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Microstructure and Deformation of Advanced Alloys

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A special issue of Crystals (ISSN 2073-4352). This special issue belongs to the section "Crystalline Metals and Alloys".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 29 May 2025 | Viewed by 13455

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Dr. Yuanbiao Tan

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Guest Editor

Guizhou Key Laboratory of Materials Mechanical Behavior and Microstructure, College of Materials and Metallurgy, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, China
Interests: non-ferrous metals and alloys; microstructure evolution; texture evolution; deformation behavior; mechanical properties; hot-working; cold-working
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Nikolai Zarkevich

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Guest Editor

U.S. Department of Energy, Ames Laboratory, Ames, IA 50011, USA
Interests: alloy thermodynamics; guided design of advanced alloys
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The microstructure evolution and deformation mechanisms in alloys were researched during over eight decades. While the initial work was mostly experimental, studies of defects (including dislocations) and their motion during deformations resulted in mathematical models describing deformation mechanisms. In spite of a great progress in this field, there remain important unresolved research topics. Collected in this Topic are contributions related to characterization of defects, microstructure evolution, deformation modelling, design of advanced alloys, and alloy processing during manufacturing (including additive manufacturing and thermomechanical treatment). The goal of this Special Issue of Crystals is to elucidate the relationships among behaviour of defects, microstructure evolution, deformations, and thermomechanical properties of advanced alloys, which are used for various applications (including energy generation and conversion, transportation and propulsion), relevant to energy, transportation, and aerospace industries. Submissions to this Special Issue are welcome in the following areas:

Physics-based deformation models;

Microstructure evolution and deformation;

Alloy properties at low or high operating temperatures;

Plasticity models;

Deformation models that bridge multiple length scales;

Deformation mechanisms in 3D-printed materials and components;

Validation of theoretical predictions;

Illustration of deformation modelling in engineering applications.

It is a pleasure to invite you to submit a manuscript for publication in this Special Issue. Research papers, communications, and reviews are welcome.

Dr. Yuanbiao Tan
Dr. Nikolai Zarkevich
Guest Editors

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Keywords

metals and alloys
defects
texture
microstructure
deformation
aging
properties
hot-working
cold-working

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Published Papers (12 papers)

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Research

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18 pages, 5331 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Flow Stress Constitutive Relation of S280 Ultrahigh Strength Stainless Steel

by Mutong Liu, Xiaochang Xie, Ye Tian, Yuwei Xia, Kelu Wang and Shiqiang Lu

Crystals 2024, 14(9), 819; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14090819 - 20 Sep 2024

Viewed by 345

Abstract

Isothermal constant-strain-rate compression experiments of S280 ultrahigh-strength stainless steel were conducted at 800–1150 °C, 0.001–10 s⁻¹, and 70% height reduction. The flow stress behaviors were analyzed based on the compression data. The strain compensation Arrhenius constitutive relation, multiple linear regression constitutive relation, and back-propagation (BP) neural network constitutive relation of this alloy were established for the first time. The S280 ultrahigh-strength stainless steel is characterized by a positive strain rate and negative temperature sensitivity. Its flow stress at high temperature (1000–1150 °C) and low temperature (800–950 °C) is generally at the steady state and the softening state, respectively. The three new flow stress constitutive relations all meet the requirements for engineering applications in terms of predictive precision. The BP neural network constitutive relation shows the highest predictive precision, with correlation coefficient R of 0.999 and average absolute relative error AARE of 1.04%. The strain compensation Arrhenius constitutive relation shows the lowest predictive precision, with R of 0.994 and AARE of 14.748%. The multiple linear regression constitutive relation shows the modest predictive precision, with R of 0.994 and AARE of 6.24%. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure and Deformation of Advanced Alloys)

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11 pages, 3352 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact of Mg on the Feeding Ability of Cast Al–Si7–Mg(0_0.2_0.4_0.6) Alloys

by Mile Djurdjevic, Srecko Manasijevic, Aleksandra Patarić, Srecko Stopic and Marija Mihailović

Crystals 2024, 14(9), 816; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14090816 - 17 Sep 2024

Viewed by 460

Abstract

The demand for high-performance Al–Si casting alloys is driven by their mechanical properties, making them popular in automotive, aerospace, and engineering industries. These alloys, especially hypoeutectic Al–Si–Mg, offer benefits like high fluidity, low thermal expansion, and good corrosion resistance. Silicon and magnesium primarily define their microstructure and mechanical properties. Silicon enhances fluidity, while magnesium improves strength and fatigue resistance. However, challenges like shrinkage porosity persist during solidification. Understanding solidification feeding regions is crucial, influenced by factors such as chemical composition, solidification characteristics, and casting design. This study investigates magnesium’s influence on feeding ability in hypoeutectic Al–Si7–Mg alloys through experimental tests. Increasing magnesium content from 0% to 0.6% affects the interdendritic and burst feeding regions. This could impact shrinkage porosity formation. The “Sand Hourglass” test results indicate a rise in porosity levels with higher magnesium content, which is linked to the narrowing of interdendritic channels and the formation of magnesium-rich intermetallic compounds. These changes hinder the liquid metal flow, worsening shrinkage porosity. Therefore, magnesium’s role in expanding the interdendritic region is a key factor in developing porosity in cast hypoeutectic Al–Si7–Mg alloys. This study highlights that porosity levels increase from 0% in magnesium-free Al–Si7 to 0.84% in Al–Si7–Mg0.6, underscoring magnesium’s significant impact on the occurrence of porosity in these alloys. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure and Deformation of Advanced Alloys)

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23 pages, 50333 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Bi-Pronged Attempt at Normalizing DL-EPRT Vis-à-Vis Grain-Boundary/σ-Phase Locales in Thermally Sensitized UNS S32205 Duplex Stainless Steel

by Abdulla F. Alshater, Abbas S. Hakeem, Ablikim Bake, Hatim D. Mohamed, Hosni M. Ezuber, Alia Mustafa, Ruqayah R. Alnasser, Mezna K. Al Ruwaihi, Aysha I. Rashdan, Fatema A. Jaberi and Khadija S. Bahar

Crystals 2024, 14(8), 692; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14080692 - 29 Jul 2024

Viewed by 675

Abstract

In a quest to vet UNS S32205 as a potential structural material to serve moderate-to-high temperature operations of NPP auxiliary components, the DL-EPR test was exploited. A bifronted scheme comprised of 650 and 850 °C discrete treatments intended to explore progressive eutectoid decomposition and degree-of-sensitization (DoS) scenarios was adopted. The nuance witnessed with yet another dual approach—the Cihal- and image processing (IP)-normalized signal landscape—was rationalized through its attribution to culprit microstructures. This was sought, inter alia, in the vicinity of grain boundaries and σ-phase inclusions by virtue of postmortem FESEM, STEM-EDX, HRTEM SAED and XRD ascertainment. Discernable reactivation-kinetics resurgence was believed to mark the onset of deleterious σ-phase dissolution. This only came into fruition with longer ageing times (8–17 h) at 650 °C and succumbed to prematurely (1 h), and at DC biases more cathodic than −0.25 VAg/AgCl with the 850 °C counterpart. Opportune corroboration was offered in i_r/i_a breakaway for the respective conditions, which was unveiled to be particularly pre-emptive (5 h) with IP- vs. Cihal-normalized peers (8 h) related to the 650 °C condition. Meanwhile, the 850 °C condition endured a similar surge after as little as 1 h of ageing across the board, which hints at concomitant sigma-phase culpability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure and Deformation of Advanced Alloys)

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11 pages, 3235 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Solid/Liquid and Eutectic Front Velocities on Microstructure Evolution in Al-20%Cu Alloys

by Alaaldeen Abdallah, András Roósz, Arnold Rónaföldi and Zsolt Veres

Crystals 2024, 14(7), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14070638 - 10 Jul 2024

Viewed by 585

Abstract

During the solidification process, microstructures are affected by the experimental conditions, the thermophysical characteristics of the alloy, and the type of grain-refining particles. Unidirectional solidification experiments were performed in a vertical Bridgman-type furnace to investigate the effect of the solidification front velocity on the solidified microstructure of a non-refined and refined Al-20%Cu alloy. The samples were solidified by rapidly increasing the sample velocity (v) range from 0.02 mm/s to 0.2 mm/s while maintaining an almost constant temperature gradient (~5 K/mm). As a result, despite changes in the solid/liquid front velocity along the sample, the microstructure of the non-refined alloys remained columnar. In the refined alloy, the columnar structure changed into an equiaxed structure at two different front velocities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure and Deformation of Advanced Alloys)

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11 pages, 5228 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancement of Scan Strategy for Improving Surface Characteristics of the SLMed Inconel 718 Alloy Component

by Sida Tang and Jitai Han

Crystals 2024, 14(7), 605; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14070605 - 30 Jun 2024

Viewed by 700

Abstract

The technique of selective laser melting has garnered significant interest due to its capacity to fabricate metal parts of any shape using a single printing process. In this study, a scan strategy was proposed for printing the inner structure part based on the varying performance of the Inconel 718 alloy part produced using different scan techniques. The test findings indicated that the surface quality of the printed material along the scan line exhibited significantly superior performance in comparison to that produced in a vertical direction to the scan line. Regarding the scan strategy, it is evident that the zigzag shape scan strategy exhibited superior performance in terms of the microstructure of the printed part. This is attributed to the more consistent cooling rate on each scan track. On the other hand, the square-framed scan strategy demonstrated a relatively optimal condition for the bending deformation of the printed part compared to other scan strategies. This is due to the more appropriate behavior of the molten pool during the outer edge printing process. After considering all of these criteria, a novel scan approach was created that included various scan strategies. The test findings indicated that the component produced using this novel scanning technique exhibited the combined benefits of both the square-shaped and zigzag-shaped scanning strategies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure and Deformation of Advanced Alloys)

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19 pages, 13367 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Simulation and Experimental Study of Hot Deformation Behavior in Near β Phase Region for TC21 Alloy with a Forged Structure

by Xuanming Ji, Qimei Tian, Yuanbiao Tan, Chaowen Huang, Mingpan Wan and Rudong Li

Crystals 2023, 13(10), 1524; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13101524 - 20 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1100

Abstract

Quasi-beta processing was considered to be a promising processing method to obtain a component with excellent mechanical properties. To achieve an optimized quasi-beta processing parameter for TC21 alloys, the hot deformation behavior in the near β phase region for the alloy with a forged structure was investigated by the thermal compression test and finite element (FEM) simulation. The obtained results indicated that the flow behavior of the samples was significantly influenced by the hot deformation parameters, and it exhibited a flow hardening behavior at the start stage of deformation. Based on the experimental data, the constitutive equation and processing maps were obtained. The optimum hot processing parameter was 986 °C/10⁻³ s⁻¹. Based on the FEM simulation results, the evolution of the temperature field, strain field, and stress field in the deformed samples at different strains exhibited a similar trend in the unstable region, which was distributed symmetrically along the center line of the samples, with the center area of the samples being the highest and the center area of the section being the lowest. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure and Deformation of Advanced Alloys)

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8 pages, 11644 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

A Machine Learning Approach for Segmentation and Characterization of Microtextured Regions in a Near-α Titanium Alloy

by Haodong Rao, Dong Liu, Feng Jin, Nan Lv, Jungang Nan, Haiping Wang, Yanhui Yang and Jianguo Wang

Crystals 2023, 13(10), 1422; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13101422 - 25 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1058

Abstract

The development of automated segmentation and quantitative characterization of microtextured regions (MTRs) from the complex heterogeneous microstructures is urgently needed, since MTRs have been proven to be the critical issue that dominates the dwell-fatigue performance of aerospace components. In addition, MTRs in Ti alloys have similarities to microstructures encountered in other materials, including minerals and biomaterials. Meanwhile, machine learning (ML) offers new opportunities. This paper addresses segmentation and quantitative characterization of MTRs, where an ML approach, the Gaussian mixture models (GMMs) coupled with density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) clustering algorithms, was employed in order to process the orientation data acquired via EBSD in the Matlab environment. Pixels with orientation information acquired through electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) are divided and colored into several “classes” (MTRs) within the defined c-axis misorientations (i.e., 25°, 20°, 15°, 10°, and 5°), the precision and efficacy of which are verified by the morphology and pole figure of the segmented MTR. An appropriate range of c-axis misorientations for MTR segmentation was derived, i.e., 15~20°. The contribution of this innovative technique is compared with previous studies. At the same time, the MTRs were statistically characterized in the global region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure and Deformation of Advanced Alloys)

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17 pages, 8888 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of Microstructure on Tensile Properties and Fatigue Crack Propagation Behavior for Lath Martensitic Steel

by Yongjie Deng, Yilong Liang, Fei Zhao, Fahong Xu, Ming Yang and Shaolei Long

Crystals 2023, 13(9), 1392; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13091392 - 19 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1190

Abstract

This paper addresses the role of multilevel microstructures on the fatigue crack propagation behavior and the tensile properties of lath martensite with different substructure sizes. Microstructure characterization of the alloy was carried out by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron back-scattering diffraction (EBSD), and optical microscopy (OM). Based on the classic Hall–Petch relationship, the results of tensile tests showed that martensitic block is the effective control unit of yield strength. Furthermore, the plasticity of lath martensite is not sensitive to grain size. The tensile deformation mechanisms were also discussed. Fatigue crack propagation tests revealed that the coarse grain has a higher crack propagation threshold and lower crack propagation rate than the fine grain in lath martensitic steel. The change in the plasticity zone ahead of the crack tip leads to the transitional behavior of the fatigue crack propagation rate. When plasticity zone sizes are equal to the block size, the fatigue crack propagation reverts to a stable propagation stage. Finally, an empirical model was established to predict the fatigue crack propagation rate of the stable propagation stage based on the tensile properties of the lath martensitic steel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure and Deformation of Advanced Alloys)

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12 pages, 3748 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Impact of Zirconium Doping on the Mechanical and Thermodynamic Characteristics of Pt-40Rh Alloy through First-Principles Calculations

by Fangzhou Li, Zhentao Yuan, Xiao Wang, Hua Dai, Changyi Hu, Yan Wei, Hongzhong Cai, Xian Wang, Qinqin Gao, Jialin Chen and Shaowu Zhu

Crystals 2023, 13(9), 1366; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst13091366 - 11 Sep 2023

Viewed by 923

Abstract

Zirconium (Zr) element doping has proven to be an effective strategy for reinforcing the strength and toughness of Pt-Rh alloys. However, the incorporation of Zr into Pt-Rh alloy in solid solution form renders its microstructural observation challenging through experimental means, thus complicating the elucidation of its underlying mechanisms. Therefore, this study employs density functional theory-based first-principles calculations to investigate the mechanical and thermodynamic properties of Pt-40Rh-xZr (x = 0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0) alloys. The results reveal that with an increasing Zr weight percentage, Young’s modulus, and hardness of Pt-40Rh-xZr alloys exhibit a trend of an initial decrease followed by a subsequent increase. Notably, at a Zr weight percentage of 1.0 wt.%, the alloy Pt-40Rh-1.0Zr demonstrates the highest Young’s modulus (329.119 GPa) and hardness (10.590 GPa). Concurrently, thermodynamic calculations indicate that as Zr content increases, the crystal thermal stability of Pt-40Rh-xZr alloys initially decreases before rising again. More specifically, the coefficient of thermal expansion for Pt-40Rh-1.0Zr is merely 89.518% of that observed in Pt-40Rh. These results imply that incorporating 1.0 wt.% Zr results in the most substantial enhancement in the comprehensive mechanical properties of the Pt-40Rh-xZr alloy. Consequently, this study offers theoretical insights that can guide the extended application of Pt-Rh alloys. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure and Deformation of Advanced Alloys)

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Review

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21 pages, 2274 KiB

Open AccessReview

Critical Challenges in the Anodizing Process of Aluminium–Silicon Cast Alloys—A Review

by Emel Razzouk, Dániel Koncz-Horváth and Tamás I. Török

Crystals 2024, 14(7), 617; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14070617 - 3 Jul 2024

Viewed by 2157

Abstract

The microstructure of the substrate plays a crucial role in the anodizing process. Anodizing cast aluminum alloys is quite challenging due to the higher levels of alloying elements present compared to pure aluminum. Elements such as silicon, iron, and copper significantly impact the growth and quality of the anodic layer. Additionally, anodizing parameters such as electrolyte composition, current density, and temperature are critical in determining the morphology and thickness of the anodic film. The casting process, surface condition, and post-treatment also affect the properties of the anodic layer. Optimizing these parameters is essential to achieve a durable and high-quality anodic layer. This work aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the various factors affecting the anodizing of cast aluminum alloys and the properties of the anodic layer, including its thickness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure and Deformation of Advanced Alloys)

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42 pages, 14124 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Critical Review on Recent Advancements in Aluminium-Based Metal Matrix Composites

by Amlan Kar, Aditya Sharma and Sachin Kumar

Crystals 2024, 14(5), 412; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14050412 - 28 Apr 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2134

Abstract

Aluminum matrix composites (AMCs) have garnered significant attention across various industrial sectors owing to their remarkable properties compared to conventional engineering materials. These include low density, high strength-to-weight ratio, excellent corrosion resistance, enhanced wear resistance, and favorable high-temperature properties. These materials find extensive applications in the military, automotive, and aerospace industries. AMCs are manufactured using diverse processing techniques, tailored to their specific classifications. Over three decades of intensive research have yielded numerous scientific revelations regarding the internal and extrinsic influences of ceramic reinforcement on the mechanical, thermomechanical, tribological, and physical characteristics of AMCs. In recent times, AMCs have witnessed a surge in usage across high-tech structural and functional domains, encompassing sports and recreation, automotive, aerospace, defense, and thermal management applications. Notably, studies on particle-reinforced cast AMCs originated in India during the 1970s, attained industrial maturity in developed nations, and are now progressively penetrating the mainstream materials arena. This study provides a comprehensive understanding of AMC material systems, encompassing processing, microstructure, characteristics, and applications, with the latest advancements in the field. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure and Deformation of Advanced Alloys)

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17 pages, 6503 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Critical Review of Anti-Corrosion Chemical Surface Treatment of Aluminum Alloys Used for Sports Equipment

by Bo Leng, Yuhua Xue, Jing Li, Jiantao Qi, Aihua Yi and Qixin Zhao

Crystals 2024, 14(1), 101; https://doi.org/10.3390/cryst14010101 - 22 Jan 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1504

Abstract

Aluminum alloys with low-weight property are promising structure materials for sports equipment. Alloying element-rich second-phase particles create the risk of localized corrosion and result in failure of sports equipment. Chromate conversion coatings as conventional and successful surface treatments were employed to provide a thin but compact film against corrosion. However, chromate species were toxic and carcinogenic for human beings and this process has been highly restricted. In this sense, alternative processes such as trivalent chromium conversion coating with low environmental risk require better corrosion-resistant performance compared to chromate conversion coating. In addition, the closed-loop system of the chromate electroplating process has been used in Europe and the United States. This is also a sustainable process for surface treatment of aluminum alloys applied in sports equipment. The present paper aims to summarize the methods and types of different aluminum alloy surface treatments and compiles the effects of various surface treatments on the corrosion resistance of aluminum alloys. The eco-friendly application of aluminum alloys in the field of sports equipment may be facilitated in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microstructure and Deformation of Advanced Alloys)

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