scholarly journals Quantifying High-Performance Material Microstructure Using Nanomechanical Tools with Visual and Frequency Analysis

Scanning ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emil Sandoz-Rosado ◽  
Michael R. Roenbeck ◽  
Kenneth E. Strawhecker

High-performance materials like ballistic fibers have remarkable mechanical properties owing to specific patterns of organization ranging from the molecular scale, to the micro scale and macro scale. Understanding these strategies for material organization is critical to improving the mechanical properties of these high-performance materials. In this work, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to detect changes in material composition at an extremely high resolution with transverse-stiffness scanning. New methods for direct quantification of material morphology were developed, and applied as an example to these AFM scans, although these methods can be applied to any spatially-resolved scans. These techniques were used to delineate between subtle morphological differences in commercial ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers that have different processing conditions and mechanical properties as well as quantify morphology in commercial Kevlar®, a high-performance material with an entirely different organization strategy. Both frequency analysis and visual processing methods were used to systematically quantify the microstructure of the fiber samples in this study. These techniques are the first step in establishing structure-property relationships that can be used to inform synthesis and processing techniques to achieve desired morphologies, and thus superior mechanical performance.

1988 ◽  
Vol 134 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Krause

ABSTRACTRigid-rod molecular composites are a new class of high performance structural polymers which have high specific strength and modulus and also high thermal and environmental resistance. A rigid-rod, extended chain polymer component is used to reinforce a matrix of a ductile polymer with the intent of achieving a “composite” on the molecular level. After synthesis, the key to producing a molecular composite is to control morphology to disperse the reinforcing rod molecules as finely as possible in the matrix polymer. Individual rod molecules or bundles of molecular rods must have dimensions which result in a high ratio of length to width (aspect ratio) for efficient reinforcement. To achieve this, the reinforcing rod component must not phase separate at any stage of processing. Morphological characterization techniques, which can measure the orientation and dispersion (or, conversely, the degree of phase separation) of rod molecules provide the tools for correlating theoretically predicted and experimentally observed mechanical properties. Various morphological techniques which have been applied to molecular composite systems will be reviewed, including wide angle x-ray scattering and scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Structure-property correlations for molecular composite systems will be discussed with regard to models for mechanical properties. Application of new morphological techniques will also be discussed.


Materials ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 13 (7) ◽  
pp. 1610 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paulo J. Morais ◽  
Bianca Gomes ◽  
Pedro Santos ◽  
Manuel Gomes ◽  
Rudolf Gradinger ◽  
...  

Ever-increasing demands of industrial manufacturing regarding mechanical properties require the development of novel alloys designed towards the respective manufacturing process. Here, we consider wire arc additive manufacturing. To this end, Al alloys with additions of Zn, Mg and Cu have been designed considering the requirements of good mechanical properties and limited hot cracking susceptibility. The samples were produced using the cold metal transfer pulse advanced (CMT-PADV) technique, known for its ability to produce lower porosity parts with smaller grain size. After material simulations to determine the optimal heat treatment, the samples were solution heat treated, quenched and aged to enhance their mechanical performance. Chemical analysis, mechanical properties and microstructure evolution were evaluated using optical light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence analysis and X-ray radiography, as well as tensile, fatigue and hardness tests. The objective of this research was to evaluate in detail the mechanical properties and microstructure of the newly designed high-performance Al–Zn-based alloy before and after ageing heat treatment. The only defects found in the parts built under optimised conditions were small dispersed porosities, without any visible cracks or lack of fusion. Furthermore, the mechanical properties are superior to those of commercial 7xxx alloys and remarkably independent of the testing direction (parallel or perpendicular to the deposit beads). The presented analyses are very promising regarding additive manufacturing of high-strength aluminium alloys.


2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Jinguang Wei ◽  
Fei Rao ◽  
Yuxiang Huang ◽  
Yahui Zhang ◽  
Yue Qi ◽  
...  

Natural wood has certain advantages such as good processability and high specific strength and thus has been used for millennium as a structural material. But the mechanical performance and water resistance, particularly for fast-growing species, are unsatisfactory for high-end applications. In this study, the “new-type” scrimber technology was introduced to radiata pine (Pinus radiata D. Don) scrimbers. The structure, mechanical properties, and dimensional stability of the scrimber panels were investigated. Results showed that OWFMs as basic units of scrimber had been very even in size and superior permeability. The scrimbers exhibited a three-dimensional porous structure, and the porosity had a decrease with increasing density. Both OWFMs and densification contributed to the high performance in terms of mechanical properties and water resistance. The flexural, compressive, and short-beam shearing strength were significantly enhanced with increasing density. As the density was 0.80 g cm−3, the flexural strength (MOR) was approximately 120 MPa, much larger than many selected wood-based panels. Moreover, the water resistance and dimensional stability also were closely related to the density. At the density of 1.39 g cm−3, the water absorption rate and thinness swelling rate of the panels in boiled water were only 19% and 5.7%, respectively.


Author(s):  
Walid Mohamed ◽  
Hakan Ozaltun ◽  
Hee Seok Roh

Abstract The most recent design of U-Mo monolithic fuel as adopted by the U.S. for the conversion of its High Performance Research Reactors (USHPRR) from high enrichment uranium (HEU) to low enrichment uranium fuel (LEU, < 20% U235) consists of a high density (LEU) U-10Mo fuel sandwiched between Zirconium (Zr) diffusion barriers and encapsulated in aluminum (AA6061) cladding. In this work, finite element analysis (FEA) was used to evaluate effect of Zr diffusion barrier properties on the thermal and mechanical performance of a U-10Mo monolithic fuel plate by considering possible variation in thermal and mechanical properties of the Zr diffusion barrier. Possible variation in thermo-mechanical properties of the Zr diffusion barrier were determined and a simulation matrix was designed accordingly. Analyses of simulation results included determination of global peak stresses in the fuel, Zr diffusion barrier, and cladding sections as well as the plate thickness profile at a transverse section toward the top side of the plate. Results showed that variation in yield stress, elastic modulus and thermal conductivity of the Zr diffusion barrier has negligible effect on the thermal and mechanical performance of the monolithic fuel plate. The effect of variation in these properties was found to be limited to the barrier section itself, which may be attributed to the relatively smaller thickness of that section compared to the fuel and cladding sections of the fuel plate.


2007 ◽  
Vol 129 (3) ◽  
pp. 586-594 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Yu ◽  
R. Ahmed ◽  
H. de Villiers Lovelock

This paper aims to compare the tribo-mechanical properties and structure–property relationships of a wear resistant cobalt-based alloy produced via two different manufacturing routes, namely sand casting and powder consolidation by hot isostatic pressing (HIPing). The alloy had a nominal wt % composition of Co–33Cr–17.5W–2.5C, which is similar to the composition of commercially available Stellite 20 alloy. The high tungsten and carbon contents provide resistance to severe abrasive and sliding wear. However, the coarse carbide structure of the cast alloy also gives rise to brittleness. Hence this research was conducted to comprehend if the carbide refinement and corresponding changes in the microstructure, caused by changing the processing route to HIPing, could provide additional merits in the tribo-mechanical performance of this alloy. The HIPed alloy possessed a much finer microstructure than the cast alloy. Both alloys had similar hardness, but the impact resistance of the HIPed alloy was an order of magnitude higher than the cast counterpart. Despite similar abrasive and sliding wear resistance of both alloys, their main wear mechanisms were different due to their different carbide morphologies. Brittle fracture of the carbides and ploughing of the matrix were the main wear mechanisms for the cast alloy, whereas ploughing and carbide pullout were the dominant wear mechanisms for the HIPed alloy. The HIPed alloy showed significant improvement in contact fatigue performance, indicating its superior impact and fatigue resistance without compromising the hardness and sliding∕abrasive wear resistance, which makes it suitable for relatively higher stress applications.


2007 ◽  
Vol 534-536 ◽  
pp. 545-548 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ola Bergman ◽  
Björn Lindqvist ◽  
Sven Bengtsson

Powder grades pre-alloyed with 1.5-3 wt% chromium are suitable for PM steel components in high performance applications. These materials can be successfully sintered at the conventional temperature 1120 °C, although well-monitored sintering atmospheres with low oxygen partial pressures (<10-17-10-18 atm) are required to avoid oxidation. Mechanical properties of the Cralloyed PM grades are enhanced by a higher sintering temperature in the range 1120-1250 °C, due to positive effects from pore rounding, increased density and more effective oxide reduction. A material consisting of Astaloy CrM, which is pre-alloyed with 3 wt% Cr and 0.5 wt% Mo, and 0.6 wt% graphite obtains an ultimate tensile strength of 1470 MPa combined with an impact strength of 31 J at density 7.1 g/cm3, after sintering at 1250 °C followed by cooling at 2.5 °C/s and tempering.


2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (2) ◽  
pp. 429-451
Author(s):  
Chrysoula Pandelidi ◽  
Tobias Maconachie ◽  
Stuart Bateman ◽  
Ingomar Kelbassa ◽  
Sebastian Piegert ◽  
...  

Purpose Fused deposition modelling (FDM) is increasingly being explored as a commercial fabrication method due to its ability to produce net or near-net shape parts directly from a computer-aided design model. Other benefits of technology compared to conventional manufacturing include lower cost for short runs, reduced product lead times and rapid product design. High-performance polymers such as polyetherimide, have the potential for FDM fabrication and their high-temperature capabilities provide the potential of expanding the applications of FDM parts in automotive and aerospace industries. However, their relatively high glass transition temperature (215 °C) causes challenges during manufacturing due to the requirement of high-temperature build chambers and controlled cooling rates. The purpose of this study is to investigate the mechanical properties of ULTEM 1010, an unfilled polyetherimide grade. Design/methodology/approach In this research, mechanical properties were evaluated through tensile and flexural tests. Analysis of variance was used to determine the significance of process parameters to the mechanical properties of the specimens, their main effects and interactions. The fractured surfaces were analysed by scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy and porosity was assessed by X-ray microcomputed tomography. Findings A range of mean tensile and flexural strengths, 60–94 MPa and 62–151 MPa, respectively, were obtained highlighting the dependence of performance on process parameters and their interactions. The specimens were found to fracture in a brittle manner. The porosity of tensile samples was measured between 0.18% and 1.09% and that of flexural samples between 0.14% and 1.24% depending on the process parameters. The percentage porosity was found to not directly correlate with mechanical performance, rather the location of those pores in the sample. Originality/value This analysis quantifies the significance of the effect of each of the examined process parameters has on the mechanical performance of FDM-fabricated specimens. Further, it provides a better understanding of the effect process parameters and their interactions have on the mechanical properties and porosity of FDM-fabricated polyetherimide specimens. Additionally, the fracture surface of the tested specimens is qualitatively assessed.


2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (49) ◽  
pp. 24457-24462 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ashley M. Torres ◽  
Adwait A. Trikanad ◽  
Cameron A. Aubin ◽  
Floor M. Lambers ◽  
Marysol Luna ◽  
...  

Microarchitectured materials achieve superior mechanical properties through geometry rather than composition. Although ultralightweight microarchitectured materials can have high stiffness and strength, application to durable devices will require sufficient service life under cyclic loading. Naturally occurring materials provide useful models for high-performance materials. Here, we show that in cancellous bone, a naturally occurring lightweight microarchitectured material, resistance to fatigue failure is sensitive to a microarchitectural trait that has negligible effects on stiffness and strength—the proportion of material oriented transverse to applied loads. Using models generated with additive manufacturing, we show that small increases in the thickness of elements oriented transverse to loading can increase fatigue life by 10 to 100 times, far exceeding what is expected from the associated change in density. Transversely oriented struts enhance resistance to fatigue by acting as sacrificial elements. We show that this mechanism is also present in synthetic microlattice structures, where fatigue life can be altered by 5 to 9 times with only negligible changes in density and stiffness. The effects of microstructure on fatigue life in cancellous bone and lattice structures are described empirically by normalizing stress in traditional stress vs. life (S-N) curves by √ψ, where ψ is the proportion of material oriented transverse to load. The mechanical performance of cancellous bone and microarchitectured materials is enhanced by aligning structural elements with expected loading; our findings demonstrate that this strategy comes at the cost of reduced fatigue life, with consequences to the use of microarchitectured materials in durable devices and to human health in the context of osteoporosis.


2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (102) ◽  
pp. 20141079 ◽  
Author(s):  
Giuseppe Tronci ◽  
Colin A. Grant ◽  
Neil H. Thomson ◽  
Stephen J. Russell ◽  
David J. Wood

Biological hydrogels have been increasingly sought after as wound dressings or scaffolds for regenerative medicine, owing to their inherent biofunctionality in biological environments. Especially in moist wound healing, the ideal material should absorb large amounts of wound exudate while remaining mechanically competent in situ . Despite their large hydration, however, current biological hydrogels still leave much to be desired in terms of mechanical properties in physiological conditions. To address this challenge, a multi-scale approach is presented for the synthetic design of cyto-compatible collagen hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties (from the nano- up to the macro-scale), uniquely high swelling ratios and retained (more than 70%) triple helical features. Type I collagen was covalently functionalized with three different monomers, i.e. 4-vinylbenzyl chloride, glycidyl methacrylate and methacrylic anhydride, respectively. Backbone rigidity, hydrogen-bonding capability and degree of functionalization ( F : 16 ± 12–91 ± 7 mol%) of introduced moieties governed the structure–property relationships in resulting collagen networks, so that the swelling ratio ( SR : 707 ± 51–1996 ± 182 wt%), bulk compressive modulus ( E c : 30 ± 7–168 ± 40 kPa) and atomic force microscopy elastic modulus ( E AFM : 16 ± 2–387 ± 66 kPa) were readily adjusted. Because of their remarkably high swelling and mechanical properties, these tunable collagen hydrogels may be further exploited for the design of advanced dressings for chronic wound care.


Author(s):  
Marc Grzeschik

Foldcores are folded open cellular structures which are currently under development at Institute of Aircraft Design (IFB). The IFB has generated an integrated manufacturing process to produce foldcores, starting with the mathematical methods to design the required foldcore geometry to the point of realizing them in an automated and continuous fashion. By isometric folding of planar base materials foldcores can and have already been manufactured out of a large variety of materials: cardboard, papers, metals (aluminum, steel, titanium), different thermoplastic films (PC, PVC, PPSU, PEEK) as well as advanced fibre reinforced materials (glass, carbon, aramid fibres). For the technical use of foldcores in sandwich structures it is necessary to supply a competitive level of mechanical performance. We discuss the mechanical properties of foldcores compared to other state of the art core materials. We detail the testing methods used to determine compression and shear strengths and stiffnesses, which are based upon international standards. Evaluation of the test results show potential for the use of foldcores in high performance lightweight structures, especially considering their unique multifunctional applicability.


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