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.

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.

New research explores a zirconia-based shape memory ceramic that exhibits a unique type of electrically triggered martensitic transformation.

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.

An industry pioneer shares a historical overview of the early days of single crystal superalloy development.

Recent advances in neutron sources and detector technologies enable new contrast mechanisms to determine crystalline information for metal components. This new capability can help validate emerging additive manufacturing processes used to produce parts with complex geometries.

Metallic glasses are noncrystalline solid metals that have high strength, excellent corrosion resistance, and impressive hardness compared to their crystalline counterparts. A modern understanding of how glasses are formed along with an appreciation for the high ultimate yield strength of metallic glasses are leading to a boon in applications for these unique materials.

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.

This article series explores the indispensable role of characterization in the development of cold spray coatings. Transmission electron microscopy is used to understand powder characteristics, cold spray coating deformation behavior both within splats as well as near the coating-substrate interface, phase transformations in the as-sprayed and heat treated conditions, phase equilibria of the coating under the operating conditions pertaining to the application of the coating, the coating recovery mechanism, and the thermal stability of the coating.

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.

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.

An integrated strategy for the development of thermally sprayed functional oxide coatings is presented in this article. Strontium-doped lanthanum manganite (LSM), a prototypical functional oxide, was selected to demonstrate the approach.

Affordable bulk production of a newly developed nanostructured bainitic steel is possible without using severe deformation or complex heat treatments. This article discusses the characteristics and significance of nanostructured bainite in terms of the transformation mechanism.

This article, the second in a two-part series on titanium alloys, examines the effects of microtexture on deformation behavior, slip dislocations, and fatigue properties. Part I, which appeared in the April 2021 issue, described microstructural evolution processes that result in microtexture formation.

The unique metallurgy and microstructure of Cu-Ni-Sn spinodal alloys provide a combination of strength, toughness, hardness, and corrosion resistance, suiting them for applications ranging from bearings, bushings, and friction surfaces in all sorts of machinery to electrical connectors and EMI shielding gaskets.

News about ASM members, chapters, events, awards, conferences, affiliates, and other society activities. Topics include: ASM announces 2018 class of Fellows; ASM Indian Institute of Metals announces recipients of 2018 ASM/IIM Visiting Lectureship; ASM CEO William Mahoney reports on the 2017 Impact Factors for ASM journals; Jan Ludwick Cwajna named the 2018 IMS Henry Clifton Sorby Lecturer; professional profile for Karly Chester Etzel.