Papers by Author: Damon Kent

Abstract: In this study the effects of different aging heat treatments on the properties and microstructure of a high strength, high toughness metastable β Ti, BTi-6554 (Ti-6Cr-5Mo-5V-4Al), have been compared. An initial β phase solution treatment was followed by aging at moderate temperatures in the α/β dual phase zone by either step aging directly from the solution treatment temperature or by quenching to room temperature prior to the aging heat treatment. The differing heat treatment methods have significant effects on the microstructure and mechanical properties.

Abstract: The effect of HIPping on the mechanical properties and microstructure of a cast Ti-6Cr-5Mo-5V-4Al alloy have been investigated. In the cast condition, the alloy predominantly consists of coarse β grains. In comparison to the HIPped samples, it exhibits poor mechanical properties, in particular low ductility, due to large amounts of remnant porosity. HIPping at 740°C substantially reduces the amount and size of porosity, while HIPping at 820°C and 900°C virtually eliminates all porosity, significantly improving the mechanical properties.

Abstract: The elastic response of a metastable β titanium alloy, Ti-25Nb-3Zr-3Mo-2Sn, is characterised. The effects of processing and heat treatment on phase composition and mechanical behaviour are reported. The alloy exhibits pseudoelastic behaviour which is related to the reversible formation of the stress induced α" phase. The solution treated condition displays the greatest pseudoelasticity and the hot rolled condition the least. Tensile deformation reduces the modulus of the alloy. This is due to increases in the relative proportions of the low modulus α" phase.

Abstract: A metastable β titanium alloy, BTi-6554 (Ti-6Cr-5Mo-5V-4Al) has been developed for structural applications in aircraft because of its high strength, high toughness, and good fatigue properties. This paper reports on the effect of heat treatment on microstructure and microhardness of the alloy. It has been shown that in the as hot rolled condition, the alloy consists of a single β phase. Heat treatment between 450-750°C results in the precipitation of α laths, while exposure to temperatures between 700-800°C results in the gradual transformation of the α phase back to β phase with larger grain sizes resulting from higher heat treatment temperatures.

Abstract: The microstructure and mechanical properties of a cast near β type titanium alloy, Ti-25Nb-3Zr-3Mo-2Sn, have been investigated in this paper. In the as cast condition, the alloy possesses coarse, equiaxed β grains and Transmission Electron Microscopy(TEM) observations showed the ω phase is also present in this condition. The alloy in the as cast condition has low strength and is highly ductile. Direct ageing at 450°C for 4 hours leads to the formation of a large number of fine scale α phase precipitates. The alloy in the aged condition is less ductile but exhibits significantly enhanced strength.

Abstract: A TEM study of aluminium nitride formed during sintering of powder injection moulded aluminium under nitrogen is presented. A polycrystalline layer consisting of fine, rod-shaped crystallites of hexagonal AlN formed on the Al powder surfaces. The grain boundaries exhibit a double layer of AlN separated by a thin layer of Al. The structure of the AlN is characterised and its influence upon sintering discussed.

Abstract: Recent breakthroughs in the sintering of aluminium alloys under nitrogen have opened the way for the in-situ fabrication of Al-AlN composites in a controllable and reproducible fashion over a wide range of volume fractions of AlN. This work reviews the fundamentals for the in-situ fabrication of the Al-AlN composites from metal powders and highlights their technical potential for niche applications because of their excellent resistance to cavitation erosion in water and their unusually low friction coefficient under oil lubrication.

Abstract: A new nitriding method has been devised which requires only a simple vacuum furnace and enables direct nitridation of solid aluminium without any prior surface treatment. It can be used to produce thick aluminium nitride surface layers on aluminium, under nitrogen at atmospheric pressure. A critical element of the process is the use of a magnesium vapour source that reduces/disrupts the natural, protective oxide film on the aluminium surface and facilitates nitriding. The nitride surface layers form through two distinct modes, one growing outward from the aluminium plate surface and the other growing into the aluminium. Studies of the nitride layers utilizing optical microscopy, TEM, SEM, XRD and XPS have been conducted. Details of the composition, structure and growth as well as possible mechanisms for the nitride formation are presented. Understanding of the reaction may have important implications for the production of wear resistant coatings on bulk Al as well as for the production of Al/AlN composites.