Microstructural evolution and deformation mechanisms of superplastic aluminium alloys:A review

Aluminium alloy is one of the earliest and most widely used superplastic materials.The objective of this work is to review the scientific advances in superplastic Al alloys.Particularly,the emphasis is placed on the microstructural evolution and deformation mechanisms of Al alloys during superplastic deformation.The evolution of grain structure,texture,secondary phase,and cavities during superplastic flow in typical superplastic Al alloys is discussed in detail.The quantitative evaluation of different deformation mechanisms based on the focus ion beam(FIB)-assisted surface study provides new insights into the superplasticity of Al alloys.The main features,such as grain boundary sliding,intragranular dislocation slip,and diffusion creep can be observed intuitively and analyzed quantitatively.This study provides some reference for the research of superplastic deformation mechanism and the development of superplastic Al alloys.

Effect of cold rolling deformation on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of spray formed Al−Zn−Mg−Cu−Cr alloys

The impact of cold rolling deformation,which was introduced after solid solution and before aging treatment,on microstructure evolution and mechanical properties of the as-extruded spray formed Al−9.8Zn−2.3Mg−1.73Cu−0.13Cr(wt.%)alloy,was investigated.SEM,TEM,and EBSD were used to analyze the microstructures,and tensile tests were conducted to assess mechanical properties.The results indicate that the D1-T6 sample,subjected to 25%cold rolling deformation,exhibits finer grains(3.35μm)compared to the D0-T6 sample(grain size of 4.23μm)without cold rolling.Cold rolling refines the grains that grow in solution treatment.Due to the combined effects of finer and more dispersed precipitates,higher dislocation density and smaller grains,the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of the D1-T6 sample can reach 663 and 737 MPa,respectively.In comparison to the as-extruded and D0-T6 samples,the yield strength of the D1-T6 sample increases by 415 and 92 MPa,respectively.

O-O bond formation mechanisms during the oxygen evolution reaction over synthetic molecular catalysts

Water oxidation is one of the most important reactions in natural and artificial energy conversion schemes.In nature,solar energy is converted to chemical energy via water oxidation at the oxygen-evolving center of photosystem II to generate dioxygen,protons,and electrons.In artificial energy schemes,water oxidation is one of the half reactions of water splitting,which is an appealing strategy for energy conversion via photocatalytic,electrocatalytic,or photoelectrocatalytic processes.Because it is thermodynamically unfavorable and kinetically slow,water oxidation is the bottleneck for achieving large-scale water splitting.Thus,developing highly efficient water oxidation catalysts has attracted the interests of researchers in the past decades.The formation of O-O bonds is typically the rate-determining step of the water oxidation catalytic cycle.Therefore,better understanding this key step is critical for the rational design of more efficient catalysts.This review focuses on elucidating the evolution of metal-oxygen species during transition metal-catalyzed water oxidation,and more importantly,on discussing the feasible O-O bond formation mechanisms during the oxygen evolution reaction over synthetic molecular catalysts.

Experimental study on the deformation behaviour,energy evolution law and failure mechanism of tectonic coal subjected to cyclic loads

Compared to intact coal,tectonic coal exhibits unique characteristics.The deformation behaviours under cyclic loading with different confining pressures and loading rates are monitored by MTS815 test system,and the mechanical and energy properties are analysed using experimental data.The results show that the stress-strain curve could be divided into four stages in a single cycle.The elastic strain and elastic energy density increase linearly with deviatoric stress and are proportional to the confining pressure and loading rate;irreversible strain and dissipated energy density increase exponentially with deviatoric stress,inversely proportional to the confining pressure and loading rate.The internal structure of tectonic coal is divided into three types,all of which are damaged under different deviatoric stress levels,thereby explaining the segmentation phenomenon of stress-strain curve of tectonic coal in the cyclic loading process.Tectonic coal exhibits nonlinear energy storage characteristics,which verifies why the tectonic coal is prone to coal and gas outburst from the principle of energy dissipation.In addition,the damage mechanism of tectonic coal is described from the point of energy distribution by introducing the concepts of crushing energy and friction energy.

Formation mechanism of methane during coal evolution:A density functional theory study

The formation mechanism of methane （CH4） during coal evolution has been investigated by density functional theory （DFT） of quantum chemistry. Thermogenic gas, which is generated during the thermal evolution of medium rank coal, is the main source of coalbed methane （CBM）. Ethylbenzene （A） and 6,7-dimethyl-5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-1-hydroxynaphthalene （B） have been used as model compounds to study the pyrolysis mechanism of highly volatile bituminous coal （R）, according to the similarity of bond orders and bond lengths. All possible paths are designed for each model. It can be concluded that the activation energies for H-assisted paths are lower than others in the process of methane formation; an H radical attacking on β-C to yield CH4 is the dominant path for the formation of CH4 from highly volatile bituminous coal. In addition, the calculated results also reveal that the positions on which H radical attacks and to which intramolecular H migrates have effects on methyl cleavage.

Formation Mechanisms and Geomorphic Evolution of the Erlian Mudflow Fans, Eastern Guide Basin of the Upper Reaches of Yellow River

Several argillaceous platforms lie along the Yellow River（YR） of the eastern Guide Basin, northeastern Tibetan Plateau, and their compositions, formation processes, and geomorphic evolution remain debated. Using field survey data, sample testing, and high-resolution remote sensing images, the evolution of the Erlian mudflow fans are analyzed. The data show significant differences between fans on either side of the YR. On the right bank, fans are dilute debris flows consisting of sand and gravel. On the left bank, fans are viscosity mudflows consisting of red clay. The composition and formation processes of the left bank platforms indicate a rainfall-induced pluvial landscape. Fan evolution can be divided into two stages： early-stage fans pre-date 16 ka B.P., and formed during the last deglaciation; late-stage fans post-date 8 ka B.P.. Both stages were induced by climate change. The data indicate that during the Last Glacial Maximum, the northeastern Tibetan Plateau experienced a cold and humid climate characterized by high rainfall. From 16–8 ka, the YR cut through the Erlian early mudflow fan, resulting in extensive erosion. Since 8 ka, the river channel has migrated south by at least 1.25 km, and late stage mudflow fan formation has occurred.

Influence of bimodal non-basal texture on microstructure characteristics,texture evolution and deformation mechanisms of AZ31 magnesium alloy sheet rolled at liquid-nitrogen temperature

Cryogenic rolling experiments have been conducted on the AZ31 magnesium(Mg)alloy sheet with bimodal non-basal texture,which is fabricated via the newly developed equal channel angular rolling and continuous bending process with subsequent annealing(ECAR-CB-A)process.Results demonstrate that this sheet shows no edge cracks until the accumulated thickness reduction reaches about 18.5%,which is about 105.6%larger than that of the sheet with traditional basal texture.Characterization experiments including optical microstructure(OM),X-ray diffractometer(XRD),and electron backscatter diffraction(EBSD)measurements are then performed to explore the microstructure characteristics,texture evolution and deformation mechanisms during cryogenic rolling.Experimental observations confirm the occurrence of abundant{10–12}extension twins(ETs),twin-twin interactions among{10–12}ET variants and{10–12}-{10–12}double twins(DTs).The twinning behaviors as for{10–12}ETs are responsible for the concentration of c-axes of grains towards normal direction(ND)and the formation of transverse direction(TD)-component texture at the beginning of cryogenic rolling.The twinning behaviors with respect to{10–12}-{10–12}DTs are responsible for the disappearance of TD-component texture at the later stage of cryogenic rolling.The involved deformation mechanisms can be summarized as follows:Firstly{10–12}ETs dominate the plastic deformation.Subsequently,dislocation slip,especially basal<a>slip,starts to sustain more plastic strain,while{10–12}ETs occur more frequently and enlarge continuously,resulting in the formation of twin-twin interaction among{10–12}ET variants.With the increasing rolling passes,{10–12}-{10–12}DTs incorporate in the plastic deformation and dislocation slip serves as the major one to sustain plastic strain.The activities of basal<a>slip,{10–12}ETs and{10–12}-{10–12}DTs benefit in accommodating the plastic strain in sheet thickness,which contributes to the improved rolling formability in AZ31 Mg alloy sheet with bimodal non-basal texture during cryogenic rolling.

Diagenetic evolution and formation mechanisms of middle to deep clastic reservoirs in the Nanpu sag, Bohai Bay Basin, East China

The reservoir properties, diagenetic features and evolution of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation(Es) in the Nanpu sag, Bohai Bay Basin were analyzed based on mineralogical and petrological data, and the main controlling factors and formation mechanisms of medium to deep high-quality reservoir were revealed by multiple regression analysis. The results show that the sedimentary microfacies, rigid grains content, and dissolution process are the key factors controlling the formation of high-quality clastic reservoir in middle to deep depth in the Nanpu sag. The formation mechanisms of middle to deep sandstones of the Es in different structural belts differ widely in formation mechanism. The Es1(uppermost member of Es) sandstone reservoirs in the Nanpu No.3 structural belt is low porosity, moderate to high permeability reservoir in the mesodiagenesis A2 stage on the whole, and the formation of high-quality reservoirs is mainly attributed to strong compaction resistance ability primarily, and dissolution process secondarily. The Es3(third member of Es) sandstones in Gaoshangpu structural belt is classified as tight sandstones in the mesodiagenesis A1 stage, in which the development of favorable reservoirs is primarily controlled by dissolution. This study provides references for reservoir evaluation of deep clastic reservoirs and exploration deployment in the Bohai Bay rift basin. As there are high-quality reservoirs, it is believed that the deep clastic reservoirs in the eastern of China, such as Bohai Bay Basin still have significant exploration potential.

Multiple enrichment mechanisms of organic matter in the Fengcheng Formation of Mahu Sag,Junggar Basin,NW China

Based on core and thin section data,the source rock samples from the Fengcheng Formation in the Mahu Sag of the Junggar Basin were analyzed in terms of zircon SIMS U-Pb geochronology,organic carbon isotopic composition,major and trace element contents,as well as petrology.Two zircon U-Pb ages of(306.0±5.2)Ma and(303.5±3.7)Ma were obtained from the first member of the Fengcheng Formation.Combined with carbon isotopic stratigraphy,it is inferred that the depositional age of the Fengcheng Formation is about 297-306 Ma,spanning the Carboniferous-Permian boundary and corresponding to the interglacial period between C4 and P1 glacial events.Multiple increases in Hg/TOC ratios and altered volcanic ash were found in the shale rocks of the Fengcheng Formation,indicating that multiple phases of volcanic activity occurred during its deposition.An interval with a high B/Ga ratio was found in the middle of the second member of the Fengcheng Formation,associated with the occurrence of evaporite minerals and reedmergnerite,indicating that the high salinity of the water mass was related to hydrothermal activity.Comprehensive analysis suggests that the warm and humid climate during the deposition of Fengcheng Formation is conducive to the growth of organic matter such as algae and bacteria in the lake,and accelerates the continental weathering,driving the input of nutrients.Volcanic activities supply a large amount of nutrients and stimulate primary productivity.The warm climate and high salinity are conducive to water stratification,leading to water anoxia that benefits organic matter preservation.The above factors interact and jointly control the enrichment of organic matter in the Fengcheng Formation of Mahu Sag.

Deformation mechanism,orientation evolution and mechanical properties of annealed cross-rolled Mg-Zn-Zr-Y-Gd sheet during tension

Mg-6.75Zn-0.57Zr-0.4Y-0.18Gd(wt.%)sheet with typical basal texture was produced by cross rolling and annealing.Room temperature tensile tests were subsequently conducted along rolling direction(RD),transverse direction(TD),and diagonal direction(RD45).Deformation mechanism and orientation evolution during the tension were investigated by quasi-in-situ electron backscatter diffraction observation and in-grain misorientation axis analysis.The results indicate that the activation of deformation mechanism mainly depends on the initial grain orientation.For RD sample,prismatic<a>slip plays an important role in the deformation of grains with<0001>axis nearly perpendicular to the RD.With the<0001>axis gradually tilted towards the RD,basal<a>slip becomes the dominant deformation mode.After the tensile fracture,the initial concentrically distributed{0001}pole is split into double peaks extending perpendicular to the RD,and the randomly distributed{1010}pole becomes parallel to the RD.The evolution in{0001}and{1010}poles during tension is related to the lattice rotation induced by basal<a>slip and prismatic<a>slip,respectively.TD and RD45 samples exhibit similar deformation mechanism and orientation evolution as the RD sample,which results in the nearly isotropic mechanical properties in the annealed cross-rolled sheet.

Microdynamic mechanical properties and fracture evolution mechanism of monzogabbro with a true triaxial multilevel disturbance method

The far-field microdynamic disturbance caused by the excavation of deep mineral resources and underground engineering can induce surrounding rock damage in high-stress conditions and even lead to disasters.However,the mechanical properties and damage/fracture evolution mechanisms of deep rock induced by microdynamic disturbance under three-dimensional stress states are unclear.Therefore,a true triaxial multilevel disturbance test method is proposed,which can completely simulate natural geostress,excavation stress redistribution(such as stress unloading,concentration and rotation),and subsequently the microdynamic disturbance triggering damaged rock failure.Based on a dynamic true triaxial test platform,true triaxial microdynamic disturbance tests under different frequency and amplitudes were carried out on monzogabbro.The results show that increasing amplitude or decreasing frequency diminishes the failure strength of monzogabbro.Deformation modulus gradually decreases during disturbance failure.As frequency and amplitude increase,the degradation rate of deformation modulus decreases slightly,disturbance dissipated energy increases significantly,and disturbance deformation anisotropy strengthens obviously.A damage model has been proposed to quantitatively characterize the disturbance-induced damage evolution at different frequency and amplitude under true triaxial stress.Before disturbance failure,the micro-tensile crack mechanism is dominant,and the micro-shear crack mechanism increases significantly at failure.With the increase of amplitude and frequency,the micro-shear crack mechanism increases.When approaching disturbance failure,the acoustic emission fractal dimension changes from a stable value to local large oscillation,and finally increases sharply to a high value at failure.Finally,the disturbance-induced failure mechanism of surrounding rock in deep engineering is clearly elucidated.

Formation mechanism of nanopores in dense films of anodic alumina

Constant-current anodization of pure aluminum was carried out in non-corrosive capacitor working electrolytes to study the formation mechanism of nanopores in the anodic oxide films.Through comparative experiments,nanopores are found in the anodic films formed in the electrolytes after high-temperature storage(HTS)at 130°C for 240 h.A comparison of the voltage-time curves suggests that the formation of nanopores results from the decrease in formation efficiency of anodic oxide films rather than the corrosion of the electrolytes.FT-IR and UV spectra analysis shows that carboxylate and ethylene glycol in electrolytes can easily react by esterification at high temperatures.Combining the electronic current theory and oxygen bubble mold effect,the change in electrolyte composition could increase the electronic current in the anodizing process.The electronic current decreases the formation efficiency of anodic oxide films,and oxygen bubbles accompanying electronic current lead to the formation of nanopores in the dense films.The continuous electronic current and oxygen bubbles are the prerequisites for the formation of porous anodic oxides rather than the traditional field-assisted dissolution model.

Evolution mechanism and treatment timing of penetrating fissures

The Inner Mongolia mining area in western China are characterized by the development of numerous penetrating fissures,resulting in severe land damage.It is significant to reveal the underlying evolution mechanism and identify treatment timing for restoring the ecological environment.The Guanbanwusu mining subsidence area in Inner Mongolia,China was selected as the research case for this study.The evolution mechanism of different penetrating fissures was revealed by field measurement,physical simulation and theoretical analysis.The treatment timing prediction model for the mining subsidence area was established based on the enhanced Weibull time function.The results show that the ground fissures are mainly step-type and collapse-type fissures.The breaking form of overlying strata determines their vertical opening and horizontal dislocation.The high mining intensity in the western mining area results in a shortened period of dynamic fissure expansion and reduced closure degree.The damage extent of the overlying strata exhibits zoning characteristics both vertically and horizontally.The relative standard deviation of the prediction model is only 3.7%.Concurrently,the prediction model is employed to determine the optimal timing for treatment in the study area,estimated to be 259 days.Subsequently,once this threshold is reached,the study area undergoes treatment and restoration of its e cological environment.This study addresses the knowledge gap in this field by highlighting the interconnectedness between rock strata structure and evolution mechanism of penetrating fissures,thereby providing a method for determining the treatment timing in mining subsidence areas.

Geometry and formation mechanism of tension gashes and their implication on the hydrocarbon accumulation in the deep-seated strata of sedimentary basin:A case from Shunnan area of Tarim Basin

With the theoretical and technological developments related to cratonic strike-slip faults,the Shuntuoguole Low Uplift in the Tarim Basin has attracted considerable attention recently.Affected by multi-stage tectonic movements,the strike-slip faults have controlled the distribution of hydrocarbon resources owing to the special fault characteristics and fault-related structures.In contrast,the kinematics and formation mechanism of strike-slip faults in buried sedimentary basins are difficult to investigate,limiting the discussion of these faults and hydrocarbon accumulation.In this study,we identified the characteristics of massive sigmoidal tension gashes(STGs)that formed in the Shunnan area of the Tarim Basin.High-resolution three-dimensional seismic data and attribute analyses were used to investigate their geometric and kinematic characteristics.Then,the stress state of each point of the STGs was calculated using seismic curvature attributes.Finally,the formation mechanism of the STGs and their roles in controlling hydrocarbon migration and accumulation were discussed.The results suggest that:(1)the STGs developed in the Shunnan area have a wide distribution,with a tensile fault arranged in an enéchelon pattern,showing an S-shaped bending.These STGs formed in multiple stages,and differential rotation occurred along the direction of strike-slip stress during formation.(2)Near the principal displacement zone of the strike-slip faults,the stress value of the STGs was higher,gradually decreasing at both ends.The shallow layer deformation was greater than the deep layer deformation.(3)STGs are critical for connecting source rocks,migrating oil and gas,sealing horizontally,and developing efficient reservoirs.This study not only provides seismic evidence for the formation and evolution of super large STGs,but also provides certain guidance for oil and gas exploration in this area.

Genetic mechanisms of high-quality tight siliciclastic reservoirs:A case study from the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in the Yuanba area,Sichuan Basin,China

This study analyzed the petrological characteristics,diagenesis,pore types,and physical properties of the tight coarse-grained siliciclastic sequences in the third member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation(also referred to as the Xu-3 Member)in the western Yuanba area in the northeastern Sichuan Basin,China,based on the results of 242.61-m-long core description,292 thin-section observations,scanning electron microscopy(SEM),and 292 physical property tests.The types and genetic mechanisms of high-quality tight coarse-grained siliciclastic reservoirs in this member was determined thereafter.The research objective is to guide the exploration and development of the tight coarse-grained siliciclastic sequences in the Xu-3 Member.The results of this study are as follows.Two types of high-quality reservoirs are developed in the coarse-grained siliciclastic sequences of the Xu-3 Member,namely the fractured fine-grained sandy conglomerate type and porous medium-grained calcarenaceous sandstone type.Hydrodynamic energy in the sedimentary environment is the key factor controlling the formation of high-quality reservoirs.These high-quality reservoirs are developed mainly in the transitional zone with moderately high hydrodynamic energy between delta-plain braided channels and delta-front subaqueous distributary channels.The dolomitic debris(gravel)content is the main factor affecting the reservoirs’physical properties.The micritic algal debris and sandy debris in the dolomitic debris(or gravels)tend to recrystallize during burial,forming intercrystalline pores within.In the medium-grained calcarenaceous sandstones,intercrystalline pores in the dolomitic debris are formed at the early diagenetic stage,and a pore system consisting of structural fractures connecting intergranular pores,intergranular dissolution pores,and kaolinite intergranular micropores is developed at the late stage of diagenesis.The formation of intercrystalline pores in dolomite gravels and gravel-edge fractures,a pore system connected by gravel-edge and tectonic fractures,is closely related to the dolomite gravels in the sandy fine-grained conglomerates.

Formation mechanisms and resource potential of carbonate geothermal reservoirs in the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei plain

Investigating the formation mechanisms of carbonate geothermal reservoirs is of theoretical and practical significance for summarizing the formation pattern of geothermal resources and further guiding their effective exploitation.The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei Plain(BTHP),predominantly located within the Jizhong Depression and Cangxian Uplift in the Bohai Bay Basin,serves as the primary region for geothermal exploitation and utilization in China.More than 1500 geothermal wells have been drilled therein,with water temperature at the wellhead ranging from 55 to 110°C,single-well flow rate ranging between 80 and 120 m^(3)/h,and cumulative heating area exceeding 100×10^(6)m^(3).However,the exploration and research in the region remain limited overall.As per the previous geothermal and petroleum exploration results and the latest geothermal drilling data,this study comprehensively evaluated the geothermal resources of karst geothermal reservoirs.The results show that two suites of carbonate karst reservoirs,namely the Jxw Formation and the Ordovician strata,have primarily developed in the BTHP,and their formation and evolution can be divided into four stages:the Mesoproterozoic-Early Paleozoic stage with carbonate sedimentation and the development of interlayer karst,the Late Paleozoic stage with the development of direct sedimentary cover,the Mesozoic stage with compressional uplifting and development of buried hill karst,and the Cenozoic stage with regional cover deposition and the modification and finalization of karst geothermal reservoirs.Accordingly,the porosity evolution history of the geothermal reservoirs is composed of three stages,namely a significant decrease followed by a minor increase,a gradual decline,and then a small fluctuation from increase to decrease before slowly rising again.The karstification in geothermal reservoirs can be summarized into quasi-syngenetic karstification,epigenetic karstification,and burial karstification,which can be subdivided into seven subcategories.The carbonate geothermal reservoirs in the study area boast total geothermal resources of 53.821×10^(9)GJ,or 184.155×10^(9)t of standard coal equivalent(tce),and the annual exploitable geothermal resources in the urban area can heat an area of(400‒500)×10^(6)m^(3),indicating great potential of geothermal exploitation.

The formation and evolutionary characteristics of organic matter and pyrites in the continental shales of the 3^(rd)submember of Chang 7 Member,Yanchang formation,Ordos Basin,China

Through microscopic analyses(e.g.,organic macerals,thin section observation,scanning electron microscope(SEM)imaging of fresh bedding planes via argon ion milling,and energy spectrum tests)combined with Rock-Eval analyses,this study systematically investigated the organic matter and pyrites in the continental shales in the 3^(rd)submember of the Chang 7 Member(Chang 7^(3)submember)in the Yanchang Formation,Ordos Basin and determined their types and the formation and evolutionary characteristics.The results are as follows.The organic matter of the continental shales in the Chang 7^(3)submember is dominated by amorphous bituminites and migrabitumens,which have come into being since the early diagenetic stage and middle diagenetic stage A,respectively.The formation and transformation of organic matter is a prerequisite for the formation of pyrites.The Ordos Basin was a continental freshwater lacustrine basin and lacked sulphates in waters during the deposition of the Chang 7 Member.Therefore,the syndiagenetic stage did not witness the formation of large quantities of pyrites.Since the basin entered early diagenetic stage A,large quantities of sulfur ions were released as the primary organic matter got converted into bituminites and,accordingly,pyrites started to form.However,this stage featured poorer fluid and spatial conditions compared with the syndepositional stage due to withdraw of water,the partial formation of bituminites,and a certain degree of compaction.As a result,large quantities of pyrrhotite failed to transition into typical spherical framboidal pyrites but grew into euhedral monocrystal aggregates.In addition,pyrites are still visible in the migrabitumens in both microfractures and inorganic pores of mudstones and shales,indicating that the pyrite formation period can extend until the middle diagenetic stage A.

Effect of spinning deformation on microstructure evolution and mechanical property of TA15 titanium alloy

Hot spinning of tubular workpiece of TA15 alloy was conducted on a CNC spinning machine, and the microstructure evolution during hot spinning and annealing was observed and mechanical properties of spun tubes were tested. The results show that with the increase of spinning pass, the fiber microstructure comes into being gradually in axial direction and the circumferential microstructure also stretches obviously along circumferential direction. At the same time, the tensile strength increases and elongation decreases not only in axial direction but also in circumferential direction. When the reduction ratio of wall thickness rises close to or over 40%, tensile strength increases and elongation decreases more rapidly, which means that tubular workpiece of titanium alloy can be strengthened bi-directionally by power spinning. The ductility of spun workpiece of TA15 alloy could be improved by annealing at the temperature no higher than recrystallization temperature with slight decrease of tensile strength.

Formation mechanism and criterion of linear segregation in ZL205A alloy

The experiments and numerical simulation were conducted for ZL205A aluminum alloy cylindrical shell casting. The formation mechanism of the linear segregation produced by the low pressure die casting (LPDC) process was investigated. And the heat transfer of the casting during solidification process was analyzed by simulation technique, resulting from the information of linear segregation obtained by plenty of experiments. The new linear segregation criterion was proposed through the simulation and experimental results. It was found that the melting metal with high Cu contents was feeding the crack shrinkage formed by the tearing under the effect of feeding pressure during the later solidification, which led to the formation of linear segregation. The control methods for the linear segregation were suggested based on the proposed mechanism. Finally, the criterion of linear segregation was confirmed by the production of the actual castings.

Formation mechanism of MgB_2 in 2LiBH_4+MgH_2 system for reversible hydrogen storage

The formation conditions of MgB2 in 2LiBH4 ＋ MgH2 system during dehydrogenation were investigated and its mechanism was discussed. The results show that direct decomposition of LiBH4 is suppressed under relative higher initial dehydrogenation pressure of 4.0×10^5 Pa, wherein LiBH4 reacts with Mg to yield MgB2, and 9.16% （mass fraction） hydrogen is released within 9.6 h at 450 ℃. However, under relatively lower initial dehydrogenation pressure of 1.0×10^2 Pa, LiBH4 decomposes independently instead of reacting with Mg, resulting in no formation of MgB2, and 7.91% hydrogen is desorbed within 5.2 h at 450 ℃. It is found that the dehydrogenation of 2LiBH4 ＋ MgH2 system proceeds more completely and more hydrogen desorption amount can be obtained within a definite time by forming MgB2. Furthermore, it is proposed that the formation process of MgB2 includes incubation period and nucleus growth process. Experimental results show that the formation process of MgB2, especially the incubation period, is promoted by increasing initial dehydrogenation pressure at constant temperature, and the incubation period is also influenced greatly by dehydrogenation temperature.