Evolution Of Precipitation Research Articles

Precipitation evolution of M5B3 boride in diffusion affected zone and its effect on mechanical properties of TLP bonded Mar-M247 superalloys

Boron is usually added in the bonding interlayer as the melting point depressant element in the transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding of Ni-based superalloys, which inevitably leads to the precipitation of borides and therefore has an important impact on the mechanical properties of the joints. M5B3-type borides (where M is a mixture of Cr, W and Mo) are the predominant borides in diffusion affected zone (DAZ) of the Mar-M247 bonded joints. In present work, the precipitation and evolution of M5B3 in the joints with different bonding time have been systematically investigated by multi-scale methods. Three kinds of crystallographic orientation relationships between M5B3 and matrix have been observed, and the morphologies and precipitation positions of M5B3 borides are found to have certain characteristics in specific bonding time joints. These crystallographic orientation relationships are consistent with the predictions based on calculations of coincidence of reciprocal lattice points (CRLP) model. The effect of the precipitation of borides on mechanical properties has been evaluated by means of microhardness and micropillar compression testing.

Effect of Processing Parameters and Heat Treatment on Selective Laser Melted Al-Cu-Mg-Ag Alloy

Selective Laser Melting is a promising manufacturing method for complex geometric fabrication. However, the 2xxx series aluminum alloy is facing a poor SLM-processibility problem. In this paper, the impact of the processing parameters of Selective Laser Melting on the formability of Al-Cu-Mg-Ag alloys was discussed. The evolution of precipitation under different aging treatments was explored. During the formation process, samples with a laser power of 360 W and a scanning velocity of 1150 mm/s showed a smaller defect fraction. Direct aging (DA) and solid solution treatment aging (STA) treatments were carried out on the alloy respectively. In the DA treatment, the element content in the matrix was consumed as the formation of the primary phase, and the precipitate-strengthening effect was weakened. Solid solution treatment enables a higher hardness of heat-treated samples, as well as an accelerated aging response.

Evolution of Bioclimatic Stages under climate change in the Ouergha Catchment (Northern Morocco)

Climate change is one of the greatest environmental challenges facing humanity in the 21st century. This change is having a negative impact on the world, and in particular on the Southern part of the Mediterranean. Climate projections predict a reduction in precipitation, with mountainous regions being the hardest hit. The intensity of the effects of climate variability will particularly affect humid and sub-humid areas, such as the Ouergha watershed in Northern Morocco. The aim of this study is to analyse the evolution of annual precipitation between 1960 and 2020, and to assess its impact on the spatio-temporal evolution of bioclimatic stages and to make future projections of bioclimatic stages according to two scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5). The results of the study indicate a significant drop in water supply, estimated at around 30% over the studied period. A sharp drop in precipitation marked the months of the wet seasons. The effects of this decline on local ecosystems are manifold. The semi-arid and sub-humid bioclimatic stages have replaced the humid and hyper-humid stages, whereas the RCP scenarios show that the rate of change reaches 34.4%. This led to an amplification of the water crisis during the dry seasons.

Precipitation and Temperature Maxima: A Study across the Southern Great Plains Winter Wheat Region

Abstract With the importance of agriculture to the southern Great Plains (SGPs), accurate knowledge of growing season (GS) temperatures and precipitation is critical. Previous research into GS precipitation and temperature maxima leads to the development of the asynchronous difference index (ADI) which identified positive and negative ADI GSs (March–September). The goal of this research is to further investigate the ADI within a specific agricultural region of the SGP, the winter wheat region, and to quantify the temporal evolution of temperature and precipitation during positive and negative ADI GSs. For this, Global Historical Climatology Network (GHCN) daily station data were analyzed across the GS (March–September) from 1900 to 2020. Results show that differences appear in the temperature and precipitation fields when comparing positive and negative GSs. Namely, positive (negative) ADI GSs show positive (negative) precipitation and negative (positive) temperature anomalies early in the GS, with these anomalies flipping in the later portion of the GS. Further, the results of this work show that the depicted changes in temperature and precipitation during positive and negative ADI GSs impact winter wheat yields. Overall, these results analyze the implications of positive and negative ADI GSs on the SGP climate, namely, the impact of the seasonal variability of daily maximum temperature and precipitation on agriculture.

Influence of microstructure evolution on the discharge properties of the Al–Mg–Sn–Ga–In anode for Al–air batteries

The influence of precipitate, grain structure and texture evolution on the discharge property of the Al alloy anode for Al–air batteries was investigated. The results will provide new insights for the design of anode materials for Al–air battery.

Forecasting Precipitation and Temperature Evolution Patterns Under Climate Change Using a Random Forest Approach With Seasonal Bias Correction

Forecasting Precipitation and Temperature Evolution Patterns Under Climate Change Using a Random Forest Approach With Seasonal Bias Correction

Design of a photocatalyst combining graphdiyne (g-CnH2n-2) nanosheets with a PVP-modified co-metal coordination polymer and its hydrogen-evolution performance.

Metal coordination polymers are organometallic frameworks in which a metal and an organic ligand are linked via a dative bond. The material in question exhibits ultra-high porosity, large specific surface area, and abundant active sites, which can be customised in terms of morphology, size, and electronic structure through rational design. Graphdiyne, a novel two-dimensional carbon allotrope, boasts structural stability and enhanced electrical conductivity due to its hybridization of sp2 and sp carbons. A metal-organic framework of Co (MOF-67) was synthesized via hydrothermal synthesis. The introduction of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) served as a structural regulator and surfactant to obtain a more active metal coordination polymer (Co-MCPS). PVP, in its dual role, significantly amplified the catalytic performance of metal coordinate polymers, as demonstrated in a number of experiments. The incorporation of GDY onto the surfaces of MOF-67 and Co-MCPS induced an electron-rich isolation layer, which could effectively sequester oxidation sites, thereby enhancing the rate of charge carrier separation and hydrogen precipitation evolution efficiency.

Impacts of an upper tropospheric cold low on the extreme precipitation in Henan Province, China in July 2021

From 19 to 21 July 2021, Henan province of China experienced an extreme precipitation event that caused massive flooding and great loss of lives. This event is thus far the second heaviest precipitation event observed by rain gauges in this region. Based on the ERA5 reanalysis data, the ECMWF operational global ensemble forecasts and numerical simulations using the ARW-WRF model, impacts of an upper tropospheric cold low (UTCL) on the extreme precipitation are examined. It is found that due to the influence of the persistent intrusion of stratospheric high potential vorticity (PV) air, a long-lived UTCL was detached from the upper level flow a week prior to the extreme precipitation event. The UTCL then moved westward, reaching the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea and maintaining there until the precipitation event ended. During this event, a broad northeast-southwest oriented area of ascending motion associated with the UTCL could be observed in front of the UTCL and strong ascending motions developed in the upper troposphere above Henan province. Analysis of the ECMWF operational global ensemble forecasts reveals that the amount of precipitation over Henan is positively correlated with the UTCL intensity. The UTCL impact on the extreme precipitation and the underlying mechanisms are further investigated based on results of numerical experiments. The control experiment reasonably reproduces the UTCL location as well as the distribution and evolution of the extreme precipitation. When the UTCL intensity is reduced in the initial condition using the piecewise PV inversion for sensitivity experiment, the upper tropospheric divergence reduces correspondingly and the dynamical ascending motion weakens in the second precipitation stage. As a result, the amount and intensity of precipitation both decrease. When the UTCL is completely removed from the initial condition, the sensitivity experiment indicates that the upper tropospheric divergence and dynamical ascending motion further weaken, resulting in a large decrease in precipitation intensity during the whole precipitation period. These findings highlight that the occurrence of the long-lived UTCL is a crucial factor that affects the intensity of the extreme precipitation event.

The role of the post-heat treatment on the Cr-based precipitates and related room temperature mechanical properties of the sintered Nb-lean Cu–Cr–Nb alloy

Nb-lean Cu–Cr–Nb alloys have been widely applied in electrical industries as the structural conductive material owing to their excellent combination of the mechanical and electrical properties at room temperature. In this work, the influence of temperature during fast sintering and post-heat treatment strategies on the precipitate evolution and room temperature mechanical properties of the Cu–3Cr-0.5Nb (wt.%) alloy was investigated. The increasing sintering temperature will improve the density and mechanical properties of the alloy without any obvious grain growth during this non-equilibrium process, while the post-aging at lower and higher temperatures can effectively control the formation and coarsening process of the Cr-based precipitates. Systematic characterization was then conducted on the microstructural evolution, especially the altering precipitates’ size and distribution, in the alloy at both as-sintered and the aged conditions, which is correlated to its room temperature tensile properties. Lower aging temperature will induce the nucleation of the new Cr2Nb precipitates without causing a significant coarsening of the existing precipitates like aging at higher temperature. Therefore, the low-temp. aged sample exhibits the highest tensile strength and elongation due to the enhanced Orowan strengthening mechanism induced by its unique precipitate microstructure.

Quantitative study on the microstructural evolution and dimensional stability mechanism of 2024 Al alloy during long-term thermal cycling

During the start-stop process of high-precision instruments in service, the critical materials of instruments undergo thermal cycling, resulting in changes in microstructure and dimension. In this paper, the evolution and coupling effects of dislocations and precipitates within 2024 Al alloy during 500 cycles were investigated, and their influence on the dimensional change was quantitatively characterized and decoupling analyzed. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)/aberration-corrected scanning TEM (CS-TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Three-Dimensional Atom Probe Tomography (3D-APT) were used for microstructural evolution analysis and quantitative statistics. The dislocation density increased from 3.32 × 1014 m−2 to 5.75 × 1014 m−2 after 500 cycles, which accelerated elemental diffusion and provided nucleation sites of precipitates, contributing to an increase in the number density of the S'/S phase from 1.04 × 1024 m−3 to 1.41 × 1024 m−3. Based on the quantitative statistics of precipitate types and corresponding volume fractions, the dimensional change induced by precipitate evolution was −1.25 × 10−4. The dimensional change caused by the free volume introduced by dislocation density was 3.32 × 10−6. Comparing these values with the experimental value of −1.94 × 10−4, it is clear that the precipitate evolution is the main factor that triggers the dimensional change.

Microstructural evolution and micro-mechanical properties of non-isothermal solidified zone in TLP bonded Ni-based superalloy joints

Transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding is a promising process for the joining and repairing of nickel-base superalloys. One of the most important parameters in TLP bonding is the bonding time required for sufficient isothermal solidification which prevents the formation of undesirable precipitated phases. In the present work, the effect of bonding time on the microstructure, type, and evolution of precipitates in the non-isothermal solidified zone (NSZ) and their effect on micro-mechanical properties were systematically investigated using multi-scale tests in TLP bonded Mar-M247 superalloy joints with Ni-15.2Cr-3.74B interlayer at 1230 ℃. For a bonding time of 5 min, dual-phase M23(C, B)6 - γ/γ’ (where M is a mixture of Hf, Ta, Cr, and Ni) with eutectic configuration was formed in NSZ. With the increase in bonding time, the evolution of NSZ microstructure can be summed up as eutectic M23(C, B)6 - γ/γ’, semi-striping dual-phase M23(C, B)6 - γ/γ’, discontinuously striping M23(C, B)6 - γ/γ’, followed by the disintegration of NSZ. As the NSZ counterpart, the isothermal solidified zone (ISZ) is mainly composed of γ/γ’. Accompanied by the dissolution of M23(C, B)6 in the centerline, the proportion of the ISZ increases greatly until the joints are completely occupied by ISZ. Finally, a bamboo-like structure with domain size of ∼100 μm was formed in the joint centerline, along with γ’ reorganized themselves all into cubic shapes and distributed homogeneously. Mechanical property tests demonstrated that in comparison to samples with longer bonding time, the NSZ of the shortest bonding time (5 min) has the highest strength and a subsequent decrease in strength was observed with prolonging the bonding time and post-bond heat treatment. Furthermore, possible solidification/transformation path, segregation behavior, and formation mechanism of NSZ/ISZ evolution were discussed.

Coupling of alloy chemistry, diffusion and structure by grain boundary engineering in Ni–Cr–Fe

The diffusion–microstructure correlations for grain boundaries (GBs) in the technologically-relevant Ni-based 602CA alloy are investigated. Prolonged annealing treatments up to 744 h create distinct GB complexions with specific segregation–precipitation–structure states. Globular M23C6-type carbides at straight GBs and plate-like carbides together with NiAl-enriched (γ′-type) particles at hackly GBs are found to co-exist. Moreover, an atomic-scale GB spinodal-like decomposition, especially at straight GBs, is observed. The co-existence of the two distinct states of general high-angle GBs, indicated by tracer diffusion experiments and verified by a detailed structure examination, is explained via state-of-the-art measurements of local elastic strains. In a course of annealing at 873 K, the relatively “fast” diffusivities are found to increase by a factor of 10 or more as a result of a coupled evolution of the GB plate-like precipitates and the irregular GB structures, whereas the relatively ”slow” diffusivites remained practically unchanged representing the contributions of straight interfaces with spherical precipitates. Thus, the diffusion properties of high-angle GBs evolve together with characteristic changes of GB complexions distinguished by a growth of carbide- and γ′-type precipitates and a concomitant generation of GB dislocation networks. The obtained results provide novel insights into grain boundary tailoring by utilizing structure – kinetics correlations involving segregation, precipitation and the evolution of interface defects.

Designing L21-Co2TiAl precipitate-strengthened ferritic alloys with excellent high-temperature mechanical properties

Recently, Fe–Cr–Ni–Al–Ti ferritic alloys strengthened by L21-type Ni2TiAl precipitates have demonstrated superior high-temperature strength compared to conventional ferritic steels. However, it still shows a lower high-temperature strength than that of Ni-based superalloys. Therefore, in the current study, we designed new ferritic alloys to improve the high-temperature strength by introducing L21-Co2TiAl precipitates, known as having better high-temperature properties than the Ni2TiAl structure. Specifically, the Ni element has been replaced with the Co element. In addition, the Ti element has been adjusted because the structural evolutions of precipitates, such as composition, lattice misfit and size rely on the Ti content. For instance, the addition of 2 wt% Ti forms a semi-coherent Co2TiAl precipitate with a relatively low density of misfit dislocations. More Ti addition up to 6 wt % leads to an increase in the lattice parameter of the precipitate, while that of the Fe matrix remains unchanged, which results in an increased lattice misfit. The increased lattice misfit causes a higher amount of misfit dislocations, which leads to a reduction of the elastic strain field around the precipitates. It was found that the semi-coherent interface with a high level of the elastic strain field (2 wt % Ti), as compared to the precipitates with a high amount of misfit dislocations (4 and 6 wt % Ti), plays a crucial role in enhancing the mechanical properties at 973 K. In addition, the designed ferritic alloys show superior strength, compared to the previously-reported ferritic alloys.

Prediction of TTR Diagrams via Physically Based Creep Simulations of Martensitic 9-12% Cr-Steels

This work deals with the prediction of time-to-rupture (TTR) diagrams of martensitic 9-12% Cr steels. Martensitic 9-12% Cr steels are state of the art materials for powerplants due to their high creep strength and oxidation resistance. Since the experimental determination of TTR diagrams is costly and time-expensive (minimum 10 years), it is of particular interest to be able to model TTR diagrams and gradually replace experiments. Here, we approach the question to what extent we can generate a TTR diagram of a material out of a fraction of experimental results plus detailed understanding of the underlying microstructural/physical phenomena during creep. Our model is based on dislocation creep and includes multiple interactions between the microstructural constituents. We show the applicability of our approach by reproducing a TTR diagram of the well-known material P92. Input parameters are basic material data from literature, the starting microstructure before creep, chemical composition, some model parameters determined on the similar material P91, and one single creep curve of P92. The precipitate evolution is simulated by the software MatCalc, the other microstructural constituents (dislocation densities, subgrain boundaries etc.) by our creep model. By varying the stress between individual creep simulations whilst keeping all input parameters (starting microstructure, temperature and material parameters) constant, we produce multiple creep curves and thus generate the complete dataset for a TTR diagram. The model is of particular interest when it comes to the development of new materials, as the application range of these materials can be estimated quickly and with good reproducibility.

Synergistic Interdecadal Evolution of Precipitation over Eastern China and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation during 1951–2015

Synergistic Interdecadal Evolution of Precipitation over Eastern China and the Pacific Decadal Oscillation during 1951–2015

Influence of Mo Content on the Precipitation Behavior of 13Ni Maraging Ultra-High Strength Steels

This study offers valuable insights into the precipitation behavior of 13Ni maraging steels, emphasizing the role of molybdenum content in their microstructure, strengthening, and precipitate evolution. Precipitate morphology and crystallography were examined using a combination of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and selected area electron diffraction. Strengthening mechanisms were assessed through Vickers hardness measurements. All the examined samples exhibited a lath martensite microstructure and displayed an increasing hardness over the aging time. The molybdenum content not only influenced the presence of retained austenite in the initial microstructure but also affected the type of precipitates formed during the early aging stages. Initially, Ni3Mo precipitates were formed, succeeded by the formation of more stable Fe2(Mo,Ti) Laves precipitates. The ultra-high strength of 13Ni maraging steels arises from the combination of the precipitate type and size distribution. The base composition of 13Ni maraging steels achieved a peak hardness of 798 HV1 through the precipitation of Laves Fe2(Mo,Ti) phases ranging from 3 to 14 nm in diameter.

Historical Evolution and Future Trends of Precipitation Based on Integrated Datasets and Model Simulations of Arid Central Asia

Earth system models (ESMs) are important tools for assessing the historical characteristics and predicting the future characteristics of precipitation, yet the quantitative understanding of how these land–atmospheric coupling models perform in simulating precipitation characteristics remains limited. This study conducts a comprehensive evaluation of precipitation changes simulated by 43 ESMs in CMIP5 and 32 ESMs in CMIP6 in Arid Central Asia (ALL) and its two sub-regions for 1959–2005 with reference to Climate Research Unit (CRU) data, and predicts precipitation changes for 2054–2100. Our analyses suggest the following: (a) no single model consistently outperformed the others in all aspects of simulated precipitation variability (annual averages, long-term trends, and climatological monthly patterns); (b) the CMIP5 and CMIP6 model simulations tended to overestimate average annual precipitation for most of the ALL region, especially in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China (XJ); (c) most model simulations projected a stronger increasing trend in average annual precipitation; (d) although all the model simulations reasonably captured the climatological monthly precipitation, there was an underestimation; (e) compared to CMIP5, most CMIP6 model simulations exhibited an enhanced capacity to simulate precipitation across all aspects, although discrepancies persisted in individual sub-regions; (f) it was confirmed that the multi-model ensemble mean (MME) provides a more accurate representation of the three aspects of precipitation compared to the majority of single-model simulations. Lastly, the values of precipitation predicted by the more efficient models across the ALL region and its sub-regions under the different scenarios showed an increasing trend in most seasons. Notably, the strongest increasing trend in precipitation was seen under the high-emission scenarios.

Modeling the Effect of Excess Vacancies on Precipitation and Mechanical Properties of Al–Mg–Si Alloys

A model for vacancy annihilation during aging has been combined with a precipitation model for coupled nucleation, growth, and coarsening in AA 6xxx series aluminum alloys. The simulation results were compared with precipitation parameters from TEM measurements and hardness data obtained for various times during artificial aging. Both simulations and measurements indicated that a combination of an excess concentration of non-equilibrium vacancies at the start of aging and a fast vacancy annihilation rate significantly affected the resulting precipitation and strength evolution. Hence, the model reproduced the short aging time required to reach the maximum strength when direct artificial aging was applied (DAA). In contrast to the fast aging response of DAA, the hardness measurements showed a much slower aging response when artificial aging was performed after prolonged natural aging. This aging behavior was captured in the model simulations by assuming that an equilibrium vacancy concentration is present from the start of the aging.

Aging response of a Fe–C–Co–Ni secondary hardening steel: The significance of matrix ordering

The evolution of precipitates and dislocations during aging dictates the mechanical properties of secondary hardening steels. Such microstructural response of a Fe–C–Co–Ni secondary hardening steel has been investigated via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy in this study. The primary source of strengthening is linked to coherent Molybdenum carbides, which form in a sequence of cementite, cluster and M2C. It is shown that the ordering of the martensitic matrix occurs rapidly upon aging and results in the formation of dispersed B2–FeCo precipitates. The co-location of ordered domains with the cluster and M2C carbides indicates that the ordering greatly affects the nucleation and growth of M2C and thus leads to a more homogeneous spatial distribution of M2C. This yields excellent mechanical properties including an ultimate tensile strength of 2150 MPa, yield strength of 1829 MPa, and total elongation of 12 %. It should be noted that the ordering not only contributes to the mechanical properties by promoting the dispersion of M2C, it also causes strengthening directly as demonstrated by an additive model of yield strength. However, the model fails to predict the yield strength of the as-quenched sample since it contains extra mobile dislocations which considerably modify the mechanical property.

Vegetation, hydrology, and quantitative monsoon precipitation since the Last Glacial Maximum in Central China

The Yangtze River Basin is a crucial region in the monsoon region of China, and reconstructing its hydrological and precipitation evolution is important for developing a more robust understanding of the evolution of the East Asian Summer Monsoon. A pollen record from a strata profile (JZ2010) in the Jianghan Basin of Central China reveals variations in paleovegetation and paleoenvironmental and paleoclimatic conditions covering the last 24 cal kyr BP at ~90 years resolution. We perform a quantitative precipitation reconstruction (based on a weighted averaged partial least squares method). Results of the study show that the vegetation in the region experienced a succession from coniferous and broad-leaved mixed forest to evergreen and deciduous mixed forest and then to secondary coniferous forest. Over the past 24 kyr, the climate was relatively dry during the deglacial period, particularly during HS1 and the Younger Dryas cold event, interrupted by a warm and humid Bølling-Allerød. Precipitation in the early Holocene was at its maximum, peaking between 10.0 and 7.0 cal kyr BP followed by drier conditions between 6.5 and 4.5 cal kyr BP. Subsequent wetter conditions lasted until 3.8 cal kyr BP, after which precipitation gradually declined. Overall, the quantitative precipitation reconstruction is consistent with other proxy-based precipitation reconstructions in the Yangtze River region. However, the temporal pattern of variations in precipitation is distinct from that of the northern China monsoon region, where the precipitation peak occurred during the mid-Holocene. The study suggests that, prior to the Holocene, climate change was controlled by insolation dynamics and high latitude teleconnections, while during the Holocene it was primarily influenced by low latitude teleconnections, including the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, which controlled the dipolar rainfall pattern in the monsoon region of China. The high resolution record of changing climate in the East Asian monsoon region over a period spanning the LGM and Holocene provides a useful benchmark for modelling future precipitation change in southern and northern China against the background of global warming.