Papers by Author: Jozef Zrník

Abstract: This research study has an aim to evaluate and investigate the effect of various rejuvenation heat treatments on microstructure of long-term serviced cast nickel base superalloy grade GTD-111 used as turbine blade material. The evaluated reheat treatment programs consist of solution treatment at 1195°C for 2, 3, 4 and 5 hours then following with primary aging at 1120^◦C for 2 hours and secondary aging at 845°C for 25, 50, 75 and 100 hours, respectively. All reheat treated microstructures were examined and analyzed by SEM and image analyzer. From all obtained results, it was found that the most proper solution treatment duration was 5 hours to provide the most uniform microstructural characteristics, which consist of the uniform distribution of very dense gamma prime particles in the matrix as well as its highest hardness value. Furthermore, when increasing the duration at secondary aging at 845^◦C over than 25 hours (which is according to standard heat treatment), such microstructure provided the most gamma prime phase stability comparing to those of other reheat treatment programs.

Abstract: In this study, the relationship between the structure and properties of commercial purity aluminium alloy A1199 was investigated by applying constrained groove pressing (CGP) deformation method. The refinement of the coarse grain aluminium (Al) microstructure to sub microcrystalline size by large plastic strain at room temperature defined. The impact of various strains upon microstructure changes is investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM of thin foils) and electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD). A mixture of subgrains produced by grains subdivision and polygonized subgrains formed locally due to dynamic recovery was found in the deformed aluminium structure. The tensile properties and resulting hardness are related to microstructural evolution induced by constrained groove pressing deformation. A substantial impact of straining upon the increasing in tensile strength was observed after the first deformation step (first pass) Further strain increase had an insignificant effect on tensile strength but was accompanied by ductility loss. The post deformation annealing effect was then explored with aim to increase the ductility. The results indicate that changes in strength and ductility may be related to formation of a bimodal structure in deformed plates.

Abstract: In this study, the relationship between the structure and properties of commercial purityaluminium (AW-1199) was investigated by applying constrained groove pressing (CGP) method.The refinement of the coarse grain aluminium microstructure to submicrocrystalline size by largeplastic strain at room temperature defined. The impact of various strains upon microstructurechanges is investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and electron back scatterdiffraction (EBSD). A mixture of subgrains produced by grains subdivision and polygonizedsubgrains formed locally due to dynamic recovery was found in the deformed aluminium. Thetensile properties and resulting hardness are related to microstructural evolution induced by CGP. Asubstantial impact of straining upon the increasing in tensile strength was observed after the firstpass. Further strain increase had an insignificant effect on tensile strength but was accompanied byductility loss. The post deformation annealing effect was then explored with aim to increase theductility. The results indicate that changes in strength and ductility may be related to formation of abimodal structure.

Abstract: The paper presents results of in-situ neutron diffraction experiments aimed on monitoring the phase evolution and load distribution in transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) steel when subjected to tensile loading. Tensile deformation behaviour of two TRIP-assisted multiphase steel with slightly different microstructures resulted from different thermo-mechanical treatments applied was investigated by in-situ neutron diffraction. The steel with lower retained austenite volume fraction (f^γ=0.04) and higher volume fraction of needle-like bainite in the α-matrix exhibits higher yield stress (sample B, 600MPa) but considerably lower elongation in comparison to the steel with higher austenite volume fraction (f^γ=0.08), granular bainite and ferrite matrix (sample A, 500 MPa). The neutron diffraction results showed that the applied tensile load is redistributed at the yielding point in a way that the retained austenite bears a significantly larger load than the α-matrix during the TRIP steel deformation. Steel sample with higher volume fraction of retained austenite and less strong ferrite matrix proved to be a better TRIP steel with respect to strength, ductility and the side effect of the strain induced austenite-martensite transformation. The transforming retained austenite in time of loading provides potential for higher ductility of experimental TRIP steel but at the same time acts as a reinforcement phase during the further plastic deformation.TRIP steel, austenite conditioning, austenite transformation, structure, retained austenite, tensile deformation, neutron diffraction, load partitioning, mechanical properties.

Abstract: The paper presents results of in-situ neutron diffraction experiments aimed on monitoring the phase evolution and load distribution in TRIP steel when subjected to tensile loading. Tensile deformation behaviour of TRIP steel with different initial microstructures showed that the applied tensile load is redistributed at the yield point and the harder retained austenite (Feγ) bears larger load then ferrite (Feα) matrix. After load partioning is finished, macroscopic yielding comes through simultaneous activity of the martensite transformation (in the austenite) and plastic deformation process in ferrite. The steel with higher volume fraction of retained austenite and less stronger ferrite appears to be a better TRIP steel having efficient structure for better plasticity purpose.

Abstract: The work presents the results on grains refinement of steel containing 0,45 wt pct carbon resulted from severe plastic deformation (SPD). Different steel structures from prior solutioning and/or thermomechanical treatment were prepared for deformation experimental. A coarse grain ferrite-pearlite structure was achieved applying solutioning. By application of thermomechanical (TM) controlled forging process, performing multistep open die forging, the refined ferrite-pearlite mixture was prepared. Final structure refinement of steel, having different initial structure, was then accomplished applying warm Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) at 400°C. Employment of this processing route resulted in extensive deformation of ferrite grains and cementite lamellae fragmentation. Applying the highest shear stress (ε_ef - 4) the mixed structure of subgrains and ultrafine grains was present within the ferrite phase. In pearlite grains, modification of cementite lamellae due to shearing, bending, twisting and breaking was found efficient. The coarse cementite lamellae spheroidization was more efficient in prior TM treated steel. The tensile deformation records confirmed strength increase and diversity in strain hardening behaviour.

Abstract: The work presents the results on grains refinement of steel containing 0,45 wt pct carbon resulted from severe plastic deformation (SPD). Different steel structures from prior solutioning and/or thermomechanical treatment were prepared for deformation experimental. A coarse grain ferrite-pearlite structure was achieved applying solutioning. By application of thermomechanical (TM) controlled forging process, performing multistep open die forging, the refined ferrite-pearlite mixture was prepared. Final structure refinement of steel, having different initial structure, was then accomplished applying warm Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) at 400°C. Employment of this processing route resulted in extensive deformation of ferrite grains and cementite lamellae fragmentation. Applying the highest shear stress (ε_ef - 4) the mixed structure of subgrains and ultrafine grains was present within the ferrite phase. In pearlite grains, modification of cementite lamellae due to shearing, bending, twisting and breaking was found efficient. The coarse cementite lamellae spheroidization was more efficient in prior TM treated steel. The tensile deformation records confirmed strength increase and diversity in strain hardening behaviour.

Abstract: In this study ultrafine grain structure evolution during high pressure torsion (HPT) of commercial aluminium alloy AA6082 at increased temperature is presented. Two different initial structural states of the alloy were prepared by thermal treatment. The progress in structure refinement in dependence on the shear strain level strain was investigated by TEM of thin foils. The impact of different amount of strain (ε_ef) introduced was analyzed with respect to the effect of increased temperature. The microhardness results measured across the deformed discs pointed out that some data scattering. The results of microstructure analyses showed that ultrafine grain (ufg) structure was already formed in deformed disc upon the first turn, regardless the initial structure of alloy, resulting from prior thermal treatment. The observed heterogeneity in ufg structure formation across the deformed disc was observed, supporting microhardness results scattering. By increasing the strain level (number of turns N-2,4,6), more effectively homogenized ufg structure was observed across the deformed discs. The effect of increased deformation temperature became evident and dynamic recrystalization modified locally ufg structure.. The retardation of new grains growth and higher thermal stability of ufg structure was observed, when two steps thermal treatment of alloy (quenching and ageing) was executed prior deformation. Strength measurements results yielded form tensile tests showed that the effect of structure strengthening was degraded by local recrystallization. The results of torque measurement versus the time showed that the torque required to deform the sample was increasing until the first turn and then kept stable or even decreased.

Abstract: The paper presents results of in-situ neutron diffraction experiments aimed on monitoring the phase evolution and load distribution in TRIP steel when subjected to tensile loading. Tensile deformation behaviour of TRIP steel with different initial microstructures showed that the applied tensile load is redistributed at the yield point and the harder retained austenite (Feγ) bears larger load then ferrite (Feα) matrix. After load partioning is finished, macroscopic yielding comes through simultaneous activity of the martensite transformation (in the austenite) and plastic deformation process in ferrite. The steel with higher volume fraction of retained austenite and less stronger ferrite appears to be a better TRIP steel having efficient structure for better plasticity purpose.

Abstract: In this study ultrafine grain structure evolution during high pressure torsion (HPT) of commercial aluminium alloy AA6082 at increased temperature is presented. Two different initial structural states of the alloy were prepared by thermal treatment. The progress in structure refinement in dependence on the shear strain level strain was investigated by TEM of thin foils. The impact of different amount of strain (εef) introduced was analyzed with respect to the effect of increased temperature. The microhardness results measured across the deformed discs pointed out that some data scattering. The results of microstructure analyses showed that ultrafine grain (ufg) structure was already formed in deformed disc upon the first turn, regardless the initial structure of alloy, resulting from prior thermal treatment. The observed heterogeneity in ufg structure formation across the deformed disc was observed, supporting microhardness results scattering. By increasing the strain level (number of turns N -2,4,6), more effectively homogenized ufg structure was observed across the deformed discs. The effect of increased deformation temperature became evident and dynamic recrystalization modified locally ufg structure. The retardation of new grains growth and higher thermal stability of ufg structure was observed, when two steps thermal treatment of alloy (quenching and ageing) was executed prior deformation. Strength measurements results yielded from tensile tests showed that the effect of structure strengthening was degraded by local recrystallization. The results of torque measurement versus the time showed that the torque required to deform the sample was increasing until the first turn and then kept stable or even decreased.