Papers by Author: Kenji Higashi

Abstract: The yield locus of type AZ31 magnesium alloy sheet was obtained by performing biaxial tensile tests, using cruciform specimens, at temperatures of 100, 150, 200, 250 and 300 P o PC at strain rates of 10P -2 P, 10P -3 P and 10P -4 PsP -1 P. Based on the experimental results, the effects of strain-rate and temperature on the yield locus was discussed. The size of yield locus drastically decreased with increasing temperature and decreased with decreasing strain-rate. Neither von Mises’s criterion or Hill’s can well predict the shape of the yield locus of this sheet metal. Instead of these quadratic yield functions, the yield criterion of Logan-Hosford or Barlat is a better choice for the accurate description of biaxial stress-strain responses at high temperature.

Abstract: The influence of roll angle of the FSW tool rotation axis on tensile properties of joints was examined to clarify the allowance of deviation from proper tool posture for three-dimensional friction stir welding. A5083-O plates of 3 mm in thickness were butt welded by three-dimensional controlled FSW machine. Transversal inclination of the tool (roll angle of the tool) was continuously changed from 0 degrees to 10 degrees for both sides. Butt joints ruptured at base metal within the range of roll angle of the tool plus/minus 2 degrees, and ruptured at the thin part made by inclined tool shoulder entering in the range by plus/minus 7 degrees. Over the range of plus/minus 7 degrees, butt joints ruptured at elongated cavities made by tool inclination at the border of stir zone and base material.

Abstract: The effect of cation ion dopant on phase transformation of zirconia bioceramics is evaluated by ageing in hot water. The phase transformation progresses with time in all specimens. However, the transformation behavior is much different depending on the dopant. The transformation is promoted when the 1 mol% of pentavalent element is added to 3mol% yttria stabilized zirconia (3Y-TZP). In contrast, the transformation is suppressed when the bivalent element is added. In case that the tetravalent element is added, the transformation is promoted if the ionic radius of the element is larger than that of zirconium, and the transformation is suppressed if the element with smaller ionic radius than zirconium ion is added. This result indicates that the ionic radius and the valency of ions are important factors to control the phase stability in zirconia.

Abstract: The effect of cation dopant on tetragonal to monoclinic (t-m) phase transformation of zirconia is examined, which causes the degradation of zirconia in vivo. The transformation behavior is much different depending of the dopant. The transformation is promoted when the pentavalent element is added. In contrast, the transformation is suppressed when the bivalent element is added. In case the tetravalent element is added, the transformation is promoted if the ionic radius of the element is larger than that of zirconium, and that is suppressed if the element with smaller ionic radius is added. The valence and the ionic radius of dopant must be important factors for the phase stability of zirconia.

Abstract: The effect of manganese on strength and fracture toughness was investigated using five kinds of Mg-6Al-1Zn alloys. From the experimental results, the yield strength increased with increasing in manganese content until manganese content reached 0.14 wt. %. On the other hand, further increase in yield strength was not observed in case larger than 0.14 % of manganese was added. In addition, fracture toughness decreases with increasing manganese content. Fracture of magnesium alloy was ductile fracture by void coalescence. Adding excessive amount of manganese caused the increase in the presence of inclusions. This kind of particle easily became the nucleus of microvoid. As a conclusion, manganese should be added so that coarse manganese-bearing particle is not formed. Thus, 0.14 wt. % of manganese should be added to Mg-6Al-1Zn alloy in order to develop the alloy with well-balanced relationship between strength and fracture toughness.

Abstract: Recently nanocrystalline Al-Fe alloys produced by a vapor quench method have been reported. These alloys are supersaturated solid solution and exhibit high strength with good ductility. It is postulated that the high strength of the Al-Fe alloys could be achieved by both the nano-grained structures and the solid solution strengthening. The contribution to the yield strength due to both the grain size strengthening and the solid solution strengthening were analyzed from the experimental data. Then the contribution to the yield strength due to the solid solution strengthening was estimated from the misfit strain calculated from the first principles in order to compare with analytical results estimated from the experimental data.