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The contour scan strategies in laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of Ti-6Al-4V were studied at the coupon level. These scan strategies determined the surface qualities and subsurface residual stresses. The correlations to these properties were identified for an optimization of the LPBF processing. The surface roughness and the residual stresses in build direction were linked: combining high laser power and high scan velocities with at least two contour lines substantially reduced the surface roughness, expressed by the arithmetic mean height, from values as high as 30 μm to 13 μm, while the residual stresses rose from ~340 to about 800 MPa. At this stress level, manufactured rocket fuel injector components evidenced macroscopic cracking. A scan strategy completing the contour region at 100 W and 1050 mm/s is recommended as a compromise between residual stresses (625 MPa) and surface quality (14.2 μm). The LPBF builds were monitored with an in-line twin-photodiode-based melt pool monitoring (MPM) system, which revealed a correlation between the intensity quotient I2/I1, the surface roughness, and the residual stresses. Thus, this MPM system can provide a predictive estimate of the surface quality of the samples and resulting residual stresses in the material generated during LPBF.
We show how the combination of the spatial autocorrelation function and permeability calculations, applied to 3D X-ray computed tomography data, can yield quantitative information on the anisotropy of both meso-structure and fluid flow in Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) materials, such as Cordierite and SiC. It was found that both the degree of anisotropy, and the orientation of the permeability and meso-structure are similar, but not identical. We confirm that the morphological anisotropy of cordierite materials is weak, and clearly influenced by the extrusion process that determines the main direction of anisotropy. Properties of the autocorrelation function are discussed and it is shown why estimating the characteristic length of real meso-structures (grain or ?pore? size) is not possible. Finally, we show that the autocorrelation function applied on grey-level images can give a good estimate of the degree of anisotropy even with limited resolution.
This paper focuses on the aspect on how damage evolution processes in composite materials and structures including matrix fracture, delamination, fibre-matrix debonding, and fibre fracture can be detected by taking advantage of the material’s inherit mechanical properties. These properties can be described on the basis of non-linear mechanical phenomena measurable as an inert frequency response signal. The approach is proposed as a means for residual life structural assessment specifically in the context of VHCF.
Additively manufactured (AM) metallic sheet-based Triply Periodic Minimal Surface Structures (TPMSS) meet several requirements in both bio-medical and engineering fields: Tunable mechanical properties, low sensitivity to manufacturing defects, mechanical stability, and high energy absorption. However, they also present some challenges related to quality control. In fact, the optimization of both the AM process and the properties of TPMSS is impossible without considering structural characteristics as manufacturing accuracy, internal defects, and as well as surface topography and roughness. In this study, the quantitative non-destructive analysis of TPMSS manufactured from Ti-6Al-4V alloy by electron beam melting was performed by means of laboratory X-ray computed tomography (XCT).
Additively manufactured (AM) triply periodic metallic minimum surface structures (TPMSS, from the English Triply Periodic Minimum Surface Structures) fulfill several requirements in both biomedical and engineering fields: tunable mechanical properties, low sensitivity to manufacturing defects, mechanical stability, and high energy absorption. However, they also present some quality control challenges that may prevent their successful application. In fact, optimization of the AM process is impossible without considering structural features such as manufacturing accuracy, internal defects, and surface topography and roughness. In this study, quantitative nondestructive analysis of Ti-6Al-4V alloy TPMSS was performed using X-ray computed tomography (XCT). Several new image analysis workflows are presented to evaluate the effects of buildup direction on wall thickness distribution, wall degradation, and surface roughness reduction due to chemical etching of TPMSS. It is shown that the fabrication accuracy is different for the structural elements printed parallel and orthogonal to the fabricated layers. Different strategies for chemical etching showed different powder removal capabilities and thus a gradient in wall thickness. This affected the mechanical performance under compression by reducing the yield stress. A positive effect of chemical etching is the reduction of surface roughness, which can potentially improve the fatigue properties of the components. Finally, XCT was used to correlate the amount of powder retained with the pore size of the TPMSS, which can further improve the manufacturing process.
A paradigm shift in the description of creep in metals can only occur through multi-scale imaging
(2022)
The description of creep in metals has reached a high level of complexity; fine details are revealed by all sorts of characterization techniques and different theoretical models. However, to date virtually no fully microstructure-driven quantitative description of the phenomenon is available. This has brought to interesting inconsistencies; the classic description of (secondary) creep rests on the so-called power law, which however: a- has a pre-factor spanning over 10 orders of magnitude; b- has different reported exponents for the same material; c- has no explanation for the values of such exponents.
Recently, a novel description (the so-called Solid State Transformation Creep (SSTC) Model) has been proposed to tackle the problem under a different light. The model has two remarkable features: 1- it describes creep as the accumulation of elementary strains due to dislocation motion; 2- it predicates that creep is proceeding by the evolution of a fractal arrangement of dislocations. Such description, however, needs a great deal of corroborating evidence, and indeed, is still incomplete.
To date, we have been able to observe and somehow quantify the fractal arrangement of microstructures through Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), observe the accumulation of dislocations at grain boundaries by EBSD-KAM (Electron Back-Scattered Diffraction-Kernel Angular Misorientation) analysis, quantify the kinetic character (solid state transformation) of experimental creep curves, and estimate the sub-grain size of the fractal microstructure through X-ray refraction techniques. All pieces of the mosaic seem to yield a consistent picture: we seem being on the right path to reconstruct the whole elephant by probing single parts of it. What is still missing is the bond between the various scales of investigation.
In this talk the basics of X-ray computed tomography (XCT) are presented, together with a description of complementary techniques such as Laminography and Stereoradiography.
A overview of the common reconstruction approach and of the artifacts that can occur during reconstruction or acquisition of XCT images is also given.
Finally, application examples in the field of construction materials are given, whereby several experimental techniques (Region of Interest Approach) and data analysis methods (e.g. Digital volume correlation) are explained. Such techniques and algorithms are used to extract quantitative information from ex- and in-situ experiments.
In this seminar I present the microstructure and micromechanical properties of diesel particulate filter materials, and then particularize them to porous microcracked aluminum titanate.
I show that neutron diffraction is particularly suited for bulk studies, especially under applied load or at high temperatures. The combination of macroscopic and microscopic tests with modeling and simulation yields great added value to understand the mechanics of microcracking.
In Additive Manufacturing everybody is talking about Free Form, Unconventional Design, Re-thinking Components, “Think out of the box”.
However, there are a few outstanding question: a) What are the material properties ? They certainly differ from literature values for conventional materials; b) How about the microstructure? It is different from conventional materials. Does it stay so with ageing? How does it form? c) Do we properly take residual stress into account? We often blame them for our ignorance about failure scenarios. d) Do we apply tailored heat treatments? Very often, we follow conventional schedules…
This talk describes the summary of the efforts carried out within the BAM Project AGIL.
At BAM, we aimed to thoroughly investigate the microstructure and how it evolves as a function of load and temperature (service), to determine the material properties after different process and service conditions, to properly determine residual stress and the way it impacts mechanical properties and component performance, to properly quantify the impact of (unavoidable?) defects, and to determine heat treatments tailored to the process-specific material (stress relieve, microstructure homogenization etc.).
The Project AGIL was and is intimately coupled with the project ProMoAM, dealing with online monitoring of AM processes.
The combination of tomographic, microstructural data with other experimental techniques and with modeling is paramount, if we want to extract the maximum amount of information on material and component properties. In particular, quantitative image analysis, statistical approaches, direct discretization of tomographic reconstructions represent concrete possibilities to extend the power of the tomographic 3D representation to insights into the material and component performance. This logic thread equally holds for industrial and academic research, and valorizes expensive experiments such as those carried out at synchrotron sources, which cannot be daily repeated.
I will show a few examples of possible use of X-ray tomographic data for quantitative assessment of damage evolution and microstructural properties, as well as for non-destructive testing. Examples of micro-structured inhomogeneous materials will be given, such as Composites, Ceramics, Concrete, and Additively manufactured parts. I will also show how X-ray refraction computed tomography (CT) can be highly complementary to classic absorption CT, being sensitive to internal interfaces.
Additionally, I will present a new technique in our portfolio, Neutron Diffraction, which is extremely well suited to the study of internal stresses, both residual and under external load.
The combination of tomographic, microstructural data with other experimental techniques and with modeling is paramount, if we want to extract the maximum amount of information on material and component properties. In particular, quantitative image analysis, statistical approaches, direct discretization of tomographic reconstructions represent concrete possibilities to extend the power of the tomographic 3D representation to insights into the material and component performance. This logic thread holds equally for industrial and academic research, and valorizes expensive experiments such as those carried out at synchrotron sources, which cannot be daily repeated.
I will show a few examples of possible use of X-ray tomographic data for quantitative assessment of damage evolution and microstructural properties, as well as for non-destructive testing. Examples of micro-structured inhomogeneous materials will be given, such as Composites, Ceramics, Concrete, and Additively manufactured parts. I will also show how X-ray refraction computed tomography (CT) can be highly complementary to classic absorption CT, being sensitive to internal interfaces.
While additive manufacturing (AM) is blossoming in nearly every industrial field, and the most different process are being used to produce components and materials, little attention is paid on the safety concerns around AM materials and processes.
Leveraging on our leading expertise in non-destructive testing (NDT) and materials characterization, we approach AM at BAM under two important viewpoints: first the on-line monitoring of the process and of the product, second the evolution of the (unstable) microstructure of AM materials under external loads.
These two subjects are the core of the two new-born internal projects ProMoAM and AGIL, respectively.
A detailed view of the goals and the organization of these two projects will be given, together with the expected output, and some preliminary results.
The combination of microstructural data with other experimental techniques and with modeling is paramount, if we want to extract the maximum amount of information on porous material properties. In particular, quantitative image analysis, statistical approaches, direct discretization of tomographic reconstructions represent concrete possibilities to extend the power of the tomographic 3D representation to insights into the material and component performance. I will show a few examples of possible use of X-ray tomographic data for quantitative assessment of porosity in ceramics.
Moreover, I will show how not-so-novel 2D characterization techniques, based X-ray refraction, can allow a great deal of insights in the damage evolution in microcracked (and porous) ceramics. I will show how X-ray refraction can detect objects (e.g. microcracks) below its own spatial resolution.
Finally, I will discuss the link between the microstructural findings and the mechanical properties of porous microcracked ceramics.
Porous ceramic diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are extruded products that possess macroscopic anisotropic mechanical and thermal properties. This anisotropy is caused by both morphologic features (mostly the orientation of porosity) and crystallographic texture. We systematically studied those two aspects in a cordierite and two aluminum titanate (AT) ceramic materials of different porosity using mercury porosimetry, gas adsorption, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray refraction radiography. We found that a lower porosity in AT content implies a larger isotropy of both the crystal texture and the porous space orientation. We also found that, analogous to cordierite, AT crystallites do align with their axis of negative thermal expansion along the extrusion direction. However, unlike what found for cordierite, the aluminium titanate crystallite form is such that a more pronounced (0 0 2) texture along the extrusion direction implies porosity aligned perpendicular to it.
The goal of the Special Issue “Brittle Materials in Mechanical Extremes” was to spark a discussion of the analogies and the differences between different brittle materials, such as, for instance, ceramics and concrete. Indeed, the contributions to the Issue spanned from construction materials (asphalt and concrete) to structural ceramics, reaching as far as ice. The data shown in the issue were obtained by advanced microstructural techniques (microscopy, 3D imaging, etc.) and linked to mechanical properties (and their changes as a function of aging, composition, etc.). The description of the mechanical behavior of brittle materials under operational loads, for instance, concrete and ceramics under very high temperatures, offered an unconventional viewpoint on the behavior of brittle materials. This is not at all exhaustive, but a way to pave the road for intriguing and enriching comparisons.
The combination of tomographic, microstructural data with other experimental techniques and with modeling is paramount, if we want to extract the maximum amount of information on material and component properties. In particular, quantitative image analysis, statistical approaches, direct discretization of tomographic reconstructions represent concrete possibilities to extend the power of the tomographic 3D representation to insights into the material and component performance. This logic thread holds equally for industrial and academic research, and valorizes expensive experiments such as those carried out at synchrotron sources, which cannot be daily repeated.
I will show a few examples of possible use of X-ray tomographic data for quantitative assessment of damage evolution and microstructural properties, as well as for non-destructive testing. Examples of micro-structured inhomogeneous materials will be given, such as Composites, Ceramics, Concrete, and Additively manufactured parts. I will also show how X-ray refraction computed tomography (CT) can be highly complementary to classic absorption CT, being sensitive to internal interfaces.
The combination of tomographic, microstructural data with other experimental techniques and with modeling is paramount, if we want to extract the maximum amount of information on material and component properties. In particular, quantitative image analysis, statistical approaches, direct discretization of tomographic reconstructions represent concrete possibilities to extend the power of the tomographic 3D representation to insights into the material and component performance. This logic thread holds equally for industrial and academic research, and valorizes expensive experiments such as those carried out at synchrotron sources, which cannot be daily repeated.
A few Aspects of the Current Understanding of DPF Materials Thermal and Mechanical Properties
(2016)
Bi-continuous porous ceramics for filtration applications possess a particularly complicated microstructure, whereby porosity and solid matter are intermingled. Moreover, they very often display a microcrack network, resulting from the strong anisotropy of the microscopic coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Mechanical, thermal, and filtration properties, they all strongly depend on the morphology of both solid matter and porosity, and on the degree of microcracking (also, the microcrack density), which is in its turn tightened to the grain size.
Recent industrial and academic research has enormously progressed in understanding the microstructure-property-performance relationships existing in these complicated materials:
- Using 3D computed tomography (CT) at different resolutions, and several X-ray refraction-based techniques, porosity and pore orientation could be quantitatively evaluated (in the example of cordierite).
- Neutron and X-ray Diffraction has been instrumental to disclose a) the non-linear character of the stress-strain response, and b) the negative CTE of these materials, and its consequences on the materials properties;
- Analytical and numerical models have been elaborated to rationalize these behaviours in terms of microcracking and microstructural features.
Here these results will be reviewed, and a outlook at (some of the) outstanding problems will be given.
Diffraction-based experimental determination of Residual Stress in AM parts: A critical discussion
(2019)
Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies have experienced an exceedingly rapid growth, not always paralleled by the knowledge about the materials properties and performance. In particular, residual stress (RS) has been soon recognized as an issue in AM parts, so that parts are always post-heat-treated. Moreover, much effort has been spent on simulating RS, especially using finite element methods.
The experimental determination of RS has thereby become increasingly important, and even simple data constitute (to date) a piece of knowledge to fill the above-mentioned gap. In particular, diffraction methods, which are basically non-destructive, offer enormous possibilities to gain knowledge on real components, since neutrons and synchrotron radiation can penetrate even heavy metals up to several millimeters (or even centimeters). Indeed, some success has been obtained, and the knowledge about the origins of the RS fields, as well as their variation as a consequence of heat or mechanical treatments, has been greatly expanded.
In this talk, a few success stories will be outlined. It will be shown how the determination of RS in metallic parts (with focus on those produced by laser powder bed fusion) has even allowed showing that process parameters that were considered unimportant play a major role in the onset of stress.
However, while RS is starting to be considered in the part design, deposition strategy (e.g. build plate temperature), and even in the definition of the relevant metric to assess the quality of a part, much is still to be investigated about the hypotheses underlying its experimental determination. Therefore, some aspects to be aware of, or even to date unclear will also be discussed, such as the determination of the reference unstrained samples and of the principal axes of stress. All these aspects will draw the path towards a comprehensive understanding of the process-structure-performance relationships in AM materials and parts.
In this talk, the evolution of the demand for engineering applications of neutrons at the ILL in the last 10 years is presented. It is shown that small angle neutron scattering and diffraction are highly demanded by the materials science community. Further development in the field is foreseen, with the use of in-situ (furnace, tension/compression rig, humidity cells, etc.) techniques to associate to the neutron techniques.
In this Seminar cycle I will present first diffraction methods to determine residual stress and investigate micromechanical properties of complex materials, and then particularize the treatment with applications to porous microcracked ceramics for diesel particulate filter applications.
I will show that neutron diffraction is particularly suited for bulk studies, where 3D stresses are needed. The advantages to use Time-of-Flight or steady state sources will be discussed, together with the problematic of the determination of absolute RS values.
Finally, the behavior of DPF materials under applied load or at high temperatures will be discussed under the combination of macroscopic and microscopic tests.
In this Seminar cycle I will present first diffraction methods to determine residual stress and investigate micromechanical properties of complex materials, and then particularize the treatment with applications to porous microcracked ceramics for diesel particulate filter applications.
I will show that neutron diffraction is particularly suited for bulk studies, where 3D stresses are needed. The advantages to use Time-of-Flight or steady state sources will be discussed, together with the problematic of the determination of absolute RS values.
Finally, the behavior of DPF materials under applied load or at high temperatures will be discussed under the combination of macroscopic and microscopic tests.
The combination of tomographic, microstructural data with other experimental techniques and with modeling is paramount, if we want to extract the maximum amount of information on material and component properties. In particular, quantitative image analysis, statistical approaches, direct discretization of tomographic reconstructions represent concrete possibilities to extend the power of the tomographic 3D representation to insights into the material and component performance. This logic thread equally holds for industrial and academic research and valorizes expensive experiments such as those carried out at synchrotron sources, which cannot be daily repeated.
I will show a few examples of possible use of X-ray tomographic data for quantitative assessment of damage evolution and microstructural properties, as well as for non-destructive testing. Examples of micro-structured inhomogeneous materials will be given, such as Composites, Ceramics, Concrete, and Additively manufactured parts. I will also show how X-ray refraction computed tomography (CT) can be highly complementary to classic absorption CT, being sensitive to internal interfaces.
Additionally, I will show how Neutron Diffraction, which is extremely well suited to the study of internal stresses, both residual and under external load, can well be coupled to the microstructural framework gained by CT, allowing understanding the microstructure-property relationships in materials.
The combination of tomographic, microstructural data with other experimental techniques and with modeling is paramount, if we want to extract the maximum amount of information on material and component properties. In particular, quantitative image analysis, statistical approaches, direct discretization of tomographic reconstructions represent concrete possibilities to extend the power of the tomographic 3D representation to insights into the material and component performance. This logic thread equally holds for industrial and academic research and valorizes expensive experiments such as those carried out at synchrotron sources, which cannot be daily repeated.
I will show a few examples of possible use of X-ray tomographic data for quantitative assessment of damage evolution and microstructural properties, as well as for non-destructive testing. Examples of micro-structured inhomogeneous materials will be given, such as Composites, Ceramics, Concrete, and Additively manufactured parts. I will also show how X-ray refraction computed tomography (CT) can be highly complementary to classic absorption CT, being sensitive to internal interfaces.
Additionally, I will show how Neutron Diffraction, which is extremely well suited to the study of internal stresses, both residual and under external load, can well be coupled to the microstructural framework gained by CT, allowing understanding the microstructure-property relationships in materials.
Finally, I will show that BAM is very active in standardization and certification, including production of Reference Materials and Methods.
Quantitative image analysis, statistical approaches, direct discretization of tomographic reconstructions represent concrete possibilities to extend the power of the tomographic 3D representation to insights into the material and component performance. I will show a few examples of possible use of X-ray tomographic data for quantitative assessment of damage evolution and microstructural properties, as well as for non-destructive testing, with particular focus on additively manufactured materials. I will also show how X-ray refraction computed tomography (CT) and Neutron diffraction can be highly complementary to classic absorption CT, being sensitive to internal interfaces and residual stress analysis, respectively.
The porosity and the surface roughness are recently discussed problems for SLM parts. The influence of SLM process parameters on porosity is well studied for different materials. Nevertheless, the build angle (i.e. the angle between part orientation and build plate) needs to be understood as an additional SLM process parameter, as it has been shown, that the microstructure and hence the mechanical performance of various materials depend on the build angle. The inherent build angle of each strut as a part of a lattice structure is the motivation to investigate the influence of the build angle on the porosity and roughness on round-shaped (1 mm diameter) struts by means of CT. Conventional Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) has the limitation towards small and round shaped samples. The need for Computed Tomography (CT) regarding investigations of SLM parts will increase because no other non-destructive technique allows the assessment of complex geometries with inner laying surfaces. We used CT to assess the pores and the strut surface. Seven struts out of the nickel alloy Inconel 625 with build angles from 30° to 90° were studied. It was found that the number of pores is smaller, and the size of pores is larger for the 90° strut. In case of 30° strut, the number of pores is increased towards down-skin side, additionally, this strut orientation showed to have the largest number of attached powder particles. The elongated pores exist exclusively near the strut surface. While the roughness at the down-skin surface is highly depending of the biud angle, the roughness at the up-skin surface is the same for all struts. The mechanisms of pore and surface roughness formation is not mainly driven by gravity.
Avoid living dangerously: non-destructive characterization of AM parts from powder to end-of-life
(2019)
The freeform and the revolutionary design possibilities offered by additive manufacturing have skyrocketed the amount of optimization studies in the realm of engineering, and metallic additive manufactured parts are becoming a reality in industry.
Not surprisingly, this has not been paralleled by a similar enthusiastic wave in the realm of materials science, and still very little is known about AM materials properties. This has the consequence that, typically, conventional materials properties are still used in design and even in simulations.
lt is necessary to dig a lot deeper than at present, in order to understand these new materials classes, and in particular their microstructure and their intemal stresses, largely different from their cast or wrought companions.
Applications of X-ray refraction to non-destructive characterization of ceramics and composites
(2017)
X-ray refraction is analogous to visible light deflection by matter, with two main differences: 1- convex objects cause divergence (i.e., the refraction index n is smaller than 1), and 2- deflection angles are very small, from a few seconds to a few minutes of arc (i.e., n is near to 1). Trivially but importantly, deflection of X-rays is also sensitive to the orientation of the object boundaries. These features make X-ray refraction techniques extremely suitable to a) detect defects such as pores and microcracks, and quantify their densities in bulk (light) materials, and b) evaluate porosity and particle properties such as orientation, size, and spatial distribution (by mapping). While X-ray refraction techniques cannot in general image single defects, their detectability is simply limited by the wavelength of the radiation.
We will thereby show the application of X-ray refraction 2D mapping (topography) and tomography to different sorts of problems in ceramic science and technology: 1) Sintering of SiC green bodies; 2) Porosity analysis in diesel particulate filter silicates; 3) fiber de-bonding in metal and polymer matrix composites; 4) micro-cracking of glass-precursor -eucryptite. We will see that the use of X-ray refraction analysis yields quantitative results, also directly usable in available models.
The combination of tomographic, microstructural data with other experimental techniques and with modeling is paramount, if we want to extract the maximum amount of information on material and component properties. In particular, quantitative image analysis, statistical approaches, direct discretization of tomographic reconstructions represent concrete possibilities to extend the power of the tomographic 3D representation to insights into the material and component performance. This logic thread equally holds for industrial and academic research, and valorizes expensive experiments such as those carried out at synchrotron sources, which cannot be daily repeated.
I will show a few examples of possible use of X-ray tomographic data for quantitative assessment of damage evolution and microstructural properties, as well as for non-destructive testing. Examples of micro-structured inhomogeneous materials will be given, such as Composites, Ceramics, Concrete, and Additively manufactured parts. I will also show how X-ray refraction computed tomography (CT) can be highly complementary to classic absorption CT, being sensitive to internal interfaces.
Additionally, I will present a new technique in our portfolio, Neutron Diffraction, which is extremely well suited to the study of internal stresses, both residual and under external load.
X-ray refraction techniques represent a very promising, yet not so wide-spread, set of X-ray techniques
based on refraction effects. They allow determining internal specific surface (surface per unit volume) in a non-destructive fashion, position and orientation sensitive, and with nanometric detectability. While they are limited by the X-ray absorption of the material under investigation, we demonstrate showcases of ceramics and composite materials, where understanding of microstructural features could be achieved in a way unrivalled even by high-resolution techniques such as electron microscopy or computed tomography.
The combination of tomographic, microstructural data with other experimental techniques and with modeling is paramount, if we want to extract the maximum amount of information on material and component properties. In particular, quantitative image analysis, statistical approaches, direct discretization of tomographic reconstructions represent concrete possibilities to extend the power of the tomographic 3D representation to insights into the material and component performance. This logic thread equally holds for industrial and academic research, and valorizes expensive experiments such as those carried out at synchrotron sources, which cannot be daily repeated.
I will show a few examples of possible use of X-ray tomographic data for quantitative assessment of damage evolution and microstructural properties, as well as for non-destructive testing. Examples of micro-structured inhomogeneous materials will be given, such as Composites, Ceramics, Concrete, and Additively manufactured parts. I will also show how X-ray refraction computed tomography (CT) can be highly complementary to classic absorption CT, being sensitive to internal interfaces.
Additionally, I will present a new technique in our portfolio, Neutron Diffraction, which is extremely well suited to the study of internal stresses, both residual and under external load.
Having been introduced almost two decades ago, Additive Manufacturing (AM) of metals has become industrially viable for a large variety of applications, including aerospace, automotive and medicine. Powder bed techniques such as Selective Laser Melting (SLM) based on layer-by-layer deposition and laser melt enable numerous degrees of freedom for the geometrical design. Developing during the manufacturing process, residual stresses may limit the application of SLM parts by reducing the load bearing capacity as well as induce unwanted distortion depending on the boundary conditions specified in manufacturing.
The residual stress distribution in IN718 elongated prisms produced by SLM was studied non-destructively by means of neutron (bulk) and laboratory X-ray (surface) diffraction. The samples with different scanning strategies, i.e. hatching length, were measured in as-built condition (on a build plate) and after removal from the build plate.
While surface stress fields seem constant for AB condition, X-ray diffraction shows stress gradients along the hatch direction in the RE condition. The stress profiles correlate with the distortion maps obtained by tactile probe measurements.
Neutron diffraction shows bulk stress gradients for all principal components along the main sample directions. We correlate the observed stress patterns with the hatch length, i.e. with its effect on temperature gradients and heat flow. The bulk stress gradients partially disappear after removal from the baseplate.
Together with surface scan utilizing a coordinate-measuring machine (CMM), it is possible to link the stress release to the sample distortion.
We finally propose an explanation of those stress profiles based on the deposition strategy.
We investigated lattice structure manufactured by laser beam melting with computed tomography on difference scales, such as powder scale, strut scale and lattice scale.
The raw powder has been evaluated by means of synchrotron computed tomography (CT) at the BAM-Line (HZB Bessy II, Berlin). Therefore, the particle size distribution and even the pore size distribution was investigated and compared with results received by the producer by means of sieving. Studies with laboratory X-ray CT of porosity and roughness of manufactured struts in dependence of the build angle exhibited the tendency that elongated pores appear solely in a certain range near the edge. The integrity and load-bearing capacity of a lattice structure was investigated by means of in-situ CT during compression. The lattice structure was compressed by 10 % in height with an applied maximum force of 5 kN. We applied digital volume correlation algorithm on volumes of different load steps to quantifies the displacement within the structure.
A new titanium alloy improving the operation of implants additively manufactured and including laterally closed lattice structures is proposed. The new alloy possesses an increased affinity to the bone. The measured bone–interface implant (BII) of less than 10 mm and bone–implant contact (BIC) of 95% demonstrated an excellent osseointegration. Furthermore, since additive manufacturing naturally leads to a high-roughness surface finish, the wettability of the implant is increased. The combination of these factors is pushing ossification beyond its natural limits. In addition, the quality and speed of the ossification and osseointegration in/around laterally closed lattice implants open the possibility of bone spline key of prostheses. This enables the stabilization of the implant into the bone while keeping the possibility of punctual hooks allowing the implant to be removed more easily if required.
Combination of high-resolution time-of-flight (TOF) Neutron diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) have been used to study hardening precipitation in 2014Al and 2124Al alloys. Neutron diffraction experiment revealed presence of tetragonal CuAl2 Phase (θ/θ´ precipitates) in 2014Al alloy and orthorhombic CuMgAl2 Phase (S-precipitates) in 2124Al alloy. SEM image analysis revealed that the θ/θ´-precipitates have platelet morphology while the S-precipitates exhibit rod-like shapes. From SANS data analysis the characteristic dimensions of precipitate particles and their polydisperse distributions were estimated.
A numerical framework is developed to study the hysteresis of elastic properties of porous ceramics as a function of temperature. The developed numerical model is capable of employing experimentally measured crystallographic orientation distribution and coefficient of thermal expansion values. For realistic modeling of the microstructure, Voronoi polygons are used to generate polycrystalline grains. Some grains are considered as voids, to simulate the material porosity. To model intercrystalline cracking, cohesive elements are inserted along grain boundaries. Crack healing (recovery of the initial properties) upon closure is taken into account with special cohesive elements implemented in the commercial code ABAQUS. The numerical model can be used to estimate fracture properties governing the cohesive behavior through inverse analysis procedure. The model is applied to a porous cordierite ceramic. The obtained fracture properties are further used to successfully simulate general non-linear macroscopic stress-strain curves of cordierite, thereby validating the model.
Neutron diffraction: the forgotten non-destructive technique for residual stress analysis … and more
(2016)
3-D Stress Analysis
(Bulk) Stress mapping
Thick (and thin) films & Interfaces
Bulk high temperature
Real time
In-situ testing: Large sample environment (Stress rigs, Furnaces, …)
Neutrons and Synchrotron Radiation allow all this because they are FASTER , DEEPER and MORE PRECISE than lab equipment
(Flux)(Energy)(Parallel Beam)
The present work offers an explanation on how the long-range interaction of dislocations influences their movement, and therefore the strain, during creep of metals. It is proposed that collective motion of dislocations can be described as a fractional Brownian motion. This explains the noisy appearance of the creep strain signal as a function of time. Such signal is split into a deterministic and a stochastic part. These terms can be related to two kinds of dislocation motions: individual and collective, respectively. The description is consistent with the fractal nature of strain-induced dislocation structures predicated in previous works. Moreover, it encompasses the evolution of the strain rate during all stages of creep, including the tertiary one. Creep data from Al99.8% and Al- 3.85%Mg tested at different temperatures and stresses are used to validate the proposed ideas: it is found that different creep stages present different diffusion characters, and therefore different dislocation motion character.
The present work offers an explanation for the variation of the power-law stress exponent, n, with the stress r normalized to the shear modulus G in aluminum alloys. The approach is based on the assumption that the dislocation structure generated with deformation has a fractal nature. It fully explains the evolution of n with r/G even beyond the so-called power law breakdown region. Creep data from commercially pure Al99.8%, Al-3.85%Mg, and ingot AA6061 alloy tested at different temperatures and stresses are used to validate the proposed ideas. Finally, it is also shown that the fractal description of the dislocation structure agrees well with current knowledge.
We show that the equation proposed by Takeuchi and Argon to explain the creep behavior of Al–Mg solid solution can be used to describe also the creep behavior of pure aluminum. In this frame, it is possible to avoid the use of the classic pre-exponential fitting parameter in the power law equation to predict the minimum creep strain rate. The effect of the fractal arrangement of dislocations, developed at the mesoscale, must be considered to fully explain the experimental data. These ideas allow improving the recently introduced SSTC model, fully describing the primary and secondary creep regimes of aluminum alloys without the need for fitting. Creep data from commercially pure Al99.8% and Al–Mg alloys tested at different temperatures and stresses are used to validate the proposed ideas.
Microstructural changes in porous cordierite for diesel particulate filter applications caused by machining were characterized using microtensile testing and X-ray computed tomography (XCT). Young’s modulus was determined on ~215-380 m thick machined samples by digital image correlation. Results show a decrease of Young’s modulus due to machining of the thin samples. Explanation of this phenomenon was provided by XCT: the presence of debris due to machining and the variation of porosity due to removal of the outer layers were quantified and correlated with the introduction of further microcracking.
We discuss the non-linear stress–strain behavior of microcracked polycrystalline ceramics under uniaxial tension and compression (displacement control).
Micromechanics explanation and modeling of its basic features, such as non-linearity and hysteresis in stress–strain curves, are developed, with stable microcrack propagation and “roughness” of intergranular cracks playing critical roles in tension and crack sliding playing a critical role in compression. Experiments involving complex loading histories are explained, and themodel is shown to reproduce the basic features of the observed stress–strain curves.
The stress-strain behavior of microcracked polycrystalline materials (such as ceramics or rocks) underconditions of tensile, displacement-controlled, loading is discussed. Micromechanical explanation andmodeling of the basic features, such as non-linearity and hysteresis in stress-strain curves, is developed,with stable microcrack propagation and “roughness” of intergranular cracks playing critical roles. Ex-periments involving complex loading histories were done on large- and medium grain sizeb-eucryptiteceramic. The model is shown to reproduce the basic features of the observed stress-strain curves.
Microstructure-property connections for porous ceramics: The possibilities offered by micromechanics
(2016)
Microstructure of porous ceramics is highly “irregular”: it comprises pores and microcracks of diverse shapes and orientations.
This makes their quantitative modeling challenging, and one
often resorts to empirical relations containing Fitting Parameters and having somewhat uncertain range of applicability. We review the substantial progress made in modeling of “irregular” microstructures that does not seem to have been sufficiently utilized in the context of ceramics. We discuss the possibilities offered by micromechanics in developing microstructure–property relations for porous microcracked ceramics. After an overview of relevant micromechanics topics, we focus on several issues of specific interest for ceramics: nonlinear stress–strain behavior, effective elastic properties, and thermally induced microcracking. We discuss extraction of microscale Parameters (such as strength of the intergranular cohesion, density of cracks and pores, etc.) from macroscopic data and identify the extent of uncertainty in this process. We also argue that there is no quantitative correlation between fracturing process and the loss of elastic stiffness.
Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques have risen to prominence in many industrial sectors. This rapid success of AM is due to the freeform design, which offers enormous possibilities to the engineer, and to the reduction of waste material, which has both environmental and economic advantages. Even safety-critical parts are now being produced using AM. This enthusiastic penetration of AM in our daily life is not yet paralleled by a thorough characterization and understanding of the microstructure of materials and of the internal stresses of parts. The same holds for the understanding of the formation of defects during manufacturing. While simulation efforts are sprouting and some experimental techniques for on-line monitoring are available, still little is known about the propagation of defects throughout the life of a component (from powder to operando/service conditions). This Issue was aimed at collecting contributions about the advanced characterization of AM materials and components (especially at large-scale experimental facilities such as Synchrotron and Neutron sources), as well as efforts to liaise on-line process monitoring to the final product, and even to the component during operation. The goal was to give an overview of advances in the understanding of the impacts of microstructure and defects on component performance and life at several length scales of both defects and parts.
As opposed to reviewing results on experimental determination of residual stress by diffraction, this paper discusses the open issues when dealing with residual stress determination in additive manufactured parts, in particular those manufactured with laser powder bed fusion techniques. Three points are addressed in detail: (a) the proper determination of the strain-free reference d0, (b) the problem of the determination of the principal axes, and (c) the use of the correct diffraction elastic constants. It is shown that all methods to determine the strain-free reference d0 suffer from caveats, and care must be taken in evaluating the most suitable for the problem being tackled. In addition, it is shown that, in some systems, the principal axes do correspond to the geometrical axes of the specimen, but this needs to be systematically checked, especially in the case of uni- or bidirectional hatching strategies. Finally, the need to experimentally determine the proper diffraction elastic constants is underlined, especially in the case of strongly textured specimens, which again depends on the deposition strategy.
Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio changes due to machining in porous microcracked cordierite
(2016)
Microstructural changes in porous cordierite caused by machining were characterized using microtensile testing, X-ray computed tomography, and scanning electron microscopy. Young's moduli and Poisson's ratios were determined on similar to 215- to 380-mu m-thick machined samples by combining digital image correlation and microtensile loading. The results provide evidence for an increase in microcrack density and decrease of Young's modulus due to machining of the thin samples extracted from diesel particulate filter honeycombs. This result is in contrast to the known effect of machining on the strength distribution of bulk, monolithic ceramics.
The paper focuses on the reformulation of classic Maxwell's (1873) homogenization method for calculation of the residual stresses in matrix composites. For this goal, we equate the far fields produced by a set of inhomogeneities subjected to known eigenstrains and by a fictitious domain with unknown eigenstrain. The effect of interaction between the inhomogeneities is reduced to the calculation of the additional field acting on an inhomogeneity due to the eigenstrains in its neighbors. An explicit formula for residual stresses is derived for the general case of a multiphase composite. The method is illustrated by several examples. The results are compared with available experimental data as well as with predictions provided by the non-interaction approximation (Eshelby solution). It is shown that accounting for interaction can explain many experimentally observed phenomena and is required for adequate quantitative analytical modeling of the residual stresses in matrix composites.
Average phase stress concentrations in multiphase metal matrix composites under compressive loading
(2016)
We develop a model to predict average over individual phases stress concentrations in a multiphase metal matrix composite under compressive loading. The model accounts for matrix plasticity through variation of the shear modulus with applied stress and for frac- ture of filler through change in the shape of the particles. Three micromechanical models are compared –non interaction approximation, Mori–Tanaka–Benveniste (MTB) scheme, and Maxwell scheme. Comparison with the experimental measurements of Cabeza et al. (2016) shows that Maxwell scheme generally predicts the stress concentration with satis- factory accuracy. Results of MTB scheme vary depending on the loading case and ignoring of the interaction leads to substantial overestimation of the stresses.
Influence of deposition hatch length on residual stress in selective laser melted Inconel 718
(2018)
The present study aims to evaluate the bulk residual stresses in SLM parts by using neutron diffraction measurements performed at E3 line -BER II neutron reactor- of Helmholtz-Zentrum für Materialien und Energie (HZB) Berlin. Together with microstructure characterization and distortion measurements, it is possible to describe the stress state throughout the whole sample. The sample was measured in as-build condition (on a build plate) and after releasing from the build plate. The used material is the nickel based superalloy 718. This alloy is widely used in aerospace and chemical industries due to its superior corrosion and heat resistant properties.
Obtained results indicated different residual stress states for each of the transversal, longitudinal and normal component. The normal and transversal component exhibits a rather compressive behavior while the longitudinal was tensile in the center part of the sample and became compressive towards the tip. As expected, the absolute values of all stress components decreased after releasing the sample from the building plate. A surface scan utilizing a coordinate-measuring machine (CMM) allowed us to present top surface distortion before and after releasing. The top surface showed a distortion around ±80µm after releasing. Microstructure evolution in the scanning-building cross-section is largely dominated by columnar grains. In addition, many small random orientated grains are prominent in the regions of a laser overlap during SLM.
In summary, for the sample of superalloy 718 manufactured by SLM, a small distortion occurred when removing the sample from the build plate whereby the residual stress state decreases. Moreover, the observed columnar grains in the building direction could give a reason for the lowest stress values in that normal direction. However, the most important parameter controlling the residual stresses is the temperature gradient. Hence, future investigations are planned for a different scan strategy to distribute the laser impact in a more homogenous manner.
The evolution of the microstructure of multiphase metal matrix composite AlSi12CuNiMg with 7% vol. Al2O3 + 15% vol. SiC (short fibers and whiskers, respectively) was studied by synchrotron computed tomography. It comprehended as cast and after heat treatment conditions, as well as damage evaluation after ex-situ compression tests at room temperature. The volume fraction of different phases, their distribution, their orientation, and damage events are studied.
The influence on mechanical properties of the orientation of the planar random short fibres Al2O3 towards loading was investigated. Phase-specific load partition analysis for samples with fiber plane parallel and orthogonal to load, respectively, was performed by means of neutron diffraction (ND) during in-situ compression tests at room temperature. ND results proved that damage occurrence in the fillers strongly depends on the preferential orientation of those, playing a crucial role in the failure of the sample. The computed tomography observations confirm the damage observations from curves of load partition analysis of each phase.
Internal damage of an AlSi12CuMgNi alloy reinforced with planar random short fibres has been investigated after compression. This damage strongly influences the load partition between matrix and reinforcement. For fibres perpendicular to the applied load, breakage and interconnected cracks appear in significantly higher volume fraction than with fibres parallel to load.
Stress-induced damage evolution in cast AlSi12CuMgNi alloy with one- and two ceramic reinforcements
(2017)
Two composites, consisting of an as-cast AlSi12CuMgNi alloy reinforced with 15%vol. Al2O3 short fibres and with 7%vol. Al2O3 short fibres + 15%vol. SiC particles were studied. Synchrotron computed tomography disclosed distribution, orientation, and volume fraction of the different phases. In-situ compression tests during neutron diffraction in direction parallel to the fibres plane revealed the load partition between phases. Internal damage (fragmentation) of the Si phase and Al2O3 fibres was directly observed in CT reconstructions. Significant debonding between Al-matrix and SiC particles was also found. Finally, based on the Maxwell scheme, a micro-mechanical model was utilized for the new composite with two ceramic reinforcements; it rationalizes the experimental data, and predicts the evolution of all internal stress components in each phase.
In order to provide further evidence of damage mechanisms predicted by the recent solid-state transformation creep (SSTC) model, direct observation of damage accumulation during creep of Al–3.85Mg was made using synchrotron X-ray refraction. X-ray refraction techniques detect the internal specific surface (i.e. surface per unit volume) on a length scale comparable to the specimen size, but with microscopic sensitivity. A significant rise in the internal specific surface with increasing creep time was observed, providing evidence for the creation of a fine grain substructure, as predicted by the SSTC model. This substructure was also observed by scanning electron microscopy
Efficient density evolution during sintering of the as-printed component is vital to reach full densification and required properties of binder jet (BJT) components. However, due to the high porosity and brittle nature of the green compact, analysis of the microstructure development during sintering is very difficult, resulting in lack of understanding of the densification process. Density development from green state (57 ± 1.6 %) up to full density (99 ± 0.3 %) was characterized by high-resolution synchrotron X-Ray computed tomography (SXCT) on BJT 316L samples from ex-situ interrupted sintering tests. Periodicity of density fluctuations along the building direction was revealed for the first time and was related to the layer thickness of ~ 42 μm during printing that decreased down to ~ 33 μm during sintering. Sintering simulations, utilizing a continuum sintering model developed for BJT, allowed to replicate the density evolution during sintering with a mean error of 2 % and its fluctuation evolution from green (1.66 %) to sintered (0.56 %) state. Additionally, simulation of extreme particle size segregation (1 μm to 130 μm) suggested that non-optimized printing could lead to undesirable density fluctuation amplitude rapid increase (~10 %) during sintering. This might trigger the nucleation of defects (e.g., layer delamination, cracking, or excessive residual porosity) during the sintering process.
The stability of the low thermal conductivity in Fe2TiO5 pseudobrookite ceramics has been studied. An increase in thermal diffusivity is observed after only three cycles of measurement. X-ray refraction shows an increase in the mean value of specific surface after the thermal diffusivity measurements. By using scanning electron microscopy and high‐angle annular dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, we observe a segregation of Ca- and F-rich nanocrystals at grain boundaries after three cycles of thermal diffusivity measurement. Therefore, impurities seem to be more efficient to scatter phonons as point defects in the pseudobrookite lattice rather than as nanocrystals at pseudobrookite grain boundaries. This emphasizes the importance of precursor purity and the influence of redistribution of impurities on thermoelectric properties: stability of micro-/nano-structures is a key point, and repeated thermoelectric measurements may allow detecting such metastable micro- /nano-structures and producing stable and reliable data.
Porous ceramic diesel particulate filters (DPFs) are extruded products that possess macroscopic anisotropic mechanical and thermal properties. This anisotropy is caused by both morphological features (mostly the orientation of porosity) and crystallographic texture. We systematically studied those two aspects in two aluminum titanate ceramic materials of different porosity using mercury porosimetry, gas adsorption, electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and X-ray refraction radiography. We found that a lower porosity content implies a larger isotropy of both the crystal texture and the porosity orientation. We also found that, analogous to cordierite, crystallites do align with their axis of negative thermal expansion along the extrusion direction. However, unlike what found for cordierite, the aluminium titanate crystallite form is such that a more pronounced (0 0 2) texture along the extrusion direction implies porosity aligned perpendicular to it.
Additive manufacturing (AM) is developing rapidly due to itsflexibility in producing complex geometries and tailored material compositions. However, AM processes are characterized by intrinsic limitations concerning their resolution and surface finish, which are related to the layer-by-layer stacking process. Herein, a self-organization process is promoted as an approach to improve surface quality and achieve optimization of 3D minimal surface lightweight structures. The self-organization is activated after the powder bed 3D printing process via local melting, thereby allowing surface tension-driven viscous flow.The surface roughness Ra (arithmetic average of the roughness profile) could bedecreased by a factor of 1000 and transparent lenses and complex gyroid structures could be produced for demonstration. The concept of self-organization is further elaborated by incorporating external magnetic fields to intentionally manipulate magnetic particles, which are mixed with the polymer before printing and self-organization. This concept can be applied to develop programmable materials with specific microtextures responding to the external physical conditions.
A constitutive model for the nonlinear or “pseudoplastic” mechanical behavior in a linear-elastic solid with thermally induced microcracks is developed and applied to experimental results. The model is termed strain dependent microcrack density approximation (SDMDA) and is an extension of the modified differential scheme that describes the slope of the stress-strain curves of microcracked solids. SDMDA allows a continuous variation in the microcrack density with tensile loading. Experimental uniaxial tensile response of β-eucryptite glass and ceramics with controlled levels of microcracking is reported. It is demonstrated that SDMDA can well describe the extent of non-linearity in the experimental uniaxial tensile response of β-eucryptite with varying levels of microcracking. The advantages of the SDMDA are discussed in regard to tensile loading.
High-density polyethylene becomes optically transparent during tensile drawing when previously saturated with diesel fuel. This unusual phenomenon is investigated as it might allow conclusions with respect to the material behavior. Microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, density measurements are applied together with two scanning X-ray scattering techniques: wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) and X-ray refraction, able to extract the spatially resolved crystal orientation and internal surface, respectively. The sorbed diesel softens the material and significantly alters the yielding characteristics. Although the crystallinity among stretched regions is similar, a virgin reference sample exhibits strain whitening during stretching, while the diesel-saturated sample becomes transparent. The WAXS results reveal a pronounced fiber texture in the tensile direction in the stretched region and an isotropic orientation in the unstretched region. This texture implies the formation of fibrils in the stretched region, while spherulites remain intact in the unstretched parts of the specimens. X-ray refraction reveals a preferred orientation of internal surfaces along the tensile direction in the stretched region of virgin samples, while the sample stretched in the diesel-saturated state shows no internal surfaces at all. Besides from stretching saturated samples, optical transparency is also obtained from sorbing samples in diesel after stretching.
While there is a large body of literature on the micro-mechanical behavior of metal matrix composites (MMCs) under uniaxial applied stress, very little is available on multi-phase MMCs. In order to cast light on the reinforcement mechanisms and damage processes in such multi-phase composites, materials made by an Al-based piston alloy and containing one and two ceramic reinforcements (planar-random oriented alumina fibers and SiC particles) were studied. In-situ compression tests during neutron diffraction experiments were used to track the load transfer among phases, while X-ray computed tomography on pre-strained samples was used to monitor and quantify damage. We found that damage progresses differently in composites with different orientations of the fiber mat. Because of the presence of intermetallic network, it was observed that the second ceramic reinforcement changed the load transfer scenario only at very high applied load, when also intermetallic particles break. We rationalized the present results combining them with previous investigations and using a micromechanical model.
Load partitioning between phases in a cast AlSi12CuMgNi alloy was investigated by in-situ compression test during neutron diffraction experiments. Computed tomography (CT) was used to determine volume fractions of eutectic Si and intermetallic (IM) phases, and to assess internal damage after ex-situ compression tests. The CT reconstructed volumes showed the interconnectivity of IM phases, which build a 3D network together with eutectic Si. Large stresses were found in IMs, revealing their significant role as a reinforcement for the alloy. An existing micromechanical model based on Maxwell scheme was extended to the present case, assuming the alloy as a three-phase composite (Al matrix, eutectic Si, IM phases). The model agrees well with the experimental data.
Moreover, it allows predicting the principal stresses in each phase, while experiments can only determine stress differences between the axial and radial sample directions. Finally, we showed that the addition of alloying elements not only allowed developing a 3D interconnected network, but also improved the strength of the Al matrix, and the ability of the alloy constituents to bear mechanical load.
Explaining Deviatoric Residual Stresses in Aluminum Matrix Composites with Complex Microstructure
(2020)
The residual stresses in multiphase metal Matrix composites with both random planar-oriented short fibers and particles were studied by neutron diffraction and by a model based on the reformulation of classic Maxwell’s homogenization method. Contrary to common understanding and state-of-the-art models, we experimentally observed that randomly oriented phases possess non-hydrostatic residual stress. The recently developed modeling Approach allows calculating the residual stress in all phases of the composites. It rationalizes the presence of deviatoric stresses Accounting for the interaction of random oriented phases with fibers having preferential orientation.
Powder Bed Fusion – Laser Beam (PBF-LB) of high γ’ strengthened Ni-base superalloys, such as CM247LC, is of great interest for high temperature applications in gas turbines. However, PBF-LB of CM247LC is challenging due to the high cracking susceptibility during PBF-LB processing (solidification cracking) and heat treatment (strain age cracking, mostly caused by residual stresses). This study focuses on understanding the impact of process parameters on microstructure, residual stresses and solidification cracking. Laser power (P), speed (v) and hatch spacing (h) were varied while the layer thickness (t) was fixed. The melt pool size and shape were found to be key factors in minimizing solidification cracking. Narrower and shallower melt pools, achieved using a low line energy density (LED = P/v ≤ 0.1 J/mm), gave low crack densities (0.7 mm/mm2). A tight hatch spacing (h = 0.03 mm) resulted in reduced lack of fusion porosity. Electron backscatter diffraction investigations revealed that parameters giving finer microstructure with 〈100〉crystallographic texture had low crack densities provided they were processed with a low LED. Atom probe tomography elucidated early stages of spinodal decomposition in the as-built condition, where Cr and Al cluster separately. The extent of spinodal decomposition was found to be affected by the LED and the hatch spacing. Samples with low LED and small hatch spacing showed higher degrees of spinodal decomposition. X-ray diffraction residual stress investigations revealed that the residual stress is proportional to the volumetric energy density (VED = P/(v. h. t)). Although low residual stresses can be achieved by using low VED, there is a high risk of lack of fusion. Hence, other parameters such as modified scan strategy, build plate pre-heating and pulsed laser mode, must be further explored to minimize the residual stresses to reduce the strain age cracking susceptibility.
The peak broadening in neutron diffraction experiments on tensile specimens of pure Al (99.8%) and an Al-Mg alloy pre-deformed at different creep strains is analysed. These results are combined with the kernel angular misorientation of electron backscatter diffraction data from the creep-deformed microstructures. It is found that differently oriented grains possess different microstrains. These microstrains vary with creep strain in pure Al, but not in the Al-Mg alloy. It is proposed that this behaviour can explain the power-law breakdown in pure Al and the large creep strain observed in Al-Mg. The present findings further corroborate a description of the creep-induced dislocation structure as a fractal, predicated on previous work.
The creep strengthening mechanisms in (age-hardenable) aluminum alloys are analyzed on the basis of a new microstructural study of powder samples, an analysis of a comprehensive revision of creep data from the literature, and a new modeling approach. A strategy based on the strength difference (SD) method to separate the contributions of solid solution atoms and precipitates to creep strengthening is proposed. The new methodology considers the combination of the two contributions avoiding the need of a threshold stress term in the creep equation. The contribution of both precipitates and solid solution is taken into account by means of the analysis of the lattice parameter variation with aging time. For this study, powders of two commercial AA2xxx alloys have been analyzed using diffraction methods. The experimental results are modeled using Lubarda's approach combined with the SD method.
The creep strengthening mechanisms in (age-hardenable) aluminum alloys are analyzed on the basis of a new microstructural study of powder samples, an analysis of a comprehensive revision of creep data from the literature, and a new modeling approach. A strategy based on the strength difference (SD) method to separate the contributions of solid solution atoms and precipitates to creep strengthening is proposed. The new methodology considers the combination of the two contributions avoiding the need of a threshold stress term in the creep equation. The contribution of both precipitates and solid solution is taken into account by means of the analysis of the lattice parameter variation with aging time. For this study, powders of two commercial AA2xxx alloys have been analyzed using diffraction methods. The experimental results are modeled using Lubarda’s approach combined with the SD method.
We investigated the possibility of minimizing tensile matrix residual stresses in age hardenable aluminum alloy metal matrix composites without detrimentally affect their mechanical properties (such as yield strength).
Specifically, we performed thermal treatments at different temperatures and times in an age-hardenable aluminum matrix composite 2014Al-15vol%Al2O3. Using X-ray synchrotron radiation diffraction and mechanical tests, we show that below a certain treatment temperature (250 °C) it is possible to identify an appropriate thermal treatment capable of relaxing residual stress in this composite while even increasing its yield strength, with respect to the as processed conditions.
Layer-by-layer additive manufacturing (AM) by means of laser-powder bed Fusion (L-PBF) offers many prospects regarding the design of lattice structures used, for example, in gas turbines. However, defects such as bulk porosity, Surface roughness, and re-entrant features are exacerbated in nonvertical structures, such as tilted struts. The characterization and quantification of these kinds of
defects are essential for the correct estimation of fracture and fatigue properties.
Herein, cylindrical struts fabricated by L-PBF are investigated by means of X-ray computed tomography (XCT), with the aim of casting light on the dependence of the three kinds of defects (bulk porosity, surface roughness, and re-entrant features) on the build angle. Innovative analysis methods are proposed to correlate shape and position of pores, to determine the angular-resolved Surface roughness, and to quantify the amount of re-entrant surface features, q. A meshing of the XCT surface enables the correlation of q with the classical Surface roughness Pa. This analysis leads to the conclusion that there is a linear correlation between q and Pa. However, it is conjectured that there must be a threshold of surface roughness, below which no re-entrant features can be build.
The determination of residual stresses becomes more complicated with increasing complexity of the structures investigated. Additive manufacturing techniques generally allow the production of ‘lattice structures’ without any additional manufacturing step. These lattice structures consist of thin struts and are thus susceptible to internal stress-induced distortion and even cracks. In most cases, internal stresses remain locked in the structures as residual stress.
The determination of the residual stress in lattice structures through nondestructive neutron diffraction is described in this work. It is shown how two difficulties can be overcome: (a) the correct alignment of the lattice structures within the neutron beam and (b) the correct determination of the residual stress field in a representative part of the structure. The magnitude and the direction of residual stress are discussed. The residual stress in the strut was found to be uniaxial and to follow the orientation of the strut, while the residual stress in the knots was more hydrostatic. Additionally, it is shown that strain measurements in at least seven independent directions are necessary for the estimation of the principal stress directions. The measurement directions should be chosen according to the sample geometry and an informed choice on the possible strain field. If the most prominent direction is not measured, the error in the calculated stress magnitude increases considerably.
The additive manufacturing of low elastic modulus alloys that have a certain level of porosity for biomedical needs is a growing area of research. Here, we show the results of manufacturing of porous and dense samples by a laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of Ti-Nb alloy, using two distinctive fusion strategies. The nanostructured Ti-Nb alloy powders were produced by mechanical alloying and have a nanostructured state with nanosized grains up to 90 nm. The manufactured porous samples have pronounced open porosity and advanced roughness, contrary to dense samples with a relatively smooth surface profile. The structure of both types of samples after LPBF is formed by uniaxial grains having micro- and nanosized features. The inner structure of the porous samples is comprised of an open interconnected system of pores. The volume fraction of isolated porosity is 2 vol. % and the total porosity is 20 vol. %. Cell viability was assessed in vitro for 3 and 7 days using the MG63 cell line. With longer culture periods, cells showed an increased cell density over the entire surface of a porous Ti-Nb sample. Both types of samples are not cytotoxic and could be used for further in vivo studies.
An ultrasonic vibration post-treatment procedure was suggested for additively manufac-tured lattices. The aim of the present research was to investigate mechanical properties andthe differences in mechanical behavior and fracture modes of Ti6Al4V scaffolds treated withtraditional powder recovery system (PRS) and ultrasound vibration (USV). Scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM) was used to investigate the strut surface and the fracture surface mor-phology. X-ray computed tomography (CT) was employed to evaluate the inner structure,strut dimensions, pore size, as well as the surface morphology of additively manufacturedporous scaffolds. Uniaxial compression tests were conducted to obtain elastic modulus,compressive ultimate strength and yield stress. Finite element analysis was performedfor a body-centered cubic (BCC) element-based model and for CT-based reconstructiondata, as well as for a two-zone scaffold model to evaluate stress distribution during elasticdeformation. The scaffold with PRS post treatment displayed ductile behavior, while USVtreated scaffold displayed fragile behavior. Double barrel formation of PRS treated scaffoldwas observed during deformation. Finite element analysis for the CT-based reconstructionrevealed the strong impact of surface morphology on the stress distribution in comparisonwith BCC cell model because of partially molten metal particles on the surface of struts,which usually remain unstressed.
Targeting biomedical applications, Triply Periodic Minimal Surface (TPMS) gyroid sheet-based structures were successfully manufactured for the first time by Electron Beam Melting in two different production Themes, i.e., inputting a zero (Wafer Theme) and a 200 µm (Melt Theme) wall thickness. Initial assumption was that in both cases, EBM manufacturing should yield the structures with similar mechanical properties as in a Wafer-mode, as wall thickness is determined by the minimal beam spot size of ca 200 µm. Their surface morphology, geometry, and mechanical properties were investigated by means of electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT), and uniaxial tests (both compression and tension). Application of different manufacturing Themes resulted in specimens with different wall thicknesses while quasi-elastic gradients for different Themes was found to be of 1.5 GPa, similar to the elastic modulus of human cortical bone tissue. The specific energy absorption at 50% strain was also similar for the two types of structures. Finite element simulations were also conducted to qualitatively analyze the deformation process and the stress distribution under mechanical load. Simulations demonstrated that in the elastic regime wall, regions oriented parallel to the load are primarily affected by deformation. We could conclude that gyroids manufactured in Wafer and Melt Themes are equally effective in mimicking mechanical properties of the bones.
Electron Beam Powder Bed Fusion-manufactured (E-PBF) porous components with narrow pores or channels and rough walls or struts can be filled with trapped powder after the manufacturing process. Adequate powder removal procedures are required, especially for high-density porous structures. In the present research, sheetbased porous structures with different thicknesses based on triply periodic minimal surfaces fabricated by EPBF were subjected to different post-processing methods, including a traditional powder recovery system for EPBF, chemical etching and ultrasound vibration-assisted powder removal. Wall thickness, internal defects, microstructure and morphology features, powder distribution inside the specimens, mechanical properties and deformation modes were investigated. A powder recovery system could not remove all residual powder from dense structures. In turn, chemical etching was effective for surface morphology changes and subsurface layers elimination but not for powder removal, as it affected the wall thickness, considerably influencing the mechanical properties of the whole structure. The ultrasound vibration method was quite effective for the removal of residual powder from sheet-based TMPS structures and without a severe degradation of mechanical properties. 10.1016/j.msea.2022.144479 Ultrasound vibration also caused grain refinement.
In this paper we report on the characterization by X-ray computed tomography of calcium phosphate (CaP) and polycaprolactone (PCL) coatings on Ti-6Al-4V alloy scaffolds used as a material for medical implants. The cylindrical scaffold has greater porosity of the inner part than the external part, thus, mimicking trabecular and cortical bone, respectively. The prismatic scaffolds have uniform porosity. Surface of the scaffolds was modified with calcium phosphate (CaP) and polycaprolactone (PCL) by dip-coating to improve biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Computed tomography performed with X-ray and synchrotron radiation revealed the defects of structure and morphology of CaP and PCL coatings showing small platelet-like and spider-web-like structures, respectively.
In this paper we report on the characterization by X-ray computed tomography of calcium phosphate (CaP) and polycaprolactone (PCL) coatings on Ti-6Al-4V alloy scaffolds used as a material for medical implants. The cylindrical scaffold has greater porosity of the inner part than the external part, thus, mimicking trabecular and cortical bone, respectively. The prismatic scaffolds have uniform porosity. Surface of the scaffolds was modified with calcium phosphate (CaP) and polycaprolactone (PCL) by dip-coating to improve biocompatibility and mechanical properties. Computed tomography performed with X-ray and synchrotron radiation revealed the defects of structure and morphology of CaP and PCL coatings showing small platelet-like and spider-web-like structures, respectively.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) through the Selective Laser Melting (SLM) route offers ample scope for producing geometrically complex parts compared to the conventional subtractive manufacturing strategies. Nevertheless, the residual stresses which develop during the fabrication can limit application of the SLM components by reducing the load bearing capacity and by inducing unwanted distortion, depending on the boundary conditions specified during manufacturing. The present study aims at characterizing the residual stress states in the SLM parts using different diffraction methods. The material used is the nickel based superalloy Inconel 718. Microstructure as well as the surface and bulk residual stresses were characterized. For the residual stress analysis, X-ray, synchrotron and neutron diffraction methods were used. The measurements were performed at BAM, at the EDDI beamline of -BESSY II synchrotronand the E3 line -BER II neutron reactor- of the Helmholtz-Zentrum für Materialien und Energie (HZB) Berlin. The results reveal significant differences in the residual stress states for the different characterization techniques employed, which indicates the dependence of the residual state on the penetration depth in the sample. For the surface residual stresses, longitudinal and transverse stress components from X-ray and synchrotron agree well and the obtained values were around the yield strength of the material. Furthermore, synchrotron mapping disclosed gradients along the width and length of the sample for the longitudinal and transverse stress components. On the other hand, lower residual stresses were found in the bulk of the material measured using neutron diffraction. The longitudinal component was tensile and decreased towards the boundary of the sample. In contrast, the normal component was nearly constant and compressive in nature. The transversal component was almost negligible. The results indicate that a stress re-distribution takes place during the deposition of the consecutive layers. Further investigations are planned to study the phenomenon in detail.
While structural ceramics usually display a brittle mechanical behavior, their composites may show nonlinearities, mostly due to microcracking. Herein, the stiffness evolution of a sandwich-like laminate of an Al2O3 15%vol. ZrO2 matrix reinforced with Nextel 610 fibers is studied as a function of number of cycles N in tension. The stiffness of the composite degrades with increasing N, indicating microcracking. However, synchrotron X-ray refraction radiography shows that the internal specific surface of such cracks varies differently. A modeling strategy is developed for the calculation of the equivalent stiffness of mixtures (first the matrix and then the sandwich), based on the Voigt and Reuß schemes. The Bruno–Kachanov model is then used to estimate the initial microcrack density in the matrix (due to the thermal expansion mismatch) and the amount of microcracking increase upon cyclic loading. The stiffness in the composite degrades dramatically already after 20 000 cycles but then remains nearly constant. The combination of mechanical testing, quantitative imaging analysis, and modeling provides insights into the damage mechanisms acting: microcrack propagation is more active than microcrack initiation upon cyclic loading, but the second also occurs. This scenario is similar but not equal to previous results on porous and microcracked ceramics.
The most substantial innovations in radiographic imaging techniques of the last two decades aim at enhanced image contrast of weakly absorbing micro and nano structures by taking advantage of X-ray refraction effects occurring at outer and inner surfaces. The applications range from fibre reinforced plastics to biological tissues. These techniques comprise, among others, X-ray refraction topography, diffraction enhanced imaging, phase contrast imaging, Talbot-Lau grating interferometry, and refraction enhanced imaging. They all make use of selective beam deflections up to a few minutes of arc: the X-ray refraction effect. In contrast to diffraction, this type of interaction has a 100 % scattering cross section, as shown experimentally. Since X-ray refraction is very sensitive to the orientation of interfaces, it is additionally a tool to detect, e.g., fibre or pore orientation. If the detector resolution exceeds the size of (small) individual features, one detects the integral information (of inner surfaces) within the gauge volume. We describe the above-mentioned techniques, and show their experimental implementation in the lab and at a synchrotron source. We also show strategies for data processing and quantitative analysis.
3D imaging techniques are very fashionable nowadays, and allow enormous progress in understanding ceramic microstructure, its evolution, and its link to mechanical, thermal, and transport properties. In this feature article, we report the use of a powerful, yet not so wide-spread, set of X-ray techniques based on refraction effects. X-ray refraction allows determining internal specific surface (surface per unit volume) in a non-destructive fashion, position and orientation sensitive, and with a nanometric detectability. While the techniques are limited by the X-ray absorption of the material under investigation, we demonstrate showcases of ceramics and composite materials, where understanding of process parameter influence or simply of microstructural parameters could be achieved in a way unrivalled even by high-resolution techniques such as electron microscopy or computed tomography.
Modern air-liners and wind turbine rotor blades are made up primarily of fiber reinforced plastics. Failure of these materials heavily impairs the serviceability and the operational safety. Consequently, knowledge of the failure behavior under static and cyclic loads is of great interest to estimate the operational strength and to compare the performance of different materials. Ideally, the damage evolution under operational load is determined with in situ non-destructive testing techniques. Here, we report in-situ synchrotron X-ray imaging of tensile stress induced cracks in carbon fiber reinforced plastics due to inter-fiber failure. An inhouse designed compact tensile testing machine with a load range up to 15 kN was integrated into the beamline. Since conventional radiographs do not reveal sufficient contrast to distinguish cracks due to inter-fiber failure and micro cracking from fiber bundles, the Diffraction Enhanced Imaging (DEI) technique is applied in order to separate primary and scattered (refracted) radiation by means of an analyzer crystal. This technique allows fast measurements over large fields-of-view and is ideal for in-situ investigations. Imaging and the tensile test are run at the highest possible frame rate (0.7 s-1 ) and the lowest possible strain rate (5.5∙10-4 s -1 ). For 0°/90° non-crimp fabrics, the first inter-fiber cracks occur at 380 MPa (strain 0.8 %). Prior to failure at about 760 MPa (strain 2.0 %), we observe the evolution of nearly equidistant (1 mm distance) cracks running across the entire sample in the fully damaged state.
Zirconia-based cast refractories are widely used for glass furnace applications. Since they have to withstand harsh chemical as well as thermo-mechanical environments, internal stresses and microcracking are often present in such materials under operating conditions (sometimes in excess of 1700 °C). We studied the evolution of thermal (CTE) and mechanical (Young’s modulus) properties as a function of temperature in a fused-cast refractory containing 94 wt.% of monoclinic ZrO2 and 6 wt.% of a silicate glassy phase. With the aid of X-ray refraction techniques (yielding the internal specific surface in materials), we also monitored the evolution of microcracking as a function of thermal cycles (crossing the martensitic phase transformation around 1000 °C) under externally applied stress. We found that external compressive stress leads to a strong decrease of the internal surface per unit volume, but a tensile load has a similar (though not so strong) effect. In agreement with existing literature on -eucryptite microcracked ceramics, we could explain These phenomena by microcrack closure in the load direction in the compression case, and by microcrack propagation (rather than microcrack nucleation) under tensile conditions.
Porosity in additively manufactured materials, such as laser powder bed fusion Ti-Al6-V4, can play an important role in their mechanical performance. Not only the total porosity but also the shape/morphology of the individual pores need to be considered. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the distributions of different defect types (especially fusing defects and keyhole pores) and their dependence on process parameters. We show that synchrotron X-ray refraction radiography allows analysis of large samples (up to several millimeters) without compromising the detectability of submicrometer defects. Correspondingly, a classification tool is introduced that is able to quantitatively distinguish defects such as keyhole pores and binding defects with a confidence level of 94 %, even when the shape cannot be discerned because of limited spatial resolution.
Using SXRR to Probe the Nature of Discontinuities in SLM Additive Manufactured Inconel 718 Specimens
(2020)
The utilization of additive manufacturing (AM) to fabricate robust structural components relies on understanding the nature of internal anomalies or discontinuities, which can compromise the structural integrity. While some discontinuities in AM microstructures stem from similar mechanisms as observed in more traditional processes such as casting, others are unique to the AM process. Discontinuities in AM are challenging to detect, due to their submicron size and orientation dependency. Toward the goal of improving structural integrity, minimizing discontinuities in an AM build requires an understanding of the mechanisms of formation to mitigate their occurrence. This study utilizes various techniques to evaluate the shape, size, nature and distribution of discontinuities in AM Inconel 718, in a non-hot isostatic pressed (HIPed) as-built, non-HIPed and direct age, and HIPed with two step age samples. Non-destructive synchrotron radiation refraction and transmission radiography (SXRR) provides additional information beyond that obtained with destructive optical microscopy. SXRR was able to distinguish between voids, cracks and lack of melt in, due to its sensitivity to the orientation of the discontinuity.
While the problem of the identification of mechanisms of hydrogen assisted damage has and is being thoroughly studied, the quantitative analysis of such damage still lacks suitable tools. In fact, while, for instance, electron microscopy yields excellent characterization, the quantitative analysis of damage requires at the same time large field-of-views and high spatial resolution. Synchrotron X-ray refraction techniques do possess both features. In this work, we show how synchrotron X-ray refraction computed tomography (SXRCT) can quantify damage induced by hydrogen embrittlement in a lean duplex steel, yielding results that overperform even those achievable by synchrotron X-ray absorption computed tomography. As already reported in literature, but this time using a non-destructive technique, we show that the hydrogen charge does not penetrate to the center of tensile specimens. By the comparison between virgin and hydrogen-charged specimens, we deduce that cracks in the specimen bulk are due to the rolling process rather than hydrogen-assisted. We show that (micro)cracks propagate from the surface of tensile specimens to the interior with increasing applied strain, and we deduce that a significant crack propagation can only be observed short before rupture.
To better understand the mechanism of hydrogen assisted cracking (HAC), it is important to investigate the 3D structure of the cracks non-destructively. Since, cracks introduced by HAC are usually very small, conventional x-ray imaging methods often lack the required spatial resolution.
However, the detection of those cracks can be enhanced by taking advantage of refraction at interfaces within the sample.
To image this refractive deflection we employ analyser based imaging (ABI). In this work we aim at proving the enhanced crack detection of ABI by investigating an alluminum alloy weld.
3D Crack analysis in hydrogen charged lean duplex stainless steel with synchrotron refraction CT
(2016)
Hydrogen in metals can cause a degradation of the mechanical properties, the so-called hydrogen embrittlement. In combination with internal stresses, hydrogen assisted cracking (HAC) can occur. This phenomenon is not completely understood yet. To better characterise the cracking behaviour, it is important to gain information about the evolution of the 3D crack network. For this purpose samples of lean duplex stainless steel were loaded with hydrogen by means of electrochemical charging and investigated by means of synchrotron refraction CT and SEM fractography after uniaxial tensile loading. Synchrotron refraction CT is an analyser-based imaging (ABI) technique. It uses a Si (111) single crystal as analyser, which is placed into the beam path between sample and detector. According to Bragg’s law only incident x-rays within a narrow range around the Bragg-angle are diffracted from the analyser into the detector. Hence, the analyser acts as an angular filter for the transmitted beam. This filtering allows to turn the refraction and scattering of x-rays into image contrast. Refraction occurs at all interfaces, where the density of the material changes and is more sensitive to density changes than the attenuation. Therefore, it is possible to detect smaller cracks than with classical x-ray imaging techniques, like CT, with comparable spacial resolution. It also visualises the 3D structure of the cracks and gains quantitative information about their morphology and distribution. Since cracks introduced by HAC are usually very small and have a small opening displacement, synchrotron refraction CT is expected to be well suited for imaging this cracking mechanism and can be a valuable tool to characterise the formation and the evolution of a 3D crack network.
Ceramics and their composites are in general brittle materials because they are predominantly made up of ionic and covalent bonds that avoid dislocation motion at room temperature. However, a remarkable ductile behavior has been observed on newly developed 11 mol.% ceria-stabilized zirconia (11Ce-TZP) composite containing fine alumina (8 vol.% Al2O3) and elongated strontium hexa-aluminate (8 vol.% SrAl12O19) grains. The as-synthesized composite also has shown full resistance to Low Temperature Degradation (LTD), relatively high strength and exceptionally high Weibull modulus, allowing its use in a broader range of biomedical applications. In this study, to deepen the understanding of plastic deformation in Ce-TZP based composites that could soon be used for manufacturing dental implants, different mechanical tests were applied on the material, followed by complete microstructural characterization. Distinct from pure Ce-TZP material or other zirconia-based ceramics developed in the past, the material here studied can be permanently strained without affecting the Young modulus, indicating that the ductile response of tested samples cannot be associated to damage occurrence. This ductility is related to the stress-induced tetragonal to monoclinic (t-m) zirconia phase transformation, analogue to Transformation-Induced Plasticity (TRIP) steels, where retained austenite is transformed to martensite. The aim of this study is to corroborate if the observed plasticity can be associated exclusively to the zirconia t-m phase transformation, or also to microcraking induced by the transformation. The t-m transformed-zones produced after bending and biaxial tests were examined by X-ray refraction and SEM/TEM coupled with Raman. The results revealed that the observed elastic-plastic behavior occurs without extensive microcracking, confirming a purely elastic-plastic behavior driven by the phase transformation (absence of damage).
The paper presents the results of a series of combined mechanical and in-situ morphological investigations on highstrength strain-hardening cement-based Composites (SHCC). Tension and compression experiments were performed in a CT scanner employing a dedicated mechanical testing rig. The in-situ microtomographic scans enabled correlating the measured specimen response with relevant microstructural features and fracture processes. The microstructural segmentation of SHCC was performed in the framework of Deep Learning and it targeted an accurate segmentation of pores, fibers and aggregates. Besides their accurate volumetric representation, these phases were quantified in terms of content, size and orientation. The fracture processes were monitored at different loading stages and Digital Volume Correlation (DVC) was employed to spatially map the strains and cracks in the specimens loaded in compression. The DVC analysis highlighted the effect of loading conditions, specimen geometry and material heterogeneity at the mesolevel on the strain distribution and fracture localization.
Complex materials (e.g., porous ceramics) need high resolution techniques at multi-scale levels. Microstructure is intimately linked to properties and performance. One technique (or even a few techniques) is not enough. X-ray refraction and CT are very powerful tools. Non-destructive characterisation and quantitative image analysis techniques (2D and 3D) are necessary to understand the anisotropy.
Shock tube systems are non-electric explosive fuses employed in blasting and demolition applications to trigger the detonation of explosive charges. Their working principle is based on the explosive reaction of a fine explosive powder on the tubing's inner surface, generating a shock wave traveling at a velocity of 2,100 m/s along the length of the tube, without destroying it. One of
the key aspects of the manufacturing process of these shock tubes is the size and morphology of the explosive powder grains and their distribution on the inner wall of the tube, in order to propagate the shockwave efficiently and reliably. For the first time, synchrotron X-ray computed tomography has been used to characterize non-destructively the explosive powder grains, typically Al/HMX between 10 and 20 μm in size, in terms of morphology and 3D distribution but also to characterise the presence and location of defects
within the shock tube walls.
The mixture of ammonium nitrate (AN) prills and fuel oil (FO), usually referred to as ANFO, is extensively used in the mining industry as a bulk explosive. One of the major performance predictors of ANFO mixtures is the fuel oil retention, which is itself governed by the complex pore structure of the AN prills. In this study, we present how X-ray computed tomography (XCT), and the associated advanced data processing workflow, can be used to fully characterise the structure and morphology of AN prills. We show that structural parameters such as volume fraction of the different phases and morphological parameters such as specific surface area and shape factor can be reliably extracted from the XCT data, and that there is a good agreement with the measured oil retention values. Importantly, oil retention measurements (qualifying the efficiency of ANFO as explosives) correlate well with the specific surface area determined by XCT. XCT can therefore be employed non-destructively; it can accurately evaluate and characterise porosity in ammonium nitrate prills, and even predict their efficiency.
Ammonium nitrate (AN) prills are commonly used as an ingredient in industrial explosives and in fertilisers. Conventional techniques (such as BET or mercury intrusion porosimetry) can measure the open porosity and specific surface area of AN prill, but the closed porosity is not obtainable. This work was focused on evaluating X-ray computed tomography (XCT) as a non-destructive technique for the assessment of porosity in AN prills. An advanced data processing workflow was developed so that the segmentation and quantification of the CT data could be performed on the entire 3D volume, yet allowing the measurements (e.g.; volume, area, shape factor…) to be extracted for each individual phase (prill, open porosity, closed porosity) of each individual prill, in order to obtain statistically relevant data. Clear morphological and structural differences were seen and quantified between fertiliser and explosive products. Overall, CT can provide a very wide range of parameters that are not accessible to other techniques, destructive or non-destructive, and thus offers new insights and complementary information.
The mixture of ammonium nitrate (AN) prills and fuel oil (FO), usually called ANFO, is extensively used in the mining industry as a bulk industrial explosive. One of the major performance predictors of ANFO mixtures is the fuel oil retention, which is itself governed by the porosity of the AN prills. Standardised tests routinely used to assess oil retention face several important limitations; the first being the difficulty to cover the wide range of porosity contents and morphologies from different types of ammonium nitrate prills; the second being the inability to evaluate the closed porosity, which is an important factor regarding the sensitivity of the explosive to detonation. In this study, we present how X-ray computed tomography (XCT), and the associated advanced data processing workflow, can be used to fully characterise the structure and morphology of AN prills. We show that structural parameters such as volume fraction of the different phases and morphological parameters such as specific surface area and shape factor can be reliably extracted from the XCT data, and that there is a good agreement with the measured oil retention values. XCT can therefore be employed to non-destructively and accurately evaluate and characterise porosity in ammonium nitrate prills.
Degradation of thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) in gas‐turbine engines due to calcium–magnesium–aluminosilicate (CMAS) glassy deposits from various sources has been a persistent issue since many years. In this study, state of the art electron microscopy was correlated with X‐ray refraction techniques to elucidate the intrusion of CMAS into the porous structure of atmospheric plasma sprayed (APS) TBCs and the formation and growth of cracks under thermal cycling in a burner rig. Results indicate that the sparse nature of the infiltration as well as kinetics in the burner rig are majorly influenced by the wetting behavior of the CMAS. Despite the obvious attack of CMAS on grain boundaries, the interaction of yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) with intruded CMAS has no immediate impact on structure and density of internal surfaces. At a later stage the formation of horizontal cracks is observed in a wider zone of the TBC layer.
The hard X-ray beamline BAMline at BESSY II (Berlin, Germany) has now been in service for 20 years. Several improvements have been implemented in this time, and this review provides an overview of the imaging methods available at the BAMline. Besides classic full-field synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT), also absorption edge CT, synchrotron X-ray refraction radiography (SXRR), and synchrotron X-ray refraction tomography (SXRCT) are used for imaging. Moreover, virtually any of those techniques are currently coupled in situ or operando with ancillary equipment such as load rigs, furnaces, or potentiostats. Each of the available techniques is explained and both the current and the potential usage are described with corresponding examples. The potential use is manifold, the examples cover organic materials, composite materials, energy-related materials, biological samples, and materials related to additive manufacturing. The article includes published examples as well as some unpublished applications.
This study addressed a 7017 Al-alloy tailored for powder bed fusion – laser beam (PBF-LB) process. The alloy was prepared by mixing 3 wt% Zr and 0.5 wt% TiC powder to standard pre-alloyed 7017 grade aluminium powder. This made printing of the alloys possible avoiding solidification cracking in the bulk and achieving high relative density (99.8 %). Such advanced alloys have significantly higher Young’s modulus (>80 GPa) than conventional Al-alloys (70–75 GPa), thus making them attractive for applications requiring high stiffness. The resulting microstructure in as-printed condition was rich in particles originating from admixed powders and primary precipitates/inclusions originating from the PBF-LB process. After performing a T6-like heat treatment designed for the PBF-LB process, the microstructure changed: Zr-nanoparticles and Fe- or Mg/Zn- containing precipitates formed thus providing 75 % increase in yield strength (from 254 MPa to 444 MPa) at the cost of decreasing ductility (∼20 % to ∼9 %). In-situ tensile testing combined with SXCT, and ex-situ tensile testing combined with fracture analysis confirmed that the fracture initiation in both conditions is highly dependent on defects originated during printing. However, cracks are deflected from decohesion around Zr-containing inclusions/precipitates embedded in the Al-matrix. This deflection is seen to improve the ductility of the material.
Connecting Diffraction-Based Strain with Macroscopic Stresses in Laser Powder Bed Fused Ti-6Al-4V
(2020)
The laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) production process often results in large residual stress (RS) in the parts. Nondestructive techniques to determine RS are badly needed. However, a reliable quantification of macro-RS (i.e., stress at the component level) by means of diffraction-based techniques is still a great challenge, because the link between diffraction-based strain and macro-RS is not trivial. In this study, we experimentally determine (by means of in-situ synchrotron radiation diffraction) this link for LPBF Ti-6Al-4V. We compare our results with commonly used models to determine the so-called diffraction elastic constants (DECs). We show that LPBF materials possess different DECs than wrought alloys, simply because their microstructural and mechanical properties are different. We also show that the existing models can be used to calculate DECs only if high accuracy of the RS values is not required. If the peculiarities of the microstructure have to be taken into account (as is the case of additively manufactured materials), a radically new approach is desirable.
Subsurface residual stresses (RS) were investigated in Ti-6Al-4V cuboid samples by means of X-ray synchrotron diffraction. The samples were manufactured by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) applying different processing parameters, not commonly considered in open literature, in order to assess their influence on RS state. While investigating the effect of process parameters used for the calculation of volumetric energy density (such as laser velocity, laser power and hatch distance), we observed that an increase of energy density led to a decrease of RS, although not to the same extent for every parameter variation. Additionally, the effect of support structure, sample roughness and LPBF machine effects potentially coming from Ar flow were studied. We observed no influence of support structure on subsurface RS while the orientation with respect to Ar flow showed to have an impact on RS.We conclude recommending monitoring such parameters to improve part reliability and reproducibility.