Optimization of mechanically induced phase transformation at crack tip in metal for improved crack growth resistance

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Over the past decades, substantial progress has been made on the development of advanced materials and manufacturing processes to increase load bearing capacity and to facilitate the maintenance of metallic components. Development of high fatigue resistant steels and electron beam welding are examples of technological breakthroughs used in the energy production and automotive industries. While these technologies are promising, their utilization to manufacture and repair fatigue critical components remains limited due to the lack of fundamental knowledge and experimental data that prevent accurate sizing and service life prediction. To unleash the full potential of innovative materials and processes, it is crucial that significant progress be made on the characterization and fundamental understanding of component's fatigue behavior, and the related damage mechanisms. The overarching and long-term goal of the proposed DGP is to develop a fundamental understanding of the transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) under cyclic loading required to the development and manufacture of novel materials with an improved resistance to crack propagation. Outcomes for these new materials are pertinent for the automotive, the aerospace and the energy production sectors. The specific objectives (SO) of the program are SO1) to understand and control the mechanical stability of austenite (TRIP kinetic) and SO2) to understand and characterize the crack growth kinetic in the TRIP-aided microstructures. The uniqueness of the DGP program will translate into major scientific contributions on advanced fatigue testing, on the development of new materials and processes and on the durability of critical component that will be of great interest to the industry. It will support the development and acceptance of innovative materials and processes stemming from Quebec industries (Sodel, Velan, Hydro-Quebec) with a strong emphasis on components durability. It will also contribute to the adoption of technologies that will have a positive impact on energy production, by improving the load bearing capacity of components, and on the environment, by reducing the probability of catastrophic failures. Prof. Brochu's multidisciplinary academic background combined with a 10-year period of industrial practice as a professional engineer have enriched her academic work and contributed to her international recognition as a leader in the field of fatigue of metallic materials. Since 2011, the nominee has contributed to the training of 59 highly qualified persons (HQP)s. Eight HQPs will be trained within the research program of this discovery grant.