Some observations describing the electrochemical surface annealing of austenitic stainless steel

Cold-worked austenitic stainless steels have been subject to a pulsed electrochemical treatment in fairly concentrated aqueous solutions of sodium nitrite. The electrochemical reactions that occur transform the strain-induced martensite phase, originally formed by the cold work, back to the austenite phase. However, unlike the conventional thermal annealing process, electrochemically induced surface annealing also hardens the surface of the alloy. Because the process causes transformation of the surface martensite, we term it "electrochemical surface annealing", despite the fact that it results in an increase in surface hardness.

Measurement of Microscopic Deformation in a Cualni Single Crystal Alloy by Nanoindentation with a Heating Stage

Thermally induced recovery of nanoindents in a CUAINi single crystal shape memory alloy was studied by nanoindentation in conjunction with a heating stage. Nanoindents formed by a Berkovich indenter at room temperature were heated to 40, 70 and 100 degrees C. Partial recovery was observed for the nanoindents. The recovery ratio depended on the heating temperature. Indentation of CuAlNi can induce inelastic deformation via dislocation motion and a stress-induced matensitic transformation. The percentages of dislocation-induced plastic strain would affect the thermal deformation of CuAlNi, because the induced dislocations could stabilize stress-induced martensite plates even when the temperature above austenite finish temperature, A(f). When the applied indentation load is low (less than 10,000 mu N), the shape recovery strain is predominant, compared with the dislocation-induced plastic strain. Therefore, the degree of indent recovery in the depth direction, delta(D), is high (about 0.7-0.8 at 100 degrees C).

Dynamic recrystallization induced by plastic deformation at high strain rate in a Monel alloy

An investigation has been made into the plastic deformation behavior of a Monel alloy deformed at high strain rate of 10(5) s(-1) by split Hopkinson bar. The results reveal that there are some equiaxed grains with an average size of 150 nm in diameter in the center of the shear bands, suggesting that this microstructure characteristics be developed by dynamic recrystallization, arising from the deformation and the rapid temperature rise in the band. Analysis shows that the plastic strain rate and the mobile dislocation density play a key role in the new crystallized grain formation and growth. Based on grain boundary energy change and diffusion mechanism, the grain growth kinetics is developed for plastic deformation at a high strain rate.

Nonequilibrium microstructures and phase evolutions of an iron-based laser clad coating

The microstructural and compositional features of the laser-solidified microstructures and phase evolutions occurring during high temperature tempering were investigated by using analytical electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis. The cladded alloy, a powder mixture of Fe, Cr, W, Ni and C with a weight ratio of 10:5:1:1:1, was processed with a 3 kW continuous wave CO2 laser. The cladded coating possessed the hypoeutectic microstructure of the primary dendritic gamma-austenite and interdendritic eutectic consisting of (gamma+M7C3). The gamma-austenite is a nonequilibrium phase with extended solid solution of alloying elements. And, a great deal of fine structures, i.e., a high density of dislocations, twins, and stacking faults existed in austenite phase. During high temperature aging, the precipitation of M23C6, MC and M2C in austenite and in situ transformation of M7C3(+gamma) --> M23C6 and M7C3+gamma --> M6C occurred. The laser clad coating revealed an evident secondary hardening and superior impact wear resistance.

Rapidly solidified nonequilibrium microstructure and phase transformation of laser-synthesized iron-based alloy coating

The rapidly solidified microstructural and compositional features, the precipitation and transformation of carbides during tempering, and the impact wear resistance of an iron-based alloy coating prepared by laser cladding are investigated. The clad coating alloy, a powder mixture of Fe, Cr, W, Ni, and C with a weight ratio of 10:5:1.1.1, is processed using a continuous wave CO, laser. Microstructural studies demonstrate that the coating possesses the hypoeutectic microstructure comprising the primary dendritic gamma-austenite and interdendritic eutectic consisting of gamma-austenite and M7C3 carbides. gamma-Austenite is a non-equilibrium phase with an extended solid solution of alloying elements. During high temperature tempering at 963 K for 1 h, the precipitation of M23C6, MC and M2C carbides in austenite and in situ carbide transformation of M7C3 to M23C6 and M7C3 to M6C respectively are observed. In addition, the microstructure of the laser-clad coating reveals an evident secondary hardening and a superior impact wear resistance.

Shear Localization In Dynamic Deformation: Microstructural Evolution

Investigations made by the authors and collaborators into the microstructural aspects of adiabatic shear localization are critically reviewed. The materials analyzed are low-carbon steels, 304 stainless steel, monocrystalline Fe-Ni-Cr, Ti and its alloys, Al-Li alloys, Zircaloy, copper, and Al/SiCp composites. The principal findings are the following: (a) there is a strain-rate-dependent critical strain for the development of shear bands; (b) deformed bands and white-etching bands correspond to different stages of deformation; (c) different slip activities occur in different stages of band development; (d) grain refinement and amorphization occur in shear bands; (e) loss of stress-carrying capability is more closely associated with microdefects rather than with localization of strain; (f) both crystalline rotation and slip play important roles; and (g) band development and band structures are material dependent. Additionally, avenues for new research directions are suggested.

Microstructure Study Of Laser Welding Cast Nickel-Based Superalloy K418

Experiments of laser welding cast nickel-based superalloy K418 were conducted. Microstructure of the welded seam was characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Mechanical properties of the welded seam were evaluated by microhardness. The corresponding mechanisms were discussed in detail. Results show that the laser welded seam have non-equilibrium solidified microstructures consisting of Cr-Ni-Fe-C austenite solid solution dendrites as the dominant and some fine and dispersed Ni-3(Al,Ti) gamma' phase as well as little amount of MC needle carbides and particles enriched in Nb, Ti and Mo distributed in the interdendritic regions, cracks originated from the liquation of the low melting points eutectics in the HAZ grain boundary are observed, the average microhardness of the welded seam and HAZ is higher than that of the base metal due to alloy elements' redistribution of the strengthening phase gamma'. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Transmission Electron Microscopy Characterization of Laser Welding Cast Ni-Based Superalloy K418 Turbo Disk And Alloy Steel 42Crmo Shaft

Microstructure characterization is important for controlling the quality of laser welding. In the present work, a detailed microstructure characterization by transmission electron microscopy was carried out on the laser welding cast Ni-based superalloy K418 turbo disk and alloy steel 42CrMo shaft and an unambiguous identification of phases in the weldment was accomplished. It was found that there are gamma-FeCrNiC austenite solid solution dendrites as the matrix, (Nb, Ti) C type MC carbides, fine and dispersed Ni-3 Al gamma' phase as well as Laves particles in the interdendritic region of the seam zone. A brief discussion was given for their existence based on both kinetic and thermodynamic principles. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Nueva lectura del concepto de ley natural en Tomás de Aquino : “nueva escuela del derecho natural” o “nueva teoría de la ley natural”

Resumen: La “Nueva Escuela del Derecho Natural” (NEDN) pretende ser una “recuperación” de la “Teoría clásica de la ley natural”. Sus principales representantes son G. Grisez, J. Finnis, J. Boyle, R. P. George y W. May. A ellos se agregan varios pensadores de Estados Unidos y Canadá como R. Shaw, R. Lawler, J. C. Ford, R. A. Connor, T. Kennedy, entre otros. Esta escuela se endilga la recuperación de la versión “auténtica” de Tomás de Aquino de la ley natural, por una reinterpretación de la misma, al entender que ella ha sido deformada por teólogos morales posteriores. En una primera etapa, el trabajo aborda las posiciones centrales de la NEDN, principalmente de Germain Grisez y John Finnis, sin desatender a sus seguidores y críticos. En segundo lugar, y por el planteo de la NEDN, se hace preciso el ocuparse de las fuentes del entredicho, a saber, el concepto de ley en Tomás de Aquino y su impostación en la naturaleza y en la racionalidad práctica.

Research on laser welding of cast Ni-based superalloy K418 turbo disk and alloy steel 42CrMo shaft

Exploratory experiments of laser welding cast Ni-based superalloy K418 turbo disk and alloy steel 42CrMo shaft were conducted. Microstructure of the welded seam was characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Mechanical properties of the welded seam were evaluated by microhardness and tensile strength testing. The corresponding mechanisms were discussed in detail. Results showed that the laser-welded seam had non-equilibrium solidified microstructures consisting of FeCr0.29Ni0.16C0.06 austenite solid solution dendrites as the dominant and some fine and dispersed Ni3Al gamma' phase and Laves particles as well as little amount of MC short stick or particle-like carbides distributed in the interdendritic regions. The average microhardness of the welded seam was relatively uniform and lower than that of the base metal due to partial dissolution and suppression of the strengthening phase gamma' to some extent. About 88.5% tensile strength of the base metal was achieved in the welded joint because of a non-full penetration welding and the fracture mechanism was a mixture of ductility and brittleness. The existence of some Laves particles in the welded seam also facilitated the initiation and propagation of the microcracks and microvoids and hence, the detrimental effects of the tensile strength of the welded joint. The present results stimulate further investigation on this field. (c) 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Evolution of thermoplastic shear localization and related microstructures in Awl/SiCp composites under dynamic compression

The localized shear deformation in the 2024 and 2124 Al matrix composites reinforced with SiC particles was investigated with a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) at a strain rate of about 2.0x10(3) s(-1). The results showed that the occurrence of localized shear deformation is sensitive to the size of SiC particles. It was found that the critical strain, at which the shear localization occurs, strongly depends on the size and volume fraction of SiC particles. The smaller the particle size, the lower the critical strain required for the shear localization. TEM examinations revealed that Al/SiCp interfaces are the main sources of dislocations. The dislocation density near the interface was found to be high and it decreases with the distance from the particles. The Al matrix in shear bands was highly deformed and severely elongated at low angle boundaries. The Al/SiCp interfaces, particularly the sharp corners of SiC particles, provide the sites for microcrack initiation. Eventual fracture is caused by the growth and coalescence of microcracks along the shear bands. It is proposed that the distortion free equiaxed grains with low dislocation density observed in the center of shear band result from recrystallization during dynamic deformation.

Dissimilar autogenous full penetration welding of superalloy K418 and 42CrMo steel by a high power CWNd : YAG laser

Experiments of autogenous laser full penetration welding between dissimilar cast Ni-based superalloy K418 and alloy steel 42CrMo flat plates with 3.5 mm thickness were conducted using a 3 kW continuous wave (CW) Nd:YAG laser. The influences of laser welding velocity, flow rate of side-blow shielding gas, defocusing distance were investigated. Microstructure of the welded seam was characterized by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Mechanical properties of the welded seam were evaluated by microhardness and tensile strength testing. Results show that high quality full penetration laser-welded joint can be obtained by optimizing the welding velocity, flow rate of shielding gas and defocusing distance. The laser-welded seam have non-equilibrium solidified microstructures consisting of gamma-FeCr0.29Ni0.16C0.06 austenite solid solution dendrites as the dominant and very small amount of super-fine dispersed Ni3Al gamma' phase and Laves particles as well as MC needle-like carbides distributed in the interdendritic regions. Although the microhardness of the laser-welded seam was lower than that of the base metal, the strength of the joint was equal to that of the base metal and the fracture mechanism showed fine ductility. (c) 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Formation, microstructure and development of the localized shear deformation in low-carbon steels

An investigation has been made into the effect of microstructural parameters on the propensity for forming shear localization produced during high speed torsional testing by split Hopkinson bar with different average rates of 610, 650 and 1500 s(-1) in low carbon steels. These steels received the quenched, quenched and tempered as well as normalized treatments that provide wide microstructural parameters and mechanical properties. The results indicate that the occurrence of the shear localization is susceptible to the strength of the steels. In other words, the tendency of the quenched steel to form a shear band is higher than that of the other two steels. It is also found that there is a critical strain at which the shear localization occurs in the steels. The critical strain value is strongly dependent on the strength of the steels. Before arriving at this point, the material undergoes a slow work-hardening. After this point, the material suffers work-softening, corresponding to a process during which the deformation is gradually localized and eventually becomes spatially correlated to form a macroscopic shear band. Examinations by SEM reveal that the shear localization within the band involves a series of sequential crystallographic and non-crystallographic events including the change in crystal orientation, misorientation, generation and even perhaps damage in microstructures such as the initiation, growth and coalescence of the microcracks. It is expected that the sharp drop in the load-carrying capacity is associated with the growth and coalescence of the microcracks rather than the occurrence of the shear localization, but the shear localization is seen to accelerate the growth and coalescence of the microcracks. The thin foil observations by TEM reveal that the density of dislocations in the band is extremely high and the tangled arrangement and cell structure of dislocations tends to align along the shear direction. The multiplication and interaction of dislocations seems to be responsible for work-hardening of the steels. The avalanche of the dislocation cells corresponds to the sharp drop in shear stress at which the deformed specimen is broken. Double shear bands and kink bands are also observed in the present study. The principal band develops first and its width is narrower than that of the secondary band.

Elimination of loading reverberation in the split hopkinson torsional bar

The loading reverberation is a multiple wave effect on the specimen in the split Hopkinson torsional bar (SHTB). Its existence intensively destroys the microstructure pattern in the tested material and therefore, interferes with the study correlating the deformed microstructure to the macroscopic stress-strain response. This paper discusses the problem of the loading reverberation and its effects on the post-mortem observations in the SHTB experiment. The cause of the loading reverberation is illustrated by a stress wave analysis. The modification of the standard SHTB is introduced, which involves attaching two unloading bars at the two ends of the original main bar system and adopting a new loading head and a couple of specially designed clutches. The clutches are placed between the main bar system and the unloading bars in order to lead the secondary loading wave out of the main bar system and to cut off the connection in a timely manner. The loading head of the standard torsional bar was redesigned by using a tube-type loading device associated with a ratchet system to ensure the exclusion of the reflected wave. Thus, the secondary loading waves were wholly trapped in the two unloading bars. The wave recording results and the contrasting experiments for examining the post-mortem microstructure during shear banding both before and after the modification highly support the effectiveness of the modified version. The modified SHTB realizes a single wave pulse loading process and will become a useful tool for investigating the relation between the deformed microstructure and the macroscopic stress-strain response. It will play an important role especially in the study of the evolution of the microstructure during the shear banding process. (C) 1995 American Institute of Physics.

On post-instability processes in adiabatic shear in hot rolled steel

EXPERIMENTS carried out using a split Hopkinson torsional bar have shown that only one shear band develops in specimens of hot rolled steel which break during testing. We observed, however, that in specimens which were not deformed to failure, several fine shear bands appeared. We believe that these formed during the loading cycle before the appearance of the final shear band and were not due to the effect of unloading. So we developed a numerical model to study the evolution of shear banding from several finite amplitude disturbances (FADs) in both temperature and strain rate. This numerical model reveals the detailed processes by which the FADs evolve into a fully developed shear band and suggests that beyond instability, the so-called shear banding process consists of two stages: inhomogeneous shearing and true shear-banding. The latter is characterized by the collapse of the stress and an abrupt increase of the local shear strain rate.