Role of Grain Size and Recrystallization Texture in the Corrosion Behavior of Pure Iron in Acidic Medium

This work investigates the role of grain size and recrystallization texture in the corrosion behavior of pure iron in 0.1 M sulfuric acid solution. Annealing heat treatment was applied to obtain samples with different average grain sizes (26, 53 and 87 µm). Optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction and electron backscatter diffraction techniques...

Uncovering the white etching area and crack formation mechanism in bearing steel

The microstructure of a damaged bearing from the field was characterized in this work with the intention to better understand microstructural features behind formation of White Etching Cracks (WEC) in bearings. Microstructural characterization of the altered white etching area (WEA) involved conventional electron backscattered diffraction ...

Microstructure Study of Pulsed Laser Beam Welded Oxide Dispersion-Strengthened (ODS) Eurofer Steel

Oxide dispersion-strengthened (ODS) Eurofer steel was laser welded using a short pulse duration and a designed pattern to minimise local heat accumulation. With a laser power of 2500 W and a duration of more than 3 ms, a full penetration can be obtained in a 1 mm thick plate. Material loss was observed in the fusion zone due to metal...

A multivariate grain size and orientation distribution function: Derivation from electron backscatter diffraction data and applications

Two of the microstructural parameters most influential in the properties of polycrystalline materials are grain size and crystallographic texture. Although both properties have been extensively studied and there are a wide range of analysis tools available, they are generally considered independently, without taking into account the possible...

Microstructural investigation and identification of intermetallic σ-phase in solution annealed 316L-type austenitic stainless steel

MYRRHA (Multi-purpose hYbrid Research Reactor for High-tech Applications) is an accelerator driven system, currently under development at SCK CEN in Mol, Belgium. This nuclear system will use liquid Lead-Bismuth eutectic alloy as a spallation target for fast neutron production and as coolant. The ideal structural material for a liquid metal...

Development of a new generation of quench and partitioning steels: Influence of processing parameters on texture, nanoindentation, and mechanical properties

A novel quenching and partitioning process (Q&P) including the hot stamping (HS) process was studied, using two stamping temperatures (750 °C and 800 °C) and two quenching temperatures (318 °C and 328 °C). This combination is here called Hot Stamping and Quenching and Partitioning process (HSQ&P). The partitioning step was performed...

Electron microscopy investigations of А356 alloy modified with nanoparticles

Two types of A356 alloy castings in initial and modified with nanoparticles condition produced by gravitational casting were studied. Samples, as-cut from the castings, were subjected to light optical microscopy (LM), thermal analyses, Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) analyses....

In situ high-temperature EBSD and 3D phase field studies of the austenite-ferrite transformation in a medium Mn steel

In this research, in situ high-temperature electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) mapping is applied to record and analyze the migration of the α/3 interfaces during cyclic austenite-ferrite phase transformations in a medium manganese steel. The experimental study is supplemented with related 3D phase field (PF) simulations to better...

Site-specific quasi in situ investigation of primary static recrystallization in a low carbon steel

Low-alloyed steels with body-centered cubic crystal structure are a material class that is widely used for sheet metal forming applications. When having an adequate crystallographic texture and microstructure, their mechanical behavior is characterized by an isotropic in-plane flow behavior in combination with a low yield strength. The...

In situ study on fracture behaviour of white etching layers formed on rails

Failure in engineering materials like steels is strongly affected by in-service deleterious alterations in their microstructure. White Etching Layers (WELs) are an example of such in-service alterations in the pearlitic microstructure at the rail surface. Cracks initiate in the rails due to delamination and fracture of these layers and...

Use of local electrochemical methods (SECM, EC-STM) and AFM to differentiate microstructural effects (EBSD) on very pure copper

When aiming for an increased and more sustainable use of metals a thorough knowledge of the corrosion phenomenon as function of the local metal microstructure is of crucial importance. In this work, we summarize the information presented in our previous publications[1-3] and present an overview of the different local (electrochemical) techniques...

Tempering of martensitic steel for fasteners: Effects of micro-alloying on microstructure and mechanical property evolution

The research presented in this thesis aims to deepen our understanding of the effect of micro-alloying on the microstructure and mechanical property evolution during tempering of martensitic steel for fasteners. The ongoing trend of engine down-sizing has led to the need for stronger and more temperature resistant fasteners than currently...

Micromechanisms of Failure under Static Loading in Sheet Metals for Automotive Applications

Nucleation of ferrite in austenite: The role of crystallography

The nucleation mechanisms during solid-state phase transformations in polycrystalline materials are still not completely understood. The nucleation stage has a strong influence on the overall evolution of phase transformations, which determines the final microstructure and thereby the properties of the material. The understanding of grain...

Fundamentals of Rolling Contact Fatigue

In the mechanical industry there is a need for continuous development towards increasing performance of various types of machinery. Critical components in such machines are exposed to gradually harsher operating environments involving higher cyclic stresses and operating temperatures. Examples of such fatigue-exposed components are gears,...