Precipitation sequence of various kinds of metastable phases in Al-1.0mass% Mg2Si-0.4mass% Si alloy

The precipitation of three new types of metastable phases, i.e., TYPE-A, TYPE-B and TYPE-C, with different crystal structures from the phase is proposed from our research on the change in crystal structures and formation sequence of metastable phases during the aging of the Al-1.0mass% Mg₂Si-0.4mass% Si alloy by a combination of analytical high resolution electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The sequence of their formation is explained as follows. First, precipitation of the phase and TYPE-B precipitate, then dissolution into the matrix and degradation of the TYPE-B precipitate. Finally, predominant precipitation of the metastable TYPE-A precipitate. The TYPE-C precipitate appeared heterogeneously in the over-aged condition.     

Chemical Transformations of γ-Al(OH)3during Closed-System Heat Treatment

The chemical transformations of -Al(OH)₃during closed-system heat treatment in a self-generated gaseous atmosphere (water vapor) were studied. At t 200°C, -Al(OH)₃was found to convert into -AlOOH, which, in turn, converts into the equilibrium phase -Al₂O₃at t 400°C. The processes underlying the effect of water vapor on the kinetics and mechanisms of the chemical transformations of -Al(OH)₃and -AlOOH in a closed system are discussed.     

Effects of the variation in α-phase volume fraction on the thermal stability of TiAl alloys with a lamellar microstructure

The thermal stability of two-phase ( + ) lamellar microstructure in Ti-Al-Mo PST (polysynthetically twinned that has single colony) crystals, containing C or Si, was investigated. In addition, the variation of -phase volume fraction in Ti-Al-Mo-(C,Si) systems was investigated at several temperatures. Ti-46Al-1.5Mo-0.2C and Ti-46Al-1.5Mo-1.0Si alloys did not recrystallized (stable in this paper) during heat treatments at various heating rates and temperatures. Moreover, the -phase volume fractions of Ti-46Al-1.5Mo-0.2C and Ti-46Al-1.5Mo-1.0Si alloys which were stable compositions, changed less than those of Ti-47Al and Ti-46Al-1.5Mo alloys which were unstable compositions. The instability of the latter alloys was caused by their relatively higher variation of -phase volume fraction during heating. Therefore, it is suggested that the variation of -phase volume fraction is an important factor in controlling the thermal stability of lamellar microstructure.     

Coaxial variable-length resonator for determining the electromagnetic parameters of materials at normal and higher temperatures

Conclusions It is possible by means of the above resonator, according to our analysis and in the absence of air gaps between the sample and the line, to evaluate the real components and of permeability and permittivity respectively in the range of 2 to 100 with an error between ±3% and ±10% in the temperature range from room temperature to +400°C, and the imaginary components and (for tan and tan in the range of 0.001 to 2) with an error of 7 to 20% over the same temperature range.     

The implant material, Ti6Al7Nb: surface microstructure, composition and properties

The excellent biocompatibility of titanium and its alloys is intimately related with the properties of the surface in contact with the biological environment, and therefore it is closely connected with the stable, passivating oxide layer that forms on its surface. In the present paper, the oxide layer on the alloy Ti6Al7Nb has been characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning Auger microscopy and pH-dependent lateral force microscopy. The alloying elements Al and Nb are incorporated in the oxide layer and detected in their most stable oxidized form, as Al₂O₃ and Nb₂O₅. Their distribution in the oxide reflects the underlying - microstructure, with enrichment of Al in the - and of Nb in the -phase (determined by electron microprobe). Friction measurements (lateral force microscopy) indicate slightly different, pH-dependent, lateral forces above the - and -phase structures that point to small local variations in surface charges. © 1999 Kluwer Academic Publishers     

Effect of Ba and Zn doping in Bi2Pb0.6Sr2Ca2Cu3Oδ superconductors using ac susceptibility measurements

Ac complex susceptibility, = – i, measurements were done on the samples doped with barium and zinc (Bi₂Pb_0.6Sr₂Ca_{2 – x}M_xCu₃O, M = Ba, Zn and x = 0.02 and 0.10). The data of shows that coupling of the grains in Zn-doped samples are weaker than that of Ba-doped samples and hence it could be concluded that Zn-doped samples are dominated by the S-I-S type of weak links, whereas the Ba doped samples are dominated by the S-N-S weak links. Calculated values of I₀ is three times higher in the Ba doped samples such that the values of Josephson coupling energy, E_j is four times that of Zn doped samples. Analysis based on the sensitivity of the data of d(T)/dT versus temperature furnished further information on the two-step transitions related to the coupling of the grains in both systems.     

High-frequency dielectric properties of Mg-Al-Si,Ca-Al-Si and Y-Al-Si oxynitride glasses

Recently developed coaxial line techniques [1] have been used to determine, at room temperature, the values of the real () and imaginary (') parts of the dielectric constants for some Mg-Al-Si, Ca-Al-Si and Y-Al-Si oxynitride glasses over the frequency range 500 MHz to 5 GHz. The frequency dependencies of and ' are consistent with the universal law of dielectric response in that (-_t8)^(n–1) and '^(n–1) for all glass compositions; the high experimental value of the exponent (n=1.0±0.1) suggests the limiting form of lattice loss [2] situation. In this frequency range, as previously reported [3] at longer wavelengths, the addition of nitrogen increases the dielectric constant, (); in both the oxide and oxynitride glasses is also influenced by the cation, being increased with cation type in the order magnesium, yttrium, calcium as at lower frequencies.     

Composite PTCR thermistors utilizing conducting borides,silicides, and carbide powders

Ceramic-polymer composite thermistors using conducting boride, silicide, and carbide powders that include TiB₂, ZrB₂, NbB₂, NbSi₂, WSi₂, MoSi₂, and TiC have been fabricated. Percolation and subsequent PTCR effects were observed for all the powders in both semi-crystalline (polyethylene) and amorphous (epoxy) polymer matrix materials, however, as found for carbon black and metal fillers, both niobate powders did not exhibit a PTCR effect in the amorphous polymer. Results indicate that percolation and PTCR behaviour are related to the powder characteristics (size/distribution), composite microstructure and ceramic-polymer interface.Composite thermistors with room temperature resistivities as low as 1 cm and a nine-order of magnitude change () at 1 kHz (12 at d.c.) were achieved.     

Self-assembled germanium islands grown on (0 0 1) silicon substrates by low-pressure chemical vapor deposition

The time evolution of self-assembled Ge islands, during low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) of Ge on Si at 650 °C using high growth rates, has been investigated by atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. We have found three different island structures. The smallest islands are lens-shaped and characterized by a rather narrow size distribution, 4 nm high and 20 nm wide. Next to form are a distinct population of larger multifaceted dome-shaped islands, up to 25 nm high and 80–150 nm wide. Finally, the largest islands that form are square-based truncated pyramids with a very narrow size distribution, 50 nm high and 250 nm wide. The pyramidal islands normally seen in the intermediate size range (150 nm) are not observed. The small lens-shaped islands appear to be defect free, while some of the multifaceted islands as well as all the large truncated pyramids contain misfit dislocations. The existence of multifaceted islands, in the size range where pyramids have previously been reported and of truncated pyramids in the size range where multifaceted dome-shaped islands have previously been reported, is attributed to the high growth rate used. Furthermore, under the growth conditions used, the truncated-pyramid-shaped islands are characterized by a very narrow size distribution.     

Grain-boundary sliding and intergranular cavitation during superplastic deformation of α/β brass

Intergranular and interphase cavitation in binary alpha/beta brass has been investigated in tension at 600° C under conditions of superplastic deformation. The sites for nucleation of cavities has been studied by quantitative metallography and the cavities are observed to nucleate preferentially at- interfaces. The process of cavitation is associated with grain boundary sliding and cavity nucleation occurs at points of stress concentrations in the sliding interfaces. Measurements of grain and phase boundary sliding at various interfaces demonstrate that sliding occurred on- boundaries more readily than on- and-gb interfaces. The predominance of- interface cavitation is believed to be as a result of greater sliding at the- boundary and of an unbalanced accommodation of sliding adjacent to this type of boundary.     

Crossover equation of state of normal hexane in the critical region

The coefficients of the basic crossover equation of state of n-hexane are determined in the critical region from experimental P, , T and C_p, P, T data. In the reduced density and temperature ranges 0.35_c1.65 and 0.982T/T_c1.23 the root mean square errors of the calculated pressure, isobaric heat capacity, and isochoric heat capacity were 0.115%, 4.87%, and 3.04%, respectively.Academician M. D. Millionshchikov Petroleum Institute, Grozny, Russia. Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 65, No. 2, pp.185–191, August, 1993.     

Strength,hardness and fracture toughness of a complex nickel silicide containing ductile phase particles

Measurements have been made at room temperature of the strength and fracture toughness of a complex nickel silicide containing particles of a ductile phase. The matrix was either a single-phase L1₂ distorted Ni₃Si (₂) or a two-phase Ni₃Si (₁) and Ni₃₁Si₁₂ () mixture. The particles were a solid solution of Ni(Si) encased within a rim of ₁; they contained a dispersion of ₁ precipitates. The principal variable was the particle size, and this had little effect on the properties. The results show that the compressive yield strength ( 1200 MPa), the compressive ductility (2–10%) and the fracture toughness (17 ± 3 MPa m^1/2) are relatively high. The toughness and ductility are attributed to the plastic deformation and ductile fracture of the crack-stopping Ni(Si) particles.     

Localized spin fluctuations

Scaling arguments and renormalization group techniques are used in the Anderson model Hamiltonian for the nonmagnetic limit of a magnetic impurity. The range of validity of the theory is limited toU/ 1, where the electron-electron collisions can already compete strongly with the electron-hole collisions. A parquet approximation is developed; it gives for the static susceptibility in the symmetric case = ()^–1 exp (+U/). There are some hints that the exchange force might play a crucial role in the formation of localized magnetic moment. These considerations are consistent with the electron-hole symmetry in the symmetric Anderson model.     

Constitution of the Ni3Cr-Ni3Al-Ni3W system

Isothermal sections of the Ni-Cr-Al-W system have been investigated at 75 at % Ni and temperatures of 1523 and 1273 K, by means of phase compositional analysis, X-ray diffraction and microscopical examination. The alloys studied lay in the range 2.5 to 10 at % Cr, 12.5 to 20 at% Al, 2.5 to 6.25 at % W, The phases formed were, and the bcc solid solution based on tungsten (designated ₂). The maximum extent of the region was found to be 3 at % each of chromium and tungsten. Preferential partitioning of tungsten to occurred. Study of an Ni-10Cr-12.5Al-2.5W alloy aged at 1273 and 1073 K, after quenching from 1573 K, showed that changes in and compositions and lattice parameters occur as a function of ageing time.     

Determination of the local angular radiation coefficients in certain two-body systems

A method is shown and formulas are derived by which local angular radiation coefficients can be determined in certain two-body systems where the configuration is arbitrary but one of the bodies is either a cylinder or a rectangular plate.Notation _int radiation vector of body 1 - _E ^int intrinsic radiation intensity of body 1 - _x, _y, _z components of the geometrical radiation vector along rectangular coordinates - r₀=x²+z² shortest distance from point M(x, y, z) to linear radiator - ₀ , ₀ ^' angles subtending the two segments of the linear radiator from point M(x, y, z) on area element 2 of irradiated surface - l length of the cylinders - x, y, z space coordinates of point M Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhurnal, Vol. 22, No. 6, pp. 1080–1088, June, 1972.     

Singularity parametersε andκ for interface cracks in transversely isotropic piezoelectric bimaterials

Two parameters, and (Suo et al., 1992), are of key importance in fracture mechanics of piezoelectric material interfaces. In this paper, it is shown, for any transversely isotropic piezoelectric (TIP) bimaterial, that one of the two parameters and always vanishes but the other one remains non-zero. Physically, it means that the non-oscillating crack-tip generalized stress field singularity exists for some TIP bimaterials (with vanishing ). Consequently, TIP bimaterials can be classified into two classes: one with vanishing performed crack tip generalized stress field oscillating singularity and the other one with vanishing is independent from the oscillating singularity. Some numerical results for and are given too.     

Ion-implantation technology for improved GaAs MESFETs performance

Electrical properties of Si-implanted and co-implanted with Mg or Be in semi-insulating GaAs was studied. The Si-implanted MESFETs with and without buried p-layer (formed by Mg or Be) have been fabricated and characterized by their d.c. and r.f. performance. The experimental results showed that the device with a buried p-layer can effectively suppress the substrate leakage current (thus good pinch-off characteristic) and obtained higher gain linearity than these without a buried p-layer. For 1 m×100 m MESFETs device with co-implantation of Si (8×10¹² cm^–2) and Be (6×10¹¹ cm^–2) demonstrated uniform transconductance (g_m) of 115 mS mm^–1 with the gate voltage ranging from –1 to 1 V and reduced pinch-off voltage compared to those with co-implantation of Si and Mg (6×10¹¹ cm^–2). The measured f_T and f_max of a 1 m×25 m MESFET with co-implantation of Si and Be are 10 and 39 GHz, respectively. However, FETs with increased Mg dose (from 6×10¹¹ cm^–2 to 2×10¹² cm^–2) in a buried p-layer can obtain higher transconductance and saturation current.     

Torsional load transfer from a rigid shaft to an elastic plane with a slit

A plane elastostatic problem for an elastic wedge loaded by a concentrated moment at its apex provides an example of violation of the Saint-Venant principle for apex angles 2 larger than . Considering the problem for a truncated wedge, Neuber demonstrated the method of construction of an applicable solution for any apex angles in the range 22, despite the failure of the Saint-Venant principle. In the present paper the particularly important case of the truncated-wedge problem is examined. The truncated wedge degenerates into a slitted elastic plane, while a rigid circular shaft, acted upon by a torsional moment, is inserted into the plane. The analytical solution of the mixed boundary-value problem is obtained. Numerical results turn out to be in complete agreement with Neuber's results for the slitted elastic plane.     

Influence of Microstructure on the Strength and Cyclic Crack Resistance of Cast Irons

We study the influence of microstructure of high-strength cast irons of ferritic, ferritic-pearlitic, and pearlitic classes on the characteristics of strength and cyclic crack resistance and establish the relationship between the characteristics of strength and cyclic crack resistance and the chemical composition and microstructural parameters of the matrix and graphite inclusions of high-strength cast irons. Indeed, the ultimate strength _u = 750–850 MPa, fatigue threshold K _th = 8–10 MPa , and cyclic fracture toughness K _fc = 50–60 MPa are guaranteed by the pearlitic matrix and the following parameters of the graphite phase: the content of graphite f _p 10%, the degree of its spheroidization of about 95%, the size of globules d _gl 20–50 m, and the distance between them 40–70 m, obtained in high-strength cast irons containing (wt.%): 3.2–3.5 C, 1.9–2.5 Si, 0.35–0.4 Mn, and 0.05 Mg.     

Y xBayCuzO7− δ solid solutions

Y_xBa_yCu_zO_7– ceramics forming at isobaric conditions were studied by x-ray diffraction analysis, dynamic magnetic measurements and potentiometric titration. It was established that compositions: 0.8 x 1.2 y=2, z=3; x-1, 1.8 y 2.2, z=3; x=1, y=2, 2.7 z 3.4: are in the homogeneity range of 123. It was found that compositions with nonstoichiometric cations rations have minimum T_c.