Application of heat treat simulation using the finite element method is ideal to troubleshoot, improve, and design heat treating processes. This article presents examples of heat treating simulation used in the design of a tooling component and in refining a low-pressure carburizing process.

This work describes the development of a model to simulate the compound layer growth kinetics for nitriding AISI 4140 steel based on a customized Lehrer diagram. The model can be used to calculate concentration profiles of nitrogen as a function of time and position during the nitriding process and to predict the thickness of the compound layer. Winner of the 2012 HTS-Bodycote Best Paper in Heat Treating Award endowed by Bodycote Thermal Process-North America.

Manufacturing data together with heat treating knowledge can be synthesized with physics and data-based modeling approaches in a closed loop to provide insight for improving process efficiency and product quality for overall reduction in operating and energy costs. This article provides case studies of data analytics for coil batch annealing and batch carburizing.

Experimentally derived surface heat flux rate data and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software are helping researchers more accurately simulate liquid quenching processes. This article describes an approach where surface heat flux rates are determined experimentally in a precisely controlled flow boiling test system. This data is then used to build CFD models that are proving to be quite accurate in quenching process simulations.

Integrated computational materials engineering (ICME) is a relatively new discipline that shows great promise for reducing the cost and time required to design and deploy new materials, manufacturing technologies, and products. This article introduces an ICME implementation framework for product development using modeling of a friction stir welding process as an example.

Profile of David Furrer, the 2018-2019 President of ASM International

The Center for Heat Treating Excellence (CHTE) was founded with the goal of bringing the industrial sector and university researchers together to find solutions to real-world problems. The Center, located at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts, has 19 members from all areas of industry working together with WPI researchers to improve both heat treat and thermal processing methods worldwide. This article describes some of the current CHTE research projects.

A new welding process known as hybrid induction arc welding (HIAW) or high deposition arc welding (HiDep) uses a hybrid approach to reduce—or even eliminate—weld distortion and greatly increase productivity. Operating directly in front of the arc welding torch, a portable induction coil heats the surfaces of the weld to, or near, the melting point. Heat generated by the welding arc is primarily used to melt the welding wire. This novel process operates at speeds two to four times faster than conventional arc welding and substantially reduces weld distortion.

In this article, the authors demonstrate the use of simulation software to optimize low-pressure carburizing (LPC) processes for high-alloy steels with strong carbide-forming elements.

Modeling and simulation are used to solve the problem of folded grooves, a common occurrence during aluminum wheel forging.

Profile of the 2012-2013 President of ASM International, Gernant E. Maurer.

This article describes work being done at the University of Limoges to develop thermal spray coatings for use in new nuclear power plant designs.

This article describes research at Los Alamos National Laboratory that is aimed at building a coupled experimental and computational methodology that supports the development of predictive damage capabilities by: (1) capturing real distributions of microstructural features from real material and implementing them as digitally generated microstructures in damage model development, and (2) distilling structure-property information to link microstructural details to damage evolution under a multitude of loading states.

The 15th World Conference on Titanium included papers on titanium alloy development, efforts to reduce Ti powder costs, additive manufacturing, and computational materials modeling tools. This article reviews some of the key advances reported at the conference.

News about ASM members, chapters, events, awards, conferences, affiliates, and other society activities. Topics include: ASM President Christopher Berndt visit to India; Prof. Thaddeus B. Massalski receives the 2012 J. Willard Gibbs Phase Equilibria Award; volunteer profile for Mario Epler, Carpenter Technology Corporation.

An in-depth understanding of technology trends not only keep materials engineers relevant, but also puts them in the driver’s seat when it comes to formulating strategies and executing projects. Some of today’s technology trends that are relevant to materials engineers include data analytics, artificial intelligence (machine learning and deep learning), blockchain, digital thread and digital twins, Internet of Things (IoT) or Industry 4.0, additive manufacturing, electric vehicles, and autonomous vehicles.

Industry 4.0 is an emerging technology trend in the manufacturing arena that emphasizes the connectivity of physical and digital process across product development cycles. This article presents some examples of how Industry 4.0 will affect heat treating operations.

To learn about the latest trends in advanced materials, we turned to four of ASM’s thought leaders: John Ågren, KTH Royal Institute of Technology; George T. (Rusty) Gray III, Los Alamos National Laboratory; Jennie S. Hwang, H-Technologies Group; and David K. Matlock, Colorado School of Mines. This article presents their perspectives on the future of engineered materials, key areas of opportunity, and what ASM can do to support the next generation of materials scientists and engineers.

New methods for processing titanium alloys offer the potential to enhance mechanical properties while reducing component cost. This article discusses innovative and potentially lower cost fabrication processes including additive manufacturing (AM), superplastic forming/diffusion, hot isostatic pressing (HIP) near-net shapes from prealloyed powder, injection molding, rapid solidification, mechanical alloying, and thermohydrogen processing.

Highlights from a member survey and panel discussion outlining the challenges and benefits of advanced manufacturing for the materials community. The article covers research being conducted in academia and industry to develop and integrate advanced manufacturing techniques; methods for in-process monitoring and machine learning; and challenges in adopting new digital manufacturing technologies.