Superplasticity of fine-grained Mg-10Li alloy prepared by severe plastic deformation and understanding its deformation mechanisms

The superplastic behavior and associated deformation mechanisms of a fine-grained Mg-10.1 Li-0.8Al-0.6Zn alloy(LAZ1011)with a grain size of 3.2μm,primarily composed of the BCCβphase and a small amount of the HCPαphase,were examined in a temperature range of 473 K to 623 K.The microstructural refinement of this alloy was achieved by employing high-ratio differential speed rolling.The best superplasticity was achieved at 523 K and at strain rates of 10^(-4)-5×10^(-4)s^(-1),where tensile elongations of 550±600%were obtained.During the heating and holding stage of the tensile samples prior to tensile loading,a significant increase in grain size was observed at temperatures above 573 K.Therefore,it was important to consider this effect when analyzing and understanding the superplastic deformation behavior and mechanisms.In the investigated strain rate range,the superplastic flow at low strain rates was governed by lattice diffusion-controlled grain boundary sliding,while at high strain rates,lattice diffusion-controlled dislocation climb creep was the rate-controlling deformation mechanism.It was concluded that solute drag creep is unlikely to occur.During the late stages of deformation at 523 K,it was observed that grain boundary sliding led to the agglomeration of theαphase,resulting in significant strain hardening.Deformation mechanism maps were constructed forβ-Mg-Li alloys in the form of 2D and 3D formats as a function of strain rate,stress,temperature,and grain size,using the constitutive equations for various deformation mechanisms derived based on the data of the current tests.

Achieving high-strain-rate and low-temperature superplasticity in an ECAP-processed Mg-Y-Er-Zn alloy via Ag addition

The effect of adding a small amount of Ag on the microstructure evolution and superplastic properties of Mg-Y-Er-Zn(WEZ612) alloys was systematically studied.The basal texture of the refined WEZ612 alloy produced by equal channel angular pressing was altered to a non-basal structure upon the addition of Ag.Ag addition also refined the grain size and promoted the formation of a large number of nano-14H-long period stacking ordered phases.Using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy,many nano-precipitated phases were detected on the basal plane of the Mg-Y-Er-Zn-1Ag(WEZ612-1Ag) alloy,The nano-precipitated phases on the basal plane improved the thermal stability of the alloy,lowered the deformation activation energy(Q),and improved the stress sensitivity index(m).At 523 K with a strain rate of 10^(-2) s^(-1),the Q value of WEZ612 was higher than that of WEZ612-1Ag(299.14 and 128.5 kJ mol^(-1),respectively).In contrast,the m value of the WEZ612 alloy(0.16) was lower than that of the WEZ612-1Ag alloy(0.46).At 623 K with a tensile rate of 10^(-2) s^(-1),the WEZ612 and WEZ612-1Ag alloys were elongated by 182% and 495%,respectively,with the latter exhibiting high-strain-rate and low-temperature superplasticity.The improved superplasticity of the WEZ612-1Ag alloy is attributed to the nano-precipitated phases,which effectively limit the cavity extension during superplastic deformation.

Discrete multi-step phase hologram for high frequency acoustic modulation

Acoustic holograms can recover wavefront stored acoustic field information and produce high-fidelity complex acoustic fields. Benefiting from the huge spatial information that traditional acoustic elements cannot match, acoustic holograms pursue the realization of high-resolution complex acoustic fields and gradually tend to high-frequency ultrasound applications. However, conventional continuous phase holograms are limited by three-dimensional(3D) printing size, and the presence of unavoidable small printing errors makes it difficult to achieve acoustic field reconstruction at high frequency accuracy. Here, we present an optimized discrete multi-step phase hologram. It can ensure the reconstruction quality of image with high robustness, and properly lower the requirement for the 3D printing accuracy. Meanwhile, the concept of reconstruction similarity is proposed to refine a measure of acoustic field quality. In addition, the realized complex acoustic field at 20 MHz promotes the application of acoustic holograms at high frequencies and provides a new way to generate high-fidelity acoustic fields.

MICROSTRUCTURAL EVOLUTION AND MECHANISMS OF SUPERPLASTICITY IN LARGE GRAINED IRON ALUMINIDES

The superplastic behavior has been found in Fe 3Al and FeAl alloys with grain sizes of 100～600 μm. The large grained Fe 3Al and FeAl alloys exhibit all deformation characteristics of conventional fine grain size superplastic alloys. However, superplastic behavior was found in large grained iron aluminides without the usual prerequisites for the superplasticity of a fine grain size and grain boundary sliding. The metallographic examinations have shown that average grain size of large grained iron aluminides decreased during superplastic deformation. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations have shown that there were a great number of subgrain boundaries which formed a network and among which the proportion of low and high angle boundaries increased with the increase of strain. The observed superplastic phenomenon is explained by continuous recovery and recrystallization. During superplastic deformation, an unstable subgrain network forms and these subboundaries absorb gliding dislocations and transform into low and high angle grain boundaries. A dislocation gliding and climb process accommodated by subboundary sliding, migration and rotation, allows the superplastic flow to proceed.

SUPERPLASTICITY AND DIFFUSION BONDING OF IN718 SUPERALLOY

The superplasticity and diffusion bonding of IN718 superalloy were studied in this article. The strain rate sensitivity index m was obtained at different temperatures and various initial strain rates using the tensile speed mutation method; m reached its maximum value 0.53 at an initial strain rate of 1×10^-4s^-1 at 1253K. The diffusion bonding parameters, including the bonding temperature T, pressure p, and time t, affected the mechanism of joints. When the bonded specimen with 25μm thick nickel foil interlayer was tensile at room temperature, the shear fracture of the joints with nickel foil interlayer took place at the IN718 part. Microstructure study was carried out with the bonded samples. The microstructure shows an excellent bonding at the interfaces. The optimum parameters for the diffusion bonding are： T = 1273-1323K, p = 20-30MPa, t = 45-60min.

THE SUPERPLASTICITY AND DEFORMATION MECHANISM OF ULTRALIGHT BINARY Mg-8wt%Li ALLOY

The maximum elongation-to-failure of 960% has been achieved in the Mg-8wt%Li alloy. It is shown by measurement of true stress-strain curve and microstructure observation that dynamic recrystallization takes place during superplastic deformation, which turns the banded grains into equiaxed grains. It is postulated by theoretical analysis that during superplastic deformation,continuous introduction of lattice dislocations into the phase interfaces contributes to the superplasticity in this alloy.During superplastic deformation,grain growth and cavity nucleation at α phase grain boundaries have also been observed.

APPLICATION OF GLEEBLE 1500 ON SUPERPLASTICITY

Gleeble1500 thermo-mechanical simulation machine is considered to be the first grade equipment in materials' research. However, it is seldom used in superplastic research. Perhaps this is because its specimen's heating method is not suitable to get large elongation. Elongation is an important parameter to evaluate superplasticity, but some other parameters such as the relationship between stress and strain rate are more important than elongation-it is an essential property to superplasticity. The stress-strain rate relationship can be very easily and very accu- rately got with Gleeble machine than with some other simlar equipment, and the relationship between microstructure and superplastic deformation is more easily examined with Gleeble. Present authors have got some new achievement in anisotropy, heterogeneity of superplastic deformation, and first put forward the regulation of dynamic equilibrium in microstructural evolution during superplastic deformation. All of these have been concluded from the experimental results mainly through Gleeble as well as the microstructural examination.The research work has got the support of National Natural Science Foundation and some international cooperation. Some theoretic and experimental results have been used in the practice of superplastic forming. Obvious effect of reducing cost and improving quality of formed parts has been achieved.

High strain rate superplasticity of SiC whisker reinforced pure aluminum composites

A β SiC whisker reinforced pure aluminum composites expected to exhibit high strain rate superplasticity has been successfully fabricated by a new processing route consisting of pressure infiltration, extrusion with a low extrusion ratio and rolling. The composites exhibite a total elongation of 220%～380% in the initial strain rates within 1.0×10 -2 ～1.0×10 -1 s -1 and at 893～903 K. According to differential thermal analysis(DTA) and microstructure observation, it is concluded that an appropriately small amount of liquid phase is necessary to cause a good high strain rate superplasticity in aluminum matrix composites in addition to fine and uniform microstructure.

High strain rate superplasticity of rolled AZ91 magnesium alloy

The high strain rate superplastic deformation properties and characteristics of a rolled AZ91 magnesium alloy at temperatures ranging from 623 to 698 K（0.67Tm-0.76Tm） and high strain rates ranging from 10^-3 to 1 s^-1 were investigated.The rolled AZ91 magnesium alloy possesses excellent superplasticity with the maximum elongation of 455% at 623 K and a strain rate of 10-3 s-1,and its strain rate sensitivity m is high up to 0.64.The dominant deformation mechanism responsible for the high strain rate superplasticity is still grain boundary sliding（GBS）,and the dislocation creep mechanism is considered as the main accommodation mechanism.

SUPERPLASTICITY AND SOLID STATE BONDING OF TITANIUM ALLOYS

Experimental results related to solid state weldability of superplastic titanium alloys are presented. A correlation between superplastic flow and enhanced solid state weldability was established. It has been experimentally shown that a drop in the lower superplastic flow temperature with decreasing mean grain size provides an opportunity to decrease the temperature at whicmethods for titanium alloys.

SUPERPLASTICITY IN SiC_w/ZK60 COMPOSITE

The superplastic deformation behavior of SiCw/ZK60 composite was investigated at temperatures ranging from 573K to 723K and at initial strain rates ranging from 8.3x10-4s-1 to 8.3x10-2s-1. A maximum elongation of 200% with a m-value of 0.35 was obtained at 613K and a initial strain rate of 1.67x 10-2s-1. The apparent activation energy (98kJ/mol) approximates that for grain boundary diffusion (92kJ/mol) in magnesium. It is proposed that the dominant mechanism of superplastic deformation in the present composite is grain boundary sliding accommodated by diffusional transport, besides, interfacial sliding plays an important role in the superplastic deformation.

Thermomechanical Processing and Superplasticity of AZ91 Magnesium Alloy

The effect of extrusion on grain refinement has been studied in the AZ91 cast ingots. It is found that grain sizesmaller than 10μm can be obtained by the extrusion processing. Vickers hardness measurements were also carriedout to evaluate the effect of these processes on the room temperature mechanical properties. The experimentalresults of high temperature tensile tests revealed that the stress was inversely proportional to the square of the grainsize and that the activation energy for superplastic flow was higher than that for grain boundary diffusion.

SUPERPLASTICITY OF A SiC_w/2024 Al COMPOSITE MADE BY PRESSURE INFILTRATION

The superplastic characteristics of the β-SiC whisker reinforced 2024 aluminum composite, fabricated by pressure infiltration and hot-rolling after extrusion, were investigated. The composite has a fine grain size of about 1μm, and exhibits a maximum tensile elongation of 370% in the initial strain rate of 3.3×10-3 s-1 at 788K.The superplastic deformation mechanism of the composite is thought to be grain boundary (interface) sliding accommodated by grain boundary diffusion of aluminum atom and an appropriate amount of liquid phase.

HIGH STRAIN RATE SUPERPLASTICITY IN A SiC_w/2024Al COMPOSITE MADE BY SQUEEZE CASTING

In this paper,the superplastic characteristics of the beta-SiC whisker reinforced 2024aluminum composite, fabricated by squeeze casting and hot-rolling after extrusion were investigated. The compsite had a fine grain size of about 2μm, and exhibited a strain rate sensitivity of about 0.35 and a maximum elongation of 350% at an initial strain rate of 1.1×10-1s-1 at 803K. In addition, the superplastic deformation mechanisme of the composite were also examined.

RESEARCH ON SUPERPLASTICITY IN SiCp/2024Al AND SiCp/8090Al-Li COMPOSITES

The superplasticity in SiCp/Al alloy and SiCp/Al Li Composites is introduced The composites are prepared by powder metallurgy and cast methods The superplastic parameters are measured Superplastic treatment processing,secondary plastic working and the study of mirostructure are conducted.

HIGH STRAIN RATE SUPERPLASTICITY OF A AIN PARTICULATE REINFORCED 6061Al COMPOSITE

The superplasticity of AINp/6061Al composite, fabricated by powder metallurgy method and hot-rolled after extrusion, was investigated. The AINp/6061Al composite exhibits an m-value of 0.49 and a maximum elongation of 438% in the strain rates ranging hem 10-2-100s-1 and at temperatures from 823K to 893K. Diffirential scanning calorimeter was used to ascertain the possibility of any partial melting in the vicinity of optimum superplastic temperature. These results suggested that liquid phase existed where maximum elongation was obtained.

DYNAMIC RECRYSTALLIZATION AND SUPERPLASTICITY IN Al-Li ALLOY

The behavior of dynamic recrystallization in the superplastic deformation of 8090 and 2091 aluminum-lithium alloys have been investigated.TEM observations indicated that dynamic recrystallization occurs at thetriple junction of grain boundaries.The measurement of grain boundary angle showed that recrystallization indynamic equilibrium exists in the process of superplastic deformation of 8090 Al-Li alloy.It is also indicatedthat,besides the role of refining grains and the grain boundary sliding,dynamic recrystallization playsconcurrently a role of stablizing microstructure.Thus dynamic rccrystallization can be used to induce metalssuperplasticity,which leads to a simplification of pretreatment for superplastic deformation.

SUPERPLASTIC BEHAVIOUR OF A FINE GRAINED TiAl BASED ALLOY TREATED BY MULTI-STEP THERMO-MECHANICAL TREATMENT

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SUPERPLASTICITY OF A Ni-28.5Al-20.4Fe INTERMETALLIC ALLOY

Our previous investigation examined the superplastic behavior of an extruded Ni-28.5Al-20.4Fe alloy. Its tensile properties were determined at temperature from 1123 K to 1323 K and initial strain rates from 1.04×10-2s-1 to 1.04×10-4s-1. A maximum elongation of 233% was obtained at 1123 K and a strain rate of 5.2×10-4s-1. Furthermore, microstructural features, such as decrease in the average grain size after deformation at 850 °C and 980 °C, the presence of many dislocation-free grains adjacent to grains with a high dislocation density, indicate that dynamic recrystallization has occurred as an efficient accommodation mechanism. SEM examination of the fracture sample after superplastic deformation reveals many voids on the fracture surface. By correlating with the result of TEM observation, it is suggested that the superplastic deformation in this alloy should be controlled by a grain boundary sliding-based mechanism accommodated by the movement of dislocation and dynamic recrystallization.

Synthesis and Enhanced Superplasticity of the Zirconia-dispersed Alumina Nanocomposite

A series of alumina-zirconia composites with various grain sizes were prepared from the nano-sized powders with different agglomerations. Microstructural analysis of the sintered compacts indicates that the as-sintered material is a typical intra/inter granular nanocomposite with uniform distribution of the zirconia grains in the alumina matrix. Superplastic deep drawing test under different conditions demonstrates that dense Al2O3/ZrO2 samples with average grain size of 230 nm can be elongated to a dome height of at least 12 mm at the punch rate of 0.6 mm·min-1 at 1400℃. Further drawing tests show that for the composites with larger grain size, such elongation cannot be achieved at such a strain rate.