Search Results for specific strength

This article presents examples of engineered parts where PEEK (polyether ether ketone) thermoplastics have replaced traditional materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, titanium, and glass.

High-strength, corrosion-resistant steel is proposed as a cost-effective alternative to titanium alloys due to its high specific strength, high fatigue strength, good toughness, and corrosion resistance.

Aluminum-silicon (Al-Si) alloys have good castability in combination with high corrosion resistance, thermal conductivity, and specific strength, making them a strong candidate for many automotive applications. This article describes the processes used in the production of die-cast AlSi9Mg engine brackets for Volvo trucks, the effects of solution treatment temperature on Si particle size, and the benefits of Mg additions on yield strength and heat treatability.

The evolution of carbon nanotube composites, as inspired by the Materials Genome Initiative, unlocks new potential for materials sustainability in challenging deep space applications. This article describes research and development work at the Institute for Ultra-Strong Composites by Computational Design (US-COMP), a NASA Space Technology Research Institute consortium. US-COMP has developed a novel composite material with mechanical properties per unit mass that exceed state-of-the-art structural composites.

Field assisted sintering is a breakthrough technique for producing aluminum matrix composites that could replace high-density materials in a variety of applications.

Automotive manufacturers are making significant investments in the design and development of bioplastics and biocomposites-based components.

During the 20th century, the use of aluminum alloys helped the Allied Powers win World War II and made modern global air travel possible. Continuous improvements in engine technology, alloys, and manufacturing methods enabled the development of practical and efficient aircraft with varying passenger capacity and range capability. Conventional wrought aluminum alloys make up 70-80% of the weight of single-aisle airliners. Aluminum sheet, plate, forgings, extrusions, and castings all continue to be utilized in modern aircraft construction. This article explores a brief history of the special alloys, tempers, and product forms required to meet the unique challenges of flight.

During the past 30 years, enormous research has been devoted to developing titanium-base intermetallics for use in gas turbine engines as lightweight alternative to nickel-base superalloys. This article presents a brief history of Ti 2 AlNb and efforts to mature this material for commercial component production. The article includes processing experience insights gained from a current R&D program in China.

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.

This article discusses the development and use of a nondestructive evaluation (NDE) method that allows researchers to compare surface crystallographic orientations before and after mechanical testing to determine the impact of surface orientation on material response. Two gage samples were tested, one rectangular (Ti-Al), the other round (IN100). The samples were placed in a SEM equipped with an EBSD detector and a motorized fixture that rotates the test piece as EBSD and imaging data are collected. Inverse pole figure maps of both gage samples are presented.

Flow measurement is an increasingly important part of quality control systems in the heat treating industry. This article discusses the most commonly used flow measurement instruments and compares their operating principles.

Ahead of formal certification, many advanced metals have been qualified for 3D printing, allowing for the creation of previously impossible aerospace parts including for the hypersonic environment.

4D printing enables fabrication of complex objects that transform over time (the fourth dimension) when subjected to external stimuli. 4D printing of metallic functional materials is of special interest due to their capacity for self-assembly and multifunctionality, with the added benefit of higher actuation capability, in comparison with polymeric materials.

Fasteners play a critical role in engineered structures as a method of nonpermanent joining for the aerospace, infrastructure, civil, automotive, energy generation/distribution, and many other industries. Fastener failures can lead to disastrous consequences and substantial financial losses. One of the most common fastener failure modes is fatigue crack initiation and growth. Inadequate design considerations, material problems, insufficient preload, loosening, and excessive loads can all contribute to fastener fatigue. A case study of steel screw failures highlights some of the critical manufacturing and design factors that affect fastener fatigue.

Custom multiaxial fabrics enable use of resin infusion to achieve challenging weight specifications. This article provides a case study of how one materials supplier worked with a yacht builder to achieve weight and cost savings by using both innovative materials and a unique manufacturing process.

A new high-strength steel developed for cold stamping addresses the challenges presented by materials traditionally used to manufacture electric vehicle components.

Steel rebar is commonly used around the world to reinforce concrete. Understanding the basics of rebar tensile testing is critical to ensuring product quality. This article addresses issues in rebar tensile testing that are commonly misinterpreted or misunderstood by users.

Among the structural materials developed in the 20th century, titanium and its alloys have played a leading role in improving component performance. This article discusses development of new production techniques, specifications, economic aspects, and applications that have enabled the current applications of titanium alloys.

A recent advance in the evolutionary ladder of materials for orthopedic sports medicine applications involves composites made of one or more bioabsorbable polymers. This article describes preclinical and clinical results for a specific formulation comprising 30% beta tricalcium phoshate and 70% poly(lactide-coglycolide) polymer.

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.