Papers by Keyword: High-Temperature Strength

Abstract: Aluminium alloys are somehow the workhorse among light metals: spreading from castable, work hardenable to age-hardenable alloys, a wide panel of alternatives is available for the users. Nevertheless, continuous improvement of these alloys is ongoing, looking for higher strength, wider service temperature ranges, and suitability for new manufacturing processes.Likewise, a better knowledge of microstructure and ‘finer’ effects have to be encompassed.A proper multiscale approach and competent preparation are advisable for the best interpretation of the performances of new or ‘revised’ alloys.In this work a case study is presented in which multiscale approach has been used in order to explain the behavior of relatively widely used alloys, and also the problems and solution adopted in order to obtain the best results from microstructural analyses.Wrought age hardenable alloys were analyzed to have a better comprehension of ‘high temperature’ evolution of microstructure. The overall appearance of the microstructure was first identified by optical microscopy. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) was involved to analyze grain size, type and size of secondary phases and texture. The results supported modeling studies related to the effect of grain size and texture. Finally, High Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HR-TEM) investigations helped to understand the modification in the decay of mechanical properties upon extended overaging.

Abstract: The influence of artificial aging on the phase composition and the properties of sheets made of V-1213 alloy of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag system. It is shown that the phase composition, morphology, dispersion and the density of phase discharge changes with the temperature increase of artificial aging. After the aging at the highest temperature in the range from 150 to 190 °C the maximum density of S' and Ω' phase is observed. This density provides the best combination of mechanical properties when extended at room temperature and high temperature strengthcharacteristics.

Abstract: In order to investigate the effect of Ni on the high-temperature strength of Al-Si cast alloys, tensile properties of hypoeutectic and eutectic alloys were determined at 250 °C after long-term annealing at test temperature. LOM- and SEM-analysis revealed the existence of Al₃Ni-phases in close contact to eutectic Si. It was shown that the strength can be increased by the addition of Ni, though just to a certain level, depending on the fraction of eutectic phase in the alloy. The alloys were considered as a coarse two-phase system where a hardening effect is caused by load transfer to the harder phase, which requires a certain connectivity/contiguity of the latter. The paper describes the extent of contiguity of the eutectic as well as the hard silicon and Al₃Ni-phases within the eutectic, and discusses their contribution to an enhanced strength of Al-Si alloys at elevated temperatures.

Abstract: The high-temperature strength and thermal fatigue properties of Fe-Cr-Nb-Mo ferritic stainless steel (FSSNEW) developed for automobile exhaust system were investigated. The results show that the high-temperature tensile strength and yield strength of FSSNEW are better than or equal to those of the presently applied ferritic stainless steels. The thermal fatigue cracks nucleate at the V-notch. The inclusions along grain boundaries become prior regions for initiation of the cracks. The inclusions distributed at the defects make the formation of cracks in the materials easily through the effects of cycle thermal stress and thermal strain. The length and propagated rate of thermal fatigue cracks increase with the maximum tested temperature increasing. When the maximum temperature arrives at 900°C, the high-temperature oxidation is serious along the grain boundaries, which aggravates the cracks propagating along the grain boundaries. The principle mechanism of stress assisted grain boundary oxygen (SAGBO) embrittlement can be applied to illustrate the effects of external stress on aggravating the damage caused by environmental factors. Therefore, the high-temperature oxidation is the main reason for the propagation of thermal fatigue cracks. The FSSNEW is satisfied for the applied requirement of high-temperature strength in the hot side of the automobile exhaust system.

Abstract: Multi-component Nb-(11,15)Si-5Hf-30Ti-4Al-4W-2B-(8,16)Cr alloys have been proposed, attempting to obtain the Nb-Si based alloys with a comprehensive property. The results show that three phases of NbSS, Nb5Si3 and Laves Cr2Nb exist in the alloys with a Cr content of 16 at%. With increasing Si and Cr contents the fracture toughness KQ decreases, while the oxidation resistance at 1250°C and strength at 1250°C and 1350°C exhibit an increasing tendency. The 15Si-16Cr alloy shows the highest strength and oxidation resistance, and the lowest toughness; they are 385MPa at 1350°C, 215mg/cm2 at 1250°C for 100 h, and 5.45 MPa•m1/2 at room temperature, respectively. The 11Si-8Cr alloy with an NbSS/Nb5Si3 microstructure only has the highest toughness of 11.87 MPa•m1/2, its strength and oxidation resistance are the lowest.