Papers by Author: Thierry Grosdidier

Abstract: The formation energies of the T.M impurities Ti and Zr were calculated using DFT calculations at absolute zero and ab initio MD simulations at 300 K. We found that, with increasing temperature, Zr impurities become more stable and prefer to segregate at the interface of ∑5 (310)[001] grain boundary. In the case of Ti, the results show that it remains a stable defect when temperature increases.

Abstract: The present paper presents the first results of an ongoing research dedicated to the analysis of microstructure in steels surfaces treated by Low Energy High Current Pulsed Electron Beam (LEHCPEB). Various steels - 316L (a stainless steel), D2 (a cold-worked die steel) and 4Cr13 (a martensitic steel) - have been treated by LEHCPEB in order to improve the understanding of the surface microstructure modifications induced by this treatment. The microstructures in the modified surface were characterized by microscopy and diffraction techniques.

Abstract: This paper reviews some recent results concerning surface integrity of materials processed with two important developing techniques: high speed machining (HSM) – here applied to the difficult case of Ti alloys – and low energy high current pulsed electron beam (LEHCPEB) surface treatment of steels. The effect of the processing parameters on the development of microstructure, texture and residual stresses is detailed for modifications occurring both at the surfaces and sub-surfaces.

Abstract: The low energy high current pulse electron beam (LEHCPEB) irradiation induces ultra fast dynamic temperature fields in the surface of the material to which is associated dynamic stress fields that causes intense deformation at the material surface and sub-surface. Improved surface properties (hardness, corrosion resistance) can be obtained using the LEHCPEB treatment. Under the “Melting” mode, the top surface (few µm) which is melted and rapidly solidified (107 K/s), can solidify has nano-domains formed from the highly under-cooled melt. The thermal stress wave that propagates in the sub-surface imposes strain hardening and grain size refinement. This induces a sub-surface hardening that can extent over about 100 µm. The use of the “Heating” mode is less conventional. This mode can promote grain size refinement, hardening as well as texture modification without modification of the sample geometry.

Abstract: High current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) is a fairly new technique for improving surface properties such as corrosion and wear resistances. One of the negative effects induced by HCPEB is the potential formation of craters on the surface of the HCPEB treated materials. These changes can impair the corrosion-resistance by promoting pitting. The mechanisms of nucleation and growth are detailed and the effect of the number of pulses on crater formation is discussed.

Abstract: Mechanical properties such as hardness, mechanical strength or fatigue resistance are by far the most successful material behaviour improved by the ECAP processed. However, the lack of ductility is the most critical negative effect. Combination of multimodal grain size is one of the most promising solutions to improve the strength/ductility balance. Different characterisation techniques are used here to analyse the properties of ECAP Cu thermal treatments and their mechanical properties influence were also investigated.

Abstract: Low energy high current pulsed electron beam (LEHCPEB) is a fairly new technique for surface modifications, including hardening, alloying and formation of metastable phases as well as improvement in wear and corrosion properties. The present contribution gives some new insights on the microstructure modifications encountered at the top surface of HCPEB treated metals. In particular, the potential of the technique for structure modifications associated with the use of the pulsed electron beam under “heating” and “melting” conditions are highlighted.

Abstract: This paper has examined some recent findings concerning the processing of fully dense hetero-nanostructured materials (i.e. consisting of nano, ultrafine and micrometric grains) which can be produced by using the interplay between heavy deformation and recrystallization. By plastic deformation of bulk materials, an improved strength/ductility balance can be obtained directly by imparting high strain deformation (by ECAE) until the occurrence of recrystallization. Using a powder metallurgy route, the strong potential of electric field assisted sintering (ECAS) for producing multi-scale microstructures when a milled powder is used is also demonstrated. In this case, in addition to modify the classic processing parameters (time/temperature of ECAS), altering the nature of the milled powder - by Y2O3 addition during the milling stage - is also a good way to delay the onset of recrystallization and, thereby, increase the fraction of ultrafine grains.

Abstract: High current pulsed electron beam (HCPEB) is a fairly new technique for surface modifications, including hardening, alloying and formation of metastable phases. The present contribution gives some new insights on the microstructure modifications encountered at the top surface of HCPEB treated metals. In particular, the potential of the technique for structure modifications associated with the use of the pulsed electron beam under “heating” and “melting” conditions are highlighted.

Abstract: HCPEB treatment of 316L stainless steel (SS) was carried out and the microstructure change in the modified surface layer were characterized with optical microscopy and X-ray diffractometry techniques. The evolution regularity of surface craters and grain refinement effect, as well as the preferred orientation of (111) crystal plane occurring in the HCPEB treatment at different working parameters were discussed combining with their influence on corrosion resistance.