Papers by Keyword: Structural Applications

Abstract: The control of the residually stressed γ’-FCC phase in the grain boundaries that affects super-elasticity in the promising Fe-Mn-Al-Ni shape memory alloy (SMA) and grain size enhancement was an epitome for research in the current study. New composition Fe-33Mn-17Al-8.5Ni (at. %) was designed with the help of thermocalc software TCFE 11 database, produced in an electric arc furnace under an argon atmosphere and systematically investigated in the as-cast and heat-treated conditions. Characterization was performed using optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction measurements (XRD), and compression tests. Controlling the cooling conditions after heat treatment (HT) with high flowrate air cooling helped to reduce on the formation of the detrimental phase, γ’ at the grain boundaries as well as observed some grain growth in the microstructure without necessarily causing cracking as reported previously with quenching in cold water. The yield strength depicting the stress-induced martensitic transformation was 925 MPa for as cast and 909 MPa upon heat treatment. From cyclic compression loading/deloading training, a recovery strain of 2.1% and 2.3% was attained at 800 MPa maximum stress in the as-cast and heat treated-conditions, respectively.

Abstract: Planarity is one of indispensable attribute of a ceramic tile quality. During the firing changes on curvature may be permanent causing damage on quality and productivity. The objective was to evaluate curvature evolution on porcelain tile during heating stage of firing. Effects of engobe and glaze coating were evaluated. The performance of two compositions of porcelain tile was studied on industrial (1000 mm x 500 mm x 10 mm) and laboratorial (100 mm x 50 mm x 6 mm) scale. Industrial test pieces were fired at 950 and 1200 °C. Final curvature was measured by conventional dial indicator. Curvature evolution of laboratorial test pieces was evaluated by thermal fleximetry from 25 to 1200 °C. This characterization was capable to identify very significant positive curvature deflection on temperature range from 930 to 1200 °C, directly associated to permanent planarity defects. Differences on composition affect significantly the curvature evolution.