Effects of microstructure on fatigue crack propagation behavior in a bi-modal TC11 titanium alloy fabricated via laser additive manufacturing

In this study, the crack propagation behaviors in the equiaxed and equiaxed-columnar grain regions of a heat-treated laser additive manufacturing (LAM) TC11 alloy with a special bi-modal microstructure are investigated. The results indicate that the alloy presents a special bi-modal microstructure that comprises a fork-like primary α (α_p) phase surrounded by a secondary α colony (α_s) in the β phase matrix after the heat treatment is completed. The samples demonstrate a fast crack growth rate with larger da/dN values through the equiaxed grain sample versus across the equiaxed-columnar grain sample at low ΔK values (<13.8). The differences that are observed between the crack propagation behaviors (in the crack initiation stage) of the samples can be mostly attributed to the different size and morphology of the α_p lamellae and α_s colony within the grains in the equiaxed and columnar grain regions rather than the grain boundaries. The cracks prefer to grow along the α/β boundary with a smooth propagation route and a fast propagation rate in the equiaxed grain region, where the α_p and α clusters have a large size. However, in the columnar grain region, small and randomly distributed α_p lamellae generate a zigzag-shaped propagation path with a reduction in the da/dN value. Additionally, the change in the size of the α_p lamellae in the equiaxed grains (heat affected bands, HAB) is also observed to influence the propagation behavior of the crack during the crack initiation stage.     

Interaction of {112¯2} twin variants in hexagonal close-packed titanium

As multiple {11$\overline{2}$ 2} twin variants are often formed during deformation in hexagonal close-packed (hcp) titanium, the twin-twin interaction structure has a profound influence on mechanical properties. In this paper, the twin-twin interaction structures of the {11$\overline{2}$2} contraction twin in cold-rolled commercial purity titanium were studied by using electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Formation of the {11$\overline{2}$2} twin variants was found to deviate the rank of Schmid factor, and the non-Schmid behavior was explained by the high-angle grain boundary nucleation mechanism. All the observed twin-twin pairs manifested a quilted-looking structure, which consists of the incoming twins being arrested by the obstacle twins. Furthermore, the quilted-looking {11$\overline{2}$2} twin-twin boundary was revealed by TEM and high resolution TEM observations. De-twinning, lattice rotation and curved twin boundary were observed in the obstacle twin due to the twin-twin reaction with the impinging twin. A twin-twin interaction mechanism for the {11$\overline{2}$2} twin variants was proposed in terms of the dislocation dissociation, which will enrich the understanding for the propagation of twins and twinning-induced hardening in hcp metals and alloys.     

钛合金双态组织高温拉伸行为的晶体塑性有限元研究

创建一个包含多变体结构特征的双态组织几何模型,提出一种变形协调性的评估方法,采用以率相关滑移为主的晶体塑性有限元本构关系,研究了具有不同组织特征的Ti-6Al-4V合金双态组织的高温拉伸行为。结果表明：在多晶变形过程中,α_p相承载了更多的应变;在变形后的样品中,出现了大致对称分布于拉伸方向两侧的高应变交叉条带;存在于α_p与β_T之间的包围结构特征,可加剧局域应变分配的差异;随着α_p相体积分数的升高应变量降低,整体应变协调性先较快降低而后平稳;随着α_s片层厚度的增加高应变条带特征弱化,整体应变协调系数升高;含双变体α_s片层团簇结构的β_T组织,其应变协调性低于含单变体和三变体的组织。     

A new insight into promotion action of Co2+ in Ni-diamond composite electrodeposition

A new insight into the promotion action of Co²⁺ on both particle and metal deposition in Ni-diamond composite electrodeposition system was analyzed according to electrochemical measurements. The results showed that the addition of Co²⁺ made particles content in deposits increased remarkably. The change of particles content in deposits was related inversely to the change of cathodic zero potential with the increase of the concentration of cobalt sulfate. Zero charge potential of cathode was shifted to much more negative region. The negative shift of the zero potential, combining with positive shift of the zeta potential, increased the electrostatic force between the particle-adsorbed metallic cations and the cathode. It not only benefits to the transportation of particles in solution towards cathode, but also shortens their residence time on cathodic surface. Meanwhile, entry of particles is also promoted. For metals deposition, reduction resistance of metallic cations rises greatly and deposition current at cathodic potentiodynamic polarization decreases after cobalt sulfate has been added into electrolyte. These factors are favorable for increasing particles content in deposits. In addition, physical model of diamond particles deposition state before and after the addition of Co²⁺ has been discussed.     

TC11钛合金中α'相和α'相的组织演变和显微硬度

研究了TC11钛合金中α"相和α'相的显微组织转变和显微硬度。金相显微组织观察和X射线衍射分析的结果表明： 随着固溶温度的提高α"相逐渐向α'相的晶体结构转变,α相、α"相和α'相的显微组织演变规律为：α+α",α+α"+α',α+α',α'。显微硬度测试的结果表明：在935~995℃固溶后显微硬度随着温度的提高先增大后减少,在985℃固溶后显微硬度达到峰值。综合分析显微组织影响合金显微硬度的机理：在935~985℃固溶后α'片层的厚度和间距变化的幅度小,β转变组织长大缓慢,在β转变组织中先后析出α"和α'相,随着固溶温度的提高α'片层的含量随之提高产生了相变强度效果,使其显微硬度提高;在985~995℃固溶后α'片层的厚度和间距明显增大,β转变组织变粗大,α"相消失,α'相的含量降低,相变强化的效果减弱,使β转变组织的显微硬度降低。     

Fabrication of Titanium Aluminides via Powder-Cored Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing: Microstructural and Mechanical Characterization

Herein, an innovative powder-cored wire arc additive manufacturing (PC-WAAM) process is proposed to fabricate γ-TiAl thin-walled intermetallic alloy. The metallography, phase composition, and mechanical properties at different thin-wall locations are characterized. The results show that the alternatively distributed layer-like microstructure composed of α₂ (Ti₃Al) and γ (TiAl) phases is obtained along the building direction. The content of α₂ phase exhibits the tendency of decreasing from the bottom to top region. This unique microstructure characteristic is closely related to the typical thermal cycling history during deposition. Moreover, the tensile strength and microhardness of the top region are lower than the middle and bottom region. In general, the current PC-WAAM technique shows promising capability of fabricating γ-TiAl intermetallic alloy with low cost. This work becomes a valuable reference for understanding the evolution mechanism of microstructure and paves the way for the flexible and customized additive manufacturing of γ-TiAl alloy.     

Advances in the fabrication of titanium based composites

Titanium alloy metal matrix composites reinforced with silicon carbide fibre are being evaluated for a range of highly loaded aerospace applications. Although expensive, if used selectively they can have a dramatic effect on performance and weight. The SMC has one of the strongest capabilities in Europe for the development and production of titanium fibre reinforced MMCs. Consisting of the DRA Sigma silicon carbide fibre manufacturing facility, producing fibre on a commercial basis, and the manufacture of titanium alloy MMCs in commercial quantities by the foil fibre route, and at pilot scale using the alternative matrix coated fibre route. In the foil fibre route a filament winding and fugitive binder method is used to produce a range of component shapes with excellent fibre distribution and consistent properties. The matrix coated fibre process is seen to have advantages over the alternative methods and is likely to become an important manufacturing route for titanium MMCs, particularly for exotic high temperature titanium alloys and intermetallics, and for shapes such as rings, tubes and shafts. As no titanium MMCs components have yet reached full production, it is unclear which of these fabrication methods will become commercially viable, if any. But, the choice is likely to be based on cost, availability and product quality.     

Liquid–liquid equilibria of aqueous two-phase systems composed of TritonX-100 and sodium citrate or magnesium sulfate salts

Liquid–liquid phase diagrams of surfactant-based aqueous two-phase systems (ATPS) composed of TritonX-100, as a non-ionic surfactant, and two different salts have been studied at 298.15 K. The salts used were an inorganic salt, magnesium sulfate (MgSO₄), and an organic salt, sodium citrate (Na₃C₆H₅O₇). The results show that the salt MgSO₄ is more capable of inducing ATPS formation than the salt Na₃C₆H₅O₇. The experimental liquid–liquid equilibrium data were correlated using a modified virial model. Good agreement was obtained with the experimental data.     

Phase relations in the Barium Titanate—Titanium Oxide System

Phase relations in the BaTiO₃—TiO₂ system were studied at temperatures above 1300°C in air. Quenching experiments were performed with high-purity reagents, and a new equilibrium phase diagram was constructed. Results include redetermination of the liquidus boundaries, the eutectic temperature, the melting or decomposition temperatures of the stable compounds in the system, the cubic—hexagonal transition in BaTiO₃, and the solid solubility of TiO₂ in BaTiO₃.     

工艺参数对TiO2碳热还原合成Ti（C,N）粉末的影响

本文探讨了ＴｉＯ２碳热还原法合成Ｔｉ（Ｃ，Ｎ）粉末过程中合成温度，保温时间，Ｎ２气流量，Ｃ／Ｔｉ比值等工艺参数的变化对粉末性状的影响，实验表明，Ｎ比Ｃ更易于Ｔｉ结合，改变工艺对数可调整Ｔｉ（Ｃ１－ｘＮｘ）的ｘ值。在１４００～１７００℃间可获得ｘ值的０．６～０．８５的Ｔｉ（Ｃ１－ｘＮｘ）粉末。