Effect of domain structure on the damping properties of LiNbO3/Al composites

To study the possibility of utilizing piezoelectric effect, damping properties of poly- and single-domain LiNbO₃ particle-filled pure aluminum composites were investigated by a dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer. The damping capacity of single-domain LiNbO₃/Al composite is always higher than that of poly-domain LiNbO₃/Al composite over the whole testing temperature range from 30 to 300 °C. At room temperature the single-domain LiNbO₃/Al composite shows twice the damping capacity of the poly-domain LiNbO₃/Al composite. Domain structures were observed by an optical microscope. Effect of the domain structure on the properties of LiNbO₃ single crystal was studied based on the measurements of d₃₃ piezoelectric constant, damping capacity and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Then effect of the domain structure on the damping properties of the composites was investigated. The difference of the damping capacity between poly- and single-domain LiNbO₃/Al composites is mainly attributed to the piezoelectric effect.     

Effects of sintering parameters on the microstructure and tensile properties of in situ TiBw/Ti6Al4V composites with a novel network architecture

In order to better understand the relationship of processing–structure–mechanical properties of in situ TiB whisker reinforced Ti6Al4V (TiBw/Ti64) composites with a novel network architecture, the effects of sintering parameters on the microstructure and tensile properties of the composites were investigated. TiB whiskers with the highest aspect ratio and the coarsest whiskers were obtained at 1100 °C and 1200 °C due to the skips of whisker growth speeds along the [0 1 0] direction and the [0 0 1] and [1 0 0] directions, respectively. Additionally, TiB whisker with a claw-like structure can be synthesized from one TiB₂ polycrystal parent. The quasi-continuous network architecture of TiBw/Ti64 composites can be achieved at higher sintering temperatures more than 1200 °C. The prepared composites with the quasi-continuous network architecture exhibit a superior combination of tensile properties.     

Investigation of microstructure and mechanical properties of nano MgO reinforced Al composites manufactured by stir casting and powder metallurgy methods: A comparative study

In the present work, Al–nano MgO composites using A356 aluminum alloy and MgO nanoparticles (1.5, 2.5, and 5 vol.%) have been fabricated via stir casting and powder metallurgy (PM) methods. Different processing temperatures of 800, 850, and 950 °C for stir casting and 575, 600, and 625 °C for powder metallurgy were considered. Powder metallurgy samples showed more porosity portions compare to the casting samples which results in higher density values of casting composites (close to the theoretical density) compare to the sintering samples. Introduction of MgO nanoparticles to the Al matrix caused increasing of the hardness values which was more considerable in casting samples. The highest hardness value for casting and sintering samples have been obtained at 850 and 625 °C respectively, in 5 vol.% of MgO. Compressive strength values of casting composites were higher than sintered samples which were majorly due to the more homogeneity of Al matrix, less porosity portions, and better wettability of MgO nanoparticles in casting method. The highest compressive strength values for casting and sintered composites have been obtained at 850 and 625 °C, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy images showed higher porosity portions in sintered composites and more agglomeration and aggregation of MgO nanoparticles in casting samples which was due to the fundamental difference of two methods. Generally, the optimum processing temperatures to achieve better mechanical properties were 625 and 850 °C for powder metallurgy and stir-casting, respectively. Moreover, casting method represented more homogeneous data and higher values of mechanical properties compare to the powder metallurgy method.     

Application of neural network and genetic algorithm to powder metallurgy of pure iron

In the present paper, soft computing techniques are applied to optimize the powder metallurgy processing of pure iron. An artificial neural network is trained to predict the stress resulting from a given trend in strain and sintering temperature. To prepare an appropriate model, pure iron powders are compacted and sintered at various temperatures. Subsequently, compression test is conducted at room temperature on the bulked samples. The sintering temperatures and the corresponding stress–strain records are used as sets of data for the training process. The performance of the network is verified by putting aside one set of data and testing the network against it. Eventually, by using a genetic algorithm, an optimization tool is created to predict the optimum sintering temperature for a desired stress–strain behavior. Comparison of the predicted and experimental data confirms the accuracy of the model.     

Mechanical alloying and sintering of nanostructured tungsten carbide-reinforced copper composite and its characterization

Elemental powders of copper (Cu), tungsten (W) and graphite (C) were mechanically alloyed in a planetary ball mill with different milling durations (0–60 h), compacted and sintered in order to precipitate hard tungsten carbide particles into a copper matrix. Both powder and sintered composite were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and assessed for hardness and electrical conductivity to investigate the effects of milling time on formation of nanostructured Cu–WC composite and its properties. No carbide peak was detected in the powder mixtures after milling. Carbide WC and W₂C phases were precipitated only in the sintered composite. The formation of WC began with longer milling times, after W₂C formation. Prolonged milling time decreased the crystallite size as well as the internal strain of Cu. Hardness of the composite was enhanced but electrical conductivity reduced with increasing milling time.     

Processing and characterization of graded metal/intermetallic materials: The example of Fe/FeAl intermetallics

In this work, a novel processing routine for the fabrication of graded metal/intermetallic materials is shown. It is a combined process that begins with “layer by layer” manufacturing of the 3-D components from the elemental metal powders under computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), followed by low-temperature uniaxial pressing under cycle loading and subsequent sintering at high temperature. The ability to fabricate heterogeneous metal-intermetallic materials with a continuous and/or discrete intermetallic gradient was demonstrated by producing graded Fe/FeAl materials as an example. The microstructure of the graded Fe/FeAl materials was investigated with X-ray diffractometer (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with a backscattered electron detector (BSE) and an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). In both of the investigated materials, Fe and FeAl intermetallic compounds with different amounts of Al and aluminum oxides were found. The mechanical properties of the graded Fe/FeAl materials were examined with a static compression test. The Fe/FeAl material with a continuous gradient exhibited higher compression strength than the material with a discrete gradient.     

Metal injection moulding of in-situ formed AlN hollow sphere reinforced Al matrix syntactic foam parts

In-situ formed AlN hollow sphere reinforced Al matrix syntactic foam parts have been fabricated by metal injection moulding, partial nitridation and a subsequent “open-closed pore transformation” without using pre-fabricated ceramic hollow spheres. The in-situ Al matrix systactic foams feature highly controllable pore size of <20 μm and exhibit high strength of ∼200 MPa, which is superior to conventional Al matrix syntactic foams having pre-fabricated ceramic hollow sphere reinforcements.     

泡沫铝夹心板的制备及其界面结合机理的研究

由泡沫铝芯材与金属面板构成的夹心结构具有轻质、高强度、良好的减震性等优点.现存的泡沫铝夹心板的制备方法很多,但均为先制备芯材再进行连接的方法.本研究提出一种新的工艺方法即采用粉末与面板直接轧制然后发泡的方法制备了Fe/Al/Fe泡沫铝夹心结构.研究了泡沫铝芯的发泡不均的问题,分析了发泡前和发泡后面板与泡沫铝芯的冶金结合过程,提出了扩散微观结合机理.最终面板与泡沫芯材通过扩散反应形成了牢固的冶金结合.     

Compression strength of sandwich panels with sub-interface damage in the foam core

This paper addresses the effect of a local quasi-static indentation or a low-velocity impact on the residual strength of foam core sandwich panels subjected to edgewise compression. The damage is characterized by a local zone of crushed core accompanied by a residual dent in the face sheet. Experimental studies show that such damage can significantly alter the compressive strength. Theoretical analysis of the face sheet local bending is performed for two typical damage modes (with or without a face–core debonding). The solutions allow estimation of the onset of (a) an unstable dent growth (local buckling) or (b) a compressive failure in the face sheet. The theoretical results are in agreement with the test data for two considered sandwich configurations.     

A wire-woven cellular metal: Part-I, optimal design for applications as sandwich core

Wire-woven Bulk Kagome (WBK) is a new truss type cellular metal fabricated by systematic assembling of helical wires in six directions. WBK looks promising with respect to morphology, fabrication cost, and raw materials. In this paper, first, the geometry and the effect of the geometry such as the curved shape of the struts, which compose the truss structure of WBK, are elaborated. Then, analytic solutions for the material properties of WBK and the maximum loads withstood by a WBK-cored sandwich panel under bending are derived. Design optimization is carried out in two ways: one is based on the weight of the sandwich panel, and the other is based on the slenderness ratio of the WBK core. The performance of the WBK is evaluated and compared with those of other periodic cellular metals. With designs fully optimized with respect to the first way mentioned, the WBK-cored panel outperformed the octet counter part. With a specified constraint on the core thickness, the WBK truss core panel performed as well as a honeycomb cored panel.     

Investigation on the effect of lubrication and forming parameters to the green compact generated from iron powder through warm forming route

In order to generate green compacts of iron ASC 100.29 powder at above ambient temperature and below its recrystallization temperature, a warm compaction rig is designed and fabricated which can be operated at various temperature and load. The aim of this paper is to present the outcomes of an investigation on the effect of lubrication and forming parameters, i.e., load and temperature to the green compacts generated through warm compaction route. The feedstock was prepared by mechanically mixing the main powder constituent, i.e., iron ASC 100.29 powder with different weight percent of zinc stearate at different mixing time. Compaction load was varied from 105 kN to 125 kN using simultaneous compaction mechanism. The microstructures of the green compacts were analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and the mechanical properties are measured through density measurement, hardness test and electrical conductivity test. The study found that increase in compaction load as well as forming temperature give improved microstructure and mechanical properties. It is also found that effects of lubrication to the mechanical properties of green compacts are strongly dependant on the lubricant content as well as mixing time of iron powder with the lubricant.     

Effect of 10Ce-TZP/Al2O3 nanocomposite particle amount and sintering temperature on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Al/(10Ce-TZP/Al2O3) nanocomposites

A zirconia/alumina nanocomposite stabilized with cerium oxide (Ce-TZP/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite) can be a good substitute as reinforcement in metal matrix composites. In the present study, the effect of the amount of 10Ce-TZP/Al₂O₃ particles on the microstructure and properties of Al/(10Ce-TZP/Al₂O₃) nanocomposites was investigated. For this purpose, aluminum powders with average size of 30 μm were ball-milled with 10Ce-TZP/Al₂O₃ nanocomposite powders (synthesized by aqueous combustion) in varying amounts of 1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 wt.%. Cylindrical-shape samples were prepared by pressing the powders at 600 MPa for 60 min while heating at 400–450 °C. The specimens were then characterized by scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) in addition to different physical and mechanical testing methods in order to establish the optimal processing conditions. The highest compression strength was obtained in the composite with 7 wt.% (10Ce-TZP/Al₂O₃) sintered at 450 °C.     

非连续增强铝合金复合材料的力学性能

用粉末冶金法制备了ＳｉＣｐ／铝合金复合材料，并对其进行了力学性能测试和断裂特性分析；综述了用不同工艺生产的非连续增强ＭＭＣ的性能及影响因素；试图说明增强体／基体界面结合力是铝合金复合材料性能的控制因素；指出寻求适当的界面结合力是复合材料设计中的一个重要内容。     

Production of aluminum foam by spherical carbamide space holder technique-processing parameters

Spherical carbamide has been employed to produce aluminum foams by space holder technique via powder metallurgy route. The effect of different processing parameters such as applied pressure, dissolving time of spacer, sintering temperature and time, metallic additives, on compression properties of the resultant foams has been evaluated. Aluminum foam samples with 40–85 vol.% porosity were successfully produced. Addition of 1 wt.% Sn and Mg to aluminum powder increased strength of the sintered foams. The results indicate that the appropriate compressive properties of foams are achieved under 330 MPa compacting pressure, sintering temperature and time of 640 °C and 2 h, respectively.     

High temperature mechanical properties of low alloy steel foams produced by powder metallurgy

Cu–Ni–Mo and Mo based steel foams having different porosity levels for high temperature applications were produced by the space holder-water leaching technique in powder metallurgy. Steel powders were mixed with binder (polyvinylalcohol) and spacer (carbamide), and compacted. Spacer in the green compacts was removed by water leaching at room temperature and porous green compacts were sintered at 1200 °C for 60 min in hydrogen atmosphere. The successful application of foams at higher temperatures requires a good understanding of their high temperature mechanical properties. Compression tests were carried out on steel foams with different porosities at temperatures varying from room temperature to 600 °C in argon atmosphere. Effect of high temperature on compressive properties of the steel foams was investigated. It was found that the compressive strength of steel foams was greater at elevated temperatures than that at room temperature. This occurs across a range of temperatures up to 400 °C. Beyond this point the compressive strength decreased as the temperature increased. The reason for the enhancement of the compressive strength of Cu–Ni–Mo and Mo based steel foams is expected to be due to the effect of the dynamic age-hardening.     

Enhanced mechanical performance of foam core sandwich composites with through the thickness reinforced core

The purpose of this study is to improve the mechanical performance of the foam core sandwich composites with a rather simpler method of core reinforcement. With this aim; sandwich composite panels are manufactured using only-perforated foam and perforated-stitched foam as the core with multi-axial glass fabrics as the facesheet materials by vacuum infusion method using epoxy resin. Sandwich composites with perforated core, stitched core and plain core have been compared in terms of compressive, bending, shear and impact performances. It was seen that newly proposed perforated core specimens and stitched core specimens with relatively insignificant weight increase have superior mechanical performances than plain core specimens. Thus reinforcing foam core with perforation and stitching is proposed as simpler but very effective method in performance improvement for the sandwich composites.     

Multiscale modelling of the composite reinforced foam core of a 3D sandwich structure

A key objective dealing with 3D sandwich structures is to maximize the through-thickness stiffness, the strength of the core and the core to faces adhesion. The Napco^® technology was especially designed for improving such material properties and is under investigation in this paper. In particular, the potential of the process is characterized using a micromechanical modelling combined to a parametric probabilistic model. An experimental analysis is further detailed and validates the theoretical estimates of the core-related elastic properties. It is readily shown that the technology is able to produce parts with significantly improved mechanical properties. Finally, thanks to the probabilistic aspect of the modelling, the study allows to establish a link between the randomness of the process and the uncertainties of the final mechanical properties. Thus, the present approach can be used to optimize the technology as well as to properly design structures.     

Deformation behavior of aluminum alloy matrix composites reinforced with few-layer graphene

Microstructure and mechanical properties of aluminum alloy 2024 (Al2024)/few-layer graphene (FLG) composites produced by ball milling and hot rolling have been investigated. The presence of dispersed FLGs with high specific surface area significantly increases the strength of the composites. The composite containing 0.7 vol.% FLGs exhibits tensile strength of 700 MPa, two times higher than that of monolithic Al2024, and around 4% elongation to failure. During plastic deformation, restricted dislocation activities and the accumulated dislocation at between FLGs may contribute to strengthening of Al2024/FLG composites.     

Studies on wear rate and micro-hardness of the Al/Al2O3/Gr hybrid composites produced via powder metallurgy

Micro-structural characterization of the composites has revealed fairly uniform distribution and some amount of grain refinement in the specimens. Further, it was observed that the micro-hardness improve when increasing the milling time and the reinforcement content due to presence of hard Al₂O₃ particles. Was also observed a low wear rate exhibited by the Al/Al₂O₃/Gr hybrid composites due to presence of Al₂O₃ and Gr which they acted as load bearing elements and solid lubricant respectively. The observed wear rate and micro-hardness have been correlated with microstructural analyses.     

A new method of producing high strength oil palm shell lightweight concrete

This paper presents a new method to produce high strength lightweight aggregate concrete (HSLWAC) using an agricultural solid waste, namely oil palm shell (OPS). This method is based on crushing large old OPS. Crushed OPS are hard and have a strong physical bond with hydrated cement paste. The 28 and 56 days compressive strength achieved in this study were about 53 and 56 MPa, respectively. Furthermore, it was observed that it was possible to produce grade 30 OPS concrete without the addition of any cementitious materials. Compared to previous studies, significantly lower cement content was used to produce this grade of concrete. Unlike OPS concrete incorporating uncrushed OPS aggregate, this study found that there is a strong correlation between the short term and 28-day compressive strength.