Search Results for materials characterization

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.

To meet the rigorous demands of next-generation computer technology, new approaches to nondestructive measurement for early stage, temperature dependent materials characterization are needed. Terahertz spectroscopy bypasses the limitations of other characterization techniques by enabling nondestructive measurement under variable temperature and high magnetic field conditions.

This article summarizes the more common analytical techniques for studying ancient metal artifacts, illustrated by case histories. There are two main classifications: noninvasive and invasive techniques. This distinction is of prime importance because some heritage objects may be too rare or valuable for invasive sampling, or there may be ethical objections to certain types of examination. Noninvasive examination of ancient metal artifacts is important, yet it cannot provide the detailed information obtainable from invasive techniques. This is especially true when artifacts contain “hidden” damage and there is also a need for accurate quantitative analyses.

Structural features, spatial locations, and morphological measures not readily attainable with 2D methods are now accessible using 3D microstructure characterization techniques.

Integrated elemental analysis with color imaging lets researchers quickly and accurately answer compositional questions.

In steel production, an automated particle workflow can increase the efficiency and statistical relevance of nanosized precipitate analyses, resulting in increased productivity and accuracy.

The hands-on experience provided during an Eisenman Materials Camp for students is a compelling way to excite young people to consider a STEM career. The volunteer-lead curriculum pairs a weeklong failure analysis project with many hands-on heat treating, metal casting, and materials characterization experiments. This article provides background about the Eisenman camp as well as the other student camps organized by the ASM Materials Education Foundation and discusses their benefits and long-term impact.

Modeling and simulation are proving to be an effective alternative to the trial-and-error practices often used when developing and evaluating nondestructive tests for materials characterization. This article demonstrates the benefits of modeling in different cases where eddy current and ultrasonic inspection methods are employed.

This excerpt from ASM Handbook, Volume 10: Materials Characterization describes the technique used to determine crystal structure and the arrangement of atoms in a unit cell.

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.

Neutron-based imaging and measurement techniques are an ideal complement to x-ray methods for characterizing additively manufactured materials and components. This article presents examples showing how neutron radiography and residual strain measurements reveal the internal structure and stress distributions in highly engineered turbine blades produced by additive processes. It also discusses the development of neutron characterization tools at ORNL and a recent effort in which they were used to evaluate stress-relief treatments for large-scale metal AM structures.

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.

In Germany, the Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is addressing challenges in the implementation of additive manufacturing on the industrial landscape for safety-critical applications. This article provides an overview of BAM’s activities in additive manufacturing with a focus on safety (both for applications and the environment) and AM technology innovation for a wide range of materials and manufacturing locations.

Enhancement of the diffusion bonding process for the development of compact heat exchangers (CHXs) provides an energy efficient solution for high-temperature applications in advanced nuclear reactors and other technologies. However, available information is limited concerning the diffusion bonding (and manufacturing) of CHXs in high temperature applications and associated selection of bonded materials, bonding conditions, mechanical performance, and thermo-fluid characteristics. This article reviews the available knowledge and the ongoing research being conducted to address gaps in information and application.

X-ray microscopy (XRM) offers long working distances and switchable magnification, facilitating time-resolved volumetric investigation of materials and structures. Examples show how XRM opens new windows into microstructure evolution processes in functional materials such as batteries, in response to charge state, and polymer foams, in response to compression loading.

Vision-based machine learning systems for microstructural characterization and analysis are being successfully used for image classification, semantic and instance segmentation, and object detection, leading to accurate, autonomous, objective, and repeatable results.

Characterizing ice and snow is important not only for building accurate climate models, but also for activities such as relating the mechanical properties of sea ice to its microstructure so that the interaction of ice with ships and structures can be better understood. This article describes the microstructural characterization of ice. Many microstructural characterization techniques that can be applied to other materials also can be used to examine ice.

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.

A mixed-reality application called HoloMicroscope helps microscopists make decisions and analyze data efficiently while using transmission electron microscopes. In the context of materials research, using mixed reality augments a user’s interaction by allowing them to see a TEM column and its control panels, while also interacting with three-dimensional holograms that are projected into their field of view. Introduction of mixed reality into a data-intensive research workflow could help accelerate scientific discovery. This article provides background about technology and a case study in its use.

3D laser microscopy is opening new areas of study for metallic alloys and coatings in power generation applications. This article describes some case studies where laser microscopy has augmented, and in some cases replaced, metallic alloy characterization using optical microscopy or scanning electron microscopy.