Phase-Reversion Induced Nanometer-Sized Grains in Materials

该奖项的研究目标是研究加工概念，以制造具有极高强度和延展性的纳米级颗粒的工程材料。加工概念的发展将通过阐明控制纳米材料塑性变形和高延展性的基本原理来解决纳米结构材料低延性的关键问题。基于加工方案和机械性能之间的相互关系，将开发具有广泛材料系统预测能力的物理模型。该研究的成功完成将为具有优异成形性的先进高强度铁基合金的机械加工提供依据。纳米颗粒材料的高强度-延展性组合将允许更薄的部件或部件，这可能导致交通运输部门的燃油经济性。通常加入稀缺和昂贵的合金元素以达到高强度和延展性的预期效果。在这方面，研究结果可能会减少对这些合金元素的依赖，通过热机械加工的方法来获得纳米晶粒结构。此外，纳米颗粒/超细颗粒结构被认为有利于骨科植入物表面的细胞粘附和代谢活性。工程专业的研究生和本科生将通过参与研究以及将研究与现有课程相结合而受益。

The research objective of the award is to investigate processing concepts to fabricate engineering materials with nanometer-sized grains that are characterized by a combination of very high strength in conjunction with ductility. The development of processing concepts will address the critical issue of low ductility in nanostructured materials by elucidating the underlying basic principles governing plastic deformation and high ductility in nanograined materials. Physical models with predictive capabilities for a wide range of material systems based on the inter-relationships between the processing scheme and mechanical properties will be developed. Successful completion of this research will provide mechanical processing of advanced high strength iron-based alloys with superior formability. The high strength-ductility combination of nanograined materials will allow for thinner sections or components which may lead to fuel economy in the transportation sector. Often scarce and expensive alloying elements are added to achieve the desired effects of high strength and ductility. In this regard, the outcome of the research may reduce the dependence on these alloying elements through thermo-mechanical processing approaches to obtain nanograined structures. Additionally, nanograined/ultrafine-grained structures are believed to be favorable for cell adhesion and metabolic activity on the surface of orthopedic implants. Graduate and undergraduate engineering students will benefit through involvement in research and integration of research with existing curriculum.