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  MSE / Research / Projects / Local Strain Development and Property Variability in B2 Aluminides

Local Strain Development and Property Variability in B2 Aluminides
Collaborators: M. De Graef, Carnegie Mellon University
Materials: Metals Ceramics
Application: Structural
Technique: Characterization

In recent years the need for accelerated characterization and improved prediction of the properties of structural materials has become critical. Designs that utilize new structural materials require knowledge of not only average properties, but more importantly, minimum properties. Experimental generation of such information is costly and time consuming. While prediction of average properties (such as tensile, fatigue, creep) is challenging, predicting variability in these properties is an even greater challenge. This requires explicit consideration of microstructure and the associated heterogeneity of the plastic straining processes. The overall objective of this research program has been to develop a quantitative relationship between microstructure, local straining and macroscopic mechanical properties in high temperature metallic and intermetallic systems. To accomplish this, experimental high-resolution displacement mapping techniques for analysis of strains at the scale of microstructural features have been developed. Of specific interest is the homogeneity of straining on a grain-to-grain basis, the relationship to grain orientations and strain gradients in the vicinity of grain boundaries. Within this program we have demonstrated the high resolution capabilities of the displacement mapping technique via in-situ and ex-situ deformation of nickel-base superalloys and a variety of high temperature intermetallics. Due to their usual plastic deformation behavior and potential for structural applications or elements of thermal barrier coating systems, ruthenium aluminides have been of particular interest over the past year.
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