Microstructure and forming mechanism of metals subjected to ultrasonic vibration plastic forming: A mini review

Compared with traditional plastic forming,ultrasonic vibration plastic forming has the advantages of reducing the forming force and improving the surface quality of the workpiece.This technology has a very broad application prospect in industrial manufactur-ing.Researchers have conducted extensive research on the ultrasonic vibration plastic forming of metals and laid a deep foundation for the development of this field.In this review,metals were classified according to their crystal structures.The effects of ultrasonic vibration on the microstructure of face-centered cubic,body-centered cubic,and hexagonal close-packed metals during plastic forming and the mech-anism underlying ultrasonic vibration forming were reviewed.The main challenges and future research direction of the ultrasonic vibra-tion plastic forming of metals were also discussed.

Effect of Plastic Deformation on Microstructure and Properties of Cu-(1 wt%-6 wt%) Ag Alloy

In the present study,the Cu-(1 wt%-6 wt%)Ag alloys were prepared by melting,forging and wire drawing.The effects of plastic deformation on microstructure evolution and properties of the alloys were investigated.The results show that non-equilibrium eutectic colonies exist in the Cu-(3 wt%-6 wt%)Ag alloy and no eutectic colonies in the 1 wt%-2 wt%Ag containing alloys.These eutectic colonies are aligned along the drawing direction and refined with the increase of draw ratio.Attributed to the refinement of eutectic colonies,the Cu-Ag alloy exhibits higher strength with the increase of draw ratio.The Cu-6Ag alloy exhibits excellent comprehensive properties with a strength of 930 MPa and a conductivity of 82%IACS when the draw ratio reaches 5.7.

Achieving the synergistic of strength and ductility in Mg-15Gd-1Zn-0.4Zr alloy with hierarchical structure

Currently,the hierarchical structure is one of the most effective means to enhance the strength and plasticity of metal materials,since the strain localization can be effectively delayed by the coordination of the unique microstructure.In this study,a hierarchical structure of Mg-15Gd-1Zn-0.4Zr(GZ151K)alloys containing grain,twin,and precipitation structural units was prepared by ultrasonic surface rolling process(USRP)and recrystallization annealing(RU).The results showed that the stress gradient generated by USRP formed a twin gradient structure,which will activate the twin-assisted precipitation(TAP)effect and twin-induced recrystallization(TIR)effect during RU.Then,the twin gradient structure transformed into a twin-precipitation gradient structure,and finally into a hierarchical structure with grain-twinprecipitation as the increasement of recrystallization degree.Besides,the dual gradient structure with twin and precipitation structural units had the highest strength and microhardness owing to the precipitation strengthening.However,the hierarchical structure with grain,twin,and precipitation structural units exhibited the most excellent combination of strength and plasticity under grain refinement and precipitation strengthening.

Effects of ZnO,FeO and Fe_(2)O_(3)on the spinel formation,microstructure and physicochemical properties of augite-based glass ceramics

Augite-based glass ceramics were synthesised using ZnO,FeO,and Fe_(2)O_(3)as additives,and the spinel formation,matrix structure,crystallisation thermodynamics,and physicochemical properties were investigated.The results showed that oxides resulted in numerous preliminary spinels in the glass matrix.FeO,ZnO,and Fe_(2)O_(3)influenced the formation of spinel,while FeO simplified the glass network.FeO and ZnO promoted bulk crystallisation of the parent glass.After adding oxides,the grains of augite phase were refined,and the relative quantities of augite crystal planes were also influenced.All samples displayed good mechanical properties and chemical stability.The 2wt%ZnO-doping sample displayed the maximum flexural strength(170.3 MPa).Chromium leaching amount values of all the samples were less than the national standard(1.5 mg/L),confirming the safety of the materials.In conclusion,an appropriate amount of zinc-containing raw material is beneficial for the preparation of augite-based glass ceramics.

Effect of Co on Microstructure Transformation and Refinement Mechanism of Undercooled Cu-Ni Alloy

Both Cu60Ni38Co2 and Cu60Ni40 alloy were naturally cooled after rapid solidification from the liquid phase.The transformation law of the microstructure characteristics of the rapidly solidified alloy with the change of undercooling(DT)was systematically studied.It was found that the two alloys experienced the same transformation process.The refinement structures under different undercoolings were characterized by electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD).The experimental results show that the characteristics of the refinement structure of the two alloys with low undercooling are the same,whereas,the characteristics of the refinement structure with high undercooling are opposite.The transmission electron microscope(TEM)results of Cu60Ni38Co2 alloy show that the dislocation network density of low undercooled microstructure is lower than that of high undercooled microstructure.By combining EBSD and TEM,it can be confirmed that the dendrite remelting fracture is the reason for the refinement of the low undercooled structure,while the high undercooled structure is refined due to recrystallization.

Effect of Cu addition on the microstructure and tribological performance of Ni60 directional structure coating

The Ni60/15wt% Cu directional structure coating was prepared by the composite technology of flame spraying, induction remelting,and forced cooling, and the effect of Cu on the microstructure, phase, hardness, and wear performance of Ni60 coatings was investigated. Results showed that Cu addition makes the microstructure of Ni60 directional structure coating more compact, and Cu is mainly enriched within the crystal grain, resulting in the formation of Cu_(3.8)Ni as the bonding phase. Compared with Ni60 directional structure coating, Ni60/Cu directional structure coating has a lower hardness, lower friction coefficient, and lower wear rate, which indicate that Cu can effectively enhance the antifriction performance of Ni60 directional structure coating.

Microstructure Transformation and Refinement Mechanism of Undercooled Cu-Ni-Co Alloy Based on Simulation of Critical Cutting Speed in Ultrasonic Machining

Both Cu60Ni38Co2 and Cu60Ni40 alloy were naturally cooled after rapid solidification from the liquid phase.The transformation law of the microstructure characteristics of the rapidly solidified alloy with the change of undercooling(ΔT)was systematically studied.It is found that the two alloys experience the same transformation process.The refinement structures under different undercoolings were characterized by electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD).The results show that the characteristics of the refinement structure of the two alloys with low undercooling are the same,but the characteristics of the refinement structure with high undercooling are opposite.The transmission electron microscopy(TEM)results of Cu60Ni38Co2 alloy show that the dislocation network density of low undercooled microstructure is lower than that of high undercooled microstructure.By combining EBSD and TEM,it could be confirmed that the dendrite remelting fracture is the reason for the refinement of the low undercooled structure,while the high undercooled structure is refined due to recrystallization.On this basis,in the processing of copper base alloys,there will be serious work hardening phenomenon and machining hard problem of consciousness problems caused by excessive cutting force.A twodimensional orthogonal turning finite element model was established using ABAQUS software to analyze the changes in cutting speed and tool trajectory in copper based alloy ultrasonic elliptical vibration turning.The results show that in copper based alloy ultrasonic elliptical vibration turning,cutting process parameters have a significant impact on cutting force.Choosing reasonable process parameters can effectively reduce cutting force and improve machining quality.

Microstructure of TA2/TA15 graded structural material by laser additive manufacturing process

TA2/TA15 graded structural material（GSM） was fabricated by the laser additive manufacturing（LAM） process. The chemical composition, microstructure and micro-hardness of the as-deposited GSM were investigated. The results show that the TA2 part of exhibiting near-equiaxed grains was Widmanst？tten α-laths microstructure. The TA15 part containing large columnar grains was fine basket-weave microstructure. The graded zone was divided into four deposited layers with 3000 μm in thickness. As the distance from the TA2 part increases, the alloy element contents and the β phase volume fraction increase, the α phase volume fraction decreases and the microstructure shows the evolution from Widmanst？tten α-laths to basket-weave α-laths gradually. The micro-hardness increases from the TA2 part to the TA15 part due to the solid solution strengthening and grain boundary strengthening.

Microstructure of 18R-type long period ordered structure phase in Mg_(97)Y_2Zn_1 alloy

The microstructure of the 18R-type long period stacking ordered （LPSO） phase in Mg 97 Y 2 Zn 1 alloy was investigated by the first principles calculation. The arrangement rule of Zn and Y atoms in the LPSO structure is determined theoretically. The calculation results reveal that the additive atoms are firstly located in the fault layers at the two ends of the 18R-type LPSO structure, and then extend to fault layers in the interior, which is in good agreement with the experimental observations. This feature also implies the microstructural relationship between 18R and other LPSO structures. The cohesive energy and the formation heat indicate the dependence of the stability of 18R LPSO structure on contents of Y and Zn atoms. The calculated electronic structures reveal the underlying mechanism of microstructure and the stability of 18R LPSO structure.

Microstructure and tribological behavior of Mg-Gd-Zn-Zr alloy with LPSO structure

A Mg-14.28Gd-2.44Zn-0.54Zr （mass fraction, %） alloy was prepared by conventional ingot metallurgy （I/M）. The microstructure differences in as-cast and solution-treated alloys were investigated. Sliding tribological behaviors of the as-cast and solution-treated alloys were investigated under oil lubricant condition by pin-on-disc configuration. The wear loss and friction coefficients were measured at a load of 40 N and sliding speeds of 30-300 mm/s with a sliding distance of 5000 m at room temperature. The results show that the as-cast alloy is mainly composed ofα-Mg solid solution, the lamellar 14H-type long period stacking ordered （LPSO） structure within matrix, andβ-[（Mg,Zn）3Gd] phase. However, most of theβ-phase transforms to X-phase with 14H-type LPSO structure after solution heat treatment at 773 K for 35 h （T4）. The solution-treated alloy presents low wear-resistance, because the hard β-phase is converted into thermally-stable, ductile and soft X-Mg12GdZn phase with LPSO structure in the alloy.

EFFECTS OF BRAZING ATMOSPHERES ON INTERFACIAL MICROSTRUCTURE BETWEEN DIAMOND GRITS AND BRAZING ALLOY

The samples of brazed diamond grits with NiCr brazing alloy are prepared in vacuum and argon gas. The microstructures are analyzed with scanning electron microscope （SEM）, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy （EDS） and X-ray diffraction（XRD）. The effects of brazing atmospheres on the as-brazed NiCr brazing alloy composite structures and interracial microstructure are studied between diamond grits and brazing alloy. Results show that： （1） There are different composite structures of as-brazed NiCr brazing alloy under different oxygen partial pressures in vacuum and argon gas. B203 exists on the surface of the brazed samples under argon gas furnace brazing. It indicates that oxygen plays an important role in the resultants of as-brazed NiCr brazing alloy during the brazing process. （2） There are different interfacial microstructures in different brazing atmospheres, but the main reaction product is chromium carbides. The chromium carbides in argon gas furnace brazing grow in a disordered form, but those in vacuum furnace brazing grow radiated. And the scale of grains in argon gas is smaller than those in vacuum.

Characterization of hot deformation microstructures of alpha-beta titanium alloy with equiaxed structure

Hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of TC11（Ti-6.5Al-3.5Mo-1.5Zr-0.3Si） alloy with equiaxed structure were investigated in the two-phase field at temperatures in the range of 980-800 ℃ and at strain rates of 0.001 s-1,0.01 s-1,0.1 s-1.Effects of thermo-mechanical parameters on both of the stress—strain curves and microstructure evolution were analyzed.Grain boundary characteristics of deformation microstructures were tested by electron backscattered diffraction（EBSD）.The results reveal that β-phase dominates the deformation and presents discontinuous dynamic recrystallization at 980 ℃;meanwhile,α-phase coarsens at lower strain rates and dissolves at higher strain rates,and α-phase volume fraction and grain size decrease with increasing strain rate.Super-plastic deformation occurs at 950-900 ℃ and strain rate of 0.001 s-1.And the deformation is dominated by soft β-phase,phase interfaces and grain boundaries.Microstructural mechanism operated at 850 ℃ is continuous dynamic recrystallization of α-phase that dominates the deformation,and β-phase deforms to match the deformation of α-phase.

Microstructure stability of Ti_2Al N/Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb composite at 900 °C

Microstructure stability of in situ synthesized Ti2AlN/Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb composite during aging at 900 ℃ was investigated by XRD, OM and TEM, and the unreinforced Ti-48Al-2Cr-2Nb alloy was also examined for comparison. The result showed that in the TiAl alloy,α2 lamellae thinned and were broken down, and became discontinuous with increasing aging time. The decomposition ofα2 lamella toγ which was characterized by parallel decomposition and breakdown ofα2 lamellae led to the degradation of the lamellar structure. While in the composite, lamellar structure remained relatively stable even after aging at 900 ℃ for 100 h. No breakdown ofα2 lamellae except parallel decomposition and precipitation of fine nitride particles was observed. The better microstructural stability of the composite was mainly attributed to the precipitation of Ti2AlN particles at theα2/γ interface which played an important role in retarding the coarsening of lamellar microstructure in the matrix of composite.

Microstructure and phase composition of as-cast Mg-9Er-6Y-xZn-0.6Zr alloys

The microstructure and phase composition of as-cast Mg-9Er-6Y-xZn-0.6Zr （x=1, 2, 3, 4; normal mass fraction in %） alloys were investigated. In low Zn content, aside from the major second phase of Mg24（Er, Y, Zn）5, there are a few lamellar phases that grow parallel with each other from the grain boundaries to the grain interior. With Zn content increasing, the Mg24（Er, Y, Zn）5 phase decreases, but the Mg12Zn（Y, Er） phase and lamellar phases continuously increase. When Zn content reaches 4% （normal mass fraction）, the Mg12Zn（Y, Er） phase mainly exists as large bulks, and some a-Mg grains are thoroughly penetrated by the lamellar phases. Moreover, the crystallography structures of the Mgl2Zn（Y, Er） and Mg24（Er, Y, Zn）5 phases are confirmed as 18R-type long-period stacking ordered structure and body-centred cubic structure, respectively.

Mechanism of Effects of Rare Earths on Microstructure and Properties at Elevated Temperatures of AZ91 Magnesium Alloy

By using real-space recursion method,the energetics of the undoped and Al and/or RE atoms doped 7（1450）〈0001〉 symmetric tilt grain boundaries（GBs）in AZ91 alloys were investigated.Similar calculations were performed on undoped and doped bulk α Mg for comparison.The results showed that Al atoms segregated at GBs in AZ91 alloys.When RE atoms were added,they also segregated at GBs,and their segregation is stronger than Al atoms＇.Therefore,RE atoms retard the segregation of Al atoms.Calculations of interaction energy indicated that Al atoms repelled each other,and could form ordered phase with host Mg atoms.On the contrary to the case of Al,RE atoms attracted each other,they could not form ordered phase with Mg,but could form clusters.Between RE and Al,there existed attractive interaction,and this attractive interaction was the origin of Al11RE3 precipitation.Precipitation of Al11RE3 particles with high melting point and high thermal stability along GB improves high temperature properties of AZ91 alloys.

Effects of annealing treatment on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of low-Co hydrogen storage alloys containing Cu and Fe

The effects of annealing treatment on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of low-Co LaNi 3.55 Mn 0.35 Co 0.20 Al 0.20 Cu 0.75 Fe 0.10 hydrogen storage alloys were investigated. X-ray diffraction （XRD） analysis indicated that annealing treatment remarkably reduced the lattice strain and defects, and increased the unit-cell volume. The optical microscope analysis showed that the as-cast alloy had a crass dendrite microstructure with noticeable composition segregation, which gradually disappeared with increasing annealing temperature, and the micro-structure changed to an equiaxed structure after annealing the alloy at 1233 K. The electrochemical tests indicated that the annealed alloys demonstrated much better cycling stability compared with the as-cast one. The capacity retention at the 100th cycle increased from 90.0% （as-cast） to 94.7% （1273 K）. The annealing treatment also improved the discharge capacity. However, the high rate dischargeability （HRD） value of the annealed alloy slightly dropped, which was believed to be ascribed to the decreased exchange current density and the hydrogen diffusion coefficient in alloy bulk.

Experimental study on the microstructure and nanomechanicai properties of the wing membrane of dragonfly

Detailed investigations on the microstructure and the mechanical properties of the wing membrane of the dragonfly are carried out. It is found that in the direction of the thickness the membrane was divided into three layers rather than a single entity as traditionally considered, and on the surfaces the membrane displays a random distribution rough microstructure that is composed of numerous nanometer scale columns coated by the cuticle wax secreted. The characteristics of the surface structure are measured and described. The mechanical properties of the membranes taken separately from the wings of live and dead dragonflies are investigated by the nanoindentation technique. The Young＇s moduli obtained here are approximately two times greater than the previous result, and the reasons that yield the difference are discussed.

Effect of gallium addition on microstructure and properties of Ag-Cu-Zn-Sn alloys＊

The effects of Ga on microstructures and mechanical properties of the cadmium-free silver based brazing filler metals have been investigated. The results indicated that C,a additions had the noticeable effect on the microstructure, especially on the shape of the phases. With the increase of Ga addition, the amount of eutectic structure increased, and the acicular eutectic structure changed into the fine eutectic structure with micro-vermiform and rod-like shape. When the addition of Ga was 3.0 wt. %, none of defects exist in the microstructure of the brazed joint. The tensile strength increased from 382 MPa to 511 MPa with the content of Ga increasing from 0 to 3.0 wt. %.

Microstructure of Steel Fiber Reinforced Polymer-cement-based Composites

Mercury intrusion porosimetry was used to measure the pore structure of steel fiber reinforced polymer-cement-based composite. The results indicate that the large pore volume decreases by 57. 8% - 51.2% and by 87. 1% - 88% with the addition of steel fibers and polymers respectively. When both steel fibers and polymers are simultaneously added, the large pore volume decreases by 88.3% - 90.1% . As a surface active material , polymer has a favorable water-reduced and forming-film effect, which is contributed to the decrease of the thickness of water film and the improvement of the conglutination between the fibers and the matrix. Polymers could form a microstructure network. This network structure and the bone structure of cement hydration products penetrate each other and thus the interpenetrating network with sticky aggregate and steel fiber inside forms.

Unique microstructure and excellent mechanical properties of ADI

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 of extremely 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 austenite between the individual ferrite platelets 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.