Papers by Author: Raynald Gauvin

Abstract: Diffusion couple experiments for Mg-Al and Mg-Zn were carried out with Mg single crystal to determine the anisotropic diffusion coefficients of Al and Zn in hcp Mg at the temperature range between 553 and 693 K. Based on the experimental results, anisotropic diffusion coefficients of Al and Zn were calculated using multiphase diffusion simulations. Al diffusion in hcp Mg is slightly faster than Mg self-diffusion itself, but the diffusion of Zn is slightly slower than Mg self-diffusion. The diffusion coefficients of Al and Zn along the a-axis (basal plane) of hcp Mg is slightly higher (1.1-1.4 times) than those along the c-axis (normal to the basal plane), which is also similar to Mg self-diffusion behaviour.

Abstract: This paper present the determination of concentration profiles of an Mg Al diffusion couple that was obtained with a high resolution field emission scanning electron microscope, the Hitachi SU-8000 equipped with a SDD EDS detector. From these concentration profiles, the inter-diffusion coefficient is determined with the Boltzmann-Matano technique. The advantages and disadvantages of working at high and low beam energy for quantitative x-ray microanalysis are highlighted. The f ratio method is used in this work to convert the x-ray intensities into composition.

Abstract: Utilization of aluminium-lithium alloys in aerospace applications requires an understanding of how processing and product geometry impact their microstructure, crystallographic texture and mechanical properties. In this paper, the effect of various microstructural features as well as deformation textures on the static mechanical properties of Al-Li extruded components has been investigated. These relationships are discussed with regard to two 2099-T83 extruded sections, i.e. a cylindrical extrusion and an integrally stiffened panel (ISP). The ISP typically shows an unrecrystallized microstructure with varying texture depending on the location along its cross section while the cylindrical extrusions present a strong fibre texture. The anisotropy is noticeable in tensile and compressive tests for both types of extrusions.

Abstract: An integrally stiffened panel (ISP) made from extruded 2099-T83 Al-Li alloy was subjected to fatigue loadings to investigate the influence of both the local texture and grain structure on fatigue crack propagation (FCP) behavior. The microstructure was mainly unrecrystallized. Grains were mostly layered in the web and fibrous in the other locations. Fiber texture components were present in the stiffener locations, and a rolling-type texture in the web. Resistance to FCP decreases as the local aspect ratio increases. Changes in FCP rates in the web, stiffener base and stiffener web were consistent with the microstructural features and texture. The stiffener cap with a strong fiber texture similar to that of the stiffener base exhibited a lower resistance to FCP, suggesting that the influence of the texture is convoluted in the stiffener cap by the markedly different grain structure. Therefore, FCP behavior in this alloy appears to be governed by both texture and grain structure.

Abstract: The aerospace industry strives to develop materials allowing an increase in payload and reducing fuel consumption. Al-Li alloys, with their low density and high strength are currently in use for such applications and have potential for additional applications. When compared to composites, utilizing Al-Li alloy products is cost effective for aerospace companies as they do not need to redesign pre-existing fabrication facilities. The joining of these alloys by conventional methods is limited by segregation of alloying elements and the formation of oxides during high temperature exposure. This study focuses on solid state joining method that has the potential to generate low heat and be defect free - Friction Stir Welding (FSW). AA2199 sheets were joined by FSW. Process variables included table force, tool rotation speed and weld travel speed. A post weld heat treatment (PWHT) was applied to improve the mechanical properties by precipitation of strengthening phases. An increase in hardness of the weld zone from 95HV to 125HV upon PWHT was recorded for selected welding conditions. The type and morphology of second phase precipitates is deemed responsible for this effect. It is suggested that the high temperature and high strain levels characteristic of welds with fast tool rotation allow for the dissolution of precipitates during welding. The re-precipitation of these second phases during PWHT allowed the welds to recover strength to the level of the base material.

Abstract: Aluminum-lithium (Al-Li) alloys are of interest to the aerospace and aeronautical industries as rising fuel costs and increasing environmental restrictions are promoting reductions in vehicle weight. However, Al-Li alloys suffer from several issues during fusion welding processes including solute segregation and depletion. Solid freeform fabrication (SFF) of materials is a repair or rapid prototyping process, in which the deposited feedstock is built-up via a layering process to the required geometry. Recent developments have led to the investigation of SFF processes via Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) capable of producing functional metallic components. A SFF process via GMAW would be instrumental in reducing costs associated with the production and repair of Al-Li components. Furthermore the newly developed Controlled-Short-Circuit-MIG (CSC-MIG) process provides the ability to control the weld parameters with a high degree of accuracy, thus enabling the optimization of the solidification parameters required to avoid solute depletion and segregation within an Al-Li alloy. The objective of this study is to develop the welding parameters required to avoid lithium depletion and segregation. In the present study weldments were produced via CSC-MIG process, using Al-Li 2199 sheet samples as the filler material. The residual lithium concentration within the weldments was then determined via Atomic Absorption (AA) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). The microstructure was analyzed using High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscopy (HR-SEM). Finally the mechanical properties of welded samples were determined through the application of hardness and tensile testing.

Abstract: Precipitation strengthening is an important parameter controlling the mechanical properties of low carbon steels. These precipitates are very fine and are normally analyzed using either thin foils or carbon extraction replicas under a transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In this work, field emission gun scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM) was applied successfully in the characterization of niobium (Nb) carbo-nitride (C,N) precipitates using carbon extraction replicas. FE-SEM observation of high strength linepipe steel replicas before and after aging at 400°C for 1 hr confirmed the presence of Nb(C,N) precipitates in ferrite. The FE-SEM could analyze small particles (below 50 nm) embedded in the steel but the analysis had to be carried out at low voltages to maximize spatial resolution resulting in a poor signal. However, carbon extraction replicas in the FE-SEM can be analyzed using high voltages, since the interaction volume effect is no longer a problem.