Abstract
The ability to identify and quantify changes in the microstructure of metal alloys is valuable in determining fatigue life and dependability of metal cutting, shaping, and heat treated materials used in manufacturing applications. For example, certain metals, after being cryogenically (NDT) tested and treated, have shown large increases in their tool life when used in manufacturing cutting and shaping processes. Similarly, improved life of components used in Aerospace, Vehicle, Wind Energy, Piston and Turbine Power Plants and Transmissions has also been documented and can reduce the total cost of ownership. However, the mechanisms of microstructure changes in alloys under various treatments, which cause them to behave differently, are not yet fully understood. Such changes are currently evaluated in a semi-quantitative manner either by visual inspection of microscopic images of the microstructure or by destructive examination of the test material. Victor Sloan's patent pending cryogenic non destructive testing (NDT) process using electromagnetic acoustical transmission (EMAT) or ultrasound (UT) real-time recognition technology along with other physical shape change measuring and acoustic techniques quantitatively offers significant breakthroughs beyond existing techniques. It can measure the changes in microstructure and validate the initial assertion of increased tool life or material property characteristic changes under certain cryogenic non destructive testing and treating processes. Victor Sloan's innovations not only facilitate better understanding of the effects of cryogenic treatment of these materials, but also their impact on tooling, metal-cutting processes, manufacturing of metallic materials, residual stress, precipitation hardening and phase transformation of materials.
