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At least 703 records · Page 39
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Characterization on carbide of a novel steel for cold work roll during solidification process

A novel steel for cold work roll was developed in this work. Its phase structures were determined by X-ray diffraction, and phase transformation temperatures during the cooling process were measured by Differential Scanning Calorimeter. The Fe–C isopleths of the steel were calculated by Thermo-Calc to preliminarily determine the characteristic temperatures of the different phases. Then the specimens were quenched at these characteristic temperatures. The typical microstructures were observed by Optical Microscopy and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Disperse Spectroscopy. The results show that α-Fe, MC, M{sub 2}C and M{sub 7}C{sub 3} precipitate when the specimen is cooled slowly to room temperature. According to the DSC curve and the Fe–C isopleths, the characteristic temperatures of the phase transformation and carbide precipitation are chosen as 1380 °C, 1240 °C, 1200 °C and 1150 °C respectively. Primary austenite precipitates at 1380 °C, then eutectic reaction occurs in residual liquid after quenching and the eutectic microstructures distribute along the crystal grain boundary. The eutectic MC is leaf-like and eutectic M{sub 2}C is fibrous-like. Both of them precipitate in ternary eutectic reaction simultaneously at 1240 °C, grow together in the form of dendrite along the crystal grain boundary. Secondary MC precipitates from the austenitic matrix at 1200 °C and nucleates at the position where eutectic MC located accompanied by the dissolving of eutectic carbides. The mixed secondary M{sub 2}C and M{sub 7}C{sub 3} precipitate at 1150 °C. The secondary M{sub 2}C is strip-like and honeycomb-like, while the M{sub 7}C{sub 3} is chrysanthemum-like and maze-like. - Highlights: • The solidification process was analyzed by Thermo-Calc, DSC, XRD and SEM observation. • Primary and secondary carbides precipitated during solidification were determined. • The three dimensional morphologies of all carbides was observed. • The eutectic MC exhibits the dendritical structure which was not observed before.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Microstructural and textural evolution of AZ61 magnesium alloy sheet during bidirectional cyclic bending

In this work, the microstructural and textural evolution in the sheets of AZ61 magnesium alloy was studied by means of bidirectional cyclic bending for 8 passes at 623 K. The bended samples were examined by optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction analysis. The results showed that a gradient structure with fine grains about 3 μm in the regions near two surfaces and, in contrast, coarse grains in the middle of the sheet were formed. The evident grain refinement was attributed to twin-assisted dynamic recrystallization and continuous dynamic recrystallization induced by kink bands. The texture intensity was clearly reduced, resulting in a negative gradient distribution, with the texture intensity decreases from the center of the sheet to two surfaces. The weakened texture greatly facilitated the reduction of the yield strength. A higher fracture elongation and a slightly improved ultimate tensile strength were achieved concurrently. - Highlights: • The AZ61 Mg alloy is deformed at 623 K by bidirectional cyclic bending. • A symmetric gradient distribution of fine grains along the thickness is formed. • The basal texture in the regions near two surfaces is weakened significantly.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

EBSD analysis of magnesium addition on inclusion formation in SS400 structural steel

In this study, the effect of magnesium addition on the inclusion formation in SS400 steel was investigated. The experimental specimens with and without Mg addition treatment were compared. The microstructure was observed using optical microscopy after etching with 3% nital. The morphology and chemical composition of the inclusions were analyzed via scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry. The lattice structure and orientation of the inclusions were identified by electron backscattering diffraction. The average size of inclusions in SS400 was between 0.67 and 0.75 μm, and between 0.65 and 0.68 μm in SS400 + Mg. The 2 ppm Mg addition resulted in the oxide formation change from Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} to MgO·Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} and in the inclusion formation change from Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–MnS to MgO·Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–MnS. Moreover, a simple-phase MnS with an average grain size of 1 μm to 2 μm was observed in rod-like, globular, and polyhedron forms. - Highlights: • The effect of magnesium addition was investigated for SS400 steel. • 2 ppm Mg addition changes the inclusion formation from Al2O3-MnS to MgO·Al2O3-MnS. • MnS observed in inclusions exhibits rod-like, globular, and polyhedron forms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Characterization of a 12-pdr wrought-iron cannonball from the Akko 1 shipwreck

The Akko 1 shipwreck, discovered in Akko harbor, Israel, is the remains of an eastern Mediterranean brig built at the beginning of the 19th century. Among other finds, eleven cannonballs were found in the shipwreck and three of them were retrieved. Two of the cannonballs, the 9- and 24-pdrs, have been studied previously. The present study of the 12-pdr cannonball included γ-rays radiographic testing, XRF analysis, density measurements, optical microscopy and SEM-EDS observation, OES analysis and microhardness tests. The investigation included characterization of the composition, microstructure and slag analysis. The results revealed a quite homogenous microstructure of α-ferrite phase, with glassy, wüstite and fayalite slags, as typical for a wrought-iron—annealed product, a more complicated and an earlier technology, compared to the 9- and 24-pdr that were made of cast-iron. Ferritic cannonballs are extremely rare, especially in the 19th century, when cannonballs were manufactured of cast iron by the sand casting process. The different manufacturing methods may indicate a different place of fabrication, and an apparently earlier production date for the 12-pdr, which might have even been used as ballast. - Highlights: • Three cannonballs were retrieved from the 19th century Akko 1 shipwreck. • The 12-pdr differs from the 9- and 24-pdr cannonballs previously studied. • The 12-pdr was made of high quality annealed wrought-iron, not of cast-iron. • The technology used indicates a date earlier than the middle of the 19th century. • Perhaps the 12-pdr belonged to another navy than the other two or used as ballast.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2014

Characterization of microstructure, texture and magnetic properties in twin-roll casting high silicon non-oriented electrical steel

An Fe-6.5 wt.% Si-0.3 wt.% Al as-cast sheet was produced by twin-roll strip casting process, then treated with hot rolling, warm rolling and annealing. A detailed study of the microstructure and texture evolution at different processing stages was carried out by optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron backscattered diffraction analysis. The initial as-cast strip showed strong columnar grains and pronounced < 001 >//ND texture. The hot rolled and warm rolled sheets were characterized by large amounts of shear bands distributed through the thickness together with strong < 110 >//RD texture and weak < 111 >//ND texture. After annealing, detrimental < 111 >//ND texture almost disappeared while beneficial (001)<210 >, (001)<010 >, (115)<5 − 10 1 > and (410) < 001 > recrystallization textures were formed, thus the magnetic induction of the annealed sheet was significantly improved. The recrystallization texture in the present study could be explained by preferred nucleation and grain growth mechanism. - Highlights: • A high silicon as-cast strip with columnar structure was produced. • A thin warm rolled sheet without large edge cracks was obtained. • Microstructure and texture evolution at each stage were investigated. • Beneficial (001)<210 >, (001)<010 >, (410)<001 > recrystallization textures were formed. • The magnetic induction of annealed sheet was significantly improved.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Microstructure, texture evolution and magnetic properties of strip-casting non-oriented 6.5 wt.% Si electrical steel doped with cerium

A 0.3 mm thick non-oriented 6.5 wt.% Si electrical steel sheet doped with cerium is produced by twin-roll strip casting, hot rolling, warm rolling and annealing. A detailed study of the cerium precipitates in the as-cast strip, microstructure and texture evolution at different processing stages is carried out by electron probe micro-analysis, optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron backscattered diffraction analysis. Grain interior distributing precipitates identified as Ce-oxides, Ce-oxysulfides and Ce-phosphides, and boundary distributing Ce-oxides and Ce-phosphides are observed in the as-cast strip. The initial as-cast strip is characterized by a much finer solidification microstructure and dominated by obvious < 001 >//ND texture through the strip thickness. After hot and warm rolling, inhomogeneous microstructure containing large amounts of in-grain shear bands is characterized by mixed < 110 >//RD and < 111 >//ND textures. The texture of the annealed sheet with a relatively large average grain size is far more optimized by the domination of the beneficial cube, rotated cube, (001)< 120 > to (001)< 130 > and Goss texture components, and the elimination of the detrimental γ-fiber texture, leading to a superior magnetic induction and improved iron loss. - Highlights: • An Fe–6.5 wt.% Si as-cast strip doped with cerium was produced. • A thin warm rolled sheet with limited edge cracks was obtained. • Microstructure and texture evolution at each stage were investigated. • Strong λ-fiber and Goss recrystallization textures were formed. • The magnetic properties of the annealed sheet were significantly improved.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Solid-state transformation of Fe-rich intermetallic phases in Al–5.0Cu–0.6Mn squeeze cast alloy with variable Fe contents during solution heat treatment

The Al–5.0 wt.% Cu–0.6 wt.% Mn alloys with a variable Fe content were prepared by squeeze casting. Optical microscopy (OM), Deep etching technique, scanning electron microscopy(SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to examine the solid-state transformation of Fe-rich intermetallics during the solution heat treatment. The results showed that the Chinese script-like α-Fe, Al{sub 6}(FeMn) and needle-like Al{sub 3}(FeMn) phases transform to a new Cu-rich β-Fe (Al{sub 7}Cu{sub 2}(FeMn)) phase during solution heat treatment. The possible reaction and overall transformation kinetics of the solid-state phase transformation for the Fe-rich intermetallics were investigated. - Graphical abstract: Display Omitted - Highlights: • The α-Fe, Al{sub 6}(FeMn) and Al{sub 3}(FeMn) phases change to the β-Fe phases. • Possible reactions of Fe phases during solution heat treatment are discussed. • The overall fractional transformation rate follows an Avrami curve.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Analysis of integrity and microstructure of linear friction welded Waspaloy

Nickel-base superalloy, Waspaloy, was linear friction welded (LFWed) under different axial shortening conditions of 2.0, 3.4, and 4.6 mm. The tensile properties and microhardness of the weldments were investigated in the as-LFWed condition and compared with those in the post-weld heat treated (PWHTed) condition. Mechanical properties were related to microstructures following examination by optical microscopy, high resolution scanning electron microscopy, and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Analyses of the EBSD results in terms of the misorientation angle distribution, which represents the stored energy, were performed. In the as-LFWed condition, the yield strength (YS) and ultimate tensile strength (UTS) increased with axial shortening due to greater expulsion of the softened interfacial material toward the periphery as flash. In contrast, with increasing axial shortening the total elongation initially remained constant and then decreased. This was also related to the expulsion of the softened interfacial material into the bifurcated flash. Extensive dissolution of the strengthening phase (γ′) in the weld area during linear friction welding (LFW) contributed to the lower YS and UTS in the as-welded condition compared to the PWHTed condition where the γ′ particles were recovered. After performing post-weld heat treatment (PWHT), the total elongation improved due to the relaxation of stored energy and grain growth in the thermomechanically affected zone (TMAZ). - Highlights: • Tensile property and microstructure in Waspaloy linear friction welds were studied. • Yield strength and ultimate tensile strength increased with axial shortening. • Elongation initially remained constant and then decreased with axial shortening. • Post-weld heat treat recovered dissolved γ′ particles and increased weld strength. • Stored energy relaxation during post-weld heat treatment improved weld elongation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Evolution of microstructure, texture and inhibitor along the processing route for grain-oriented electrical steels using strip casting

In the present work, a regular grade GO sheet was produced successively by strip casting, hot rolling, normalizing annealing, two-stage cold rolling with intermediate annealing, primary recrystallization annealing, secondary recrystallization annealing and purification. The aim of this paper was to characterize the evolution of microstructure, texture and inhibitor along the new processing route by comprehensive utilization of optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. It was found that a fine microstructure with the ferrite grain size range of 7–12 μm could be obtained in the primary recrystallization annealed sheet though a very coarse microstructure was produced in the initial as-cast strip. The main finding was that the “texture memory” effect on Goss texture started on the through-thickness intermediate annealed strip after first cold rolling, which was not similar to the “texture memory” effect on Goss texture starting on the surface layers of the hot rolled strip in the conventional production route. As a result, the origin of Goss nuclei capable of secondary recrystallization lied in the grains already presented in Goss orientation in the intermediate annealed strip after first cold rolling. Another finding was that fine and dispersive inhibitors (mainly AlN) were easy to be produced in the primary recrystallization microstructure due to the initial rapid solidification during strip casting and the subsequent rapid cooling, and the very high temperature reheating usually used before hot rolling in the conventional production route could be avoided. - Highlights: • A regular grade grain-oriented electrical steel was produced. • Evolution of microstructure, texture and inhibitor was characterized. • Origin of Goss nuclei lied in the intermediate annealed strip. • A fine primary recrystallization microstructure could be produced. • Effective inhibitors were easy to be obtained in the new processing route.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Strain induced grain boundary migration effects on grain growth of an austenitic stainless steel during static and metadynamic recrystallization

Static and metadynamic recrystallization of an AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel was investigated at 1100 °C and 10{sup −} {sup 2} s{sup −} {sup 1} strain rate. The kinetics of recrystallization was determined through double hit compression tests. Two strain levels were selected for the first compression hit: ε{sub f} = 0.15 for static recrystallization (SRX) and 0.25 for metadynamic recrystallization (MDRX). Both the as-deformed and the recrystallized microstructures were investigated through optical microscopy and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) technique. During deformation, strain induced grain boundary migration appeared to be significant, producing a square-like grain boundary structure aligned along the directions of the maximum shear stresses in compression. EBSD analysis revealed to be as a fundamental technique that the dislocation density was distributed heterogeneously in the deformed grains. Grain growth driven by surface energy reduction was also investigated, finding that it was too slow to explain the experimental data. Based on microstructural results, it was concluded that saturation of the nucleation sites occurred in the first stages of recrystallization, while grain growth driven by strain induced grain boundary migration (SIGBM) dominated the subsequent stages. - Highlights: • Recrystallization behavior of a stainless steel was investigated at 1100 °C. • EBSD revealed that the dislocation density distribution was heterogeneous during deformation. • Saturation of nucleation sites occurred in the first stages of recrystallization. • Strain induced grain boundary migration (SIGBM) effects were significant. • Grain growth driven by SIGBM dominated the subsequent stages.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Oxidation behaviors of porous Haynes 214 alloy at high temperatures

The oxidation behaviors of porous Haynes 214 alloy at temperatures from 850 to 1000 °C were investigated. The porous alloys before and after the oxidation were examined by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The oxidation kinetics of the porous alloy approximately follows a parabolic rate law and exhibits two stages controlled by different oxidation courses. Complex oxide scales composed of Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3}, NiCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} are formed on the oxidized porous alloys, and the formation of Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} on its outer layer is promoted with the oxidation proceeding. The rough surface as well as the micropores in the microstructures of the porous alloy caused by the manufacturing process provides fast diffusion paths for oxygen so as to affect the formation of the oxide layers. Both the maximum pore size and the permeability of the porous alloys decrease with the increase of oxidation temperature and exposure time, which may limit its applications. - Highlights: • Two-stage oxidation kinetics controlled by different oxidation courses is showed. • Oxide scale mainly consists of Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3}, NiCr{sub 2}O{sub 4} and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}. • Rough surface and micropores lead to the formation of uneven oxide structure. • Content of Cr{sub 2}O{sub 3} in the outer layer of the scale increases with time at 1000 °C. • Maximum pore size and permeability decrease with increasing temperature and time.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Structure and tribological properties of steel after non-vacuum electron beam cladding of Ti, Mo and graphite powders

The non-vacuum electron beam cladding technique was used to fabricate layers alloyed with Ti, Mo and C on the surface of low-alloyed steel. Two types of experiments were carried out. In the first experiment, a mixture of Ti and graphite powders was used for cladding; in the second, a mixture of Ti, Mo and graphite powders was used for cladding. CaF{sub 2} powder or a mixture of CaF{sub 2} and LiF powders was used as flux. The thickness of the cladded layers was in the range of 2–2.2 mm. The structure of the layers was studied using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The microhardness after cladding of the layers fabricated by cladding of Ti and graphite powders was 8–9 GPa, while the microhardness of layers with Mo additions reached 11–12 GPa. The highest wear resistance at sliding friction and friction in abrasive environment was reached in the samples fabricated using Ti, Mo and graphite mixture due to the higher hardness and the martensite–austenite structure of the matrix. The wear resistance against fixed abrasive particles was 2.4 times higher compared to that of carburized and quenched steel. - Highlights: • Ti, C and Mo mixture of powders was cladded using non-vacuum electron beam treatment. • The depth of the cladded layers was 2.0 … 2.2 mm. • The microhardness of layer with Mo, Ti and C additions reached ~ 11 … 12 GPa. • The hardening of the layers caused by the formation of TiC particles and martensitic matrix • Wear resistance of cladded coatings was 2.4 higher than carburized steel.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Effect of Zn on microstructure, texture and mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys with a medium number of Fe-rich phase particles

Highlights: • Zn has a negligible influence on the final recrystallization microstructure and texture of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys. • By adding Fe-rich phase particles to refine the recrystallization grain sizes could control the texture. • The deep drawability of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys could be affected by solute Zn atom besides the microstructure and texture. - Abstract: The effect of Zn on the microstructure, texture evolution and mechanical properties of Al-Mg-Si-Cu alloys with a medium number of Fe-rich phase particles was investigated using tensile testing machine, optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and X-ray diffractometer (XRD) in the present study. The results show that Zn addition has a significant influence on the final mechanical properties, but a slight effect on microstructure and final recrystallization texture. Zn addition is favorable to increase yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation, however it is detrimental to improve r value and reduce Δr value. During the thermomechanical processing, the microstructure almost has nothing to do with Zn addition. However, Zn could prevent the secondary phase particles from precipitating during intermediate annealing. In contrast to the alloy sheet without Zn, the alloy sheet with 1.0 wt% Zn always has weaker textures before final cold rolling, but a stronger texture after experiencing final cold rolling. After solution treatment, they almost possess the same recrystallization texture. Finally, the effect of Zn addition on the recrystallization texture was discussed. Their similar recrystallization texture can be attributed to the similar microstructure, which was caused by the medium number of Fe-rich phase particles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Effect of gadolinium addition on microstructural evolution and solidification characteristics of Al-15%Mg2Si in-situ composite

Highlights: • The Al{sub 3}Gd is the heterogeneous nucleation of primary Mg{sub 2}Si in Al-15%Mg{sub 2}Si composite. • Addition of Gd to Al-15%Mg{sub 2}Si resulted in the formation of Al{sub 2}Si{sub 2}Gd and AlSiGd intermetallic compounds. • Absorption of Gd atoms preferentially on {100} facets of Mg{sub 2}Si crystals changed its growth manners. • Primary Mg{sub 2}Si transformed from coarse-dendritic to perfect truncated octahedral shape after treating with 1.0 wt% Gd. • Gd addition increased the nucleation and growth temperatures of primary Mg{sub 2}Si. - Abstract: The current study investigated the effects of gadolinium (Gd) addition (0, 0.3, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 wt%) on microstructural development and solidification characteristics of hypereutectic Al-15%Mg{sub 2}Si in-situ composite. Microstructural examinations were carried out via optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD). The results showed that an addition of 1.0 wt% Gd, changed the morphology of primary Mg{sub 2}Si from coarse dendritic to fine truncated octahedral shape. Furthermore, the average size of primary Mg{sub 2}Si particles decreased from 40 μm to 20 μm and density increased from 495 to 1167 particles/mm{sup 2}. Besides that, cooling curve thermal analysis (CCTA) technique revealed that Gd addition increased nucleation and growth temperatures of primary Mg{sub 2}Si phase. It is proposed that modification and refinement mechanism of Gd addition are mainly attributed to formation of tiny Al{sub 3}Gd particles as the heterogeneous nucleation substrates for primary Mg{sub 2}Si, which results in a refined distribution of these particles and poisoning effect by adsorbing Gd atoms, preferentially on {100} facets of Mg{sub 2}Si crystals. Moreover, it is believed that formation of Gd intermetallic compounds is responsible for refinement of primary Mg{sub 2}Si particles.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Microstructure evolution and mechanical characterization of Nd:YAG laser beam welded titanium tubes

Highlights: • Joining of thin titanium tubes using laser beam welding. • Fusion zone exhibited coarse granular like grains with serrated and irregular boundaries. • Large spherical and irregular shape pores were observed at lower welding speeds. • Misorientation angle distribution indicated substructure boundaries along with single β grain formation from double α grains. • Fusion zone strengthened by substructure boundaries, solid solution strengthening and dislocation density. - Abstract: Grade 2 titanium tubes of outer diameter 60 mm and wall thickness 3.9 mm were effectively joined by Nd:YAG laser. The welding speed was varied in five levels (2.50, 2.75, 3.00, 3.25 and 3.50 m/min). The microstructure evolution was studied using optical microscopy and advanced characterization techniques. The bead geometry changed from parallel shape to wedge shape with increased welding speed due to changes in surface tension. The macrographs showed three zones namely fusion zone, heat affected zone (HAZ) and base metal. Coarse granular structure with irregular and serrated contours was observed in the fusion zone. Acicular α grains were observed at the extreme outer edge of the fusion zone due to rapid cooling. Spherical and irregular shaped pores were observed near the centerline of the fusion zone at lower welding speeds due to large amount of entrapped gases and downward sweeping solidification front. The grain size decreased with increased welding speed due to higher cooling rate. The misorientation angle distribution map showed three distinct regions. The increase in welding speed caused an increase in low angle boundaries and a reduction in very high angle boundaries. High density of dislocations was observed in the fusion zone due to thermal stresses caused by solidification. The microhardness of the fusion zone was recorded to be higher than base metal due to substructure boundaries, solute elements and dislocations. The increase in welding speed shifted the fracture location from fusion zone to base metal and fracture mode from brittle to ductile.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Pre-processing related recrystallization behavior in β annealing of a near-β Ti-5Al-5Mo-5V-3Cr-1Zr titanium alloy

Highlights: • Recrystallization behavior of Ti-55531 alloy in β annealing under four typical pre-processing conditions is studied. • Recrystallization nucleation mode is governed by the size and distribution of substructures. • The sequence of phase transformation and β recrystallization significantly affects recrystallized grain size. • The uniform substructures produce a higher fraction of low angle grain boundaries after full recrystallization. - Abstract: Recrystallization behavior of Ti-55531 alloy in β annealing is explored for grain refinement during primary hot working. Four typical pre-processing conditions were adopted to characterize the diverse processing routes of primary hot working: deformation and annealing in the two-phase region, deformation of globularized structure in two-phase region, deformation of lamellar structure in two-phase region and deformation in single β region. The microstructure evolution in β annealing was quantified by Optical Microscopy (OM), Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and quantitative metallography. The results indicate that the nucleation mode of static recrystallization is determined by the size and distribution of substructures prior to annealing which is related to pre-processing route. The uniform substructures in as-deformed globularized structure produce a higher fraction of low angle grain boundaries after full recrystallization. Fine β recrystallized structure can be obtained when β recrystallization is accompanied by α-to-β phase transformation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

EBSD characterization of the eutectic microstructure in hypoeutectic Fe-C and Fe-C-Si alloys

Highlights: • EBSD investigation of eutectic cementite and austenite in as-solidified low-alloy cast iron • Crystallographically independent growth of rapidly solidified cementite/austenite eutectic • Epitaxial growth of eutectic austenite from primary dendrites • Eutectic cementite and eutectoid ferrite frequently obey Bagaryatsky or Pitsch-Petch orientation relationship. - Abstract: Hypoeutectic Fe-C and Fe-C-Si model alloys were produced at different solidification conditions. Copper mold casting yields low cooling rates promoting the formation of a eutectic microstructure, which is characterized by two morphologies: elongated cementite plates and a rod structure growing perpendicular to the plates, i.e. austenite rods in a cementite matrix. Electron beam surface remelting generates a mainly plate-like eutectic due to rapid solidification. The microstructures were characterized by light-optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The latter allows for a spatially resolved investigation of the growth crystallography of the eutectic phases. Thereby, a possible existence of crystallographic orientations relationships between cementite and austenite within the plate-like eutectic was assessed experimentally. The eutectic phases were found to grow largely crystallographically independently. Moreover, ferrite and eutectic cementite within the decomposed eutectic microstructure frequently comply with the Bagaryatsky or the Pitsch-Petch orientation relationship. Complementary X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis reveals a pronounced cementite {002} texture in the microstructure produced by mold casting. Characteristic changes in the lattice parameters indicate that as-cast cementite is non-stoichiometric.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Enhancing the tensile properties of EBM as-built thin parts: Effect of HIP and chemical etching

Highlights: • The EBM process leads to important cross section variations in thin parts. • Stress calculation must be based on the average section in order to be relevant. • As-built state has a detrimental effect on every mechanical property. • Mechanical properties of machined samples are met with chemical etching. • HIP has a beneficial effect on the ductility. - Abstract: As-built Ti-6Al-4 V thin parts were manufactured using Electron Beam Melting (EBM) and characterized by optical microscopy and laboratory X-ray tomography in order to observe their microstructure, pore distribution and surface aspect. Chemical etching and HIP post-treatments were applied to as-built samples and their effect on the material and static mechanical properties were studied. Tensile tests were performed on both as-built and post-treated samples and their results compared to the ones reported in the literature for machined EBM samples. Because of the significant variations of the cross section observed along the gauge length, the calculation of the tensile stresses is not straightforward. Three simple sections were measured from the tomography scans. The average section along the gauge length was considered as the most suitable. The tensile mechanical properties of the as-built samples were studied and a detrimental effect of the surface state on the yield strength, ultimate tensile strength and elongation to failure was observed. Smoothing of the surface irregularities induced by chemical etching provoked an increase of those mechanical properties whereas the change of the microstructure generated by the HIP treatment leads to a decrease of the material strength that goes along with an increase of the ductility. Down scaling factors were proposed in order to take into account the sample state, as-built or post-treated.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗