Magnesium-based nanocomposites:A review from mechanical,creep and fatigue properties

The addition of nanoscale additions to magnesium(Mg)based alloys can boost mechanical characteristics without noticeably decreasing ductility.Since Mg is the lightest structural material,the Mg-based nanocomposites(NCs)with improved mechanical properties are appealing materials for lightweight structural applications.In contrast to conventional Mg-based composites,the incorporation of nano-sized reinforcing particles noticeably boosts the strength of Mg-based nanocomposites without significantly reducing the formability.The present article reviews Mg-based metal matrix nanocomposites(MMNCs)with metallic and ceramic additions,fabricated via both solid-based(sintering and powder metallurgy)and liquid-based(disintegrated melt deposition)technologies.It also reviews strengthening models and mechanisms that have been proposed to explain the improved mechanical characteristics of Mg-based alloys and nanocomposites.Further,synergistic strengthening mecha-nisms in Mg matrix nanocomposites and the dominant equations for quantitatively predicting mechanical properties are provided.Furthermore,this study offers an overview of the creep and fatigue behavior of Mg-based alloys and nanocomposites using both traditional(uniaxial)and depth-sensing indentation techniques.The potential applications of magnesium-based alloys and nanocomposites are also surveyed.

Effects of carbon content on high-temperature mechanical and thermal fatigue properties of high-boron austenitic steels

High-temperature mechanical properties of high-boron austenitic steels(HBASs) were studied at 850 °C using a dynamic thermal-mechanical simulation testing machine. In addition, the thermal fatigue properties of the alloys were investigated using the self-restraint Uddeholm thermal fatigue test, during which the alloy specimens were cycled between room temperature and 800°C. Stereomicroscopy and scanning electron microscopy were used to study the surface cracks and cross-sectional microstructure of the alloy specimens after the thermal fatigue tests. The effects of carbon content on the mechanical properties at room temperature and high-temperature as well as thermal fatigue properties of the HBASs were also studied. The experimental results show that increasing carbon content induces changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties of the HBASs. The boride phase within the HBAS matrix exhibits a round and smooth morphology, and they are distributed in a discrete manner. The hardness of the alloys increases from 239(0.19 wt.% C) to 302(0.29 wt.% C) and 312 HV(0.37 wt.% C); the tensile yield strength at 850 °C increases from 165.1 to 190.3 and 197.1 MPa; and the compressive yield strength increases from 166.1 to 167.9 and 184.4 MPa. The results of the thermal fatigue tests(performed for 300 cycles from room temperature to 800 °C) indicate that the degree of thermal fatigue of the HBAS with 0.29 wt.% C(rating of 2–3) is superior to those of the alloys with 0.19 wt.%(rating of 4–5) and 0.37 wt.%(rating of 3–4) carbon. The main cause of this difference is the ready precipitation of M23(C,B)6-type borocarbides in the alloys with high carbon content during thermal fatigue testing. The precipitation and aggregation of borocarbide particles at the grain boundaries result in the deterioration of the thermal fatigue properties of the alloys.

Numerical simulation of thermo-mechanical fatigue properties for particulate reinforced composites

In this paper, a two dimensional Voronoi cell element, formulated with creep, thermal and plastic strain, is applied for the numerical simulation of thermo-mechanical fatigue behavior for particulate reinforced composites. The relation between mechanical fatigue phases and thermal fatigue phases influences the thermo-mechanical fatigue behavior and cyclic creep damage. The topological features of micro-structure in particulate reinforced composites, such as the orientation, depth-width ratio, distribution and volume fraction of inclusions, have a great influence on thermo-mechanical behavior. Some related conclusions are obtained by examples of numerical simulation.

FATIGUE PROPERTIES OF META-BAINITE IN STEEL 40CrMnSiMoVA

The microstructure,strength,toughness and fatigue properties of an ultra-high strength steel 40CrMnSiMoVA have been investigated.The so-called meta-bainite,composed of thin re- tained austenite films within or between the bainitic ferrite lathes was found in the steel after isothermally quenched at 300℃ for 1h.In comparison with the martensite structure obtained by isothermally quenching in martensite range,the meta-bainite has more excellent strength and plasticity,lower notch sensitivity,stronger strain harden ability,higher fatigue strength, longer strain or impact fatigue life,slower crack propagation rate and more remarkable overload effect on increasing fatigue life.

Fatigue properties of friction stir welded butt joint and base metal of MB8 magnesium alloy

The fatigue properties of friction stir welded （FSW） butt joint and base metal of MB8 magnesium alloy were investigated. The comparative fatigue tests were carried out using EHF-EM2OOK2-070-IA fatigue testing machine for both FSW butt joint and base metal specimens. The fatigue fractures were observed and analyzed using a scanning electron microscope of JSM-6063LA type. The experimental results show that the fatigue performance of the FSW butt joint of MB8 magnesium alloy is sharply decreased. The conditional fatigue limit （2 x 106） of base metal and welded butt joint is about 77.44 MPa and 49. 91 MPa, respectively. The conditional fatigue limit （2 x 106 ） of the welded butt joint is 64.45% of that of base metal. The main reasons are that the welding can lead to stress concentration in the flash area, tensile welding residual stress in the welded joint（ The residual stress value was 30. 5 MPa）, as well as the grain size is not uniform in the heat-affected zone. The cleavage steps or quasi-cleavage patterns present on the fatigue fracture surface, the fracture type of the FSW butt joint belongs to a brittle fracture.

Properties and Mechanism on Flexural Fatigue of Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Concrete Containing Slag

Properties and mechanism were investigated on flexural fatigue of concrete containing polypropylene fibers and ground granulated blast furnace slag（GGBFS）.Four polypropylene fibers’volume fractions and five slag proportions were considered.An experiment was conducted to obtain the fatigue lives at three stress levels in 20 Hz frequency and at a constant stress level of 0.59 in four frequency respectively.Mechanism and evaluation were investigated based on the experimental data.Fatigue life span models were established.The results show that the addition of polypropylene fibers improves the flexural fatigue cumulative strength and fatigue life span.It is proposed that the slag particles and hydrated products improve Interfacial Transition Zone（ITZ）structure and benefit flexural fatigue performance.A composite reinforce effect is found with the incorporation of slag and polypropylene fibers.The optimum mixture contents 55%slag with 0.6%polypropylene fiber for the cumulative fatigue stress.Fatigue properties are decreased as the stress level increasing,the higher frequency reduces the fatigue strength more than lower frequency at a constant stress level.

Effects of stress ratio on the temperature-dependent high-cycle fatigue properties of alloy steels

This paper addresses the effects of stress ratio on the temperature-dependent high-cycle fatigue （HCF） properties of alloy steels 2CrMo and 9CrCo, which suffer from substantial vibrational loading at small stress amplitude, high stress ratio, and high frequency in the high-temperature environments in which they fimcfion as blade and rotor spindle materials in advanced gas or steam turbine engines. Fatigue tests were performed on alloy steels 2CrMo and 9CrCo subjected to constant-amplitude loading at four stress ratios and at four and three temperatures, respectively, to determine their temperature-dependent HCF properties. The interaction mechanisms between high temperature and stress ratio were deduced and compared with each other on the basis of the results of fractographic analysis. A phenomenological model was developed to evaluate the effects of stress ratio on the temperature-dependent HCF properties of alloy steels 2CrMo and 9CrCo. Good correlation was achieved between the predictions and actual experiments, demonstrating the practical and effective use of the proposed method.

Fatigue Properties of Supersteel for Automobiles

The fatigue properties of 400 MPa grade supersteel, plain low carbon steel SS400 and microalloyed steel Q340TM were investigated through tensile-compression fatigue experiment with R =- 1. The results indicate that the fatigue limit of the 400 MPa supersteel is higher than that of SS400 steel and close to that of the 340TM steel. According to the analysis of fatigue fracture, the fatigue striations of supersteel SS400 is thinner than that of SS400 steel and 340TM steel, and grain refinement can increase the fatigue limit.

Fatigue crack propagation in fine-grained magnesium under low temperature tension-tension cyclic loading

Fine-grained magnesium was tested under stress-controlled tension-tension cyclic loading at -30 ℃ and the tested sample was observed using scanning electron microscope and electron backscatter diffraction to explore the fatigue behavior and crack propagation. The fatigue data showed that the material experienced cyclic softening followed by cyclic hardening before the final fracture failure. The microscopic observations demonstrated that the cracks were almost perpendicular to the loading direction with some zigzags and the cracks progressed along both small angle grain boundaries and large angle grain boundaries. Although the cracks were mainly propagated along large angle grain boundaries, the value of grain boundary angle was not the primary factor to determine the crack propagation direction. The local residual strain from the rolling process was released due to the crack propagation and there was more strain relaxation at regions closer to the cracks.

Fatigue properties of age-hardened AI alloy 2017-T4 under ultrasonic loading

Fatigue properties of age-hardened Al alloy 2017-T4 under ultrasonic loading frequency （20 kHz） were investigated and compared with the results under conventional loading of rotating bending（50 Hz）.The growth of a crack retarded at about 500μm in surface length under ultrasonic loading,while at about 20μm under rotating bending.Although striations being a typical fracture mechanism were observed under conventional loading,most of fracture surface was covered with many facets under ultrasonic loading.These facets were also observed under rotating bending in nitrogen gas.The difference in growth mechanism depending on the loading frequency and the retardation of a crack growth under ultrasonic loading may be caused by the environment at the crack tip due to high crack growth rate under ultrasonic loading.

Effects of Electron Beam Local Postweld Heat Treatment on Microstructure and Properties of 30CrMnSiNi2A Steel Welded Joints

To improve the microstructure and properties of the electron beam welded joints, the vacuum or furnace whole post weld heat treatment (FWPWHT) usually should be done on it. The electron beam local post weld heat treatment (EBLPWHT) is a rather new heat treatment procedure that provides the advantages of high precision, flexibility and efficiency, energy saving and higher productivity. In this paper, the microstructure, mechanical properties, fracture toughness and fatigue properties of electron beam welded joints of 30CrMnSiNi2A steel in as-welded (AW) and EBLPWHT conditions have been investigated respectively. The results show that the microstructures of different zones of joints in as-welded condition are changed by EBLPWHT procedure, in which the welds from coarse needle martensite into lath-shaped martensite; the main structures of heat affected zones (HAZ) from lath-shaped martensite into lower bainite. The properties of welded joints can be improved by the EBLPWHT in some extent, especially the fracture toughness of the welds and the fatigue crack resistance of welded joints can be sufficiently improved. However, more appropriate heat treatment parameters of the EBLPWHT have to be studied in order to increase the mechanical properties of base metal near by the HAZ.

Fatigue Property of Basalt Fiber-Modified Asphalt Mixture under Complicated Environment

The fatigue property of asphalt mixtures under complicated environment （low-temperature bending performance, chloride penetration, freezing-thawing cycle and their coupling effect） and the improvement effect for relevant property of basalt fiber-reinforcing asphalt mixture under complicated environment are studied. Two grading types of asphalt mixtures, AC-16I and AC-13I, are chosen, whose optimum asphalt-aggregate ratio and optimum dosage of basalt fiber are determined by the Marshall test. The standard specimens are made firstly, and then the low temperature bending tests of asphalt mixture and basalt fiber-reinforced asphalt mixture under the coupling effect of the chloride erosion and freezing-thawing cycle have been carried out. Finally, the fatigue property tests of asphalt mixture and basalt fiber-reinforced asphalt mixture under complex environment are performed on MTS material testing system. The results indicate that the tensile strength, the maximum curving tensile stress, the curving stiffness modulus, and fatigue properties of asphalt mixture are influenced by the coupling effect of the chloride erosion and freezing-thawing cycle. The low-temperature bending performance and fatigue property of asphalt mixtures under complicated environment can be greatly improved by adding moderate basalt fiber. The dense gradation asphalt mixture possesses stronger ability to resist adverse environmental effects under the same condition.

Relationship between fatigue life of asphalt concrete and polypropylene/polyester fibers using artificial neural network and genetic algorithm

While various kinds of fibers are used to improve the hot mix asphalt(HMA) performance, a few works have been undertaken on the hybrid fiber-reinforced HMA. Therefore, the fatigue life of modified HMA samples using polypropylene and polyester fibers was evaluated and two models namely regression and artificial neural network(ANN) were used to predict the fatigue life based on the fibers parameters. As ANN contains many parameters such as the number of hidden layers which directly influence the prediction accuracy, genetic algorithm(GA) was used to solve optimization problem for ANN. Moreover, the trial and error method was used to optimize the GA parameters such as the population size. The comparison of the results obtained from regression and optimized ANN with GA shows that the two-hidden-layer ANN with two and five neurons in the first and second hidden layers, respectively, can predict the fatigue life of fiber-reinforced HMA with high accuracy(correlation coefficient of 0.96).

Effect of RE Modification and Heat Treatment on Impact Fatigue Property of a Wear Resistant White Cast Iron

The morphology of carbides, as well as the generation and propagation of fatigue cracks in a wear resistant white cast iron after impact fatigue test were observed by means of optical microscope and SEM, and the relationship among the content of RE (rare earths) in the wear resistant white cast iron and the heating temperature as well as the length and propagation speed of the fatigue cracks were determined. Based on the obtained results, the effect of RE modification and heat treatment on the impact fatigue property was further studied. Experimental results show that addition of RE can defer the time required for the generation of fatigue cracks, reduce their propagation speed and increase the impact fatigue resistance. The aforesaid effect is more noticeable in case of combined RE modification with heat treatment, which can be attributed to the variation in morphology and the distribution of the eutectic carbide network.

Improving the fatigue property of welded joints for AZ31 magnesium alloy by ultrasonic peening treatment

The fatigue property of AZ31 magnesium alloy and its TIG welded joints were investigated. The ultrasonic peening treatment （UPT） was used to improve the fatigue property of the TIG welded joints, which was treated at the weld toe by the UPT process. The test results show that the fatigue strength of the base metal of AZ31 magnesium alloys is 57.8 MPa, and those of the fillet joint and the transverse cross joint are respectively 20. 0 MPa and 17.2 MPa at 2 × 10^6 cycles. The fatigue strengths of two kinds of welded joints treated by the UPT are respectively 30. 3 MPa and 24. 7 MPa, which have been improved by 51.5% and 43.6%, respectively. The fatigue life of the fillet joint specimens is prolonged by about 2. 74 times and the fatigue life of the transverse cross joint specimens is prolonged by about 1.05 times when the stress range is at 40. 0 MPa.

Microstructure and fatigue crack growth behaviour of electron beam welding in 30CrMnSiNi2A steel

The effects of two post-weld heat treatment processes on the microstructure and fatigue properties of the electron beam welded joints of 30CrMnSiNi2A steel were studied. Electron beam local post-weld heat treatment (EBLPWHT), in a vacuum chamber, immediately after welding and a traditional furnace whole post-weld heat treatment (FWPWHT) were accepted. The experimental results show that, after EBLPWHT, the main microstructure of weld is changed from coarse acicular martensite into lath martensite, and base metal is changed from ferrite and perlite into upper bainite and residual austenite, however the microstructures of different zones of joints in FWPWHT conditions are tempered sorbite. The fatigue crack growth rate da/dN of welds and base metal are not obviously changed among EBLPWHT, FWPWHT test and as-welded (AW) test, as the mechanical properties of materials have a certain but not large effect on the da/dN of welded joints. The resistance to near threshold fatigue crack growth data of welded joints can be largely improved by EBLPWHT and it is related to microstructure and crack closure effect.

Effects of jute fibre content on the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of the composites in structural applications

Due to notable characteristics,sustainability concept and environmental issues,hybridisation natural with synthetic fibres to fabricate composites have been rapidly gaining market share in different applications(structural,military,aerospace and automotive vehicles).Compression,tension and fatigue tests of various stacking sequences of plain jute/carbon reinforced(PVB)polyvinyl butyral by hot hydraulic press technique were experimentally conducted.Six types of fabricated composites with various constituents(jute,carbon and their hybrids)were fabricated and tested.Notably,fatigue lifetime of hybrids increases with increasing the carbon content relative to the jute fibre content.On the other hand,Jute composites possess high strain compared to pure carbon composite,which gives an overall improvement in mechanical behaviours.Interestingly,H1 hybrid with Carbon/Jute/Carbon sequences offers similar fatigue stiffness behaviour of H3 hybrid with Carbon/Jute/Carbon/Jute sequences when subjected to cyclic loading.Carbon composite(C)exhibited the highest fatigue resistance,whiles jute composite(J)possessed the highest strain and semi brittle trends in both mechanical and fatigue performance.Results concluded that plain jute fibres could partially replace high-cost synthetic carbon fibres to produce more eco-friendly hybrids to be utilised in different composites industries.

High-cycle fatigue behavior of Mg-8Li-3Al-2Zn-0.5Y alloy under different states

In this study,the tensile and high-cycle fatigue properties of as-cast,solid solution treated and as-extruded Mg-8Li-3Al-2Zn-0.5Y alloy are investigated.The results show that the yield strength and ultimate tensile strength of as-cast alloy is 198.1 MPa and 222.5 MPa,which are improved to 274.7 MPa and 321.7 MPa,282.4 MPa and 319.3 MPa after solid solution and extrusion treatment,respectively.The high-cycle fatigue strength(at 10^(7)cycles,R=-1)of as-cast studied alloy is 65 MPa,which is improved to 90 MPa and 105 MPa after solid solution and extrusion treatment,respectively.The improvement of fatigue property of the solid solution treated alloy is mainly due to the lattice distortion caused by solid solution hindering the crack propagation.However,the improvement of fatigue property of the as-extruded alloy is mainly due to that the refined grains,stacked dislocations and dispersed secondary particles impede the crack propagation.

Fatigue characteristics of sand-cast AZ91D magnesium alloy

The fatigue characteristics of the AZ91D-T6 alloy samples taken from engine blocks have been investigated at 20℃ and elevated temperature(150℃).The fatigue strength and cyclic stress amplitude of the alloy significantly decrease with the increase of the test temperature,although cyclic hardening occurs continuously until failure for both temperatures.With the increase of the temperature,the decreased fatigue life of the alloy tested at the same stress amplitude is mainly attributed to the decreased matrix strength and the increased hysteresis energies.Fatigue failure of the engine blocks made of AZ91D-T6 alloy is mainly controlled by casting defects.For the defect-free specimens,the crack initiation behavior is determined by the single-slip(20℃)and by environment-assisted cyclic slip(150℃)during fatigue,respectively.The low-cycle fatigue lives of the alloy can be predicted using the Coffin-Manson relation and Basquin laws,the three-parameter equation and the energy-based concepts,while the high-cycle fatigue lives of the alloy fitted well with the developed long crack life model and MSF life models.

Microstructures and Mechanical Properties of Al_(89)Gd_7Ni_3Fe Alloy Extruded from Its Amorphous Powders

The microstructures and mechanical properties of Als9 GdTNi3Fe alloy extruded from its amorphous powder were investigated at different temperatures. Devitrification process of amorphous phase was also analyzed. As a result, the microstructure of the extruded alloy consists of fee α-Al, binary intermetallic Al3Gd and ternary intermetallic r l phase. The grain size of α-Al is fine. The intermetallic Al3Gd exists as equiaxed particle and τ1 phase appears rod like.