Papers by Author: Toshiro Kobayashi

Abstract: Traditional computational models always assume idealized crack geometry. However, actual crack geometry is very complex in real materials and thus, those simulations do not realistically represent the actual loading conditions of a real crack. In this paper, three-dimensional (3D) image-based simulation was performed to investigate the fracture behavior of an aluminum alloy, and the model takes into account the real crack geometry based on the 3D images of the crack. Accordingly, many essential features of fracture can be identified and interpreted, and some new insight into fracture behavior in real materials can be offered.

Abstract: Three-dimensional zinc mapping based on X-ray K-edge scanning has been performed. By microtomographies with energies above and below the K-absorption edges of the elements, the concentration distribution of the elements is evaluated during in-situ experiments, respectively. It is found that the Zn concentration distribution during the heat treatment was changed inside the cell wall of the aluminum foams and it has been homogenized. Also several precipitated phase transformation can be three-dimensionally visualized by the CT-method tuning X-ray energies.

Abstract: The local elastic and plastic strain during deformation are very complicated and different form the macroscopic strain, because most materials have inhomogeneous microstructure. In this study, local strain distribution in three dimensions has been measured using the new developed method based on image analysis in high-resolution synchrotron radiation computed tomography (SR-CT). Model and practical specimens, which made of cupper alloy and aluminum alloy, respectively, were prepared for a development procedure and application of local strain measurements. Gauging intervals of microstructural features before and after deformation gave us information of inhomogeneous local strain distribution in three dimensions. High strain was observed in a necking region appeared after tensile deformation in the model sample. A combination of non-destructive measurements by SR-CT and three-dimensional analysis revealed inhomogeneous strain distributions in practical aluminum samples.

Abstract: A tracking procedure for the high-resolution X-ray computed tomography (CT) has been developed in order to measure 3-D local strain within a deforming material in high-density. A dispersion-strengthened copper alloy model sample with alumina particles, which contains micropores, was visualized by the synchrotron radiation CT. The pores observed in reconstructed CT volumes were used as tracking markers. The developed tracking method using a set of matching parameters, which classifies matched, pended and rejected markers, exhibited high ratio of success tracking. Furthermore, the ratio was improved by applying the spring model method, which is one of the particle image velocity (PIV) methods utilized in the field of the fluid mechanics, to the pended markers. The method based on the image analysis of CT imaging volumes provides us 3-D high-density strain mapping.

Abstract: X-ray CT method is a kind of nondestructive inspection, but has strong limitation in sample size due to a small field of view (FOV). The higher the resolution, the smaller FOV is, mainly due to the element number of available detectors commercially. Therefore, sample machining is more or less necessary so that the sample size is fit within the small FOV in the case of the high-resolution observation. Local tomography technique enables a high resolution reconstruction of small region of interests within a sample without the sample machining. In this study, we have evaluated the size effects of aluminum foam samples in terms of the 3D image quality by the local tomography techniques.

Abstract: Synchrotron X-ray microtomography has been utilized for the 3D characterisation of microstructure of aluminium foams. A combination of phase contrast imaging technique and several application techniques, such as local area tomography, microstructural gauging and in-situ observation, has enabled the assessment of microstructural effects on compressive deformation behaviours. It has been clarified that ductile buckling of a cell wall occurs regardless of any of the above microstructural factors in the case of a pure aluminium foam, while rather brittle fracture of a cell wall is induced by the existence of coarse micro-pores independently of the intermetallic particles and the grain boundary in the case of Al-Zn-Mg alloy foams. When cooling rate during foaming is high, however, lower energy absorption might be attributable to the significant amount of residual foaming agent particle and its inhomogeneous distribution. These tendencies are also confirmed by 3D strain mapping by tracking internal microstructural features.

Abstract: High resolution phase contrast imaging technique has been applied to obtain clear crack images together with the detailed of microstructural features in a cast aluminum alloy. Crack opening/closure, crack extension and damage evolution in the vicinity of a crack-tip is observed three-dimensionally (3-D). 3-D image analysis is performed to evaluate void initiation and growth near the crack-tip. The information on physical displacement of each microstructural feature is provided for analyzing local crack driving forces at crack front. This technique has been identified to provide a unique possibility to quantitatively interpret the 3-D cracking behavior in bulk materials.

Abstract: An X-ray microtomography combined with hard X-ray imaging microscopy, that potentially has a spatial resolution of the order of 10 to 100 nm, has been applied to the three-dimensional observation of internal microstructural features in overaged Al-Ag alloys. A Fresnel zone plate is used as an objective with a magnification of 49.3 times. Imaging of resolution test patterns has indicated spatial resolutions of around 180 and 200 nm in the vertical and horizontal directions, respectively. This paper reports the first impression of the microstructural imaging by means of such a high-resolution imaging microtomography. Precipitate microstructures are readily observed and quantified in terms of volume fraction and orientation. Conventional microtomography with a simple projection geometry is also applied for comparison purpose at the highest resolution level currently available at a third generation synchrotron facility. It would appear that the present technique provides a unique potential to observe the 3-D geometry and spatial distribution of nanoscopic features inside samples that are several orders of magnitude thicker than thin-foil specimens for TEM observation.

Abstract: It is known that fracture toughness value is affected by test temperature, specimen thickness and loading rate. In the present study, specimen size and test temperature are varied widely with the obtained data then being analyzed using rate parameter. Additionally, the fracture toughness values are obtained using round bar-type specimen with a circular notch. This result is compared with the result of the CT specimens, and the advantage of using the round bar-type specimen with a circular notch to modify specimen size requirement is discussed. Sample material used is HT780 high tensile strength steel. The test specimens were 1T, 2T and 4T-CT that are described in ASTM E399. Notched round bar-type specimen with a diameter of 15mm and notch root radius of 0.25mm is also used. The test temperature is varied from a low temperature to room temperature, and loading rate is varied about the 1T-CT specimen and the notched round bar-type specimen between static and 1000mm/sec. The test temperature and the loading rate dependency of the fracture toughness values were arranged by the rate parameter. The fracture toughness value has decreased with the decrease in test temperature and with the increase in specimen thickness and loading rate. The fracture toughness value obtained from the notched round bar-type specimen indicated a value close to 2T-CT specimen. It is shown that valid fracture toughness value can be obtained with a small test specimen by the notched round bar-type specimen. The test temperature and the loading rate dependency of the fracture toughness values can be successfully arranged by the rate parameter that can express both temperature and strain rate dependencies. Feasibility of using round bar-type specimen to obtain valid fracture toughness values with less specimen mass was demonstrated.

Abstract: Synchrotron X-ray microtomography has been utilized for the 3D characterisation of microstructure in the cell materials of aluminium foams. Tomographs, consisting of about 109 isotropic voxels with a maximum of 1.0µm edge, were collected at the SPring-8 in Japan. A combination of high-resolution phase contrast imaging technique and several state-of–the-art application techniques has enabled the quantitative image analyses of micro-pore, intermetallic particles and grain boundary as well as the assessment of their effects on compressive deformation and fracture behaviours in two kinds of aluminium foams.