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X-ray refraction is analogous to visible light deflection by matter; it occurs at boundaries between different media. The main difference between visible light and X-rays is that in the latter case deflection angles are very small, from a few seconds to a few minutes of arc (i.e., the refraction index n is near to 1). 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 (not too heavy) 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, they can detect objects with size above a few wavelengths of the radiation.
Such techniques, especially at the Synchrotron BESSY II, Berlin, Germany, can be used in-situ, i.e. when the specimen is subjected to temperatures or external loads.
The use of X-ray refraction analysis yields quantitative information, which can be directly input in kinetics, mechanical and damage models.
We hereby show the application of non-destructive X-ray refraction radiography (SXRR, 2D mapping also called topography) to problems in additive manufacturing:
1) Porosity analysis in PBF-LM-Ti64. Through the use of SXRR, we could not only map the (very sparse) porosity distribution between the layers and quantify it, but also classify, and thereby separate, the filled porosity (unmolten powder) from the keyhole and gas pores (Figure 1).
2) In-situ heat treatment of laser powder bed fusion PBF-LM-AlSi10Mg to monitor microstructure and porosity evolution as a function of temperature (Figure 2). By means of SXRR we indirectly observed the initial eutectic Si network break down into larger particles as a function of increasing temperature. We also could detect the thermally induced porosity (TIP). Such changes in the Si-phase morphology upon heating is currently only possible using scanning electron microscopy, but with a much smaller field-of-view. SXRR also allows observing the growth of some individual pores, usually studied via X-ray computed tomography, but again on much smaller fields-of-view.
Our results show the great potential of in-situ SXRR as a tool to gain in-depth knowledge of the defect distribution and the susceptibility of any material to thermally induced damage and/or microstructure evolution over statistically relevant volumes.
In dentistry it is of great interest to achieve good sealing interzones between tooth tissue and restoration materials to avoid, e. g. secondary caries. μXRF and CμXRF are suitable to investigate the elemental composition at these interzones in respect to diffusion of elements. Synchrotron X-ray refraction radiography (SXRR) and μCT measurements deliver highly resolved structural information and make structural changes such as micro cracks within the filling and the tooth tissue visible. The presented measurements are part of the DFG funded project IXdent (Integrative X-ray techniques for chemical and structural characterizations of dental interzones.)
The depth-resolved CμXRF measurements are affected by absorption effects, making a quantitative investigation of the interzone in depth difficult. Full 3D quantification of heterogenous samples requires a complete model including dark matrix and density for each voxel. The combination of different techniques paves the way for a quantitative analysis of dental interzones.
The microstructure of an apatite-wollastonite (code name AP40) glass-ceramic is analyzed in this study by combining 2D microscopy, phase analysis, X-ray absorption and synchrotron X-ray refraction computed tomography (XCT and SXRCT, respectively). It is shown that this combination provides a useful toolbox to characterize the global microstructure in a wide scale range, from sub-micrometer to millimeter. The material displays a complex microstructure comprising a glassy matrix with embedded fluorapatite and wollastonite small crystals. In this matrix, large (up to 200 μm) spike-shaped structures are distributed. Such microstructural features are oriented around a central sphere, thereby forming a structure resembling a sea urchin. A unique feature of SXRCT, in contrast to XCT, is that internal interfaces are visualized; this allows one to show the 3D distribution of these urchins with exceptionally good contrast. Furthermore, it is revealed that the spike-shaped structures are not single crystals, but rather composed of sub-micrometric crystals, which are identified as fluorapatite and diopside phases by SEM-EDX analysis.
The overview of the activity of Federal Institute for Material Research and Testing (BAM, Belin, Germany) in the field of additively manufacturing material characterization will be presented. The research of our group is focused on the 3D imaging of AM materials by means of X-ray Computed Tomography at the lab and at synchrotron, and the residual stress characterization by diffraction (nondestructive technique).
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.
The overview of the activity of group 8.5 Micro-NDT (BAM, Belin, Germany) in the field of additively manufacturing material characterization will be presented. The challenges in the residual stress analysis of AM components are discussed on the basis on the show studies performed in BAM. Also, the synchrotron X-ray refraction technique, available in BAM, is presented, showing example of in-situ heating test of Al10SiMg AM material.
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).
The overview of the activity of group 8.5 Micro-NDT (BAM, Belin, Germany) in the field of additively manufacturing material characterization will be presented. The research of our group is focused on the 3D imaging of AM materials by means of X-ray Computed Tomography at the lab and at synchrotron, and the residual stress characterization by diffraction (nondestructive technique).
Additive manufacturing technologies provide unique possibilities in the production of topologically optimized, near-net shape components. The main limiting factors affecting the structural integrity of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) parts are manufacturing defects and residual stress (RS) because both of them are virtually inevitable. Taking into account the complex thermal history of LPBF materials, a prediction of the material behavior is not possible without experimental data on the microstructure, defect distribution, and RS fields. Therefore, this thesis aims to understand the factors that influence the LPBF Ti-6Al-4V material performance the most, covering both the production and the post-processing steps of manufacturing.
Indeed, a parametric study on the influence of manufacturing process and post-processing on RS, defects and microstructure was performed. It was found that the volumetric energy Density (EV), commonly used for the LPBF process optimization, does neither consider the pore shapes and distribution, nor the influence of individual parameters on the volume fraction of pores.
Therefore, it was recommended not to use EV without great care. It was shown that the Position on the base plate has a great impact on the amount of RS in the part.
The micromechanical behavior of LPBF Ti-6Al-4V was also studied using in-situ Synchrotron X-ray diffraction during tensile and compression tests. Diffraction elastic constants (DEC), connecting macroscopic stress and (micro) strain, of the LPBF Ti-6Al-4V showed a difference
from the DEC of conventionally manufactured alloy. This fact was attributed to the peculiar microstructure and crystallographic texture. It was therefore recommended to determine experimentally DECs whenever possible.
Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF) tests at a chosen operating temperature were performed to evaluate the effect of post-treatment on the mechanical performance. Through the information on the microstructure, the mesostructure, and the RS, the LCF behavior was (indirectly) correlated to the process parameters. It was found that the fatigue performance of LPBF samples subjected to hot isostatic pressing is similar to that of hot-formed Ti-6Al-4V. The tensile RS found at the
surface of LPBF as-built samples decreased the fatigue life compared to the heat-treated samples. The modification of the microstructure (by heat treatment) did not affect the Fatigue performance in the elastic regime. This shows that in the absence of tensile RS, the manufacturing defects solely control the failure of LPBF components and densification has the strongest effect on the improvement of the mechanical performance.
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.
Nowadays, teeth are not directly extracted when tooth decay occurs. Whenever treatment of the affected tooth is possible, the carious region is replaced with a suitable filling. The filling material differs according to the position and size of the cavity. Since the restoration will remain in the tooth for many years, a well adhering and sealing interface between filling and healthy tooth tissue is needed. There is continuous development of new materials, but intensive studies of this complex interface between filling and healthy tooth are still lacking. Little is known about possible diffusion of elements from dental materials into healthy tooth tissue forming a socalled interzone with specific chemical and structural properties.
The combination of different analytical X-ray methods at synchrotron radiation facilities and in the laboratory enables an extensive structural and elemental investigation of such interzones. While X-ray fluorescence techniques and X-ray absorption spectroscopy yield elemental distributions and localized chemical speciation, X-ray diffraction, refraction and computed tomography add structural information to the full 3D analysis of model and real life tooth
samples. Within two DFG funded projects, we develop adapted methodologies and investigate
micro-chemical changes in interzones which we hypothesize may lead to sclerotic dentine.
Within the DFG project ‘IXdent’, first results have been achieved on 2D µXRF and X-ray refraction radiography measurements as well as combined 3D confocal µXRF and µXCT investigations at the interface between filling and bovine tooth tissue. The benefit of multiple analytical techniques and the combination of structural and elemental analysis will be demonstrated.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) in terms of laser powder-bed fusion (L-PBF) offers new prospects regarding the design of parts and enables therefore the production of lattice structures. These lattice structures shall be implemented in various industrial applications (e.g. gas turbines) for reasons of material savings or cooling
channels. However, internal defects, residual stress, and structural deviations from the nominal geometry are unavoidable.
In this work, the structural integrity of lattice structures manufactured by means of L-PBF was non-destructively investigated on a multiscale approach.
A workflow for quantitative 3D powder analysis in terms of particle size, particle shape, particle porosity, inter-particle distance and packing density was established.
Synchrotron computed tomography (CT) was used to correlate the packing
density with the particle size and particle shape. It was also observed that at least about 50% of the powder porosity was released during production of the struts.
Struts are the component of lattice structures and were investigated by means of laboratory CT. The focus was on the influence of the build angle on part porosity and surface quality. The surface topography analysis was advanced by the quantitative characterisation of re-entrant surface features. This characterisation was compared with conventional surface parameters showing their complementary
information, but also the need for AM specific surface parameters.
The mechanical behaviour of the lattice structure was investigated with in-situ CT under compression and successive digital volume correlation (DVC). The Deformation was found to be knot-dominated, and therefore the lattice folds unit cell layer wise.
The residual stress was determined experimentally for the first time in such lattice structures. Neutron diffraction was used for the non-destructive 3D stress investigation. The principal stress directions and values were determined in dependence of the number of measured directions. While a significant uni-axial stress state was found in the strut, a more hydrostatic stress state was found in the knot. In both cases, strut and knot, seven directions were at least needed to
find reliable principal stress directions.
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.
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.
Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals and in particular laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) enables a degree of freedom in design unparalleled by conventional subtractive methods. To ensure that the designed precision is matched by the produced LPBF parts, a full understanding of the interaction between the laser and the feedstock powder is needed. It has been shown that the laser also melts subjacent layers of material underneath. This effect plays a key role when designing small cavities or overhanging structures, because, in these cases, the material underneath is feed-stock powder. In this study, we quantify the extension of the melt pool during laser illumination of powder layers and the defect spatial distribution in a cylindrical specimen. During the LPBF process, several layers were intentionally not exposed to the laser beam at various locations, while the build process was monitored by thermography and optical tomography. The cylinder was finally scanned by X-ray computed tomography (XCT). To correlate the positions of the unmolten layers in the part, a staircase was manufactured around the cylinder for easier registration. The results show that healing among layers occurs if a scan strategy is applied, where the orientation of the hatches is changed for each subsequent layer. They also show that small pores and surface roughness of solidified material below a thick layer of unmolten material (>200 µm) serve as seeding points for larger voids. The orientation of the first two layers fully exposed after a thick layer of unmolten powder shapes the orientation of these voids, created by a lack of fusion.
An unusual microstructure, inherent residual stresses and void formation are the three key aspects to control when assessing metallic parts made by LPBF. This talk explains an experiment to unravel the interlinked influence of the two mechanisms for the formation of residual stresses in LPBF: the temperature gradient mechanism and constricted solidification shrinkage. The impact of each mechanism on the shape and magnitudes of the residual stress distribution is described. Combined results from neutron diffraction, X-ray diffraction, computed tomography and in-situ thermography are presented.
Also, influence of scan strategies as well as surface roughness of subjacent layers on void formation is shown. Results from computed tomography and in-situ thermography of a specimen dedicated to study the interaction of the melt pool with layers of powder underneath the currently illuminated surface are presented.
Manufacturing defects, high residual stress (RS), and microstructures affect the structural integrity of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) Ti-6Al-4V. In this study, the individual effect of these factors on fatigue performance at elevated temperature (300 °C) was evaluated. Material in as-built condition and subjected to post-processing, including two heat treatments and hot isostatic pressing, was investigated. It was found that in the absence of tensile RS, the fatigue life at elevated temperature is primary controlled by the defects; and densification has a much stronger effect than the considered heat treatments on the improvement of the mechanical performance.
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.
Micromechanical response of multi-phase Al-alloy matrix composites under uniaxial compression
(2020)
Aluminum alloys are extensively used in the automotive industry. Particularly, squeeze casting production of Al-Si alloys is employed in the conception of metal matrix composites (MMC) for combustion engines. Such materials are of a high interest since they allow combining improved mechanical properties and reduced weight and hence improve efficiency. Being a multiphase material, most MMCs show complex micromechanical behavior under different load conditions. In this work we investigated the micromechanical behavior of two MMCs, both consisting of a near-eutectic cast AlSi12CuMgNi alloy, one reinforced with 15%vol. Al2O3 short fibers and the other with 7%vol. Al2O3 short fibers + 15%vol. SiC particles. Both MMCs have complex 3D microstructure consisting of four and five phases: Al-alloy matrix, eutectic Si, intermetallics, Al2O3 fibers and SiC particles.
The in-situ neutron diffraction compression experiments were carried out on the Stress-Spec beamline and disclosed the evolution of internal phase-specific stresses in both composites. In combination with the damage mechanism revealed by synchrotron X-ray computed tomography (SXCT) on plastically pre-strained samples, this allowed understanding the role of every composite’s phase in the stress partitioning mechanism. Finally, based on the Maxwell scheme, a micromechanical model was utilized. The model perfectly rationalizes the experimental data and predicts the evolution of principal stresses in each phase.
Rapid cooling rates and steep temperature gradients are characteristic of additively manufactured parts and important factors for the residual stress formation. This study examined the influence of heat accumulation on the distribution of residual stress in two prisms produced by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) of austenitic stainless steel 316L. The layers of the prisms were exposed using two different border fill scan strategies: one scanned from the centre to the perimeter and the other from the perimeter to the centre. The goal was to reveal the effect of different heat inputs on samples featuring the same solidification shrinkage. Residual stress was characterised in one plane perpendicular to the building direction at the mid height using Neutron and Lab X-ray diffraction. Thermography data obtained during the build process were analysed in order to correlate the cooling rates and apparent surface temperatures with the residual stress results. Optical microscopy and micro computed tomography were used to correlate defect populations with the residual stress distribution. The two scanning strategies led to residual stress distributions that were typical for additively manufactured components: compressive stresses in the bulk and tensile stresses at the surface. However, due to the different heat accumulation, the maximum residual stress levels differed. We concluded that solidification shrinkage plays a major role in determining the shape of the residual stress distribution, while the temperature gradient mechanism appears to determine the magnitude of peak residual stresses.
Ti-6Al-4V alloy is intensively used in the aerospace industry because of its high specific strength. However, the application of Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) Ti-6Al-4V alloy for structurally critical load-bearing components is limited. One of the main limiting factors affecting the structural integrity, are manufacturing defects. Additionally, the high cooling rates associated with LPBF process result in the formation of large residual stress (RS) with complex fields. Such RS can cause cracking and geometrical distortions of the part even right after production. Also, the microstructure of LPBF Ti-6Al-4V in the as-built condition is significantly different from that of the conventionally produced alloy. All these factors affect the mechanical behavior of the material. Therefore, to improve the material performance it is important to evaluate the individual effect of RS, defects, and microstructure on fatigue life. To this aim Ti-6Al-4V LPBF material in as-built condition and subjected to different post-processing, including two heat treatments (for stress relief and microstructural modification) and Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP, for densification), were investigated.
Prior to Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF) tests at operating temperature (300°C), the microstructure (phases, crystallographic texture, and grain morphology), the mesostructure (defect shape and distribution), and subsurface RS on the LCF samples were investigated. It was found that the fatigue performance of HIPped samples is similar to that of conventionally produced Ti-6Al-4V. The tensile RS found at the surface of as-built samples decreased the fatigue life compared to heat-treated samples. Additionally, the modification of the microstructure (by heat treatment) did not affect the fatigue performance in the regime of mostly elastic strain. This shows that in the absence of tensile RS the manufacturing defects solely control the failure of LPBF components and densification has the strongest effect on the improvement of the mechanical performance.
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.
The material and damage behaviour of additively manufactured polyamide 12 under cyclic loading was characterized by cyclic tests and microstructure analysis by using microscopy, X-ray refraction, and computed tomography. The results were used to determine parameters for the viscoplastic material model by Chaboche and a damage model by Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman. The temperature was monitored during the experiments and the self-heating effect was observed. By including this effect, a higher accuracy could be achieved with the results of mechanical experiments.
To see and not to see - Möglichkeiten und Grenzen der Schadensanalyse mit CT an Kompositmaterialien
(2020)
Anhand von drei Beispielen (Datenfusion an CFK; Machine Learning an Metall-Matrix-Kompositen sowie Refraktion an CFK) wird gezeigt, wie die BAM mit neuen Analysemethoden mehr Informationen aus CT-Datensätzen extrahieren kann, sowie mit der Refraktion eine Analysemethode besitzt, die in Fällen eingesetzt werden kann, bei denen klassische Durchstrahlungsmethoden kein Ergebnis liefern.
Durch den großflächigen Einsatz der Computertomographie (CT) in unterschiedlichen Industriebereichen steigen auch die Anforderungen an die quantitative Bildanalyse. Subjektive Bildwahrnehmung muss durch objektive Algorithmen ersetzt werden. In diesem Artikel stellt die Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), die seit den 1980er Jahren an der Entwicklung der industriellen CT beteiligt ist, anhand ausgewählter Beispiele den aktuellen Stand ihrer Analysemethoden an verschiedenen Anwendungsbeispielen der CT vor.
Diese Arbeit beschäftigt sich mit den Eigenschaften der photonenzählenden und spektralauflösenden Detektortechnik und möglichen Anwendungsgebieten in der zerstörungsfreien Prüfung. Dabei wurden konventionelle und photonenzählende Detektortechniken hinsichtlich der Bildqualität und Anwendbarkeit bei unterschiedlichen Prüfaufgaben verglichen und untersucht, inwiefern sich die Energieschwellwertsetzung auf die erreichbare Bildqualität und eine Materialdiskriminierbarkeit bei verschiedenen radiographischen Verfahren auswirkt.
Anhand von Anwendungsbeispielen wurden diese Eigenschaften und deren Auswirkung auf das Messergebnis analysiert. Neben der Radiographie wurden auch dreidimensionale Verfahren wie CT und Laminographie berücksichtigt.
Als eine der wichtigsten Eigenschaften der photonenzählenden Detektortechnik wurden zunächst die Energieauflösung des photonenzählenden Detektors und die Homogenität der Energieantwort über größere Detektorbereiche bestimmt. Dabei stellte sich heraus, dass die Energieauflösung eines abgegrenzten Detektorbereichs ca. 32 % bei 60 keV beträgt und die Streuung in der Energieantwort der einzelnen Detektorbereiche ca. 12 % ausmacht, woraus sich eine Gesamtunsicherheit in der spektralen Detektorantwort von ca. 44 % ergibt. Die geringe Energieauflösung und das stark heterogene Verhalten der Detektorbereiche ergeben sich vor allem aus der Detektorelektronik, welche nur eine globale Energieschwellwertsetzung zulässt.
Trotz dieser Einschränkungen konnte demonstriert werden, dass auch konventionelle radiographische Verfahren, wie Radiographie oder CT, vom Einsatz der photonenzählenden Technik profitieren. So ist es mit dieser Technik möglich, bei sehr geringen Dosisleistungen (z.B. aufgrund der Durchstrahlung großer Wandstärken von dichten Materialien) noch sehr gute Bildqualitäten zu erreichen. Die hohe Dynamik und Kontrastempfindlichkeit dieser Technik begünstigen die Inspektion von Leichtbauwerkstoffen wie Faserverbunde, was anhand von Vergleichen mit herkömmlicher Detektortechnik und anderen ZfP-Verfahren gezeigt werden konnte. Daneben konnte durch den Einsatz der Energieschwellwertsetzung der Einfluss von nicht bildzeichnender Streustrahlung im Röntgenbild um bis zu 20 % reduziert werden. Die Auswirkungen von Aufhärtungseffekten in der CT konnten sogar um bis zu Faktor 1 000 (in der mittleren quadratischen Abweichung), im Vergleich zu herkömmlicher Detektortechnik, reduziert werden.
Der Einsatz von photonenzählender Detektortechnik mit Röntgenblitzröhren ist hingegen nicht sinnvoll, da aufgrund der hohen Photonendichte pro Puls und einer endlichen Totzeit des Detektors in der Größenordnung der Pulsbreite eines Blitzes nur ein geringes Signal detektiert werden kann.
Im Hinblick auf eine Materialdiskriminierbarkeit konnte demonstriert werden, dass im Fall einer Radiographie anhand der Energieschwellwertsetzung im Detektor eine materialstärkenunabhängige Diskriminierung zwischen zwei Materialien (hier: Al und Fe) erzielt werden kann. Unter Einsatz mehrerer Energiefenster und eines Verfahrens der explorativen und multivariaten Datenanalyse konnte eine materialaufgelöste CT eines Multi-Material-Phantoms erreicht werden, wobei die Schwächungskoeffizienten der enthaltenen Materialien im relevanten Energieberiech teilweise sehr dicht beieinander lagen.
Neben Radiographie und CT wurde auch die Möglichkeit einer materialaufgelösten Laminographie am Beispiel eines glasfaserverstärkten Rotorblatts untersucht. Anhand der Energieschwellwertsetzung war nicht nur eine eindeutige Trennung der Glasfasern von der Epoxidharzmatrix möglich, sondern auch eine signifikante Reduzierung der durch die Laminographie entstandenen Artefakte. Der damit verbundene Gewinn an Information führt zu einer verbesserten Aussagefähigkeit des Untersuchungsergebnisses, was letztendlich eine gesteigerte Betriebssicherheit zur Folge hat.
Aluminum alloys are extensively used in the automotive industry. Particularly, squeeze casting production of Al-Si alloys is employed in the conception of metal matrix composites (MMC) for combustion engines. Such materials are of a high interest since they allow combining improved mechanical properties and reduced weight and hence improve efficiency. We investigate two types of MMCs, which can be potentially used for production of combustion engine pistons: 1) a near-eutectic cast AlSi12CuMgNi alloy reinforced with 15%vol. Al2O3 random planar oriented short fibers and 2) the same alloy reinforced with 7%vol. Al2O3 random planar oriented short fibers + 15%vol. SiC particles.
Complex 3D microstructure of the samples in as-cast condition, consisting of four and five phases (Al matrix, eutectic Si, intermetallics, Al2O3 fibers and SiC particles) was investigated by synchrotron computed tomography (CT). Advanced methods based on machine learning were applied for segmentation of all phases. This allowed extracting quantitative information such as volume fraction, shape and interconnectivity of every phase.
In-situ compression tests during neutron diffraction experiments were used to track the load transfer among phases, while CT on pre-strained samples to monitor and quantify damage. A micromechanical model was developed to simulate the evolution of the internal stress of each phase during uniaxial compression. We showed that in composites with the Al2O3 fiber mat plane perpendicular to the load axis the Al-alloy matrix presents a large hydrostatic stress component, i.e. undergoes compression also in the direction transverse to the external load. This feature holds with and without the addition of SiC ceramic reinforcement and is absent in the case when the Al2O3 fiber mat plane is parallel to the load axis. We show, that the intermetallics play a decisive role at very high loads, when all other reinforcement phases suffer (extensive) damage. The addition of SiC particles does alleviate the load on the Al2O3 fibers, on the eutectic Si, and on the intermetallic phases in both cases of parallel and orthogonal (to the load axis) Al2O3 fiber orientation. Apart from the beneficial addition of ceramic reinforcement, the presence of intermetallic phase and eutectic silicon, forming an interconnected network even at high loads, when single particles break, confers peculiar properties to these multi-phase composites.
The low tensile strength of cement-based materials can be improved by the addition of fibres. In a joint research project, an industrial partner designed special coatings for polymer and carbon fibres by integrating surfactants and hydrophilic compounds. Aim of the developed functionalization was to ensure an even coverage of the fibre surfaces and to anchor them chemically in the cement-based matrix. Task of the BAM was to quantify the effect of the improved bond. In a first step a workable mortar adjusted to the strength of the tested fibres was developed and the fibre distribution assessed by light microscopy and computed tomography. To test the new coating for its efficiency to prevent cracking during hardening and to improve the loadbearing behaviour new test setups were developed or existing methods were adjusted.
The experiments showed that the functionalization leads to a reduction of the crack area measured after the exposure of the wet mortar to strong drying conditions in the wind channel. Regarding the Efficiency to mitigate shrinkage cracks the functionalisation turned out to be more efficient for fibres made from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) than for carbon fibres. An improvement of the tensile strength after cracking of the cementitious matrix could only be documented for the coated carbon fibres. It could be quantified, however, only in the three-point bending tests because the fibres turned out to be too brittle for the applied single fibre pull-through test.
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.
In order to characterise the material and damage behaviour of additively manufactured polyamide 12 (PA12) under quasi-static load and to implement it in a numerical model, experiments under quasi-static load as well as microstructural investigations were carried out. Selective laser sintering (SLS) was used as the manufacturing process. For the classification of the material behaviour, quasi-static cyclic tests with holding times as well as tensile tests were performed. X-ray refraction and computed tomography (CT) were used to investigate the damage behaviour. The Chaboche model, which has already been applied for metallic materials under thermomechanical loading, served as the basis for the selection of the numerical material model. The same procedure was used for the selection of the damage model, where the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman (GTN) model was chosen, which was already used for porous metallic materials. The Chaboche model shows very good agreement with experimental results. Furthermore, the coupling with the GTN model allows a very good modelling of the damage behaviour. Finally, it could be shown that the selected models are suitable to simulate the material and damage behaviour of 3D printed PA12.
Using non-optimum combination of manufacturing parameters in selective laser melting (SLM) may lead to reduction of quality of component: defects generation, distortion of geometry and even cracking. Usually, the optimization of parameters is performed by changing volumetric energy density (Ev) and selecting parameters giving low porosity values. However, not only low porosity but also stable microstructure and low residual stresses will help to achieve advanced mechanical behavior of the component.
In present work, we investigated cuboid-shaped Ti-6Al-4V samples produced with different manufacturing parameters. The parameters leading to the same Ev were considered as well as parameters which are not included in Ev. Residual stresses in subsurface region were investigated by synchrotron X-ray diffraction, which allows to penetrate around 100 µm from the surface therefore overcome the problem of high roughness of SLM components without additional sample preparation. Only tensile stresses were found along the building direction, that can play critical role especially during cyclic loading. The pore shape and spatial distribution obtained by computed tomography varied for samples produced with the same Ev. However, by using some process parameters it was possible to decrease residual stresses and obtain uniform α+β Ti microstructure and relatively low porosity. Additionally, it was found that not included in Ev (e.g., base plate position, focus distance) should be considered as additional manufacturing parameters during SLM process.
The material and damage behaviour of additively manufactured polyamide 12 (PA12) under dynamic loading was characterized by cyclic tests and microstructure analysis. The results were used to develop a numerical material and damage model. In a recent study, it was shown that the material and damage behaviour of 3D printed PA12 under quasistatic loading is simulated in a realistic way by coupling the
material model by Chaboche and the damage model by Gurson-Tvergaard-Needleman (GTN).
Using microscopy, X-ray refraction, and computed tomography, a porosity of about 5% was evaluated. These results served as a starting point for the present work. For the dynamic load, both the previously used Chaboche model and the GTN model were extended. Furthermore, the temperature was measured during the experiment and the self-heating effect was observed. Therefore, a temperaturedependent material parameters for the simulation were introduced. Considering the results of mechanical experiments, microstructural investigations, and self-heating effects, a good agreement between Experiment and numerical simulation could be achieved.
The Influence of the Temperature Gradient on the Distribution of Residual Stresses in AM AISI 316L
(2019)
Steep temperature gradients and solidification shrinkage are the main contributors to the formation of residual stresses in additively manufactured metallic parts produced by laser beam melting. The aim of this work was to determine the influence of the temperature gradient.
Diffraction results show a similar pattern for both specimens, indicating the shrinkage to be more dominant for the distribution of residual stresses than the temperature gradient. Thermography results imply that a higher energy input result in higher compressive residual stresses in the bulk.
µCT is used to validate the capability of online monitoring for in-situ detection of defects during the L-PBF build process, which is a focus of the TF project ProMoAM.
Our first experiments show that online monitoring using thermography and optical tomography cameras are able to detect defects in the built part. But further research is needed to understand root cause of the correlation.
Nominal-actual comparisons are routinely performed to compare a manufactured specimen to a reference specimen. X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) has brought a profound change in the way that tolerance verifications are performed in industry, by allowing the inner and outer geometries of an object to be measured, without the need for external access or destructive testing. As a results, CT is increasingly used in additive manufacturing applications, where a nominal-actual comparison performed between the digital model (CAD file), used as an input for the 3D printer, and the CT volume from the printed part, can provide invaluable information as to the accuracy of the printing process. However, the nominal-actual comparison process is somewhat different when applied to additively manufactured specimens by comparison to conventionally manufactured specimens.
Nominal-actual comparisons are routinely performed to compare a manufactured specimen to a reference specimen. X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) has brought a profound change in the way that tolerance verifications are performed in industry, by allowing the inner and outer geometries of an object to be measured, without the need for external access or destructive testing. As a results, CT is increasingly used in additive manufacturing applications, where a nominal-actual comparison performed between the digital model (CAD file), used as an input for the 3D printer, and the CT volume from the printed part, can provide invaluable information as to the accuracy of the printing process. However, the nominal-actual comparison process is somewhat different when applied to additively manufactured specimens by comparison to conventionally manufactured specimens.
One of the great strengths of X-ray computed tomography over conventional inspection methods (ultrasound, thermography, radiography) is that it can image damage in 3D. However for curved or deformed composite panels, it can be difficult to automatically ascribe the damage to specific plies or inter-ply interfaces. An X-ray computed tomography (CT) data processing methodology is developed to extract the through-thickness distribution of damage in curved or deformed composite panels. The method is applied to [(0°/90°)2]s carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) panels subjected low velocity impact damage (5 J up to 20 J) providing 3D ply-by-ply damage visualisation and analysis. Our distance transform approach allows slices to be taken that approximately follow the composite curvature allowing the impact damage to be separated, visualised and quantified in 3D on a ply-by-ply basis. In this way the interply delaminations have been mapped, showing characteristic peanut shaped delaminations with the major axis oriented with the fibres in the ply below the interface. This registry to the profile of the panel constitutes a significant improvement in our ability to characterise impact damage in composite laminates and extract relevant measurements from X-ray CT datasets.
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.
While the volumetric energy density is commonly used to qualify a process parameter set, and to quantify its influence on the microstructure and performance of additively manufactured (AM) materials and components, it has been already shown that this description is by no means exhaustive. In this work, new aspects of the optimization of the selective laser melting process are investigated for AM Ti-6Al-4V. We focus on the amount of near-surface residual stress (RS), often blamed for the failure of components, and on the porosity characteristics (amount and spatial distribution). First, using synchrotron x-ray diffraction we show that higher RS in the subsurface region is generated if a lower energy density is used. Second, we show that laser de-focusing and sample positioning inside the build chamber also play an eminent role, and we quantify this influence. In parallel, using X-ray Computed Tomography, we observe that porosity is mainly concentrated in the contour region, except in the case where the laser speed is small. The low values of porosity (less than 1%) do not influence RS.
Im Fokus dieser Arbeit steht die computertomographische (CT) Untersuchung (Synchrotron- und Labor-CT) von IN625-Pulver und den daraus gefertigten Streben, welche wiederum zu Gitterstrukturen zusammengesetzt werden. Aufgrund der Filigranität wurde zur Fertigung dieser Proben das pulverbettbasierte selektive Laserschmelzen verwendet.
Porositätsanalysen und Größenverteilungen wurden für das Pulver bei einer rekonstruierten Voxelgröße von 0,5µm ermittelt. 6,0mm lange Streben variierten im Aufbauwinkel von 30° bis 90° zur Bauplattform und zeigten so den Unterschied zwischen Up- und Down-Skin hinsichtlich der Rauigkeit und Porenverteilung. Die Gitterstrukturen konnten in-situ mit bis zu 5,0kN belastet werden, um deren Verformung computertomographisch zu erfassen.
Near eutectic cast Al–Si alloys are the basis of all Al-alloys used for pistons due to their high fluidity and relatively high strength-to-weight ratio. Their microstructure is characterized by the presence of eutectic-Si embedded in an age hardenable -Al matrix. During solution heat treatment, the eutectic Si network undergoes a process of gradual disintegration, reducing the load bearing capability and the strength of the alloy. The improvement of the high temperature strength is achieved by addition of transition elements such as Cu, Mg or Ni through the formation of stiff intermetallic (IM) phases.
In present study a near-eutectic AlSi12CuMgNi alloy produced by squeeze casting was investigated in as-cast condition. The in-situ neutron diffraction compression tests revealed the stress partitioning mechanism between phases of the alloy. Large stresses were found in IMs, showing their significant role as a reinforcement elements. After the failure of IM and Si phases the load is transferred back to the Al matrix, inducing further plastic deformation in it, yet without creating microcracking. The neutron diffraction experiments were coupled with assessment of internal damage after ex-situ compression tests by synchrotron radiation computed tomography. The quantitative analysis of CT data revealed that local tensile stresses in IM and Si phases induce microcracks with preferential orientation, parallel to the axis of applied load.
Altogether, present experimental data was used as an input for the developed micromechanical model based on Maxwell homogenization scheme. In contrast to the neutron diffraction experiment, which can only determine stress differences between the axial and radial sample directions, the model allows predicting the principal stresses in each phase of the alloy.
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.
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.
Synchrotron X-ray diffraction is a powerful non-destructive technique for the analysis of the material stress-state. High cooling rates and heterogeneous temperature distributions during additive manufacturing lead to high residual stresses. These high residual stresses play a crucial role in the ability to achieve complex geometries with accuracy since they can promote distortion of parts during manufacturing. Furthermore, residual stresses are critical for the mechanical performance of parts in terms of durability and safety.
In the present study, Ti-6Al-4V bridge-like specimens were manufactured additively by selective laser melting (SLM) under different laser scanning speed conditions in order to compare the effect of process energy density on the residual stress state. Subsurface residual stress analysis was conducted by means of synchrotron X-ray diffraction in energy dispersive mode for three conditions: as-built on base plate, released from base plate, and after heat treatment on the base plate. The quantitative residual stress characterization shows a correlation with the qualitative bridge curvature method. Computed tomography (CT) was carried out to ensure that no stress relief took place owing to the presence of porosity. CT allows obtaining spatial and size pores distribution which helps in optimization of the SLM process.
High tensile residual stresses were found at the lateral surface for samples in the as-built conditions. We observed that higher laser energy density during fabrication leads to lower residual stresses. Samples in released condition showed redistribution of the stresses due to distortion.
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.
Fiber-reinforced concretes (FRCs) offer significant improvements in tensile strength and durability compared to most other concrete mixes.
However, for safe and efficient use of FRC in large structures, anisotropy of fiber orientation needs to be understood and properly controlled. In this project, both cored samples extracted from a FRC slab and FRC samples cast individually in molds were assessed using X-ray computed tomography (CT) and measurements of fiber orientation were extracted from the resulting CT images. These results showed that fibers within the slab were highly anisotropic in orientation while fibers in individually cast samples showed a much more heterogeneous distribution of orientations.
This indicates that fiber orientation is highly dependent on the casting process and suggests that FRC can only be safely and efficiently utilized if anisotropic fiber orientation is properly accounted for during design and optimized casting methods are used during construction.
The layer-by-layer Additive Manufacturing (AM) by means of Selective Laser Melting (SLM) offers many prospects regarding the design of a part used in aeroplane components and gas turbines. However, structural deviations from the nominal morphology are unavoidable. The cooling of the finished part leads to shrinkage and a high surface roughness is induced by attached powder particles affecting the part volume too.
The integrity and load-bearing capacity of a SLM produced lattice structure (see Fig.1) has been investigated by means of in-situ X-ray computed tomography during compression. The lattice structure was compressed by 10 % in height with an applied maximum force of 5 kN. Additionally, a single strut has been investigated ex-situ as a component of the lattice structure. With the higher resolution achieved on the single strut, the pore distribution (size and location) as well as the surface roughness were assessed. One of the main results coming from the in-situ analysis was that the nodes were identified as the weakest points in the lattice structure.
Damage Analysis in Metal Matrix Composites by means of Synchrotron Radiation Computed Tomography
(2017)
The damage evolution after compression tests of two types of MMC, consisting of eutectic AlSi12CuMgNi alloy and reinforced with 15vol% of Al2O3 fibers and with 7vol% of Al2O3 fibers+15vol% of SiC particles was studied by synchrotron CT. Internal damage at different pre-strain conditions in eutectic Si, intermetallic phases and Al2O3 fibers was observed, as well as debonding of SiC particles.