Structure, properties, and formation models of optical ceramics

The structure, properties, and formation mechanisms of Y₃Al₅O₁₂, Y₂O₃, and Lu₂O₃ laser ceramics are investigated. Their microhardness and fracture toughness are determined. It is shown that the change in mechanical properties is related both to the grain size and grain boundary structure. Processes of plastic deformation of crystals by mechanical twinning are considered. Mechanisms of formation and motion of twins in crystals with FCC structure are determined. It is shown that the realization of similar mechanisms in crystals with HCP structure results in the phase transformations. Models of the formation and motion of twin boundaries are proposed which result in pore healing when preparing monolithic samples of highly transparent ceramics.     

Impact toughness of EK-181 ferritic-martensitic chromium (12%) steel under loading by concentrated bending

The low-temperature fracture of a high-temperature low-activated ferritic-martensitic EK-181 chromium (12%) steel (RUSFER-EK-181: Fe-12Cr-2W-V-Ta-B) is studied using impact and static concentrated bending tests as a function of the specimen dimensions (standard, small), the type of stress concentrator (V-shaped notch, fatigue crack), and the temperature (from −196 to +100°C). The ductile-brittle transition temperature falls in the range from −85 to +35°C. The temperature dependences of stress-intensity factor K _Ic and fracture toughness J _Ic are determined. The severest type of impact toughness tests is represented by tests of V-notched specimens with an additional fatigue crack and two lateral V-shaped notches (three-sided V-shaped notch with a central fatigue crack). The fracture energy of the steel depends on the type of stress concentrator and the specimen dimensions and is determined by the elastic energy and the plastic deformation conditions in the near-surface layers of a specimen, which are controlled by the lateral notches. At the same test temperature, the impact toughness and the fracture toughness are interrelated. Irrespective of the type of specimen (including notches and a fatigue crack), the ferritic-martensitic steel exhibits the same fracture mechanism.     

Characterization of the fracture toughness of micro-sized tungsten single crystal notched specimens

Fracture experiments using micrometer-sized notched cantilevers were conducted to investigate the possibility of determining fracture mechanical parameters for the semi-brittle material tungsten. The experiments were also used to improve the understanding of semi-brittle fracture processes for which single crystalline tungsten serves as a model material. Due to the large plastic zone in relation to the micrometer sample size, linear elastic fracture mechanics is inapplicable and elastic-plastic fracture mechanics has to be applied. Conditional fracture toughness values J _Q were calculated from corrected force vs. displacement diagrams. Crack growth was accessible by direct observation of in-situ experiments as well as with the help of unloading compliances. As a further tool, fracture toughness can be determined via crack tip opening displacement. The micro samples behave more ductile and exhibit higher fracture toughness values compared to macro-sized single crystals and fail by stable crack propagation.     

The influence of interface reaction zone on interfacial fracture toughness of SiC fiber reinforced titanium matrix composites

A fiber-reaction zone-matrix three-phase model is developed to evaluate the interfacial fracture toughness of titanium alloys reinforced by SiC monofilaments. Based on fracture mechanics, theoretical equations of G_IIc are presented, and the effects of several key factors such as crack length and the interface reaction zone thickness on the critical applied stress necessary for crack growth and interfacial fracture toughness are discussed. Finally, the interfacial fracture toughness of typical composites including Sigma1240/Ti-6Al-4V, SCS-6/Ti-6Al-4V, SCS-6/Timetal 834, SCS-6/Timetal 21s, SCS-6/Ti-24Al-11Nb and SCS-6/Ti-15V-3Cr are predicted by the model. The results show that the model can reliably predict the interfacial fracture toughness of the titanium matrix composites.     

Evaluation on the interfacial fracture toughness of fiber-reinforced titanium matrix composites by push out test

The models for single-fiber push out test are developed to evaluate the fracture toughness G_IIc of the fiber/matrix interface in titanium alloys reinforced by SiC monofilaments. The models are based on fracture mechanics, taking into consideration of the free-end surface and Poisson expansion. Theoretical solutions to G_IIc are obtained, and the effects of several key factors such as the initial crack length, crack length, friction coefficient, and interfacial frictional shear stress are discussed. The predictions by the models are compared with the previous finite element analysis results for the interfacial toughness of the composites including Sigma1240/Ti-6-4, SCS/Ti-6-4, SCS/Timetal 834, and SCS/Timetal 21s. The results show that the models can reliably predict the interfacial toughness of the titanium matrix composites, in which interfacial debonding usually occurs at the bottom of the samples.     

Effect of Al content on impact resistance behavior of Al-Ti-B4C composite fabricated under air atmosphere

Reaction behavior, mechanical property and impact resistance of TiC-TiB₂/Al composite reacted from Al-Ti-B₄C system with various Al content via combination method of combustion synthesis and hot pressed sintering under air was investigated. Al content was the key point to the variation of mechanical property and impact resistance. Increasing Al content could increase the density, strength and toughness of the composite. Due to exorbitant ceramic content, 10 wt.% and 20 wt.% Al-Ti-B₄C composites exhibited poor molding ability and machinability. Flexural strength, fracture toughness, compressive strength and impact toughness of 30–50 wt.% Al-Ti-B₄C composite were higher than those of Al matrix. The intergranular fracture dispersed and defused impact load and restricted crack extension, enhancing the impact resistance of the composite. The composite with 50 wt.% Al content owned highest mechanical properties and impact resistance. The results were useful for the application of TiC-TiB₂/Al composite in impact resistance field of ceramic reinforced Al matrix composite.     

Micromechanical model for fracture toughness prediction in Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy forgings

An attempt has been made to model the plane-strain fracture toughness, K _Ic, in Al–Zn–Mg–Cu alloy forgings subjected to overageing. The proposed model, based on the multiple micromechanisms, reveals the quantitative relations between fracture toughness, fraction of all fracture modes and microstructural parameters associated with multiscale-sized second-phase particles and precipitate-free zones. The new model is validated by the present quantitative data of microstructural and fractographic analysis performed along with mechanical tests on hot-forged plates in T73 condition. The relevant parameters changed by the compositional variations were determined in two orientations. It was found that the predicted K _Ic values represent the tendency of fracture toughness change well. The new model provides better agreement for the case of dominant transgranular fracture mode.     

Atomic-scale mapping of twins and relevant defective structures in Al20Cu2Mn3 decagonal approximant

Twins or multiple twins occur frequently in the orthorhombic Al₂₀Cu₂Mn₃ approximant of decagonal quasi crystal (DQC). Due to the specific structural units, the twins in the Al₂₀Cu₂Mn₃ approximant usually exhibit the glide-reflection characteristics. Using aberration-corrected transmission electron microscope at the atomic scale, we have observed not only glide-reflection twins but also simple mirror-reflection twins in the Al₂₀Cu₂Mn₃ approximant. The two twinning modes are found to coexist in the present sample. These twins exhibit variant configurations at the twin boundaries where the tessellations of local subunits are imaged at an atomic scale. At the twin boundaries, diversified tiles such as star-like (S), bowtie-shaped and boat-shaped (B) are observed. The diversified tiles stacking with various manners allow the coexistence of the DQC and the approximant. Furthermore, the variants of B and S tiles are also found.     

Fracture toughness evaluation of WC–10 wt% Co hardmetal sintered under high pressure and high temperature

This work focused on fracture toughness studies of WC–10?wt% Co hardmetal fabricated through the high pressure/high-temperature technique. A powder mixture of WC–10?wt% Co was sintered at 1500–1900°C under a pressure of 7.7?GPa for 2 and 3?min. Vickers hardness test at two different loads of 15 and 30?kgf was done and fracture toughness of the sintered bodies was measured using the indentation method to obtain the effect of sintering parameters. Structural analyses were also performed via X-ray diffraction to investigate structure-related properties. Full density was achieved for high sintering temperature along with abnormal grain growth that reduced hardness. High hardness was observed ranging from 1200 to 1670?HV and fracture toughness increased with increasing sintering temperature up to the highest value of 17.85?MPa/m^1/2.     

Dynamic crack nucleation,propagation, and interactions with crystalline secondary phases in aluminum alloys subjected to large deformations

The major objective of this work was to model within a continuum framework the dynamic nucleation and evolution of failure surfaces in aluminum alloys with complex microstructures, using a recently developed compatibility-based fracture criterion for large deformations. Computational analyses were conducted to understand how Mn-bearing dispersoids, Ω and θ′ precipitates affect dynamic fracture processes in an Al–Cu–Mg–Ag alloys (2139-Al). High strain-rate simulations were based on a rate-dependent dislocation-density-based crystalline plasticity formulation and a nonlinear explicit dynamic finite-element approach. Results indicate that the fracture criterion elucidated how dispersoids and precipitates have a dominant role in dynamic crack blunting, branching and arrest. Rationally orientated precipitates result in overall dynamic microstructural strengthening and enhanced uniformity of deformation. These precipitates, however, accelerated unstable crack propagation, and this is amplified in the presence of a pre-crack. In contrast, dispersoids decreased microstructural toughness and ductility, but greatly improved dynamic damage tolerance, especially in the presence of a pre-crack. It can also be predicted that low angle boundaries can change the propagation direction of ductile cracks, and contribute to damage tolerance without crack initiation. Collectively, rationally oriented precipitates and dispersoids can significantly improve the combined dynamic strength, toughness and damage tolerance of crystalline aluminum alloys.     

Depth-Sensing Indentation on REBa2Cu3O7?δ Single Crystals Obtained from Xenotime Mineral

A natural mixture of heavy rare-earth oxides extracted from xenotime mineral have been used to prepare large single crystals of the high-temperature REBa₂Cu₃O_7??? superconductor, grown using the CuO?CBaO self-flux method. Its mechanical properties along the ab-plane were characterized using instrumented indentation. Hardness and elastic moduli were measured by the Oliver and Pharr method, which yielded 7.4?±?0.2?GPa and the range 135?C175?GPa at small depths, respectively. Increased loads promote the nucleation of lateral cracks, which reduce hardness and measured elastic modulus, as indicated by instrumented indentation at higher loads. The indentation fracture toughness, estimated by measuring the radial crack length from cube corner indentations at various loads, was found to be 0.8?±?0.2?MPa m^1/2. The observed slip systems of REBa₂Cu₃O_7??? single crystals were [100](001) and [010](001), the same as for YBa₂Cu₃O_7??? single crystals. The initial stages of deformation and fracture in the indentation process were investigated. The hardness and elastic modulus are not strongly modified by the crystallographic orientation in the ab-plane. This was interpreted in terms of resolved shear stresses in the active slip systems. Evidence of cracking along the {100} and {110} planes on the ab-plane was observed. In conclusion, the mechanical properties of REBa₂Cu₃O_7??? single crystals prepared from xenotime are equivalent to those of YBa₂Cu₃O_7??? single crystals from conventional rare-earth oxides.     

Grain size and composition effects on the cathodoluminescent characteristics of sprayed zinc oxide thin films

The cathodoluminescent (CL) property of 1?µm-thick sprayed ZnO films is here reported versus the sample mean grain size (D) resulting from the spraying flow rate (f) parameter. The deposition process, performed at T _s?=?723?K, leads to hexagonal packed structure of [002] preferred growth orientation, regardless of the f value. The CL-spectra are typical of the film's growth rate (r) and the intensity (I) of the three main emission lines (λ?≈?386, 497 and 644?nm) is greatly affected by D that is ranged between 0.40 and 0.90?µm. Their (I???D) curves have a similar profile that presents a common critical point, D _c?=?0.57?µm, depicting two different luminescent behaviours of the material. Smaller grains exhibit optimal intensities. Their band-edge near UV line (λ?≈?386?nm) proceeds from a phonon replica phenomenon; excess of interstitial Zn explains the result of their blue–green line (λ?≈?497?nm) while deep-level interactions effect is the relevant interpretation for the red one (λ?≈?644?nm). A decrease of luminescent properties from D?=?0.45?µm till D _c is assigned to the sample microstructure degradation. The bell-shaped profile of CL-intensity for D>D _c reflects a competition between the increase of the material reactive part and the collapse of crystallites quality due to higher content of Cl and S impurities in bigger grains. A limit of the two approaches appears at D?=?0.65?µm.     

Crack–grain boundary interactions in zinc bicrystals

In polycrystalline materials that fail by transgranular cleavage, it is known that crystallographic misorientation of preferred fracture planes across grain boundaries can provide crack growth resistance; despite this, the micromechanisms associated with crack transmission across grain boundaries and their role in determining the overall fracture resistance are not well understood. Recent studies on diverse structural materials such as steels, aluminum alloys and intermetallics have shown a correlation between fracture resistance and the twist component of grain misorientation. However, the lack of control over the degree and type of misorientation in experimental studies, combined with a dearth of analytical and computational investigations that fully account for the three-dimensional nature of the problem, have precluded a systematic analysis of this phenomenon. In this study, this phenomenon was investigated through in situ crack propagation experiments across grain boundaries of controlled twist misorientation in zinc bicrystals. Extrinsic toughening mechanisms that activate upon crack stagnation at the grain boundary deter further crack propagation. The mechanical response and crack growth behavior were observed to be dependent on the twist angle, and several accommodation mechanisms such as twinning, strain localization and slip band blocking contribute to fracture resistance by competing with crack propagation. Three-dimensional finite element analyses incorporating crystal plasticity were performed on a stagnant crack at the grain boundary that provide insight into crack-tip stress and strain fields in the second grain. These analyses qualitatively capture the overall trends in mechanical response as well as strain localization around stagnant crack-tips.     

Influence of nanotwin generation near crack twins on the fracture toughness of nanomaterials

A theoretical model of microscopic mechanisms of the nucleation and development of deformation twins in nanocrystalline materials has been developed. Within the model, we have studied the generation of deformation twins near crack tips, which occurs through multiple nanoscopic shears that represent nanoscopic regions of an ideal plastic shear. It has been shown that the nucleation of such nanotwins near crack tips reduces the high local stresses that arise near these tips. Thus, the generation and development of nanotwins near crack tips increases the fracture toughness of brittle nanocrystalline materials and serves as an efficient mechanism of improving the crack resistance of deformed nanocrystalline materials.     

Three-dimensional effects of microstructures on short fatigue crack growth in an Al–Li 8090 alloy

Al–Li 8090 alloy specimens were fatigued using a self-aligning four-point bend rig at R?=?0.1 and room temperature, in air, under constant maximum stress control. The crystallographic characteristics of fatigue crack initiation and early growth were studied using EBSD. It was found that the growth behaviour of a short crack were controlled by the twist (α) and tilt (β) components of crack plane deflection across each of the first 20 grain boundaries along the crack path, and that the α angle at the first grain boundary encountered by a micro-crack was critical in determining whether the crack could become propagating or non-propagating. In addition to the orientations of the two neighbouring grains, the tilt of their boundary could also affect α across the boundary. A minimum α-map for a vertical micro-crack was calculated to evaluate the resistance to crack growth into a neighbouring grain with a random orientation. Such an α-map is of value in alloy design against fatigue damage by optimising texture components in the alloys.     

Asymmetrical twin boundaries and highly dense antiphase domains in BaNb0.3Ti0.7O3 thin films

Asymmetrical twin boundaries and highly dense antiphase domains were identified by means of transmission electron microscopy in a perovskite-based BaNb_0.3Ti_0.7O₃ thin film grown by laser molecular beam epitaxy on a SrTiO₃ (001) substrate. The microstructural characteristics of the BaNb_0.3Ti_0.7O₃ film were clarified in terms of lamellar {111} twins and antiphase domains, the domain boundaries of which are 1/2?110? stacking faults. It is proposed that the intersections of (111) twinning with the antiphase domain boundaries result in the asymmetrical twin boundaries.     

Transformations in the Grain Boundary Ensemble of M1 Copper Subjected to Equal-Channel Angular Pressing during Recrystallization Annealing

The grain structure of M1 copper subjected to equal-channel angular pressing (ECAP) and subsequent annealing at 593K for 1 h is studied by means of transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with the diffraction of backscattered electrons. An increase in grain size and the formation of special boundaries (Σ3 twins both coherent and incoherent) are observed, along with the migration of high-energy Σ3 twins and common grain boundaries, the splitting of Σ9 special boundaries into Σ3 twins, and the splitting of common grain boundaries into Σ9 and Σ3 special boundaries. The local transformation of common grain boundaries into special boundaries also occurs. Particles of the Cu₂O phase are present on the migrating Σ3 twins and common grain boundaries.     

HAADF-STEM study of β′-type precipitates in an over-aged Al–Mg–Si–Ag alloy

Coarse, rod-shaped precipitates growing along ?100?Al directions in an Al–1.0?wt% Mg₂Si alloy with 0.5?wt% Ag additions were investigated by high-resolution high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM). All investigated precipitates had complex structures, being composed of domains separated by anti-phase resembling boundaries. The domains consist of a modified hexagonal β′-type structure that contains a considerable amount of Ag. Based on HAADF-STEM images, an average atomic model with space group P-62?m (189) and composition Al₃Mg₃Si₂Ag is proposed, having Al incorporation and Ag replacing certain Si atomic columns. Co-existence with the Ag-free β′-Mg₉Si₅ phase has been observed for some precipitates. The boundaries may be described as full or half units of the orthorhombic U2-AlMgSi precipitate phase. The HAADF-STEM images indicate partial replacements of Al atoms by Ag, in both the β′-type domains and the U2-type boundaries. Ag enrichment of the Al matrix near the precipitate/Al interface was observed for all the investigated precipitates     

Precipitation and fracture behaviour of Fe–Mn–Ni–Al alloys

The effects of Al addition on the precipitation and fracture behaviour of Fe–Mn–Ni alloys were investigated. With the increasing of Al concentration, the matrix and grain boundary precipitates changed from L1₀ θ-MnNi to B2 Ni₂MnAl phase, which is coherent and in cube-to-cube orientation relationship with the α′-matrix. Due to the suppression of the θ-MnNi precipitates at prior austenite grain boundaries (PAGBs), the fracture mode changed from intergranular to transgranular cleavage fracture. Further addition of Al resulted in the discontinuous growth of Ni₂MnAl precipitates in the alloy containing 4.2?wt.% Al and fracture occurred by void growth and coalescence, i.e. by ductile dimple rupture. The transition of the fracture behaviour of the Fe–Mn–Ni–Al alloys is discussed in relation to the conversion of the precipitates and their discontinuous precipitation behaviour at PAGBs.