Improving Mechanical Properties of Mg–Sc Alloy by Surface AZ31 Layer

Building a gradient structure inside the Mg alloy structure can be expected to greatly improve its comprehensive mechanical properties. In this study, AZ31/Mg–Sc laminated composites with gradient grain structure were prepared by hot extrusion. The microstructure and mechanical properties of the Mg–1Sc alloy with different extrusion temperatures and surface AZ31 fine-grain layers were investigated. The alloy has a more obvious gradient microstructure when extruded at 350 °C. The nanoscale hardness value of Mg–1Sc alloy was improved through fine-grain strengthening and solution strengthening of the surface AZ31 fine-grain layer. The strength of Mg–1Sc alloy was improved due to the fine-grain strengthening and dislocation strengthening of the surface AZ31 fine-grain layer, and the elongation of Mg–1Sc alloy was increased by improving the distribution of the microstructure.

The damping properties of the foam-filled shaft of primary feathers of the pigeon Columba livia

The avian feather combines mechanical properties of robustness and flexibility while maintaining a low weight. Under periodic and random dynamic loading, the feathers sustain bending forces and vibrations during flight. Excessive vibrations can increase noise, energy consumption, and negatively impact flight stability. However, damping can alter the system response, and result in increased stability and reduced noise. Although the structure of feathers has already been studied, little is known about their damping properties. In particular, the link between the structure of shafts and their damping is unknown. This study aims at understanding the structure-damping relationship of the shafts. For this purpose, laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) was used to measure the damping properties of the feather shaft in three segments selected from the base, middle, and tip. A combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography (µCT) was used to investigate the gradient microstructure of the shaft. The results showed the presence of two fundamental vibration modes, when mechanically excited in the horizontal and vertical directions. It was also found that the base and middle parts of the shaft have higher damping ratios than the tip, which could be attributed to their larger foam cells, higher foam/cortex ratio, and higher percentage of foam. This study provides the first indication of graded damping properties in feathers.

Ultrasonic Surface Rolling Process: Properties, Characterization, and Applications

Ultrasonic surface rolling process (USRP) is a novel surface severe plastic deformation (SPD) method that integrates ultrasonic impact peening (UIP) and deep rolling (DR) to enhance the surface integrity and surface mechanical properties of engineering materials. USRP can induce gradient nanostructured surface (GNS) layers on the substrate, providing superior mechanical properties, thus preventing premature material failure. Herein, a comprehensive overview of current-state-of-the art USRP is provided. More specifically, the effect of the USRP on a broad range of materials exclusively used for aerospace, automotive, nuclear, and chemical industries is explained. Furthermore, the effect of USRP on different mechanical properties, such as hardness, tensile, fatigue, wear resistance, residual stress, corrosion resistance, and surface roughness are summarized. In addition, the effect of USRP on grain refinement and the formation of gradient microstructure is discussed. Finally, this study elucidates the application and recent advances of the USRP process.

Gradient Microstructure Induced by Surface Mechanical Attrition Treatment in Grade 2 Titanium Studied Using Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy and Complementary Methods

Microstructural changes in grade 2 titanium generated by surface mechanical attrition treatment (SMAT) were studied using positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy and complementary methods. A significant increase in the mean positron lifetime indicated many lattice defects introduced by SMAT. Two positron lifetime components were resolved in the positron lifetime spectra measured. The longer lifetime revealed the presence of vacancy clusters containing about 3 or 4 vacancies, while the shorter one was attributed to the annihilation of positrons trapped at dislocations. The changes of the positron lifetime indicated a decreasing dislocation density and the presence of a deeper layer with a higher concentration of vacancy clusters at the distance from the treated surface for which the microhardness approached the value for the strain-free matrix. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy showed the positive effect of SMAT on the corrosion resistance of the titanium studied in a saline environment also after removal of the original oxide layer that was formed during the SMAT.