Modeling the tensile properties in β-processed α/β Ti alloys

The development of a set of computational tools that permit microstructurally based predictions for the tensile properties of commercially important titanium alloys, such as Ti-6Al-4V, is a valuable step toward the accelerated maturation of materials. This paper will discuss the development of neural network models based on a Bayesian framework to predict the yield and ultimate tensile strengths of Ti-6Al-4V at room temperature. The development of such rules-based model requires the population of extensive databases, which in the present case are microstructurally based. The steps involved in database development include producing controlled variations of the microstructure using novel approaches to heat treatments, the use of standardized stereology protocols to characterize and quantify microstructural features rapidly, and mechanical testing of the heat-treated specimens. These databases have been used to train and test neural network models for prediction of tensile properties. In addition, these models have been used to identify the influence of individual microstructural features on the tensile properties, consequently guiding the efforts toward development of more robust mechanistically based models. Based on the neural network model, it is possible to investigate the influence of individual microstructural features on the tensile properties, and in certain cases these dependencies can point toward unrecognized phenomena. For example, the apparently unexpected trend of increase in tensile strength with increasing prior β-grain size has led to the determination of the pronounced role of the basketweave microstructure in strengthening these alloys, especially in case of larger prior β grains. This article is based on a presentation made in the symposium “Computational Aspects of Mechanical Properties of Materials,” which occurred at the 2005 TMS Annual Meeting, February 13–17, 2005, in San Francisco, CA, under the auspices of the MPMD-Computational Materials Science & Engineering (Jt. ASM-MSCTS) Committee.     

Multistage Zeolite Drying for Energy-Efficient Drying

This work discusses the potential of three multistage zeolite drying systems (counter-, co-, and cross-current) with a varying number of stages. The evaluation showed that for 2-4 stages with heat recovery the efficiency of the systems ranges between 80 and 90%. Additionally, by introducing a compressor, the latent heat in the exhaust air from the regenerator is recovered and used to heat the inlet air for an additional drying stage. As a result, for the counter-current drying system and compressor pressure 1.5-2 bar, a maximum energy efficiency of 120% is achieved, which results in halving the energy consumption compared to conventional drying systems.     

Effect of sodium carbonate on the oxidation of sublimates during niobium electron-beam remelting

The effect of sodium carbonate additions on phase formation during the air oxidation of the sublimates of niobium electron-beam remelting is studied by derivatography, X-ray diffraction analysis, and electron-probe microanalysis. The composition of the oxidation products changes with the heating temperature. The formation of sodium niobates and aluminates is detected by X-ray diffraction analysis at temperatures higher than 600°C. The oxidation of the sublimates is completed by the formation of sodium metaniobate and aluminate. Sodium carbonate additions are shown to accelerate the oxidation of the sublimates.     

Electrochemical properties of composite materials based on graphite and vanadium disilicide

Electrodes with different composition were prepared by the method of pressing followed by sintering of the graphite and vanadium disilicide powders, and their electrochemical and corrosion properties in water solutions of electrolytes were studied.Translated from Inzhenerno-Fizicheskii Zhuraal, Vol. 52, No. 5, pp. 802–707, May, 1987.     

A new boundary-layer wind tunnel at the Danish Maritime Institute

The paper describes a new boundary-layer wind tunnel at the Danish Maritime Institute in Lyngby. The wind tunnel is of the open-circuit type and is integrated into a building raised for the purpose. The design was constrained by the need to provide a simulation of the atmospheric boundary layer (without thermal stratification) and alternatively a uniform flow without excessive turbulence.The wind tunnel has a working section of principal dimensions: length 20.8 m, width 2.6 m and height 1.8 m (adjustable from 1.8 to 2.3 m). The maximum wind speed in the working section when empty is about 26 m s^?1.Data acquisition, analysis and instrumentation in relation to the new wind tunnel are discussed and, finally, an example of a simulated natural wind is presented.     

Analysis of the turbine deblading in an HTGR with the CATHARE code

The direct coupling of a Gas Cooled Reactor (GCR) with a closed gas-turbine cycle leads to a specific dynamic plant behaviour. This behaviour is described and illustrated through computer analyses performed at CEA with the computer code CATHARE. This analysis requires a 1D code able to simulate the whole reactor, including the core, the vessel, the piping and the components (turbine, compressors, heat exchangers).This paper is devoted to deblading accidents. The problems and solutions encountered in various types of gas-turbines are presented: aero engines, steam turbines (EDF-Porcheville steam turbine accident feedback) and finally the feedback from previous High Temperature Gas Reactor experiments (EVO helium loop, HHT project and other HTR projects) are displayed. From this literature survey, some recommendations are drawn for a future High Temperature Reactor. It is shown that for safety reasons in case of deblading, a horizontal shaft aligned with the reactor vessel is recommended for the turbomachinery.This paper presents simulations of different scenarii performed with CATHARE code:

(a) Turbine deblading with and without reactor trip. In these calculations, a pessimistic assumption has been made: all turbine blades break off.

(b) Total flow blockage. The flow area is entirely blocked by the turbine blades.

(c) Partial flow blockage. Previous conclusions consider the worst cases of deblading and total flow blockage. An intermediate case based on a partial deblading has also been performed.

CATHARE results illustrate that the loss of turbine blades is accompanied by abrupt changes in the Power Conversion System and reactor flow conditions: large axial pressure drop, reverse flow through the core and high rate de-pressurization.     

Phase equilibria in the system Al-Rh

Methods of differential thermal analysis, x-ray diffraction, microstructural analysis and electron probe microanalysis are used to study alloys of the Al-Rh system over the whole concentration range. It is established that the phase of equiatomic composition AlRh melts congruently at 2060°C and it has an extended range of homogeneity (45.1–54.2 at.% Rh). The solubility of aluminum in rhodium reaches 9 at.%, decreasing to 6 at.% at 850°C. Coordinates are determined for the eutectic point l ⇆ AlRh + 〈Rh〉 as 70 at.% Rh and 1715°C. The existence of intermediate phases, their crystal structure, and also the method of forming phases in the field of composition rich in aluminum given in publications are confirmed. __________ Translated from Poroshkovaya Metallurgiya, Nos. 5–6(449), pp. 48–56, May–June, 2006.