Integrated modeling of the gradient structure evolution during surface mechanical grinding treatment: Formation mechanism and mechanical properties

Abstract

Gradient nanostructured materials are regarded as a promising class of architectures with tunable mechanical properties, primarily dependent on the optimization of well-controlled fabrication parameters. In this paper, a microvariable-based constitutive model is incorporated into an integrated finite analysis technique. This approach correlates the fabrication parameters of surface mechanical grinding treatment (SMGT) with the corresponding measured mechanical properties of gradient structured (GS) materials, quantifying the relationship between process parameters, microstructure, and mechanical properties. Through theoretical prediction and experimental verification, it is observed that grain refinement, mechanical strength, and surface hardness are enhanced by increasing processing times and reducing path spacing. The yield stress of the fabricated GS material ranges from 126.8 MPa to 162.2 MPa, an increase of above 2.5 times compared to the original material, with a slight decrease in uniform elongation by a factor of 25.8 %, indicative of an excellent strength-ductility trade-off. The underlying mechanism for improved strength-ductility synergy is discussed, focusing on the importance of the tunable spatial distribution of grain size. This work sheds light on the potential application of gradient nanograined structures at an industrial scale and advances the fundamental understanding of strengthening mechanisms in gradient nanostructures.