Shakedown analysis of shape memory alloy structures

Phase transformational shakedown of a structure refers to a status that plastic strains cease developing after a finite number of loading cycles, and subsequently the structure undergoes only elastic deformation and alternating phase transformations with limited magnitudes. Due to the intrinsic complexity in the constitutive relations of shape memory alloys (SMA), there is as yet a lack of effective methods for modeling the mechanical responses of SMA structures, especially when they develop both phase transformation and plastic deformation. This paper is devoted to present an algorithm for analyzing shakedown of SMA structures subjected to cyclic or varying loads within specified domains. Based on the phase transformation and plastic yield criteria of von Mises-type and their associated flow rules, a simplified three-dimensional phenomenological constitutive model is first formulated accounting for different regimes of elastic–plastic deformation and phase transformation. Different responses possible for SMA bodies exposed to varying loads are discussed. The classical Melan shakedown theorem is extended to determine a lower bound of loads for transformational shakedown of SMA bodies without necessity of a step-by-step analysis along the loading history. Finally, a simple example is given to illustrate the application of the present theory as well as some basic features of shakedown of SMA structures. It is interesting to find that phase transformation may either increase or decrease the load-bearing capacity of a structure, depending upon its constitutive relations, geometries and the loading mode.     

Development of Pt-Co catalysts supported on carbon nanotubes using the polyol method—tuning the conditions for optimum properties

Pt alloys with transition metals supported on carbon substrates are used as improved cathode electrocatalysts for fuel cells. Enhanced catalytic activity is attributed to the structure (Pt-Pt bond distance) and/or electronic effect (Pt d-electron vacancy). This work focuses on the development of Pt₃Co/f-MWCNT catalysts (functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes [f-MWCNT]) using ethylene glycol as the dispersing and reducing agent. The aim is to in parallel achieve fine dispersion, quantitative deposition and alloy formation. As described herein, the pH value of the reaction suspension has a critical effect on the composition and morphology of the synthesized nanoparticles. High pH values favor the formation of Pt₃Co alloy, nevertheless negatively influencing the dispersion. A discussion is made on the reduction/deposition mechanism and how to control the conditions to result in optimum properties.     

A study on the phase transformation behaviour of Cu-20wt.Sn alloy produced using powder metallurgy method: Experimental and molecular dynamics modelling

In this study, Cu-20wt.Sn alloy was produced by powder metallurgy (PM) method by using high purity element powders. The phases in the microstructure of the produced alloy were determined by XRD study. The phase transformation behaviour of the alloy was investigated by DSC and modelling method. Moreover, the Cu-20wt.Sn alloy system was modelled with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation based on modified Embedded Atom Method (MEAM). The radial distribution function (RDF) was calculated to determine the structural properties of system during the phase transformations. The experimental results showed that the transformation ($\alpha +\delta$) → ($\alpha +\gamma$) occur at temperature above 500°C. The simulation results showed that the phase transformation $\alpha +\delta \to \alpha +\gamma$ occurs at 550°C temperature. Our simulation results are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data.     

A study on anomalous yield drop behaviour in modified beta titanium alloys

ABSTRACT

The yield drop phenomenon observed in the Ti–15V-3Al–3Sn-3Cr (Ti–15–3) beta-titanium alloy and its anomalous behaviour in the boron and carbon added Ti–15–3 alloys have been studied. While the base and the carbon containing alloys exhibit yield drop, the boron containing alloy with smaller grain size than base alloy does not appear to show this phenomenon. Tensile tests were interrupted at different stress levels followed by analyses of slip lines and sub-structural characteristics using scanning and transmission electron microscopes to understand this anomalous yield point phenomenon. Infrared thermal imaging technique was used to map the strain localisation and the spatiotemporal evolution of deformation along the gauge length of the specimens during the tensile tests. Deformation in these alloys initiates only in a few grains. Pile-up of dislocations in these grains subsequently triggers the formation of dislocations in other grains and their rapid multiplications. The spreading of deformation by the generation of dislocations from pile up dislocations in one grain to neighbouring un-deformed grains and their rapid multiplication to new regions influence the yield drop phenomenon and its characteristics. It is shown in this study that microscopic instability in the grain level is a necessary, but not the sufficient condition for the manifestation of macroscopic instability during tensile deformation in polycrystalline materials. The presence of boride particles at grain boundaries restricts the slip transfer across the grains as well as the spreading of deformation to new regions, which causes the suppression of yield drop in the boron containing alloy.     

Effects on the evolution of microstructure and properties of low-silicon cast aluminum alloys in service

ABSTRACT

The microstructure evolution and property change of four kinds of low silicon cast aluminum alloy exposed to heat for 0–50?h at 200°C were studied by means of Brinell hardness test, tensile property test, friction and wear property test and XRD analysis. The results show that with increasing thermal exposure time, the tensile strength of each group of samples decreased and the amount of wear increased. The tensile strength of samples with more Si content decreased slowly. When the time increased to 50?h, the increase of wear loss was the largest. The hardness of samples after thermal exposure increases compared with that before thermal exposure. The residual stress of (311) diffraction crystal surface of AlSi3.5Mg0.66 under different thermal exposure time was measured. The type of residual stress changed from residual tensile stress to residual compressive stress after thermal exposure. There is an abnormal phenomenon that the hardness of the sample increased and the amount of wear increased, and it is evident that the distribution of residual stress was inhomogeneous after thermal exposure. It is found that with increasing thermal exposure time to 50?h, the average lattice distortion ε of the low-index crystal plane and the high-index crystal plane in the aluminum alloys gradually increased.     

快凝Pd82Si18合金原子团簇的演化特性及遗传机制

采用分子动力学(MD)模拟计算,对Pd82Si18合金快凝过程中基本原子团簇的遗传特性、演化趋势和结构稳定性进行了研究.团簇类型指数法(CTIM)分析表明:非晶固体中Si原子为中心的(102/14418/1551)双帽阿基米德反棱柱(BSAP)团簇数目占据优势.快凝过程中,BSAP结构团簇具有最大的遗传分数,并且其他以Si原子为中心的Kasper团簇大多都会向BSAP结构团簇转变.通过对Si原子为中心的Kasper基本团簇电子性质第一性原理计算发现,体系中BSAP团簇的结合能最低,结构稳定性较高,与分子动力学计算结果一致.     

Local zone wise elastic and plastic properties of electron beam welded Ti–6Al–4V alloy using digital image correlation technique: A comparative study between uniform stress and virtual fields method

Joining of materials using welding results in the formation of material zones with varying microstructure across the weld. Extraction of the mechanical properties of those individual heterogeneous zones are important in designing components and structures comprised of welds. In this study, the zone wise local extraction of the elastic and plastic properties of an electron beam welded Ti–6Al–4V titanium alloy has been carried out using both the uniform stress method (USM) and the virtual fields method (VFM) involving digital image correlation (DIC) technique. The surface strain field obtained using DIC technique from a transverse weld specimen tensile testing is used for extracting the zone wise strain evolution. Initially, using uniform stress assumption, zone wise full range stress–strain curves are extracted. In USM methodology, the elastic and plastic material models are fitted to the zone wise stress–strain curves and required parameters are extracted from it. But inherent disadvantage is lot of images need to be processed for the parameter extraction. Recently, VFM is gaining lot of popularity in characterization domain as it is robust, accurate and faster. VFM is based on the principle of virtual work where, the weak form of local equilibrium equations and kinematically admissible virtual displacement fields are utilized for parameter extraction. Hollomon׳s power law is used here as the hardening rule. Young׳s modulus, Poisson׳s ratio, yield stress, strength coefficient and strain hardening exponent are the parameters extracted zone wise using both USM and VFM. A Vicker׳s microhardness measurement is also conducted across the weld zone towards mapping the strength behavior. Fusion zone has reported higher yield strength, strength coefficient and Poisson׳s ratio. Young׳s modulus value is found decreasing from base metal towards the fusion zone. The trend observed in parameter variation across the weld zone obtained by both USM and VFM compares very well. Due to various advantages associated with VFM technique it is generally recommended for parameter extraction.     

A high dispersed Pt0.35Pd0.35Co0.30/C as superior catalyst for methanol and formic acid electro-oxidation

Pt：Pd：Co ternary alloy nanoparticles were synthesized by sodium borohydride reduction under nitrogen, and were supported on carbon black as catalysts for methanol and formic acid electro-oxidation. Compared with Pt0.65C00.35/C, Pt/C, Pd0.65C00.35/C, and Pd/C catalyst, Pt0.35Pd0.35Co0.30/C exhibited relatively high durability and strong poisoning resistance, and the Pt-mass activity was 3.6 times higher than that of Pt/C in methanol oxidation reaction. Meanwhile, the Pt0.35Pd0.35Co0.30/C exhibited excellent activity with higher current density and higher CO tolerance than that of Pt0.6sCo0.35/C, Pt/C, Pd0.65C00.35/ C, and Pd/C in formic acid electro-oxidation.     

New strategy for reversal tolerant anode for automotive polymer electrolyte fuel cell

New approach for the reversal tolerant anode for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell is suggested by using the multifunctional IrRu alloy catalyst having concurrent superior activities towards hydrogen oxidation reaction and oxygen evolution reaction to mitigate the degradation of anode under the fuel starvation condition.     

Formation of PdNiZn thin film at oil‐water interface: XPS study and application as Suzuki‐Miyaura catalyst

Nanosheet of PdNiZn and nanosphere of PdNiZn/reduced‐graphene oxide (RGO) with sub‐3 nm spheres have been successfully synthesized through a facile oil‐water interfacial strategy. The morphology and composition of the films were determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive analysis of X‐ray (EDAX) and elemental mapping. In the present study, we have developed a method to minimize the usage of precious Pd element. Due to the special structure and intermetallic synergies, the PdNiZn and PdNiZn/RGO nanoalloys exhibited enhanced catalytic activity and durability relative to Pd nanoparticles in Suzuki‐Miyaura C‐C cross‐coupling reaction. Compared to classical cross‐coupling reactions, this method has the advantages of a green solvent, short reaction times, low catalyst loading, high yields and reusability of the catalysts.