Solidification Microstructure and Texture in Grain-refined Titanium alloys

In the present study, solidification microstructure and texture evolution in grain-refined Ti-6Al-4V and γ-TiAl alloys via trace boron addition are compared with their baseline counterparts. Boron addition resulted in dramatic grain refinement by almost an order of magnitude. The texture developed in these alloys is also markedly different from the baseline alloys.

Microstructure and Tribological Properties of Laser Clad gamma/Cr7C3/Tic Composite Coatings on gamma-TiA1 Intermetallic Alloy

In order to improve the wear resistance of the gamma-TiAl intermetallic alloy, microstructure, room- and high-temperature (600 degrees C) wear behaviors of laser clad gamma/Cr7C3/TiC composite coatings with different constitution of NiCr-Cr3C2 precursor-mixed powders have been investigated by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy-dispersive spectrometer (EDS), block-on-ring (room-temperature) and pin-on-disk (high-temperature) wear tests. The responding wear mechanisms are discussed in detail. Results show that microstructures of the laser clad composite coatings have non-equilibrium solidified microstructures consisting of primary hard Cr7C3 and TiC carbides and the inter-primary gamma/Cr7C3 eutectic matrix, about three to five times higher average microhardness compared with the TiAl alloy substrate. Higher wear resistance than the original TiAl alloy is achieved in the clad composite coatings under dry sliding wear conditions, which is closely related to the formation of non-equilibrium solidified reinforced Cr7C3 and TiC carbides and the positive contribution of the relatively ductile and tough gamma/Cr7C3 eutectics matrix and their stability under high-temperature exposure.

柠条种子蛋白，同工酶遗传分析与群体遗传结构

本文研究了毛乌素沙地6个不同生态环境的柠条群体和1个锡盟草原站的小叶锦鸡儿群体的同工酶和种子蛋白的遗传变异。利用Brown等(/975)同工酶遗传分析方法对同工酶和种子蛋白的多态性进行了遗传分析。运用Shannon信息指数和Nei指数分析测定了锦鸡儿群体的遗传结构。结果表明： (l) Brown同工酶遗传分析的方法适合于柠条同工酶的遗传分析。 （2用LAP酶对柠条群体进行了精细的遗传结构研究。结果表明毛乌素沙地柠条群体的异交性。GST=D．134，即大部分的变异存在于群体内部，小部分的变异存在于群体之间。柠条群体的繁育系统与水分胁迫有关。随着生境变旱，繁育系统有向近交变化的趋势。 (3) Brown同工酶遗传分析方法也可以运用于种子蛋白遗传分析，柠条种子蛋白各亚基的遗传是孟德尔方式。 (4)由种子蛋白变异所统计测定的柠条群体的遗传分化系数GST=0.l81(Nei指数)或0.179(Shannon指数，Kongkiatngam改进)。群体变异水平按表型多样性依次为人工毛条群体>锡盟群体>滩地群体>硬梁群体>软梁群体>丘下群体>丘上群体。按遗传多样性依次为人工毛条群体>软梁群体>锡盟群体>滩地群体和硬梁群体>丘上群体>丘下群体。群体间基因流水平Nm>/，遗传距离D<0．1。 还试验对玉兰、合欢、紫藤、绿豆几种植物种子蛋白变异的遗传分析。最后对同工酶，种子蛋白遗传分析和群体遗传结构进行了讨论并提出今后工作的一些建议。

区域水土流失研究中降雨量空间插值方法选取

在区域水土流失模型研究中,空间插值可提供每个计算栅格的气象要素资料。考虑到研究区域降雨与高程相关性很弱,不宜采用梯度距离反比法(GIDS),故采用距离反比法(IDW)和普通克里格法(Kriging),对延安示范区及其周围共50个站点2000—2003年的5—10月逐月降雨量进行插值。交叉验证结果表明:对2种插值方法,二者经过对数变换后平均相对误差(MRE)为8.30%和7.67%,分别比原始数据插值后的MRE下降了23.17%和23.50%,说明插值精度得到了提升,对研究区域某一年逐月降水的插值Kriging方法比IDW方法更加精确。

Ti-Al系金属间化合物的价电子结构及其合金化行为

由固体和分子经验电子理论(EET)分析了Ti-Al系金属间化合物合金化前后的价电子结构,再计算了该系合金各相的均匀变形因子α和解理能Gc 值,据此分析了合金化对该系金属间化合物脆性的影响。结果表明,常量合金化元素Nb使Ti3Al基合金的α2相无序化,增加了韧的第二相,减弱了Ti-Ti共价键,综合导致α和Gc 值增大,使Ti3Al的脆性有本质改善;微量合金化元素Mn减弱了TiAl基合金的Al-Al共价键,并诱发孪生,使α和Gc 有所提高,在一定程度上降低了TiAl的脆性;TiAl3极低的α和Gc导致恶劣的本征脆性,Mn也难以改变其脆性本质

Ti-Al合金环境脆性机制的电子理论

根据固体与分子经验电子理论(EET)分析计算Ti-Al系金属间化合物及氢和氧影响下各相的价电子结构与解理能Gc，据此分析Ti-Al系金属间化合物的环境脆性(EE)．结果表明，Ti3Al的氢脆是由于高氢含量下易生成性相引起的；TiAl的氢脆是由于固溶氢减弱含氢TiAl晶胞主干键并降低解理能引起的．而Ti3Al固溶氧使其键结构呈更严重的各向异性，导致Ti3Al脆性加剧；在氧含量较高时，氧化物TiO2形成将导致更加恶劣的脆性，而形成最强键ｎA和热稳定性较高的Al2O3将会有好的抗氧化性．同时也解释一些尚有争议的实验结果，并提出一些解决环境脆性的韧化途径.

Obtaining data to validate a model of an induction skull melting furnace

A casting route is often the most cost-effective means of producing engineering components. However, certain materials, particularly those based on Ti, TiAl and Zr alloy systems, are very reactive in the molten condition and must be melted in special furnaces. Induction Skull Melting (ISM) is the most widely-used process for melting these alloys prior to casting components such as turbine blades, engine valves, turbocharger rotors and medical prostheses. A major research project is underway with the specific target of developing robust techniques for casting TiAl components. The aims include increasing the superheat in the molten metal to allow thin section components to be cast, improving the quality of the cast components and increasing the energy efficiency of the process. As part of this, the University of Greenwich (UK) is developing a computer model of the ISM process in close collaboration with the University of Birmingham (UK) where extensive melting trials are being undertaken. This paper describes the experimental measurements to obtain data to feed into and to validate the model. These include measurements of the true RMS current applied to the induction coil, the heat transfer from the molten metal to the crucible cooling water, and the shape of the column of semi-levitated molten metal. Data are presented for Al, Ni and TiAl.

Experimental and numerical study of the cold crucible melting process

The cold crucible, or induction skull melting process as is otherwise known, has the potential to produce high purity melts of a range of difficult to melt materials, including Ti–Al and Ti6Al4V alloys for Aerospace, Ti–Ta and other biocompatible materials for surgical implants, silicon for photovoltaic and electronic applications, etc. A water cooled AC coil surrounds the crucible causing induction currents to melt the alloy and partially suspend it against gravity away from water-cooled surfaces. Strong stirring takes place in the melt due to the induced electromagnetic Lorentz forces and very high temperatures are attainable under the right conditions (i.e., provided contact with water cooled walls is minimised). In a joint numerical and experimental research programme, various aspects of the design and operation of this process are investigated to increase our understanding of the physical mechanisms involved and to maximise process efficiency. A combination of FV and Spectral CFD techniques are used at Greenwich to tackle this problem numerically, with the experimental work taking place at Birmingham University. Results of this study, presented here, highlight the influence of turbulence and free surface behaviour on attained superheat and also discuss coil design variations and dual frequency options that may lead to winning crucible designs.

Maximising heat transfer efficiency in the cold crucible induction melting process

Induction heating is an efficient method used to melt electrically conductive materials, particularly if melting takes place in a ceramic crucible. This form of melting is particularly good for alloys, as electromagnetic forces set up by the induction coil lead to vigorous stirring of the melt ensuring homogeneity and uniformity in temperature. However, for certain reactive alloys, or where high purity is required, ceramic crucibles cannot be used, but a water-cooled segmented copper crucible is employed instead. Water cooling prevents meltdown or distortion of the metal wall, but much of the energy goes into the coolant. To reduce this loss, the electromagnetic force generated by the coil is used to push the melt away from the walls and so minimise contact with water-cooled surfaces. Even then, heat is lost through the crucible base where contact is inevitable. In a collaborative programme between Greenwich and Birmingham Universities, computer modelling has been used in conjunction with experiments to improve the superheat attainable in the melt for a,number of alloys, especially for y-TiAl intermetallics to cast aeroengine turbine blades. The model solves the discretised form of the turbulent Navier-Stokes, thermal energy conservation and Maxwell equations using a Spectral Collocation technique. The time-varying melt envelope is followed explicitly during the computation using an adaptive mesh. This paper briefly describes the mathematical model used to represent the interaction between the magnetic field, fluid flow, heat transfer and change of phase in the crucible and identifies the proportions of energy used in the melt, lost in the crucible base and in the crucible walls. The role of turbulence is highlighted as important in controlling heat losses and turbulence damping is introduced as a means of improving superheat. Model validation is against experimental results and shows good agreement with measured temperatures and energy losses in the cooling fluid throughout the melting cycle.

Experimental and numerical study of the cold crucible melting process

The cold crucible, or induction skull melting process as is otherwise known, has the potential to produce high purity melts of a range of difficult to melt materials, including Ti–Al and Ti6Al4V alloys for Aerospace, Ti–Ta and other biocompatible materials for surgical implants, silicon for photovoltaic and electronic applications, etc. A water cooled AC coil surrounds the crucible causing induction currents to melt the alloy and partially suspend it against gravity away from water-cooled surfaces. Strong stirring takes place in the melt due to the induced electromagnetic Lorentz forces and very high temperatures are attainable under the right conditions (i.e., provided contact with water cooled walls is minimised). In a joint numerical and experimental research programme, various aspects of the design and operation of this process are investigated to increase our understanding of the physical mechanisms involved and to maximise process efficiency. A combination of FV and Spectral CFD techniques are used at Greenwich to tackle this problem numerically, with the experimental work taking place at Birmingham University. Results of this study, presented here, highlight the influence of turbulence and free surface behaviour on attained superheat and also discuss coil design variations and dual frequency options that may lead to winning crucible designs.

Cold crucible melting of reactive metals using combined DC and AC magnetic fields

Cold crucible furnace is widely used for melting reactive metals for high quality castings. Although the water cooled copper crucible avoids contamination, it produces a low superheat of the melt. Experimental and theoretical investigations of the process showed that the increase of the supplied power to the furnace leads to a saturation in the temperature rise of the melt, and no significant increase of the melt superheat can be obtained. The computer model of theprocess has been developed to simulate the time dependent turbulent flow, heat transfer with phase change, and AC and DC magnetohydrodynamics in a time varying liquid metal envelope. The model predicts that the supermimposition of a strong DC field on top of the normal AC field reduces the level of turbulience and stirring in the liquid metal, thereby reducing the heat loss through the base of the crucible and increasing the superheat. The direct measurements of the temperature in the commercial size cold crucbile has confirmed the computer redictions and showed that the addition of a DC field increased the superheat in molten TiAl from ~45C (AC field only) to ~81C (DC+AC fields). The present paper reports further predictions of the effect of a dDC field on top of the AC field and compares these with experimental data.

The tilt casting of titanium aluminides

TiAl castings are prone to various defects including bubbles entrained during the turbulent filling of moulds. The present research has exploited the principles of the Durville tilt casting technique to develop a novel process in which the Induction Skull Melting (ISM) of TiAl alloys in a vacuum chamber has been combined with controlled tilt pouring to achieve the tranquil transfer of the metal into a hot ceramic shell mould. Practical casting equipment has been developed to evaluate the feasibility of this process in parallel with the development of novel software to simulate and optimize it. The PHYSICA CFD code was used to simulate the filling, heat transfer and solidification during tilt pouring using a number of free surface modelling techniques, including the novel Counter Diffusion Method (CDM). In view of the limited superheat, particular attention was paid to the mould design to minimize heat loss and gas entrainment caused by interaction between the counter-flowing metal and gas streams. The model has been validated against real-time X-ray movies of the tilt casting of aluminium and against TiAl blade castings. Modelling has contributed to designing a mould to promote progressive filling of the casting and has led to the use of a parabolic tilting cycle to balance the competing requirements for rapid filling to minimize the loss of superheat and slow filling minimize the turbulence-induced defects.

Modelling the tilt-casting process for the tranquil filling of titanium alloy turbine blades

The tilt-casting method is used to achieve tranquil filling of gamma-TiAl turbine blades. The reactive alloy is melted in a cold crucible using an induction coil and then the complete crucible-mould- running system assembly is rotated through 180degrees to transfer the metal into the mould. The induction current is ramped down gradually as the rotation starts and the mould is preheated to maintain superheat. The liquid metal then enters the mould and the gas within it (argon) escapes through the inlet aperture and through auxiliary vents. Solidification starts as soon the metal enters the mould and it is important to account for this effect to predict and prevent misruns. The rotation rate has to be controlled carefully to allow sufficient time for gas evacuation, but at the same time preserve superheat. This 3-phase system is modelled using the FV method, with a fast implicit numerical scheme used to capture the transient liquid free surface. The enthalpy method is used to model solidification and predict defects such as trapped bubbles, macro-porosity or surface connected porosity. Modeling is used to support an experimental program for the development of a production method for gamma-TiAl blades, with a target length of 40cm. The experiments provide validation for the model and the model in turn optimizes the tilt-casting process. The work is part of the EU project IMPRESS.

A Phase-field Model for Computer Simulation of Lamellar Structure Formation in y-TiAI

In the present paper, a phase-field model is developed to simulate the formation and evolution of lamellar microstructure in γ-TiAl alloys. The mechanism of formation of TiAl lamellae proposed by Denquin and Naka is incorporated into the model. The model describes the formation and evolution of the face-centered cubic (fcc) stacking lamellar zone followed by the subsequent appearance and growth of the γ-phase, involving both the chemical composition change by atom transfer and the ordering of the fcc lattice. The thermodynamics of the model system and the interaction between the displacive and diffusional transformations are described by a non-equilibrium free energy formulated as a function of concentration and structural order parameter fields. The long-range elastic interactions, arising from the lattice misfit between the α, fcc (A1) and the various orientation variants of the γ-phase are taken into account by incorporating of the elastic strain energy into the total free energy. Simulation studies based on the model successfully predicted some essential features of the lamellar structure. It is found that the formation and evolution of the lamellar structure are predominantly controlled by the minimization of the elastic energy of the interfaces between the different fcc stacking groups, low-symmetry product phase γ and the high-symmetry α-phase, as well as between the various orientation variants of the product phase.

Fabrication of Ti-Al coatings by mechanical alloying method

By means of the mechanical alloying (MA) method, Al and Ti + Al coatings were deposited on Ti alloy substrates. During the mechano-activation processing, the substrate surface was impacted by a large number of flying balls along with particles of powder. The repeated ball collisions with the substrate resulted in the deposition of powder on its surface. MA technique produced Ti + Al coating with a thickness of 200 µm and Al one with a thickness of 50 µm after 2 h milling at room temperature. The as-synthesized coatings showed structures with high apparent density and free of porosity. The surface morphology of the MA-coatings was very rough. Annealing treatment led to the leveling of this uneven morphology. Annealing at temperatures ranging between 600 °C and 1100 °C gave different aluminide phases on the samples. In the case of Al coating, Al3Ti and Ti3Al compound were observed upon heating up to 1100 °C. In the case of Ti + Al coating, Al3Ti, Al2Ti, TiAl and Ti3Al were formed on the surface.