A representative assessment of novel high performance steels produced through rapid alloy prototyping

作为EPSRC资助的繁荣伙伴关系（英国塔塔钢铁公司、斯旺西大学、沃里克制造集团）的一部分，将采用快速合金原型（RAP）技术为英国塔塔钢铁公司开发高产量和各种各样的新型和创新材料。这种高吞吐量的方法能够改变钢铁创新周期，大幅减少筛选时间，同时为多个行业的多样化供应链提供支持。RAP工艺可以产生多达数千种新的微型材料，目标合金应用可能涵盖汽车和建筑和管道管材。为了选择这些材料并将其转化为全组件规模的服务，需要先进的机械测试和表征。该项目旨在通过进行先进的大气测试和模拟使用中的负载循环和条件，研究下选合金在代表性环境中的产品性能。还将评估其他性能，如氧化和腐蚀反应，应力腐蚀开裂敏感性，疲劳（HCF和LCF）性能，断裂韧性和表面效应。这些评估通常使用标准化测试样本进行，然而，该项目还将探索为微型和微量样品生成类似代表性数据的可能性，并调查此类测试的潜在缩放和体积效应。如果成功的话，就可以更好地了解性能，而不需要生产大量的材料。将利用先进的成像技术以及微观原位机械测试。材料性能将与工艺参数相关联，收集的数据评估将得到巩固，以进一步优化合金加工。研究工程师将：-定义实验室模拟的代表性服务环境要求，并在需要时开发新的测试技术。进行能力验证-对现有的Tata钢合金进行基准测试，如双相钢800（DP 800）-进行小规模调查：先进的成像和原位测试。大气和机械测试。了解样品量是否影响产生的数据。- 进行全面的性能评估和表征的缩小选择规模的材料（化学。微观结构、机械和环境）。了解微观结构、加工参数和其他性能对材料最终性能的影响。与塔塔钢铁合作伙伴合作，优化选定的合金和加工路线，以进一步扩大到全工厂试验。该项目将支持EPSRC繁荣伙伴关系。候选人将有难得的机会直接参与新型钢合金的开发和优化，通过出版物和专利提供广泛的开发范围。除了有能力对材料在各种应用中的性能进行深入了解外，还将有能力探索潜在的“蓝天”合金成分和新型测试技术，从而推动行业的进一步发展。

A Rapid Alloy Prototyping (RAP) technique will be employed to develop a high throughput and wide variety of new and innovative materials for Tata Steel UK as part of an EPSRC funded Prosperity Partnership (Tata Steel UK, Swansea University, Warwick Manufacturing Group). This high-throughput approach has the capability of transforming the steel innovation cycle and reducing screening times substantially whilst feeding a diverse supply chain in multiple sectors. The RAP process can generate up to thousands of new miniature-scale materials, with target alloy applications likely covering automotive and tubes for construction and pipeline. In order to down-select and translate these materials into service at full component scale, advanced mechanical testing and characterisation is required. This project aims to investigate the product performance of down-selected alloys in a representative environment by means of carrying out advanced atmospheric testing and simulating in-service loading cycles and conditions. Further properties will also be assessed such as oxidation and corrosion response, Stress Corrosion Cracking susceptibility, fatigue (HCF and LCF) performance, fracture toughness and surface effects. These assessments would typically be carried out utilising standardised test specimens, however, the project will also explore the possibilities of generating similar representative data for miniature and micro-samples and investigating potential scaling and volumetric effects of such tests. If successful, a greater understanding of performance can be obtained without the need to produce large volumes of material. Advanced imaging techniques will be utilised as well as micro in-situ mechanical testing. Material performance will be correlated with process parameters and evaluation of data gathered will be consolidated to further optimise alloy processing. The Research Engineer will:- Define representative service environmental requirements of the laboratory simulation and development of novel testing techniques where required.- Conduct capability validation - benchmarking against existing Tata Steel Alloys, such as Dual Phase Steel 800 (DP800)- Conduct a small-scale investigation: advanced imaging and in-situ testing. Atmospheric and mechanical testing. To understand if sample volume influences data produced. - Undertake full performance assessment and characterisation of down-selected scaled-up materials (chemical. Microstructural, mechanical and environmental).- Understand the effect of microstructure, processing parameters and other properties on materials final performance.- Work in collaboration with Tata Steel partners to optimise selected alloys and processing routes for further scale up to full plant trialsThis project will be in support of the EPSRC Prosperity Partnership. The candidate will have the rare opportunity of being directly involved in the development and optimisation of new, novel steel alloys which provides extensive scope for exploitation via publication and patents. As well as having the ability to develop an advanced, in-depth understanding of materials' performance in a variety of applications, there will also be capacity to explore potential 'blue sky' alloy compositions and novel testing techniques leading to further future developments within the industry.