Evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of A356 aluminium alloy processed by hot spinning process

The evolution of microstructure and mechanical properties of A356 aluminum alloy subjected to hot spinning process has been investigated. The results indicated that the deformation process homogenized microstructure and improved mechanical properties of the A356 aluminum alloy. During the hot spinning process, eutectic Si particles and Fe-rich phases were fragmented, and porosities were eliminated. In addition, recrystallization of Al matrix and precipitation of Al Si Ti phases occurred. The mechanical property testing results indicated that there was a significant increase of ductility and a decrease of average microhardness in deformed alloy over die-cast alloy. This is attributed to uniform distribution of finer spherical eutectic Si particles, the elimination of casting defects and to the recrystallized finer grain structure.

Processing TiAl-Based Alloy by Elemental Powder Metallurgy

TiAI-based alloys with various compositions (including Ti-48Al, Ti-47Al-2Cr-2Nb, Ti-47Al-2Cr-2Nb-0.2B and Ti-47Al-3Cr, in mole fraction) had been prepared by elemental powder metallurgy (EPM). The results have shown that the density of the prepared Ti-48AI alloy increases with increasing hot pressing temperature up to 1300℃. The Ti-48AI alloy microstructure mainly consisted of island-like Ti3Al phase and TiAl matrix at hot pressing temperature below 1300℃, however, coarse α2/γ lamellar colonies and γ grains appeared at 1400℃. It has also indicated that the additions of elemental Cr and B can refine the alloy microstructure. The main microstructural inhomogeneity in EPM TiAI-based alloys was the island-like α2 phase or the aggregate of α2/γ lamellar colony, and such island-like structure will be inherited during subsequent heat treatment in (α＋γ) field. Only after heat treatment in a field would this structure be eliminated. The mechanical properties of EPM TiAl-based alloys with various compositions were tested, and the effect of alloy elements on the mechanical properties was closely related to that of alloy elements on the alloy microstructures. Based on the above results, TiAI-based alloy exhaust valves were fabricated by elemental powder metallurgy and diffusion joining. The automobile engine test had demonstrated that the performance of the manufactured valves was very promising for engine service.

Processing map and hot working mechanisms of Cu-Ag alloy in hot compression process

For Gu-Ag alloy, an important parameter called workability in the forming process of materials can be evaluated by processing maps yielded from the stress-strain data generated by hot compression tests at temperatures of 700-850 °C and strain rates of 0.01-10 s-1. And at the true strain of 0.15, 0.35 and 0.55, respectively, the responses of strain-rate sensitivity, power dissipation efficiency and instability parameter to temperature and strain rate were studied. Instability maps and power dissipation maps were superimposed to form processing maps, which reveal the determinate regions where individual metallurgical processes occur and the limiting conditions of flow instability regions. Furthermore, the optimal processing parameters for bulk metal working are identified clearly by the processing maps.

Characteristics and Microstructure of a Hypereutectic Al-Si Alloy Powder by Ultrasonic Gas Atomization Process

A hypereutectic Al-Si alloy powder was prepared by ultrasonic gas atomization process. The morphologies, microstructure and phase constituent of the alloy powder were studied. The results showed that powder of the alloy was very fine and its microstructure was mainly consisted of Si crystals plus intermetallic compound A19FeSi3, which were.very fine and uniformly distributed.

Effect of Pouring Process on the Microstructures of Semi-Solid AlSi_7Mg Alloy

The effect of different pouring temperatures and different pouring heights, the distance between the mouth of the pouring ladle and the top of the mold, on the microstructure of AlSi7Mg alloy have been researched in the paper. When the pouring temperature is close to the liquidus temperature, the primary alpha -Al in 'the billets of AlSi7Mg alloy solidified into spherical and nodular fine grains distributed homogeneously. The optimum pouring temperature for semi-solid AlSi7Mg billet with spherical or nodular primary alpha -Al is 615 degreesC. At the same pouring temperature, the higher the pouring ladle, the more easily the spherical and nodular primary alpha -Al obtained in the semi-solid AlSi7Mg billet. When the pouring temperature is close to the liquidus temperature and the pouring ladle is relatively high, it is the great cooling rate, the flow of the molten allay caused by pouring and the large simultaneous solidification region induced by the near liquidus temperature, that promote the formation of spherical or nodular primary cr-Al.

Effects of process parameters on morphology and distribution of externally solidified crystals in microstructure of magnesium alloy die castings

During the cold-chamber high pressure die casting(HPDC) process, samples were produced to investigate the microstructure characteristics of AM60B magnesium alloy. Special attention was paid to the effects of process parameters on the morphology and distribution of externally solidified crystals(ESCs) in the microstructure of magnesium alloy die castings, such as slow shot phase plunger velocity, delay time of pouring and fast shot phase plunger velocity. On the basis of metallographic observation and quantitative statistics, it is concluded that a lower slow shot phase plunger velocity and a longer delay time of pouring both lead to an increment of the size and percentage of the ESCs, due to the fact that a longer holding time of the melt in the shot sleeve will cause a more severe loss of the superheat. The impingement of the melt flow on the ESCs is more intensive with a higher fast shot phase plunger velocity, in such case the ESCs reveal a more granular and roundish morphology and are dispersed throughout the cross section of the castings. Based on analysis of the filling and solidification processes of the melt during the HPDC process, reasonable explanations were proposed in terms of the nucleation, growth, remelting and fragmentation of the ESCs to interpret the effects of process parameters on the morphology and distribution of the ESCs in the microstructure of magnesium alloy die castings.

Hot forging of Mg-4Al-2Ba-2Ca(ABa X422) alloy and validation of processing map

A cup-shaped component of Mg-4 Al-2 Ba-2 Ca（ABa X422） alloy was forged in the temperature range of 300-500 °C and at speeds in the range of 0.01-10 mm/s with a view to validate the processing map and study the microstructural development. The process was simulated through finite-element method to estimate the local and average strain rate ranges in the forging envelope. The processing map exhibited two domains in the following ranges：（1） 300-390 °C and 0.0003-0.001 s^-1, and（2） 400-500 °C and 0.0003-0.3 s^-1 and both represented dynamic recrystallization（DRX）. The map revealed a wide flow instability regime at higher strain rates and temperatures lower than 400 °C, in which flow localization occurred. Forgings produced under conditions of the above two domains were sound and symmetrical, and had finer grain sizes when being forged in the first domain. However, when being forged in the flow instability regimes, the alloy fractured before the final shape was reached. The experimental load-stroke curves for the conditions within the domains correlated well with the simulated ones, whereas the curves obtained in the instability regime were uneven.

Tsinghua University Tsinghua-TOYO Research and Development Center of Magnesium and Aluminum Alloys Processing Technology

Tsinghua-TOYO Research and Development Center of Magnesium and Aluminum Alloys Processing Technology was officially established between Tsinghua University and TOYO Machinery & Metal Co. on Feb. 26, 2002, which is a non-independent legal research organization located in Department of Mechanical Engineering of Tsinghua University. The center was equipped with one set of 650t automatic magnesium and aluminum alloys diecasting machine and necessary accessories including the melting furnaces for magnesium alloys and aluminum alloys, an accurate magnesium pump to transfer the magnesium alloys to the shot sleeve of the die casting machine, a die temperature controller, and data logging systems for cavity pressure and die temperature distributions, etc. The center is aimed to the research and development of magnesium and aluminum die casting process and their related technologies, and the main research contents include:

Microstructure of Pd_(77.5)Au_6Si_(16.5) Alloy Droplet Solidified in a Drop Tube Process

The microstructure development of Pd77.5Au6Si16.5 alloy droplet solidified in a drop tube process was studied. It was found that two distinct microstructures, i.e. (Pd,Au)3Si primary phase and Pd+(Pd,Au)3Si eutectic can be obtained when the droplet diameter is within the range between 2.3~0.4 mm. The morpologies of the (Pd,Au)3Si developed from dendrite trunk-like with single branching only into dendrite cluster-like with ternary branching with the decrease of the droplet diameter. When the droplet diameter is about 0.25 mm, the primary phase (Pd,Au)3Si almost disappears and the microstructure mainly shows Pd+(Pd,Au)3Si eutectic. The morphology of the eutectic transforms from fiber-like to plate-like with the decrease of the droplet diameter in the range between 2.3-0.25 mm. When the droplet diameter is about 0.19 mm, the microstructure is only the single phase of Pd solid solution

A Preparing Process of Quick-moving Leaf for TiNi Alloy

This paper reports a preparing process of quick moving leaf for TiNi shape memory alloy. Using the process. a series of quick moving leaves having different points of temperature. from 58 to 100℃. at which they jump up have been made. The quick moving leaves will be fully qualified as the electric switches that open and close themselves at proper temperatures.

Developing Mg–Zn surface alloy by friction surface allosying: In vitro degradation studies in simulated body fluids

A new variant of friction-assisted process named friction surface alloying(FSA)for developing surface alloys was demonstrated in the present work.In FSA,the dispersed phase is melted and allowed to react with the matrix material to form an alloy at the surface of a metallic substrate.In the present work,magnesium(Mg)sheets and zinc(Zn)powder were selected,and fine grained(~3.5μm)Mg–Zn surface alloy with improved hardness was produced by FSA.X-ray diffraction studies confirmed the formation of intermetallic phases of Mg and Zn at the surface.From the in vitro degradation studies carried out by immersing in simulated body fluids,a lower corrosion rate was observed for the Mg–Zn surface alloy compared with pure Mg.The surface morphologies after immersion studies indicated large degraded areas on the base Mg compared with Mg–Zn.The results demonstrate the potential of FSA in developing Mg-based surface alloys without melting the substrate to impart better surface properties.

Flow stress behavior of high-purity Al-Cu-Mg alloy and microstructure evolution

The flow stress behavior of high-purity Al-Cu-Mg alloy under hot deformation conditions was studied by Gleeble-1500,with the deformation temperature range from 300 to 500 °C and the strain rate range from 0.01 to 10 s-1. From the true stress-true strain curve, the flow stress increases with the increasing of strain and tends to be constant after a peak value, showing dynamic recover, and the peak value of flow stress increases with the decreasing of deformation temperature and the increasing of strain rate.When the strain rate is 10 s-1 and the deformation temperature is higher than 400 °C, the flow stress shows dynamic recrystallization characteristic. TEM micrographs were used to reveal the evolution of microstructures. According to the processing map at true strain of 0.7, the feasible deformation conditions are high strain rate(>0.5 s-1) or 440-500 °C and 0.01-0.02 s-1.

氨碱法生产中的防腐措施探讨

文中阐述了氨碱法纯碱生产中主要腐蚀和防腐蚀情况;通过研究认为,最有前途的防腐方法是使用表面合金化材料,与传统防腐措施相比,它的使用寿命可延长3倍左右.

Thermal decomposition kinetics of titanium hydride and Al alloy melt foaming process

A temperature programmed decomposition (TPD) apparatus with metal tube structure, in which Ar is used as the carrier gas, is established and the TPD spectrum of titanium hydride is acquired. Using consulting table method (CTM), spectrum superposition method (SSM) and differential spectrum technique, TPD spectrum of titanium hydride is separated and a set of thermal decomposition kinetics equations are acquired. According to these equations, the relationship between decomposition quantity and time for titanium hydride at the temperature of 940 K is obtained and the result well coincides with the AI alloy melt foaming process.

Effect of Different Aging Processes on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Novel Al–Cu–Li Alloy

The effects of different aging processes on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a novel Al-Cu-Li alloy have been investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. It is found that the tensile properties of a novel Al-Cu-Li alloy are sensitive to aging processes, which correspond to different microstructures. σ（Al_5Cu_6Mg_2） and T_1（Al_2CuLi） phases are the major precipitates for the alloy in T6 aging condition（165 ℃/60 h）. After duplex aging condition（150 ℃/24 h ＋ 180 ℃/12 h）, σ, θ＇（Al_2Cu） and T_1 phases are detected. Only the T_1 phases can be found in the T8 state alloy（6% pre-strain＋135 ℃/60 h）. The failure modes of alloy in T6 and duplex aging conditions are dimple-intergranular fracture, while typical quasi-cleavage fracture in T8 condition.

Grain Size Distribution and Interfacial Heat Transfer Coefficient during Solidification of Magnesium Alloys Using High Pressure Die Casting Process

The objective of this study is to predict grain size and heat transfer coefficient at the metal-die interface during high pressure die casting process and solidification of the magnesium alloy AM60. Multiple runs of the commercial casting simulation package, ProCASTTM, were used to model the mold filling and solidification events employing a range of interfacial heat transfer coefficient values. The simulation results were used to estimate the centerline cooling curve at various locations through the casting. The centerline cooling curves, together with the die temperature and the thermodynamic properties of the alloy, were then used as inputs to compute the solution to the Stefan problem of a moving phase boundary, thereby providing the through-thickness cooling curves at each chosen location of the casting, Finally, the local cooling rate was used to calculate the resulting grain size via previously established relationships. The effects of die temperature, filling time and heat transfer coefficient on the grain structure in skin region and core region were quantitatively characterized. It was observed that the grain size of skin region strongly depends on above three factors whereas the grain size of core region shows dependence on the interracial heat transfer coefficient and thickness of the samples. The grain size distribution from surface to center was estimated from the relationship between grain size and the predicted cooling rate. The prediction of grain size matches well with experimental results. A comparison of the predicted and experimentally determined grain size profiles enables the determination of the apparent interracial heat transfer coefficient for different locations.

Friction-stir welding and processing of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy:A review

In this work, the current understanding and development of fliction-stir welding and processing of Ti- 6Al-4V alloy are briefly reviewed. The critical issues of these processes are addressed, including welding tool materials and design, tool wea,, processing temperature, material flow, processing window and residual stresses. A particular emphasis is given to microstructural aspects and microstructure-properties relationship. Potential engineering applications are highlighted.

Effects of processing parameters on fatigue properties of LY2 Al alloy subjected to laser shock processing

We address the effects of processing parameters on residual stresses and fatigue properties of LY2 Al alloy by laser shock processing （LSP）. Results show that compressive residual stresses are generated near the surface of samples due to LSP. The maximum compressive residual stress at the surface by two LSP impacts on one side is higher than that by one LSP impact. The maximum value of tensile residual stress is found at the mid-plane of samples subjected to two-sided LSP. Compared with fatigue lives of samples treated by single-sided LSP, lives of those treated by two-sided LSP are lower. However, these are higher than untreated ones.

High temperature deformation behavior and processing map of hot isostatically pressed Ti-47.5Al-2Cr-2Nb-0.2W-0.2B alloy using gas atomization powders

The hot compressive deformation behavior of hot isostatically pressed Ti-47.5Al-2Cr-2Nb-0.2W-0.2B alloy using gas atomization powders was systematically investigated and the processing map was obtained in the temperature range of 1323-1473 Kand strain rate range of 0.001-0.5s^（-1）.The calculated activation energy in the above variational ranges of temperature and strain rate possesses a low activation energy value of approximately 365.6kJ/mol based on the constitutive relationship models developed with the Arrhenius-type constitutive model respectively considering the strain rate and deformation temperature.The hot working flow behavior during the deformation process was analyzed combined with the microstructural evolution.Meanwhile,the processing maps during the deformation process were established based on the dynamic material model and Prasad instability criterion under different deformation conditions.Finally,the optimal hot processing window of this alloy corresponding to the wide temperature range of 1353-1453 Kand the low strain rate of 0.001-0.1s^（-1） was obtained.

Influence of Process Parameters and Sr Addition on the Microstructure and Casting Defects of LPDC A356 Alloy for Engine Blocks

The effects of Sr addition and pressure increase on the microstructure and casting defects of a low-pressure die cast （LPDC） AISi7Mg0.3 alloy have been studied. Metallographic and image analysis techniques have been used to quantitatively examine the microstructural changes and the amount of porosity occurring at different Sr levels and pressure parameters. The results indicate that an increase in the filling pressure induces lower heat dissipation of the liquid close to the die/core surfaces, with the formation of slightly greater dendrite arms and coarser eutectic Si particles. On the other hand, the increase in the Sr level leads to finer microstructural scale and eutectic Si. The analysed variables, within the experimental conditions, do not affect the morphology of eutectic Si particles. Higher applied pressure and Sr content generate castings with lower amount of porosiW. However, as the filling pressure increases the flow of metal inside the die cavity is more turbulent, leading to the formation of oxide films and cold shots. In the analysed range of experimental conditions, the design of experiment methodology and the analysis of variance have been used to develop statistical models that accurately predict the average size of secondary dendrite arm spacing and the amount of porosity in the low-pressure die cast AISiTMg0.3 alloy.