretical density for the BMN ceramic tablets sintered at different temperatures is about 6.7521 . The density of the respective measured tablets is usually amounting more than 91% and 5 approaching a maximum value of 96.5% for sintering temperature of 1150°C. The microstructure was investigated by using Scanning Transmission Electron Microscope (STEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD). Combined with the results obtained from the STEM and XRD, the impact of sintering temperature on the macroscopic and microscopic structure was discussed. The relative dielectric constant ( ) and dielectric loss ( ) of the BMN solid solutions were measured to be 161-200 and (at room temperature and 100Hz-1MHz), respectively. The BMN solid

Multiple solid pilocytic astrocytomas in cerebleiium with neurofibromatosis type: A case report

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Choi, Seo Young; Kim, Myung Soon; Kim, Young Ju

2014-01-01

Pilocytic astrocytoma usually has a classic imaging manifestation of a solitary, cyst-like mass with a strong contrast-enhancing mural nodule. There is only one published report so far of multiple solid and cyst type pilocytic astrocytomas in the cerebellum in neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) patient from the United States in 2007. We report a case of pilocytic astrocytoma presenting with only solid, multiple pilocytic astrocytomas in the cerebellum in NF1 patient.

TEM Characterization of High Burn-up Microstructure of U-7Mo Alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jian Gan; Brandon Miller; Dennis Keiser; Adam Robinson; James Madden; Pavel Medvedev; Daniel Wachs

2014-04-01

As an essential part of global nuclear non-proliferation effort, the RERTR program is developing low enriched U-Mo fuels (< 20% U-235) for use in research and test reactors that currently employ highly enriched uranium fuels. One type of fuel being developed is a dispersion fuel plate comprised of U-7Mo particles dispersed in Al alloy matrix. Recent TEM characterizations of the ATR irradiated U-7Mo dispersion fuel plates include the samples with a local fission densities of 4.5, 5.2, 5.6 and 6.3 E+21 fissions/cm3 and irradiation temperatures of 101-136?C. The development of the irradiated microstructure of the U-7Mo fuel particles consists of fission gas bubble superlattice, large gas bubbles, solid fission product precipitates and their association to the large gas bubbles, grain subdivision to tens or hundreds of nanometer size, collapse of bubble superlattice, and amorphisation. This presentation will describe the observed microstructures specifically focusing on the U-7Mo fuel particles. The impact of the observed microstructure on the fuel performance and the comparison of the relevant features with that of the high burn-up UO2 fuels will be discussed.

Microstructural abnormalities in white and gray matter in obese adolescents with and without type 2 diabetes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Arie Nouwen

Full Text Available Aims/hypotheses: In adults, type 2 diabetes and obesity have been associated with structural brain changes, even in the absence of dementia. Some evidence suggested similar changes in adolescents with type 2 diabetes but comparisons with a non-obese control group have been lacking. The aim of the current study was to examine differences in microstructure of gray and white matter between adolescents with type 2 diabetes, obese adolescents and healthy weight adolescents. Methods: Magnetic resonance imaging data were collected from 15 adolescents with type 2 diabetes, 21 obese adolescents and 22 healthy weight controls. Volumetric differences in the gray matter between the three groups were examined using voxel based morphology, while tract based spatial statistics was used to examine differences in the microstructure of the white matter. Results: Adolescents with type 2 diabetes and obese adolescents had reduced gray matter volume in the right hippocampus, left putamen and caudate, bilateral amygdala and left thalamus compared to healthy weight controls. Type 2 diabetes was also associated with significant regional changes in fractional anisotropy within the corpus callosum, fornix, left inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, left uncinate, left internal and external capsule. Fractional anisotropy reductions within these tracts were explained by increased radial diffusivity, which may suggest demyelination of white matter tracts. Mean diffusivity and axial diffusivity did not differ between the groups. Conclusion/interpretation: Our data shows that adolescent obesity alone results in reduced gray matter volume and that adolescent type 2 diabetes is associated with both white and gray matter abnormalities. Keywords: Type 2 diabetes, Obesity, White matter, Gray matter, Demyelination

Microstructure-modified biodegradable magnesium alloy for promoting cytocompatibility and wound healing in vitro.

Science.gov (United States)

Lin, Da-Jun; Hung, Fei-Yi; Yeh, Ming-Long; Lui, Truan-Sheng

2015-10-01

The microstructure of biomedical magnesium alloys has great influence on anti-corrosion performance and biocompatibility. In practical application and for the purpose of microstructure modification, heat treatments were chosen to provide widely varying microstructures. The aim of the present work was to investigate the influence of the microstructural parameters of an Al-free Mg-Zn-Zr alloy (ZK60), and the corresponding heat-treatment-modified microstructures on the resultant corrosion resistance and biological performance. Significant enhancement in corrosion resistance was obtained in Al-free Mg-Zn-Zr alloy (ZK60) through 400 °C solid-solution heat treatment. It was found that the optimal condition of solid-solution treatment homogenized the matrix and eliminated internal defects; after which, the problem of unfavorable corrosion behavior was improved. Further, it was also found that the Mg ion-release concentration from the modified ZK60 significantly induced the cellular activity of fibroblast cells, revealing in high viability value and migration ability. The experimental evidence suggests that this system can further accelerate wound healing. From the perspective of specific biomedical applications, this research result suggests that the heat treatment should be applied in order to improve the biological performance.

Sintered Cathodes for All-Solid-State Structural Lithium-Ion Batteries

Science.gov (United States)

Huddleston, William; Dynys, Frederick; Sehirlioglu, Alp

2017-01-01

All-solid-state structural lithium ion batteries serve as both structural load-bearing components and as electrical energy storage devices to achieve system level weight savings in aerospace and other transportation applications. This multifunctional design goal is critical for the realization of next generation hybrid or all-electric propulsion systems. Additionally, transitioning to solid state technology improves upon battery safety from previous volatile architectures. This research established baseline solid state processing conditions and performance benchmarks for intercalation-type layered oxide materials for multifunctional application. Under consideration were lithium cobalt oxide and lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide. Pertinent characteristics such as electrical conductivity, strength, chemical stability, and microstructure were characterized for future application in all-solid-state structural battery cathodes. The study includes characterization by XRD, ICP, SEM, ring-on-ring mechanical testing, and electrical impedance spectroscopy to elucidate optimal processing parameters, material characteristics, and multifunctional performance benchmarks. These findings provide initial conditions for implementing existing cathode materials in load bearing applications.

Experimental microstructures MOX fuels elaboration

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gotta, M.J.; Dubois, S.; Lechelle, J.; Sornay, P.

2000-01-01

In order to propose a new MOX fuel, owning higher combustion rate, studies are realized at the CEA in collaboration with Cogema, EDF and Framatome. New microstructures of MOX are looked for around two approaches: the grains size and the plutonium distribution. These approaches are presented and discussed in this paper. The first one develops big grains microstructures obtained, either with anionic (sulfur), or cationic (Cr 2 O 3 ) additives. The second one concerns the CER-CER type composite microstructures. (A.L.B.)

Microstructural effects on the overall poroelastic properties of saturated porous media

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bouhlel, M; Jamei, M; Geindreau, C

2010-01-01

At the macroscopic scale, the quasi-static deformation of an elastic porous medium saturated by an incompressible Newtonian fluid is described by the well-known Biot's model, which involves four effective parameters. In this work, the three effective poroelastic properties and the permeability of two periodic microstructures of saturated cohesive granular media, i.e. simple cubic (SC) and body-centered cubic (BCC) arrays of overlapping spheres, are computed by solving, over the representative elementary volume, boundary-value problems arising from the homogenization process. The influence of microstructure properties, i.e. solid volume fraction, arrangement of spheres, number of contacts as well as the intrinsic properties of the solid phase on the overall properties, is highlighted. Numerical results are then compared with rigorous bounds, self-consistent estimations, exact expansions and experimental results on ceramics and metals available in the literature. Finally, the capability of the obtained results on such periodic microstructures to describe the poroelastic properties of real porous media is discussed

Influence of industrial solid waste addition on properties of soil-cement bricks

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

F. B. Siqueira

Full Text Available Abstract The reuse of pollutant solid wastes produced in distinct industrial activities (avian eggshell waste and welding flux slag waste as a source of alternative raw material for producing soil-cement bricks for civil construction was investigated. Soil-cement bricks containing up to 30 wt% of industrial solid waste were uniaxially pressed and cured for 28 days. Special emphasis is given on the influence of solid waste addition on the technical properties (as such volumetric shrinkage, water absorption, bulk density, durability, and compressive strength, microstructure and mineral phases of soil-cement bricks. Microstructural evolution was evaluated via confocal microscopy. The experimental results showed that the solid wastes behave as charge material and influenced both technical properties and microstructure of the soil-cement bricks. It was found that up to 15 wt% of welding flux slag waste and up to 30 wt% of avian eggshell waste could be added into the soil-cement bricks for use as building material.

Microstructure, texture and oral processing: New ways to reduce sugar and salt in foods

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Stieger, M.A.; Velde, van de F.

2013-01-01

Food oral processing as the bridge between food texture, microstructure and sensory perception has gained enormous interest in the last decade. This review provides an overview of the role of the microstructure of soft- and semi-solid foods in food oral processing and sensory perception. Phase

Phase Evolution and Mechanical Behavior of the Semi-Solid SIMA Processed 7075 Aluminum Alloy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Behzad Binesh

2016-02-01

Full Text Available Microstructural and mechanical behaviors of semi-solid 7075 aluminum alloy were investigated during semi-solid processing. The strain induced melt activation (SIMA process consisted of applying uniaxial compression strain at ambient temperature and subsequent semi-solid treatment at 600–620 °C for 5–35 min. Microstructures were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM, energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS, and X-ray diffraction (XRD. During the isothermal heating, intermetallic precipitates were gradually dissolved through the phase transformations of α-Al + η (MgZn2 → liquid phase (L and then α-Al + Al2CuMg (S + Mg2Si → liquid phase (L. However, Fe-rich precipitates appeared mainly as square particles at the grain boundaries at low heating temperatures. Cu and Si were enriched at the grain boundaries during the isothermal treatment while a significant depletion of Mg was also observed at the grain boundaries. The mechanical behavior of different SIMA processed samples in the semi-solid state were investigated by means of hot compression tests. The results indicated that the SIMA processed sample with near equiaxed microstructure exhibits the highest flow resistance during thixoforming which significantly decreases in the case of samples with globular microstructures. This was justified based on the governing deformation mechanisms for different thixoformed microstructures.

Microstructure and wear behavior of stellite 6 cladding on 17-4 PH stainless steel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gholipour, A. [Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Shamanian, M., E-mail: shamanian@cc.iut.ac.ir [Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Ashrafizadeh, F. [Department of Materials Engineering, Isfahan University of Technology, Isfahan 84156-83111 (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2011-04-07

Research highlights: > The microstructure of the surface layer consisted of carbides embedded in a Co-rich solid solution with dendritic structure. Primary phases formed during the process were identified as Co(FCC) and lamellar eutectic phases (M{sub 23}C{sub 6}, M{sub 6}C, Cr{sub 7}C{sub 3}). > Microhardness profiles showed that hardness increases from interface to the coating surface. This is due to the finer size of the grains at coating surface in comparison to that at interface and also diffusion of Fe adjacent to the interface. > The delamination was suggested as the dominant mechanism of the wear. In this regard, plate-like wear debris consisted of voids and cracks. In addition, due to increase in surface temperature, Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} oxide phase was formed during wear tests. - Abstract: This paper deals with the investigation of the microstructure and wear behavior of the stellite 6 cladding on precipitation hardening martensitic stainless steel (17-4PH) using gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) method. 17-4 PH stainless steel is widely used in oil and gas industries. Optical metallography, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) were employed to study the microstructure and wear mechanisms. X-ray diffraction analysis was also used to identify phases formed in the coating. The results showed that the microstructure of the surface layer consisted of carbides embedded in a Co-rich solid solution with a dendritic structure. In addition, the dendritic growth in the coating was epitaxial. Primary phases formed during the process were Co (fcc), Co (hcp), lamellar eutectic phases, M{sub 23}C{sub 6} and Cr{sub 7}C{sub 3} type carbides. The results of the wear tests indicated that the delamination was the dominant mechanism. So, it is necessary to apply an inter-layer between the substrate and top coat.

Evidence for vitreous type orientational ordering in solid hydrogen and deuterium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Devoret, M.

1982-09-01

This shown a new region in the concentration-temperature phase diagram for solid mixtures of ortho and para-hydrogen. This region is characterized by a vitreous type orientational, ordering, with the quadrupoles of the ortho molecules frozen in a random fashion. This new vitreous state is called a quadrupolar glass, with the degrees of freedom of quadrupolar moments frozen in solid hydrogen [fr

Laser-induced microstructural development and phase evolution in magnesium alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Guan, Y.C.; Zhou, W.; Li, Z.L.; Zheng, H.Y.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Secondary phase evolution caused by laser processing was firstly reported. • Microstructure development was controlled by heat flow thermodynamics and kinetics. • Solid-state transformation resulted in submicron and nano-scale precipitates. • Cluster-shaped particles in overlapped region were due to precipitation coarsening. • Properties of materials can be tailored selectively by laser processing. -- Abstract: Secondary phase plays an important role in determining microstructures and properties of magnesium alloys. This paper focuses on laser-induced microstructure development and secondary phase evolution in AZ91D Mg alloy studied by SEM, TEM and EDS analyses. Compared to bulk shape and lamellar structure of the secondary phase in as-received cast material, rapid-solidified microstructures with various morphologies including nano-precipitates were observed in laser melt zone. Formation mechanisms of microstructural evolution and effect of phase development on surface properties were further discussed

The microstructure of mechanically alloyed Al-Mg determined by X-ray diffraction peak profile analysis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gubicza, J.; Kassem, M.; Ribarik, G.; Ungar, T

2004-05-15

The effect of the nominal Mg content and the milling time on the microstructure and the hardness of mechanically alloyed Al-rich Al-Mg solid solutions is studied. The crystallite size distribution and the dislocation structure are characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) peak profile analysis and the hardness is obtained from depth-sensing indentation tests. Magnesium gradually goes into solid solution during ball milling and after 3 h an almost complete solid solution is attained. With increasing milling time, the Mg concentration in solid solution, the dislocation density and the hardness increase, whereas the crystallite size decreases. A similar tendency of these parameters is observed at a particular duration of ball milling with increasing nominal Mg content. After 3 h milling there are no changes in both the microstructure and the hardness.

Electron backscatter diffraction as a useful method for alloys microstructure characterization

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Klimek, Leszek; Pietrzyk, Bozena

2004-11-17

Microstructure examination of cast Co-Cr-Mo alloy is presented in this paper. The surface morphology and chemical composition of the alloy were investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis (EDX). An identification of alloy phases was carried out using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Two different kinds of precipitates in metallic matrix were found. They were identified as MC and M{sub 23}C{sub 6} type of carbides in Co-lattice solid solution. The advantages and limits of the EBSD method are described. It is presented that EBSD, as excellent tool for phase identification, is a valuable supplementary method for materials research.

Modeling solid-fuel dispersal during slow loss-of-flow-type transients

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

DiMelfi, R.J.; Fenske, G.R.

1981-01-01

The dispersal, under certain accident conditions, of solid particles of fast-reactor fuel is examined in this paper. In particular, we explore the possibility that solid-fuel fragmentation and dispersal can be driven by expanding fission gas, during a slow LOF-type accident. The consequences of fragmentation are studied in terms of the size and speed of dispersed particles, and the overall quantity of fuel moved. (orig.)

Quantum Dots Microstructured Optical Fiber for X-Ray Detection

Science.gov (United States)

DeHaven, Stan; Williams, Phillip; Burke, Eric

2015-01-01

Microstructured optical fibers containing quantum dots scintillation material comprised of zinc sulfide nanocrystals doped with magnesium sulfide are presented. These quantum dots are applied inside the microstructured optical fibers using capillary action. The x-ray photon counts of these fibers are compared to the output of a collimated CdTe solid state detector over an energy range from 10 to 40 keV. The results of the fiber light output and associated effects of an acrylate coating and the quantum dot application technique are discussed.

Study on the Microstructure and Liquid Phase Formation in a Semisolid Gray Cast Iron

Science.gov (United States)

Benati, Davi Munhoz; Ito, Kazuhiro; Kohama, Kazuyuki; Yamamoto, Hajime; Zoqui, Eugenio José

2017-10-01

The development of high-quality semisolid raw materials requires an understanding of the phase transformations that occur as the material is heated up to the semisolid state, i.e., its melting behavior. The microstructure of the material plays a very important role during semisolid processing as it determines the flow behavior of the material when it is formed, making a thorough understanding of the microstructural evolution essential. In this study, the phase transformations and microstructural evolution in Fe2.5C1.5Si gray cast iron specially designed for thixoforming processes as it was heated to the semisolid state were observed using in situ high-temperature confocal laser scanning microscopy. At room temperature, the alloy has a matrix of pearlite and ferrite with fine interdendritic type D flake graphite. During heating, the main transformations observed were graphite precipitation inside the grains and at the austenite grain boundaries; graphite flakes and graphite precipitates growing and becoming coarser with the increasing temperature; and the beginning of melting at around 1413 K to 1423 K (1140 °C to 1150 °C). Melting begins with the eutectic phase ( i.e., the carbon-rich phase) and continues with the primary phase (primary austenite), which is consumed as the temperature increases. Melting of the eutectic phase composed by coarsened interdendritic graphite flakes produced a semi-continuous liquid network homogeneously surrounding and wetting the dendrites of the solid phase, causing grains to detach from each other and producing the intended solid globules immersed in liquid.

Microstructural study of multiaxial low cycle fatigue

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Masao Sakane

2015-07-01

Full Text Available This paper discusses the relationship between the stress response and the microstructure under tension-torsion multiaxial proportional and nonproportional loadings. Firstly, this paper discusses the material dependency of additional hardening of FCC materials in relation with the stacking fault energy of the materials. The FCC materials studied were Type 304 stainless steel, pure copper, pure nickel, pure aluminum and 6061 aluminum alloy. The material with lower stacking fault energy showed stronger additional hardening, which was discussed in relation with slip morphology and dislocation structures. This paper, next, discusses dislocation structures of Type 304 stainless steel under proportional and nonproportional loadings at high temperature. The relationship between the microstructure and the hardening behavior whether isotropic or anisotropic was discussed. The re-arrangeability of dislocation structure was discussed in loading mode change tests. Microstructures of the steel was discussed in more extensively programmed multiaxial low cycle fatigue tests at room temperature, where three microstructures, dislocation bundle, stacking fault and cells, which were discussed in relation with the stress response. Finally, temperature dependence of the microstructure was discussed under proportional and nonproportional loadings, by comparing the microstructures observed at room and high temperatures.

Effects of thermal aging on the microstructure of Type-II boundaries in dissimilar metal weld joints

Science.gov (United States)

Yoo, Seung Chang; Choi, Kyoung Joon; Bahn, Chi Bum; Kim, Si Hoon; Kim, Ju Young; Kim, Ji Hyun

2015-04-01

In order to investigate the effects of long-term thermal aging on the microstructural evolution of Type-II boundary regions in the weld metal of Alloy 152, a representative dissimilar metal weld was fabricated from Alloy 690, Alloy 152, and A533 Gr.B. This mock-up was thermally aged at 450 °C to accelerate the effects of thermal aging in a nuclear power plant operation condition (320 °C). The microstructure of the Type-II boundary region of the weld root, which is parallel to and within 100 μm of the fusion boundary and known to be more susceptible to material degradation, was then characterized after different aging times using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X-ray spectroscope for micro-compositional analysis, electron backscattered diffraction detector for grain and grain boundary orientation analysis, and a nanoindenter for measurement of mechanical properties. Through this, it was found that a steep compositional gradient and high grain average misorientation is created in the narrow zone between the Type-II and fusion boundaries, while the concentration of chromium and number of low-angle grain boundaries increases with aging time. A high average hardness was also observed in the same region of the dissimilar metal welds, with hardness peaking with thermal aging simulating an operational time of 15 years.

Effect of two-stage sintering process on microstructure and mechanical properties of ODS tungsten heavy alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Kyong H. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 373-1 Kusong-dong, Yusong-gu, Taejon 305-701 (Korea, Republic of); Cha, Seung I. [International Center for Young Scientists, National Institute for Materials Science 1-1, Namiki, Tsukuba 305-0044 (Japan); Ryu, Ho J. [DUPIC, Korea Atomic Energy Research Institute, 150 Deokjin-dong, Yusong-gu, Taejon 305-353 (Korea, Republic of); Hong, Soon H. [Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, 373-1 Kusong-dong, Yusong-gu, Taejon 305-701 (Korea, Republic of)], E-mail: shhong@kaist.ac.kr

2007-06-15

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) tungsten heavy alloys have been considered as promising candidates for advanced kinetic energy penetrator due to their characteristic fracture mode compared to conventional tungsten heavy alloy. In order to obtain high relative density, the ODS tungsten heavy alloy needs to be sintered at higher temperature for longer time, however, induces growth of tungsten grains. Therefore, it is very difficult to obtain controlled microstructure of ODS tungsten heavy alloy having fine tungsten grains with full densification. In this study, two-stage sintering process, consisted of primary solid-state sintering and followed by secondary liquid phase sintering, was introduced for ODS tungsten heavy alloys. The mechanically alloyed 94W-4.56Ni-1.14Fe-0.3Y{sub 2}O{sub 3} powders are solid-state sintered at 1300-1450 deg. C for 1 h in hydrogen atmosphere, and followed by liquid phase sintering temperature at 1465-1485 deg. C for 0-60 min. The microstructure of ODS tungsten heavy alloys showed high relative density above 97%, with contiguous tungsten grains after primary solid-state sintering. The microstructure of solid-state sintered ODS tungsten heavy alloy was changed into spherical tungsten grains embedded in W-Ni-Fe matrix during secondary liquid phase sintering. The two-stage sintered ODS tungsten heavy alloy from mechanically alloyed powders showed finer microstructure and higher mechanical properties than conventional liquid phase sintered alloy. The mechanical properties of ODS tungsten heavy alloys are dependent on the microstructural parameters such as tungsten grain size, matrix volume fraction and tungsten/tungsten contiguity, which can be controlled through the two-stage sintering process.

Solidification and microstructural aspects of laser-deposited Ni–Mo ...

Indian Academy of Sciences (India)

15Cr–3Si (wt%) alloy powder. Laser cladding parameters ... Laser cladding; microstructure; Ni–Mo–Cr–Si alloy. PACS Nos 42.62.-b; 81.65. ... [1–3]. Large temperature gradient across the interface of the melted region and the underlying solid ...

Microstructural degradation of Ni-YSZ anodes for solid oxide fuel cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Thydén, Karl Tor Sune

2008-01-01

-reforming catalysis. In the context of electrochemically tested and technologically relevant cells, the majority of the microstructural work is performed on a cell tested at 850°C under relatively severe conditions for 17,500 hours. It is demonstrated that the major Ni rearrangements take place at the interface...... are of technological relevance, it is difficult to identify the effect from isolated parameters such as temperature, fuel gas composition and polarization. Model studies of high temperature aged Ni-YSZ cermets are generally performed in atmospheres containing relatively low concentrations of H2O. In this work......, the microstructural degradation in both electrochemically longterm tested cells and high-temperature aged model materials are studied. Since Ni particle sintering / coarsening is attributed to be the major cause of anode degradation, this subject attains the primary focus. A large part of the work is focused...

Microstructural evolution and creep of Fe-Al-Ta alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Prokopcakova, Petra; Svec, Martin [Technical University of Liberec (Czech Republic). Dept. of Material Science; Palm, Martin [Max-Planck-Institut fuer Eisenforschung GmbH, Duesseldorf (Germany). Structure and Nano-/Micromechanics of Materials

2016-05-15

The microstructural evolution in Fe-Al-Ta alloys containing 23 - 31 at.% Al and 1.5 - 2.2 at.% Ta has been studied in the temperature range 650 - 750 C by annealing for 1, 10, 100 and 1 000 h. The experiments confirm that in this temperature range the precipitation of the stable hexagonal C14 Laves phase is preceded by formation of coherent, metastable L2{sub 1} Heusler phase precipitates within the Fe-Al matrix. However, precipitates of C14 are observed after much shorter annealing times than previously assumed. Creep strength increases substantially with increasing Al content of the alloys because the solid solubility for Ta in the Fe-Al matrix increases with increasing Al content and solid-solution hardening contributes substantially to the observed high creep strength. It may therefore be that the microstructural changes during creep have no noticeable effect on creep strength.

Microstructural evolution and creep of Fe-Al-Ta alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Prokopcakova, Petra; Svec, Martin; Palm, Martin

2016-01-01

The microstructural evolution in Fe-Al-Ta alloys containing 23 - 31 at.% Al and 1.5 - 2.2 at.% Ta has been studied in the temperature range 650 - 750 C by annealing for 1, 10, 100 and 1 000 h. The experiments confirm that in this temperature range the precipitation of the stable hexagonal C14 Laves phase is preceded by formation of coherent, metastable L2 1 Heusler phase precipitates within the Fe-Al matrix. However, precipitates of C14 are observed after much shorter annealing times than previously assumed. Creep strength increases substantially with increasing Al content of the alloys because the solid solubility for Ta in the Fe-Al matrix increases with increasing Al content and solid-solution hardening contributes substantially to the observed high creep strength. It may therefore be that the microstructural changes during creep have no noticeable effect on creep strength.

Microstructural evolution and tensile mechanical properties of thixoformed AZ91D magnesium alloy with the addition of yttrium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhao Zude; Chen Qiang; Kang Feng; Shu Dayu

2009-01-01

The microstructure evolution of AZ91D magnesium alloy in the semi-solid state has been proposed or reported in previous literature. However, no detailed investigation has been conducted regarding the relationship between the microstructure and tensile mechanical properties of the thixoformed AZ91D magnesium alloy. In this paper, the microstructure of AZ91D alloy with the addition of yttrium was produced by the semi-solid thermal transformation (SSTT) route and the strain-induced melt activation (SIMA) route, respectively. Isothermal holding experiments investigated grain coarsening and the degree of spheroidization as a function of holding time in the semi-solid state. The SSTT route and the SIMA route were used to obtain the semi-solid feedstock for thixoforming. The results show that solid particles of the SSTT alloy are spheroidized to some extent but the previous irregular shape is still obvious in some of them. While the SIMA alloy exhibits ideal, fine microstructure, in which completely spheroidized solid particles contain little entrapped liquid. The microstructure of the SSTT alloy is less spheroidized compared with the SIMA alloy under the similar isothermal holding condition. As the holding time increases, the mean solid particle size of the SSTT alloy decreases initially, then increases, while the mean solid particle size of the SIMA alloy increases monotonously at 560 deg. C. Compared with the SSTT alloy, the SIMA alloy obtains finer grains under the similar isothermal holding condition. The mechanical properties of the thixoformed AZ91D alloy with the addition of yttrium produced by the SIMA route are better than those of the thixoformed alloy produced by the SSTT route. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and elongation for the thixoformed alloy produced by the SIMA route are 303.1 MPa, 147.6 MPa and 13.27%, respectively. The tensile properties for the AZ91D alloy with the addition of yttrium thixoformed from starting material produced by

Microstructure evolution and microstructure/mechanical properties relationships in alpha+beta titanium alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Eunha

In this study, the microstructural evolution of Timetal 550 was investigated. Timetal 550 showed two types of phase transformations (martensitic and nucleation and growth) depending on the cooling rate from the beta region. The alpha phase initially precipitated at the prior beta grain boundaries, and it had a Burgers OR with one of the adjacent grains. It was found that colonies could grow, even in the fast-cooled Timetal 550 sample, from the grain boundary alpha into the prior beta grain with which it exhibited the Burgers OR. Three orientation relationships were also found between alpha laths in the basketweave microstructure. Microhardness testing demonstrated that fast-cooled Timetal 550 samples with basketweave microstructure were harder than slowly-cooled samples with colony microstructure. Orientation-dependent deformation was found in the colony microstructure. Specifically, when the surface normal is perpendicular to the [0001] of alpha, the material deforms easily in the direction perpendicular to the [0001] of alpha. Fuzzy logic and Bayesian neural network models were developed to predict the room temperature tensile properties of Timetal 550. This involved the development of a database relating microstructural features to mechanical properties. A Gleeble 3800 thermal-mechanical simulator was used to develop various microstructures. Microstructural features of tensile-tested samples were quantified using stereological procedures. The quantified microstructural features and the tensile properties were used as inputs and outputs, respectively, for modeling the relationships between them. The individual influence of five microstructural features on tensile properties was determined using the established models. The microstructural features having the greatest impact on UTS and YS were the thickness of alpha laths and the width of grain boundary alpha layer, and the microstructural features having the greatest impact on elongation were the thickness of

Microstructural evolution in inhomogeneous elastic media

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jou, H.J.; Leo, P.H.; Lowengrub, J.S.

1997-01-01

We simulate the diffusional evolution of microstructures produced by solid state diffusional transformations in elastically stressed binary alloys in two dimensions. The microstructure consists of arbitrarily shaped precipitates embedded coherently in an infinite matrix. The precipitate and matrix are taken to be elastically isotropic, although they may have different elastic constants (elastically inhomogeneous). Both far-field applied strains and mismatch strains between the phases are considered. The diffusion and elastic fields are calculated using the boundary integral method, together with a small scale preconditioner to remove ill-conditioning. The precipitate-matrix interfaces are tracked using a nonstiff time updating method. The numerical method is spectrally accurate and efficient. Simulations of a single precipitate indicate that precipitate shapes depend strongly on the mass flux into the system as well as on the elastic fields. Growing shapes (positive mass flux) are dendritic while equilibrium shapes (zero mass flux) are squarish. Simulations of multiparticle systems show complicated interactions between precipitate morphology and the overall development of microstructure (i.e., precipitate alignment, translation, merging, and coarsening). In both single and multiple particle simulations, the details of the microstructural evolution depend strongly o the elastic inhomogeneity, misfit strain, and applied fields. 57 refs., 24 figs

In situ investigation by X-ray tomography of the overall and local microstructural changes occurring during partial remelting of an Al-15.8 wt.% Cu alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Limodin, Nathalie; Salvo, Luc; Suery, Michel; DiMichiel, Marco

2007-01-01

The paper is concerned with the study of the microstructural changes occurring during holding of an Al-15.8 wt.% Cu alloy in the semi-solid state. These changes are investigated in 3D by in situ X-ray tomography carried out at the temperature of the treatment. The studies are classified in two categories: overall changes by measuring average values of characteristic parameters, and local changes by considering the evolution of individual necks between particles. It is shown in particular that the size of the solid particles or the surface area of the solid-liquid interfaces do not follow the classical power laws but rather evolve in a slower manner. Local observations confirm that these results are due to the competition of two coarsening mechanisms of the solid particles that occur simultaneously: dissolution of a small particle to the benefit of one or several bigger ones by an Ostwald-type mechanism and the growth of necks between solid particles due to their coalescence. Complex variations of neck size result from these mechanisms which can be explained only by considering the neighbourhood of the particles under investigation. These observations confirm that in situ X-ray tomography is a very powerful tool to provide data that are representative of the semi-solid state and to observe in real time the mechanisms that act on the microstructure

Microstructure, quantification and control of dislocations in bast-type plant fibres

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Madsen, Bo; Lester, Catherine L.; Mortensen, Ulrich Andreas

2016-01-01

Bast-type plant fibres are increasingly being used for structural composite applications where high quality fibres with good mechanical properties are required. A central aspect for this application is the existence of dislocations in the cell wall of plant fibres, i.e. regions of misaligned...... cellulose microfibrils, which are believed to form weak points leading to reduced mechanical properties. In the present study, microstructural observations of dislocations are made using high-magnification scanning electron microscopy. An experimental protocol using polarized optical microscopy and image...... that this leads to a reduction in the content of dislocations. This is indicating that dislocations in the cell wall of plant fibres are changeable structures. Preliminary work is presented where plant fibres are exposed to physical treatments involving moisture and mechanical straining in order to change...

Microstructure and property of directionally solidified Ni-Si hypereutectic alloy

Science.gov (United States)

Cui, Chunjuan; Tian, Lulu; Zhang, Jun; Yu, Shengnan; Liu, Lin; Fu, Hengzhi

2016-03-01

This paper investigates the influence of the solidification rate on the microstructure, solid/liquid interface, and micro-hardness of the directionally solidified Ni-Si hypereutectic alloy. Microstructure of the Ni-Si hypereutectic alloy is refined with the increase of the solidification rate. The Ni-Si hypereutectic composite is mainly composed of α-Ni matrix, Ni-Ni3Si eutectic phase, and metastable Ni31Si12 phase. The solid/liquid interface always keeps planar interface no matter how high the solidification rate is increased. This is proved by the calculation in terms of M-S interface stability criterion. Moreover, the Ni-Si hypereutectic composites present higher micro-hardness as compared with that of the pure Ni3Si compound. This is caused by the formation of the metastable Ni31Si12 phase and NiSi phase during the directional solidification process.

Effect of fat type and heat treatment on the microstructure of meat emulsions

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Miklos, Rikke; Lametsch, René; Nielsen, Mikkel Schou

2013-01-01

-polymers and stabilize the protein network. Differences in the physicochemical properties of saturated and unsaturated lipids affect the distribution of fat and thereby the functionality and quality of the final product. The objectives were to study the effects of lipid type and heat treatment on changes...... imaging of the tomograms were used to analyse the impact of lipid type on spatial fat distribution, microstructure of the protein network and structural changes caused by heat treatment. The tomograms showed that the fat distribution in the meat emulsions depended on the physicochemical properties......In comminuted meat products the gel-forming abilities of the myofibrillar proteins are of major importance. In meat emulsions fat will be present in globules which are stabilized by a membrane coating made of salt-soluble proteins. These discontinuous fat particles act as fillers or co...

Nucleation and microstructure development in Cr-Mo-V tool steel during gas atomization

Science.gov (United States)

Behúlová, M.; Grgač, P.; Čička, R.

2017-11-01

Nucleation studies of undercooled metallic melts are of essential interest for the understanding of phase selection, growth kinetics and microstructure development during their rapid non-equilibrium solidification. The paper deals with the modelling of nucleation processes and microstructure development in the hypoeutectic tool steel Ch12MF4 with the chemical composition of 2.37% C, 12.06 % Cr, 1.2% Mo, 4.0% V and balance Fe [wt. %] in the process of nitrogen gas atomization. Based on the classical theory of homogeneous nucleation, the nucleation temperature of molten rapidly cooled spherical particles from this alloy with diameter from 40 μm to 600 μm in the gas atomization process is calculated using various estimations of parameters influencing the nucleation process - the Gibbs free energy difference between solid and liquid phases and the solid/liquid interfacial energy. Results of numerical calculations are compared with experimentally measured nucleation temperatures during levitation experiments and microstructures developed in rapidly solidified powder particles from the investigated alloy.

Microstructure Evolution of Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr Magnesium Alloy During Partial Remelting

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jianquan TAO

2014-12-01

Full Text Available The article deals with the research on the microstructure evolution of Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr magnesium alloy through partial remelting process. It aims at finding out what effects the microstructure of semi-solid Mg-Gd-Y-Zn-Zr alloy will result in under different remelting temperatures and holding times. Based on the results, if to raise the remelting temperature and to prolong the holding time, the size of solid grain will tend to expand and its spheroidization degree also begins to show improvement. In addition, the grain shows tendency of coarsening when the holding time increases. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.ms.20.4.6483

Microstructure of Pharmaceutical Semicrystalline Dispersions: The Significance of Polymer Conformation.

Science.gov (United States)

Van Duong, Tu; Goderis, Bart; Van Humbeeck, Jan; Van den Mooter, Guy

2018-02-05

The microstructure of pharmaceutical semicrystalline solid dispersions has attracted extensive attention due to its complexity that might result in the diversity in physical stability, dissolution behavior, and pharmaceutical performance of the systems. Numerous factors have been reported that dictate the microstructure of semicrystalline dispersions. Nevertheless, the importance of the complicated conformation of the polymer has never been elucidated. In this study, we investigate the microstructure of dispersions of polyethylene glycol and active pharmaceutical ingredients by small-angle X-ray scattering and high performance differential scanning calorimetry. Polyethylene glycol with molecular weight of 2000 g/mol (PEG2000) and 6000 g/mol (PEG6000) exhibited remarkable discrepancy in the lamellar periodicity in dispersions with APIs which was attributed to the differences in their folding behavior. The long period of PEG2000 always decreased upon aging-induced exclusion of APIs from the interlamellar region of extended chain crystals whereas the periodicity of PEG6000 may decrease or increase during storage as a consequence of the competition between the drug segregation and the lamellar thickening from nonintegral-folded into integral-folded chain crystals. These processes were in turn significantly influenced by the crystallization tendency of the pharmaceutical compounds, drug-polymer interactions, as well as the dispersion composition and crystallization temperature. This study highlights the significance of the polymer conformation on the microstructure of semicrystalline systems that is critical for the preparation of solid dispersions with consistent and reproducible quality.

Predicting the constitutive behavior of semi-solids via a direct finite element simulation: application to AA5182

Science.gov (United States)

Phillion, A. B.; Cockcroft, S. L.; Lee, P. D.

2009-07-01

The methodology of direct finite element (FE) simulation was used to predict the semi-solid constitutive behavior of an industrially important aluminum-magnesium alloy, AA5182. Model microstructures were generated that detail key features of the as-cast semi-solid: equiaxed-globular grains of random size and shape, interconnected liquid films, and pores at the triple-junctions. Based on the results of over fifty different simulations, a model-based constitutive relationship which includes the effects of the key microstructure features—fraction solid, grain size and fraction porosity—was derived using regression analysis. This novel constitutive equation was then validated via comparison with both the FE simulations and experimental stress/strain data. Such an equation can now be used to incorporate the effects of microstructure on the bulk semi-solid flow stress within a macro- scale process model.

Predicting the constitutive behavior of semi-solids via a direct finite element simulation: application to AA5182

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Phillion, A B; Cockcroft, S L; Lee, P D

2009-01-01

The methodology of direct finite element (FE) simulation was used to predict the semi-solid constitutive behavior of an industrially important aluminum-magnesium alloy, AA5182. Model microstructures were generated that detail key features of the as-cast semi-solid: equiaxed-globular grains of random size and shape, interconnected liquid films, and pores at the triple-junctions. Based on the results of over fifty different simulations, a model-based constitutive relationship which includes the effects of the key microstructure features—fraction solid, grain size and fraction porosity—was derived using regression analysis. This novel constitutive equation was then validated via comparison with both the FE simulations and experimental stress/strain data. Such an equation can now be used to incorporate the effects of microstructure on the bulk semi-solid flow stress within a macro- scale process model

Selective three-dimensional hydrophilization of microstructured polymer surfaces through confined photocatalytic oxidation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ammosova, Lena; Jiang, Yu; Suvanto, Mika; Pakkanen, Tapani A.

2015-01-01

Graphical abstract: - Highlights: • Microstructured polymer surfaces with selective 3-D anisotropy were created. • Selective UV treatment was performed to alter surface wettability. • Removable meshes resembling a photomask were applied during UV treatment. • Micropatterning by viscous polymer on solid surface was performed. - Abstract: While the conventional photomask technique gives only two-dimensional anisotropies, in this study we fabricated microstructured polymer surfaces with a selective three-dimensional anisotropy. With the applied removable mesh, we were able to confine the contacting area between the surface and photoinitiator and provide three-dimensional wettability anisotropies. Different types of meshes were used depending on the desired micropatterns shape, size and substrate material. The results revealed the three-dimensional anisotropic micropits pattern with depth profiles, which would be applicable for the confinement and patterning of cells and biomolecules. In addition, the proposed method is applicable for creating selectively activated polymer surface as a substrate for further atomic layer deposition. Moreover, we demonstrate a low cost and fast mass productive method for patterning a viscous polymer liquid in a micro-sized scale

Effective-Medium Models for Marine Gas Hydrates, Mallik Revisited

Science.gov (United States)

Terry, D. A.; Knapp, C. C.; Knapp, J. H.

2011-12-01

Hertz-Mindlin type effective-medium dry-rock elastic models have been commonly used for more than three decades in rock physics analysis, and recently have been applied to assessment of marine gas hydrate resources. Comparisons of several effective-medium models with derivative well-log data from the Mackenzie River Valley, Northwest Territories, Canada (i.e. Mallik 2L-38 and 5L-38) were made several years ago as part of a marine gas hydrate joint industry project in the Gulf of Mexico. The matrix/grain supporting model (one of the five models compared) was clearly a better representation of the Mallik data than the other four models (2 cemented sand models; a pore-filling model; and an inclusion model). Even though the matrix/grain supporting model was clearly better, reservations were noted that the compressional velocity of the model was higher than the compressional velocity measured via the sonic logs, and that the shear velocities showed an even greater discrepancy. Over more than thirty years, variations of Hertz-Mindlin type effective medium models have evolved for unconsolidated sediments and here, we briefly review their development. In the past few years, the perfectly smooth grain version of the Hertz-Mindlin type effective-medium model has been favored over the infinitely rough grain version compared in the Gulf of Mexico study. We revisit the data from the Mallik wells to review assertions that effective-medium models with perfectly smooth grains are a better predictor than models with infinitely rough grains. We briefly review three Hertz-Mindlin type effective-medium models, and standardize nomenclature and notation. To calibrate the extended effective-medium model in gas hydrates, we use a well accepted framework for unconsolidated sediments through Hashin-Shtrikman bounds. We implement the previously discussed effective-medium models for saturated sediments with gas hydrates and compute theoretical curves of seismic velocities versus gas hydrate

SEM Characterization of the High Burn-up Microstructure of U-7Mo Alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dennis D. Keiser, Jr.; Jan-Fong Jue; Jian Gan; Brandon Miller; Adam Robinson; Pavel Medvedev; James Madden; Dan Wachs; M. Teague

2014-04-01

During irradiation, the microstructure of U-7Mo evolves until at a fission density near 5x1021 f/cm3 a high-burnup microstructure exists that is very different than what was observed at lower fission densities. This microstructure is dominated by randomly distributed, relatively large, homogeneous fission gas bubbles. The bubble superlattice has collapsed in many microstructural regions, and the fuel grain sizes, in many areas, become sub-micron in diameter with both amorphous fuel and crystalline fuel present. Solid fission product precipitates can be found inside the fission gas bubbles. To generate more information about the characteristics of the high-fission density microstructure, three samples irradiated in the RERTR-7 experiment have been characterized using a scanning electron microscope equipped with a focused ion beam. The FIB was used to generate samples for SEM imaging and to perform 3D reconstruction of the microstructure, which can be used to look for evidence of possible fission gas bubble interlinkage.

Electrospun fibrous electrodes with tunable microstructure made of polyaniline/multi-walled carbon nanotube suspension for all-solid-state supercapacitors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Liang, Junsheng; Su, Shijie; Fang, Xu [Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Technology and System of Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023 (China); Wang, Dazhi, E-mail: d.wang@dlut.edu.cn [Key Laboratory for Micro/Nano Technology and System of Liaoning Province, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023 (China); Key Laboratory for Precision and Non-traditional Machining Technology of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023 (China); Xu, Shuangchao [Key Laboratory for Precision and Non-traditional Machining Technology of Ministry of Education, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian 116023 (China)

2016-09-15

Highlights: • Electrospun PANI/MWCNT fibrous electrodes for supercapacitor were prepared. • Microstructure of electrodes is tunable by changing the electrospin parameters. • Fiber-diameter dependence of the electrode performance was observed. • High performance and good stability of electrospun electrodes were obtained. - Abstract: Electrospinning technique was used to prepare high performance fibrous electrodes with tunable microstructure for all-solid-state electrochemical supercapacitor. Symmetrically sandwiched supercapacitors consisting of flexible electrospun polyaniline (PANI)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) electrodes and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sulfuric acid (H{sub 2}SO{sub 4}) gel electrolyte were assembled. Tunable microstructure of the fibrous electrode was obtained by changing the electrospinning parameters including the collector–needle distance (CND) and the suspension flow rate (SFR). Results show that, higher CND combining with lower SFR can result in a smaller average diameter of the electrospun fibers and hence improve the electrode performance. When the CND changes from 80 to 140 mm, the average fiber diameter will decrease from 2.89 to 1.21 μm, and the specific surface area of the electrode can increase from 57 to 83 m{sup 2}·g{sup −1}. The corresponding specific capacitance of the electrospun electrode will therefore increase from 129.5 to 180 F·g{sup −1}, leading to a synchronous improvement of the energy density of the supercapacitor from 18 to 25 Wh·kg{sup −1}. On the other hand, the supercapacitors using fibrous electrodes in this work also show good rate capability and cycling stability. Using the electrode with an average fiber diameter of 1.21 μm, the specific capacitances can maintain 131 F·g{sup −1} at a current density of 4 A·g{sup −1}, which is 73% of the specific capacitance of the same sample at a current density of 0.5 A·g{sup −1}. And the specific capacitance of the electrode can retain 89

Electrospun fibrous electrodes with tunable microstructure made of polyaniline/multi-walled carbon nanotube suspension for all-solid-state supercapacitors

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liang, Junsheng; Su, Shijie; Fang, Xu; Wang, Dazhi; Xu, Shuangchao

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Electrospun PANI/MWCNT fibrous electrodes for supercapacitor were prepared. • Microstructure of electrodes is tunable by changing the electrospin parameters. • Fiber-diameter dependence of the electrode performance was observed. • High performance and good stability of electrospun electrodes were obtained. - Abstract: Electrospinning technique was used to prepare high performance fibrous electrodes with tunable microstructure for all-solid-state electrochemical supercapacitor. Symmetrically sandwiched supercapacitors consisting of flexible electrospun polyaniline (PANI)/multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) electrodes and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/sulfuric acid (H_2SO_4) gel electrolyte were assembled. Tunable microstructure of the fibrous electrode was obtained by changing the electrospinning parameters including the collector–needle distance (CND) and the suspension flow rate (SFR). Results show that, higher CND combining with lower SFR can result in a smaller average diameter of the electrospun fibers and hence improve the electrode performance. When the CND changes from 80 to 140 mm, the average fiber diameter will decrease from 2.89 to 1.21 μm, and the specific surface area of the electrode can increase from 57 to 83 m"2·g"−"1. The corresponding specific capacitance of the electrospun electrode will therefore increase from 129.5 to 180 F·g"−"1, leading to a synchronous improvement of the energy density of the supercapacitor from 18 to 25 Wh·kg"−"1. On the other hand, the supercapacitors using fibrous electrodes in this work also show good rate capability and cycling stability. Using the electrode with an average fiber diameter of 1.21 μm, the specific capacitances can maintain 131 F·g"−"1 at a current density of 4 A·g"−"1, which is 73% of the specific capacitance of the same sample at a current density of 0.5 A·g"−"1. And the specific capacitance of the electrode can retain 89% after 1500 charge/discharge cycles.

Effect of microstructure and surface features on wetting angle of a Fe-3.2 wt%C.E. cast iron with water

Science.gov (United States)

Riahi, Samira; Niroumand, Behzad; Dorri Moghadam, Afsaneh; Rohatgi, Pradeep K.

2018-05-01

In the present study, variation in surface wetting behavior of a hypoeutectic cast iron with its microstructural features and surface roughness was investigated. Samples with an identical composition, i.e. Fe-3.2 wt%C.E., and different microstructures (a gray cast iron with A-type flake graphite and a white cast iron) were fabricated by gravity casting of molten cast iron in a chill mold at different cooling rates. A variation of surface roughness was also developed by polishing, a four-stage electroetching and a four-stage mechanical abrading on the samples. Roughness and water contact angles of all surfaces were then measured. The surface roughness factor and the solid fraction in contact with water by the Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter contact models were also calculated and compared with the corresponding measured contact angles to find out which regime was active. Results indicated that the surface microstructure and the type of constituents present at the surface influenced the cast iron surface wettability and that it was possible to change the surface contact angle by modification of the surface microstructure. The mechanically abraded gray cast iron followed the Wenzel-type regime while the electroetched surfaces of gray cast iron exhibited a transition from Wenzel to Cassie-Baxter type regime. In white cast iron, the results indicated Wenzel type behavior in the electroetched samples while for the mechanically abraded samples, none of these two models could predict the wetting behavior. Furthermore, the wetting angles of both gray and white cast irons were measured after 1, 2, 3 and 4 weeks of air exposure. The results showed that the wetting angles of both samples increased to above 90° after one week of air exposure which was likely due to adsorption of low surface energy hydrocarbons on the surfaces.

Microstructural Evolution during DPRM Process of Semisolid Ledeburitic D2 Tool Steel

OpenAIRE

M. N. Mohammed; M. Z. Omar; J. Syarif; Z. Sajuri; M. S. Salleh; K. S. Alhawari

2013-01-01

Semisolid metal processing is a relatively new technology that offers several advantages over liquid processing and solid processing because of the unique behaviour and characteristic microstructure of metals in this state. With the aim of finding a minimum process chain for the manufacture of high-quality production at minimal cost for forming, the microstructural evolution of the ledeburitic AISI D2 tool steel in the semisolid state was studied experimentally. The potential of the direct pa...

Microstructure and rheology of globular protein gels in the presence of gelatin

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Ersch, C.; Meinders, M/B.J.; Bouwman, W.G.; Nieuwland, M.; Linden, E. van der; Venema, P.; Martin, A.H.

2016-01-01

The microstructure and rheological response of globular protein gels (whey protein isolate (WPI) and soy protein isolate (SPI)) in the presence of gelatin (type A, type B and hydrolyzed type A) was investigated. Microstructural information was obtained using a combination of confocal laser scanning

Influence of sample preparation on the microstructure of tooth enamel apatite

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Kallistová, Anna; Skála, Roman; Horáček, I.; Miyajima, N.; Malíková, R.

2015-01-01

Roč. 48, č. 3 (2015), s. 763-768 ISSN 0021-8898 Institutional support: RVO:67985831 Keywords : X-ray powder diffraction * sample preparation * microstructure * dental hydroxyapatite Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 3.720, year: 2014

Microstructural characterization by electron backscatter diffraction of a hot worked Al-Cu-Mg alloy

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Cepeda-Jimenez, C.M., E-mail: cm.cepeda@cenim.csic.es [Department of Physical Metallurgy, CENIM, CSIC, Av. Gregorio del Amo 8, 28040 Madrid (Spain); Hidalgo, P.; Carsi, M.; Ruano, O.A.; Carreno, F. [Department of Physical Metallurgy, CENIM, CSIC, Av. Gregorio del Amo 8, 28040 Madrid (Spain)

2011-03-25

Research highlights: {yields} The most favourable conditions for hot workability have been determined. {yields} EBSD was employed to characterize the obtained microtexture and microstructure. {yields} The Al 2024 alloy torsion tested at 408 deg. C and 2.1 s{sup -1} showed maximum ductility. {yields} Solid solution and fine precipitates favour a fine microstructure at 408 deg. C. {yields} The increase in test temperature to 467 deg. C produces a sharp decrease in ductility. - Abstract: Hot torsion tests to fracture to simulate thermomechanical processing were carried out on a solution-treated Al-Cu-Mg alloy (Al 2024-T351) at constant temperature. Torsion tests were conducted in the range 278-467 deg. C, and at two strain rates, 2.1 and 4.5 s{sup -1}. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was employed to characterize the microtexture and microstructure before and after testing. The microstructural evolution during torsion deformation at different temperatures and strain rate conditions determines the mechanical properties at room temperature of the Al 2024 alloy since grain refining, dynamic precipitation and precipitate coalescence occur during the torsion test. These mechanical properties were measured by Vickers microhardness tests. At 408 deg. C and 2.1 s{sup -1} the optimum combination of solid solution and incipient precipitation gives rise to maximum ductility and large fraction of fine and misoriented grains (f{sub HAB} = 54%). In contrast, the increase in test temperature to 467 deg. C produces a sharp decrease in ductility, attributed to the high proportion of alloying elements in solid solution. Both the stress-strain flow curves obtained by torsion tests and the final microstructures are a consequence of recovery phenomena and the dynamic nature of the precipitation process taking place during deformation.

Microstructural characterization by electron backscatter diffraction of a hot worked Al-Cu-Mg alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Cepeda-Jimenez, C.M.; Hidalgo, P.; Carsi, M.; Ruano, O.A.; Carreno, F.

2011-01-01

Research highlights: → The most favourable conditions for hot workability have been determined. → EBSD was employed to characterize the obtained microtexture and microstructure. → The Al 2024 alloy torsion tested at 408 deg. C and 2.1 s -1 showed maximum ductility. → Solid solution and fine precipitates favour a fine microstructure at 408 deg. C. → The increase in test temperature to 467 deg. C produces a sharp decrease in ductility. - Abstract: Hot torsion tests to fracture to simulate thermomechanical processing were carried out on a solution-treated Al-Cu-Mg alloy (Al 2024-T351) at constant temperature. Torsion tests were conducted in the range 278-467 deg. C, and at two strain rates, 2.1 and 4.5 s -1 . Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) was employed to characterize the microtexture and microstructure before and after testing. The microstructural evolution during torsion deformation at different temperatures and strain rate conditions determines the mechanical properties at room temperature of the Al 2024 alloy since grain refining, dynamic precipitation and precipitate coalescence occur during the torsion test. These mechanical properties were measured by Vickers microhardness tests. At 408 deg. C and 2.1 s -1 the optimum combination of solid solution and incipient precipitation gives rise to maximum ductility and large fraction of fine and misoriented grains (f HAB = 54%). In contrast, the increase in test temperature to 467 deg. C produces a sharp decrease in ductility, attributed to the high proportion of alloying elements in solid solution. Both the stress-strain flow curves obtained by torsion tests and the final microstructures are a consequence of recovery phenomena and the dynamic nature of the precipitation process taking place during deformation.

Microstructural evolution and control in laser material processing

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kaul, R.; Nath, A.K.

2005-01-01

Laser processing, because of its characteristic features, often gives rise to unique microstructure and properties not obtained with other conventional processes. We present various diverse laser processing case studies involving control of microstructure through judicious selection of processing parameters carried out with indigenously developed high power CO 2 lasers. The first study describes microstructural control during end plug laser welding of PFBR fuel pin, involving crack pone alloy D9 tube and type 316 M stainless steel (SS) plug, through preferential displacement of focused laser beam. Crater and associated cracks were eliminated by suitable laser power ramping. Another case study describes how low heat input characteristics of laser cladding process has been exploited for suppressing dilution in 'Colomony 6' deposits on austenitic SS. The results are in sharp contrast to extensive dilution noticed in Colmony 6 hard faced deposits made by GTAW. A novel laser surface melting (LSM) treatment for type 316 (N) SS weld metal has been developed to generate a sensitization-resistant microstructure which leads to enhanced resistance against intergranular corrosion (IGC). IGC resistance of laser treated surface has been found to be critically dependent on laser processing parameters. Experimental observations have been analyzed with thermal simulation. We have also studied the effect of laser beam spatial intensity profile on the microstructure in LSM. We have developed laser-assisted graded hard facing of austenitic SS substrate with Stellite 6 which, in contrast to direct deposition either by laser or GTAW, produced smooth transition in chemical composition and hardness used to control grain coarsening and martensite formation in type 430 SS weldment. Laser rapid manufacturing (LRM) is emerging as a new rapid and cost effective process for low volume fabrication, esp. of expensive materials. The talk will also present microstructural characteristics of laser

Processing microstructure property correlation of porous Ni-YSZ cermets anode for SOFC application

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pratihar, Swadesh K.; Dassharma, A.; Maiti, H.S.

2005-01-01

The present paper investigates microstructural properties and electrical conductivity of cermets prepared by a solid-state technique, a liquid-dispersion technique and a novel electroless coating technique. The Ni-YSZ processed through different techniques shows varying temperature-conductivity behaviour. The cermets synthesised by electroless coating were found to be electronically conducting with 20 vol% nickel, which is substantially lower than that normally reported. The conductivity of Ni-YSZ cermets was found highest for the samples prepared by an electroless coating technique and lowest for the samples prepared by a solid-state technique, the samples prepared from liquid-dispersion show an intermediate value for a constant nickel content. The variation in electrical conductivity has been well explained from the microstructure of the samples

Unloaded polyether type polyurethane foams as solid extractants for trace elements

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Palagyi, S.; Braun, T.

1992-01-01

Polyether type polyurethane foams (PU) are regular stacks of solid quasi-spherical membranes produced by the reaction of polyisocyanates with polyols of polyether nature in the presence of a catalyst and a blowing agent. Contrary to conventional membrane separations, where a solid membrane is merely a differentially separating agent, or a transport medium, PU foams, apart from separation and preconcentration, also retain, i.e., sorb the species on, or in the membranes. Therefore, PU foam membranes can be considered to act as true sorbents. The membrane properties of PU foam sorbents offer unique advantages over conventional bulk type granular sorbents in rapid, versatile and effective separations and preconcentrations of different compounds from fluid samples. Unloaded PU foam sorbents have received considerable attention in the separation of different trace inorganic species. (author) 74 refs.; 1 fig.; 1 tab

Development of Sulfide Solid Electrolytes and Interface Formation Processes for Bulk-Type All-Solid-State Li and Na Batteries

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Hayashi, Akitoshi, E-mail: hayashi@chem.osakafu-u.ac.jp [Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka (Japan); Sakuda, Atsushi [Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka (Japan); Department of Energy and Environment, Research Institute of Electrochemical Energy, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), Ikeda, Osaka (Japan); Tatsumisago, Masahiro [Department of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka Prefecture University, Sakai, Osaka (Japan)

2016-07-15

All-solid-state batteries with inorganic solid electrolytes (SEs) are recognized as an ultimate goal of rechargeable batteries because of their high safety, versatile geometry, and good cycle life. Compared with thin-film batteries, increasing the reversible capacity of bulk-type all-solid-state batteries using electrode active material particles is difficult because contact areas at solid–solid interfaces between the electrode and electrolyte particles are limited. Sulfide SEs have several advantages of high conductivity, wide electrochemical window, and appropriate mechanical properties, such as formability, processability, and elastic modulus. Sulfide electrolyte with Li{sub 7}P{sub 3}S{sub 11} crystal has a high Li{sup +} ion conductivity of 1.7 × 10{sup −2} S cm{sup −1} at 25°C. It is far beyond the Li{sup +} ion conductivity of conventional organic liquid electrolytes. The Na{sup +} ion conductivity of 7.4 × 10{sup −4} S cm{sup −1} is achieved for Na{sub 3.06}P{sub 0.94}Si{sub 0.06}S{sub 4} with cubic structure. Moreover, formation of favorable solid–solid interfaces between electrode and electrolyte is important for realizing solid-state batteries. Sulfide electrolytes have better formability than oxide electrolytes. Consequently, a dense electrolyte separator and closely attached interfaces with active material particles are achieved via “room-temperature sintering” of sulfides merely by cold pressing without heat treatment. Elastic moduli for sulfide electrolytes are smaller than that of oxide electrolytes, and Na{sub 2}S–P{sub 2}S{sub 5} glass electrolytes have smaller Young’s modulus than Li{sub 2}S–P{sub 2}S{sub 5} electrolytes. Cross-sectional SEM observations for a positive electrode layer reveal that sulfide electrolyte coating on active material particles increases interface areas even with a minimum volume of electrolyte, indicating that the energy density of bulk-type solid-state batteries is enhanced. Both surface coating

On the microstructure analysis of FSW joints of aluminium components made via direct metal laser sintering

Science.gov (United States)

Scherillo, Fabio; Astarita, Antonello; di Martino, Daniela; Contaldi, Vincenzo; di Matteo, Luca; di Petta, Paolo; Casarin, Renzo; Squillace, Antonino; Langella, Antonio

2017-10-01

Additive Manufacturing (AM), applied to metal industry, is a family of processes that allow complex shape components to be realized from raw materials in the form of powders. The compaction of the powders can be achieved by local melting of the powder bed or by solid state sintering. Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) is an additive manufacturing process in which a focalized laser beam is the heat source that allows the powders to be compacted. By DMLS it is possible to realize complex shape components. One of the limits of DMLS, as for every additive layer manufacturing techniques, is the unfeasibility to realize large dimension parts. Due to this limit the study of joining process of parts made via ALM is of great interest. One of the most promising options is the Friction Stir Welding (FSW), a solid state welding technique that has been proven to be very effective in the welding of metals difficult to weld, above all aluminium alloys. Since FSW is a solid-state technique, the microstructure of the various zone of the weld bead depends not only by the process itself but also by the parent microstruct ure of the parts to be welded. Furthermore, parts made of aluminium alloy via DMLS have a particular microstructure that is the result of repeated severe thermal cycles. In the present work the authors, starting from the description of the parent microstructure of parts made of AlSi10Mg aluminium alloy, study the microstructure evolution occurred within the joint made by Friction Stir Welding, analysing in details the microstructure of the main well recognized zone of the weld bead. The structure of the parent material is characterized by the presence of melting pools with a very fine microstructure. In the joint the recrystallization, the grain refinement and, above all, the redistribution of intermetallic phases occurs, resulting in an homogenization of the microstructure and in an increase of micro hardness.

Microstructural characterization of AISI 431 martensitic stainless steel laser-deposited coatings

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Hemmati, I.; Ocelik, V.; De Hosson, J. Th. M.

High cooling rates during laser cladding of stainless steels may alter the microstructure and phase constitution of the claddings and consequently change their functional properties. In this research, solidification structures and solid state phase transformation products in single and multi layer

The effect of Sm addition on the microstructure and superconducting properties of YBCO bulk superconductors

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Volochová, D.; Diko, P.; Piovarči, S.; Antal, V.; Kováč, J.; Jirsa, Miloš

2017-01-01

Roč. 131, č. 4 (2017), s. 1009-1011 ISSN 0587-4246 Institutional support: RVO:68378271 Keywords : YBaCuO * bulk superconductors * paramagnetic ions * microstructure * vortex pinning Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism OBOR OECD: Condensed matter physics (including formerly solid state physics, supercond.) Impact factor: 0.469, year: 2016

Effects of helium content of microstructural development in Type 316 stainless steel under neutron irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maziasz, P.J.

1985-11-01

This work investigated the sensitivity of microstructural evolution, particularly precipitate development, to increased helium content during thermal aging and during neutron irradiation. Helium (110 at. ppM) was cold preinjected into solution annealed (SA) DO-heat type 316 stainess steel (316) via cyclotron irradiation. These specimens were then exposed side by side with uninjected samples. Continuous helium generation was increased considerably relative to EBR-II irradiation by irradiation in HFIR. Data were obtained from quantitative analytical electron microscopy (AEM) in thin foils and on extraction replicas. 480 refs., 86 figs., 19 tabs

Effects of helium content of microstructural development in Type 316 stainless steel under neutron irradiation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maziasz, P.J.

1985-11-01

This work investigated the sensitivity of microstructural evolution, particularly precipitate development, to increased helium content during thermal aging and during neutron irradiation. Helium (110 at. ppM) was cold preinjected into solution annealed (SA) DO-heat type 316 stainess steel (316) via cyclotron irradiation. These specimens were then exposed side by side with uninjected samples. Continuous helium generation was increased considerably relative to EBR-II irradiation by irradiation in HFIR. Data were obtained from quantitative analytical electron microscopy (AEM) in thin foils and on extraction replicas. 480 refs., 86 figs., 19 tabs.

Identification of microstructures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Padilha, A.F.; Ambrozio Filho, F.

1984-01-01

The identification of phases in a material can require the utilization of several techniques. The most used technique and discussed are: optical microscope, scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, X-ray diffraction and 'in-situ' chemical analysis of the phases. The microstructures were classified, in according to the size and phase volumetric fraction, in four types. For each type the most appropriate techniques for identifying the phases are discussed. (E.G.) [pt

The development of microstructure during hydrogenation–disproportionation–desorption–recombination treatment of sintered neodymium-iron-boron-type magnets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sheridan, R.S.; Harris, I.R.; Walton, A.

2016-01-01

The hydrogen absorption and desorption characteristics of the hydrogenation disproportionation desorption and recombination (HDDR) process on scrap sintered neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) type magnets have been investigated. At each stage of the process, the microstructural changes have been studied using high resolution scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the disproportionation reaction initiates at grain boundaries and triple points and then propagates towards the centre of the matrix grains. This process was accelerated at particle surfaces and at free surfaces produced by any cracks in the powder particles. However, the recombination reaction appeared to initiate randomly throughout the particles with no apparent preference for particle surfaces or internal cracks. During the hydrogenation of the grain boundaries and triple junctions, the disproportionation reaction was, however, affected by the much higher oxygen content of the sintered NdFeB compared with that of the as-cast NdFeB alloys. Throughout the entire HDDR reaction the oxidised triple junctions (from the sintered structure) remained unreacted and hence, remained in their original form in the fine recombined microstructure. This resulted in a very significant reduction in the proportion of cavitation in the final microstructure and this could lend to improved consolidation in the recycled magnets. - Highlights: • Disproportionation reaction initiates at grain boundaries and triple points. • Disproportionation then propagates towards the centre of the matrix grains. • Disproportionation was affected by the high oxygen content of sintered NdFeB. • Oxidised triple points remain unreacted in original form in final HDDR structure. • Significant reduction in the proportion of cavitation in the final microstructure.

The development of microstructure during hydrogenation–disproportionation–desorption–recombination treatment of sintered neodymium-iron-boron-type magnets

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sheridan, R.S.; Harris, I.R.; Walton, A., E-mail: a.walton@bham.ac.uk

2016-03-01

The hydrogen absorption and desorption characteristics of the hydrogenation disproportionation desorption and recombination (HDDR) process on scrap sintered neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) type magnets have been investigated. At each stage of the process, the microstructural changes have been studied using high resolution scanning electron microscopy. It was found that the disproportionation reaction initiates at grain boundaries and triple points and then propagates towards the centre of the matrix grains. This process was accelerated at particle surfaces and at free surfaces produced by any cracks in the powder particles. However, the recombination reaction appeared to initiate randomly throughout the particles with no apparent preference for particle surfaces or internal cracks. During the hydrogenation of the grain boundaries and triple junctions, the disproportionation reaction was, however, affected by the much higher oxygen content of the sintered NdFeB compared with that of the as-cast NdFeB alloys. Throughout the entire HDDR reaction the oxidised triple junctions (from the sintered structure) remained unreacted and hence, remained in their original form in the fine recombined microstructure. This resulted in a very significant reduction in the proportion of cavitation in the final microstructure and this could lend to improved consolidation in the recycled magnets. - Highlights: • Disproportionation reaction initiates at grain boundaries and triple points. • Disproportionation then propagates towards the centre of the matrix grains. • Disproportionation was affected by the high oxygen content of sintered NdFeB. • Oxidised triple points remain unreacted in original form in final HDDR structure. • Significant reduction in the proportion of cavitation in the final microstructure.

Microstructures and room temperature fracture toughness of Nb/Nb5Si3 composites alloyed with W, Mo and W–Mo fabricated by spark plasma sintering

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Xiong, Bowen; Cai, Changchun; Wang, Zhenjun

2014-01-01

Highlights: • Microstructure of Nb/Nb 5 Si 3 composite alloyed with W and Mo is change obviously. • W and Mo elements can solid solution in Nb and Nb 5 Si 3 phase respectively. • Alloyed with W and Mo together, the solid solubility of Nb 5 Si 3 phases is undetected. • The Nb/Nb 5 Si 3 composite alloyed with W and Mo together has high fracture toughness. - Abstract: Microstructures and room temperature fracture toughness of Nb/Nb 5 Si 3 composites alloyed with W, Mo and W–Mo fabricated by spark plasma sintering were investigated. The microstructures were examined using scanning electron microscope (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) was performed on the bulk specimens for identification of phases. The chemical species were analyzed using electron-probe micro-analysis (EPMA). Results indicated that the microstructures of Nb/Nb 5 Si 3 composites alloyed with W or Mo is unaltered, including primary Nb and eutectic mixtures of Nb and Nb 5 Si 3 , and the coarse and fine eutectic mixtures. The W and Mo elements solid solution in Nb and Nb 5 Si 3 phase are detected. But that alloyed with W and Mo together, The microstructures are change obviously, including Nb phase, the solid solubility phases of W and Mo atoms in Nb, and the solid solubility phases of Nb atoms in W are also found, but the solid solubility phenomenon of Nb 5 Si 3 phases is not detected. The microhardness of Nb and Nb 5 Si 3 phases increases obviously because of solid solution strengthening. The Nb/Nb 5 Si 3 composite alloyed with W and Mo together hashing high fracture toughness is attributable to the big eutectic Nb and interface of eutectic phases, which can bear large deformation to absorb the crack energy and form the decohesion between eutectic phases

Microstructure, elastic deformation behavior and mechanical properties of biomedical β-type titanium alloy thin-tube used for stents.

Science.gov (United States)

Tian, Yuxing; Yu, Zhentao; Ong, Chun Yee Aaron; Kent, Damon; Wang, Gui

2015-05-01

Cold-deformability and mechanical compatibility of the biomedical β-type titanium alloy are the foremost considerations for their application in stents, because the lower ductility restricts the cold-forming of thin-tube and unsatisfactory mechanical performance causes a failed tissue repair. In this paper, β-type titanium alloy (Ti-25Nb-3Zr-3Mo-2Sn, wt%) thin-tube fabricated by routine cold rolling is reported for the first time, and its elastic behavior and mechanical properties are discussed for the various microstructures. The as cold-rolled tube exhibits nonlinear elastic behavior with large recoverable strain of 2.3%. After annealing and aging, a nonlinear elasticity, considered as the intermediate stage between "double yielding" and normal linear elasticity, is attributable to a moderate precipitation of α phase. Quantitive relationships are established between volume fraction of α phase (Vα) and elastic modulus, strength as well as maximal recoverable strain (εmax-R), where the εmax-R of above 2.0% corresponds to the Vα range of 3-10%. It is considered that the "mechanical" stabilization of the (α+β) microstructure is a possible elastic mechanism for explaining the nonlinear elastic behavior. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Diffusion tensor imaging identifies deficits in white matter microstructure in subjects with type 1 diabetes that correlate with reduced neurocognitive function.

Science.gov (United States)

Kodl, Christopher T; Franc, Daniel T; Rao, Jyothi P; Anderson, Fiona S; Thomas, William; Mueller, Bryon A; Lim, Kelvin O; Seaquist, Elizabeth R

2008-11-01

Long-standing type 1 diabetes is associated with deficits on neurocognitive testing that suggest central white matter dysfunction. This study investigated whether diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), a type of magnetic resonance imaging that measures white matter integrity quantitatively, could identify white matter microstructural deficits in patients with long-standing type 1 diabetes and whether these differences would be associated with deficits found by neurocognitive tests. Twenty-five subjects with type 1 diabetes for at least 15 years and 25 age- and sex-matched control subjects completed DTI on a 3.0 Tesla scanner and a battery of neurocognitive tests. Fractional anisotropy was calculated for the major white matter tracts of the brain. Diabetic subjects had significantly lower mean fractional anisotropy than control subjects in the posterior corona radiata and the optic radiation (P < 0.002). In type 1 diabetic subjects, reduced fractional anisotropy correlated with poorer performance on the copy portion of the Rey-Osterreith Complex Figure Drawing Test and the Grooved Peg Board Test, both of which are believed to assess white matter function. Reduced fractional anisotropy also correlated with duration of diabetes and increased A1C. A history of severe hypoglycemia did not correlate with fractional anisotropy. DTI can detect white matter microstructural deficits in subjects with long-standing type 1 diabetes. These deficits correlate with poorer performance on selected neurocognitive tests of white matter function.

Modification of microstructure and electrical conductivity of plasma-sprayed YSZ deposit through post-densification process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ning Xianjin; Li Chengxin; Li Changjiu; Yang Guanjun

2006-01-01

4.5 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) coating was deposited by atmospheric plasma spraying (APS) as an electrolyte for solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) applications. The post treatment was employed using zirconium and yttrium nitrate solution infiltration to densify the coating microstructure for improvement of gas permeability. The deposition of YSZ through nitrate in voids of the coating was examined. Microstructure of the as-sprayed and densified coatings was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of infiltrating treatment on coating microstructure and electrical conductivity was examined. The electrical conductivity of APS-sprayed YSZ coating at the direction perpendicular to coating surface was much lower than that of bulk materials. Post-densification treatment improved the electrical conductivity of YSZ coating by about 25% compared with as-sprayed coating. It was found that the deposition of YSZ resulting from decomposition of nitrate in the lamellar interface gaps was different from that in vertical cracks in lamella owing to the orthogonal feature of those two types of gaps. The nanopores were formed in the deposited YSZ in nonbonded interface gaps while large pores were residued in vertical cracks in splats. The microstructural examination suggests that nanopores in the deposited YSZ in nonbonded interfaces in the coating were isolated from each other, which led to the significant reduction of gas permeability after densification. Moreover, the nanocontacts between lamellae resulted in high contact resistance and limit improvement of electrical conductivity of the coating after densification

Microstructural model for the plasticity of amorphous solids

NARCIS (Netherlands)

Hütter, M.; Breemen, van L.C.A.

2012-01-01

Based on the concept of localized shear transformation zones (STZ), a thermodynamically consistent model for the viscoplastic deformation of amorphous solids is developed. The approach consists of a dynamic description of macroscopic viscoplasticity that is enriched by the evolution of number

A Study on Microstructural Change and Properties of Mg-1.4 wt%Ca-xwt%Zn Alloys by Two-Step Solid Solution and Aging Treatment

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Koo, Seong Mo; Kim, Hye Sung; Jeong, Ha-Guk; Kim, Teak-Soo

2015-01-01

Optimum heat treatment conditions to improve the hardness and corrosion resistance of ternary Mg-Ca-Zn alloys have been studied, based on the theoretical models and DSC (Differential scanning calorimetry) experimental data. Two-step heating process at 420 ℃ and 480 ℃ has been applied and we have found that the low melting point phase, Ca_2Mg_6Zn_3 can effectively be dissolved into α-Mg matrix without premature melting. Due to preceding treatment at lower temperature followed by the second stage solid solution heat treatment at 480 ℃, Mg-1.4 wt%Ca-xwt%Zn alloys (x=0, 1.5 and 4.0) exhibit improved corrosion resistance than that from the single step solid solution treated alloy at 480 ℃. However, aging treatment of the alloy at 200 ℃ has led to the homogeneous precipitation of Ca_2Mg_6Zn_3 and Mg_2Ca phases in the matrix as well as at the grain boundary. This microstructural change results in the deterioration of corrosion resistance mainly originated from galvanic corrosion between the matrix and the precipitates. The hardness of Mg-1.4%Cax%Zn alloy, on the other hand, significantly increases with Zn addition by applying two-step solid solution and aging heat treatment.

Processing, microstructure, and properties of {beta}-CEZ

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Peters, J.O. [Technische Univ. Hamburg-Harburg, Hamburg (Germany); Luetjering, G. [Technische Univ. Hamburg-Harburg, Hamburg (Germany); Koren, M. [Boehler Schmiedetechnik GmbH, Kapfenberg (Austria); Puschnik, H. [Boehler Schmiedetechnik GmbH, Kapfenberg (Austria); Boyer, R.R. [Boeing Mater. Technol., Seattle, WA (United States)

1996-08-15

For the {beta}-CEZ material, some of the important processing parameters to establish a necklace type of microstructure by through-transus deformation were evaluated with respect to optimizing fracture toughness and yield stress level. In addition, bi-modal microstructures which can be produced by conventional {alpha}+{beta} processing were evaluated. For the necklace microstructure a high fracture toughness value of 68 MPam{sup 1/2} at a yield stress level of 1200 MPa was reached in forgings, but the fracture toughness was anisotropic dropping to 37 MPam{sup 1/2} in the short transverse direction. For the bi-modal microstructure an isotropic fracture toughness value of 37 MPam{sup 1/2} at the same yield stress level of 1200 MPa was reached without major difficulties. (orig.)

Heat treatment giving a stable high temperature micro-structure in cast austenitic stainless steel

Science.gov (United States)

Anton, Donald L.; Lemkey, Franklin D.

1988-01-01

A novel micro-structure developed in a cast austenitic stainless steel alloy and a heat treatment thereof are disclosed. The alloy is based on a multicomponent Fe-Cr-Mn-Mo-Si-Nb-C system consisting of an austenitic iron solid solution (.gamma.) matrix reinforced by finely dispersed carbide phases and a heat treatment to produce the micro-structure. The heat treatment includes a prebraze heat treatment followed by a three stage braze cycle heat treatment.

The effect of particle size distributions on the microstructural evolution during sintering

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Bjørk, Rasmus; Tikare, V.; Frandsen, Henrik Lund

2013-01-01

Microstructural evolution and sintering behavior of powder compacts composed of spherical particles with different particle size distributions (PSDs) were simulated using a kinetic Monte Carlo model of solid state sintering. Compacts of monosized particles, normal PSDs with fixed mean particle...

Ultrafast nonlinear optical studies of equiaxed CuNbO3 microstructures

Science.gov (United States)

Priyadarshani, N.; Sabari Girisun, T. C.; Venugopal Rao, S.

2017-08-01

Diverse microstructures of monoclinic copper niobate (m-CuNbO3) were synthesized by solid-state reaction (900 °C, 3-12 h). FESEM data demonstrated that agglomerated clusters grew as an elongated grains which migrated to form web-shaped equiaxed structure and dissected to form individual equiaxed microstructure. With femtosecond laser excitation (800 nm, 150 fs), open aperture Z-scan data revealed the presence of two-photon absorption. The nonlinear refractive index (n2) toggled between positive and negative nonlinearity for different microstructures. Web-shaped equiaxed structure kindled both the nonlinear absorption (βeff = 2.0 × 10-12 m/W), nonlinear refraction (n2 = 3.16 × 10-17 m2/W) and a strong optical limiting action (onset limiting threshold of 22.24 μJ/cm2).

Solid state synthesis and sintering of monazite-type ceramics: application to minor actinides conditioning

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bregiroux, D.

2005-11-01

In the framework of the French law of 1991 concerning the nuclear waste management, several studies are undertaken to develop specific crystalline conditioning matrices. Monazite, a rare earth (TR 3+ ) orthophosphate with a general formula TR 3+ PO 4 , is a natural mineral containing significant amount of thorium and uranium. Monazite has been proposed as a host matrix for the minor actinides (Np, Am and Cm) specific conditioning, thanks to its high resistance to self irradiation and its low solubility. Its is now of prime importance to check the conservation of these properties on synthesized materials, which implies to master all the stages of the elaboration process, from the powder synthesis to the sintering of controlled microstructure pellets. This work can be divided into two main parts: The first part deals with the synthesis by high temperature solid state route of TR 3+ PO 4 powders (with TR 3+ = La 3+ to Gd 3+ , Pu 3+ and Am 3+ ). The chemical reactions occurring during the firing of starting reagents are described in the case of monazite with only one or several cations. From these results, a protocol of synthesis is described. The incorporation of tetravalent cations (Ce 4+ , U 4+ , Pu 4+ ) in the monazite structure was also studied. The second part of the present work deals with the elaboration of controlled density and microstructure monazite pellets and their related mechanical and thermal properties. The study of crushing and sintering is presented. For the first time, experimental results are confronted with theoretical models in order to deduce the densification and grain growth mechanisms. By the comprehension of the various physicochemical phenomena occurring during the various stages of the monazite pellets elaboration process (powder synthesis, crushing, sintering...), this work allowed the development of a protocol of elaboration of controlled microstructure monazite TR 3+ PO 4 pellets. The determination of some mechanical and thermal

Review on solid electrolytes for all-solid-state lithium-ion batteries

Science.gov (United States)

Zheng, Feng; Kotobuki, Masashi; Song, Shufeng; Lai, Man On; Lu, Li

2018-06-01

All-solid-state (ASS) lithium-ion battery has attracted great attention due to its high safety and increased energy density. One of key components in the ASS battery (ASSB) is solid electrolyte that determines performance of the ASSB. Many types of solid electrolytes have been investigated in great detail in the past years, including NASICON-type, garnet-type, perovskite-type, LISICON-type, LiPON-type, Li3N-type, sulfide-type, argyrodite-type, anti-perovskite-type and many more. This paper aims to provide comprehensive reviews on some typical types of key solid electrolytes and some ASSBs, and on gaps that should be resolved.

TiTaCN-Co cermets prepared by mechanochemical technique: microstructure and mechanical properties

OpenAIRE

Fides, Martin; Hvizdoš, P.; Balko, Ján; Chicardi, E.; Gotor, F.J.

2016-01-01

Microstructure and mechanical characterization of (Ti,Ta)(C,N)-Co based solid solution cermets prepared by two mechanochemical synthesis processes (one- and two-step milling) and a pressureless sintering in protective helium atmosphere. Materials with composition of TixTa1- xC0.5N0.5-20%Co with two different Ti/Ta ratios (x = 0.9 and x = 0.95) were developed to prepare four groups of experimental materials. Microstructures were observed using confocal microscopy and grain size was ev...

Alkali Halide Microstructured Optical Fiber for X-Ray Detection

Science.gov (United States)

DeHaven, S. L.; Wincheski, R. A.; Albin, S.

2014-01-01

Microstructured optical fibers containing alkali halide scintillation materials of CsI(Na), CsI(Tl), and NaI(Tl) are presented. The scintillation materials are grown inside the microstructured fibers using a modified Bridgman-Stockbarger technique. The x-ray photon counts of these fibers, with and without an aluminum film coating are compared to the output of a collimated CdTe solid state detector over an energy range from 10 to 40 keV. The photon count results show significant variations in the fiber output based on the materials. The alkali halide fiber output can exceed that of the CdTe detector, dependent upon photon counter efficiency and fiber configuration. The results and associated materials difference are discussed.

Microstructure ion Nuclear Spectra at High Excitation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ericson, T.E.O.

1969-01-01

The statistical microstructure of highly excited systems is illustrated by the distribution and fluctuations of levels, widths and cross-sections of nuclei both for the case of sharp resonances and the continuum case. The coexistence of simple modes of excitation with statistical effects in terms of strength functions is illustrated by isobaric analogue states. The analogy is made with similar phenomena for coherent light, is solid-state physics and high-energy physics. (author)

Phase composition and microstructure of WC-Co alloys obtained by selective laser melting

Science.gov (United States)

Khmyrov, Roman S.; Shevchukov, Alexandr P.; Gusarov, Andrey V.; Tarasova, Tatyana V.

2018-03-01

Phase composition and microstructure of initial WC, BK8 (powder alloy 92 wt.% WC-8 wt.% Co), Co powders, ball-milled powders with four different compositions (1) 25 wt.% WC-75 wt.% Co, (2) 30 wt.% BK8-70 wt.% Co, (3) 50 wt.% WC-50 wt.% Co, (4) 94 wt.% WC-6 wt.% Co, and bulk alloys obtained by selective laser melting (SLM) from as-milled powders in as-melted state and after heat treatment were investigated by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Initial and ball-milled powders consist of WC, hexagonal α-Co and face-centered cubic β-Co. The SLM leads to the formation of major new phases W3Co3C, W4Co2C and face-centered cubic β-Co-based solid solution. During the heat treatment, there occurs partial decomposition of the face-centered cubic β-Co-based solid solution with the formation of W2C and hexagonal α-Co solid solution. The microstructure of obtained bulk samples, in general, corresponds to the observed phase composition.

Microstructural Analysis of AM50/Mg2Si Cast Magnesium Composites

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Malik M.A.

2012-12-01

Full Text Available AM50/Mg2Si composites containing 5.7 wt. % and 9.9 wt. %. of Mg2Si reinforcing phase were prepared successfully by casting method. The microstructure of the cast AM50/Mg2Si magnesium matrix composites was investigated by light microscopy and X-ray diffractometry (XRD. The microstructure of these composites was characterized by the presence of α-phase (a solid solution of aluminium in magnesium, Mg17Al12 (γ-phase, Al8Mn5 and Mg2Si. It was demonstrated that the Mg2Si phase was formed mainly as primary dendrites and eutectic.

Effect of the Process Parameters on the Formability, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties of Thin Plates Fabricated by Rheology Forging Process with Electromagnetic Stirring Method

Science.gov (United States)

Jin, Chul Kyu; Jang, Chang Hyun; Kang, Chung Gil

2014-01-01

A thin plate (150 × 150 × 1.2 mm) with embedded corrugation is fabricated using the rheoforming method. Semisolid slurry is created using the electromagnetic stirring (EMS) system, and the thin plate is made with the forging die at the 200-ton hydraulic press. The cross sections and microstructures of the slurry with and without stirring are examined. To investigate the effect of the process parameters on the formability, microstructure, and mechanical properties of thin plate the slurry is subjected to 16 types of condition for the forging experiment. The 16 types included the following conditions: Whether the EMS is applied or not, three fractions of the solid phase at 35, 45 and 55 pct; two compression velocities at 30 and 300 mm s-1; and four different compression pressures—100, 150, 200 and 250 MPa. The thin plate's formability is enhanced at higher punch velocity for compressing the slurry, and fine solid particles are uniformly distributed, which in turn, enhances the plate's mechanical properties. The pressure between 150 and 200 MPa is an appropriate condition to form thin plates. A thin plate without defects can be created when the slurry at 35 pct of the solid fraction (f s) was applied at the compression velocity of 300 mm s-1 and 150 MPa of pressure. The surface state of thin plate is excellent with 220 MPa of tensile strength and 13.5 pct of elongation. The primary particles are fine over the entire plate, and there are no liquid segregation-related defects.

Fracture mechanics and microstructures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gee, M.G.; Morrell, R.

1986-01-01

The influence of microstructure on defects in ceramics, and the consequences of their presence for the application of fracture mechanics theories are reviewed. The complexities of microstructures, especially the multiphase nature, the crystallographic anisotropy and the resultant anisotropic physical properties, and the variation of microstructure and surface finish from point to point in real components, all lead to considerable uncertainties in the actual performance of any particular component. It is concluded that although the concepts of fracture mechanics have been and will continue to be most useful for the qualitative explanation of fracture phenomena, the usefulness as a predictive tool with respect to most existing types of material is limited by the interrelation between material microstructure and mechanical properties. At present, the only method of eliminating components with unsatisfactory mechanical properties is to proof-test them, despite the fact that proof-testing itself is limited in ability to cope with changes to the component in service. The aim of the manufacturer must be to improve quality and consistency within individual components, from component to component, and from batch to batch. The aim of the fracture specialist must be to study longer-term properties to improve the accuracy of behaviour predictions with a stronger data base. Materials development needs to concentrate on obtaining defect-free materials that can be translated into more-reliable products, using our present understanding of the influence of microstructure on strength and toughness

The Effect of Fluid and Solid Properties on the Auxetic Behavior of Porous Materials Having Rock-like Microstructures

Science.gov (United States)

Wollner, U.; Vanorio, T.; Kiss, A. M.

2017-12-01

Materials with a negative Poisson's Ratio (PR), known as auxetics, exhibit the counterintuitive behavior of becoming wider when uniaxially stretched and thinner when compressed. Though negative PR is characteristic of polymer foams or cellular solids, tight as well as highly porous rocks have also been reported to exhibit a negative Poisson's ratio, both from dynamic (PRd) and static measurements. We propose a novel auxetic structure based on pore-space configuration observed in rocks. First, we performed 2D and 3D imaging of a pumice and tight basalt to analyze their rock microstructure as well as similarities to natural structures of auxetic materials - e.g., cork. Based on these analyses, we developed a theoretical auxetic 3D model consisting of rotating rigid bodies having pore configurations similar to those observed in rocks. To alleviate the mechanical assumption of rotating bodies, the theoretical model was modified to include crack-like features being represented by intersecting, elliptic cylinders. We then used a 3D printer to create a physical version of the modified model, whose PRd was tested. We also numerically explored how the compressibility of fluids located in the pore-space of the modified model as well as how the elastic properties of the material from which the model is made of affect its auxetic behavior. We conclude that for a porous medium composed of a single material saturated with a single fluid (a) the more compliant the fluid is and (b) the lower the PR of the solid material, the lower the PR value of the composite material.

Three-dimensional analysis of cellular microstructures by computer simulation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hanson, K.; Morris, J.W. Jr.

1977-06-01

For microstructures of the ''cellular'' type (isotropic growth from a distribution of nuclei which form simultaneously), it is possible to construct an efficient code which will completely analyze the microstructure in three dimensions. Such a computer code for creating and storing the connected graph was constructed

Effects of homogenization on microstructures and properties of a new type Al-Mg-Mn-Zr-Ti-Er alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

He, L.Z.; Li, X.H.; Liu, X.T.; Wang, X.J.; Zhang, H.T.; Cui, J.Z.

2010-01-01

Research highlights: These new type alloys are very potential for increased use in aerospace and automobile industries. However, most of published reports have focused on the effects of Cu, Sc, Zr, Ag, rare metals and Si additions, Portevin-LeChatelier effect, corrosion properties, friction stir welding and superplasticity in 5000-series aluminum alloy, few investigated on Er and stepped homogenization on the precipitation of dispersoids in Al-Mg-Mn alloy. The purpose of this work was to study the effects of Er and homogenization treatment on mechanical properties and microstructural evolution in new type Al-Mg-Mn-Er alloy. - Abstract: Microstructural evolutions and mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Mn-Zr-Ti-Er alloy after homogenization were investigated in detail by optical microscope (OM), scanning electronic microscope (SEM), transmission electronic microscope (TEM), energy dispersive spectrum (EDS) and tensile test. A maximum tensile strength is obtained when the alloy homogenized at 510 deg. C for 16 h. With increasing preheating temperature (200-400 deg. C), the strength of the alloy finial homogenized at 490 deg. C for 16 h increases. When the preheating temperature is ≥300 deg. C, the strengths of the two-step homogenized alloys are higher than those of the single homogenized alloys. The preheating stage plays an important role in the microstructures and properties of the final homogenized alloy. Many fine (Mn,Fe)Al 6 precipitates when the preheating temperature is 400 deg. C. ErAl 3 phase cannot be observed during preheating stage. Plenty of fine (Mn,Fe)Al 6 and ErAl 3 precipitate in finial homogenized alloy when the preheating temperature is ≥300 deg. C. The Al-Mg-Mn-Zr-Ti-Er alloy is effectively strengthened by substructure and dispersoids of (Mn,Fe)Al 6 and ErAl 3 .

Microstructural evolution under high temperature irradiation: fundamental aspects

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Martin, G.; Valentin, P.

1984-01-01

In view of the impossibility to propose theoretically established scaling laws for extrapolating microstructural evolutions to unknown irradiation conditions, a full modelization of microstructural evolution at the atomistic level cannot be avoided. We briefly review the main models available for describing: defect balance under irradiation, the nucleation of clusters of various types, the development of each of the components of the microstructure, synergistic effects among the latter. Attention is called on the problems which remain to be solved at each step. In particular, the swelling incubation phenomenon is just being studied from the fundamental viewpoint. A table of available relevant observations thereof is given. The existence of dose-rate thresholds accross which microstructural evolution undergoes a qualitative change is stressed. Such thresholds call for a detailed modelization of microstructural evolution in order to propose safe extrapolation techniques [fr

Some considerations on the current debate about typing resolution in solid organ transplantation.

Science.gov (United States)

Vogiatzi, Paraskevi

2016-01-01

The shortage of suitable organs and achieved tolerance are uncontested main concerns in transplantation. Long waiting lists for deceased donors and limited numbers of living donors are the current scenarios. Kidney grafts from living donors have better overall survival compared to cadaveric and require less aggressive immunosuppressive regimens. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) labs have the key role to test the recipient and donors compatibility based on typing and antibody profile. The current standard molecular procedure in solid organ transplantation is low-resolution typing, at the antigen level. In this commentary, the merits of high versus low degree of typing resolution in solid organ transplantation are discussed. Critical questions and reasons to bring high-resolution typing as a routine test in health system are considered. Specifically, with the introduction of the next-generation sequencing (NGS) in HLA, the pros and cons in living donation and benefits after deceased donation are critically evaluated. NGS has the potential to improve the transplant rates and the overall graft survival. Alternative strategies to increase in demanding the number of transplants are briefly highlighted.

Cathode solid electrolyte interface’s function originated from salt type additives in lithium ion batteries

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kaneko, Yu; Park, Juyeon; Yokotsuji, Hokuto; Odawara, Makoto; Takase, Hironari; Ue, Makoto; Lee, Maeng-Eun

2016-01-01

Highlights: • Our chemical analysis determines the important functional groups of cathode’s solid electrolyte interface originated from salt type additives. • Our quantum chemical calculation reveals the redox character of the additives and their candidate chemical components of the solid electrolyte interface. • Our molecular dynamics simulation reproduces the selective lithium ion translocation and protective layer formation as the solid electrolyte interface function. - Abstract: This is the study about the cathode’s solid electrolyte interface (SEI) formation mechanism of salt type additives (STAs) and its function. To address this issue, we performed several types of chemical analysis and computer simulation techniques. In order to reveal the redox nature and oxidative decomposition dynamics, the electrolyte (EL) solution dynamics by Quantum mechanics and Molecular mechanics (QM/MM) method was applied. The estimation of SEI chemical components agrees with our chemical analyses data and other group’s reports. The molecular dynamics simulation of sub micro second sampling indicates that the SEI phase induced from STAs functions as a lithium ion selective translocation media and protective coating layer against the degradation of the solvent molecules. The results give us an insight how to design additive’s chemical structure to improve longevity of the cell in the high voltage regime.

The microstructure of mechanically alloyed nanocrystalline aluminium-magnesium

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gubicza, J. [Dept. of General Physics, Eoetvoes Univ., Budapest (Hungary); Dept. of Solid State Physics, Eoetvoes Univ., Budapest (Hungary); Kassem, M. [Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, Faculty of Petroleum and Mining, Suez Canal Univ., Suez (Egypt); Ungar, T. [Dept. of General Physics, Eoetvoes Univ., Budapest (Hungary)

2004-07-01

The effect of the nominal Mg content and the milling time on the microstructure of mechanically alloyed Al(Mg) solid solutions is studied. The crystallite size distribution and the dislocation structure are determined by X-ray diffraction peak profile analysis. Magnesium gradually goes into solid solution during ball milling and after 3 h almost all of the Mg atoms are soluted into the Al matrix. With increasing milling time the Mg content in solid solution, the dislocation density as well as the hardness are increasing, whereas the crystallite size is decreasing. A similar tendency of these parameters is observed at a particular duration of ball milling with increasing of the nominal Mg content. At the same time for a long milling period the dislocation density slightly decreases together with a slight reduction of the hardness. (orig.)

Impact of solid state fermentation on nutritional, physical and flavor properties of wheat bran.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Hui-Min; Guo, Xiao-Na; Zhu, Ke-Xue

2017-02-15

To improve the nutritional, physical and flavor properties of wheat bran, yeast and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were used for fermenting wheat bran in solid state. Appearance properties, nutritional properties, microstructure, hydration properties and flavor of raw bran and fermented bran were evaluated. After treatments, water extractable arabinoxylans were 3-4 times higher than in raw bran. Total dietary fiber and soluble dietary fiber increased after solid state fermentation. Over 20% of phytic acid was degraded. Microstructure changes and protein degradation were observed in fermented brans. Water holding capacity and water retention capacity of fermented brans were improved. Results suggest that solid state fermentation is an effective way to improve the properties of wheat brans. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Inkjet Impregnation for Tailoring Air Electrode Microstructure to Improve Solid Oxide Cells Performance

KAUST Repository

Da’as, Eman H.

2015-09-30

The urge to lower the operating temperature of solid oxide cells (SOCs) to the intermediate ranges between 500-700°C motivated the research into impregnation processes, which offer highly efficient SOC air electrodes at low operating temperatures. Lack of controllability and reproducibility of this technique in the conventional way is still considered as an inadequacy for industrialization since it is performed manually. Therefore, inkjet-printing technology was proposed as an adequate approach to perform scalable and controllable impregnation for SOC air electrodes, which in turn leads to low operating temperatures. Composite LSM-ionic conductive air electrodes of weight ratio 1:2 were fabricated by inkjet impregnation of lanthanum strontium manganite (La0.8Sr0.2MnO3) precursor nitrates onto a porous ionic conductive backbone structure. First, porous yttria stabilized zirconia (8YSZ) substrates prepared by tape casting were used to study the influence of the printing parameters on the lateral dispersion and penetration of LSM ink inside the pores. XRD analysis confirmed the formation of LSM phase after calcination at 800°C for 2 h, while SEM revealed the formation of LSM nanostructures. It has been found by optical microscope observations that the spacing between the drops and the substrate temperature have a significant role in controlling the printing process. Next, the optimized printing parameters were applied in the inkjet impregnation of the LSM ink into porous YSZ electrodes that were spin coated on both sides of dense YSZ layers. LSM-YSZ composite air electrodes achieved an area specific resistance (ASR) of around 0.29 Ω.cm2 at 700°C. The performance of LSM-YSZ composite electrodes was influenced by the microstructure and the thickness, and by the electrode/electrolyte interface characteristics. As a result, the enhancement in LSM-YSZ composite electrode performance was observed due to the better percolation in LSM, YSZ and oxygen diffusion. Finally

Study of the microstructural evolution and rheological behavior by semisolid compression between parallel plate of the alloy A356 solidified under a continuously rotating magnetic field

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Leiva L, Ricardo; Sanchez V, Cristian; Mannheim C, Rodolfo; Bustos C, Oscar

2004-01-01

This work presents a study of the rheological behavior of the alloy A356, with and without continuous magnetic agitation during its solidification, in semisolid state. The evaluation was performed using a parallel plate compression rheometer with the digital recording of position and time data. The microstructural evolution was also studied at the start and end of the semisolid compression test. The procedure involved tests of short cylinders extracted from billets with a non dendritic microstructure cast under a continuously rotating magnetic field. These pieces were tested in different solid fractions, at constant charges and at constant deformation velocities. When the test is carried out at a constant charge the equation can be determined that governs the rheological behavior of the material in semisolid state following a power grade of two Ostwald-de-Waele parameters. But when the test is done at a constant deformation speed the flow behavior of the material can be described in the semisolid shaping process. The results obtained show that the morphology of the phases present in the microstructure is highly relevant to its rheological behavior. A globular coalesced rosette to rosette type microstructure was found to have the typical behavior of a fluid when shaped in a semisolid state but a cast dendritic structure did not behave this way. Also the Arrhenius type dependence of viscosity with temperature was established (CW)

Some observations on the relationship between microstructures, fatigue and creep behaviours in a type 316 stainless steel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Horton, C.A.P.; Lai, J.K.L.; Skelton, R.P.

Comparisons have been made between microstructures in Type 316 steel after high strain fatigue or creep at 625 deg. C and which had been subjected to various pre-test ageing treatments. The microstructures observed in the specimens generally consisted of a three dimensional dislocation network together with 'cells' delineated by dislocation sub-boundaries. In fatigue, under strain control conditions, pre-ageing reduced the dislocation density and coarsened the cell structure produced during test. This was related to less solute hardening and strain induced precipitation after pre-ageing and was accompanied by a lower rate of cyclic strain hardening. During fatigue with dwell, the dislocations introduced led to five times more precipitation than that observed during stress free ageing solution treated material. The 'cell' structure produced by fatigue was retained even after solution treatment at 1050 deg. C. In creep, under constant loads, a coarser and more clearly defined dislocation sub-grain structure developed and its size was not influenced by pre-ageing. However, creep testing after various pre-treatments, including fatigue, demonstrated that the creep resistance was dependent on a combination of solution strengthening, cell size and dislocation density. Consequently prior fatigue considerably increased the creep resistance. The work has demonstrated the microstructural aspects of creep-fatigue interaction and that the use of creep data obtained from solution treated material is likely to lead to errors in creep-fatigue life fraction summations

Effect of ternary alloying elements on microstructure and mechanical property of Nb-Si based refractory intermetallic alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kim, W.Y.; Kim, H.S.; Kim, S.K.; Ra, T.Y.; Kim, M.S.

2005-01-01

Microstructure and mechanical property at room temperature and at 1773 K of Nb-Si based refractory intermetallic alloys were investigated in terms of compression and fracture toughness test. Mo and V were chosen as ternary alloying elements because of their high melting points, atomic sizes smaller than Nb. Both ternary alloying elements were found to have a significant role in modifying the microstructure from dispersed structure to eutectic-like structure in Nb solid solution/Nb 5 Si 3 intermetallic composites. The 0.2% offset yield strength at room temperature increased with increasing content of ternary elements in Nb solid solution and volume fraction of Nb 5 Si 3 . At 1773 K, Mo addition has a positive role in increasing the yield strength. On the other hand, V addition has a role in decreasing the yield strength. The fracture toughness of ternary alloys was superior to binary alloys. Details will be discussed in correlation with ternary alloying, volume fraction of constituent phase, and the microstructure. (orig.)

Influence of process parameters to composite interface organization and performance of liquid/solid bimetal

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rong, S F; Zhu, Y C; Wu, Y H; Yang, P H; Duan, X L; Zhou, H T

2015-01-01

The liquid-solid composite technique was used to prepare the high carbon high chromium steel (HCHCS) and low alloy steel (LCS) bimetal composite materials by means of insert casting method. The influence of some process parameters such as liquid-solid ratio, preheat temperature, pouring temperature on the interface microstructure and mechanical properties were studied. Interface microstructure and element distribution were analyzed. The results show that the interface microstructure becomes better, and bonding area becomes thicker with the increase of the volume of liquid to solid ratio, preheating temperature and pouring temperature. When the liquid-solid ratio is 8:1, the preheating temperature is 300 °C and the pouring temperature is 1565 °C, a good metallurgical bonding area without any hole can be obtained with the interface combination of diffusion and fusion. The composite interface structure was composed of a core material diffusion layer, a cooling solidification layer, a direction growth layer and some cell particles. The elements of C, Cr and Mn diffuse from the HCHCS side to the alloy steel side. The microhardness increased in the gradient from the LCS side to the HCHCS. The microhardness of the interface is significantly higher than that of LCS. (paper)

Microstructure and superconducting properties of YBCO bulk superconductors with RE substitutions

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Volochová, D.; Antal, V.; Piovarči, S.; Kováč, J.; Jirsa, Miloš; Noudem, J.; Diko, P.

2016-01-01

Roč. 26, č. 3 (2016), s. 1-4, č. článku 7200604. ISSN 1051-8223 Institutional support: RVO:68378271 Keywords : yttrium barium copper oxide * critical current density (superconductivity) * powders * magnetic fields * microstructure * temperature measurement Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 1.092, year: 2015

Microstructural changes during the slow-cooling annealing of nanocrystalline SmCo 2:17 type magnets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Romero, S.A.; Campos, M.F. de; Castro, J.A. de; Moreira, A.J.; Landgraf, F.J.G.

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► Use of the Stoner-Wohlfarth Callen Liu Cullen model in 2:17 type magnets. ► Data suggest exchange coupling between Sm2(CoFe)17 and Sm(CoCu)5 phases. ► It is given structural data for phase Sm0.33Zr0.67TM3, with TM=Co,Fe,Cu. ► The beneficial effect of the slow cooling treatment is explained. - Abstract: The microstructure and magnetic properties of 2:17 type isotropic magnets were investigated. The slow cooling heat treatment (cooling at 1 °C/min from 820 to 400 °C, and isothermal treatment during 24 h) was interrupted after the temperatures of 820, 700, 600 and 500 °C and their hysteresis were measured with fields up to 9 T. The fully heat treated sample presented coercivity (μ 0 H) of 3.32 T, after 24 h at 400 °C. The microstructure was investigated with SEM–FEG (Scanning Electron Microscope with Field Emission Gun) and X-ray Diffraction Rietveld analysis. The application of the Stoner–Wohlfarth–Callen–Liu–Cullen (SW–CLC) model points out exchange coupling between ferromagnetic Sm 2 (CoFe) 17 nanocells and ferromagnetic Sm(CoCu) 5 present at the cell boundary phase. The results are interpreted with the double shell model: first-a cobalt-rich ferromagnetic Sm(CoCu) 5 shell originates exchange coupling and second-a copper-rich paramagnetic Sm(CuCo) 5 shell produces magnetic decoupling. This double shell helps to maximize coercivity and remanence. The anisotropy field of the Sm 2 (CoFe) 17 cell phase was estimated in 7 T with the SW–CLC model.

Numerical study of the impact of inoculant and grain transport on macrosegregation and microstructure formation during solidification of an Al-22%Cu alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tveito, K O; M'Hamdi, M; Bedel, M; Zaloz'nik, M; Combeau, H; Kumar, A; Dutta, P

2012-01-01

We investigate the impact of the nucleation law for nucleation on Al-Ti-B inoculant particles, of the motion of inoculant particles and of the motion of grains on the predicted macrosegregation and microstructure in a grain-refined Al-22 wt.% Cu alloy casting. We conduct the study by numerical simulations of a casting experiment in a side-cooled 76×76×254 mm sand mould. Macrosegregation and microstructure formation are studied with a volume-averaged two-phase model accounting for macroscopic heat and solute transport, melt convection, and transport of inoculant particles and equiaxed grains. On the microscopic scale it accounts for nucleation on inoculant particles with a given size distribution (and corresponding activation undercooling distribution)and for the growth of globular solid grains. The growth kinetics is described by accounting for limited solute diffusion in both liquid and solid phases and for convective effects. We show that the consideration of a size distribution of the inoculants has a strong impact on the microstructure(final grain size) prediction. The transport of inoculants significantly increases the microstructure heterogeneities and the grain motion refines the microstructure and reduces the microstructure heterogeneities.

Nanometric solid solutions of the fluorite and perovskite type crystal structures: Synthesis and properties

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Snežana Bošković

2012-09-01

Full Text Available In this paper a short review of our results on the synthesis of nanosized CeO2, CaMnO3 and BaCeO3 solid solutions are presented. The nanopowders were prepared by two innovative methods: self propagating room temperature synthesis (SPRT and modified glycine/nitrate procedure (MGNP. Different types of solid solutions with rare earth dopants in concentrations ranging from 0–0.25 mol% were synthesized. The reactions forming solid solutions were studied. In addition, the characteristics of prepared nanopowders, phenomena during sintering and the properties of sintered samples are discussed.

Rheological stratification of the Hormuz Salt Formation in Iran - microstructural study of the dirty and pure rock salts from the Kuh-e-Namak (Dashti) salt diapir

Science.gov (United States)

Závada, Prokop; Desbois, Guillaume; Urai, Janos; Schulmann, Karel; Rahmati, Mahmoud; Lexa, Ondrej; Wollenberg, Uwe

2014-05-01

Significant viscosity contrasts displayed in flow structures of a mountain namakier (Kuh-e-Namak - Dashti), between 'weak' terrestrial debris bearing rock salt types and 'strong' pure rock salt types are questioned for deformation mechanisms using detailed quantitative microstructural study including crystallographic preferred orientation (CPO) mapping of halite grains. While the solid impurity rich ("dirty") rock salts contain disaggregated siltstone and dolomite interlayers, "clean" salts (debris free) reveal microscopic hematite and remnants of abundant fluid inclusions in non-recrystallized cores of porphyroclasts. Although flow in both, the recrystallized dirty and clean salt types is accommodated by combined mechanisms of pressure-solution creep (PS), grain boundary sliding (GBS) and dislocation creep accommodated grain boundary migration (GBM), their viscosity contrasts are explained by significantly slower rates of intergranular diffusion and piling up of dislocations at hematite inclusions in clean salt types. Porphyroclasts of clean salts deform by semi-brittle and plastic mechanisms with intra-crystalline damage being induced also by fluid inclusions that explode in the crystals at high fluid pressures. Boudins of clean salt types with coarse grained and original sedimentary microstructure suggest that clean rock salts are associated with dislocation creep dominated power law flow in the source layer and the diapiric stem. Rheological contrasts between both rock salt classes apply in general for the variegated and terrestrial debris rich ("dirty") Lower Hormuz and the "clean" rock salt forming the Upper Hormuz, respectively, and suggest that large strain rate gradients likely exist along horizons of mobilized salt types of different composition and microstructure.

Type of oral solid medication packaging and medication preparation time in nursing homes: A direct observation study.

Science.gov (United States)

Cready, C M; Hudson, C; Dreyer, K

2017-12-01

Medication administration is a substantial portion of the workday in nursing homes, with the medication preparation step being the most time-consuming. However, little is known about how medication preparation time is affected by the type of packaging used for oral solid medications (ie, tablets/capsules). We examined the effects of two types of packaging. As fewer steps are associated with strip packaging compared to bingo card packaging, we hypothesized that the increase in medication preparation seconds per resident with each additional oral solid medication would be smaller when strip packaging was used. A total of 430 medication preparations conducted by eight nurses during the regularly scheduled morning medication administration period in two nursing homes-using strip packaging and bingo card packaging, respectively-were observed. Each medication preparation observation was matched to its corresponding medication administration record and observations averaged across resident. Using the resident sample (N=149), we estimated three regression models (adjusting the standard errors for the clustering of resident by nurse). The first model regressed medication preparation seconds on the number of oral solid medications. The second model added the type of packaging used and the control variables (type of unit [long-term care, post-acute care], the number of one-half pills and the dosage form diversity in the preparation). To test our hypothesis, the third model added an interaction term between the number of oral solid medications and the type of packaging used. As hypothesized, all else equal, the number of oral solid medications tended to increase medication preparation time per resident in both nursing homes, but the increase was smaller in the strip packaging nursing home (Ppackaging nursing home increased medication preparation by an average of 13 seconds (b=13.077), whereas each oral solid medication administered in the strip packaging nursing home

Growth behavior of LiMn2O4 particles formed by solid-state reactions in air and water vapor

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kozawa, Takahiro; Yanagisawa, Kazumichi; Murakami, Takeshi; Naito, Makio

2016-01-01

Morphology control of particles formed during conventional solid-state reactions without any additives is a challenging task. Here, we propose a new strategy to control the morphology of LiMn 2 O 4 particles based on water vapor-induced growth of particles during solid-state reactions. We have investigated the synthesis and microstructural evolution of LiMn 2 O 4 particles in air and water vapor atmospheres as model reactions; LiMn 2 O 4 is used as a low-cost cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. By using spherical MnCO 3 precursor impregnated with LiOH, LiMn 2 O 4 spheres with a hollow structure were obtained in air, while angulated particles with micrometer sizes were formed in water vapor. The pore structure of the particles synthesized in water vapor was found to be affected at temperatures below 700 °C. We also show that the solid-state reaction in water vapor is a simple and valuable method for the large-scale production of particles, where the shape, size, and microstructure can be controlled. - Graphical abstract: This study has demonstrated a new strategy towards achieving morphology control without the use of additives during conventional solid-state reactions by exploiting water vapor-induced particle growth. - Highlights: • A new strategy to control the morphology of LiMn 2 O 4 particles is proposed. • Water vapor-induced particle growth is exploited in solid-state reactions. • The microstructural evolution of LiMn 2 O 4 particles is investigated. • The shape, size and microstructure can be controlled by solid-state reactions.

Orientation dependence of the dislocation microstructure in compressed body-centered cubic molybdenum

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wang, S.; Wang, M.P.; Chen, C.; Xiao, Z.; Jia, Y.L.; Li, Z.; Wang, Z.X.

2014-01-01

The orientation dependence of the deformation microstructure has been investigated in commercial pure molybdenum. After deformation, the dislocation boundaries of compressed molybdenum can be classified, similar to that in face-centered cubic metals, into three types: dislocation cells (Type 2), and extended planar boundaries parallel to (Type 1) or not parallel to (Type 3) a (110) trace. However, it shows a reciprocal relationship between face-centered cubic metals and body-centered cubic metals on the orientation dependence of the deformation microstructure. The higher the strain, the finer the microstructure is and the smaller the inclination angle between extended planar boundaries and the compression axis is. - Highlights: • A reciprocal relationship between FCC metals and BCC metals is confirmed. • The dislocation boundaries can be classified into three types in compressed Mo. • The dislocation characteristic of different dislocation boundaries is different

Microstructured reactor for electroorganic synthesis

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bouzek, Karel, E-mail: bouzekk@vscht.c [Department of Inorganic Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28 Prague 6 (Czech Republic); Jiricny, Vladimir [Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Rozvojova 2, 165 02 Prague 6 (Czech Republic); Kodym, Roman [Department of Inorganic Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28 Prague 6 (Czech Republic); Kristal, Jiri [Institute of Chemical Process Fundamentals, v.v.i., Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Rozvojova 2, 165 02 Prague 6 (Czech Republic); Bystron, Tomas [Department of Inorganic Technology, Institute of Chemical Technology Prague, Technicka 5, 166 28 Prague 6 (Czech Republic)

2010-11-30

In the present work a brief overview of microstructured devices, the advantages and disadvantages as well as the principles of a multiscale design approach are presented. The advantages mainly comprise uniform current density distribution, local control of the process parameters, high single-pass conversion of the reactant and reduced concentration of the supporting electrolyte needed to perform the reaction. The main challenge with this type of cell is gas evolution, a typical reaction taking place at the counter-electrode. The phenomena discussed are documented using the example of anodic methoxylation of 4-methylanisole. An analysis was made of the two-phase flow hydrodynamics inside the microstructured cell. The range of operational conditions suitable for the desired reaction was identified. The results were used together with the information on the electrode reaction kinetics in the form of the Butler-Volmer-type equation for the design of a suitable bipolar microstructured cell. A bipolar cell optimized to perform the desired reaction is reported. The results are compared with the published data. An analysis was performed that proved that the performance of the existing technology is more demanding in terms of energy consumption for the separation of the final product from the reaction mixture. The process intensification was evaluated on the basis of the available data.

Effect of thermophysical property and coating thickness on microstructure and characteristics of a casting

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ai-chao Cheng

2017-01-01

Full Text Available A new improved investment casting technology (IC has been presented and compared with the existing IC technology such as lost foam casting (LFC. The effect of thermophysical property and coating thickness on casting solidification temperature field, microstructure and hardness has been investigated. The results show that the solidification rate decreases inversely with the coating thickness when the coating contains silica sol, zircon powder, mullite powder and defoaming agent. In contrast, the solid cooling rate increases as the coating thickness increases. However, the solidification rate and solid cooling rate of the casting produced by the existing IC and the improved IC are very similar when the coating thickness is 5 mm, so the microstructure and hardness of a container corner fitting produced by the improved IC and the existing IC are similar. The linear regression equation for the grain size (d and cooling rate (v of the castings is d= –0.41v+206.1. The linear regression equation for the content of pearlite (w and solid cooling rate (t is w=1.79t + 6.71. The new improved IC can greatly simplify the process and decrease the cost of production compared with the existing IC. Contrasting with LFC, container corner fittings produced by the new improved IC have fewer defects and better properties. It was also found that the desired microstructure and properties can be obtained by changing the thermophysical property and thickness of the coating.

Microstructure and Aging Behavior of Nonflammable AZ91D Mg Alloy

OpenAIRE

Seok Hong Min; Tae Kwon Ha

2014-01-01

Phase equilibria of AZ91D Mg alloys for nonflammable use, containing Ca and Y, were carried out by using FactSage® and FTLite database, which revealed that solid solution treatment could be performed at temperatures from 400 to 450oC. Solid solution treatment of AZ91D Mg alloy without Ca and Y was successfully conducted at 420oC and supersaturated microstructure with all beta phase resolved into matrix was obtained. In the case of AZ91D Mg alloy with some Ca and Y; howeve...

Microstructured optical fibers - Fundamentals and applications

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Lægsgaard, Jesper; Bjarklev, Anders Overgaard

2006-01-01

In recent years optical fibers having a complex microstructure in the transverse plane have attracted much attention from both researchers and industry. Such fibers can either guide light through total internal reflection or the photonic bandgap effect. Among the many unique applications offered...... by these fibers are mode guidance in air, highly flexible dispersion engineering, and the use of very heterogeneous material combinations. In this paper, we review the different types and applications of microstructured optical fibers, with particular emphasis on recent advances in the field....

Solid-phase thermolysis of hexachlororuthenates (4) of onium type

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kukushkin, Yu N; Maslov, E I; Ryabkova, T P; Lobadyuk, V I [Leningradskij Tekhnologicheskij Inst. (USSR)

1982-10-01

Methods of thermogravimetry, infrared spectroscopy, electron absorption spectra and magnetic moment measurings were used to a study thermal solid-phase behaviour of onium hexachlororuthenates (4) of (AH)/sub 2/(RuCl/sub 6/) and (A'H/sub 2/)(RuCl/sub 6/) type, where A-benzimidazole (BAZ), pyridine (py), ammonia, A'-phenanthroline-ortho (o-phen), ethylenediamine (en). It was established that heating of solid (BAZH)/sub 2/(RuCl/sub 6/)x2H/sub 2/O and (o-phen H/sub 2/)(RuCl/sub 6/)xH/sub 2/O in 20-500 deg C range leads to separation of crystallization water and the following extraction of hydrogen chloride with formation of cis-(Ru(BAZ)/sub 2/Cl/sub 4/) and (Ru(o-phen)Cl/sub 4/). (pyH)/sub 2/(RuCl/sub 6/) heating causes initially the separation of two moles of hydrogen chloride with formation of cis-(Ru(py)/sub 2/Cl/sub 4/); further increase of temperature leads to reduction separation of chloride with formation of (Ru(py)/sub 2/Cl/sub 3/)/sub 2/ dimer. The mixture of ruthernium chlorides is prepared under conditions of isothermal heating of (NH/sub 4/)/sub 2/(RuCl/sub 6/) and (enH/sub 2/)(RuCl/sub 6/) compounds at temperatures close to the beginning of their decomposition. The separation of intermediate ruthenium compounds of diamine type with ammonia and ethylendiamine failed.

Development of micro-structured heat exchangers; Developpement d'echangeurs de chaleur microstructures

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bouzon, C

2004-10-01

This study has been carried out to defend the Technological Diploma of Research, in the aim to develop micro-structured heat exchangers. Realized within the Research Group on the Heat exchangers and Energy (GREThE) of the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) of Grenoble. The rise of micro-technologies and the optimization of heat exchangers have led to emergence from few years of new structures of fluid paths with scales lower than the millimeter, thus making it possible to produce heat exchangers ultra-compacts. The micro-structured exchangers are heat exchangers whose hydraulic diameters are lower than the millimeter but with external dimensions of several centimeters. The study is based on two patents filed by the CEA and the characterization of these two geometries. A first concept of cross flow type finds applications with Gas/Liquid heat exchanger. A second type, a countercurrent, is more adapted to Liquid/Liquid applications. An approach with simplified analytical models and by numerical simulation was employed for each concept. An experimental study on the Gas/Liquid concept was also carried out. (author)

Neural Networks Relating Alloy Composition, Microstructure, and Tensile Properties of α/ β-Processed TIMETAL 6-4

Science.gov (United States)

Collins, Peter C.; Koduri, Santhosh; Welk, Brian; Tiley, Jaimie; Fraser, Hamish L.

2013-03-01

Bayesian neural networks have been developed, which relate composition, microstructure, and tensile properties of the alloy TIMETAL 6-4 (nominal composition: Ti-6Al-4V (wt pct) after thermomechanical processing (TMP) in the two-phase ( α + β)-phase field. The developed networks are able to make interpolative predictions of properties within the ranges of composition and microstructural features that are in the population of the database used for training and testing of the networks. In addition, the neural networks have been used to conduct virtual experiments which permit the functional dependencies of properties on composition and microstructural features to be determined. In this way, it is shown that in the microstructural condition resulting from TMP in the two-phase ( α + β) phase field, the most significant contribution to strength is from solid solution strengthening, with microstructural features apparently influencing the balance of a number of properties.

Effect of Al–5Ti–1B grain refiner on the microstructure, mechanical properties and acoustic emission characteristics of Al5052 aluminium alloy

OpenAIRE

Pattnaik, Amulya Bihari; Das, Satyabrat; Jha, Bharat Bhushan; Prasanth, Nedumbilly

2015-01-01

In the present investigation, the effect of Al–5Ti–1B grain refiner on the microstructure, mechanical properties and acoustic emission characteristics of Al 5052 aluminium alloy have been studied. Microstructural analysis showed the presence of primary α solid solution. No Al–Mg phase was found to be formed due to the presence of magnesium in the solid solution. The results indicated that the addition of Al–5Ti–1B grain refiner into the alloy caused a significant improvement in ultimate tensi...

Microstructure and electrical properties of slug-type resistors based on B4C and TiC - ESCA - XPS and impedance spectroscopy investigations

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Klimiec, E.; Zaraska, W.; Stobiecki, T.; Bak, W.; Starzyk, F.

2000-01-01

The microstructure and electrical properties of slug-type resistors based on B 4 C and TiC were investigated. From XPS measurements was deducted that Ti in TiO 2 is in intermediate oxidation number between Ti +4 and Ti +3 . The impedance of both type of resistors is independent on frequency in the range from 10 3 to 10 4 Hz, only very subtle differences above 10 4 Hz are observed. The metallic type conductivity in TiC and semiconducting in B 4 C was established. (author)

Microstructure and physical properties of mechanically alloyed Fe-Mo powder

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Jirásková, Yvonna; Zábranský, Karel; Turek, Ilja; Buršík, Jiří; Jančík, D.

2009-01-01

Roč. 477, - (2009), s. 55-61 ISSN 0925-8388 R&D Projects: GA ČR GA202/05/2111; GA ČR GD106/05/H008 Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z20410507 Keywords : Nanostructured materials * Mechanical alloying * Microstructure * Magnetic measurements * Mössbauer spectroscopy Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 2.135, year: 2009

Comparison of three different types of cilostazol-loaded solid dispersion: Physicochemical characterization and pharmacokinetics in rats.

Science.gov (United States)

Mustapha, Omer; Kim, Kyung Soo; Shafique, Shumaila; Kim, Dong Shik; Jin, Sung Giu; Seo, Youn Gee; Youn, Yu Seok; Oh, Kyung Taek; Yong, Chul Soon; Kim, Jong Oh; Choi, Han-Gon

2017-06-01

The aim of this research was to compare three different types of cilostazol-loaded solid dispersion system including solvent-evaporated, solvent-wetted and surface-attached solid dispersion. The effect of polymers and surfactants on the aqueous solubility of cilostazol was investigated, leading to the selection of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) and sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS). Employing a spray-drying technique, numerous surface-attached, solvent-evaporated and solvent-wetted solid dispersions were prepared with various amounts PVP and SLS using water, 90% ethanol and acetone, respectively. Their physicochemical properties, solubility, dissolution and oral bioavailability in rats were assessed compared to the drug powder. Among each solid dispersion system tested, the surface-attached, solvent-evaporated and solvent-wetted solid dispersions composed of cilostazol, PVP and SLS at weight ratios of 3.0 : 0.75 : 1.5, 3.0 : 3.0 : 1.5 and 3.0 : 3.0 : 1.5, respectively, provided the highest drug solubility and dissolution. The solvent-evaporated solid dispersion gave homogeneous and very small spherical particles, in which the drug was changed to an amorphous state. In the solvent-wetted solid dispersion, the amorphous drug was attached to the polymer surface. Conversely, in the surface-attached solid dispersion, the carriers were adhered onto the surface of the unchanged crystalline drug. The solubility, dissolution and oral bioavailability were significantly increased in the order of solvent-evaporated>solvent-wetted>surface-attached>drug powder. Thus, the type of solid dispersion considerably affected the physicochemical properties, aqueous solubility and oral bioavailability. Furthermore, the cilostazol-loaded solvent-evaporated solid dispersion with the highest oral bioavailability would be actively recommended as a practical oral pharmaceutical product. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evolution of the microstructure and magnetic properties of as-cast and melt spun Fe2NiAl alloy during aging

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Menushenkov, V.P.; Gorshenkov, M.V.; Shchetinin, I.V.; Savchenko, A.G.; Savchenko, E.S.; Zhukov, D.G.

2015-01-01

Fe 2 NiAl-based alloy with the nominal composition Fe 51.1 Ni 23.5 Al 23.7 Si 1.7 was prepared by casting and melt-spinning. Comparison of the phase composition, microstructure and magnetic properties of water-quenched bulk samples and melt spun ribbons after isothermal aging in the 500–900 °C range were carried out. TEM investigations of the decomposition of the solid solution into β- and β 2 phases during cooling or quenching and subsequent aging have revealed different types of decomposition products. The optimal periodic modulated structure with coercive force H c ~700 Oe was observed after cooling of as-cast alloy at a critical rate. In this structure the paramagnetic β 2 phase forms a continuous network that isolates elongated single domain ferromagnetic β particles. The water-quenched bulk samples and melt spun ribbons were characterized by zone structure with zones about 10 nm and 4 nm in size. The isothermal aging of quenched samples resulted in the formation of modulated microstructure dissimilar to those of the optimal state. The coarsening of ferromagnetic β particles as well as deterioration of the magnetic insulation of β particles occur in bulk samples after aging at T ag >700 °C that decreases H c ≤350 Oe. The dependence δ M (H) was measured and negative values of δ M (H) in the H=0–2000 Oe range indicate that magnetostatic interactions between the β particles are dominant. The melt spun ribbons were characterized by the presence of antiphase domain boundaries (APD) and discontinuous precipitation (DP) products at grain boundaries (GB). The cellular areas at GBs consisting of alternating lamellas of β′- and β 2 ′ type phases were formed after aging the ribbons at T ag >500 °C. At T ag >700 °C the modulated structure formed inside grains and the wide intergranular double-layer of β and β 2 phases develops by the coalescence of the primary DP products that decrease H c ≤250 Oe. MFM image of the magnetic structure

Simulations of Precipitate Microstructure Evolution during Heat Treatment

Science.gov (United States)

Wu, Kaisheng; Sterner, Gustaf; Chen, Qing; Jou, Herng-Jeng; Jeppsson, Johan; Bratberg, Johan; Engström, Anders; Mason, Paul

Precipitation, a major solid state phase transformation during heat treatment processes, has for more than one century been intensively employed to improve the strength and toughness of various high performance alloys. Recently, sophisticated precipitation reaction models, in assistance with well-developed CALPHAD databases, provide an efficient and cost-effective way to tailor precipitate microstructures that maximize the strengthening effect via the optimization of alloy chemistries and heat treatment schedules. In this presentation, we focus on simulating precipitate microstructure evolution in Nickel-base superalloys under arbitrary heat treatment conditions. The newly-developed TC-PRISMA program has been used for these simulations, with models refined especially for non-isothermal conditions. The effect of different cooling profiles on the formation of multimodal microstructures has been thoroughly examined in order to understand the underlying thermodynamics and kinetics. Meanwhile, validations against several experimental results have been carried out. Practical issues that are critical to the accuracy and applicability of the current simulations, such as modifications that overcome mean-field approximations, compatibility between CALPHAD databases, selection of key parameters (particularly interfacial energy and nucleation site densities), etc., are also addressed.

Analysis of microstructure in mouse femur and decalcification effect on microstructure by electron microscopy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Taehoon Jeon

2010-10-01

Full Text Available Microstructure and decalcification effect by ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA on microstructure were studied for the compact bone of mouse femur by optical and electron microscopy. Especially the (002 reflection plane on the selected area electron diffraction (SAED of hydroxyapatite (HA was analyzed in detail. Two types of HA crystals were observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM. One was needle-like crystals known as general HA crystals, and the other was flake-like crystals. Major constituents of two types of crystals were calcium, phosphorus, and oxygen. The Ca/P ratios of two types of crystals were close to the ideal value of HA within experimental error. Intensity data obtained from each crystals were also very similar. These results indicated that two types of crystals were actually same HA crystals. It was noticed that the (002 reflection plane on SAED displayed ring, spot, or arc patterns in accordance with orientations of HA crystals. Decalcification by EDTA process obsecured outline of osteons and havarsian canals, and changed morphology of the bone section. As the results of decalcification it was observed by TEM-EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy that all peaks of calcium and phosphorus disappeared, and intensity of oxygen peak was substantially reduced. Moreover, collagen appeared to be disaggreated.

Sintered stabilized zirconia microstructure and conductivity

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bernard, Herve.

1981-04-01

The elaboration of a stabilized zirconia powder which sinters at 1300 0 C and the influence of the sintered polycristal microstructure on its ionic conductivity have been studied. Among three investigated powder preparation processes, coprecipitation in an ammoniacal solution was chosen. After sintering at 1300 0 C, the pellet density was higher than 93% of the theoretical density. It even approached up to 98% TD with addition of less than 0,5 mole % Al 2 O 3 to the initial powder. The overall electrolyte conductivity and the inter and intragranular contributions have been determined by complex impedance spectroscopy. ZrO 2 -Y 2 O 3 solid solution conductivity was scarcely improved by Y 2 O 3 exchange with Yb 2 O 3 or Gd 2 O 3 . This conductivity greatly increases with grain size, its improvement with decreasing porosity, which has been quantified, is less sensible. Moreover, two original properties were noticed: small amounts of Al 2 O 3 and quenching greatly enhanced the overall conductivity. At temperatures below 500 0 C, grain boundaries only insured a partial migration of conductive ions. A parallel type electrical equivalent circuit suited well with this blocking effect [fr

Texture evolution and microstructural changes during solid-state dewetting: A correlative study by complementary in situ TEM techniques

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Niekiel, Florian; Kraschewski, Simon M.; Schweizer, Peter; Butz, Benjamin; Spiecker, Erdmann

2016-01-01

The transition of a thin film into an energetically favorable set of particles at temperatures below the melting point of the bulk material is known as solid-state dewetting. In this work the dewetting behavior of 16 nm thick discontinuous Au thin films on amorphous silicon nitride membranes is quantitatively studied by complementary in situ transmission electron microscopy techniques taking advantage of the unique capabilities of a chip-based heating system. The combination of dedicated imaging and diffraction techniques is used to investigate the interplay of grain growth and texture evolution with the process of dewetting. The results show an initial coarsening of the microstructure preceding the other processes. Texture evolution is highly correlated to material retraction and agglomeration during the following dewetting process. In-plane grain rotation has been observed, acting as an additional mechanism for orientation changes. From a methodological perspective this work demonstrates the capabilities of today’s transmission electron microscopy in combination with state-of-the-art in situ instrumentation. In particular the combination of complementary information from different dedicated techniques in one and the same setup is demonstrated to be highly beneficial.

Diffusion tensor MR imaging in neurofibromatosis type 1: expanding the knowledge of microstructural brain abnormalities

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ferraz-Filho, Jose R.L.; Muniz, Marcos P.; Souza, Antonio S.; Rocha, Antonio J. da; Goloni-Bertollo, Eny M.; Pavarino-Bertelli, Erika C.

2012-01-01

Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) is a hereditary disease with a dominant autosomal pattern. In children and adolescents, it is frequently associated with the appearance of T2-weighted hyperintensities in the brain's white matter. MRI with diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is used to detect white matter abnormalities by measuring fractional anisotropy (FA). This study employed DTI to evaluate the relationship between FA patterns and the findings of T2 sequences, with the aim of improving our understanding of anatomical changes and microstructural brain abnormalities in individuals with NF1. Forty-four individuals with NF1 and 20 control subjects were evaluated. The comparative analysis of FA between NF1 and control groups was based on four predetermined anatomical regions of the brain hemispheres (basal ganglia, cerebellum, pons, thalamus) and related the presence or absence of T2-weighted hyperintensities in the brain, which are called unidentified bright objects (UBOs). The FA values between the groups demonstrated statistically significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) for the cerebellum and thalamus in patients with NF1, independent of the occurrence of UBOs. Diffusion tensor MR imaging confirms the influence of UBOs in the decrease of FA values in this series of patients with NF1. Additionally, this technique allows the characterization of microstructural abnormalities even in some brain regions that appear normal in conventional MR sequences. (orig.)

Liquid-phase and solid-phase radioimmunoassay with herpes simplex virus type 1 nucleocapsids

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Bystricka, M.; Rajcani, J.; Libikova, H.; Sabo, A.; Foeldes, O.; Sadlon, J.

1985-01-01

Liquid-phase radioimmunoassay and solid-phase radioimmunoassay are described using 125 I-labelled or immobilized nucleocapsids (NC) of herpes simplex virus (HSV) type1. These techniques appeared sensitive and specific for quantitation of HSV-NC antigens and corresponding antibodies. (author)

Evolution of microstructures in nickel solid solution fatigued at high temperature: occurence of an intragranular cavitation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arnaud, B.

1986-06-01

We studied by T.E.M. the microstructures appearing in Nickel solid solution fatigued in push-pull between 0.4 Tm and 0.6 Tm (Tm=melting temperature), the maximum amplitude of stress was imposed: +- 100 MPa, three frequencies were used: 1.25 Hz, 2.5 Hz and 10 Hz. In Ni 6% at Ge the structure of dislocations evolves continuously with the number of cycles: homogeneous distribution of dislocations, cell structure, then development of sub-grains 5 times as big as the cell; these sub-grains are not stable, they break up into cells. This succession of structures suggests a cyclic evolution. The cavities appear for number of cycles greater than a threshold number depending on the temperature and the frequency. The cavities are not distributed uniformly, they are located in zone. According to the conditions of sollicitation, the shape (equiaxe of small stick) and the distribution (uniform, in band, in crown) of the cavities fluctuate. This cavitation exists equally in other materials (Ni 4% at Si, Ni). This intra-granular cavitation has been observed in the same domain of temperatures as the domain of swelling in the same material under bombardment with ions Ni + . Due to this similitude we searched for a segregation of solute (like the induced precipitation by irradiation) but this phenomenon did not occur with our experimental conditions [fr

Microstructure, ferromagnetic and photoluminescence properties of ITO and Cr doped ITO nanoparticles using solid state reaction

Science.gov (United States)

Babu, S. Harinath; Kaleemulla, S.; Rao, N. Madhusudhana; Rao, G. Venugopal; Krishnamoorthi, C.

2016-11-01

Indium-tin-oxide (ITO) (In0.95Sn0.05)2O3 and Cr doped indium-tin-oxide (In0.90Sn0.05Cr0.05)2O3 nanoparticles were prepared using simple low cost solid state reaction method and characterized by different techniques to study their structural, optical and magnetic properties. Microstructures, surface morphology, crystallite size of the nanoparticles were studied using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). From these methods it was found that the particles were about 45 nm. Chemical composition and valence states of the nanoparticles were studied using energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). From these techniques it was observed that the elements of indium, tin, chromium and oxygen were present in the system in appropriate ratios and they were in +3, +4, +3 and -2 oxidation states. Raman studies confirmed that the nanoparticle were free from unintentional impurities. Two broad emission peaks were observed at 330 nm and 460 nm when excited wavelength of 300 nm. Magnetic studies were carried out at 300 K and 100 K using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and found that the ITO nanoparticles were ferromagnetic at 100 K and 300 K. Where-as the room temperature ferromagnetism completely disappeared in Cr doped ITO nanoparticles at 100 K and 300 K.

Development of micro-structured heat exchangers; Developpement d'echangeurs de chaleur microstructures

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bouzon, C.

2004-10-01

This study has been carried out to defend the Technological Diploma of Research, in the aim to develop micro-structured heat exchangers. Realized within the Research Group on the Heat exchangers and Energy (GREThE) of the Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) of Grenoble. The rise of micro-technologies and the optimization of heat exchangers have led to emergence from few years of new structures of fluid paths with scales lower than the millimeter, thus making it possible to produce heat exchangers ultra-compacts. The micro-structured exchangers are heat exchangers whose hydraulic diameters are lower than the millimeter but with external dimensions of several centimeters. The study is based on two patents filed by the CEA and the characterization of these two geometries. A first concept of cross flow type finds applications with Gas/Liquid heat exchanger. A second type, a countercurrent, is more adapted to Liquid/Liquid applications. An approach with simplified analytical models and by numerical simulation was employed for each concept. An experimental study on the Gas/Liquid concept was also carried out. (author)

Stiffening solids with liquid inclusions

Science.gov (United States)

Style, Robert W.; Boltyanskiy, Rostislav; Allen, Benjamin; Jensen, Katharine E.; Foote, Henry P.; Wettlaufer, John S.; Dufresne, Eric R.

2015-01-01

From bone and wood to concrete and carbon fibre, composites are ubiquitous natural and synthetic materials. Eshelby’s inclusion theory describes how macroscopic stress fields couple to isolated microscopic inclusions, allowing prediction of a composite’s bulk mechanical properties from a knowledge of its microstructure. It has been extended to describe a wide variety of phenomena from solid fracture to cell adhesion. Here, we show experimentally and theoretically that Eshelby’s theory breaks down for small liquid inclusions in a soft solid. In this limit, an isolated droplet’s deformation is strongly size-dependent, with the smallest droplets mimicking the behaviour of solid inclusions. Furthermore, in opposition to the predictions of conventional composite theory, we find that finite concentrations of small liquid inclusions enhance the stiffness of soft solids. A straightforward extension of Eshelby’s theory, accounting for the surface tension of the solid-liquid interface, explains our experimental observations. The counterintuitive stiffening of solids by fluid inclusions is expected whenever inclusion radii are smaller than an elastocapillary length, given by the ratio of the surface tension to Young’s modulus of the solid matrix. These results suggest that surface tension can be a simple and effective mechanism to cloak the far-field elastic signature of inclusions.

Ni/YSZ microstructure optimization for long-term stability of solid oxide electrolysis cells

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Hauch, Anne; Brodersen, Karen; Karas, Filip

2014-01-01

of keeping the Ni particles in their required positions in the porous Ni/YSZ cermet close to the electrolyte. In this work we report cell tests and microstructures from reference and long-term tested SOEC with varied initial Ni/YSZ ratio with the aim of investigating the effect of changed Ni/YSZ ratio...

Laser ablation of toluene liquid for surface micro-structuring of silica glass

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Niino, H.; Kawaguchi, Y.; Sato, T.; Narazaki, A.; Gumpenberger, T.; Kurosaki, R.

2006-01-01

Microstructures with well-defined micropatterns were fabricated on the surfaces of silica glass using a laser-induced backside wet etching (LIBWE) method by diode-pumped solid state (DPSS) UV laser at the repetition rate of 10 kHz. For a demonstration of flexible rapid prototyping as mask-less exposure system, the focused laser beam was directed to the sample by galvanometer-based point scanning system. Additionally, a diagnostics study of plume propagation in the ablated products of toluene solid film was carried out with an intensified CCD (ICCD) camera

Orientation dependence of the deformation microstructure in compressed aluminum

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Le, G.M.; Godfrey, A.; Hong, Chuanshi

2012-01-01

The orientation dependence of the deformation microstructure has been investigated in aluminum compressed to 20% reduction. The dislocation boundaries formed can be classified, as for tension, into one of three types: dislocation cells (Type 2), and extended planar boundaries near (Type 1...

Homogeneity and microstructure study of Gd2O3-UO2 pellets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pan Ying; Gao Dihua; Guo Yibai; Zhu Shuming

1994-10-01

The microstructure of Gd 2 O 3 -UO 2 pellets (0∼10 wt%) prepared in different conditions, the homogeneity distribution of Gd 2 O 3 in the pellets and the lattice parameter of solid solution are studied by metalloscope, WDS, EDAX, SEM-image processing system, XRD and image analyzer. The theoretical density has been calculated. The effect of size and content of Gd 2 O 3 particles, the blend process, the sintering temperature and time, and the sintering atmosphere on the microstructure of Gd 2 O 3 pellets and the homogeneity of Gd 2 O 3 in the pellets are studied. (16 refs., 10 figs., 8 tabs.)

Commercial alkaline earth boroaluminosilicate glasses for sealing solid oxide cell stacks. Part I: Development of glass-ceramic microstructure and thermomechanical properties

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Agersted, Karsten; Balic-Zunic, Tonci

2018-01-01

Sealing performance in solid oxide cell (SOC) stacks and the devitrification process of commercially available alkaline earth boroaluminosilicate glasses containing 48‐61 mol% SiO2, 18‐28 mol% CaO, 1‐7 mol% MgO, 7‐10 mol% Al2O3, 1‐11 mol% B2O3 plus minor amounts of Na2O, K2O, FeO, and TiO2 were...... investigated and quantified through analysis of phase assemblages as function of heat treatments above the glass transition temperatures using the electron microprobe and powder X‐ray diffraction. For two of these glasses devitrification behavior was compared to the devitrification behavior of similar glasses...... produced in the laboratory. Glasses were characterized after annealing in air at 800°C and 850°C for up to 6 weeks. Even though the glasses lie within a relatively narrow compositional range, sealing performance and the resulting microstructures differed significantly. Best thermomechanical properties...

3DXRD characterization and modeling of solid-state transformation processes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Juul Jensen, Dorte; Offerman, S.E.; Sietsma, J.

2008-01-01

of metallic microstructures with much more detail than hitherto possible. Among these modeling activities are three-dimensional (3D) geometric modeling, 3D molecular dynamics modeling, 3D phase-field modeling, two-dimensional (2D) cellular automata, and 2D Monte Carlo simulations....... data valuable for validation of various models of microstructural evolution is discussed, Examples of 3DXRD measurements related to recrystallization and to solid-state phase transformations in metals are described. 3DXRD measurements have led to new modeling activity predicting the evolution...

Study of PM2000 microstructure evolution following FSW process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mathon, M.H.; Klosek, V.; Carlan, Y. de; Forest, L.

2009-01-01

The materials reinforced by oxides dispersion, usually called ODS (Oxide Strengthened Dispersion), have a vast applicability because of their excellent mechanical resistance at medium and high temperatures. Their weldability is one of the technological issue which remain today. The Friction Stir Welding process is a means of welding which would make it possible to preserve the oxides dispersion in the metal matrix. As a solid-state joint process, Friction Stir Welding (FSW) joins metals by locally introducing frictional heat and plastic flow by rotation of the welding tool with resulting local microstructure changes. The local microstructure determines the weld mechanical properties. Therefore, it is important to investigate the relationship between the microstructure and the mechanical properties. In this work, the PM2000 steel microstructure in friction stir (FS) weld was studied by neutron scattering. The oxides size distribution evolution between the bulk and the weld was analyzed by SANS. Crystallographic texture variations during friction stir processing were investigated by neutron diffraction. Indeed, heating and severe plastic deformation can significantly alter the original texture and then affect the physical and mechanical properties. The texture was studied in different zones: in the bulk, in the thermo-mechanically affected zone (TMAZ) and is the heat-affected zone (HAZ) of the PM2000 alloy. Lastly, the stresses distribution after welding is a crucial parameter for the mechanical properties. Their variation prediction under FSW, taking into account of the microstructure evolution which occur during the process, is very delicate. The neutron diffraction allowed characterizing the distribution of the stresses in the different zones.

Microstructural and micromechanical characterisation of TiAl alloys using atomic force microscopy and nanoindentation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gebhard, S.; Pyczak, F.; Goeken, M.

2009-01-01

Different microstructures were generated in the Ti-45Al-4.6Nb-0.2B-0.2C and Ti-45Al-1Cr alloys (at.%) by heat treatment. The microstructures were investigated using nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy which was compared with transmission electron microscopy. Topographic contrast is usually used for phase identification in the atomic force microscope. However, it was found that the topographic order of the phases changes with different microstructures and specimen preparations. Nanoindentation measurements provided local hardness values not obtainable by other methods and enabled clear distinction of the phases. The hardness values can give information on surrounding microstructure and solid solution hardening. The mean lamellar spacing of the colonies was measured using both atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Atomic force microscopy was found to be suitable to determine the spacing between α 2 /γ-interfaces offering the advantages of easier sample preparation and fewer specimens compared to evaluation by TEM analysis.

Microstructural and bulk property changes in hardened cement paste during the first drying process

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Maruyama, Ippei, E-mail: ippei@dali.nuac.nagoya-u.ac.jp [Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, ES Building, No. 546, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464–8603 (Japan); Nishioka, Yukiko; Igarashi, Go [Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, ES Building, No. 539, Furo-cho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya 464–8603 (Japan); Matsui, Kunio [Products and Marketing Development Dept. Asahi-KASEI Construction Materials Corporation, 106 Someya, Sakai-machi, Sashima-gun, Ibaraki, 306–0493 (Japan)

2014-04-01

This paper reports the microstructural changes and resultant bulk physical property changes in hardened cement paste (hcp) during the first desorption process. The microstructural changes and solid-phase changes were evaluated by water vapor sorption, nitrogen sorption, ultrasonic velocity, and {sup 29}Si and {sup 27}Al nuclear magnetic resonance. Strength, Young's modulus, and drying shrinkage were also examined. The first drying process increased the volume of macropores and decreased the volume of mesopores and interlayer spaces. Furthermore, in the first drying process globule clusters were interconnected. During the first desorption, the strength increased for samples cured at 100% to 90% RH, decreased for 90% to 40% RH, and increased again for 40% to 11% RH. This behavior is explained by both microstructural changes in hcp and C–S–H globule densification. The drying shrinkage strains during rapid drying and slow drying were compared and the effects of the microstructural changes and evaporation were separated.

Microstructure Deformation and Fracture Mechanism of Highly Filled Polymer Composites under Large Tensile Deformation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tao Zhangjiang; Ping Songdan; Mei Zhang; Cheng Zhaipeng

2013-01-01

The microstructure deformation and fracture mechanisms of particulate-filled polymer composites were studied based on microstructure observations in this paper. By using in-situ tensile test system under scanning electron microscopy, three different composites composed of polymer binder filled by three different types of particles, namely Al particles, AP particles and HMX particles, with the same total filler content were tested. The roles of initial microstructure damage and particle type on the microstructure deformation and damage are highlighted. The results show that microstructure damage starts with the growth of the initial microvoids within the binders or along the binder/particle interfaces. With the increase of strain, the microstructure damages including debonding at the particle/binder interface and tearing of the binder lead to microvoid coalescence, and finally cause an abrupt fracture of the samples. Coarse particles lead to an increase of debonding at the particle/binder interface both in the initial state and during the loading process, and angular particles promote interface debonding during the loading process.

Nonlinear microstructured polymer optical fibres

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Frosz, Michael Henoch

is potentially the case for microstructured polymer optical fibres (mPOFs). Another advantage is that polymer materials have a higher biocompatibility than silica, meaning that it is easier to bond certain types of biosensor materials to a polymer surface than to silica. As with silica PCFs, it is difficult...

Impact of Microstructure on MoS2 Oxidation and Friction.

Science.gov (United States)

Curry, John F; Wilson, Mark A; Luftman, Henry S; Strandwitz, Nicholas C; Argibay, Nicolas; Chandross, Michael; Sidebottom, Mark A; Krick, Brandon A

2017-08-23

This work demonstrates the role of microstructure in the friction and oxidation behavior of the lamellar solid lubricant molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ). We report on systematic investigations of oxidation and friction for two MoS 2 films with distinctively different microstructures-amorphous and planar/highly-ordered-before and after exposure to atomic oxygen (AO) and high-temperature (250 °C) molecular oxygen. A combination of experimental tribology, molecular dynamics simulations, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and high-sensitivity low-energy ion scattering (HS-LEIS) was used to reveal new insights about the links between structure and properties of these widely utilized low-friction materials. Initially, ordered MoS 2 films showed a surprising resistance to both atomic and molecular oxygens (even at elevated temperature), retaining characteristic low friction after exposure to extreme oxidative environments. XPS shows comparable oxidation of both coatings via AO; however, monolayer resolved compositional depth profiles from HS-LEIS reveal that the microstructure of the ordered coatings limits oxidation to the first atomic layer.

Preparation of chromatographic and solid-solvent extraction 99mTc generators using gel-type targets

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Le Van So

2000-01-01

We have studied two types of targets zirconium-molybdate (ZrMo) and titanium-molybdate (TiMo) prepared by precipitating reaction between ammonium-molybdate and zirconium-chloride or titanium-chloride solutions, respectively. Other types of targets were also prepared by co-precipitating ZrMo or TiMo with hydrous manganese-dioxide, hydrous silica, and hydrous titanium-dioxide or by impregnated ZrMo or TiMo with Iodate anions. The results on extraction of Tc-99m from neutron irradiated TiMo solid phase using solvents such as MEK, aceton, ethylic ether, chloroform, etc showed that separation yield (SY) of Tc-99m in case of aceton extraction was from 70% to 80% and in other cases non higher than 40%. The Tc-99m elution curves and column kinetic in case of aceton extraction (after evaporation of aceton and recovery of Tc-99m in 0,9% NaCl solution) was superior than in case chromatographic generator using saline eluant. As result obtained, two types of generators were successfully prepared and put into use: Chromatographic generator using titanium-molybdate target as packing material and saline as eluant. Solid-solvent extraction 99m Tc generator using titanium-molybdate target (as solid phase) and aceton as extracting solvent. (author)

Microstructure and hardness of Mg–9Li–6Al–xLa (x=0, 2, 5) alloys during solid solution treatment

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Fei, Pengfei [Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials & Surface Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150001 (China); Qu, Zhikun [Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials & Surface Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150001 (China); Harbin Normal University, Harbin 150025 (China); Wu, Ruizhi, E-mail: rzwu@hrbeu.edu.cn [Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials & Surface Technology, Harbin Engineering University, Ministry of Education, Harbin 150001 (China)

2015-02-11

The microstructure evolution of Mg–9Li–6Al–xLa (x=0, 2, 5) alloy under different solid solution parameters was investigated. The results show that, during solution treatment at 350 °C, the lamellar AlLi is precipitated from α-Mg in Mg–9Li–6Al, while the MgLi{sub 2}Al is dissolved into the matrix. However, during solution treatment at 450 °C, the AlLi phase is wholly dissolved into matrix, while the MgLi{sub 2}Al is precipitated from β-Li. The addition of La can reduce the size of α-Mg, restrain the formation of AlLi, and make the precipitated MgLi{sub 2}Al from β-Li at 450 °C be finer than that in Mg–9Li–6Al. With the addition of La, the decrease of the amount of AlLi and MgLi{sub 2}Al leads to a descent of hardness, while the refinement, Al–La phase precipitation, and the solution of Al atoms can improve the hardness of the alloys.

Microstructural development and characterization of lanthanum chromite-based ceramics to application in solid oxide fuel cells; Desenvolvimento microestrutural e caracterizacao de ceramicas a base de cromita de lantanio para aplicacao em celulas a combustivel de oxido solido

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Oliveira, R.N.; Furtado, J.G. de M.; Soares, C.M.; Serra, E.T. [Centro de Pesquisas de Energia Eletrica (CEPEL), Rio de Janeiro, RJ (Brazil)], e-mail: rnunes@cepel.br

2006-07-01

This work has for objective to investigate and to characterize the microstructural development of lanthanum chromite-based ceramics (LaCrO{sub 3}) doped with earth alkaline metals, correlating the microstructural parameters (mainly the densification level) and processing parameters with the electrothermal properties reached. Lanthanum chromite-based ceramic systems doped with earth-alkaline metals (Ca, Mg and Sr) had been produced from respective metallic nitrates by solid state reactions process. The phase compositions were evaluated by X-ray diffraction and the densification level by Archimedes method. The microstructural characterization was effected by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and thermal analysis techniques. Electrical tests were used to evaluate the electrical conductivity of the studied ceramics. The obtained results corroborate the literature comments concerning the difficulty of lanthanum chromite-based ceramics with high densification level and evidence the great influence of the nature of the dopants on the sintering mechanism and the microstructural and electric characteristics of the produced ceramics. The best ones results, in terms of densification and electrical conductivity, had been gotten through multiple doping with calcium and strontium, and in sintering temperature conditions lower that the normally considered to pure or monodoped lanthanum chromite-based ceramics. (author)

Development of Lithium Stuffed Garnet-Type Oxide Solid Electrolytes with High Ionic Conductivity for Application to All-Solid-State Batteries

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Ryoji Inada

2016-07-01

Full Text Available All-solid-state lithium-ion battery (LiB is expected as one of the next generation energy storage devices because of their high energy density, high safety and excellent cycle stability. Although oxide-based solid electrolyte materials have rather lower conductivity and poor deformability than sulfide-based one, they have other advantages such as their chemical stability and easiness for handling. Among the various oxide-based SEs, lithium stuffed garnet-type oxide with the formula of Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZ have been widely studied because of their high conductivity above 10-4 Scm-1 at room temperature, excellent thermal performance and stability against Li metal anode.Here, we present our recent progress for the development of garnet-type solid electrolytes with high conductivity by simultaneous substitution of Ta5+ into Zr4+ site and Ba2+ into La3+ site in LLZ. Li+ concentration was fixed to 6.5 per chemical formulae, so that the formulae of our Li garnet-type oxide is expressed as Li6.5La3-xBaxZr1.5-xTa0.5+xO12 (LLBZT and Ba contents x are changed from 0 to 0.3. As results, all LLBZT samples have cubic garnet structure without containing any secondary phases. The lattice parameters of LLBZT decrease with increasing Ba2+ contents x < 0.10 while increase with x from 0.10 to 0.30, possibly due to the simultaneous change of Ba2+ and Ta5+ substitution levels. Relative densities of LLBZT are in the range between 89% and 93% and not influenced so much by the compositions. From AC impedance spectroscopy measurements, the total (bulk + grain conductivity at 27ºC of LLBZT shows its maximum value of 8.34 x 10-4 S cm-1 at x = 0.10, which is slightly higher than the conductivity (= 7.94 x 10-4 S cm-1 of LLZT without substituting Ba (x = 0. Activation energy of the conductivity tends to become lower by Ba substation, while excess Ba substitution degrades the conductivity in LLBZT. LLBZT has wide electrochemical potential window of 0-6 V vs. Li+/Li and

The electrochemical reduction processes of solid compounds in high temperature molten salts.

Science.gov (United States)

Xiao, Wei; Wang, Dihua

2014-05-21

Solid electrode processes fall in the central focus of electrochemistry due to their broad-based applications in electrochemical energy storage/conversion devices, sensors and electrochemical preparation. The electrolytic production of metals, alloys, semiconductors and oxides via the electrochemical reduction of solid compounds (especially solid oxides) in high temperature molten salts has been well demonstrated to be an effective and environmentally friendly process for refractory metal extraction, functional materials preparation as well as spent fuel reprocessing. The (electro)chemical reduction of solid compounds under cathodic polarizations generally accompanies a variety of changes at the cathode/melt electrochemical interface which result in diverse electrolytic products with different compositions, morphologies and microstructures. This report summarizes various (electro)chemical reactions taking place at the compound cathode/melt interface during the electrochemical reduction of solid compounds in molten salts, which mainly include: (1) the direct electro-deoxidation of solid oxides; (2) the deposition of the active metal together with the electrochemical reduction of solid oxides; (3) the electro-inclusion of cations from molten salts; (4) the dissolution-electrodeposition process, and (5) the electron hopping process and carbon deposition with the utilization of carbon-based anodes. The implications of the forenamed cathodic reactions on the energy efficiency, chemical compositions and microstructures of the electrolytic products are also discussed. We hope that a comprehensive understanding of the cathodic processes during the electrochemical reduction of solid compounds in molten salts could form a basis for developing a clean, energy efficient and affordable production process for advanced/engineering materials.

Unique microstructure and excellent mechanical properties of ADI

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Jincheng Liu

2006-11-01

Full Text Available Amongst the cast iron family, ADI has a unique microstructure and an excellent, optimised combination of mechanical properties. The main microstructure of ADI is ausferrite, which is a mixture ofextremely fine acicular ferrite and stable, high carbon austenite. There are two types of austenite in ADI:(1 the coarser and more equiaxed blocks of austenite between non-parallel acicular structures, which exist mainly in the last solidified area, and (2 the thin films of ustenite between the individual ferriteplatelets in the acicular structure. It is this unique microstructure, which gives ADI its excellent static and dynamic properties, and good low temperature impact toughness. The effect of microstructure on the mechanical properties is explained in more detail by examining the microstructure at the atomic scale. Considering the nanometer grain sizes, the unique microstructure, the excellent mechanical properties,good castability, (which enables near net shape components to be produced economically and in large volumes, and the fact that it can be 100% recycled, it is not overemphasized to call ADI a high-tech,nanometer and “green” material. ADI still has the potential to be further improved and its production and the number of applications for ADI will continue to grow, driven by the resultant cost savings over alternative materials.

Porous SiC ceramics fabricated by quick freeze casting and solid state sintering

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Feng Wang

2017-06-01

Full Text Available Porous SiC ceramics with uniform microstructure were fabricated by quick freezing in liquid nitrogen and solid state sintering. Poly (vinyl alcohol (PVA was added as binder and pore morphology controller in this work. The microstructure and mechanical properties of porous SiC ceramics could be controlled by the composition of the aqueous slurries. Both solid content of the slurries and PVA content impacted on the pore structures and mechanical properties of the porous SiC ceramics. The solid content of slurries and PVA content varied from 60 to 67.5 wt% and 2–6 wt%, respectively. Besides, the grain morphology of ceramics was also tailored by changing the sintering temperature from 2050 to 2150 °C. Porous SiC ceramics with an average porosity of 42.72%, flexural strength of 59.28 MPa were obtained at 2150 °C from 67.5 wt% slurries with 2 wt% PVA.

Mechanical behavior and microstructure during compression of semi-solid ZK60-RE magnesium alloy at high solid content

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shan Weiwei; Luo Shoujing

2007-01-01

Mechanical behavior during compression of semi-solid ZK60-RE magnesium alloy at high solid content is researched in this paper. The alloy was prepared from ZK60 alloy and rare earth elements by casting, equal channel angular extruding, and liquidus forging. Semi-solid isothermal pre-treatment was carried out to make the grains globular before the compression. Here, several groups of true strain-true stress curves with different variables during compression are given to make comparisons of their mechanical behaviors. Liquid paths were the most essential to deformation, and its variation during compression depends on the strain rate. Here, thixotropic strength is defined as the true stress at the first peak in the true stress-true strain curve

Growth behavior of LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} particles formed by solid-state reactions in air and water vapor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kozawa, Takahiro, E-mail: t-kozawa@jwri.osaka-u.ac.jp [Joining and Welding Research Institute, Osaka University, 11–1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047 (Japan); Yanagisawa, Kazumichi [Research Laboratory of Hydrothermal Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Kochi University, 2–5-1 Akebono-cho, Kochi 780-8520 (Japan); Murakami, Takeshi; Naito, Makio [Joining and Welding Research Institute, Osaka University, 11–1 Mihogaoka, Ibaraki, Osaka 567-0047 (Japan)

2016-11-15

Morphology control of particles formed during conventional solid-state reactions without any additives is a challenging task. Here, we propose a new strategy to control the morphology of LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} particles based on water vapor-induced growth of particles during solid-state reactions. We have investigated the synthesis and microstructural evolution of LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} particles in air and water vapor atmospheres as model reactions; LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} is used as a low-cost cathode material for lithium-ion batteries. By using spherical MnCO{sub 3} precursor impregnated with LiOH, LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} spheres with a hollow structure were obtained in air, while angulated particles with micrometer sizes were formed in water vapor. The pore structure of the particles synthesized in water vapor was found to be affected at temperatures below 700 °C. We also show that the solid-state reaction in water vapor is a simple and valuable method for the large-scale production of particles, where the shape, size, and microstructure can be controlled. - Graphical abstract: This study has demonstrated a new strategy towards achieving morphology control without the use of additives during conventional solid-state reactions by exploiting water vapor-induced particle growth. - Highlights: • A new strategy to control the morphology of LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} particles is proposed. • Water vapor-induced particle growth is exploited in solid-state reactions. • The microstructural evolution of LiMn{sub 2}O{sub 4} particles is investigated. • The shape, size and microstructure can be controlled by solid-state reactions.

Vitrification of lead-rich solid ashes from incineration of hazardous industrial wastes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Kavouras, P.; Kaimakamis, G.; Ioannidis, Th. A.; Kehagias, Th.; Komninou, Ph.; Kokkou, S.; Pavlidou, E.; Antonopoulos, I.; Sofoniou, M.; Zouboulis, A.; Hadjiantoniou, C.P.; Nouet, G.; Prakouras, A.; Karakostas, Th.

2003-01-01

Lead-rich solid industrial wastes were vitrified by the addition of glass formers in various concentrations, to produce non-toxic vitreous stabilized products that can be freely disposed or used as construction materials. Toxicity of both the as-received industrial solid waste and the stabilized products was determined using standard leaching test procedures. The chemically stable vitreous products were subjected to thermal annealing in order to investigate the extent of crystal separation that could occur during cooling of large pieces of glass. Leaching tests were repeated to investigate the relation between annealing process and chemical stability. X-ray, scanning and transmission electron microscopy techniques were employed to identify the microstructure of stabilized products before and after thermal treatment. Relation between synthesis and processing, chemical stability and microstructure was investigated

Microstructural studies of carbides in MAR-M247 nickel-based superalloy

Science.gov (United States)

Szczotok, A.; Rodak, K.

2012-05-01

Carbides play an important role in the strengthening of microstructures of nickel-based superalloys. Grain boundary carbides prevent or retard grain-boundary sliding and make the grain boundary stronger. Carbides can also tie up certain elements that would otherwise promote phase instability during service. Various types of carbides are possible in the microstructure of nickel-based superalloys, depending on the superalloy composition and processing. In this paper, scanning electron and scanning transmission electron microscopy studies of carbides occurring in the microstructure of polycrystalline MAR-M247 nickel-based superalloy were carried out. In the present work, MC and M23C6 carbides in the MAR-M247 microstructure were examined.

Effects of alkyl chain positioning on conjugated polymer microstructure and field-effect mobilities

KAUST Repository

Schroeder, Bob C.; Nielsen, Christian B.; Westacott, Paul; Smith, Jeremy; Rossbauer, Stephan; Anthopoulos, Thomas D.; Stingelin, Natalie; McCulloch, Iain

2015-01-01

Solubilizing alkyl chains play a crucial role in the design of semiconducting polymers because they define the materials solubility and processability as well as both the crystallinity and solid-state microstructure. In this paper, we present a scarcely explored design approach by attaching the alkyl side chains on one side (cis-) or on both sides (trans-) of the conjugated backbone. We further investigate the effects of this structural modification on the solid-state properties of the polymers and on the charge-carrier mobilities in organic thin-film transistors. Copyright © Materials Research Society 2015

Effects of alkyl chain positioning on conjugated polymer microstructure and field-effect mobilities

KAUST Repository

Schroeder, Bob C.

2015-07-02

Solubilizing alkyl chains play a crucial role in the design of semiconducting polymers because they define the materials solubility and processability as well as both the crystallinity and solid-state microstructure. In this paper, we present a scarcely explored design approach by attaching the alkyl side chains on one side (cis-) or on both sides (trans-) of the conjugated backbone. We further investigate the effects of this structural modification on the solid-state properties of the polymers and on the charge-carrier mobilities in organic thin-film transistors. Copyright © Materials Research Society 2015

Investigations of AB{sub 5}-type negative electrode for nickel-metal hydride cell with regard to electrochemical and microstructural characteristics

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Srivastava, Sumita [Department of Physics, Govt. P.G. College, Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand 249193 (India); Upadhyay, R.K. [Department of Physics, Govt. P.G. College, Rishikesh 249201 (India)

2010-05-01

In the present investigation, AB{sub 5}-type hydrogen storage alloys with compositions Mm{sub 0.8}La{sub 0.2}Ni{sub 3.7}Al{sub 0.38}Co{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.5}Mo{sub 0.02} and Mm{sub 0.75}Ti{sub 0.05}La{sub 0.2}Ni{sub 3.7}Al{sub 0.38}Co{sub 0.3}Mn{sub 0.5}Mo{sub 0.02} are synthesized by radio-frequency induction melting. The electrochemical properties are studied through the measurements of discharge capacity, activation process, rate capability, self-discharge rate and cyclic stability of both the electrodes. Pressure-composition isotherms are plotted by converting the electrode potential into the hydrogen pressure following the Nernst equation. The structural and microstructural characterizations are performed by means of X-ray diffraction phase analysis and scanning electron microscopy of as-fabricated and electrochemically tested electrodes. An attempt is made to correlate the observed electrochemical properties with the structural-microstructural characteristics. (author)

In situ observations of microstructural changes in SOFC anodes during redox cycling

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Klemensø, Trine; Appel, C. C.; Mogensen, Mogens Bjerg

2006-01-01

The anode-supported solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) degrades when the anode is subjected to redox cycling. The degradation has qualitatively been related to microstructural changes in the nickel-yttria stabilized zirconia anode of the tested cells. In this work, the microstructural changes were...... observed in situ using environmental scanning electron microscopy. In the reduced state, a dynamic rounding of the nickel particles occurred. The oxide growth upon re-oxidation depended on the oxidation kinetics. During rapid oxidation, the NiO particles divided into 2-4 particles, which grew...... into the surrounding voids. For slower oxidation, an external oxide layer was seen to develop around the individual particles. (c) 2006 The Electrochemical Society....

Microstructure, ferromagnetic and photoluminescence properties of ITO and Cr doped ITO nanoparticles using solid state reaction

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Babu, S. Harinath [Thin Films Laboratory, Centre for Crystal Growth, VIT University, Vellore-632014, Tamilnadu, India. (India); Kaleemulla, S., E-mail: skaleemulla@gmail.com [Thin Films Laboratory, Centre for Crystal Growth, VIT University, Vellore-632014, Tamilnadu, India. (India); Rao, N. Madhusudhana [Thin Films Laboratory, Centre for Crystal Growth, VIT University, Vellore-632014, Tamilnadu, India. (India); Rao, G. Venugopal [Materials Physics Division, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakkam-603102, Tamilnadu (India); Krishnamoorthi, C. [Thin Films Laboratory, Centre for Crystal Growth, VIT University, Vellore-632014, Tamilnadu, India. (India)

2016-11-01

Indium-tin-oxide (ITO) (In{sub 0.95}Sn{sub 0.05}){sub 2}O{sub 3} and Cr doped indium-tin-oxide (In{sub 0.90}Sn{sub 0.05}Cr{sub 0.05}){sub 2}O{sub 3} nanoparticles were prepared using simple low cost solid state reaction method and characterized by different techniques to study their structural, optical and magnetic properties. Microstructures, surface morphology, crystallite size of the nanoparticles were studied using X-ray diffractometer (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). From these methods it was found that the particles were about 45 nm. Chemical composition and valence states of the nanoparticles were studied using energy dispersive analysis of X-rays (EDAX) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). From these techniques it was observed that the elements of indium, tin, chromium and oxygen were present in the system in appropriate ratios and they were in +3, +4, +3 and −2 oxidation states. Raman studies confirmed that the nanoparticle were free from unintentional impurities. Two broad emission peaks were observed at 330 nm and 460 nm when excited wavelength of 300 nm. Magnetic studies were carried out at 300 K and 100 K using vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and found that the ITO nanoparticles were ferromagnetic at 100 K and 300 K. Where-as the room temperature ferromagnetism completely disappeared in Cr doped ITO nanoparticles at 100 K and 300 K.

Microstructure and gas sensitive properties of alpha-Fe2O3-MO2 (M: Sn and Ti) materials prepared by ball milling

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Jiang, Jianzhong; Lin, R.; Mørup, Steen

1998-01-01

Metastable alpha-Fe2O3-MO2 (M: Sn and Ti) solid solutions can be synthesized by mechanical alloying. The alloy formation, microstructure, and gas sensitive properties of mechanically milled alpha-Fe2O3-SnO2 materials are discussed. Tin ions in alpha-Fe2O3 are found to occupy the empty octahedral...... holes in the alpha-Fe2O3 lattice. This interstitial model can also describe the structure of alpha-Fe2O3-TiO2 solid solutions. Finally, a correlation of gas sensitive properties with microstructure of alpha-Fe2O3-SnO2 materials is presented....

Microstructures define melting of molybdenum at high pressures

Science.gov (United States)

Hrubiak, Rostislav; Meng, Yue; Shen, Guoyin

2017-03-01

High-pressure melting anchors the phase diagram of a material, revealing the effect of pressure on the breakdown of the ordering of atoms in the solid. An important case is molybdenum, which has long been speculated to undergo an exceptionally steep increase in melting temperature when compressed. On the other hand, previous experiments showed nearly constant melting temperature as a function of pressure, in large discrepancy with theoretical expectations. Here we report a high-slope melting curve in molybdenum by synchrotron X-ray diffraction analysis of crystalline microstructures, generated by heating and subsequently rapidly quenching samples in a laser-heated diamond anvil cell. Distinct microstructural changes, observed at pressures up to 130 gigapascals, appear exclusively after melting, thus offering a reliable melting criterion. In addition, our study reveals a previously unsuspected transition in molybdenum at high pressure and high temperature, which yields highly textured body-centred cubic nanograins above a transition temperature.

Effect of microstructure on static and dynamic mechanical properties of high strength steels

Science.gov (United States)

Qu, Jinbo

The high speed deformation behavior of a commercially available dual phase (DP) steel was studied by means of split Hopkinson bar apparatus in shear punch (25m/s) and tension (1000s-1) modes with an emphasis on the influence of microstructure. The cold rolled sheet material was subjected to a variety of heat treatment conditions to produce several different microstructures, namely ferrite plus pearlite, ferrite plus bainite and/or acicular ferrite, ferrite plus bainite and martensite, and ferrite plus different fractions of martensite. Static properties (0.01mm/s for shear punch and 0.001s -1 for tension) of all the microstructures were also measured by an MTS hydraulic machine and compared to the dynamic properties. The effects of low temperature tempering and bake hardening were investigated for some ferrite plus martensite microstructures. In addition, two other materials, composition designed as high strength low alloy (HSLA) steel and transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel, were heat treated and tested to study the effect of alloy chemistry on the microstructure and property relationship. A strong effect of microstructure on both static and dynamic properties and on the relationship between static and dynamic properties was observed. According to the variation of dynamic factor with static strength, three groups of microstructures with three distinct behaviors were identified, i.e. classic dual phase (ferrite plus less than 50% martensite), martensite-matrix dual phase (ferrite plus more than 50% martensite), and non-dual phase (ferrite plus non-martensite). Under the same static strength level, the dual phase microstructure was found to absorb more dynamic energy than other microstructures. It was also observed that the general dependence of microstructure on static and dynamic property relationship was not strongly influenced by chemical composition, except the ferrite plus martensite microstructures generated by the TRIP chemistry, which exhibited

Microstructure and kinetics evolution in MgH2–TiO2 pellets after hydrogen cycling

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Mirabile Gattia, D.; Di Girolamo, G.; Montone, A.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • MgH 2 was ball milled with TiO 2 anatase phase and expanded graphite to prepare pellets. • Different pellets have been prepared at different compression load. • Pellets were repeatedly cycled under hydrogen pressure to simulate tank exercise and verify their stability. • The compression load highly affects the stability of the pellets to cycling. • Microstructural evolution of the particles due to cycling have been observed. - Abstract: The interest in Mg-based hydrides for solid state hydrogen storage is associated to their capability to reversibly absorb and desorb large amounts of hydrogen. In this work MgH 2 powder with 5 wt.% TiO 2 was ball milled for 10 h. The as-milled nanostructured powder was enriched with 5 wt.% of Expanded Natural Graphite (ENG) and then compacted in cylindrical pellets by cold pressing using different loads. Both the powder and the pellets were subjected to kinetic and thermodynamic tests using a Sievert’s type gas reaction controller, in order to study the microstructural and kinetic changes which took place during repeated H 2 absorption and desorption cycles. The pellets exhibited good kinetic performance and durability, even if the pressure of compaction revealed to be an important parameter for their mechanical stability. Scanning Electron Microscopy observations of as-prepared and cycled pellets were carried out to investigate the evolution of their microstructure. In turn the phase composition before and after cycling was analyzed by X-ray diffraction

Solid Lithium Ion Conductors (SLIC) for Lithium Solid State Batteries

Data.gov (United States)

National Aeronautics and Space Administration — To identify the most lithium-ion conducting solid electrolytes for lithium solid state batteries from the emerging types of solid electrolytes, based on a...

Facile one-step template-free synthesis of uniform hollow microstructures of cryptomelane-type manganese oxide K-OMS-2.

Science.gov (United States)

Galindo, Hugo M; Carvajal, Yadira; Njagi, Eric; Ristau, Roger A; Suib, Steven L

2010-08-17

Hollow microstructures of cryptomelane-type manganese oxide were produced in a template-free one-step process based on the fine-tuning of the oxidation rate of manganese species during the synthesis. The tuning of the reaction rate brought about by a mixture of the oxidants oxone and potassium nitrate becomes apparent from the gradual physical changes taking place in the reaction medium at early times of the synthesis. The successful synthesis of the hollow uniform structures could be performed in the ranges 120-160 degrees C and 8.2-10.7 for temperature and mass ratio oxone/potassium nitrate, respectively. Independent of the conditions of the synthesis, all of the complex microstructures showed the same pattern for the array of very long nanofibers in which some of these elongated around the surface confining the cavity and the other fibers grew normal to the surface created by the previous arrangement. A mechanism based on the heterogeneous nucleation of the cryptomelane phase on the surface of an amorphous precursor and the growth of the nanoscale fibers by processes such as dissolution-crystallization and lateral attachment of primary nanocrystalline fibers is proposed to explain the formation of the hollow structures.

Pressure Effects on Solid State Phase Transformation of Aluminium Bronze in Cooling Process

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hai-Yan, Wang; Jian-Hua, Liu; Gui-Rong, Peng; Yan, Chen; Yu-Wen, Liu; Fei, Li; Wen-Kui, Wang

2009-01-01

Effects of high pressure (6 GPa) on the solid state phase transformation kinetic parameters of aluminum bronze during the cooling process are investigated, based on the measurement and calculation of its solid state phase transformation temperature, duration and activation energy and the observation of its microstructures. The results show that high pressure treatment can reduce the solid phase transformation temperature and activation energy in the cooling process and can shorten the phase transformation duration, which is favorable when forming fine-grained aluminum bronze

Microstructural modelling and lubrication study during zirconium alloy hot extrusion

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gaudout, B.

2009-01-01

Using torsion tests (with strain rate jumps) and an experimental hot mini-extrusion apparatus, several samples zirconium alloy have been deformed: Zircaloy-4 (high α range) and Zr-1Nb (α + β domain). The fragmentation of the microstructure and post-dynamic grain growth have been examined. The main difference between these two alloys is that Zr-1Nb does not show grain growth during a heat treatment within the α + β domain after hot deformation. The recrystallization volume fraction has been measured on extruded samples with or without heat treatment. These rheological and microstructural data have been used to determine the parameters of a microstructural model including: a work-hardening model (Laaasraoui/Jonas), a continuous dynamic recrystallization model (Gourdet/Montheillet) and a grain growth model. This model leads to a good prediction of recrystallization volume fraction for Zircaloy-4 extrusion. However, the Zr-1Nb model cannot be validated because of the difficulty to observe deformed microstructures. Extrusion process is lubricated with a solid film. Trapping tests show that this lubricant is thermoviscoplastic. Friction along the container and several observations show the lubrication is not realized by a continuous film. Indeed, the heterogeneousness of deformation of these alloys causes a rupture of the lubricant film. Experiments and numerical simulations show that the radial gradient of axial displacement is affected by friction but also by stress softening of the alloys. (author)

Cold rolled texture and microstructure in types 304 and 316L austenitic stainless steels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wasnik, D.N.; Samajdar, I.; Gopalakrishnan, I.K.; Yakhmi, J.V.; Kain, V.

2003-01-01

Two grades of austenitic stainless steel (ASS), types 304 (UNS S 30400) and 316L (UNS S 31603), were cold rolled to different reductions by unidirectional and by cross-rolling. The steels had reasonable difference in stacking fault energy (estimated respectively as 15 and 61 mJ/m 2 in types 304 and 316L) and also in starting (or pre-deformation) crystallographic texture-being relatively weak and reasonably strong in types 304 and 316L respectively. The cold rolling increased texturing in type 304, but not in type 316L ASS. The more significant effect of cold rolled texture development was in the relative increase of Brass ({011} ) against Copper ({112} ) and S ({231} ) orientations. In type 304 the increase in Brass was significant, while in type 316L the increase in Copper and S was stronger. This effect could be captured by Taylor type deformation texture simulations considering stronger twinning contributions in type 304 - for example the respective 'best-fits' (in terms of matching the changes in the volume fractions of Brass against Copper and S) were obtained by full constraint Taylor model with 1:100 and 1:10 slip:twin activities in types 304 and 316L ASS respectively. Microstructural developments during cold rolling were generalized as strain induced martensite formation and developments of dislocation substructure. The former, as estimated by vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), increased with cold reduction, being significantly more in type 304 and was also noticeably stronger in both grades under cross-rolling. The most significant aspect of substructural developments was the formation of strain localizations. These were observed as dense dislocation walls (DDWs), micro-bands (MBs) and twin lamellar structures (TLS). The TLS contribution gained significance at higher reductions and during cross-rolling, especially in type 304. Large misorientation development and the accompanying grain splittings were always associated with such strain localizations

Microstructure taxonomy based on spatial correlations: Application to microstructure coarsening

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fast, Tony; Wodo, Olga; Ganapathysubramanian, Baskar; Kalidindi, Surya R.

2016-01-01

To build materials knowledge, rigorous description of the material structure and associated tools to explore and exploit information encoded in the structure are needed. These enable recognition, categorization and identification of different classes of microstructure and ultimately enable to link structure with properties of materials. Particular interest lies in the protocols capable of mining the essential information in large microstructure datasets and building robust knowledge systems that can be easily accessed, searched, and shared by the broader materials community. In this paper, we develop a protocol based on automated tools to classify microstructure taxonomies in the context of coarsening behavior which is important for long term stability of materials. Our new concepts for enhanced description of the local microstructure state provide flexibility of description. The mathematical description of microstructure that capture crucial attributes of the material, although central to building materials knowledge, is still elusive. The new description captures important higher order spatial information, but at the same time, allows down sampling if less information is needed. We showcase the classification protocol by studying coarsening of binary polymer blends and classifying steady state structures. We study several microstructure descriptions by changing the microstructure local state order and discretization and critically evaluate their efficacy. Our analysis revealed the superior properties of microstructure representation is based on the first order-gradient of the atomic fraction.

Serum cross-linked n-telopeptides of type 1 collagen (NTx in patients with solid tumors

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Fernando Jablonka

Full Text Available CONTEXT AND OBJECTIVE: Cross-linked N-telopeptides of type I collagen (NTx increase in concentration in situations in which bone resorption is increased, such as osteoporosis and bone metastasis (BM. We aimed to evaluate the serum concentrations of NTx in a sample of patients with several types of solid tumors. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional analytical study with a control group in a tertiary public hospital. METHODS: We performed the quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA on serum NTx levels in 19 subjects without a history of cancer and 62 patients with various solid tumors who had been referred for a bone scan. Three experienced analysts read all bone scans. RESULTS: The serum NTx levels in patients with cancer and BM, with cancer but without BM and without cancer were 46.77 ± 2.58, 32.85 ± 2.05 and 22.32 ± 2.90 respectively (P < 0.0001. We did not find any significant correlations of serum NTx with age, gender, history of bone pain, tumor type and bone alkaline phosphatase levels. We found a significant correlation between serum NTx and alkaline phosphatase levels (R² = 0.08; P = 0.022. CONCLUSIONS: Serum NTx levels are significantly higher in patients with solid tumors and bone metastases than they are in patients without bone metastases and in normal controls.

Magnetic and electrical properties in BaNiS2-type solid solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Irizawa, Akinori; Yoshimura, Kazuyoshi; Kosuge, Koji

2000-01-01

The magnetic and electrical properties are reported in the new solid solutions BaCo 1-x Cu x S 2 and BaNi 1-x Fe x S 2 . Both compounds show spin-glass-like behavior, although the type of spin frustrations is different with each other. BaCo 1-x Cu x S 2 shows a competition type spin-glass behavior with reentrant phenomenon from antiferromagnetic to spin-glass at low temperatures. BaNi 1-x Fe x S 2 shows a dilute type spin-glass behavior together with super-paramagnetic properties. The temperature variation of 57 Fe Moessbauer spectra in BaNi 0.8 Fe 0.2 S 2 is explicable in a framework of cluster-glass. (author)

The formation mechanism of eutectic microstructures in NiAl-Cr composites.

Science.gov (United States)

Tang, Bin; Cogswell, Daniel A; Xu, Guanglong; Milenkovic, Srdjan; Cui, Yuwen

2016-07-20

NiAl-based eutectic alloys, consisting of an ordered bcc matrix (B2) and disordered bcc fibers (A2), have been a subject of intensive efforts aimed at tailoring the properties of many of the currently used nickel-based superalloys. A thermodynamic phase field model was developed on a thermodynamic foundation and fully integrated with a thermo-kinetic database of the Ni-Al-Cr ternary system to elucidate the resulting peculiar eutectic microstructure. Invoking a variation of the liquid/solid interfacial thickness with temperature, we simulated the characteristic sunflower-like eutectic microstructures in the NiAl-Cr composites, consistent with experimental observations. The mechanism that governs the formation of the peculiar eutectic morphology was envisioned from the modeled evolutions associated with six sequential steps. Our calculations show that the conditional spinodal decomposition occurring in sequence could further trim and revise the microstructure of the eutectics by generating fine-domain structures, thereby providing an additional method to explore the novel NiAl-based eutectic composites with tunable properties at elevated temperatures.

Variations of microstructure and properties of 690 MPa grade low carbon bainitic steel after tempering

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Feng, Rui [Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan Shandong 250061 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan Shandong 250061 (China); Li, Shengli, E-mail: lishengli@sdu.edu.cn [Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan Shandong 250061 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan Shandong 250061 (China); Li, Zhenshun; Tian, Lei [Key Laboratory for Liquid-Solid Structural Evolution and Processing of Materials, Ministry of Education, Shandong University, Jinan Shandong 250061 (China); School of Materials Science and Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan Shandong 250061 (China)

2012-12-15

The variations of microstructure, mechanical properties and electrical resistivity of 690 MPa grade low carbon bainitic steel tempered at different temperatures were investigated with Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and double-arm Bridge. The results show that the appearance of granular bainite, decomposition of retained austenite, variations of dislocation density and solid solution of microalloying elements are the main reasons for variations of mechanical properties and electrical resistivity. Electrical resistivity reflects the solution content of microalloying elements and variations of dislocation density, which can be used as a fast and effective way to analyze the microstructure of materials.

Towards Quantification of Relations Between Electrode Polarisation and Microstructure

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ramos, Tania; Hjelm, Johan; Mogensen, Mogens Bjerg

2011-01-01

The total cell resistances of three Riso DTU solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) were broken down into individual contributions, by the combined use of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and complex non-linear least squares fitting (CNLS). Information on the number of contributing processes....... The proposed electrochemical analysis correlated well with the exhibited microstructural features of the cells, which were produced with different compositions and/or production parameters. (C) 2011 The Electrochemical Society. [DOI: 10.1149/1.3587113] All rights reserved....

Evolution of the microstructure and magnetic properties of as-cast and melt spun Fe{sub 2}NiAl alloy during aging

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Menushenkov, V.P., E-mail: menushenkov@gmail.com; Gorshenkov, M.V.; Shchetinin, I.V.; Savchenko, A.G.; Savchenko, E.S.; Zhukov, D.G.

2015-09-15

Fe{sub 2}NiAl-based alloy with the nominal composition Fe{sub 51.1}Ni{sub 23.5}Al{sub 23.7}Si{sub 1.7} was prepared by casting and melt-spinning. Comparison of the phase composition, microstructure and magnetic properties of water-quenched bulk samples and melt spun ribbons after isothermal aging in the 500–900 °C range were carried out. TEM investigations of the decomposition of the solid solution into β- and β{sub 2} phases during cooling or quenching and subsequent aging have revealed different types of decomposition products. The optimal periodic modulated structure with coercive force H{sub c}~700 Oe was observed after cooling of as-cast alloy at a critical rate. In this structure the paramagnetic β{sub 2} phase forms a continuous network that isolates elongated single domain ferromagnetic β particles. The water-quenched bulk samples and melt spun ribbons were characterized by zone structure with zones about 10 nm and 4 nm in size. The isothermal aging of quenched samples resulted in the formation of modulated microstructure dissimilar to those of the optimal state. The coarsening of ferromagnetic β particles as well as deterioration of the magnetic insulation of β particles occur in bulk samples after aging at T{sub ag}>700 °C that decreases H{sub c}≤350 Oe. The dependence δ{sub M}(H) was measured and negative values of δ{sub M}(H) in the H=0–2000 Oe range indicate that magnetostatic interactions between the β particles are dominant. The melt spun ribbons were characterized by the presence of antiphase domain boundaries (APD) and discontinuous precipitation (DP) products at grain boundaries (GB). The cellular areas at GBs consisting of alternating lamellas of β′- and β{sub 2}′ type phases were formed after aging the ribbons at T{sub ag}>500 °C. At T{sub ag}>700 °C the modulated structure formed inside grains and the wide intergranular double-layer of β and β{sub 2} phases develops by the coalescence of the primary DP products that

Synchrotron radiography of direct-shear in semi-solid alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gourlay, C M; Nagira, T; Nakatsuka, N; Yasuda, H; Dahle, A K; Uesugi, K

2012-01-01

Understanding phenomena occurring at the scale of the crystals during the deformation of semi-solid alloys is important for the development of physically-based rheological models. A range of deformation mechanisms have been proposed including agglomeration and disagglomeration, viscoplastic deformation of the solid skeleton, and granular phenomena such as jamming and dilatancy. This paper overviews in-situ experiments that directly image crystal-scale deformation mechanisms in equiaxed Al alloys at solid fractions shortly after the crystals have impinged to form a loose crystal network. Direct evidence is presented for granular deformation mechanisms including shear-induced dilation in both equiaxed-dendritic and globular microstructures. Modelling approaches suitable for capturing this behaviour are then discussed.

Microstructural, mechanical, corrosion and cytotoxicity characterization of the hot forged FeMn30(wt.%) alloy

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Čapek, Jaroslav; Kubásek, J.; Vojtěch, D.; Jablonská, E.; Lipov, J.; Ruml, T.

2016-01-01

Roč. 58, Jan (2016), s. 900-908 ISSN 0928-4931 R&D Projects: GA ČR GBP108/12/G043 Institutional support: RVO:68378271 Keywords : FeMn alloys * biodegradability * cytotoxicity * microstructure * mechanical properties Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 4.164, year: 2016

Isostructural solid-solid transition of (colloidal) simple fluids

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Tejero, C.F.; Daanoun, A.; Lakkerkerker, H.N.W.; Baus, M.

1995-01-01

A variational approach based on the Gibbs-Bogoliubov inequality is used in order to evaluate the free energy of simple fluids described by a double-Yukawa pair potential. A hard-sphere reference fluid is used to describe the fluid phases, and an Einstein reference crystal to describe the solid phases. Apart from the usual type of phase diagram, typical of atomic simple fluids with long-ranged attractions, we find two types of phase diagrams, specific to colloidal systems with intermediate and short-ranged attractions. One of the latter phase diagrams exhibits an isostructural solid-solid transition, which has not yet been observed experimentally

Electrochemical properties of proton exchange membranes: the role of composition and microstructure

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Holdcroft, S.; Beattie, P.D.; Basura, V.I.; Schmeisser, J.; Chuy, C.; Orfino, F.; Ding, J. [Simon Fraser Univ., Burnaby, BC (Canada). Dept. of Chemistry

2001-06-01

To measure electrochemical and proton conduction properties of a large variety of different polyelectrolyte membranes that possess a wide array of equivalent weights and water contents, a number of analytical techniques were employed and the results presented in this paper. At the electrocatalyst/polymer electrolyte interface, kinetic and mass transport parameters play an important role in fuel cell operation, the authors used microelectrodes to study the effects of temperature and pressure on the electrochemical reduction of oxygen at platinum/solid polymer electrolyte interfaces in solid polymer electrolytes under controlled humidity. Under conditions of controlled humidity and temperature, proton conductivity was measured transverse and normal to the membrane surface using an alternate current (a.c.) impedance spectroscopy. A wide array of membranes were investigated, including those based on sulfonated polystyrene-block-hydrogenated butadiene, polystyrenesulfonic acid grafted onto ethylenetetrafluoroethylene, sulfonated trifluorostyrene-copolymers, and a novel series of membranes where the internal biphasic morphology is controlled to yield materials with low water and high conductivity and prepared in house. Transmission electron microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering was used for the analysis of the microstructure of selected membranes. Modelling the scattered intensities was used to quantify aspects of the microstructure.

Advanced Si solid phase crystallization for vertical channel in vertical NANDs

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Sangsoo Lee

2014-07-01

Full Text Available The advanced solid phase crystallization (SPC method using the SiGe/Si bi-layer structure is proposed to obtain high-mobility poly-Si thin-film transistors in next generation vertical NAND (VNAND devices. During the SPC process, the top SiGe thin film acts as a selective nucleation layer to induce surface nucleation and equiaxial microstructure. Subsequently, this SiGe thin film microstructure is propagated to the underlying Si thin film by epitaxy-like growth. The initial nucleation at the SiGe surface was clearly observed by in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM when heating up to 600 °C. The equiaxial microstructures of both SiGe nucleation and Si channel layers were shown in the crystallized bi-layer plan-view TEM measurements. Based on these experimental results, the large-grained and less-defective Si microstructure is expected to form near the channel region of each VNAND cell transistor, which may improve the electrical characteristics.

Microstructure and fatigue properties of Mg-to-steel dissimilar resistance spot welds

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, L.; Xiao, L.; Chen, D.L.; Feng, J.C.; Kim, S.; Zhou, Y.

2013-01-01

Highlights: ► Mg/steel dissimilar spot weld had the same fatigue strength as Mg/Mg similar weld. ► Crack propagation path of Mg/Mg and Mg/steel welds was the same. ► Penetration of Zn into the Mg base metal led to crack initiation of Mg/steel weld. ► HAZ weakening and stress concentration led to crack initiation of Mg/Mg weld. -- Abstract: The structural application of lightweight magnesium alloys in the automotive industry inevitably involves dissimilar welding with steels and the related durability issues. This study was aimed at evaluating the microstructural change and fatigue resistance of Mg/steel resistance spot welds, in comparison with Mg/Mg welds. The microstructure of Mg/Mg spot welds can be divided into: base metal, heat affected zone and fusion zone (nugget). However, the microstructure of Mg/steel dissimilar spot welds had three different regions along the joined interface: weld brazing, solid-state joining and soldering. The horizontal and vertical Mg hardness profiles of Mg/steel and Mg/Mg welds were similar. Both Mg/steel and Mg/Mg welds were observed to have an equivalent fatigue resistance due to similar crack propagation characteristics and failure mode. Both Mg/steel and Mg/Mg welds failed through thickness in the magnesium sheet under stress-controlled cyclic loading, but fatigue crack initiation of the two types of welds was different. The crack initiation of Mg/Mg welds was occurred due to a combined effect of stress concentration, grain growth in the heat affected zone (HAZ), and the presence of Al-rich phases at HAZ grain boundaries, while the penetration of small amounts of Zn coating into the Mg base metal stemming from the liquid metal induced embrittlement led to crack initiation in the Mg/steel welds.

Characterization of Newly Developed Semisolid Stir Joining Method for Cast Cu Base Alloy (Cu-Al-Si-Fe) and Effect of Stirrer Type on Uniformity of Microstructure

Science.gov (United States)

Ferasat, Keyvan; Aashuri, Hossein; Kokabi, Amir Hossein; Nikzad, Siamak; Shafizadeh, Mahdi

2015-02-01

In this research, the semisolid stir joining method was used to overcome the problem of hot cracking in welding aluminum and silicon bronzes. Moreover, the effects of grooved and cylindrical tools on the microstructure and mechanical properties of samples were examined. After welding specimens, mechanical tests were carried out to find differences between the cast and welded samples. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to study microstructure. X-ray diffraction was used to investigate compounds formed during casting and welding. The solidus and liquidus temperatures of the alloy were measured by differential scanning calorimetry. In this study, the temperature of the work pieces was raised to 1203 K (930 °C) that is in the semisolid region, and the weld seams were stirred by two different types of tools at the speed of 1600 rpm. Macro and micro-structural analyses show uniformity in the phase distribution for specimens welded by cylindrical tool. Desirable and uniform mechanical properties obtained when the cylindrical tool was used.

The effect of roll gap geometry on microstructure in cold-rolled aluminum

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Mishin, Oleg; Bay, B.; Winther, G.

2004-01-01

Microstructure and texture are analyzed through the thickness of two aluminum plates cold-rolled 40% with different roll gap geometries. It is found that both texture and microstructure are strongly affected by the rolling geometry. After rolling with intermediate-size draughts a rolling-type tex......Microstructure and texture are analyzed through the thickness of two aluminum plates cold-rolled 40% with different roll gap geometries. It is found that both texture and microstructure are strongly affected by the rolling geometry. After rolling with intermediate-size draughts a rolling...... layers. In these layers, extended planar dislocation boundaries are frequently found to be inclined closely to the rolling direction. The subsurface and central layers of this plate exhibit microstructures similar to those in the plate rolled with intermediate draughts. It is suggested...

Mathematical modelling in solid mechanics

CERN Document Server

Sofonea, Mircea; Steigmann, David

2017-01-01

This book presents new research results in multidisciplinary fields of mathematical and numerical modelling in mechanics. The chapters treat the topics: mathematical modelling in solid, fluid and contact mechanics nonconvex variational analysis with emphasis to nonlinear solid and structural mechanics numerical modelling of problems with non-smooth constitutive laws, approximation of variational and hemivariational inequalities, numerical analysis of discrete schemes, numerical methods and the corresponding algorithms, applications to mechanical engineering numerical aspects of non-smooth mechanics, with emphasis on developing accurate and reliable computational tools mechanics of fibre-reinforced materials behaviour of elasto-plastic materials accounting for the microstructural defects definition of structural defects based on the differential geometry concepts or on the atomistic basis interaction between phase transformation and dislocations at nano-scale energetic arguments bifurcation and post-buckling a...

Effect of cooling rate on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Nb-microalloyed steels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shanmugam, S.; Ramisetti, N.K.; Misra, R.D.K.; Mannering, T.; Panda, D.; Jansto, S.

2007-01-01

We describe here the effect of cooling rate on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Nb-microalloyed steels that were processed as structural beams at three different cooling rates. Nb-microalloyed steels exhibited increase in yield strength with increase in cooling rate during processing. However, the increase in the yield strength was not accompanied by loss in toughness. The microstructure at conventional cooling rate, primarily consisted of polygonal ferrite-pearlite microconstituents, while at intermediate cooling rate besides polygonal ferrite and pearlite contained significant fraction of degenerated pearlite and lath-type ferrite. At higher cooling rate, predominantly, lath-type (acicular) or bainitic ferrite was obtained. The precipitation characteristics were similar at the three cooling rates investigated with precipitation occurring at grain boundaries, on dislocations, and in the ferrite matrix. The fine scale (∼8-12 nm) precipitates in the ferrite matrix were MC type of niobium carbides. The microstructural studies suggest that the increase in toughness of Nb-microalloyed steels with increase in cooling rate is related to the change in the microstructure from predominantly ferrite-pearlite to predominantly bainitic ferrite

Effect of cooling rate on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Nb-microalloyed steels

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shanmugam, S. [Center for Structural and Functional Materials, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504-4130 (United States); Ramisetti, N.K. [Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504-4130 (United States); Misra, R.D.K. [Center for Structural and Functional Materials, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504-4130 (United States); Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Lafayette, LA 70504-4130 (United States)], E-mail: dmisra@louisiana.edu; Mannering, T. [Nucor-Yamato Steel, P.O. Box 1228, 5929 East State Highway 18, Blytheville, AR 72316 (United States); Panda, D. [Nucor-Yamato Steel, P.O. Box 1228, 5929 East State Highway 18, Blytheville, AR 72316 (United States); Jansto, S. [Reference Metals, 1000 Old Pond Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017 (United States)

2007-07-15

We describe here the effect of cooling rate on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Nb-microalloyed steels that were processed as structural beams at three different cooling rates. Nb-microalloyed steels exhibited increase in yield strength with increase in cooling rate during processing. However, the increase in the yield strength was not accompanied by loss in toughness. The microstructure at conventional cooling rate, primarily consisted of polygonal ferrite-pearlite microconstituents, while at intermediate cooling rate besides polygonal ferrite and pearlite contained significant fraction of degenerated pearlite and lath-type ferrite. At higher cooling rate, predominantly, lath-type (acicular) or bainitic ferrite was obtained. The precipitation characteristics were similar at the three cooling rates investigated with precipitation occurring at grain boundaries, on dislocations, and in the ferrite matrix. The fine scale ({approx}8-12 nm) precipitates in the ferrite matrix were MC type of niobium carbides. The microstructural studies suggest that the increase in toughness of Nb-microalloyed steels with increase in cooling rate is related to the change in the microstructure from predominantly ferrite-pearlite to predominantly bainitic ferrite.

Effect of stress during neutron irradiation on the microstructure of type 316 stainless steel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brager, H.R.; Garner, F.A.; Guthrie, G.L.

1976-04-01

A transmission electron microscopy (TEM) examination was performed on solution annealed and 20 percent cold-worked Type 316 stainless steel specimens stressed during irradiation at 500 0 C in EBR-II. Hoop stress levels ranged from 0 to 327 MN/m 2 (47,300 psi) and fluences between 2.0 and 3.0 x 10 22 n/cm 2 (E greater than 0.1 MeV). Data confirm that applied tensile stresses enhance swelling in the solution annealed steel. The number densities of both voids and Frank loops were sensitive to the stress environment. Total swelling in the annealed material increased with stress, but not in direct proportion to the increased void nucleation. While the effect of cold working was to suppress swelling, the nucleation and growth of Frank loops was unaffected by the cold worked microstructure. The individual planar loop densities within any one specimen were quite sensitive to the magnitude of the stress component normal to the loop plane, while the total loop number density was sensitive to a smaller degree of the magnitude of the hydrostatic stress level. The number and size distribution of the loop populations were unaffected by the planar shear stress components, but the mean loop sizes were found to be limited by the probability of loop intersection with dislocations and loops. The stress dependence of void and loop densities allowed determination of the critical nuclei sizes, approximately sixteen vacancies for voids and six atoms for loops. Many observations were made on the probable creep mechanisms. Both dislocation and void microstructures evolved in a consistent stress-dependent manner, giving support to models which predict a coupling of the swelling and irradiation creep phenomena through the stress environment. 13 figures, 3 tables

Liquid spreading on ceramic-coated carbon nanotube films and patterned microstructures

Science.gov (United States)

Zhao, Hangbo; Hart, A. John

2015-11-01

We study the capillary-driven liquid spreading behavior on films and microstructures of ceramic-coated vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (CNTs) fabricated on quartz substrates. The nanoscale porosity and micro-scale dimensions of the CNT structures, which can be precisely varied by the fabrication process, enable quantitative measurements that can be related to analytical models of the spreading behavior. Moreover, the conformal alumina coating by atomic layer deposition (ALD) prevents capillary-induced deformation of the CNTs upon meniscus recession, which has complicated previous studies of this topic. Washburn-like liquid spreading behavior is observed on non-patterned CNT surfaces, and is explained using a scaling model based on the balance of capillary driving force and the viscous drag force. Using these insights, we design patterned surfaces with controllable spreading rates and study the contact line pinning-depinning behavior. The nanoscale porosity, controllable surface chemistry, and mechanical stability of coated CNTs provide significantly enhanced liquid-solid interfacial area compared to solid microstructures. As a result, these surface designs may be useful for applications such as phase-change heat transfer and electrochemical energy storage. Funding for this project is provided by the National Institutes of Health and the MIT Center for Clean Water and Clean Energy supported by the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.

Numerical Thermodynamic Analysis of Two-Phase Solid-Liquid Abrasive Flow Polishing in U-Type Tube

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Junye Li

2014-08-01

Full Text Available U-type tubes are widely used in military and civilian fields and the quality of the internal surface of their channel often determines the merits and performance of a machine in which they are incorporated. Abrasive flow polishing is an effective method for improving the channel surface quality of a U-type tube. Using the results of a numerical analysis of the thermodynamic energy balance equation of a two-phase solid-liquid flow, we carried out numerical simulations of the heat transfer and surface processing characteristics of a two-phase solid-liquid abrasive flow polishing of a U-type tube. The distribution cloud of the changes in the inlet turbulent kinetic energy, turbulence intensity, turbulent viscosity, and dynamic pressure near the wall of the tube were obtained. The relationships between the temperature and the turbulent kinetic energy, between the turbulent kinetic energy and the velocity, and between the temperature and the processing velocity were also determined to develop a theoretical basis for controlling the quality of abrasive flow polishing.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of thermoelectric nanostructured n-type silicon-germanium alloys synthesized employing spark plasma sintering

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bathula, Sivaiah [CSIR-Network of Institutes for Solar Energy, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi 110012 (India); Department of Applied Physics, Delhi Technological University, Delhi (India); Gahtori, Bhasker; Tripathy, S. K.; Tyagi, Kriti; Srivastava, A. K.; Dhar, Ajay, E-mail: adhar@nplindia.org [CSIR-Network of Institutes for Solar Energy, CSIR-National Physical Laboratory, Dr. K. S. Krishnan Marg, New Delhi 110012 (India); Jayasimhadri, M. [Department of Applied Physics, Delhi Technological University, Delhi (India)

2014-08-11

Owing to their high thermoelectric (TE) figure-of-merit, nanostructured Si{sub 80}Ge{sub 20} alloys are evolving as a potential replacement for their bulk counterparts in designing efficient radio-isotope TE generators. However, as the mechanical properties of these alloys are equally important in order to avoid in-service catastrophic failure of their TE modules, we report the strength, hardness, fracture toughness, and thermal shock resistance of nanostructured n-type Si{sub 80}Ge{sub 20} alloys synthesized employing spark plasma sintering of mechanically alloyed nanopowders of its constituent elements. These mechanical properties show a significant enhancement, which has been correlated with the microstructural features at nano-scale, delineated by transmission electron microscopy.

Microstructural characteristics of new type γ-γ` Co-9Al-9W cobalt-based superalloys in as-cast state

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

A. Tomaszewska

2018-01-01

Full Text Available The paper presented deals primary with the structure characteristics of a new type of cobalt-based superalloys Co-9Al-9W type, casted via induction melting process with partially dosing of Common problems described in literature are focused on difficulties in obtaining uniform distribution of tungsten, particularly in interdendritic areas. That was the reason for the modified casting process to be applied. The method of tungsten dosing into liquid melts of Co and Al allows to obtain microstructure characterized by considerably decreased microsegregation. The material obtained was analyzed by standard methods such as light and scanning microscopy with analysis of chemical composition in micro-areas. Additionally, the detailed analysis of the sub-grain level was made by S/TEM on thin foils collected from equiaxed grains zone of the ingot.

Tailorable Burning Behavior of Ti14 Alloy by Controlling Semi-Solid Forging Temperature.

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Yongnan; Yang, Wenqing; Zhan, Haifei; Zhang, Fengying; Huo, Yazhou; Zhao, Yongqing; Song, Xuding; Gu, Yuantong

2016-08-16

Semi-solid processing (SSP) is a popular near-net-shape forming technology for metals, while its application is still limited in titanium alloy mainly due to its low formability. Recent works showed that SSP could effectively enhance the formability and mechanical properties of titanium alloys. The processing parameters such as temperature and forging rate/ratio, are directly correlated with the microstructure, which endow the alloy with different chemical and physical properties. Specifically, as a key structural material for the advanced aero-engine, the burn resistant performance is a crucial requirement for the burn resistant titanium alloy. Thus, this work aims to assess the burning behavior of Ti14, a kind of burn resistant alloy, as forged at different semi-solid forging temperatures. The burning characteristics of the alloy are analyzed by a series of burning tests with different burning durations, velocities, and microstructures of burned sample. The results showed that the burning process is highly dependent on the forging temperature, due to the fact that higher temperatures would result in more Ti₂Cu precipitate within grain and along grain boundaries. Such a microstructure hinders the transport of oxygen in the stable burning stage through the formation of a kind of oxygen isolation Cu-enriched layer under the burn product zone. This work suggests that the burning resistance of the alloy can be effectively tuned by controlling the temperature during the semi-solid forging process.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL (NOx/CO/O2) SOLID-STATE SENSORS FOR COAL COMBUSTION CONTROL

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Eric D. Wachsman

2005-05-29

We have made great progress in both developing solid state sensors for coal combustion control and understanding the mechanism by which they operate. We have fabricated and tested numerous sensors and identified the role electrode microstructure plays in sensor response. We have developed both p-type (La{sub 2}CuO{sub 4}) and n-type (WO{sub 3}) semiconducting NO{sub x} sensing electrodes. We have demonstrated their respective sensing behavior (sensitivities and cross-sensitivities), related this behavior to their gas adsorption/desorption behavior and catalytic activity, and in so doing verified that our proposed Differential Electrode Equilibria is a more comprehensive sensing mechanism. These investigations and their results are summarized below. The composition and microstructure of the sensing electrode is the key parameters that influence the sensing performance. We investigated the effect of electrode microstructure on the NO{sub x} sensitivity and response time using a La{sub 2}CuO{sub 4}-based potentiometric sensor. Temperature dependence, cross-sensitivity and selectivities of a La{sub 2}CuO{sub 4}- and WO{sub 3}-based potentiometric NO{sub x} sensor were investigated both in N{sub 2} and in a simulated exhaust gas. We performed temperature programmed reaction (TPR) and desorption (TPD) experiments to determine the reaction and adsorption characteristics of O{sub 2}, NO{sub x}, CO, CO{sub 2}, and their mixtures on the electrodes, and related the results to sensor performance. In order to optimize the sensor electrode microstructure, powders were prepared using four different powder synthesis routes, resulting in different particle size distributions and BET surface areas. Different sintering conditions were also applied. The microstructure of electrodes, synthesized with the same composition, has a dramatic effect on both sensitivity and response time of potentiometric NO sensors, showing that large surface areas generate a porous morphology with smaller

Morphology, microstructure and rheological properties of SAN (styrene-acrylonitrile)/EPDM (ethylene-propylene-diene monomer) nanocomposites: Investigating the role of organoclay type and order of mixing

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Jeddi, Javad; Yousefzade, Omid [Department of Polymer Engineering and Color Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, Tehran, 15875-4413 (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Babaei, Amir, E-mail: a.babaei@gu.ac.ir [Polymer Engineering Department, Faculty of Engineering, Golestan University, 4918888369, Gorgan (Iran, Islamic Republic of); Ghanbar, Sadegh; Rostami, Amir [Department of Polymer Engineering and Color Technology, Amirkabir University of Technology, Mahshahr Campus, Mahshahr, 6351716178 (Iran, Islamic Republic of)

2017-02-01

The object of this work was to investigate the preferential localization of nanoclay platelets in SAN/EPDM (80/20) blend in terms of thermodynamic and kinetic considerations. In this way, effects of two organoclay types and mixing sequences on the morphology, microstructure and rheological properties of prepared blends were studied. Calculations based on the thermodynamic point of view suggested both nanoclay types should be localized in the SAN phase. The XRD results demonstrated that SAN phase as a matrix played a more significant role in the intercalation/exfoliation of organoclays rather than dispersed EPDM phase. Linear viscoelastic studies showed a high tendency for both of organoclays to be localized in the SAN component as well as better dispersion state of cloisite 30B organoclay. The results of creep and creep-recovery experiments revealed the reversible deformation of nanocomposites decreased with increasing degree of organoclay dispersion. The calculated retardation spectrums indicated the dominant role of filler – filler interaction on the melt viscoelastic response of ternary nanocomposites. In addition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to study the correlation between the rheological properties, and microstructure and morphological features of blends. - Highlights: • SAN/EPDM/organoclay nanocomposite was prepared with different mixing sequences. • The location of organoclay in SAN/EPDM blend controlled by thermodynamic parameters. • The dispersed phase size decreased in presence of organoclay. • Correlation between rheological properties and microstructure has been established.

Microstructural characterization, formation mechanism and fracture behavior of the needle δ phase in Fe–Ni–Cr type superalloys with high Nb content

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Ning, Yongquan, E-mail: luckyning@nwpu.edu.cn [School of Materials Science & Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi' an 710072 (China); Huang, Shibo [Anshan Iron & Steel Group Corporation Bayuquan Subsidiary Company, Bayuquan 115007 (China); Fu, M.W. [Department of Mechanical Engineering, Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong (China); Dong, Jie [Inspection & Research Institute of Boiler & Pressure Vessel of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang 330029 (China)

2015-11-15

Microstructural characterization, formation mechanism and fracture behavior of the needle δ phase in Fe–Ni–Cr type superalloys with high Nb content (GH4169, equivalent to Inconel 718) have been quantitatively investigated in this research. The typical microstructures of δ phases with the stick, mixed and needle shapes obviously present in Inconel 718 after the isothermal upsetting at the temperature of 980–1060 °C with the initial strain rate of 10{sup −3}–10{sup −1} s{sup −1}. It is found that the shape of the δ phase has a great effect on the mechanical properties of the alloy, viz., the stick δ phase behaves good plasticity and the needle δ phase has good strength. In addition, the needle δ phase can be used to control the grain size as it can prevent grain growth. The combined effect of the localized necking and microvoid coalescence leads to the final ductile fracture of the GH4169 components with the needle δ phase. Both dislocation motion and atom diffusion are the root-cause for the needle δ phase to be firstly separated at grain boundary and then at sub-boundary. The formation mechanism of the needle δ phase is the new finding in this research. Furthermore, it is the primary mechanism for controlling the needle δ phase in Fe–Ni–Cr type superalloys with high Nb content. - Highlights: • Shape of the δ phase takes great effect on mechanical property. • Needle δ phase plays a great role to prevent grain growth. • Needle δ phase can enhance the fracture strength. • Microstructure mechanism of the needle δ phase has been investigated. • Fracture behavior of the needle δ phase has been studied.

Microstructural development of cobalt ferrite ceramics and its influence on magnetic properties

Science.gov (United States)

Kim, Gi-Yeop; Jeon, Jae-Ho; Kim, Myong-Ho; Suvorov, Danilo; Choi, Si-Young

2013-11-01

The microstructural evolution and its influence on magnetic properties in cobalt ferrite were investigated. The cobalt ferrite powders were prepared via a solid-state reaction route and then sintered at 1200 °C for 1, 2, and 16 h in air. The microstructures from sintered samples represented a bimodal distribution of grain size, which is associated with abnormal grain growth behavior. And thus, with increasing sintering time, the number and size of abnormal grains accordingly increased but the matrix grains were frozen with stagnant grain growth. In the sample sintered for 16 h, all of the matrix grains were consumed and the abnormal grains consequently impinged on each other. With the appearance of abnormal grains, the magnetic coercivity significantly decreased from 586.3 Oe (1 h sintered sample) to 168.3 Oe (16 h sintered sample). This is due to the magnetization in abnormal grains being easily flipped. In order to achieve high magnetic coercivity of cobalt ferrite, it is thus imperative to fabricate the fine and homogeneous microstructure.

Subcontract Report: Diffusion Mechanisms and Bond Dynamics in Solid Electrolyte Ion-Conductors

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Zevgolis, A. [Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States); Hall, A. [Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States); Alvez, T. [Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States); Mehmedovic, Z. [Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States); Shea, P. [Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States); Varley, J. [Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States); Wood, B. C. [Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States); Adelstein, N. [Lawrence Livermore National Lab. (LLNL), Livermore, CA (United States)

2017-10-03

We employ first-principles molecular dynamics simulations and Maximally Localized Wannier Function (MLWF) analysis to explore how halide substitution and nano-phase microstructures affect diffusivity, through the activation energy barrier - E_a and D₀, in the solid electrolyte Li₃InBr_6-xCl_x. We find that nano-phase microstructures with x=3 (50-50 Br-Cl) mixed composition have a higher diffusivity compared to x=2 and x=3 solid solutions. There is a positive linear relationship between ln(D₀.) and E_a, which suggests that for superionic conductivity optimizing both the activation energy and the D₀ is important. Bond frustration due to mismatch in crystal geometry and ideal coordination number leads to especially high diffusivity through a high D₀ in the x=3 composition.

Microstructural characterization of pipe bomb fragments

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gregory, Otto; Oxley, Jimmie; Smith, James; Platek, Michael; Ghonem, Hamouda; Bernier, Evan; Downey, Markus; Cumminskey, Christopher

2010-01-01

Recovered pipe bomb fragments, exploded under controlled conditions, have been characterized using scanning electron microscopy, optical microscopy and microhardness. Specifically, this paper examines the microstructural changes in plain carbon-steel fragments collected after the controlled explosion of galvanized, schedule 40, continuously welded, steel pipes filled with various smokeless powders. A number of microstructural changes were observed in the recovered pipe fragments: deformation of the soft alpha-ferrite grains, deformation of pearlite colonies, twin formation, bands of distorted pearlite colonies, slip bands, and cross-slip bands. These microstructural changes were correlated with the relative energy of the smokeless powder fillers. The energy of the smokeless powder was reflected in a reduction in thickness of the pipe fragments (due to plastic strain prior to fracture) and an increase in microhardness. Moreover, within fragments from a single pipe, there was a radial variation in microhardness, with the microhardness at the outer wall being greater than that at the inner wall. These findings were consistent with the premise that, with the high energy fillers, extensive plastic deformation and wall thinning occurred prior to pipe fracture. Ultimately, the information collected from this investigation will be used to develop a database, where the fragment microstructure and microhardness will be correlated with type of explosive filler and bomb design. Some analyses, specifically wall thinning and microhardness, may aid in field characterization of explosive devices.

Solid substrate fermentation of lignite by the coal-solubilizing mould, Trichoderma atroviride, in a new type of bioreactor

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Holker, U.; Hofer, M. [University of Bonn, Bonn (Germany)

2002-07-01

Trichoderma atroviride CBS 349 is able to solubilize lignite. The mould was cultured under non-sterile conditions in a new type of bioreactor for solid substrate fermentation. German lignite (lithotype A, Bergheim) was used as complex solid substrate. Over 40 days 140 g of 1.5 kg lignite held in a 25 1-bioreactor was solubilized by the fungus.

Magnetic and microstructural investigation of pipeline steel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Groessinger, R.; Mehmood, N.; Hiram Espina, J.; Keplinger, F.

2008-01-01

Full text: Magnetic studies (as e.g. hysteresis loop, minor loops initial susceptibility, Barkhausen noise etc.) on pipeline tubes can be used to detect local errors, scratches, stress centres etc. There exist up to now several papers characterising the stress-state of such steels however not yet a systematic investigation correlating the microstructure with intrinsic magnetic properties of the material. Within this paper three different types of steel, which are generally used for pipelines, will be investigated with respect to their microstructure, their magnetic properties (hysteresis) and their magnetostriction. In order to investigate the effect of texture, one sample was cut parallel to the tube direction (longitudinal), one was cut perpendicular to the tube direction (transversal). The microstructure was investigated using a light microscope. The topological structure was investigated using an AFM, the domain structure was observed by a MFM. From all steels frame shaped samples were made which were used to measure the hysteresis loop in a magnetically closed arrangement. (author)

Microstructure and Interfacial Reactions During Vacuum Brazing of Stainless Steel to Titanium Using Ag-28 pct Cu Alloy

Science.gov (United States)

Laik, A.; Shirzadi, A. A.; Sharma, G.; Tewari, R.; Jayakumar, T.; Dey, G. K.

2015-02-01

Microstructural evolution and interfacial reactions during vacuum brazing of grade-2 Ti and 304L-type stainless steel (SS) using eutectic alloy Ag-28 wt pct Cu were investigated. A thin Ni-depleted zone of -Fe(Cr, Ni) solid solution formed on the SS-side of the braze zone (BZ). Cu from the braze alloy, in combination with the dissolved Fe and Ti from the base materials, formed a layer of ternary compound , adjacent to Ti in the BZ. In addition, four binary intermetallic compounds, CuTi, CuTi, CuTi and CuTi formed as parallel contiguous layers in the BZ. The unreacted Ag solidified as islands within the layers of CuTi and CuTi. Formation of an amorphous phase at certain locations in the BZ could be revealed. The -Ti(Cu) layer, formed due to diffusion of Cu into Ti-based material, transformed to an -Ti + CuTi eutectoid with lamellar morphology. Tensile test showed that the brazed joints had strength of 112 MPa and failed at the BZ. The possible sequence of events that led to the final microstructure and the mode of failure of these joints were delineated.

Eutectic and solid-state wafer bonding of silicon with gold

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abouie, Maryam; Liu, Qi; Ivey, Douglas G.

2012-01-01

Highlights: ► Eutectic and solid-state Au-Si bonding are compared for both a-Si and c-Si samples. ► Exchange of a-Si and Au layer was observed in both types of bonded samples. ► Use of c-Si for bonding resulted in formation of craters at the Au/c-Si interface. ► Solid-state Au-Si bonding produces better bonds in terms of microstructure. - Abstract: The simple Au-Si eutectic, which melts at 363 °C, can be used to bond Si wafers. However, faceted craters can form at the Au/Si interface as a result of anisotropic and non-uniform reaction between Au and crystalline silicon (c-Si). These craters may adversely affect active devices on the wafers. Two possible solutions to this problem were investigated in this study. One solution was to use an amorphous silicon layer (a-Si) that was deposited on the c-Si substrate to bond with the Au. The other solution was to use solid-state bonding instead of eutectic bonding, and the wafers were bonded at a temperature (350 °C) below the Au-Si eutectic temperature. The results showed that the a-Si layer prevented the formation of craters and solid-state bonding not only required a lower bonding temperature than eutectic bonding, but also prevented spill out of the solder resulting in strong bonds with high shear strength in comparison with eutectic bonding. Using amorphous silicon, the maximum shear strength for the solid-state Au-Si bond reached 15.2 MPa, whereas for the eutectic Au-Si bond it was 13.2 MPa.

Full-scale magnetic, microstructural, and physical properties of bilayered CoSiB/FeSiB ribbons

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Životský, O.; Titov, A.; Jirásková, Yvonna; Buršík, Jiří; Kalbáčová, J.; Janičkovič, D.; Švec, P.

2013-01-01

Roč. 581, DEC (2013), s. 685-692 ISSN 0925-8388 R&D Projects: GA MŠk(CZ) ED1.1.00/02.0068 Keywords : Bilayered ribbons * Soft magnetic materials * Microstructure * Surface and bulk magnetic properties Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 2.726, year: 2013

Swelling and microstructural development in path A PCA and type 316 stainless steel irradiated in HFIR to about 22 dpa

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Maziasz, P.J.; Braski, D.N.

1983-01-01

Irradiation of several microstructural variants of PCA and 20%-cold-worked N-lot type 316 stainess steel (CW 316) in HFIR to about 10 dpa produced no visible cavities at 300 0 C, bubbles at 400 0 C, and varying distributions of bubbles and voids at 500 and 600 0 C. The PCA-B1 swells the most and CW 316 (N-lot) the least at 600 0 C. Irradiations have been extended to about 22 dpa. The PCA-Al swells 0.06%/dpa at 600 0 C but at a much lower rate at 500 0 C. The PCA-A3 shows the lowest swelling at 600 0 C, about the half the swelling rate of type 316 stainless steel

Dry friction of microstructured polymer surfaces inspired by snake skin

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Martina J. Baum

2014-07-01

Full Text Available The microstructure investigated in this study was inspired by the anisotropic microornamentation of scales from the ventral body side of the California King Snake (Lampropeltis getula californiae. Frictional properties of snake-inspired microstructured polymer surface (SIMPS made of epoxy resin were characterised in contact with a smooth glass ball by a microtribometer in two perpendicular directions. The SIMPS exhibited a considerable frictional anisotropy: Frictional coefficients measured along the microstructure were about 33% lower than those measured in the opposite direction. Frictional coefficients were compared to those obtained on other types of surface microstructure: (i smooth ones, (ii rough ones, and (iii ones with periodic groove-like microstructures of different dimensions. The results demonstrate the existence of a common pattern of interaction between two general effects that influence friction: (1 molecular interaction depending on real contact area and (2 the mechanical interlocking of both contacting surfaces. The strongest reduction of the frictional coefficient, compared to the smooth reference surface, was observed at a medium range of surface structure dimensions suggesting a trade-off between these two effects.

Dry friction of microstructured polymer surfaces inspired by snake skin.

Science.gov (United States)

Baum, Martina J; Heepe, Lars; Fadeeva, Elena; Gorb, Stanislav N

2014-01-01

The microstructure investigated in this study was inspired by the anisotropic microornamentation of scales from the ventral body side of the California King Snake (Lampropeltis getula californiae). Frictional properties of snake-inspired microstructured polymer surface (SIMPS) made of epoxy resin were characterised in contact with a smooth glass ball by a microtribometer in two perpendicular directions. The SIMPS exhibited a considerable frictional anisotropy: Frictional coefficients measured along the microstructure were about 33% lower than those measured in the opposite direction. Frictional coefficients were compared to those obtained on other types of surface microstructure: (i) smooth ones, (ii) rough ones, and (iii) ones with periodic groove-like microstructures of different dimensions. The results demonstrate the existence of a common pattern of interaction between two general effects that influence friction: (1) molecular interaction depending on real contact area and (2) the mechanical interlocking of both contacting surfaces. The strongest reduction of the frictional coefficient, compared to the smooth reference surface, was observed at a medium range of surface structure dimensions suggesting a trade-off between these two effects.

Microstructural aspects of thermal ageing of AISI type 316 LN stainless steels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shankar, P.; Sundararaman, D.; Raghunathan, V.S.; Ranganathan, S.

1995-01-01

The various stages of precipitation of Cr 2 N in austenite and the associated microstructural features are presented. The role of nitrogen on the interface structure is discussed. The fine sub-structure of the cellular bands are described based on high resolution transmission electron microscope studies. (author). 2 refs., 2 tabs., 6 figs

Radiation risk models for all solid cancers other than those types of cancer requiring individual assessments after a nuclear accident

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Walsh, Linda; Zhang, Wei

2016-01-01

In the assessment of health risks after nuclear accidents, some health consequences require special attention. For example, in their 2013 report on health risk assessment after the Fukushima nuclear accident, the World Health Organisation (WHO) panel of experts considered risks of breast cancer, thyroid cancer and leukaemia. For these specific cancer types, use was made of already published excess relative risk (ERR) and excess absolute risk (EAR) models for radiation-related cancer incidence fitted to the epidemiological data from the Japanese A-bomb Life Span Study (LSS). However, it was also considered important to assess all other types of solid cancer together and the WHO, in their above-mentioned report, stated ''No model to calculate the risk for all other solid cancer excluding breast and thyroid cancer risks is available from the LSS data''. Applying the LSS models for all solid cancers along with the models for the specific sites means that some cancers have an overlap in the risk evaluations. Thus, calculating the total solid cancer risk plus the breast cancer risk plus the thyroid cancer risk can overestimate the total risk by several per cent. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to publish the required models for all other solid cancers, i.e. all solid cancers other than those types of cancer requiring special attention after a nuclear accident. The new models presented here have been fitted to the same LSS data set from which the risks provided by the WHO were derived. Although it is known already that the EAR and ERR effect modifications by sex are statistically significant for the outcome ''all solid cancer'', it is shown here that sex modification is not statistically significant for the outcome ''all solid cancer other than thyroid and breast cancer''. It is also shown here that the sex-averaged solid cancer risks with and without the sex modification are very similar once breast and thyroid cancers are factored out. Some other notable model

Porosity and water activity effects on stability of crystalline β-carotene in freeze-dried solids.

Science.gov (United States)

Harnkarnsujarit, Nathdanai; Charoenrein, Sanguansri; Roos, Yrjö H

2012-11-01

Stability of entrapped crystalline β-carotene as affected by water activity, solids microstructure, and composition of freeze-dried systems was investigated. Aliquots (1000 mm(3) , 20% w/w solids) of solutions of maltodextrins of various dextrose equivalents (M040:DE6, M100:DE11, and M250:DE25.5), M100-sugars (1:1 glucose, fructose and sucrose), and agar for gelation with dispersed β-carotene were frozen at -20, -40, or -80 °C and freeze-dried. Glass transition and α-relaxation temperatures were determined with differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. β-Carotene contents were monitored spectrophotometrically. In the glassy solids, pore microstructure had a major effect on β-carotene stability. Small pores with thin walls and large surface area allowed β-carotene exposure to oxygen which led to a higher loss, whereas structural collapse enhanced stability of β-carotene by decreasing exposure to oxygen. As water plasticized matrices, an increase in molecular mobility in the matrix enhanced β-carotene degradation. Stability of dispersed β-carotene was highest at around 0.2 a(w) , but decreasing structural relaxation times above the glass transition correlated well with the rate of β-carotene degradation at higher a(w) . Microstructure, a(w) , and component mobility are important factors in the control of stability of β-carotene in freeze-dried solids. β-Carotene expresses various nutritional benefits; however, it is sensitive to oxygen and the degradation contributes to loss of nutritional values as well as product color. To increase stability of β-carotene in freeze-dried foods, the amount of oxygen penetration need to be limited. The modification of freeze-dried food structures, for example, porosity and structural collapse, components, and humidity effectively enhance the stability of dispersed β-carotene in freeze-dried solids. © 2012 Institute of Food Technologists®

Thin film diamond microstructure applications

Science.gov (United States)

Roppel, T.; Ellis, C.; Ramesham, R.; Jaworske, D.; Baginski, M. E.; Lee, S. Y.

1991-01-01

Selective deposition and abrasion, as well as etching in atomic oxygen or reduced-pressure air, have been used to prepare patterned polycrystalline diamond films which, on further processing by anisotropic Si etching, yield the microstructures of such devices as flow sensors and accelerometers. Both types of sensor have been experimentally tested in the respective functions of hot-wire anemometer and both single- and double-hinged accelerometer.

Development of layered anode structures supported over Apatite-type Solid Electrolytes

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Pandis P.

2016-01-01

Full Text Available Apatite-type lanthanum silicates (ATLS materials have attracted interest in recent literature as solid electrolytes for SOFCs. The fabrication of an ATLS based fuel cell with the state-of-art electrodes (NiO/YSZ as anode and LSCF or LSM as cathode can show degradation after long operation hours due to Si diffusion mainly towards the anode. In this work, we report a “layer-by-layer anodic electrodes” fabrication by means of spin coating and physical spraying. The overall aim of this work is the successful fabrication of such a layered structure including suitable blocking layers towards the inhibition of Si interdiffusion from the apatite electrolyte to the anode. The results showed that the deposition of 3 layers of LFSO/GDC (3μm, NiO/GDC (4μm and the final NiO/YSZ anode layer provided a stable half-cell, with no solid state reaction occurring among the electrodes and no Si diffusion observed towards the anode after thermal treatment at 800°C for 120h.

3D-Printing Electrolytes for Solid-State Batteries.

Science.gov (United States)

McOwen, Dennis W; Xu, Shaomao; Gong, Yunhui; Wen, Yang; Godbey, Griffin L; Gritton, Jack E; Hamann, Tanner R; Dai, Jiaqi; Hitz, Gregory T; Hu, Liangbing; Wachsman, Eric D

2018-05-01

Solid-state batteries have many enticing advantages in terms of safety and stability, but the solid electrolytes upon which these batteries are based typically lead to high cell resistance. Both components of the resistance (interfacial, due to poor contact with electrolytes, and bulk, due to a thick electrolyte) are a result of the rudimentary manufacturing capabilities that exist for solid-state electrolytes. In general, solid electrolytes are studied as flat pellets with planar interfaces, which minimizes interfacial contact area. Here, multiple ink formulations are developed that enable 3D printing of unique solid electrolyte microstructures with varying properties. These inks are used to 3D-print a variety of patterns, which are then sintered to reveal thin, nonplanar, intricate architectures composed only of Li 7 La 3 Zr 2 O 12 solid electrolyte. Using these 3D-printing ink formulations to further study and optimize electrolyte structure could lead to solid-state batteries with dramatically lower full cell resistance and higher energy and power density. In addition, the reported ink compositions could be used as a model recipe for other solid electrolyte or ceramic inks, perhaps enabling 3D printing in related fields. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Fusion boundary microstructure evolution in aluminum alloys

Science.gov (United States)

Kostrivas, Anastasios Dimitrios

2000-10-01

A melting technique was developed to simulate the fusion boundary of aluminum alloys using the GleebleRTM thermal simulator. Using a steel sleeve to contain the aluminum, samples were heated to incremental temperatures above the solidus temperature of a number of alloys. In alloy 2195, a 4wt%Cu-1wt%Li alloy, an equiaxed non-dendritic zone (EQZ) could be formed by heating in the temperature range from approximately 630 to 640°C. At temperatures above 640°C, solidification occurred by the normal epitaxial nucleation and growth mechanism. Fusion boundary behavior was also studied in alloys 5454-H34, 6061-T6, and 2219-T8. Additionally, experimental alloy compositions were produced by making bead on plate welds using an alloy 5454-H32 base metal and 5025 or 5087 filler metals. These filler metals contain zirconium and scandium additions, respectively, and were expected to influence nucleation and growth behavior. Both as-welded and welded/heat treated (540°C and 300°C) substrates were tested by melting simulation, resulting in dendritic and EQZ structures depending on composition and substrate condition. Orientation imaging microscopy (OIM(TM)) was employed to study the crystallographic character of the microstructures produced and to verify the mechanism responsible for EQZ formation. OIM(TM) proved that grains within the EQZ have random orientation. In all other cases, where the simulated microstructures were dendritic in nature, it was shown that epitaxy was the dominant mode of nucleation. The lack of any preferred crystallographic orientation relationship in the EQZ supports a theory proposed by Lippold et al that the EQZ is the result of heterogeneous nucleation within the weld unmixed zone. EDS analysis of the 2195 on STEM revealed particles with ternary composition consisted of Zr, Cu and Al and a tetragonal type crystallographic lattice. Microdiffraction line scans on EQZ grains in the alloy 2195 showed very good agreement between the measured Cu

Biochemical and microstructural characteristics of meat samples ...

African Journals Online (AJOL)

This study was conducted to compare the efficiency of different plant proteases for changing biochemical and microstructural characteristics in muscle foods. The meat samples from chicken, giant catfish, pork and beef were treated with four types of proteolytic enzymes: Calotropis procera latex proteases, papaya latex ...

Averaged subtracted polarization imaging for endoscopic diagnostics of surface microstructures on translucent mucosae

Science.gov (United States)

Kanamori, Katsuhiro

2016-07-01

An endoscopic image processing technique for enhancing the appearance of microstructures on translucent mucosae is described. This technique employs two pairs of co- and cross-polarization images under two different linearly polarized lights, from which the averaged subtracted polarization image (AVSPI) is calculated. Experiments were then conducted using an acrylic phantom and excised porcine stomach tissue using a manual experimental setup with ring-type lighting, two rotating polarizers, and a color camera; better results were achieved with the proposed method than with conventional color intensity image processing. An objective evaluation method that uses texture analysis was developed and used to evaluate the enhanced microstructure images. This paper introduces two types of online, rigid-type, polarimetric endoscopic implementations using a polarized ring-shaped LED and a polarimetric camera. The first type uses a beam-splitter-type color polarimetric camera, and the second uses a single-chip monochrome polarimetric camera. Microstructures on the mucosa surface were enhanced robustly with these online endoscopes regardless of the difference in the extinction ratio of each device. These results show that polarimetric endoscopy using AVSPI is both effective and practical for hardware implementation.

3D Microstructure Modeling of Porous Metal Filters

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Vladimír Hejtmánek

2012-09-01

Full Text Available The contribution presents a modified method of stochastic reconstruction of two porous stainless-steel filters. The description of their microstructures was based on a combination of the two-point probability function for the void phase and the lineal-path functions for the void and solid phases. The method of stochastic reconstruction based on simulated annealing was capable of reproducing good connectivity of both phases, which was confirmed by calculating descriptors of the local porosity theory. Theoretical values of permeability were compared with their experimental counterparts measured by means of quasi-stationary permeation of four inert gases.

Visualization of Wave Propagation and Fine Structure in Frictional Motion of Unconstrained Soft Microstructured Tapes

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Heepe, Lars; Filippov, Alexander E.; Kovalev, Alexander E.

2017-01-01

from previous friction tests of microstructured elastomers fixed onto a rigid support, allowing only for shear deformations of surface microstructures and the backing layer, but not for stretching of the entire sample. Three different types of microstructured tapes were tested and their frictional...... behavior compared to results from numerical simulations. In both experimental and numerical cases, visualization of wave propagation and fine structure in friction is obtained....

Crystalline structure and microstructural characteristics of the cathode/electrolyte solid oxide half-cells

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chiba, Rubens; Vargas, Reinaldo Azevedo; Andreoli, Marco; Santoro, Thais Aranha de Barros; Seo, Emilia Satoshi Miyamaru

2009-01-01

The solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) is an electrochemical device generating of electric energy, constituted of cathode, electrolyte and anode; that together they form a unity cell. The study of the solid oxide half-cells consisting of cathode and electrolyte it is very important, in way that is the responsible interface for the reduction reaction of the oxygen. These half-cells are ceramic materials constituted of strontium-doped lanthanum manganite (LSM) for the cathode and yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) for the electrolyte. In this work, two solid oxide half-cells have been manufactured, one constituted of LSM cathode thin film on YSZ electrolyte substrate (LSM - YSZ half-cell), and another constituted of LSM cathode and LSM/YSZ composite cathode thin films on YSZ electrolyte substrate (LSM - LSM/YSZ - YSZ half cell). The cathode/electrolyte solid oxide half-cells were characterized by X-ray diffractometry (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The results have been presented with good adherence between cathode and electrolyte and, LSM and YSZ phases were identified. (author)

Microstructured optical fiber-based luminescent biosensing: Is there any light at the end of the tunnel? - A review.

Science.gov (United States)

Pidenko, Sergey A; Burmistrova, Natalia A; Shuvalov, Andrey A; Chibrova, Anastasiya A; Skibina, Yulia S; Goryacheva, Irina Y

2018-08-17

This review covers the current state of the art of luminescent biosensors based on various types of microstructured optical fiber. The unique optical and structural properties of this type of optical fiber make them one of the most promising integrated platforms for bioassays. The individual sections of this review are devoted to a) classification of microstructured optical fibers, b) microstructured optical fiber materials, c) aspects of biosensing based on the biomolecules incorporated into the microstructured optical fibers, and d) development of models for prediction of the efficiency of luminescent signal processing. The authors' views on current trends and limitations of microstructured optical fibers for biosensing as well as the most promising areas and technologies for application in analytical practice are presented. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Numerical microstructural analysis of automotive-grade steels when joined with an array of welding processes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Gould, J.E.; Khurana, S.P.; Li, T.

2004-01-01

Weld strength, formability, and impact resistance for joints on automotive steels is dependent on the underlying microstructure. A martensitic weld area is often a precursor to reduced mechanical performance. In this paper, efforts are made to predict underlying joint microstructures for a range of processing approaches, steel types, and gauges. This was done first by calculating cooling rates for some typical automotive processes [resistance spot welding (RSW), resistance mash seam welding (RMSEW), laser beam welding (LBW), and gas metal arc welding (GMAW)]. Then, critical cooling rates for martensite formation were calculated for a range of automotive steels using an available thermodynamically based phase transformation model. These were then used to define combinations of process type, steel type, and gauge where welds could be formed avoiding martensite in the weld area microstructure

Microstructure development of welding joints in high Cr ferritic steels

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Kubushiro, Keiji; Takahashi, Satoshi; Morishima, Keiko [IHI Corporation (Japan). Research Lab.

2010-07-01

Creep failure in high Cr ferritic steels welding joints are Type IV failure. Type IV-failure was ruptured in fine grained region of heat affected zone, microstructure and phase transformation process at welding in fine grained region were very important to clarify. Microstructure difference of heat affected zone was investigated in Gr.91, Gr.92, Gr.122 welding joint. The fraction of 60 degree block boundary, packet boundary, random boundary (including prior gamma boundary) length was compared in three ferritic steels by EBSP(Electron Backscatter Diffraction Pattern) analysis. HAZ was almost fully martensite phase in Gr.122 weld joint. On the other hand, HAZ in Gr.91 welding joint were some equiaxial grain and martensite structure. (orig.)

Interfacial Microstructure and Its Influence on Resistivity of Thin Layers Copper Cladding Steel Wires

Science.gov (United States)

Li, Hongjuan; Ding, Zhimin; Zhao, Ruirong

2018-04-01

The interfacial microstructure and resistivity of cold-drawn and annealed thin layers copper cladding steel (CCS) wires have been systematically investigated by the methods of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and resistivity testing. The results showed that the Cu and Fe atoms near interface diffused into each other matrixes. The Fe atoms diffused into Cu matrixes and formed a solid solution. The mechanism of solid solution is of substitution type. When the quantity of Fe atoms exceeds the maximum solubility, the supersaturated solid solution would form Fe clusters and decompose into base Cu and α-Fe precipitated phases under certain conditions. A few of α-Fe precipitates was observed in the copper near Cu/Fe interfaces of cold-drawn CCS wires, with 1-5 nm in size. A number of α-Fe precipitates of 1-20 nm in size can be detected in copper near Cu/Fe interfaces of CCS wires annealed at 850°C. When annealing temperature was less than 750°C, the resistivity of CCS wires annealed was lower than that of cold-drawn CCS wires. However, when annealing temperature was above 750°C, the resistivity of CCS wires was greater than that of cold-drawn CCS wires and increased with rising the annealing temperature. The relationship between nanoscale α-Fe precipitation and resistivity of CCS wires has been well discussed.

Microstructures of cast-duplex stainless steel after long-term aging

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chung, H.M.; Chopra, O.K.

1985-10-01

Microstructures of cast-duplex stainless steels subjected to long-term aging either in the laboratory or during in-reactor service have been characterized and compared by TEM, SEM, and optical microscopy. The microstructural characteristics have been correlated with the impact failure behavior of the material. G-phase, α', and an unidentified Type X precipitate were responsible for the ferrite-phase embrittlement. Precipitation of M 23 C 6 carbides on austenite-ferrite boundaries further degraded the reactor-aged material

Artificial Microstructures to Investigate Microstructure-Property Relationships in Metallic Glasses

Science.gov (United States)

Sarac, Baran

Technology has evolved rapidly within the last decade, and the demand for higher performance materials has risen exponentially. To meet this demand, novel materials with advanced microstructures have been developed and are currently in use. However, the already complex microstructure of technological relevant materials imposes a limit for currently used development strategies for materials with optimized properties. For this reason, a strategy to correlate microstructure features with properties is still lacking. Computer simulations are challenged due to the computing size required to analyze multi-scale characteristics of complex materials, which is orders of magnitude higher than today's state of the art. To address these challenges, we introduced a novel strategy to investigate microstructure-property relationships. We call this strategy "artificial microstructure approach", which allows us to individually and independently control microstructural features. By this approach, we defined a new way of analyzing complex microstructures, where microstructural second phase features were precisely varied over a wide range. The artificial microstructures were fabricated by the combination of lithography and thermoplastic forming (TPF), and subsequently characterized under different loading conditions. Because of the suitability and interesting properties of metallic glasses, we proposed to use this toolbox to investigate the different deformation modes in cellular structures and toughening mechanism in metallic glass (MG) composites. This study helped us understand how to combine the unique properties of metallic glasses such as high strength, elasticity, and thermoplastic processing ability with plasticity generated from heterostructures of metallic glasses. It has been widely accepted that metallic glass composites are very complex, and a broad range of contributions have been suggested to explain the toughening mechanism. This includes the shear modulus, morphology

Microstructure and phase composition of sputter-deposited zirconia-yttria films

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Knoll, R.W.; Bradley, E.R.

1983-11-01

Thin ZrO 2 -Y 2 O 3 coatings ranging in composition from 3 to 15 mole % Y 2 O 3 were produced by rf sputter deposition. This composition range spanned the region on the equilibrium ZrO 2 -Y 2 O 3 phase diagram corresponding to partially stabilized zirconia (a mixture of tetragonal ZrO 2 and cubic solid solution). Microstructural characteristics and crystalline phase composition of as-deposited and heat treated films (1100 0 C and 1500 0 C) were determined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and by x-ray diffraction (XRD). Effects of substrate bias (0 approx. 250 volts), which induced ion bombardment of the film during growth, were also studied. The as-deposited ZrO 2 -Y 2 O 3 films were single phase over the composition range studied, and XRD data indicated considerable local atomic disorder in the lattice. Films produced at low bias contained intergranular voids, pronounced columnar growth, and porosity between columns. At high bias, the microstructure was denser, and films contained high compressive stress. After heat treatment, all deposits remained single phase, therefore a microstructure and precipitate distribution characteristic of toughened, partially stabilized zirconia appear to be difficult to achieve in vapor deposited zirconia coatings

Microstructure of NiTi orthodontic wires observations using transmission electron microscopy

OpenAIRE

Ferčec, J.; Jenko, D.; Buchmeister, B.; Rojko, F.; Budič, B.; Kosec, B.; Rudolf, R.

2014-01-01

This work presents the results of the microstructure observation of six different types of NiTi orthodontic wires by using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Within these analyses the chemical compositions of each wire were observed in different places by applying the EDS detector. Namely, the chemical composition in the orthodontic wires is very important because it shows the dependence between the phase temperatures and mechanical properties. Microstructure observations showed that ort...

Microstructural study and wear behavior of ductile iron surface alloyed by Inconel 617

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Arabi Jeshvaghani, R.; Jaberzadeh, M.; Zohdi, H.; Shamanian, M.

2014-01-01

Highlights: • The Ni-base alloy was deposited on the surface of ductile iron by TIG welding process. • Microstructure of alloyed layer consisted of carbides embedded in Ni-rich dendrite. • Hardness and wear resistance of coated sample greatly improved. • The formation of oxide layer and delamination were dominant mechanisms of wear. - Abstract: In this research, microstructure and wear behavior of Ni-based alloy is discussed in detail. Using tungsten inert gas welding process, coating of nearly 1–2 mm thickness was deposited on ductile iron. Optical and scanning electron microscopy, as well as X-ray diffraction analysis and electron probe microanalysis were used to characterize the microstructure of the surface alloyed layer. Micro-hardness and wear resistance of the alloyed layer was also studied. Results showed that the microstructure of the alloyed layer consisted of M 23 C 6 carbides embedded in Ni-rich solid solution dendrites. The partial melted zone (PMZ) had eutectic ledeburit plus martensite microstructure, while the heat affected zone (HAZ) had only a martensite structure. It was also noticed that hardness and wear resistance of the alloyed layer was considerably higher than that of the substrate. Improvement of wear resistance is attributed to the solution strengthening effect of alloying elements and also the presence of hard carbides such as M 23 C 6 . Based on worn surface analysis, the dominant wear mechanisms of alloyed layer were found to be oxidation and delamination

Stress transmission in planar disordered solid foams

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Blumenfeld, Raphael

2003-01-01

Stress transmission in planar open-cell cellular solids is analysed using a recent theory developed for marginally rigid granular assemblies. This is made possible by constructing a one-to-one mapping between the two systems. General trivalent networks are mapped onto assemblies of rough grains, while networks where Plateau rules are observed, are mapped onto assemblies of smooth grains. The constitutive part of the stress transmission equations couples the stress directly to the local rotational disorder of the cellular structure via a new fabric tensor. An intriguing consequence of the analysis is that the stress field can be determined in terms of the microstructure alone independent of stress-strain information. This redefines the problem of structure-property relationship in these materials and poses questions on the relations between this formalism and elasticity theory. The deviation of the stress transmission equations from those of conventional solids has been interpreted in the context of granular assemblies as a new state of solid matter and the relevance of this interpretation to the state of matter of cellular solids is discussed

Effect of the UO{sub 2} powder type and mixing method on microstructure of Mn-Al doped pellet

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Na, Yeon Soo; Lim, Kwang Young; Choi, Min young; Jung, Tae Sik; Lee, Seung Jae; Yoo, Jong Sung [KEPCO, Daejeon (Korea, Republic of)

2016-05-15

Recently, the commercial LWRs are focused on the extending the burn-up and fuel cycle length in order to increase nuclear power plant economy as a maintenance and fuel cycle cost. Increasing the burn-up may lead to a faster and higher power variation such as a peak local linear power and normal operating transient (Load following operation). In such operating conditions, the risk of a fuel failure is considerably related to a pellet clad-interaction (PCI). So, recent development of advanced UO{sub 2} pellet for the LWRs is mainly focused on the large grain and soft pellet as they can reduce corrosive fission gas release and pellet-clad-interaction. In terms of the UO{sub 2} pellet, the prevention of PCI induced fuel failure can be achieved by enlarging the UO{sub 2} pellet grain size and enhancing the pellets deformation at an elevated temperature. In Korea, in order to increase the grain size and deformation of UO{sub 2} pellet on the high temperature, Mn-Al doped pellet with ADU (Ammonium Diuranate)-UO{sub 2} powder are developed in lab scale. But, the UO{sub 2} pellets for the commercial nuclear power plants in Korea are fabricated using the DC (Dry Conversion)-UO{sub 2} powder. So, it is necessary to understand the effect of microstructure on UO{sub 2} powder type for Mn-Al doped pellets. In this work, to investigate the effect of UO{sub 2} powder type and mixing method on the microstructure of the Mn-Al doped UO{sub 2} pellets, we fabricated the Mn-Al doped pellets using the DC-UO{sub 2} powder. The measurement of sintered density and mean grain size for fabricated pellets was performed, and then the results of test was evaluated in comparison with a Reference 2.

Microstructure and elevated temperature stability of 9-12% Cr steels

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Dogan, Omer N.; Hawk, Jeffrey A.

2005-02-01

Medium Cr steels have been used in fossil fired power plants for many years because of their excellent high temperature stability and mechanical properties. As the desire to increase the efficiency of power plants continues, the operating temperature (>650C) continues to go up. Currently available low and medium Cr containing steels will not withstand the new operating temperature and must be reassessed in terms of their solid-solution and precipitation strengthening schemes. Three medium Cr steels were developed to investigate high temperature alloy strengthening strategies: 0.08C-(9-12)Cr-1.2Ni-0.7Mo-3.0Cu-3.0Co-0.5Ti. The microstructure of the alloy will be described in the as-cast and thermo-mechanically worked states. In addition, the effect on microstructure from long-term high temperature exposure will also be discussed. Finally, the overall stability of these steels will be compared against currently available power plant steels.

Microstructure and mechanical properties in cast magnesium-neodymium binary alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Yan Jingli; Sun Yangshan; Xue Feng; Xue Shan; Tao Weijian

2008-01-01

The microstructure, tensile properties and creep behavior of three binary magnesium-neodymium (Mg-Nd) based alloys were investigated. The microstructure of all the alloys consists of the dendritic α-Mg matrix and a divorced eutectic Mg 12 Nd. With the increase of neodymium addition, the volume fraction of the Mg 12 Nd phase increases and an interphase network is visible with 4 wt% of neodymium addition. The addition of Nd to Mg causes significant improvement of creep properties and the creep resistance increases with the increase of Nd addition, which is account for by the combination of precipitation and solid solution hardening. For the Mg-2 wt%Nd alloy, a stress exponent of 4.5 and an apparent activation energy of 151.8 kJ/mol were obtained at 175 deg. C/50-90 MPa and 150-225 deg. C/70 MPa, respectively, suggesting that the mechanism responsible for creep in the present investigation is dislocation climb

Growth of self-textured Ga3+-substituted Li7La3Zr2O12 ceramics by solid state reaction and their significant enhancement in ionic conductivity

Science.gov (United States)

Qin, Shiying; Zhu, Xiaohong; Jiang, Yue; Ling, Ming'en; Hu, Zhiwei; Zhu, Jiliang

2018-03-01

A highly self-textured Ga2O3-substituted Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO-Ga) solid electrolyte with a nominal composition of Li6.55Ga0.15La3Zr2O12 is obtained by a simple and low-cost solid-state reaction technique, requiring no seed crystals to achieve grain orientation. The as-prepared self-textured LLZO-Ga shows a strong (420) preferred orientation with a high Lotgering factor of 0.91. Coherently, a terrace-shaped microstructure consisting of many parallel layers, indicating a two-dimensional-like growth mode, is clearly observed in the self-textured sample. As a result, the highly self-textured garnet-type lithium-ion conducting solid electrolyte of LLZO-Ga exhibits an extremely high ionic conductivity, reaching a state-of-the-art level of 2.06 × 10-3 S cm-1 at room temperature (25 °C) and thus shedding light on an important strategy for improving the structure and ionic conductivity of solid electrolytes.

Neodymium-doped phosphate fiber lasers with an all-solid microstructured inner cladding.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Guang; Zhou, Qinling; Yu, Chunlei; Hu, Lili; Chen, Danping

2012-06-15

We report on high-power fiber lasers based on index-guiding, all-solid neodymium-doped (Nd-doped) phosphate photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with a hexagonal-shaped inner cladding. The optimum fiber laser with a 36 cm length active fiber, generated up to 7.92 W output power at 1053 nm, which benefited from a high absorption coefficient for pump power due to its noncircular inner cladding. The guiding properties of the all-solid PCF were also investigated. A stable mode with a donut-shaped profile and a power-dependent laser beam quality have been observed experimentally and analyzed.

Investigation of a hot-pressed Nb–Ti–Al alloy: Mechanical alloying, microstructure and mechanical property

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Shi, Zhiwu; Wei, Hua; Zhang, Hongyu; Jin, Tao; Sun, Xiaofeng; Zheng, Qi, E-mail: qzheng@imr.ac.cn

2016-01-10

The Nb–23Ti–15Al (at%) alloy was prepared by mechanical alloying (MA) and hot-pressing (HPing). The microstructure evolution of powder particles during MA and its influence on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the hot-pressed (HPed) alloy have been investigated. The powder and HPed alloy were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicate that particle size increases in the first stage and then decreases in the second stage during MA; as milling speed increases, mechanically alloyed (MAed) powder with convoluted elemental lamellae, homogeneous Nb solid-solution and an amorphous phase could be obtained respectively in 24 h. Higher homogeneity in microstructure and composition of the MAed powder particles promotes the precipitation of the δ phase and refines the β and Ti(O,C) phases in the HPed alloy. Moreover, due to the phase equilibrium changes caused by Fe and Cr in the amorphous powder, σ phase appears in the alloy as a stable phase instead of the δ phase. Properly MAed powder contributes to higher hardness of the HPed alloy, for reasons of microstructure refinement and sufficient precipitating of strengthening phases.

Investigation of a hot-pressed Nb–Ti–Al alloy: Mechanical alloying, microstructure and mechanical property

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shi, Zhiwu; Wei, Hua; Zhang, Hongyu; Jin, Tao; Sun, Xiaofeng; Zheng, Qi

2016-01-01

The Nb–23Ti–15Al (at%) alloy was prepared by mechanical alloying (MA) and hot-pressing (HPing). The microstructure evolution of powder particles during MA and its influence on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the hot-pressed (HPed) alloy have been investigated. The powder and HPed alloy were characterized via X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicate that particle size increases in the first stage and then decreases in the second stage during MA; as milling speed increases, mechanically alloyed (MAed) powder with convoluted elemental lamellae, homogeneous Nb solid-solution and an amorphous phase could be obtained respectively in 24 h. Higher homogeneity in microstructure and composition of the MAed powder particles promotes the precipitation of the δ phase and refines the β and Ti(O,C) phases in the HPed alloy. Moreover, due to the phase equilibrium changes caused by Fe and Cr in the amorphous powder, σ phase appears in the alloy as a stable phase instead of the δ phase. Properly MAed powder contributes to higher hardness of the HPed alloy, for reasons of microstructure refinement and sufficient precipitating of strengthening phases.

Radiation risk models for all solid cancers other than those types of cancer requiring individual assessments after a nuclear accident

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Walsh, Linda [Federal Office for Radiation Protection, Department ' ' Radiation Protection and Health' ' , Oberschleissheim (Germany); University of Zurich, Medical Physics Group, Institute of Physics, Zurich (Switzerland); Zhang, Wei [Public Health England, Centre for Radiation, Chemical and Environmental Hazards, Oxford (United Kingdom)

2016-03-15

In the assessment of health risks after nuclear accidents, some health consequences require special attention. For example, in their 2013 report on health risk assessment after the Fukushima nuclear accident, the World Health Organisation (WHO) panel of experts considered risks of breast cancer, thyroid cancer and leukaemia. For these specific cancer types, use was made of already published excess relative risk (ERR) and excess absolute risk (EAR) models for radiation-related cancer incidence fitted to the epidemiological data from the Japanese A-bomb Life Span Study (LSS). However, it was also considered important to assess all other types of solid cancer together and the WHO, in their above-mentioned report, stated ''No model to calculate the risk for all other solid cancer excluding breast and thyroid cancer risks is available from the LSS data''. Applying the LSS models for all solid cancers along with the models for the specific sites means that some cancers have an overlap in the risk evaluations. Thus, calculating the total solid cancer risk plus the breast cancer risk plus the thyroid cancer risk can overestimate the total risk by several per cent. Therefore, the purpose of this paper was to publish the required models for all other solid cancers, i.e. all solid cancers other than those types of cancer requiring special attention after a nuclear accident. The new models presented here have been fitted to the same LSS data set from which the risks provided by the WHO were derived. Although it is known already that the EAR and ERR effect modifications by sex are statistically significant for the outcome ''all solid cancer'', it is shown here that sex modification is not statistically significant for the outcome ''all solid cancer other than thyroid and breast cancer''. It is also shown here that the sex-averaged solid cancer risks with and without the sex modification are very similar once breast and

Microstructures and mechanical properties of two-phase alloys based on NbCr{sub 2}

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Chen, K.C.; Kotula, P.G.; Cady, C.M.; Mauro, M.E.; Thoma, D.J.

1999-07-01

A two-phase, NbCrTi alloy (bcc + C15 Laves phase) has been developed using several alloy design methodologies. In efforts to understand processing-microstructure-property relationships, different processing routes were employed. The resulting microstructures and mechanical properties are discussed and compared. Plasma arc melted (PAM) samples served to establish baseline, as-cast properties. In addition, a novel processing technique, involving decomposition of a supersaturated and metastable precursor phase during hot isostatic pressing (HIP), was used to produce a refined, equilibrium two-phase microstructure. Quasi-static compression tests as a function of temperature were performed on both alloy types. Different deformation mechanisms were encountered based upon temperature and microstructure.

Analysis of composition and microstructural uniformity of hybrid glass/carbon fibre composites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Beauson, J.; Markussen, C.M.; Madsen, Bo

2013-09-01

In hybrid fibre composites, the intermixing of the two types of fibres imposes challenges to obtain materials with a well-defined and uniform microstructure. In the present paper, the composition and the microstructural uniformity of hybrid glass/carbon fibre composites mixed at the fibre bundle level are investigated. The different levels of compositions in the composites are defined and experimentally determined. The composite volume fractions are determined using an image analysis based procedure. The global fibre volume fractions are determined using a gravimetrical based method. The local fibre volume fractions are determined using volumetric calculations. A model is presented to predict the interrelation of volume fractions in hybrid fibre composites. The microstructural uniformity of the composites is analysed by the determined variation in composite volume fractions. Two analytical methods, a standard deviation based method and a fast Fourier transform method, are used to quantify the difference in microstructural uniformity between composites, and to detect and quantify any repeating pattern in the composite microstructure. (Author)

The Microstructure and Properties of Super Martensitic Stainless Steel Microalloyed with Tungsten and Copper

Science.gov (United States)

Ye, Dong; Li, Jun; Liu, Yu-Rong; Yong, Qi-Long; Su, Jie; Cao, Jian-Chun; Tao, Jing-Mei; Zhao, Kun-Yu

2011-06-01

The microstructure and properties of super martensitic stainless steel (SMSS) microalloyed with tungsten and copper were studied by means of optical microscopy, dilatometer, X-ray diffraction, and tensile tests. The results showed that the microstructure of SMSS, after quenching and tempering, was a typical biphase structure with tempered martensite and reversed austenite dispersedly distributed in the martensite matrix. W and Cu were added into the SMSS to reduce the transformation temperature (Ms) and improve the strength and hardness of the matrix by grain refining and solid solution strengthening. Thermocalc calculations confirmed that M23C6 compound and Laves phase were precipitated during tempering in the investigated steel. Compared with the traditional SMSS, the steel microalloyed with W and Cu performed better mechanical properties.

Microstructure and Mechanical Property of 3003 Aluminum Alloy Joint Brazed with Al-Si-Cu-Zn Filler Metal

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

LI Xiao-qiang

2016-09-01

Full Text Available Al-Si-Cu-Zn filler metal was developed to braze 3003 aluminum alloy. The microstructure and fracture surface of the joint were analyzed by XRD, SEM and EDS, and the effects of brazing temperature on microstructure and property of the joint were investigated. The results show that good joints are obtained at brazing temperature of 540-580℃ for 10min. The brazed joint consists of α(Al solid solution, θ(Al2Cu intermetallic compound, fine silicon phase and AlCuFeMn+Si phase in the central zone of brazed seam, and α(Al solid solution and element diffusion layers at both the sides of brazed seam, and the base metal. The room temperature (RT shear fracture of the joint occurs at the interface between the teeth shape α(Al in the diffusion layer and the center zone of brazed seam, which is mainly characterized as brittle cleavage. As the brazing temperature increases, α(Al solid solution crystals in the diffusion zone grow up, and the interfacial bonding of the joint is in the form of interdigitation. Brazing at 560℃ for 10min, the RT shear strength of the joint reaches the maximum value of 92.3MPa, which is about 62.7% of the base material.

Development of rheometer for semi-solid highmelting point alloys

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

LIU Wen

2005-11-01

Full Text Available A rheometer for semi-solid high-melting point alloys was developed based on the principle of a double-bucket rheometer, with which the solidifying of semi-solid high-melting point alloy melt could be effectively controlled by the control of temperature and the outer force-field; and different microstructures have also been obtained. This rheometer can be used to investigate the rheological behavior under different conditions by changing the Theological parameters. By way of full-duplex communication between the computer and each sensor, automatic control of the test equipment and real- timemeasurement of rheological parameters were realized. Finally, the influencing factors on torque are also quantitatively analyzed.

Assessment of the microstructure evolution of an austempered ductile iron during austempering process through strain hardening analysis

Science.gov (United States)

Donnini, Riccardo; Fabrizi, Alberto; Bonollo, Franco; Zanardi, Franco; Angella, Giuliano

2017-09-01

The aim of this investigation was to determine a procedure based on tensile testing to assess the critical range of austempering times for having the best ausferrite produced through austempering. The austempered ductile iron (ADI) 1050 was quenched at different times during austempering and the quenched samples were tested in tension. The dislocation-density-related constitutive equation proposed by Estrin for materials having high density of geometrical obstacles to dislocation motion, was used to model the flow curves of the tensile tested samples. On the basis of strain hardening theory, the equation parameters were related to the microstructure of the quenched samples and were used to assess the ADI microstructure evolution during austempering. The microstructure evolution was also analysed through conventional optical microscopy, electron back-scattered diffraction technique and transmission electron microscopy. The microstructure observations resulted to be consistent with the assessment based on tensile testing, so the dislocation-density-related constitutive equation was found to be a powerful tool to characterise the evolution of the solid state transformations of austempering.

Microstructural control of thin-film diffusion-brazed titanium

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Wells, R.R.

1976-01-01

This study was designed to determine what parameters should be controlled to achieve quality joints of good toughness and high strength in titanium alloys. Emphasis was placed upon studying those parameters which provided tough joints compatible with the titanium base metal being joined. This paper is concerned with thin-film diffusion brazing based upon the eutectic system formed between copper and titanium. In order to control the joint microstructure, the copper diffusion rates and the beta-phase decomposition kinetics were studied. This information was used to produce various types of microstructures in test specimens. These were then evaluated to select the best microstructures for toughness and strength which were compatible with the titanium alloys. Results show that it is possible to accurately control properties of joints produced by thin-film diffusion brazing. This is done by controlling the initial copper content and the time-temperature parameters used in processing. Alloys studied were Ti--8Al--1Mo--1V and Ti--6Al--4V

Microstructure of bonding zones in laser-clad Ni-alloy-based composite coatings reinforced with various ceramic powders

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Pei, Y.T.; Ouyang, J.H.; Lei, T.C.

1996-01-01

Microstructure of the bonding zones (BZs) between laser-clad Ni-alloy-based composite coatings and steel substrates was studied by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) techniques. Observations indicate that for pure Ni-alloy coating the laser parameters selected for good interface fusion have no effect on the microstructure of the BZ except for its thickness. However, the addition of ceramic particles (TiN, SiC, or ZrO 2 ) to the Ni alloy varies the compositional or constitutional undercooling of the melt near the solid/liquid interface and consequently leads to the observed changes of microstructure of the BZs. For TiN/Ni-alloy coating the morphology of γ-Ni solid solution in the BZ changes from dendritic to planar form with increasing scanning speed. A colony structure of eutectic is found in the BZ of SiC/Ni-alloy coating in which complete dissolution of SiC particles takes place during laser cladding. The immiscible melting of ZrO 2 and Ni-alloy powders induces the stratification of ZrO 2 /Ni-alloy coating which consists of a pure ZrO 2 layer fin the upper region and a BZ composed mainly of γ-Ni dendrites adjacent to the substrate. All the BZs studied in this investigation have good metallurgical characteristics between the coatings and the substrates

Benchtop fabrication of PDMS microstructures by an unconventional photolithographic method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hwang, Chang Mo; Sim, Woo Young; Lee, Seung Hwan; Foudeh, Amir M; Bae, Hojae; Khademhosseini, Ali; Lee, Sang-Hoon

2010-01-01

Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microstructures have been widely used in bio-microelectromechanical systems (bio-MEMS) for various types of analytical, diagnostic and therapeutic applications. However, PDMS-based soft lithographic techniques still use conventional microfabrication processes to generate a master mold, which requires access to clean room facilities and costly equipment. With the increasing use of these systems in various fields, the development of benchtop systems for fabricating microdevices is emerging as an important challenge in their widespread use. Here we demonstrate a simple, low-cost and rapid method to fabricate PDMS microstructures by using micropatterned poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) master molds. In this method, PEGDA microstructures were patterned on a glass substrate by photolithography under ambient conditions and by using simple tools. The resulting PEGDA structures were subsequently used to generate PDMS microstructures by standard molding in a reproducible and repeatable manner. The thickness of the PEGDA microstructures was controllable from 15 to 300 μm by using commonly available spacer materials. We also demonstrate the use of this method to fabricate microfluidic channels capable of generating concentration gradients. In addition, we fabricated PEGDA microstructures by photolithography from the light generated from commonly available laminar cell culture hood. These data suggest that this approach could be beneficial for fabricating low-cost PDMS-based microdevices in resource limited settings.

Dielectric Characteristics of Microstructural Changes and Property Evolution in Engineered Materials

Science.gov (United States)

Clifford, Jallisa Janet

quantitatively using BbDS. These materials are typically used in solid oxide fuel cells (SOFC). Results show significant effect of microstructural design on material properties at multiple temperatures (up to 800 °C). In the later part of the thesis, we will focus on microstructural changes of fiber reinforced composite materials due to impact and static loading. The changes in dielectric response can then be linked to the bulk mechanical properties of the material and various damage modes. Observing trends in dielectric response enables us to further determine local mechanisms and distribution of properties throughout the damaged specimens. A 3D X-ray microscope and a digital microscope have been used to visualize these changes in material microstructure and validate experimental observations. The increase in damage observed in the material microstructure can then also be linked to the changes in dielectric response. Results show that BbDS is an extremely useful tool for identifying microstructural changes within a heterogeneous material and particularly useful in relating remaining properties. Dielectric material variables can be used directly in property degradation laws and help develop a framework for future predictive modeling methodologies.

Effects of microstructural inclusions on fatigue life of polyether ether ketone (PEEK).

Science.gov (United States)

Simsiriwong, Jutima; Shrestha, Rakish; Shamsaei, Nima; Lugo, Marcos; Moser, Robert D

2015-11-01

In this study, the effects of microstructural inclusions on fatigue life of polyether ether ketone (PEEK) was investigated. Due to the versatility of its material properties, the semi-crystralline PEEK polymer has been increasingly adopted in a wide range of applications particularly as a biomaterial for orthopedic, trauma, and spinal implants. To obtain the cyclic behavior of PEEK, uniaxial fully-reversed strain-controlled fatigue tests were conducted at ambient temperature and at 0.02 mm/mm to 0.04 mm/mm strain amplitudes. The microstructure of PEEK was obtained using the optical and the scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the microstructural inclusion properties in PEEK specimen such as inclusion size, type, and nearest neighbor distance. SEM analysis was also conducted on the fracture surface of fatigue specimens to observe microstructural inclusions that served as the crack incubation sites. Based on the experimental strain-life results and the observed microstructure of fatigue specimens, a microstructure-sensitive fatigue model was used to predict the fatigue life of PEEK that includes both crack incubation and small crack growth regimes. Results show that the employed model is applicable to capture microstructural effects on fatigue behavior of PEEK. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Solid-state reactions during mechanical milling of Fe-Al under nitrogen atmosphere

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Jirásková, Yvonna; Buršík, Jiří; Čížek, J.; Jančík, D.

2013-01-01

Roč. 568, AUG (2013), s. 106-111 ISSN 0925-8388 R&D Projects: GA ČR(CZ) GAP108/11/1350 Institutional support: RVO:68081723 Keywords : milling * mechanical alloying * Mössbauer phase analysis * Fe-Al alloy * microstructure Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 2.726, year: 2013

Homogenization-based topology optimization for high-resolution manufacturable micro-structures

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Groen, Jeroen Peter; Sigmund, Ole

2018-01-01

This paper presents a projection method to obtain high-resolution, manufacturable structures from efficient and coarse-scale, homogenization-based topology optimization results. The presented approach bridges coarse and fine scale, such that the complex periodic micro-structures can be represented...... by a smooth and continuous lattice on the fine mesh. A heuristic methodology allows control of the projected topology, such that a minimum length-scale on both solid and void features is ensured in the final result. Numerical examples show excellent behavior of the method, where performances of the projected...

The role of MgCl2 compounds in preparation of Tin oxide micro particles by one-step solid - state chemical reaction method and characterization of microstructure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hojabry, A.; Rezainik, Y.; Abdoljavad, N.; Moghimi, N.; Shakib, M.

2007-01-01

In this paper, Tin oxide (SnO 2 ) nano crystals have been synthesized by one-step solid-state chemical reactions method. In the first step, the powder of SnCl 4 . 5H 2 O was mixed with MgCl 2 and Mg(OH) 2 with a weight ratio of Sn to Mg (2:1) in the air atmosphere at room, and then annealed at 200 d egree C , 400 d egree C and 600 d egree C in air for 4 h to give different size of nanoparticles. This method is a simple, efficient and economic preparation for SnO 2 nanoparticles with adjustable grain sizes in the range of 7-32 nm in high yield. The microstructure and morphology of SnO 2 nanoparticles have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy and thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis -differential thermal analysis).

Effects of accelerated degradation on metal supported thin film-based solid oxide fuel cell

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Reolon, R. P.; Sanna, S.; Xu, Yu

2018-01-01

A thin film-based solid oxide fuel cell is deposited on a Ni-based metal porous support by pulsed laser deposition with a multi-scale-graded microstructure design. The fuel cell, around 1 μm in thickness, is composed of a stabilized-zirconia/doped-ceria bi-layered dense electrolyte and nanostruct......A thin film-based solid oxide fuel cell is deposited on a Ni-based metal porous support by pulsed laser deposition with a multi-scale-graded microstructure design. The fuel cell, around 1 μm in thickness, is composed of a stabilized-zirconia/doped-ceria bi-layered dense electrolyte......, electrochemical performances are steady, indicating the stability of the cell. Under electrical load, a progressive degradation is activated. Post-test analysis reveals both mechanical and chemical degradation of the cell. Cracks and delamination of the thin films promote a significant nickel diffusion and new...

Microstructure and kinetics evolution in MgH{sub 2}–TiO{sub 2} pellets after hydrogen cycling

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mirabile Gattia, D., E-mail: daniele.mirabile@enea.it; Di Girolamo, G.; Montone, A.

2014-12-05

Highlights: • MgH{sub 2} was ball milled with TiO{sub 2} anatase phase and expanded graphite to prepare pellets. • Different pellets have been prepared at different compression load. • Pellets were repeatedly cycled under hydrogen pressure to simulate tank exercise and verify their stability. • The compression load highly affects the stability of the pellets to cycling. • Microstructural evolution of the particles due to cycling have been observed. - Abstract: The interest in Mg-based hydrides for solid state hydrogen storage is associated to their capability to reversibly absorb and desorb large amounts of hydrogen. In this work MgH{sub 2} powder with 5 wt.% TiO{sub 2} was ball milled for 10 h. The as-milled nanostructured powder was enriched with 5 wt.% of Expanded Natural Graphite (ENG) and then compacted in cylindrical pellets by cold pressing using different loads. Both the powder and the pellets were subjected to kinetic and thermodynamic tests using a Sievert’s type gas reaction controller, in order to study the microstructural and kinetic changes which took place during repeated H{sub 2} absorption and desorption cycles. The pellets exhibited good kinetic performance and durability, even if the pressure of compaction revealed to be an important parameter for their mechanical stability. Scanning Electron Microscopy observations of as-prepared and cycled pellets were carried out to investigate the evolution of their microstructure. In turn the phase composition before and after cycling was analyzed by X-ray diffraction.

Bulk microstructure and local elastic properties of carbon nanocomposites studied by impulse acoustic microscopy technique

Science.gov (United States)

Levin, V.; Petronyuk, Yu.; Morokov, E.; Chernozatonskii, L.; Kuzhir, P.; Fierro, V.; Celzard, A.; Bellucci, S.; Bistarelli, S.; Mastrucci, M.; Tabacchioni, I.

2016-05-01

Bulk microstructure and elastic properties of epoxy-nanocarbon nanocomposites for diverse types and different content of carbon nanofiller has been studied by using impulse acoustic microscopy technique. It has been shown occurrence of various types of mesoscopic structure formed by nanoparticles inside the bulk of nanocomposite materials, including nanoparticle conglomerates and nanoparticle aerogel systems. In spite of the bulk microstructure, nanocarbon composites demonstrate elastic uniformity and negligible influence of nanofiller on elastic properties of carbon nanocomposite materials.

Microstructural aspects of Ni-based superalloy 693

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dutta, R.S.; Sengupta, P.; Tewari, R.; Kain, V.; Dey, G.K.; Sharma, A.K.; Raj, K.

2009-01-01

Alloy 693 is an austenitic, precipitation-hardenable Ni-based superalloy. It is a promising material for high temperature fuel cell, petrochemical processing industry, high temperature waste and biomass incinerators and as thermal processing equipment, burner nozzles, melter pot material and in other areas. Microstructure plays quite often a major role in regulating the properties of the materials. Keeping this in view, optical microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were employed to characterize the microstructure of Alloy 693. Microanalyses of the phases were performed by using electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) and TEM along with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The alloy in as-received condition under an optic microscope and SEM revealed the presence of predominantly finer intergranular precipitates and randomly distributed coarser precipitates of various morphologies. EPMA of spherical-shaped coarse precipitate indicated that the major constituent of this precipitate has been chromium. Besides this, niobium-rich irregular-shaped coarse precipitate was also detected. The finer grain boundary precipitates in the alloy appeared to be of Cr-carbide. TEM examination on as-received alloy indicated very uniform distribution of a large volume fraction of fine precipitates in the austenite matrix. Selected area diffraction (SAD) pattern, dark-field TEM and detailed analyses confirmed that these fine precipitates have been ordered Ni 3 Al type phase. TEM investigation also revealed the presence of coarse particles of various morphologies. Analyses of such particles indicated this phase as M 6 C type. EDS analyses indicated that the major constituents of these coarse particles have been Cr and Ni. Minor elements like Fe, Al and Nb were also detected in all the particles with some variation of their contents from particle to particle. TEM investigation on annealed (1373 K/30 minutes, WQ) specimen of Alloy 693

Thermodynamic characteristics of systems with solid solutions composed of crystal hydrates of lanthanide and yttrium chlorides, at 250C. III. Systems of Roozeboom's type IV, with restricted solid solutions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Sokolova, N.P.

1983-01-01

The values of the activity, the activity coefficients, the free energy of mixing and the excess free energy of mixing have been calculated for CeCl 3 -LnCl 3 -H 2 O systems (where Ln identical with Sm, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Y) containing solid solutions of types IV and IVa. It is shown that the stability of the solid solutions decreases with increasing difference between the radii of the cations of cerium and the second lanthanide, which enter into the composition of the components of the solid solutions. The factors determining the composition of a liquid solution corresponding to the eutonic point are specified

A fuzzy chance-constrained programming model with type 1 and type 2 fuzzy sets for solid waste management under uncertainty

Science.gov (United States)

Ma, Xiaolin; Ma, Chi; Wan, Zhifang; Wang, Kewei

2017-06-01

Effective management of municipal solid waste (MSW) is critical for urban planning and development. This study aims to develop an integrated type 1 and type 2 fuzzy sets chance-constrained programming (ITFCCP) model for tackling regional MSW management problem under a fuzzy environment, where waste generation amounts are supposed to be type 2 fuzzy variables and treated capacities of facilities are assumed to be type 1 fuzzy variables. The evaluation and expression of uncertainty overcome the drawbacks in describing fuzzy possibility distributions as oversimplified forms. The fuzzy constraints are converted to their crisp equivalents through chance-constrained programming under the same or different confidence levels. Regional waste management of the City of Dalian, China, was used as a case study for demonstration. The solutions under various confidence levels reflect the trade-off between system economy and reliability. It is concluded that the ITFCCP model is capable of helping decision makers to generate reasonable waste-allocation alternatives under uncertainties.

Solid state physics

CERN Document Server

Burns, Gerald

2013-01-01

Solid State Physics, International Edition covers the fundamentals and the advanced concepts of solid state physics. The book is comprised of 18 chapters that tackle a specific aspect of solid state physics. Chapters 1 to 3 discuss the symmetry aspects of crystalline solids, while Chapter 4 covers the application of X-rays in solid state science. Chapter 5 deals with the anisotropic character of crystals. Chapters 6 to 8 talk about the five common types of bonding in solids, while Chapters 9 and 10 cover the free electron theory and band theory. Chapters 11 and 12 discuss the effects of moveme

Effects of high pressure on microstructure evolution and crystallization mechanisms during solidification of nickel

Science.gov (United States)

Zhang, Hai-Tao; Mo, Yun-Fei; Liu, Rang-Su; Tian, Ze-An; Liu, Hai-Rong; Hou, Zhao-Yang; Zhou, Li-Li; Liang, Yong-Chao; Peng, Ping

2018-03-01

To deeply understand the effects of high pressure on microstructural evolutions and crystallization mechanisms of liquid metal Ni during solidification process, MD simulation studies have been performed under 7 pressures of 0 ˜ 30 GPa, at cooling rate of 1.0 × 1011 K s-1. Adopting several microstructural analyzing methods, especially the cluster-type index method (CTIM-2) to analyze the local microstructures in the system. It is found that the pressure has important influence on the formation and evolution of microstructures, especially of the main basic clusters in the system. All the simulation systems are directly solidified into crystal structures, and the 1421, 1422, 1441 and 1661 bond-types, as well the FCC (12 0 0 0 12 0), HCP (12 0 0 0 6 6) and BCC (14 6 0 8 0 0) clusters play a key role in the microstructure transitions from liquid to crystal structures. The crystallization temperature T c is enhanced almost linearly with the increase of pressure. Highly interesting, it is found for the first time that there is an important phase transformation point from FCC to BCC structures between 20 ˜ 22.5 GPa during the solidification processes from the same initial liquid system at the same cooling rate. And the effect of increasing pressure is similar to that of decreasing cooling rate for the phase transformation of microstructures during solidification process of liquid metal Ni system, though they have different concrete effecting mechanisms.

Synthesis, structural and semiconducting properties of Ba(Cu1/3 Sb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 solid solutions

Science.gov (United States)

Singh, Chandra Bhal; Kumar, Dinesh; Prashant, Verma, Narendra Kumar; Singh, Akhilesh Kumar

2018-05-01

We report the synthesis and properties of a new solid solution 0.05Ba(Cu1/3Sb2/3)O3-0.95PbTiO3 (BCS-PT) which shows the semiconducting properties. In this study, we have designed new perovskite-type (ABO3) solid solution of BCS-PT that have tunable optical band gap. BCS-PT compounds were prepared by conventional solid-state reaction method and their structural, micro-structural and optical properties were analyzed. The calcination temperature for BCS-PT solid solutions has been optimized to obtain a phase pure system. The Reitveld analysis of X-ray data show that all samples crystallize in tetragonal crystal structure with space group P4mm. X-ray investigation revealed that increase in calcination temperature led to increase of lattice parameter `a' while `c' parameter value lowered. The band gap of PbTiO3 is reduced from 3.2 eV to 2.8 eV with BCS doping and with increasing calcination temperature it further reduces to 2.56 eV. The reduced band gap indicated that the compounds are semiconducting and can be used for photovoltaic device applications.

Microstructural anomalies in a W-Ni alloy liquid phase sintered under microgravity conditions

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Liu, Y.; Iacocca, R.G.; Johnson, J.L.; German, R.M.; Kohara, Shiro

1995-01-01

The gravitational role in liquid phase sintering (LPS) is a problem of great interest in both materials science and engineering practice. Gravity-induced microstructural gradients in grain size, grain shape, and solid volume fraction have been well documented in liquid phase sintered tungsten heavy alloys and have been analyzed by a number of theoretical models. However, gravity may have many unknown effects on LPS, which can only be revealed by experiments conducted under microgravity conditions

Influence of the milling time in the microstructural parameters of TA2O5-Al powder refined by Rietveld method

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Brito, R.A.; Mendes, M.W.D.; Alves Junior, C.; Costa, F.A. da; Gomes, U.U.

2009-01-01

Mechanical alloying (MA) is a solid-state powder processing technique involving repeated welding, fracturing, and re-welding of powder particles in a high energy mill. This process is used for producing of fine powders containing unique microstructures. The process starts with mixing of the powders in the desired proportion. Then, the mixture is milled using the established time in the high-energy mill. The powder particles are submitted to repeated cycles of cold working and fracture, and the final product correspond to a composite powder, containing characteristics different of the initial constituents. Ta 2 O 5 -Al powders were milled in a planetary ball mill for different times in order to evaluate the influence of the milling time in their microstructural parameters like crystallite size and micro deformation. The microstructural parameters were obtained by the Rietveld Method. The results showed that the microstructural parameters were influenced by the increase of the milling time. (author)

Impact of advanced microstructural characterization techniques on modeling and analysis of radiation damage

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Garner, F.A.; Odette, G.R.

1980-01-01

The evolution of radiation-induced alterations of dimensional and mechanical properties has been shown to be a direct and often predictable consequence of radiation-induced microstructural changes. Recent advances in understanding of the nature and role of each microstructural component in determining the property of interest has led to a reappraisal of the type and priority of data needed for further model development. This paper presents an overview of the types of modeling and analysis activities in progress, the insights that prompted these activities, and specific examples of successful and ongoing efforts. A review is presented of some problem areas that in the authors' opinion are not yet receiving sufficient attention and which may benefit from the application of advanced techniques of microstructural characterization. Guidelines based on experience gained in previous studies are also provided for acquisition of data in a form most applicable to modeling needs

Imaging brain microstructure with diffusion MRI: practicality and applications.

Science.gov (United States)

Alexander, Daniel C; Dyrby, Tim B; Nilsson, Markus; Zhang, Hui

2017-11-29

This article gives an overview of microstructure imaging of the brain with diffusion MRI and reviews the state of the art. The microstructure-imaging paradigm aims to estimate and map microscopic properties of tissue using a model that links these properties to the voxel scale MR signal. Imaging techniques of this type are just starting to make the transition from the technical research domain to wide application in biomedical studies. We focus here on the practicalities of both implementing such techniques and using them in applications. Specifically, the article summarizes the relevant aspects of brain microanatomy and the range of diffusion-weighted MR measurements that provide sensitivity to them. It then reviews the evolution of mathematical and computational models that relate the diffusion MR signal to brain tissue microstructure, as well as the expanding areas of application. Next we focus on practicalities of designing a working microstructure imaging technique: model selection, experiment design, parameter estimation, validation, and the pipeline of development of this class of technique. The article concludes with some future perspectives on opportunities in this topic and expectations on how the field will evolve in the short-to-medium term. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Mechanisms of microstructural changes of fuel under irradiation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Garcia, P.; Carlot, G.; Dorado, B.; Maillard, S.; Sabathier, C.; Martin, G.; Oh, J.Y.; Welland, M.J.

2015-01-01

Nuclear fuels are subjected to high levels of radiation damage mainly due to the slowing of fission fragments, which results in substantial modifications of the initial fuel microstructure. Microstructure changes alter practically all engineering fuel properties such as atomic transport or thermomechanical properties so understanding these changes is essential to predicting the performance of fuel elements. Also, with increasing burn-up, the fuel drifts away from its initial composition as the fission process produces new chemical elements. Because nuclear fuels operate at high temperature and usually under high-temperature gradients, damage annealing, foreign atom or defect clustering and migration occur on multiple time and length scales, which make long-term predictions difficult. The end result is a fuel microstructure which may show extensive differences on the scale of a single fuel pellet. The main challenge we are faced with is, therefore, to identify the phenomena occurring on the atom scale that are liable to have macroscopic effects that will determine the microstructure changes and ultimately the life-span of a fuel element. One step towards meeting this challenge is to develop and apply experimental or modelling methods capable of connecting events that occur over very short length and timescales to changes in the fuel microstructure over engineering length and timescales. In the first part of this chapter, we provide an overview of some of the more important microstructure modifications observed in nuclear fuels. The emphasis is placed on oxide fuels because of the extensive amount of data available in relation to these materials under neutron or ion irradiation. When possible and relevant, the specifics of other types of fuels such as metallic or carbide fuels are alluded to. Throughout this chapter but more specifically in the latter part, we attempt to give examples of how modelling and experimentation at various scales can provide us with

Microstructure of III-N semiconductors related to their applications in optoelectronics

Science.gov (United States)

Leszczynski, M.; Czernetzki, R.; Sarzynski, M.; Krysko, M.; Targowski, G.; Prystawko, P.; Bockowski, M.; Grzegory, I.; Suski, T.; Domagala, J.; Porowski, S.

2005-03-01

There has been more than a decade since Shuji Nakamura from Japanese company Nichia constructed the first blue LED based on structure of (AlGaIn)N semiconductor and eight years since he made the first blue laser diode (LD). This work gives a survey on the current technological status with green/blue/violet/UV optoelectronics based on III-N semiconductors in relation with their microstructure. The following devices are presented: i) Low-power green and blue LEDs, ii) High-power LEDs targeting solid-state white lighting, iii) Low-power violet LDs for high definition DVD market, iv) High-power violet LDs, v) UV LEDs. The discussion will be focused on three main technological problems related to the microstructure of (AlGaIn)N layers in emitters based on III-N semiconductors: i) high density of dislocations in epitaxial layers of GaN on foreign substrates (sapphire, SiC, GaAs), ii), presence of strains, iii) atom segregation in ternary and quaternary compounds.

Effect of solid content variations on PZT slip for tape casting

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Gang Jian

2012-12-01

Full Text Available Lead zirconate titanate (PZT particles with pure tetragonal structure were synthesized by solid-state reaction method and used for preparation of slurries with different solid contents (34–80 wt.%. Then, PZT thick films were fabricated by the nonaqueous tape casting method. It was shown that the slurry prepared from ball-milled particles exhibited better rheology properties than slurry from particles which were not ball-milled. Measurement of sedimentation volumes and zeta potentials indicated particle aggregation, resulting in weak stability of the slurries with high solid contents. The microstructure, piezoelectric and ferroelectric properties of PZT sintered films were investigated in terms of solid contents. Ceramic films prepared from the slurry with solid contents of 73 wt.% had the optimal structure and properties. After poling at 200 °C with an applied field of 1.2 kV/cm, a d33 of 294 pC/N was achieved; typical ferroelectric properties were also observed with a Ps of 38 μC/cm2.

Influence of thermo-derivative analysis conditions on microstructure of the Al-Si-Cu alloy

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

L.A. Dobrzański

2011-04-01

Full Text Available Microstructure change of the metals and alloys as a result of variable crystallisation conditions also by mind of cooling rate changeinfluence the mechanical properties. In this work there are presented the interdependences between the cooling rate, chemical compositionand microstructure of the cast aluminium alloy Al–Si–Cu as a result of the thermo-derivative analysis, using the UMSA (UniversalMetallurgical Simulator and Analyzer device. An important tool for the microstructure evaluation of the Al type AC-AlSi7Cu3Mg alloywas the light and electron scanning microscopy technique.

Phase-field modeling of microstructural pattern formation during directional solidification of peritectic alloys without morphological instability

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Shing Lo, Tak; Karma, Alain; Plapp, Mathis

2001-01-01

During the directional solidification of peritectic alloys, two stable solid phases (parent and peritectic) grow competitively into a metastable liquid phase of larger impurity content than either solid phase. When the parent or both solid phases are morphologically unstable, i.e., for a small temperature gradient/growth rate ratio (G/v p ), one solid phase usually outgrows and covers the other phase, leading to a cellular-dendritic array structure closely analogous to the one formed during monophase solidification of a dilute binary alloy. In contrast, when G/v p is large enough for both phases to be morphologically stable, the formation of the microstructure becomes controlled by a subtle interplay between the nucleation and growth of the two solid phases. The structures that have been observed in this regime (in small samples where convection effects are suppressed) include alternate layers (bands) of the parent and peritectic phases perpendicular to the growth direction, which are formed by alternate nucleation and lateral spreading of one phase onto the other as proposed in a recent model [R. Trivedi, Metall. Mater. Trans. A 26, 1 (1995)], as well as partially filled bands (islands), where the peritectic phase does not fully cover the parent phase which grows continuously. We develop a phase-field model of peritectic solidification that incorporates nucleation processes in order to explore the formation of these structures. Simulations of this model shed light on the morphology transition from islands to bands, the dynamics of spreading of the peritectic phase on the parent phase following nucleation, which turns out to be characterized by a remarkably constant acceleration, and the types of growth morphology that one might expect to observe in large samples under purely diffusive growth conditions

Effects of irradiation at lower temperature on the microstructure of Cr-Mo-V-alloyed reactor pressure vessel steel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Grosse, M; Boehmert, J; Gilles, R [Hahn-Meitner-Institut Berlin GmbH (Germany)

1998-10-01

The microstructural damage process due to neutron irradiation [1] proceeds in two stages: - formation of displacement cascades - evolution of the microstructure by defect reactions. Continuing our systematic investigation about the microstructural changes of Russian reactor pressure vessel steel due to neutron irradiation the microstructure of two laboratory heats of the VVER 440-type reactor pressure vessel steel after irradiation at 60 C was studied by small angle neutron scattering (SANS). 60 C-irradiation differently changes the irradiation-induced microstructure in comparison with irradiation at reactor operation temperature and can, thus, provide new insights into the mechanisms of the irradiation damage. (orig.)

Advances in solid-state NMR of cellulose.

Science.gov (United States)

Foston, Marcus

2014-06-01

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a well-established analytical and enabling technology in biofuel research. Over the past few decades, lignocellulosic biomass and its conversion to supplement or displace non-renewable feedstocks has attracted increasing interest. The application of solid-state NMR spectroscopy has long been seen as an important tool in the study of cellulose and lignocellulose structure, biosynthesis, and deconstruction, especially considering the limited number of effective solvent systems and the significance of plant cell wall three-dimensional microstructure and component interaction to conversion yield and rate profiles. This article reviews common and recent applications of solid-state NMR spectroscopy methods that provide insight into the structural and dynamic processes of cellulose that control bulk properties and biofuel conversion. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ni-YSZ solid oxide fuel cell anode behavior upon redox cycling based on electrical characterization

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Klemensø, Trine; Mogensen, Mogens Bjerg

2007-01-01

Nickel (Ni)—yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) cermets are a prevalent material used for solid oxide fuel cells. The cermet degrades upon redox cycling. The degradation is related to microstructural changes, but knowledge of the mechanisms has been limited. Direct current conductivity measurements...

Numerical evaluation of oxide growth in metallic support microstructures of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells and its influence on mass transport

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Reiss, Georg; Frandsen, Henrik Lund; Persson, Åsa Helen

2015-01-01

is evaluated by determining an effective diffusion coefficient and the equivalent electrical area specific resistance (ASR) due to diffusion over time. It is thus possible to assess the applicability (in terms of corrosion behaviour) of potential metallic supports without costly long-term experiments......-temperature corrosion theory, and the required model parameters can be retrieved by standard corrosion weight gain measurements. The microstructure is reconstructed from X-ray computed tomography, and converted into a computational grid. The influence of the changing microstructure on the fuel cell performance...

Approved parallel methods for characterisation of solid carbon

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fitzer, E.

1976-01-01

The contribution gives instructions for the work routine for 1) qualitative radiographic characterization of the microstructural order of solid carbon specimens, 2) X-ray determination of the mean interlattice plane distance anti c/2 of carbons, 3) determination of the helium density of carbons by means of the reference pycnometer, 4) determination of the specific surface area of carbon samples from nitrogen absorption. These instructions for the characterization of solid carbons are the first step towards a collection and comparison of the methods used in the participating countries. The international carbon groups (carbon societies) plan to supplement this collection for every international carbon conference. This collection will serve as a basis for the establishment of international working instructions. (orig./IHOE) [de

Sintering, microstructure and electrical conductivity of gadolinia-doped ceria with SrO, TiO2 and SrTiO3

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dias, Maria Cely Freitas

2013-01-01

Ceria containing trivalent rare-earths is a solid electrolyte with higher ionic conductivity than the standard yttria fully-stabilized zirconia ionic conductor. This property turns these ceria-based ionic conductors promising materials for application in solid oxide fuel cells operating at intermediate temperatures (500-700 deg C). One of the most utilized approaches to optimize the electrical conductivity and other properties of these materials is the introduction of a second additive. In this work, ceria-20 mol% gadolinia with additions of 1, 2.5 and 5 mol% of SrO, TiO 2 and SrTiO 3 as co-additives were prepared by solid state reaction. The main purpose was to investigate the effects of the co-additives on densification, microstructure and electrical conductivity of the solid electrolyte. Sintered pellets were characterized by apparent density, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and electrical conductivity by impedance spectroscopy. The additives were found to exert different influences in all studied properties. The way they influence the solid electrolyte properties depends on the type and content of the additive. SrO addition to doped ceria improves the intergranular conductivity, but decreases the apparent density of the pellets. Increase of densification was obtained with TiO 2 addition. This additive promotes increase of the blocking of charge carriers at the grain boundaries due to solute exsolution and formation of the pyrochlore Gd 2 Ti 2 O 7 phase at grain boundaries for contents in excess of the solubility limit. No influence on densification was found for SrTiO 3 additions. (author)

INVESTIGATION OF HYDROELASTIC BEHAVIOR OF A PONTOON-TYPE VLFS DURING UNSTEADY EXTERNAL LOADS IN WAVE CONDITION USING A HYBRID FINITE ELEMENT-BOUNDARY ELEMENT (FE-ME METHOD

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Yong Cheng

2017-01-01

Full Text Available The hydroelastic behaviour of a pontoon-type VLFS subjected to unsteady external loads in wave condition is investigated in the context of the time-domain modal expansion theory, in which the boundary element method (BEM based on time domain Kelvin sources is used for hydrodynamic forces and the finite element method (FEM is adopted for solving the deflections of the VLFS. In this analysis, the interpolation-tabulation scheme is applied to assess rapidly and accurately the free-surface Green function in finite water depth, and the boundary integral equation of a quarter VLFS model is further established taking advantage of symmetry of flow field and structure. The VLFS is modelled as an equivalent solid plate based on the Mindlin plate theory. The coupled plate-water model is performed to determine the wave-induced responses and transient behaviour under external loads such as a huge mass impact onto the structure and moving loads of an airplane, respectively. These results are verified with existing numerical results and experimental test. Then, the developed numerical tools are used in the study of the combined action taking into account of the mass drop/airplane landing as well as forward or reverse incident wave action. The deflections of the runway, the time history of vertical positions and the trajectory of the airplane are also presented through a systematic time-domain simulation, which illustrates the usefulness of the presently developed numerical solutions.

Microstructure and Service Properties of Copper Alloys

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Polok-Rubiniec M.

2016-09-01

Full Text Available This elaboration shows the effect of combined heat treatment and cold working on the structure and utility properties of alloyed copper. As the test material, alloyed copper CuTi4 was employed. The samples were subjected to treatment according to the following schema: 1st variant – supersaturation and ageing, 2nd variant – supersaturation, cold rolling and ageing. The paper presents the results of microstructure, hardness, and abrasion resistance. The analysis of the wipe profile geometry was realized using a Zeiss LSM 5 Exciter confocal microscope. Cold working of the supersaturated solid solution affects significantly its hardness but the cold plastic deformation causes deterioration of the wear resistance of the finally aged CuTi4 alloy.

Development of Metallographic Etchants for the Microstructure Evolution of A6082-T6 BFSW Welds

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Abbas Tamadon

2017-10-01

Full Text Available BACKGROUND—The solid-phase joining of A6082-T6 plates by bobbin friction stir welding (BFSW is problematic. Better methods are needed to evaluate the microstructural evolution of the weld. However, conventional Al reagents (e.g., Keller’s and Kroll’s do not elucidate the microstructure satisfactorily, specifically regarding grain size and morphology within the weld region. APPROACH—We developed innovative etchants for metallographic observations for optical microscopy. RESULTS—The macrostructure and microstructure of A6082-T6 BFSW welds were clearly demonstrated by optical microscopy analysis. The microetching results demonstrated different microstructures of the Stir Zone (S.Z distinct from the Base Metal (B.M and Heat Affected Zone (HAZ & Thermo-mechanical Affected Zone (TMAZ. The micrographs showed a significant decrease in grain size from 100 μm in B.M to ultrafine 4–10 μm grains for the S.Z. Also, the grain morphology changed from directional columnar in the B.M to equiaxed in the S.Z. Furthermore, thermomechanical recrystallization was observed by the morphological flow of the grain distortion in HAZ and TMAZ. The etchants also clearly show the polycrystalline structure, microflow patterns, and the incoherent interface around inclusion defects. ORIGINALITY—Chemical compositions are identified for a suite of etchant reagents for metallographic examination of the friction-stir welded A6082-T6 alloy. The reagents have made it possible to reveal microstructures not previously evident with optical microscopy.

Evolution of microstructure, macrotexture and microtexture during hot rolling of Ti-6Al-4V

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ari-Gur, P.; Semiatin, S.L.

1998-01-01

The evolution of microstructure, macrotexture and microtexture during subtransus hot working of Ti-6Al-4V with two different types of transformed β starting microstructures (lamellar colony, acicular martensitic α) was investigated. Globularization of the transformed microstructures required heavy rolling reductions or moderate reductions coupled with near transus post-rolling heat treatment. Despite the sluggish dynamic globularization kinetics, noticeable macrotexture changes were noted after low reductions, an effect ascribed to the rotations associated with kinking and bending of the lamellar acicular plates. Noticeable microtextures, noted in samples with an initial lamellar colony microstructure, persisted through hot rolling suggesting that dynamic globularization does not involve recrystallization. In contrast, hot rolled material with a starting acicular α microstructure exhibited weak microtextures and strong macrotextures. The absence of microtexture in these latter cases was explained on the basis of multiple transformation variants within each colony/prior β grain following the β-annealing-and-water-quenching process used to obtain the microstructure. (orig.)

Microstructural characterization of atom clusters in irradiated pressure vessel steels and model alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Auger, P.; Pareige, P.; Akamatsu, M.; Van Duysen, J.C.

1993-01-01

In order to characterize the microstructural evolution of iron solid solution under irradiation, two pressure vessel steels irradiated in service conditions, and, for comparison, low copper model alloys irradiated with neutrons and electrons, have been studied through small angle neutron scattering and atom probe experiments. In Fe-Cu model alloys, copper clusters are formed containing uncertain proportions of iron. In the low copper industrial steels, the feature is more complex; solute atoms such as Ni, Mn and Si, sometimes associated with Cu, segregate as ''clouds'' more or less condensed in the iron solid solution. These silicides, or at least Si, Ni, Mn association, may facilitate the copper segregation although the initial iron matrix contains a low copper concentration. (authors). 24 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs

Microstructural characterization of atom clusters in irradiated pressure vessel steels and model alloys

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Auger, P; Pareige, P [Rouen Univ., 76 - Mont-Saint-Aignan (France); Akamatsu, M; Van Duysen, J C [Electricite de France (EDF), 77 - Ecuelles (France)

1994-12-31

In order to characterize the microstructural evolution of iron solid solution under irradiation, two pressure vessel steels irradiated in service conditions, and, for comparison, low copper model alloys irradiated with neutrons and electrons, have been studied through small angle neutron scattering and atom probe experiments. In Fe-Cu model alloys, copper clusters are formed containing uncertain proportions of iron. In the low copper industrial steels, the feature is more complex; solute atoms such as Ni, Mn and Si, sometimes associated with Cu, segregate as ``clouds`` more or less condensed in the iron solid solution. These silicides, or at least Si, Ni, Mn association, may facilitate the copper segregation although the initial iron matrix contains a low copper concentration. (authors). 24 refs., 3 figs., 2 tabs.

Constrained Sintering in Fabrication of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Hae-Weon; Park, Mansoo; Hong, Jongsup; Kim, Hyoungchul; Yoon, Kyung Joong; Son, Ji-Won; Lee, Jong-Ho; Kim, Byung-Kook

2016-08-09

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are inevitably affected by the tensile stress field imposed by the rigid substrate during constrained sintering, which strongly affects microstructural evolution and flaw generation in the fabrication process and subsequent operation. In the case of sintering a composite cathode, one component acts as a continuous matrix phase while the other acts as a dispersed phase depending upon the initial composition and packing structure. The clustering of dispersed particles in the matrix has significant effects on the final microstructure, and strong rigidity of the clusters covering the entire cathode volume is desirable to obtain stable pore structure. The local constraints developed around the dispersed particles and their clusters effectively suppress generation of major process flaws, and microstructural features such as triple phase boundary and porosity could be readily controlled by adjusting the content and size of the dispersed particles. However, in the fabrication of the dense electrolyte layer via the chemical solution deposition route using slow-sintering nanoparticles dispersed in a sol matrix, the rigidity of the cluster should be minimized for the fine matrix to continuously densify, and special care should be taken in selecting the size of the dispersed particles to optimize the thermodynamic stability criteria of the grain size and film thickness. The principles of constrained sintering presented in this paper could be used as basic guidelines for realizing the ideal microstructure of SOFCs.

Dehydration Process of Hofmann-Type Layered Solids

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Edilso Reguera

2013-04-01

Full Text Available In the present work the dehydration process of layered solids with formula unit M(H2O2[Ni(CN4]·nH2O, M = Ni, Co, Mn; n = 1, 2, 4 is studied using modulated thermogravimetry. The results show that water molecules need to overcome an energetic barrier (activation energy between 63 and 500 kJ/mol in order to diffuse through the interlayer region. The related kinetic parameters show a dependence on the water partial pressure. On the other hand, X-ray diffraction results provide evidence that the dehydration process is accompanied by framework collapse, limiting the structural reversibility, except for heating below 80 °C where the ordered structure remains. Removal of water molecules from the interlayer region disrupts the long-range structural order of the solid.

Effect of Al–5Ti–1B grain refiner on the microstructure, mechanical properties and acoustic emission characteristics of Al5052 aluminium alloy

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Amulya Bihari Pattnaik

2015-04-01

Full Text Available In the present investigation, the effect of Al–5Ti–1B grain refiner on the microstructure, mechanical properties and acoustic emission characteristics of Al 5052 aluminium alloy have been studied. Microstructural analysis showed the presence of primary α solid solution. No Al–Mg phase was found to be formed due to the presence of magnesium in the solid solution. The results indicated that the addition of Al–5Ti–1B grain refiner into the alloy caused a significant improvement in ultimate tensile strength (UTS and elongation values from 114 MPa and 7.8% to 185 MPa and 18% respectively. The main mechanisms behind this improvement were found to be due to the grain refinement during solidification and segregation of Ti at primary α grain boundaries. Acoustic emission (AE results indicated that intensity of AE signals increased with increase in Al–5Ti–1B master alloy content, which had been attributed to the combined effect of dislocation motion and grain refinement. The field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM and energy dispersive X-ray (EDX analysis were used to study the microstructure and fracture surfaces of the samples.

Ni-YSZ solid oxide fuel cell anode behavior upon redox cycling based on electrical characterization

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Klemensø, Trine; Mogensen, Mogens Bjerg

2006-01-01

Ni-YSZ cermets are a prevalent material used for solid oxide fuel cells. However, the cermet degrades upon redox cycling. The degradation is related to microstructural changes, but knowledge of the mechanisms has been limited. DC conductivity measurements were performed on cermets and cermets...

Cf/C composites: correlation between CVI process parameters and Pyrolytic Carbon microstructure

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F. Burgio

2014-10-01

Full Text Available Chemical Vapour Infiltration (CVI technique has been long used to produce carbon/carbon composites. The Pyrolytic Carbon (Py-C matrix infiltrated by CVI could have different microstructures, i.e. Rough Laminar (RL, Smooth Laminar (SL or Isotropic (ISO. These matrix microstructures, characterized by different properties, influence the mechanical behaviour of the obtained composites. Tailoring the process parameters, it is possible to direct the infiltration towards a specific Py-C type. However, the factors, influencing the production of a specific matrix microstructure, are numerous and interconnected, e.g. temperature, pressure, flow rates etc. Due to the complexity of the physical and chemical phenomena involved in CVI process, up to now it has not been possible to obtain a general correlation between CVI process parameters and Py–C microstructure. This study is aimed at investigating the relationship between infiltration temperature and the microstructure of obtained Py-C, for a pilot - sized CVI/CVD reactor. Fixing the other process parameters and varying only the temperature, from 1100°C to 1300°C, the Py-C infiltration was performed on fibrous preforms. Polarized light microscopy, with quantitative measurements of average extinction angle (Ae, and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the obtained Py-C microstructures

Cf/C composites: correlation between CVI process parameters and Pyrolytic Carbon microstructure

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F. Burgio

2014-10-01

Full Text Available Chemical Vapour Infiltration (CVI technique has been long used to produce carbon/carbon composites. The Pyrolytic Carbon (Py-C matrix infiltrated by CVI could have different microstructures, i.e. Rough Laminar (RL, Smooth Laminar (SL or Isotropic (ISO. These matrix microstructures, characterized by different properties, influence the mechanical behaviour of the obtained composites. Tailoring the process parameters, it is possible to direct the infiltration towards a specific Py-C type. However, the factors, influencing the production of a specific matrix microstructure, are numerous and interconnected, e.g. temperature, pressure, flow rates etc. Due to the complexity of the physical and chemical phenomena involved in CVI process, up to now it has not been possible to obtain a general correlation between CVI process parameters and Py–C microstructure. This study is aimed at investigating the relationship between infiltration temperature and the microstructure of obtained Py-C, for a pilot - sized CVI/CVD reactor. Fixing the other process parameters and varying only the temperature, from 1100°C to 1300°C, the Py-C infiltration was performed on fibrous preforms. Polarized light microscopy, with quantitative measurements of average extinction angle (Ae, and Raman spectroscopy were used to characterize the obtained Py-C microstructures.

Influence of Cu Content on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Cr-Cu-N Coatings

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Ji Cheng Ding

2018-01-01

Full Text Available The Cr-Cu-N coatings with various Cu contents (0–25.18 (±0.17 at.% were deposited on Si wafer and stainless steel (SUS 304 substrates in reactive Ar+N2 gas mixture by a hybrid coating system combining pulsed DC and RF magnetron sputtering techniques. The influence of Cu content on the coating composition, microstructure, and mechanical properties was investigated. The microstructure of the coatings was significantly altered by the introduction of Cu. The deposited coatings exhibit solid solution structure with different compositions in all of the samples. Addition of Cu is intensively favored for preferred orientation growth along (200 direction by restricting in (111 direction. With increasing Cu content, the surface and cross-sectional morphology of coatings were changed from triangle cone-shaped, columnar feature to broccoli-like and compact glassy microstructure, respectively. The mechanical properties including the residual stress, nanohardness, and toughness of the coatings were explored on the basis of Cu content. The highest hardness was obtained at the Cu content of 1.49 (±0.10 at.%.

Microstructured Electrolyte Membranes to Improve Fuel Cell Performance

Science.gov (United States)

Wei, Xue

Fuel cells, with the advantages of high efficiency, low greenhouse gas emission, and long lifetime are a promising technology for both portable power and stationary power sources. The development of efficient electrolyte membranes with high ionic conductivity, good mechanical durability and dense structure at low cost remains a challenge to the commercialization of fuel cells. This thesis focuses on exploring novel composite polymer membranes and ceramic electrolytes with the microstructure engineered to improve performance in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs), respectively. Polymer/particle composite membranes hold promise to meet the demands of DMFCs at lower cost. The structure of composite membranes was controlled by aligning proton conducting particles across the membrane thickness under an applied electric field. The field-induced structural changes caused the membranes to display an enhanced water uptake, proton conductivity, and methanol permeability in comparison to membranes prepared without an applied field. Although both methanol permeability and proton conductivity are enhanced by the applied field, the permeability increase is relatively lower than the proton conductivity improvement, which results in enhanced proton/methanol selectivity and improved DMFC performance. Apatite ceramics are a new class of fast ion conductors being studied as alternative SOFC electrolytes in the intermediate temperature range. An electrochemical/hydrothermal deposition method was developed to grow fully dense apatite membranes containing well-developed crystals with c-axis alignment to promote ion conductivity. Hydroxyapatite seed crystals were first deposited onto a metal substrate electrochemically. Subsequent ion substitution during the hydrothermal growth process promoted the formation of dense, fully crystalline films with microstructure optimal for ion transport. The deposition parameters were systematically investigated, such as

Plasma arc cutting: Microstructural modifications of hafnium cathodes during first cycles

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Rotundo, F., E-mail: fabio.rotundo@unibo.it [Dept. of Mechanical Engineering (DIEM), Alma Mater Studiorum, Universita di Bologna, Via Saragozza 8, 40123 Bologna (Italy); Martini, C.; Chiavari, C.; Ceschini, L. [Dept. of Metals Science, Electrochemistry and Chemical Techniques (SMETEC), Alma Mater Studiorum, Universita di Bologna, Viale Risorgimento 4, 40136 Bologna (Italy); Concetti, A.; Ghedini, E.; Colombo, V. [Dept. of Mechanical Engineering (DIEM), Alma Mater Studiorum, Universita di Bologna, Via Saragozza 8, 40123 Bologna (Italy); Dallavalle, S. [Cebora S.p.A., Via Andrea Costa 24, 40057 Cadriano di Granarolo (Italy)

2012-06-15

In the present work, the microstructural modifications of the Hf insert in plasma arc cutting (PAC) electrodes operating at 250 A were experimentally investigated during first cycles, in order to understand those phenomena occurring on and under the Hf emissive surface and involved in the electrode erosion process. Standard electrodes were subjected to an increasing number of cutting cycles (CCs) on mild steel plates in realistic operative conditions, with oxygen/air as plasma/shield gas. Microstructural analysis was performed for each electrode at different erosion stages by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy. Electrodes cross sections were also observed by means of optical microscopy (both in bright field and in reflected polarised light) after chemical etching. In the insert, three typical zones were found after cutting: monoclinic HfO{sub 2} layer; thermally-modified transition zone with O{sub 2}-Hf solid solution; unmodified Hf. The erosion cavity and the oxide layer thickness increase with the number of cutting cycles. Macrocracking was observed in the oxide layer, while microcracking and grain growth were detected in the remelted Hf. Moreover, detachment was found at the Hf/Cu interface. Based on thermodynamics and kinetics of the Hf high temperature oxidation, conclusions can be drawn on the erosion mechanism involved. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Hf microstructural modifications in cathodes after plasma arc cutting cycles investigated. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer 3 zones identified after cutting: HfO{sub 2} layer; remelted zone with O{sub 2}-Hf solid solution; unmodified Hf. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Hf-based ejections both in arc-on and arc-off phases; erosion cavity deepens with cutting cycles. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Detachment at the Hf/Cu interfaces, worsening heat dissipation and oxidation/erosion phenomena. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The use

Sintering and microstructure of ice: a review

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Blackford, Jane R

2007-01-01

Sintering of ice is driven by the thermodynamic requirement to decrease surface energy. The structural morphology of ice in nature has many forms-from snowflakes to glaciers. These forms and their evolution depend critically on the balance between the thermodynamic and kinetic factors involved. Ice is a crystalline material so scientific understanding and approaches from more conventional materials can be applied to ice. The early models of solid state ice sintering are based on power law models originally developed in metallurgy. For pressure sintering of ice, these are based on work on hot isostatic pressing of metals and ceramics. Recent advances in recognizing the grain boundary groove geometry between sintering ice particles require models that use new approaches in materials science. The newer models of sintering in materials science are beginning to incorporate more realistic processing conditions and microstructural complexity, and so there is much to be gained from applying these to ice in the future. The vapour pressure of ice is high, which causes it to sublime readily. The main mechanism for isothermal sintering of ice particles is by vapour diffusion; however other transport mechanisms certainly contribute. Plastic deformation with power law creep combined with recrystallization become important mechanisms in sintering with external pressure. Modern experimental techniques, low temperature scanning electron microscopy and x-ray tomography, are providing new insights into the evolution of microstructures in ice. Sintering in the presence of a small volume fraction of the liquid phase causes much higher bond growth rates. This may be important in natural snow which contains impurities that form a liquid phase. Knowledge of ice microstructure and sintering is beneficial in understanding mechanical behaviour in ice friction and the stability of snow slopes prone to avalanches. (topical review)

TEM investigations of microstructures of combustion aerosols

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Marquardt, A.; Hackfort, H.; Borchardt, J.; Schober, T.; Friedrich, J.

1992-12-01

In the incineration of organic material, apart from a series of gaseous pollutants, particulate pollutants or combustion aerosols also arise. The latter frequently consist of particles with a solid core of carbon to which a large number of inorganic and organic compounds are attached. These primarily include the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and their nitro-derivatives (NPAH), whose mutagenic or carcinogenic effect is known. The invisible particle sizes in the nanometer range, whose retention in the incineration off-gas is not state of the art, are of increasing significance for man and environment. On the one hand, they are deposited almost completely in the human lung. On the other hand, due to their fine dispersity they have along residence time in the atmosphere where they participate in chemical reactions and climatically significant processes. Important insights about the formation process of combustion aerosols are to be expected from the imaging of their microstructures in the transmission electron microscope (TEM). The present contribution describes the development and application of a representative sampling procedure for aerosols from a partial flow of flue gas from a fluidized-bed furnace. The method developed consists of electrically charging aerosol particles in situ and subsequently selectively precipitating them onto a microscope slide in an electric field. TEM studies of aerosol microstructures on the microscope slides revealed that in the combustion of petrol and heating oil under different combustion conditions in principle the same particle structures result, whereas in the incineration of used lubricating oil quite different particle structures were found. Results from the literature on aerosol microstructures in exhaust gases from petrol and diesel engines demonstrate agreement with the results of this study in the basic structure of the particles. (orig.) [de

Long-term aging of type 308 stainless steel welds: Effects on properties and microstructure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Alexander, D.J.; Vitek, J.M.; David, S.A.

1994-01-01

Multipass gas tungsten arc welds with type 308 stainless steel filler metal in type 304L base plate have been aged at 400, 475, or 550 degrees C for times up to 5,000 h. The changes in mechanical properties as a result of these agings have been followed with tensile, impact, and fracture toughness testing, using subsize tensile, half-size Charpy, and 0.45T compact specimens, respectively. The changes in the microstructure were evaluated with optical and transmission electron microscopy. Relatively little change was observed in the tensile properties for any of the aging treatments, but significant embrittlement was observed in the impact and fracture toughness testing. The transition temperatures increased rapidly for aging at 475 or 550 degrees C, and more slowly for aging at 400 degrees C. The upper-shelf energies and the fracture toughness showed similar responses, with only a small decrease for 400 degrees C aging, but much greater and rapid decreases with aging at 475 or 550 degrees C. Aging at 400 or 475 degrees C resulted in the spinodal decomposition of the ferrite phase in the weld metal into iron-rich alpha and chromium-enriched alpha prime. In addition, at 475 degrees C G-phase precipitates formed homogeneously in the ferrite and also at dislocations. At 550 degrees C carbides formed and grew at the ferrite-austenite interfaces, and some ferrite transformed to sigma phase. These changes must all be considered in determining the effect of aging on the fracture properties

Influence of Power Pulse Parameters on the Microstructure and Properties of the AlCrN Coatings by a Modulated Pulsed Power Magnetron Sputtering

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Jun Zheng

2017-11-01

Full Text Available In this study, AlCrN coatings were deposited using modulated pulsed power magnetron sputtering (MPPMS with different power pulse parameters by varying modulated pulsed power (MPP charge voltages (350 to 550 V. The influence of power pulse parameters on the microstructure, mechanical properties and thermal stability of the coatings was investigated. The results indicated that all the AlCrN coatings exhibited a dense columnar microstructure. Higher charge voltage could facilitate a denser coating microstructure. As the charge voltage increased up to 450 V or higher, the microvoids along the column boundaries disappeared and the coatings became fully dense. The main phase in the AlCrN coatings was the c-(Al, CrN solid solution phase with NaCl-type phase structure. A diffraction peak of the h-AlN phase was detected at a 2θ of around 33°, when the charge voltage was higher than 500 V. The hardness of the AlCrN coatings varied as a function of charge voltage. The maximum value of the hardness (30.8 GPa was obtained at 450 V. All the coatings showed good thermal stability and maintained their structure and mechanical properties unchanged up to 800 °C during vacuum annealing. However, further increasing the annealing temperature to 1000 °C resulted in apparent change in the microstructure and decrease in the hardness. The charge voltages also showed a significant influence on the high-temperature tribological behavior of the coatings. The coating deposited at the charge voltage of 550 V exhibited excellent tribological properties with a low friction coefficient.

A study on the nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete structures: shell finite element formulation

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Lee, Sang Jin; Seo, Jeong Moon

2000-08-01

The main goal of this research is to establish a methodology of finite element analysis of containment building predicting not only global behaviour but also local failure mode. In this report, we summerize some existing numerical analysis techniques to be improved for containment building. In other words, a complete description of the standard degenerated shell finite element formulation is provided for nonlinear stress analysis of nuclear containment structure. A shell finite element is derived using the degenerated solid concept which does not rely on a specific shell theory. Reissner-Mindlin assumptions are adopted to consider the transverse shear deformation effect. In order to minimize the sensitivity of the constitutive equation to structural types, microscopic material model is adopted. The four solution algorithms based on the standard Newton-Raphson method are discussed. Finally, two numerical examples are carried out to test the performance of the adopted shell medel.

A study on the nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete structures: shell finite element formulation

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lee, Sang Jin; Seo, Jeong Moon

2000-08-01

The main goal of this research is to establish a methodology of finite element analysis of containment building predicting not only global behaviour but also local failure mode. In this report, we summerize some existing numerical analysis techniques to be improved for containment building. In other words, a complete description of the standard degenerated shell finite element formulation is provided for nonlinear stress analysis of nuclear containment structure. A shell finite element is derived using the degenerated solid concept which does not rely on a specific shell theory. Reissner-Mindlin assumptions are adopted to consider the transverse shear deformation effect. In order to minimize the sensitivity of the constitutive equation to structural types, microscopic material model is adopted. The four solution algorithms based on the standard Newton-Raphson method are discussed. Finally, two numerical examples are carried out to test the performance of the adopted shell medel

Experimental simulation of irradiation effects on thermomechanical behaviour of UO2 fuel: Impact of solid and gaseous fission products

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Balland, J.

2007-12-01

Predictive simulation of thermomechanical behaviour of nuclear fuel has to take into account irradiation effects. Fission Products (FP) can modify the thermomechanical behaviour of UO 2 . During this thesis, differentiation was made between fission products which create a solid solution with UO 2 and gaseous products, generating pressurized bubbles. SIMFUELS containing gadolinium oxide and pressurized argon bubbles were manufactured, respectively by conventional process and by Gas Pressure Sintering. Brittle and ductile behaviour of UO 2 was investigated, under experimental conditions representative of Pellet-Cladding Interaction (PCI), respectively with 3 points bending tests and compressive creep tests. Investigation of brittle behaviour of UO 2 showed that fracture is mainly controlled by natural defects, like porosities, acting like starting points for cracks propagation. Addition of simulates fission products increase the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature of UO 2 , up to 400-500 C regarding FP in solid solution, and up to 200 C for gaseous products. Fission products although reduce fracture stresses, by a factor between 1.5 and 4, respectively for gas bubbles and solid solutions. Decrease of fracture stress is linked to an increase of microstructural defects due the solid solution and to pressurized bubbles located at grain boundaries. Pellets were tested under compressive solicitation at high temperatures. Experimental results of creep tests are well represented by Norton laws. Creep controlling mechanisms are evidenced by microstructural analysis performed on pellets at different strains. On the basis of calculations made for fuels having the same microstructures than the SIMFUELs, a creep factor is determined. It revealed a strong hardening effect of the solid solution, due to the fact that the added elements anchor the dislocations, whereas pressurized bubbles showed a coupling between hardening and softening effects. (author)

Microstructural and electrical characterization of Mn-Co spinel protective coatings for solid oxide cell interconnects

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Molin, S.; Sabato, A. G.; Bindi, M.

2017-01-01

Electrophoretic deposition, thermal co-evaporation and RF magnetron sputtering methods are used for the preparation of Mn-Co based ceramic coatings for solid oxide fuel cell steel interconnects. Both thin and relatively thick coatings (1–15 μm) are prepared and characterised for their potential...... protective behaviour. Mn-Co coated Crofer22APU samples are electrically tested for 5000 h at 800 °C under a 500 mA cm−2 current load to determine their Area Specific Resistance increase due to a growing chromia scale. After tests, samples are analysed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy....... Analysis is focused on the potential chromium diffusion to or through the coating, the oxide scale thickness and possible reactions at the interfaces. The relationships between the coating type, thickness and effectiveness are reviewed and discussed. Out of the three Mn-Co coatings compared in this study...

Proof, interpretation and evaluation of radiation-induced microstructural changes in WWER reactor pressure vessel steels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Boehmert, J.; Gokhman, A.; Grosse, M.; Ulbricht, A.

2003-06-01

Neutron embrittlement is a special issue for the VVER-type reactors. One of the fundamentals for a reliable assessment of the current material state is knowledge of the causes and mechanisms of neutron embrittlement. The aim of the project is to understand and to quantify the microstructural appearances due to neutron radiation in VVER-type reactor pressure vessel steels. The material base is a broad variation of irradiation probes taken from the irradiation programme Rheinsberg, surveillance programmes of Russian, Ukrainian or Hungarian NPPs or irradiation experiments with mockup-alloys. The microstructure was investigated by different methods. The small angle neutron scattering (SANS) proved to be the most suitable method. A procedure was developed to determine mean diameter, size distribution and volume fraction of irradiation-induced microstructure from SANS experiments in a reliable and comparable manner. With this method microstructural parameters were systematically determined and the main factors of influence were identified. Apart from the neutron fluence the volume fraction of radiation defects mainly changes with the copper or nickel content whereas phosphorus is hardly relevant. Annealing remedies the radiation-induced microstructural appearances. The ratio between nuclear and magnetic neutron scattering provides information on the type of radiation defects. This leads to the conclusion that the material composition changes the radiation defects. The change occurs gradually rather than abruptly. The radiation defects detected by SANS correlate with the radiation hardening and embrittlement. Generally, the results suggest a bimodal mechanism due to radiation-enhanced and radiation-induced defect evolution. A kinetic model on base of the rate theory approach was established. (orig.)

Elastic stability of thick auxetic plates

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Lim, Teik-Cheng

2014-01-01

Auxetic materials and structures exhibit a negative Poisson’s ratio while thick plates encounter shear deformation, which is not accounted for in classical plate theory. This paper investigates the effect of a negative Poisson’s ratio on thick plates that are subjected to buckling loads, taking into consideration the shear deformation using Mindlin plate theory. Using a highly accurate shear correction factor that allows for the effect of Poisson’s ratio, the elastic stability of circular and square plates are evaluated in terms of dimensionless parameters, namely the Mindlin-to-Kirchhoff critical buckling load ratio and Mindlin critical buckling load factors. Results for thick square plates reveal that both parameters increase as the Poisson’s ratio becomes more negative. In the case of thick circular plates, the Mindlin-to-Kirchhoff critical buckling load ratios and the Mindlin critical buckling load factors increase and decrease, respectively, as the Poisson’s ratio becomes more negative. The results obtained herein show that thick auxetic plates behave as thin conventional plates, and therefore suggest that the classical plate theory can be used to evaluate the elastic stability of thick plates if the Poisson’s ratio of the plate material is sufficiently negative. The results also suggest that materials with highly negative Poisson’s ratios are recommended for square plates, but not circular plates, that are subjected to buckling loads. (paper)

Microstructural changes in silicon induced by patterning with focused ion beams of Ga, Si and Au

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Chee, See Wee; Kammler, Martin; Balasubramanian, Prabhu; Reuter, Mark C.; Hull, Robert; Ross, Frances M.

2013-01-01

We use focused beams of Ga + , Au + and Si ++ ions to induce local microstructural changes in single crystal silicon. The ions were delivered as single spot pulses into thin Si membranes that could subsequently be imaged and annealed in situ in a transmission electron microscope. For each ion, the focused ion beam implantation created an array of amorphous regions in the crystalline membrane. Annealing causes solid phase epitaxial regrowth to take place, but we show that the resulting microstructure depends on the ion species. For Ga + and Au + , precipitates remain after recrystallization, while for Si ++ , dislocation loops form around the periphery of each implanted spot. We attribute these loops to defects formed during solid phase epitaxial regrowth, with controlled placement of the loops possible. - Highlights: ► Ga + , Au + and Si ++ were implanted into thin membranes of Si. ► Samples were imaged and annealed in situ in a transmission electron microscope. ► Focused ion beam implantation created an array of amorphous spots. ► After recrystallization, precipitates form for Ga + and Au + , dislocation loops for Si ++ . ► Controlled placement of the dislocation loops possible

Microstructure and mechanical properties of an Al–Mg alloy solidified under high pressures

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Jie, J.C.; Zou, C.M.; Brosh, E.; Wang, H.W.; Wei, Z.J.; Li, T.J.

2013-01-01

Highlights: •Al–42.2Mg alloy was solidified under pressures of 1, 2, and 3 GPa and the microstructure analyzed. •A thermodynamic calculation of the Al–Mg phase diagram at high pressures was performed. •The phase content changes from predominantly γ-Al 12 Mg 17 at 1 GPa to FCC solid solution at 3 GPa. •The β-Al 3 Mg 2 is predicted to remain stable at low temperatures but is not observed. •The alloy solidified at high pressure has remarkably enhanced ultimate tensile strength. -- Abstract: Phase formation, the microstructure and its evolution, and the mechanical properties of an Al–42.2 at.% Mg alloy solidified under high pressures were investigated. After solidification at pressures of 1 GPa and 2 GPa, the main phase is the γ phase, richer in Al than in equilibrium condition. When the pressure is further increased to 3 GPa, the main phase is the supersaturated Al(Mg) solid solution with Mg solubility up to 41.6 at.%. Unlike in similar alloys solidified at ambient pressure, the β phase does not appear. Calculated high-pressure phase diagrams of the Al–Mg system show that although the stability range of the β phase is diminished with pressure, it is still thermodynamically stable at room temperature. Hence, the disappearance of the β phase is interpreted as kinetic suppression, due to the slow diffusion rate at high pressures, which inhibits solid–solid reactions. The Al–42.2 at.% Mg alloy solidified under 3 GPa has remarkably enhanced ultimate tensile strength compared to the alloy solidified under normal atmospheric pressure

Effect of Microstructure on HIC Susceptibility of API X70MS Linepipe Steel

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Sung, Joon-Ho; Sim, Ho-Seop; Park, Byung-Gyu [Dongkuk Steel R and D Center, Pohang (Korea, Republic of); Cho, Kyung-Mox [Pusan National University, Busan (Korea, Republic of)

2017-06-15

The resistance of hydrogen induced cracking (HIC) was investigated with different microstructures of API X70MS steel. Ferrite/acicular ferrite (F/AF), deformed ferrite/acicular ferrite, ferrite/bainite (F/B) and single acicular ferrite (AF) were obtained by thermo-mechanical controlled process (TMCP) with changing rolling and cooling conditions. HIC resistance was found to be affected by the type as well as morphology of the microstructure, and thus the behavior of crack initiation and propagation could be analyzed. It was found that single AF and deformed F/AF with uniformly distributed dislocation reduced HIC initiation. Banded microstructure with a hardness value below 250 HV, such as AF, showed good HIC propagation resistance due to high toughness. AF generally exhibited excellent crack initiation and propagation resistance, namely the best HIC susceptibility performance. AF might redeem the HIC resistance for the banded microstructure also.

Hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of TA15 titanium alloy with nonuniform microstructure

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Gao, Pengfei; Zhan, Mei, E-mail: zhanmei@nwpu.edu.cn; Fan, Xiaoguang; Lei, Zhenni; Cai, Yang

2017-03-24

The flow behavior and microstructure evolution of a near α titanium alloy with nonuniform microstructure during hot deformation were studied by isothermal compression test and electron backscatter diffraction technique. It is found that the nonuniform microstructure prior to deformation consists of equiaxed α, lamellar α in the colony form and β phase, and the α colony keeps the Burgers orientation relationship with β phase. The flow stress of nonuniform microstructure exhibits significant flow softening after reaching the peak stress at a low strain, which is similar to the lamellar microstructure. Nevertheless, the existence of equiaxed α in nonuniform microstructure makes its flow stress and softening rate be lower than the lamellar microstructure. During deformation, the lamellar α undertakes most of the deformation and turns to be rotated, bended and globularized. Moreover, these phenomena exhibit significant heterogeneity due to the orientation dependence of the deformation of lamellar α. The continuous dynamic recrystallization and bending of lamellar α lead to the “fragmentation” during globularization of lamellar α. The bending of lamellar α is speculated as a form of plastic buckling, because the bending of lamellar α almost proceed in the manner of “rigid rotation” and presents opposite bending directions for the adjacent colonies.

Different microstructures of mobile twin boundaries in 10 M modulated Ni-Mn-Ga martensite

Czech Academy of Sciences Publication Activity Database

Heczko, Oleg; Straka, L.; Seiner, Hanuš

2013-01-01

Roč. 61, č. 2 (2013), 622-631 ISSN 1359-6454 R&D Projects: GA ČR GAP107/10/0824; GA ČR(CZ) GAP107/11/0391 Institutional support: RVO:68378271 ; RVO:61388998 Keywords : martensitic twin microstructure * twinning interfaces * Ni-Mn-Ga martensite * mobility of twin boundary * magnetic shape memory Subject RIV: BM - Solid Matter Physics ; Magnetism Impact factor: 3.940, year: 2013 http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S135964541200732X

Solid oxide fuel cell anode image segmentation based on a novel quantum-inspired fuzzy clustering

Science.gov (United States)

Fu, Xiaowei; Xiang, Yuhan; Chen, Li; Xu, Xin; Li, Xi

2015-12-01

High quality microstructure modeling can optimize the design of fuel cells. For three-phase accurate identification of Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) microstructure, this paper proposes a novel image segmentation method on YSZ/Ni anode Optical Microscopic (OM) images. According to Quantum Signal Processing (QSP), the proposed approach exploits a quantum-inspired adaptive fuzziness factor to adaptively estimate the energy function in the fuzzy system based on Markov Random Filed (MRF). Before defuzzification, a quantum-inspired probability distribution based on distance and gray correction is proposed, which can adaptively adjust the inaccurate probability estimation of uncertain points caused by noises and edge points. In this study, the proposed method improves accuracy and effectiveness of three-phase identification on the micro-investigation. It provides firm foundation to investigate the microstructural evolution and its related properties.

Microstructure changes in the low stacking fault energy steel

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Rodak, K.; Kuc, D.; Niewielski, G.; Hetmanczyk, M.

1999-01-01

A Cr-Ni austenitic steel (type 304) was investigated using TEM. It is shown that some structural parameters (dislocations density within the subgrains and the subgrains size) change with temperature and strain rate after hot temperature deformation. The subgrain microstructure was characterized quantitatively for different characteristics. (author)

Microstructural Assessment of Cancellous Bone Using 3D Microtomography

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Silva A M H; Alves J M; Da Silva O L; Silva Junior N F; Gazziro M; Pereira J C; Lasso P R O; Vaz C M P; Pereira C A M; Leiva T P; Guarniero R

2011-01-01

Cancellous bones have a porous microstructure and can be modeled as linear elastic solid, heterogeneous and anisotropic. Few studies regarding the morphometric analysis of trabecular bone samples with 3D microtomography have been published so far. The technique has spread worldwide for the characterization of trabecular structures in studies related to bone quality and its relationship with metabolic diseases bone like osteoporosis. In our study cancellous bone samples with cubic and cylindrical geometry were extracted from bovine femur were used to investigate the structural arrangement of bone through high resolution x-ray 3D microtomography (μCT). Four trabecular microstructural parameters (tissue volume, bone volume, bone volume fraction and tissue surface) were measured by 2D (stereological method) and 3D morphometric analysis using the software CTan Analyser supplied by the manufacturer of the microtomograph (SkyScan, model 1172, Belgium). The measurements were done in three main directions (superior-inferior, medial-lateral and anterior-posterior) to investigate the correlation between the 2D and 3D morphometric analysis. The results show a high correlation between the analysis. The x-ray 3D microtomography technique has a great potential for the assessment of bone quality.

Effects of solid acellular type-I/III collagen biomaterials on in vitro and in vivo chondrogenesis of mesenchymal stem cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Gao, Liang; Orth, Patrick; Cucchiarini, Magali; Madry, Henning

2017-09-01

Type-I/III collagen membranes are advocated for clinical use in articular cartilage repair as being able of inducing chondrogenesis, a technique termed autologous matrix-induced chondrogenesis (AMIC). Area covered: The current in vitro and translational in vivo evidence for chondrogenic effects of solid acellular type-I/III collagen biomaterials. Expert commentary: In vitro, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) adhere to the fibers of the type-I/III collagen membrane. No in vitro study provides evidence that a type-I/III collagen matrix alone may induce chondrogenesis. Few in vitro studies compare the effects of type-I and type-II collagen scaffolds on chondrogenesis. Recent investigations suggest better chondrogenesis with type-II collagen scaffolds. A systematic review of the translational in vivo data identified one long-term study showing that covering of cartilage defects treated by microfracture with a type-I/III collagen membrane significantly enhanced the repair tissue volume compared with microfracture alone. Other in vivo evidence is lacking to suggest either improved histological structure or biomechanical function of the repair tissue. Taken together, there is a paucity of in vitro and preclinical in vivo evidence supporting the concept that solid acellular type-I/III collagen scaffolds may be superior to classical approaches to induce in vitro or in vivo chondrogenesis of MSCs.

Stochastic Effects in Microstructure

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Glicksman M.E.

2002-01-01

Full Text Available We are currently studying microstructural responses to diffusion-limited coarsening in two-phase materials. A mathematical solution to late-stage multiparticle diffusion in finite systems is formulated with account taken of particle-particle interactions and their microstructural correlations, or "locales". The transition from finite system behavior to that for an infinite microstructure is established analytically. Large-scale simulations of late-stage phase coarsening dynamics show increased fluctuations with increasing volume fraction, Vv, of the mean flux entering or leaving particles of a given size class. Fluctuations about the mean flux were found to depend on the scaled particle size, R/, where R is the radius of a particle and is the radius of the dispersoid averaged over the population within the microstructure. Specifically, small (shrinking particles tend to display weak fluctuations about their mean flux, whereas particles of average, or above average size, exhibit strong fluctuations. Remarkably, even in cases of microstructures with a relatively small volume fraction (Vv ~ 10-4, the particle size distribution is broader than that for the well-known Lifshitz-Slyozov limit predicted at zero volume fraction. The simulation results reported here provide some additional surprising insights into the effect of diffusion interactions and stochastic effects during evolution of a microstructure, as it approaches its thermodynamic end-state.

Influence of microstructure on the microbial corrosion behaviour of stainless steels

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Moreno, D. A.; Ibars, J. R.; Ranninger, C.

2000-01-01

Several stainless steels (Type UNS S30300, S30400, S30403; S31600, S31603 and S42000) with different microstructural characteristics have been used to study the influence of heat treatments on microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC). Bio corrosion and accelerated electrochemical testing was performed in various microbiological media. Two species of sulphate-reducing bacteria (SRB) have been used in order to ascertain the influence of microstructure. The morphology of corrosion pits produced in both chloride and chloride plus sulphide-SRB metabolites, was inspected by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) complemented with energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis. Results have shown different behaviours regarding corrosion resistance in each case studied. Sensitized austenitic stainless steels were more affected by the presence of aggressive anions and pitting potential (Ep) values were more cathodic than those of as-received state. A corrosion enhancement is produced by the synergistic action of biogenic sulphides and chloride anions. Pitting corrosion in martensitic stainless steel Type UNS S42000 was found in biocorrosion test. The pitting morphology is correlated to the chemical composition, the microstructure and the electrolyte. (Author) 36 refs

Preparation and microstructure of hot-pressed YIG

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Abdul Halim Shaari; Mansor Hashim; Sidek Haji Abd Aziz

1992-01-01

Bulk magnetic ceramics such as yttrium-iron-garnet (YIG) and nickel-zinc ferrite were prepared by the conventional-firing and hot-press techniques. Pre-sintering and sintering, both in air, were carried out at temperature ≥ 1200 0 C. Initial density and microstructural measurements show that the high density samples with uniform grain size can be readily achieved by hot-pressing. The well-defined microstructures, the high density attained. The agreement of saturation magnetization 4πMs values and the high resistivities indicated that the optimized preparation conditions for conventional firing yielded yttrium-iron-garnet of good quality. Quenched and isochronally annealed, the YIG samples were also found to retain their room-temperature saturation-magnetization and resonance linewidth values after any single heat treatment. However, the electrical resistivity and the effective linewidth clearly exhibited isochronal recovery. A possible model to explain this behaviour and its implications on microwave applications are discussed. Ferrites of the type MFe 2 O 4 where M=Mg, Mn, Co, Fe, Cu, Zn and Cd and of the type Ni1-2xSnxFe 2 O4 have also been prepared and their properties are being studied

Nanostructured sodium lithium niobate and lithium niobium tantalate solid solutions obtained by controlled crystallization of glass

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Radonjic, L.; Todorovic, M.; Miladinovic, J.

2005-01-01

Transparent, nanostructured glass ceramics based on ferroelectric solid solutions of the type Na 1-x Li x NbO 3 (in very narrow composition regions for x = 0.12 and 0.93) and LiNb 1-y Ta y O 3 (y = 0.5 unlimited solid solubility), can be obtained by controlled crystallization of glass. The parent glass samples were prepared by conventional melt-quenching technique. Heat-treatment of the parent glasses was performed at the various temperatures, for the same time. The glass structure evolution during the controlled crystallization was examined by FT-IR spectroscopy analysis. Crystalline phases were identified by X-ray diffraction analysis and SEM was used for microstructure characterization. Densities of the crystallized glasses were measured by Archimedean principle. The capacitance and dielectric loss tangent were measured at a frequency of 1 kHz, at the room temperature. It was found that in the all investigated systems crystallize solid solutions Na 1-x Li x NbO 3 and LiNb 1-y Ta y O 3 in the glassy matrix, have crystal size on nanoscale (less than 100 nm), which is one of requirements to get a transparent glass ceramic that could be a good ferroelectric material regarding to the measured properties

Weld metal microstructures of hardfacing deposits produced by self-shielded flux-cored arc welding

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Dumovic, M.; Monaghan, B.J.; Li, H.; Norrish, J.; Dunne, D.P.

2015-01-01

The molten pool weld produced during self-shielded flux-cored arc welding (SSFCAW) is protected from gas porosity arising from oxygen and nitrogen by reaction ('killing') of these gases by aluminium. However, residual Al can result in mixed micro-structures of δ-ferrite, martensite and bainite in hardfacing weld metals produced by SSFCAW and therefore, microstructural control can be an issue for hardfacing weld repair. The effect of the residual Al content on weld metal micro-structure has been examined using thermodynamic modeling and dilatometric analysis. It is concluded that the typical Al content of about 1 wt% promotes δ-ferrite formation at the expense of austenite and its martensitic/bainitic product phase(s), thereby compromising the wear resistance of the hardfacing deposit. This paper also demonstrates how the development of a Schaeffler-type diagram for predicting the weld metal micro-structure can provide guidance on weld filler metal design to produce the optimum microstructure for industrial hardfacing applications.

TAOI B- Computational Microstructural Optimization Design Tool for High Temperature Structural Materials

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Mishra, Rajiv [Univ. Of North Texas, Denton, TX (United States); Charit, Indrajit [Univ. of Idaho, Moscow, ID (United States)

2015-02-28

The objectives of this research were two-fold: (a) develop a methodology for microstructural optimization of alloys - genetic algorithm approach for alloy microstructural optimization using theoretical models based on fundamental micro-mechanisms, and (b) develop a new computationally designed Ni-Cr alloy for coal-fired power plant applications. The broader outcome of these objectives is expected to be creation of an integrated approach for ‘structural materials by microstructural design’. Three alloy systems were considered for computational optimization and validation, (i) Ni-20Cr (wt.%) base alloy using only solid solution strengthening, (ii) nano-Y2O3 containing Ni-20Cr-1.2Y2O3 (wt.%) alloy for dispersion strengthening and (iii) a sub-micron Al2O3 for composite strengthening, Ni-20Cr-1.2Y2O3-5.0Al2O3 (wt.%). The specimens were synthesized by mechanical alloying and consolidated using spark plasma sintering. Detailed microstructural characterization was done along with initial mechanical properties to validate the computational prediction. A key target property is to have creep rate of 1x10-9 s-1 at 100 MPa and 800oC. The initial results were quite promising and require additional quantification of strengthening contributions from dislocation-particle attractive interaction and load transfer. The observed creep rate was in order of 10-9 s-1 for longer time creep test of Ni-20Cr -1.2Y2O3-5Al2O3, lending support to the overall approach pursued in this project.

Fabrication and characterization of polycarbonate microstructured polymer optical fibers for high-temperature-resistant fiber Bragg grating strain sensors

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Fasano, Andrea; Woyessa, Getinet; Stajanca, Pavol

2016-01-01

Here we present the fabrication of a solid-core microstructured polymer optical fiber (mPOF) made of polycarbonate (PC), and report the first experimental demonstration of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) written in a PC optical fiber. The PC used in this work has a glass transition temperature of 145°C...

Effect of fat types on the structural and textural properties of dough and semi-sweet biscuit.

Science.gov (United States)

Mamat, Hasmadi; Hill, Sandra E

2014-09-01

Fat is an important ingredient in baking products and it plays many roles in providing desirable textural properties of baking products, particularly biscuit. In this study, the effect of fat types on dough rheological properties and quality of semi-sweet biscuit (rich tea type) were investigated using various techniques. Texture profile and extensibility analysis were used to study the dough rheology, while three-point bend test and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyse the textural characteristics of final product. TPA results showed that the type of fat significantly influenced dough textural properties. Biscuit produced with higher solid fat oil showed higher breaking force but this was not significantly different when evaluated by sensory panel. Scanning electron microscopy showed that biscuit produced with palm mid-fraction had an open internal microstructure and heterogeneous air cells as compared to other samples.

Ternary and quaternary solid solutions in rare earth alloy phases with the CaCu5-type structure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Malani, G.K.; Raman, A.; Mohanty, R.C.

1992-01-01

Crystal structural data were analyzed in seleced CaCu 5 -type ternary and quaternary solid solutions to assess the crystal chemical characteristics and stability features of the CaCu 5 -type structure in rare earth containing alloy phases. LaNi 5 was found to dissolve 100 mol% LaCu 5 , 100 mol% ErNi 5 , about 50 mol% LaIr 5 , 40 mol% 'LaMn 5 ', 20 mol% 'LaFe 5 ', and 25 mol% ErRh 5 . In contrast, LaCo 5 did not dissolve any Mn or any of the other elements other than Al - it dissolved about 20 mol% 'LaAl 5 '. LaCu 5 behaves similar to LaNi 5 in solid solutions. From the lack of solubility of any other element in LaFe 5 , LaCo 5 , LaRh 5 , and LaIr 5 and their great instability, these are inferred to be borderline cases in the realm of the CaCu 5 -type structure. In the CaCu 5 and related crystal structures, Ir is compatible with Ni, but not with Co or Rh, and Rh is not compatible with either Ni or Ir. (orig.) [de

Microstructure and magnetic properties of Zr-Mn substituted M-type SrLa hexaferrites

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Yang, Yujie; Wang, Fanhou; Shao, Juxiang; Huang, Duohui [Yibin University, Computational Physics Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, School of Physics and Electronic Engineering, Yibin (China); Batoo, Khalid Mujasam [King Saud University, King Abdullah Institute for Nanotechnology, Riyadh (Saudi Arabia)

2017-09-15

In this study, we have synthesized the M-type SrLa hexaferrites with nominal compositions of Sr{sub 0.75}La{sub 0.25}Fe{sub 12.0-2x}(ZrMn){sub x}O{sub 19} (0.0 ≤ x ≤ 0.75) by the solid-state method techniques. The phase compositions of the samples were confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis. X-ray diffraction analysis exhibits that all the synthesized M-type hexaferrite magnetic powders are in single magetoplumbite structure and no impurity phase is observed, and with the increase of ZrMn content (x), (107) and (114) peaks are broadened and the 2 θ values of (107) and (114) peaks shift towards lower angles. It is observed that lattice constants (c and a) increase with increasing ZrMn content (x) from 0.00 to 0.75. The morphology of the M-type hexaferrites was characterized by a field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM). FE-SEM images show that the M-type hexaferrite have formed hexagonal structures. Magnetization properties were measured at room temperature using a physical property measurement system-vibrating sample magnetometer. The saturation magnetization (M{sub s}), remanent magnetization (M{sub r}) and coercivity (H{sub c}) are calculated from magnetic hysteresis loops. M{sub s}, M{sub r} and M{sub r}/M{sub s} ratio first increase with increasing ZrMn content (x) from 0.00 to 0.15, and then decrease when ZrMn content (x) ≥0.15. H{sub c} decreases with the increase of ZrMn content (x) from 0.00 to 0.75. (orig.)

Femtosecond laser-induced concentric ring microstructures on Zr-based metallic glass

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Ma Fengxu; Yang Jianjun; Xiaonong Zhu; Liang Chunyong; Wang Hongshui

2010-01-01

Surface morphological evolution of Zr-based metallic glass ablated by femtosecond lasers is investigated in atmosphere condition. Three types of permanent ring structures with micro-level spacing are observed for different laser shots and fluences. In the case of low laser fluences, the generation of annular patterns with nonthermal features is observed on the rippled structure with the subwavelength scale, and the ring spacing shows a decrease tendency from the center to the margin. While in the case of high laser fluences, the concentric rings formation within the laser spot is found to have evident molten traces and display the increasing ring spacing along the radial direction. Moreover, when the laser shots accumulation becomes large, the above two types of ring microstructures begin to develop into the common ablation craters. Analysis and discussion suggests that the stress-induced condensation of ablation vapors and the frozen thermocapillary waves on the molten surfaces should be responsible for the formation of two different types of concentric ring structures, respectively. Eventually, a processing window for each resulting surface microstructure type is obtained experimentally and indicates the possibility to control the morphological transitions among different types.

Microstructural examination of irradiated zircaloy-2 pressure tube material

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Srivastava, D.; Tewari, R.; Dey, G.K.; Sah, D.N.; Banerjee, S.

2005-01-01

Irradiation induced microstructural changes in Zr alloys strongly influence the creep, growth and mechanical properties of pressure tube material. Since dimensional changes and mechanical property degradation can limit the life of pressure tube, it is essential to study and develop an understanding of the microstructure produced by neutron irradiation, by examining samples taken from the irradiated components. In the present work, an effort has been made to examine, microstructure of the Zircaloy-2 pressure tube material irradiated in the Indian Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR). The present work is a first step towards a comprehensive program of characterization of microstructure of reactor materials after irradiation to different fluence levels in power reactors. In this study, samples from a Zircaloy-2 pressure tube, which had been in operation in the high flux region of Rajasthan Atomic Power Station Unit 1, for a period for 6.77 effective full power years (EFPYs), have been prepared and examined. The samples selected from the tube are expected to have a cumulative radiation damage of about 3 dpa. Samples prepared from the off cuts of RAPS-1 pressure tubes were also studied for examining the unirradiated microstructure of the material. The samples were examined in a 200kV JEOL 2000 FX microscope. This paper presents the distinct features observed in irradiated sample and a comprehensive comparison of the microstructures of the unirradiated and irradiated material. The effect of annealing on the annihilation of the defects generated during irradiation has been also studied. The bright field micrographs revealed that microstructure of the irradiated samples was different in many respects from the microstructure of the unirradiated samples. The presence of defect structure in the form of loops etc could be seen in the irradiated sample. These loops were mostly c-type loops lying in the basal plane. The dissolution and redistribution of the precipitates were

Results of Microstructural Examinations of Irradiated LEU U-Mo Fuels

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Keiser, D.D. Jr.; Jue, J.F.; Robinson, A.B. [Idaho National Laboratory, P.O. Box 2528, Idaho Falls, ID 83415-6188 (United States); Finlay, M.R. [Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organization (Australia)

2009-06-15

Introduction: The RERTR program is responsible for converting research reactors that use high-enriched uranium fuels to ones that use low-enriched uranium fuels [1]. As part of the development of LEU fuels, a variety of irradiation experiments are being conducted using the Advanced Test Reactor. Based on the results of initial fuel plate testing, adjustments have been made to the characteristics of fuel plates to improve the stability of the fuel microstructure. One improvement has been to add Si to the matrix of a dispersion fuel. This material is also being added at the fuel/cladding interface of a monolithic fuel. This paper will discuss the irradiation performance of these fuels, in terms of the stability of their microstructures during irradiation. Results and discussion: The post-irradiation examinations of fuel plates are performed at the Idaho National Laboratory. These examinations consist of visual examinations of fuel plates, gamma scanning, thickness measurements, oxide thickness measurements, and optical metallographic examinations of the fuel plate microstructures. Microstructural analysis is also performed using scanning electron microscopy. Overall, U-7Mo and U-10Mo alloy fuels have displayed the best irradiation performance, particularly, when a Si-containing Al alloy is used as the dispersion fuel matrix. The benefit of using this type of matrix is that the commonly observed fuel/cladding interaction that occurs during irradiation is reduced and the interaction layer that forms exhibit stable behavior during irradiation. Monolithic-type fuels, which consist of a U-Mo foil encased in Al alloy cladding, are also being developed. These types of fuels are also showing promise and will continue to be developed. One challenge with this type of fuel is in trying to maximize the bond strength at the foil/cladding interface. Fuel/cladding interactions can affect the quality of the boding at this interface. Si is being added to improve the characteristics

Solid state synthesis and sintering of monazite-type ceramics: application to minor actinides conditioning; Synthese par voie solide et frittage de ceramiques a structure monazite. Application au conditionnement des actinides mineurs

Energy Technology Data Exchange (ETDEWEB)

Bregiroux, D

2005-11-15

In the framework of the French law of 1991 concerning the nuclear waste management, several studies are undertaken to develop specific crystalline conditioning matrices. Monazite, a rare earth (TR{sup 3+}) orthophosphate with a general formula TR{sup 3+}PO{sub 4}, is a natural mineral containing significant amount of thorium and uranium. Monazite has been proposed as a host matrix for the minor actinides (Np, Am and Cm) specific conditioning, thanks to its high resistance to self irradiation and its low solubility. Its is now of prime importance to check the conservation of these properties on synthesized materials, which implies to master all the stages of the elaboration process, from the powder synthesis to the sintering of controlled microstructure pellets. This work can be divided into two main parts: The first part deals with the synthesis by high temperature solid state route of TR{sup 3+}PO{sub 4} powders (with TR{sup 3+} = La{sup 3+} to Gd{sup 3+}, Pu{sup 3+} and Am{sup 3+}). The chemical reactions occurring during the firing of starting reagents are described in the case of monazite with only one or several cations. From these results, a protocol of synthesis is described. The incorporation of tetravalent cations (Ce{sup 4+}, U{sup 4+}, Pu{sup 4+}) in the monazite structure was also studied. The second part of the present work deals with the elaboration of controlled density and microstructure monazite pellets and their related mechanical and thermal properties. The study of crushing and sintering is presented. For the first time, experimental results are confronted with theoretical models in order to deduce the densification and grain growth mechanisms. By the comprehension of the various physicochemical phenomena occurring during the various stages of the monazite pellets elaboration process (powder synthesis, crushing, sintering...), this work allowed the development of a protocol of elaboration of controlled microstructure monazite TR{sup 3+}PO{sub 4

Microstructure and transport current characterization of YBa2Cu3O7-x thick films prepared by modified solid-liquid melt growth and powder melt process routes

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Langhorn, J.; McGinn, P.J.

1999-01-01

From the characterization of superconducting YBa 2 Cu 3 O 7-x (YBCO) thick films processed by melt texturing on yttria-stabilized zirconia substrates from YBCO precursors it is clear that the properties are highly dependent on the precursor powder. Increased YBCO grain sizes have been induced in thick films processed from by modified solid-liquid melt growth (SLMG) and powder melt (PMP) processes with respect to those processed from pre-reacted YBCO materials. The SLMG and PMP routes utilize precursors consisting of BaCuO 2 -CuO flux material mixed with Y 2 O 3 and Y 2 BaCuO 5 respectively. Cross-sectional analysis of films textured by these routes shows a decreased Y 2 BaCuO 5 size and an increased homogeneity within the matrix with respect to films processed from YBCO powder. Such microstructural improvements lead to an improvement of both the flux pinning and current-carrying characteristics of the processed YBCO films. (author)

Fibrous flexible solid-type dye-sensitized solar cells without transparent conducting oxide

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Fan Xing; Chu Zengze; Chen Lin; Zhang Chao; Wang Fuzhi; Tang Yanwei; Sun Jianliang; Zou Dechun

2008-01-01

We have explored a type of all-solid fibrous flexible dye-sensitized solar cells without transparent conducting oxide based on a CuI electrolyte. The working electrode's substrate is a metal wire. Cu wire counterelectrode is twisted with the dye-sensitized and CuI-coated working electrode. The cell's apparent diameter is about 150 μm. The cell's current-voltage output depends little on the incident angle of light. A 4-cm-long fibrous cell's open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current generate 304 mV and 0.032 mA, respectively. The interfacial interaction between the two electrodes has a significant influence on the inner charge transfer of the cell

Molecular-Level Processing of Si-(B)-C Materials with Tailored Nano/Microstructures.

Science.gov (United States)

Schmidt, Marion; Durif, Charlotte; Acosta, Emanoelle Diz; Salameh, Chrystelle; Plaisantin, Hervé; Miele, Philippe; Backov, Rénal; Machado, Ricardo; Gervais, Christel; Alauzun, Johan G; Chollon, Georges; Bernard, Samuel

2017-12-01

The design of Si-(B)-C materials is investigated, with detailed insight into the precursor chemistry and processing, the precursor-to-ceramic transformation, and the ceramic microstructural evolution at high temperatures. In the early stage of the process, the reaction between allylhydridopolycarbosilane (AHPCS) and borane dimethyl sulfide is achieved. This is investigated in detail through solid-state NMR and FTIR spectroscopy and elemental analyses for Si/B ratios ranging from 200 to 30. Boron-based bridges linking AHPCS monomeric fragments act as crosslinking units, extending the processability range of AHPCS and suppressing the distillation of oligomeric fragments during the low-temperature pyrolysis regime. Polymers with low boron contents display appropriate requirements for facile processing in solution, leading to the design of monoliths with hierarchical porosity, significant pore volume, and high specific surface area after pyrolysis. Polymers with high boron contents are more appropriate for the preparation of dense ceramics through direct solid shaping and pyrolysis. We provide a comprehensive study of the thermal decomposition mechanisms, and a subsequent detailed study of the high-temperature behavior of the ceramics produced at 1000 °C. The nanostructure and microstructure of the final SiC-based ceramics are intimately linked to the boron content of the polymers. B 4 C/C/SiC nanocomposites can be obtained from the polymer with the highest boron content. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Mutual associations among microstructural, physical and mechanical properties of human cancellous bone

DEFF Research Database (Denmark)

Ding, Ming; Odgaard, A; Danielsen, CC

2002-01-01

structure and mechanical properties. In this study, 160 cancellous bone specimens were produced from 40 normal human tibiae aged from 16 to 85 years at post-mortem. The specimens underwent micro-CT and the microstructural properties were calculated using unbiased three-dimensional methods. The specimens...... were tested to determine the mechanical properties and the physical/compositional properties were evaluated. The type of structure together with anisotropy correlated well with Young's modulus of human tibial cancellous bone. The plate-like structure reflected high mechanical stress and the rod......-like structure low mechanical stress. There was a strong correlation between the type of trabecular structure and the bone-volume fraction. The most effective microstructural properties for predicting the mechanical properties of cancellous bone seem to differ with age....

Modeling the Microstructure Curvature of Boron-Doped Silicon in Bulk Micromachined Accelerometer

Directory of Open Access Journals (Sweden)

Xiaoping He

2013-01-01

Full Text Available Microstructure curvature, or buckling, is observed in the micromachining of silicon sensors because of the doping of impurities for realizing certain electrical and mechanical processes. This behavior can be a key source of error in inertial sensors. Therefore, identifying the factors that influence the buckling value is important in designing MEMS devices. In this study, the curvature in the proof mass of an accelerometer is modeled as a multilayered solid model. Modeling is performed according to the characteristics of the solid diffusion mechanism in the bulk-dissolved wafer process (BDWP based on the self-stopped etch technique. Moreover, the proposed multilayered solid model is established as an equivalent composite structure formed by a group of thin layers that are glued together. Each layer has a different Young’s modulus value and each undergoes different volume shrinkage strain owing to boron doping in silicon. Observations of five groups of proof mass blocks of accelerometers suggest that the theoretical model is effective in determining the buckling value of a fabricated structure.

Intercalation crystallization of phase-pure α-HC(NH₂)₂PbI₃ upon microstructurally engineered PbI₂ thin films for planar perovskite solar cells.

Science.gov (United States)

Zhou, Yuanyuan; Yang, Mengjin; Kwun, Joonsuh; Game, Onkar S; Zhao, Yixin; Pang, Shuping; Padture, Nitin P; Zhu, Kai

2016-03-28

The microstructure of the solid-PbI2 precursor thin film plays an important role in the intercalation crystallization of the formamidinium lead triiodide perovskite (α-HC(NH2)2PbI3). It is shown that microstructurally engineered PbI2 thin films with porosity and low crystallinity are the most favorable for conversion into uniform-coverage, phase-pure α-HC(NH2)2PbI3 perovskite thin films. Planar perovskite solar cells fabricated using these thin films deliver power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 13.8%.

Imaging brain tumour microstructure.

Science.gov (United States)

Nilsson, Markus; Englund, Elisabet; Szczepankiewicz, Filip; van Westen, Danielle; Sundgren, Pia C

2018-05-08

Imaging is an indispensable tool for brain tumour diagnosis, surgical planning, and follow-up. Definite diagnosis, however, often demands histopathological analysis of microscopic features of tissue samples, which have to be obtained by invasive means. A non-invasive alternative may be to probe corresponding microscopic tissue characteristics by MRI, or so called 'microstructure imaging'. The promise of microstructure imaging is one of 'virtual biopsy' with the goal to offset the need for invasive procedures in favour of imaging that can guide pre-surgical planning and can be repeated longitudinally to monitor and predict treatment response. The exploration of such methods is motivated by the striking link between parameters from MRI and tumour histology, for example the correlation between the apparent diffusion coefficient and cellularity. Recent microstructure imaging techniques probe even more subtle and specific features, providing parameters associated to cell shape, size, permeability, and volume distributions. However, the range of scenarios in which these techniques provide reliable imaging biomarkers that can be used to test medical hypotheses or support clinical decisions is yet unknown. Accurate microstructure imaging may moreover require acquisitions that go beyond conventional data acquisition strategies. This review covers a wide range of candidate microstructure imaging methods based on diffusion MRI and relaxometry, and explores advantages, challenges, and potential pitfalls in brain tumour microstructure imaging. Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Concepts in solids lectures on the theory of solids

CERN Document Server

Anderson, Philip Warren

1964-01-01

These lecture notes constitute a course on a number of central concepts of solid state physics - classification of solids, band theory, the developments in one-electron band theory in the presence of perturbation, effective Hamiltonian theory, elementary excitations and the various types of collective elementary excitation (excitons, spin waves and phonons), the Fermi liquid, ferromagnetic spin waves, antiferromagnetic spin waves and the theory of broken symmetry. The book can be used in conjunction with a survey course in solid state physics, or as the basis of a first graduate-level course.

Influence of microstructure on the mechanical properties of a Zr-4.6 wt.% Al alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Raman, V.; Mukhopadhyay, P.; Banerjee, S.

1978-01-01

The influence of microstructure on the room temperature mechanical properties of a Zr-4.6 wt.% Al alloy was investigated. Quenching from the beta phase produced a significant solid solution hardening. On aging the alloy at low temperatures for short periods aluminium rejection from the solid solution occurred and a fine dispersion of a metastable Zr 3 Al phase (DO 19 structure) formed. The strengthening caused by the presence of these ordered particles was found to more than compensate the softening brought about by decreasing supersaturation. The high strength corresponding to this structure could be explained in terms of the contributions from the coherency strains associated with and the state of order within the metastable particles. Aging at these temperatures for longer periods or at higher temperatures gave rise to a lamellar distribution of the α-zirconium (aluminium) and the equilibrium Zr 3 Al (Ll 2 structure) phases. The strength associated with this lamellar structure was found to be appreciably lower and to be strongly dependent on the interlamellar spacing. Investigations of the fracture surfaces showed that the modes of fracture associated with these different microstructures were different. An attempt was made to rationalize the observed strength properties in terms of existing theoretical models. (Auth.)

EXAFS and XRD studies of nanocrystalline cerium oxide: the effect of preparation method on the microstructure

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Savin, S.L.P.; Chadwick, A.V.; Smith, M.E.; O'Dell, L.A.

2007-01-01

There is considerable interest in nanocrystalline materials due to their unusual properties, such as enhanced ionic conductivity in the case of nanocrystalline ionic solids. This has potential commercial applications, particularly for oxide ion conductors. However, a detailed knowledge of the microstructure is important in fully understanding the novel properties exhibited by nanocrystalline materials. The final microstructure of a material is dependent on the preparation method used, for example, sol-gel and ball-milling methods are commonly used in the preparation of nanocrystalline oxides. Additionally, there is a problem in maintaining the materials in nanocrystalline form when they are subjected to elevated temperatures. We have been exploring strategies to restrict the growth of nanocrystalline oxides and have found that adding a small amount of an inert material, e.g. SiO 2 or Al 2 O 3 , is particularly effective. We will report XRD and EXAFS studies of nanocrystalline ceria prepared by sol-gel, sol-gel pinned and ball-milling methods and the effect of preparation method on the final microstructure. (copyright 2007 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH and Co. KGaA, Weinheim) (orig.)

Quantifying the strain-induced dissolution of precipitates in Al alloy microstructures using nuclear magnetic resonance

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Hutchinson, C.R.; Loo, P.T.; Bastow, T.J.; Hill, A.J.; Costa Teixeira, J. da

2009-01-01

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) has been used for the first time to directly monitor the dynamic partitioning of Cu atoms from shearable precipitates into the solid solution as a function of straining at room temperature in two Al-Cu-based alloys. Al-3Cu-0.05Sn (wt.%) and Al-2.5Mg-1.5Cu (wt.%) alloys were heat-treated to provide a fine distribution of ∼5 nm Guinier-Preston (GP) zones and <1 nm Guinier-Preston-Bagaryatsky (GPB) zones, respectively, and were then subjected to rolling strains up to 100%. It is shown that in the Al-Cu-0.05Sn alloy, strains up to ∼40% can pump solute from the ∼5 nm GP zones back into solid solution for the temperature and strain-rate of deformation employed here. In the case of the Al-Cu-Mg alloy, no dissolution of the GPB zones is observed. A simple model for the strain-induced dissolution of the shearable precipitates is given and compared with the experimental results. The dependence of the Cu repartitioning process on the precipitate size is emphasized. These observations and modeling give guidelines for the design of Al-Cu-based alloys to exploit the dynamic interplay of strain-induced Cu partitioning between metastable states, e.g. solid solution and GP (or GPB) zones, for tailoring ultimate mechanical properties. It is proposed that this strain-induced phase transformation is a form of dynamically responding microstructure that can be employed to obtain aluminum alloys with well-designed microstructures.

Microstructure and mechanical properties of open-cellular biomaterials prototypes for total knee replacement implants fabricated by electron beam melting.

Science.gov (United States)

Murr, L E; Amato, K N; Li, S J; Tian, Y X; Cheng, X Y; Gaytan, S M; Martinez, E; Shindo, P W; Medina, F; Wicker, R B

2011-10-01

Total knee replacement implants consisting of a Co-29Cr-6Mo alloy femoral component and a Ti-6Al-4V tibial component are the basis for the additive manufacturing of novel solid, mesh, and foam monoliths using electron beam melting (EBM). Ti-6Al-4V solid prototype microstructures were primarily α-phase acicular platelets while the mesh and foam structures were characterized by α(')-martensite with some residual α. The Co-29Cr-6Mo containing 0.22% C formed columnar (directional) Cr(23)C(6) carbides spaced ~2 μm in the build direction, while HIP-annealed Co-Cr alloy exhibited an intrinsic stacking fault microstructure. A log-log plot of relative stiffness versus relative density for Ti-6Al-4V and Co-29Cr-6Mo open-cellular mesh and foams resulted in a fitted line with a nearly ideal slope, n = 2.1. A stress shielding design graph constructed from these data permitted mesh and foam implant prototypes to be fabricated for compatible bone stiffness. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Effects of deep cryogenic treatment on the solid-state phase transformation of Cu-Al alloy in cooling process

Science.gov (United States)

Wang, Yuhui; Liao, Bo; Liu, Jianhua; Chen, Shuqing; Feng, Yu; Zhang, Yanyan; Zhang, Ruijun

2012-07-01

The solid-state phase transformation temperature and duration of deep cryogenic treated and untreated Cu-Al alloys in cooling process were measured by differential scanning calorimetry measurement. The solid-state phase transformation activation energy and Avrami exponent were calculated according to these measurements. The effects of deep cryogenic treatment on the solid-state phase transformation were investigated based on the measurement and calculation as well as the observation of alloy's microstructure. The results show that deep cryogenic treatment can increase the solid-phase transformation activation energy and shorten the phase transformation duration, which is helpful to the formation of fine grains in Cu-Al alloy.

Microstructure and grain refining performance of melt-spun Al-5Ti-1B master alloy

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Zhang Zhonghua; Bian Xiufang; Wang Yan; Liu Xiangfa

2003-01-01

In the present work, the microstructure and grain refining performance of the melt-spun Al-5Ti-1B (wt%) master alloy have been investigated, using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and grain refining tests. It has been found that the microstructure of the melt-spun Al-5Ti-1B master alloy is mainly composed of two phases: metastable, supersaturated α-Al solid solution and uniformly dispersed TiB 2 particles, quite different from that of the rod-like alloy consisting of three phases: α-Al, blocky TiAl 3 , and clusters of TiB 2 particles. Quenching temperatures and wheel speeds (cooling rates), however, have no obvious effect on the microstructure of the melt-spun Al-5Ti-1B alloy. Grain refining tests show that rapid solidification has a significant effect on the grain refining performance of Al-5Ti-1B alloy and leads to the great increase of nucleation rate of the alloy. Nevertheless, the melt-spun Al-5Ti-1B master alloy prepared at different wheel speeds and quenching temperatures possesses the similar grain refining performance. The reasons for the microstructure formation and the improvement of the grain refining performance of the melt-spun Al-5Ti-1B master alloy have been also discussed

High-speed jet electrodeposition and microstructure of nanocrystalline Ni-Co alloys

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)

Qiao Guiying; Jing Tianfu; Wang Nan; Gao Yuwei; Zhao Xin; Zhou Jifeng; Wang Wei

2005-01-01

The jet electrodeposition from watts baths with a device of electrolyte jet was carried out to prepare nano-crystalline cobalt-nickel alloys. The influence of the concentration of Co 2+ ions in the electrolyte and electrolysis parameters, such as the cathodic current density, the temperature as well as the electrolyte jet speed, on the chemistry and microstructure of Ni-Co-deposit alloys were investigated. Experimental results indicated that increasing the Co 2+ ions concentration in the bath, the electrolyte jet speed and decreasing of the cathodic current density and decrease of the electrolyte temperature all results in an increase of cobalt content in the alloy. Detailed microstructure changes upon the changes of alloy composition and experimental conditions were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD results show the Ni-Co solid solution was formed through the jet electrodeposition. Phase constitution of solid solution changes progressively under different electrolyte concentration. Alloys with low Co concentration exhibit single phase of face-centered cubic (fcc) structure; The Co concentration over 60.39 wt.%, the alloys are composed of face-centered cubic (fcc) phase and hexagonal close-packed (hcp) phase. Furthermore, the formation of the nanostructured Ni-Co alloy deposit is investigated. Increasing the Co 2+ ions concentration in the bath, the cathodic current density, the electrolyte temperature and the electrolyte jet speed all result in the finer grains in the deposits. Additives such as saccharin in the electrolyte also favor the formation of the finer grains in the alloy deposits

Electrochemical testing of suspension plasma sprayed solid oxide fuel cell electrolytes

Science.gov (United States)

Waldbillig, D.; Kesler, O.

Electrochemical performance of metal-supported plasma sprayed (PS) solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) was tested for three nominal electrolyte thicknesses and three electrolyte fabrication conditions to determine the effects of electrolyte thickness and microstructure on open circuit voltage (OCV) and series resistance (R s). The measured OCV values were approximately 90% of the Nernst voltages, and electrolyte area specific resistances below 0.1 Ω cm 2 were obtained at 750 °C for electrolyte thicknesses below 20 μm. Least-squares fitting was used to estimate the contributions to R s of the YSZ bulk material, its microstructure, and the contact resistance between the current collectors and the cells. It was found that the 96% dense electrolyte layers produced from high plasma gas flow rate conditions had the lowest permeation rates, the highest OCV values, and the smallest electrolyte-related voltage losses. Optimal electrolyte thicknesses were determined for each electrolyte microstructure that would result in the lowest combination of OCV loss and voltage loss due to series resistance for operating voltages of 0.8 V and 0.7 V.

Computational discovery of extremal microstructure families

Science.gov (United States)

Chen, Desai; Skouras, Mélina; Zhu, Bo; Matusik, Wojciech

2018-01-01

Modern fabrication techniques, such as additive manufacturing, can be used to create materials with complex custom internal structures. These engineered materials exhibit a much broader range of bulk properties than their base materials and are typically referred to as metamaterials or microstructures. Although metamaterials with extraordinary properties have many applications, designing them is very difficult and is generally done by hand. We propose a computational approach to discover families of microstructures with extremal macroscale properties automatically. Using efficient simulation and sampling techniques, we compute the space of mechanical properties covered by physically realizable microstructures. Our system then clusters microstructures with common topologies into families. Parameterized templates are eventually extracted from families to generate new microstructure designs. We demonstrate these capabilities on the computational design of mechanical metamaterials and present five auxetic microstructure families with extremal elastic material properties. Our study opens the way for the completely automated discovery of extremal microstructures across multiple domains of physics, including applications reliant on thermal, electrical, and magnetic properties. PMID:29376124

Constrained Sintering in Fabrication of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells

Science.gov (United States)

Lee, Hae-Weon; Park, Mansoo; Hong, Jongsup; Kim, Hyoungchul; Yoon, Kyung Joong; Son, Ji-Won; Lee, Jong-Ho; Kim, Byung-Kook

2016-01-01

Solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) are inevitably affected by the tensile stress field imposed by the rigid substrate during constrained sintering, which strongly affects microstructural evolution and flaw generation in the fabrication process and subsequent operation. In the case of sintering a composite cathode, one component acts as a continuous matrix phase while the other acts as a dispersed phase depending upon the initial composition and packing structure. The clustering of dispersed particles in the matrix has significant effects on the final microstructure, and strong rigidity of the clusters covering the entire cathode volume is desirable to obtain stable pore structure. The local constraints developed around the dispersed particles and their clusters effectively suppress generation of major process flaws, and microstructural features such as triple phase boundary and porosity could be readily controlled by adjusting the content and size of the dispersed particles. However, in the fabrication of the dense electrolyte layer via the chemical solution deposition route using slow-sintering nanoparticles dispersed in a sol matrix, the rigidity of the cluster should be minimized for the fine matrix to continuously densify, and special care should be taken in selecting the size of the dispersed particles to optimize the thermodynamic stability criteria of the grain size and film thickness. The principles of constrained sintering presented in this paper could be used as basic guidelines for realizing the ideal microstructure of SOFCs. PMID:28773795

Microstructural evolutions and mechanical behaviour of the nickel based alloys 617 and 230 at high temperature

International Nuclear Information System (INIS)