Opportunities in Materials Processing: Metal Casting

Revitalizing manufacturing in the US is a hot topic, and the $1B National Network for Manufacturing Innovation (NNMI) has three new centers focused on metal casting. For structural applications, magnesium casting, structural die-cast alloys, austempered ductile and compacted graphite cast iron, and high strength steel promise dramatic weight reduction and improved performance. Recent experiments and modeling at UAB focus on the development of such new materials and processing routes. A study of the rare earth content in an aerospace magnesium alloy is presented.

The Age-Hardening of Duralumin

The development of wrought alloys of aluminum to which high strength and ductility can be imparted by heat treatment began with the work of Wilm and Claesser in Germany, 1905­-1911. During this time an alloy was developed which was later commercially produced in that country under the tradename of duralumin. The need for strong, light alloys for aircraft during the World War greatly hastened the development of duralumin.

The Effects of Some Percentages of Nickel on the Annealing of Cartridge Brass

The most important element in the alloying of steels, has also been used quite extensively as a third constituent in copper-zinc alloys. The chief characteristics of nickel which make it desirable as an alloying element are its toughness, high strength, and resistance to corrosion.

A Case Study of Muscular Strength, Endurance, and Power Responses to a 6-Week High Intensity Training Program

We evaluated the muscular strength, endurance, and power responses of 12 college students, ranging in age from 19-40 years, who participated in a 6-wk high-intensity training program commonly used to improve muscular endurance. Muscular strength was measured by a one repetition maximum (1RM) bench press test and a 1RM Hammer bench press test; muscular endurance was measured by administering a 70-percent 1RM test to failure on the Hammer bench press; and upper body power was measured by adminstering a medicine ball throw test. We observed a 4.8-percent improvement of 2.7 kg on the bench press, a 14.6-percent improvement of 10.5 kg on the Hammer bench press, a 45.5-percent improvement with an average increase of five repetitions on the submaximal test to failure and an average improvement of ~ 20 percent, 60 cm, for the medicine ball throw. Foe our subjects, a commonly used high-intensity training muscular endurance program resulted in improved performance on tests measuring muscular strength, endurance, and power, and resulted in zero reported injuries during training or assessment procedures.