By changing a setup and using electron transparent samples, hundreds of laboratories worldwide have access to a characterization technique, transmission Kikuchi diffraction, that measures grain sizes and orientations in nanocrystalline materials.

Optimizing the integrity and performance of highly engineered surfaces and structures requires the ability to visualize and understand material behavior over multiple length and time scales from a three-dimensional perspective. The Electron Microscopy Centre at the University of Manchester is equipped for such work as demonstrated in problem-solving scenarios involving multiscale imaging and analysis of the progression of intergranular corrosion in Al alloy 2024, the catalytic effect of silver nanoparticles in seawater, recrystallization in a volume element of a bronze alloy, and defect progression on graphene surfaces.

Advances in software algorithms and design enable automation of microstructure image analysis, leading to cost savings, reduction in measurement variability, and access to important metrics.

The ability to make components from copper and copper alloys via additive manufacturing is spurring a range of novel applications. Although the high thermal conductivity of copper presents challenges for direct AM processes, fully dense copper components with complex geometries have been demonstrated. Of particular interest is the ability to use AM methods to fabricate internal cooling channels and mesh structures to optimize thermal management. This article describes feasibility studies to evaluate AM processing of copper parts.

This article series explores the indispensable role of characterization in the development of cold spray coatings. Electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) is a characterization technique that enables determination of crystal orientations, texture, boundary misorientations and deformation behavior, and bonding mechanism in cold spray coatings.

Determining the root cause of avionics failures requires a disciplined and systematic analytical process supported by sophisticated equipment. This article reviews some of the analytical tools and techniques used to understand and prevent avionics failures.

Through a series of case studies, the benefits of micro x-ray fluorescence (XRF) over traditional XRF are demonstrated in the power generation industry for informing weld procedures, identifying root cause, and providing materials or component specifications.

The discovery of new phases of carbon and direct conversion of carbon into diamond and diamond-like materials—at ambient conditions and without a catalyst—is a breakthrough with tremendous potential for electronics and hard-materials applications.

This article explains how SEM, TEM, and atom probe tomography are being used in the development of additively manufactured high-entropy alloys (HEAs), revealing critical features such as anisotropic microstructure and metallurgical defects. It also discusses ongoing efforts to improve the predictability and analysis of HEA microstructure using data-driven approaches.

Development of new, radiation-tolerant materials that maintain the structural integrity and safety margins over the course of a nuclear power reactor’s service life requires the ability to predict degradation phenomena. Modern post-irradiation examination methods make use of specialized high-flux test reactors and dedicated characterization facilities to limit occupational exposure and prevent the spread of radioactive contamination. This article illustrates the use of these advanced techniques to characterize precipitates in neutron-irradiated Fe-Cr-Al alloys.

Wavelength-dependent or hyperspectral imaging is a novel nondestructive characterization technique in the field of neutron radiography and computed tomography. A dedicated facility named VENUS is currently being built at Oak Ridge National Laboratory to provide these characterization capabilities for academia, industry, and other national laboratories. This feature article describes the VENUS capabilities for materials science and engineering, provides a quick overview of the modes of access of the facility, and illustrates the nondestructive measurements and interpretation of results.

Metal-matrix composite (MMC) materials are being developed at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for a diverse range of automotive applications from pistons and cylinder liners to exhaust manifolds and chassis sections. The ability to tailor not only the properties but also the functionality of MMCs gives automotive engineers a powerful new tool in dealing with increasingly strict fuel economy standards.

Molybdenum aluminum boride (MAB) phases have layered nanolaminate structures, suiting them for potential use in cutting tools, leading edges for hypersonic vehicles, high-temperature electrodes, and other demanding applications. This case study demonstrates a process for the production of MoAlB particulates and their incorporation in polymer-matrix composites.

Nano-scratch testing can be tailored to quantify the adhesion strength of small-scale surface formations, deposits, and structures on a wide range of materials. This article describes the basic measurement technique and presents examples showing how it has been used to evaluate the bonding characteristics of plasma-sprayed Al 2 O 3 splats on steel, osteoblast cells on hydroxyapatite-based coatings, and carbon nanotubes on copper and silicon substrates.

News about ASM members, chapters, events, awards, conferences, affiliates, and other society activities. Topics include: ASM technical committees update; volunteer profile for Dana Drake; women in engineering profile for Mary O'Brien.

News about ASM members, chapters, events, awards, conferences, affiliates, and other society activities. Topics include: ASM Board nominees for 2014-2015 announced; profile of Valery Rudnev, editor of ASM Handbook, Volume 4C, Induction Heating and Heat Treatment; volunteer profile for Bob Gaster.

News about ASM members, chapters, events, awards, conferences, affiliates, and other society activities. Topics include: 2012 ASM Awards Recipients and volunteer profile for Beth Armstrong, Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

The fraction and size of pores present in EBM Ti-6Al-4V specimens varies depending on the melting strategy used, whether linear raster melting or point melting.

To learn about the important connection between mechanical engineering and materials science, we turned to five experts with backgrounds in both fields for insight. The panelists share their perspectives on how the two disciplines informed their careers, which types of design challenges can be solved with materials information, and how ASM can improve that connection by leading with a “unity of disciplines” approach. The panelists are Scott Carpenter, Vactronix Scientific; Bertrand Jodoin, University of Ottawa; Vistasp Karbhari, The University of Texas at Arlington; Marina B. Ruggles-Wrenn, Air Force Institute of Technology; and Judith A. Todd, The Pennsylvania State University.

News about ASM members, chapters, events, awards, conferences, affiliates, and other society activities. Topics include: 2015 class of ASM Fellows; ASM holds its first-ever Affiliate Summit in July 2015; spotlight for ASM Handbook, Volume 7 editors Prasan Samal and Joseph Newkirk.