Higher Shear Resistance Research Articles

Overlap laser welding of 5052-H36 aluminum alloy: experimental investigation of process parameters and mechanical designs

In this study, the laser welding process is used to join 1.6-mm-thick AA5052-H36 sheets in an overlap joint configuration. Both pulse and oscillation laser beam welding were investigated for the first laser pass. Oscillation beam laser welding in continuous-wave mode show more stable and sound weld with no porosity defects compare to pulse wave (PW) mode. The adopted welding power, speed, frequency, and defocus are 8 kW, 6.5 m/min, 150 Hz, and + 8 mm, respectively. The obtained stitch welds are defects free (blowholes, micro-cracks, or porosities). A circular oscillation ramp-up/ramp-down PW mode is adopted for a second laser surface re-melting (LSR) pass. The corresponding welding power, speed, frequency, and defocus are 5 kW, 2.5 m/min, 500 Hz, and + 15 mm, respectively. Shear tests are then performed to evaluate the mechanical properties of single lap joints (SLJ) for different stitch weld shapes, 2 gap tolerances (0 and 0.5 mm), as well as with/without LSR pass. The best tests’ reproducibility and highest dissipated energies (~ + 42% when compared to the perpendicular direction) are obtained when the stitch weld direction corresponds to the loading direction. The second LSR pass provides more aesthetic joints with higher shear resistance (~ + 1% to + 3%) due to a decrease in the weld surface underfill and undercut imperfections of the stitch weld. The part-to-part gap leads to higher shear resistance (~ + 20%) owing to 2 main reasons: larger welding surfaces at the joint interface and higher hardness of the fusion zone. These findings are of great value for including laser welding technology in the automotive and surface transportation industries.Graphic abstract

Physicochemical Characterization of Thirteen Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) Varieties Grown in North-West Europe-Part II.

Quinoa cultivation has gained increasing interest in Europe but more research on the characteristics of European varieties is required to help determine their end use applications. A comparative study was performed on 13 quinoa varieties cultivated under North-West European field conditions during three consecutive growing seasons (2017–2019). The seeds were milled to wholemeal flour (WMF) to evaluate the physicochemical properties. The WMFs of 2019 were characterized by the highest water absorption capacity (1.46–2.06 g/g), while the water absorption index (WAI) between 55 °C (2.04–3.80 g/g) and 85 °C (4.04–7.82 g/g) increased over the years. The WMFs of 2018 had the highest WAI at 95 °C (6.48–9.48 g/g). The pasting profiles were characterized by a high viscosity peak (1696–2560 mPa.s) and strong breakdown (−78–643 mPa.s) in 2017. The peak viscosity decreased in 2018 and 2019 (823–2492 mPa.s), while breakdown (−364–555 mPa.s) and setback (19–1037 mPa.s) increased. Jessie, Summer Red, Rouge Marie, Vikinga, and Zwarte WMFs were characterized by low WAIs and high shear resistance. Bastille WMF developed high viscosities and, along with Faro WMF, showed a high breakdown. The wide variation in physicochemical properties suggests that the potential food applications of WMFs depend on the variety and growing conditions.

Photo-healable ion gel with high mechanical property, fatigue resistance and shear resistance using a coumarin group containing diblock copolymer in an ionic liquid

Ion gels, polymer networks swollen with ionic liquid (IL), are ideal materials for application in flexible electronic devices. It remains a challenge to fabricate an ion gel with photo-healing, high mechanical properties, fatigue resistance and shear resistance. Herein, a well-defined diblock copolymer polystyrene-b-poly(methyl acrylate-r-7-(2′-methacryloyloyloxyethoxy)-4-methylcoumarin) (PS-b-P(DMA-r-MAOEMC), brief name: SMM, PS: IL-phobic segment and P(DMA-r-MAOEMC): IL-philic segment) was synthesized by reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. For comparison, a random copolymer P(DMA-r-MAOEMC) (MM) also be prepared. In dilute solution, the SMM can form spherical micelles with PS-core surrounded by P(DMA-r-MAOEMC) corona chains in an IL, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethane sulfone)amide ([C2mim][NTf2]). In a suitable polymer concentration, the SMM and MM can form ion gels in [C2mim][NTf2] under 365 nm UV light irradiation through photo-dimerization of coumarin groups in corona MM polymer chains of spherical micelles and photo-dimerization of coumarin groups in MM random polymer chains, respectively. Compared with the MM ion gel, the SMM ion gel has high mechanical properties, shear resistance and relatively high fatigue resistance. Under 254 nm UV light irradiation, photo-induced gel to jammed micelles transition for the SMM ion gel and photo-induced gel to sol transition for the MM ion gel occur due to photo-cleavage of dimer in polymer chains. Photo-induced jammed micelles - gel transition for the SMM ion gel and photo-induced sol - gel transition for the MM ion gel are reversible by alternating 365 nm and 254 nm UV light irradiation, whereby photo-healable materials can be fabricated. Compared to the MM ion gel, the SMM ion gel has high photo-healing efficiency. The electrochemical property of the SMM ion gel can be recovered completely after photo-healing.

An investigation of deformation and failure mechanisms of fiber-reinforced composites in layered composite armor

This paper aims to study the deformation characteristics and failure mechanisms of fiber-reinforced polymer composites used in layered composite armor under ballistic impact. A Kevlar-29/epoxy composite and an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fiber-reinforced composite backed bilayer ceramic armor were respectively impacted against 7.62 mm APM2 projectiles at several different velocities. The dependence of failure mechanisms on impact velocity was analyzed both experimentally and numerically. Ballistic tests revealed that the Kevlar-29/epoxy composite backed armor displayed a lower perforation velocity than the UHMWPE fiber reinforced composite backed armor. However, under non-perforated impacts, the UHMWPE fiber reinforced composite exhibited a much higher back face deflection (BFD). According to the post-mortem visual and SEM analysis, the failure of the Kevlar-29 fiber was dominated by shear plugging in the front layers and fiber tensile breakage in the rear layers, whereas in the UHMWPE fiber reinforced composite, failure was dominated by shear plugging initiated from the front layers. These results suggest that the UHMWPE panel is more effective in resistant fiber tensile breakage which usually occurs on the back side of the panel. Using the Ls-dyna explicit dynamic finite element (FE) program, the ballistic behavior of a layered armor backed by a hybrid panel with varying mix ratios was studied numerically. The results show that using high tensile resistant fiber in the rear layers can effectively prevent fiber tensile failure and using high shear resistance fiber in the front layers can effectively prevent shear failure. These results are valuable in making the best use of fiber-reinforced composites in advanced armor design.

Push-Out Test and FEM Analysis of Continuous Shear Connector

Composite steel concrete bridges with embedded continuous shear connectors are one of the newer popular options for short span (up to 20 m) bridges. They can be used for both road and railway bridges and due to their low structural height, nowadays, they are also a welcome alternative for bridge reconstructions – the concrete part serves as the bridge deck as well as the main structure. Unfortunately, In the Slovak Republic, no such bridges have been built as of yet (2020). At Technical University of Kosice, Department of Steel and Timber Structures, an extensive research regarding the steel shear connectors have been launched. Its goals are to bring new, easier for construction (due to prefabrication process), more resistant with even lower structural height, and more economical (due to lesser usage of materials and quick construction) geometrical solutions for composite steel concrete bridges as well as to open and popularize this solution for developers in the Slovak Republic. In this article, one of the new types is presented. It has a cross-section in a shape of a trapezoid, with holes in all its sides, except the bottom flange. Their purpose is to create concrete studs and secure full shear transmission with higher shear resistance, but they also serve to create space for transverse reinforcing bars. Its geometrical and material characteristics are closely specified. Results and process of push-out tests performed in Laboratory of Excellent Research onto three specimens are described and compared to results of finite element analysis simulation performed in Abaqus software.

Research of a Surfactant Gel with Potential Application in Oilfield

Abstract In this study, a viscoelastic surfactant gel was composed using erucoylamine propyl betaine and other additives. The formulation of this viscoelastic surfactant gel solution was determined as: erucamide propyl betaine:oleic acid amide propyl betaine:octadecyl hydroxyl sulfonate betaine = 1.7%:1.36%:0.01%. Then the performance of viscoelastic surfactant gel fluid was evaluated. The results showed that the viscoelastic surfactant gel has good temperature resistance and salt resistance. At 50°C, the apparent viscosity reaches the maximum value, 37 mPa · s, and it displays high shear resistance under the shear rate of 170 s–1, with the viscosity retention of 83.3%. Kerosene (1%) can completely break the gel within 2 h, which can convert the gel into a surfactant solution soon. Also the gel shows high emulsion ability, which can benefit the oil displacement in oilfield. Finally this gel can enhance the oil displacement rate as high as 28%.

Investigation of the mechanical and ballistic properties of hybrid carbon/ aramid woven laminates

High-performance ballistic fibers, such as aramid fiber and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), are commonly used in anti-ballistic structures due to their low density, high tensile strength and high specific modulus. However, their low modulus in the thickness direction and insufficient shear strength limits their application in certain ballistic structure. In contrast, carbon fiber reinforced epoxy resin matrix composites (CFRP) have the characteristics of high modulus in the thickness direction and high shear resistance. However, carbon fibers are rarely used and applied for protection purposes. A hybridization with aramid fiber reinforced epoxy resin matrix composites (AFRP) and CFRP has the potential to improve the stiffness and the ballistic property of the typical ballistic fiber composites. The hybrid effects on the flexural property and ballistic performance of the hybrid CFRP/AFRP laminates were investigated. Through conducting mechanical property tests and ballistic tests, two sets of reliable simulation parameters for AFRP and CFRP were established using LS-DYNA software, respectively. The experimental results suggested that by increasing the content of CFRP that the flexural properties of hybrid CFRP/AFRP laminates were enhanced. The ballistic tests’ results and the simulation illustrated that the specific energy absorption by the perforation method of CFRP achieved 77.7% of AFRP. When CFRP was on the striking face, the shear resistance of the laminates and the resistance force to the projectiles was promoted at the initial penetration stage. The proportion of fiber tensile failures in the AFRP layers was also enhanced with the addition of CFRP during the penetration process. These improvements resulted in the ballistic performance of hybrid CFRP/AFRP laminates was better than AFRP when the CFRP content was 20 wt% and 30 wt%.

Shear behaviour of E-UHPC containing recycled steel fibres and design of E-UHPC screw piles

The shear behaviour of Eco-Efficient Ultra-High Performance Concrete (E-UHPC) has not been investigated until now and this limits the potential applications for this material that uses low-cost and sustainable constituent materials including Recycled Tyre Steel Fibres (RTSF) and Recycled Tyre Steel Cords (RTSC). The potentially high shear resistance of E-UHPC could enable its use in more complex applications such as screw piles, something not easily achievable with conventional concrete. This study presents experimental and numerical work to address this research gap. It provides a detailed account of the experimental testing of 13 E-UHPC mixes containing various dosages of recycle steel fibres. Prismatic specimens are tested under an asymmetric four-point loading configuration and their deformation response is used to investigate the shear performance of the studied mixes. The shear stress – strain behaviour as well as shear modulus is determined. The results show that mixes containing RTSC can develop a high shear strength at the level of their flexural strength and comparable to that obtained from mixes with manufactured steel fibres. While mixes containing RTSF overall have lower shear strengths, high shear strengths can be achieved by using higher dosages of RTSF or using hybrid mixes of RTSF and RTSC. Shear strength prediction models based on flexural properties and fibres dosage are proposed for design purposes. An E-UHPC screw pile design model is developed for screw pile use in foundations of light and medium weight structures. Theoretical and physical modelling of the E-UHPC screw pile model is carried out and a design guideline is proposed. E-UHPC screw piles can offer various practical advantages, including rapid installation, immediate load carrying capability, minimal site disturbance, resistance to wide load applications, i.e. compression and tensile loads, and will solve the corrosion vulnerability of steel screw piles.

Adhesive Performance of Acrylic Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives from Different Preparation Processes.

A series of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) was prepared using a constant monomeric composition and different preparation processes to investigate the best combination to obtain the best balance between peel resistance, tack, and shear resistance. The monomeric composition was a 1:1 combination of two different water-based acrylic polymers—one with a high shear resistance (A) and the other with a high peel resistance and tack (B). Two different strategies were applied to prepare the adhesives: physical blending of polymers A and B and in situ emulsion polymerization of A + B, either in one or two steps; in this last case, by polymerizing A or B first. To characterize the polymer, the average particle size and viscosity were analyzed. The glass transition temperature (Tg) was determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The tetrahydrofuran (THF) insoluble polymer fraction was used to calculate the gel content, and the soluble part was used to determine the average sol molecular weight by means of gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The adhesive performance was assessed by measuring tack as well as peel and shear resistance. The mechanical properties were obtained by calculating the shear modulus and determination of maximum stress and the deformation energy. Moreover, an adhesive performance index (API) was designed to determine which samples are closest to the requirements demanded by the self-adhesive label market.

Microstructure effects on the machinability behaviour of Ti6Al4V produced by Selective Laser Melting and Electron Beam Melting process

Additive Manufacturing (AM) is gaining widespread attention over the last decade in the areas of product development and prototyping, across aerospace and medical domains. Nevertheless, the built parts are near-net shaped that usually require a machining finish to improve the surface quality and operational life.The current study aims to document the machinability behaviour of the Ti6Al4V parts fabricated by the AM process, which is based on powder bed fusion, namely, Selective Laser Melting (SLM) and Electron Beam Melting (EBM). Further, machinability parameters are correlated with the microstructure and mechanical properties of the material. Face milling operation is performed under finishing conditions to study the response on the cutting forces. The effect of Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP) and the influence of the build direction on microstructure and machinability have been investigated for the two AM processes. The effect of crystallographic textures and microstructure morphology of α and reconstructed prior β phases on the mechanical properties was studied using shear tests. It was observed that the SLM process primarily produced homogenous and fine α lath structures with less grain boundary α (αGB) grains, leading to low shear resistance and hence generated low cutting forces. On the other hand, the EBM process produced microstructures with variable morphologies, including more grain boundary alpha (αGB) grains and widmenstatten structures which resulted in a higher shear resistance and forces. The results show a striking influence of the microstructure induced by the type of the AM process, build orientation, and the subsequent heat treatment on the shear resistance and their ability to be machined. Further, the crystallographic textures were not strong for both processes and seem not to impact the machining process. The results highlight a strong “process – property” link which demands optimization of the cutting process for the type of the AM process and the resulting microstructure.

Push-out behaviour of demountable injected vs. blind-bolted connectors in FRP decks

The main challenge for realizing competitive hybrid steel-FRP structures, such as bridges, carparks, is to make the steel and FRP components work together. In this study shear resistance, stiffness and ductility of three types of demountable bolted shear connectors are examined. Two blind-bolted M20 shear connectors and a novel, injected steel-reinforced resin (SRR) connection are selected to perform push-out experiments in web-core FRP decks. Failure modes of excessive bearing in FRP and bolt shear failure for blind-bolted and injected connectors, respectively, are identified. Nonlinear, highly detailed finite element (FE) models were also built and validated by results of the push-out tests to provide insights to the load-transfer mechanism. Analysis of internal forces and deformation through FE results reveals that blind bolted shear connectors provide high shear resistance and slip capacity thanks to the shear sleeves and catenary effects. The injected SRR connector shows distinct and centric load transfer owing to gapless design.

High shear resistance of insect cells: the basis for substantial improvements in cell culture process design

Multicellular organisms cultivated in continuous stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) are more sensitive to environmental conditions in the suspension culture than microbial cells. The hypothesis, that stirring induced shear stress is the main problem, persists, although it has been shown that these cells are not so sensitive to shear. As these results are largely based on Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell experiments the question remains if similar behavior is valid for insect cells with a higher specific oxygen demand. The requirement of higher oxygen transfer rates is associated with higher shear forces in the process. Consequently, we focused on the shear resistance of insect cells, using CHO cells as reference system. We applied a microfluidic device that allowed defined variations in shear rates. Both cell lines displayed high resistance to shear rates up to 8.73 × 105 s−1. Based on these results we used microbial CSTRs, operated at high revolution speeds and low aeration rates and found no negative impact on cell viability. Further, this cultivation approach led to substantially reduced gas flow rates, gas bubble and foam formation, while addition of pure oxygen was no longer necessary. Therefore, this study contributes to the development of more robust insect cell culture processes.

Modeling of Drag Finishing—Influence of Abrasive Media Shape

Drag finishing is a widely used superfinishing technique in the industry to polish parts under the action of abrasive media combined with an active surrounding liquid. However, the understanding of this process is not complete. It is known that pyramidal abrasive media are more prone to rapidly improving the surface roughness compared to spherical ones. Thus, this paper aims to model how the shape of abrasive media (spherical vs. pyramidal) influences the material removal mechanisms at the interface. An Arbitrary Lagrangian–Eulerian model of drag finishing is proposed with the purpose of estimating the mechanical loadings (normal stress, shear stress) induced by both abrasive media at the interface. The rheological behavior of both abrasive slurries (media and liquid) has been characterized by means of a Casagrande direct shear test. In parallel, experimental drag finishing tests were carried out with both media to quantify the drag forces. The correlation between the numerical and experimental drag forces highlights that the abrasive media with a pyramidal shape exhibits a higher shear resistance, and this is responsible for inducing higher mechanical loadings on the surfaces and, through this, for a faster decrease of the surface roughness.

Research on Full-Section Anchor Cable and C-Shaped Tube Support System of Deep Layer Roadway

Deep roadway deformation due to soft rock, rock dip, and horizontal tectonic stress is uneven and asymmetrical primarily in large loose zones. Traditional anchor support is influenced by the yield strength and shear strength of the anchors and has a limited prestress capacity or shear resistance. When the roadway roof is laminated rock or when the roadway passes through layered rock or rock interfaces, interlayer sliding commonly occurs, which can easily lead to anchor cables being sheared off. The tape tunnel in the Zhengling Mine passes through several rock strata and requires anchors to achieve a high shear resistance and prestress. To solve these problems, an anchor cable and C-shaped tube that can bear lateral shear forces were developed, and a full-section anchor cable and C-shaped tube support system were created based on extruded arch theory. Numerical results from FLAC3D show that the new scheme effectively controls surface convergence and plastic zone extension. Field tests have demonstrated that the amount of surface displacement was at least 42% smaller in the new support scheme. The extruded arch formed by the highly prestressed anchor cable and concrete spray layer can effectively control the bulking load within the loose zone, and the ACC effectively resists interlayer shear.

Developing a new modification technology of oat flour based on differential pressure explosion puffing

This research developed differential pressure explosion puffing (DPEP) technology to modify oat. The effects of heating time, puffing temperature and differential pressure on gelatinization degree, water absorption, solubility, thermodynamics properties, gelatinization properties and crystal structure of oat flour were investigated. The gelatinization degree of starch in oats treated with DPEP was 99.73 g/100 g, and the solubility and water absorption of modified oat flour increased to 3.90 g/100 g and 2.81 g/g, respectively. Thermodynamic properties indicated that the gelatinization temperature and enthalpy of the modified oat flour decreased to 58.19 °C and 0.06 J/g respectively. The peak viscosity, trough viscosity and final viscosity of modified oat flour increased to 2.20 Pa s, 1.77 Pa s and 3.55 Pa s, respectively, oat flour had lower disintegration value and higher shear resistance. However, under long-term high temperature treatment, starch and lipid formed complex, leading to gradual transformation of the crystal structure from A-type to V-type, and water absorption, solubility and viscosity decreased.

Treatment and recycling of acidic fracturing flowback fluid

ABSTRACT Acidic fracturing flowback fluid (AFFF) has the characteristics of low pH value, high chemical oxygen demand (COD), high corrosiveness and complex components. Surface discharge without treatment may contaminate the environment. However, wastewater treatment after centralized transportation has potential safety risks and requires high costs. In this study, we confirmed that calcium and magnesium could affect cross-linking property of fracturing fluid prepared by flowback fluid, and conducted a three-step process, two-stage filtration, chemical precipitation, and flocculation precipitation, on AFFF. After treatment, we made new hydraulic fracturing fluid using the treated acidic flowback fluid as base fluid and compared the quality of the new hydraulic fracturing fluid to the ones used freshwater as base fluid. The results showed when concentration of sodium carbonate, polyaluminium chloride (PAC), polyacrylamide (PAM) were 145, 1000, and 20 mg/L respectively, the treatment result was optimal. After treatment, the oil content of AFFF decreased from 7400 to 26.53 mg/L and suspended solids (SS) from 650 to 18.24 mg/L, and the removal rate of high-valence metal ions was more than 99%. The rheological properties and viscoelasticity of new fracturing fluid prepared by the treated AFFF were similar to the ones prepared by freshwater, which met the requirements of high temperature and shear resistance for ultra-deep wells.

Push-out test of steel–concrete–steel composite sections with various core materials: behavioural study

Steel–concrete–steel (SCS) structural systems have economic and structural advantages over traditional reinforced concrete; thus, they have been widely used. The performance of concrete made from recycled rubber aggregate from scrap tires has been evaluated since the early 1990s. The use of rubberized concrete in structural construction remains necessary because of its high impact resistance, increases ductility, and produces a lightweight concrete; therefore, it adds such important properties to SCS members. In this research, the use of different concrete core materials in SCS was examined. Twelve SCS specimens were subjected to push-out monotonic loading for inspecting their mechanical performance. One specimen was constructed from conventional normal weight concrete core, while the other specimens were constructed with modified core materials by either partial replacement of the coarse aggregate with crumb rubber (CR), the addition of oil palm fibre (OPF) to the concrete as a volume fraction of concrete, or both in the concrete cores. The investigated push-out specimens have a height of 450 mm and constructed from two hollow steel tubes with a square cross section of 100 mm and 5 mm in thickness which fixed to concrete prism using bolt end shear connectors. The detection of the mode of failure, load–slip as well as ductility behaviour, and the energy absorption capacity was investigated. The results revealed an improvement in the energy absorption (EA) capacity averagely by 55% for the specimen with 15% CR and 1.1% addition of OPF as a volume fraction of concrete in comparison with the reference specimens due to the high shear resistance.

A study on the effect of grain morphology on shear strength in granular materials

The Discrete Element Method (DEM) has been successfully used to further understand GM behaviour where experimental means are not possible or limited. However, the vast majority of DEM publications use simplified spheres with rolling friction to account for particle shape, with a few using clumped spheres and super quadratics to better capture grain geometric detail. In this study, we compare the shear strength of packed polyhedral assemblies to spheres with rolling resistance to account for shape. Spheres were found to have the highest shear resistance as the limited rolling friction model could not capture the geometric of rotation grains which caused reordering and dilation. This geometric arrangement causes polyhedra to align faces in the shear direction, reducing the resistance to motion. Conversely, geometric interlocking can cause jamming resulting in a dramatic increase in shear resistance. Particle aspect ratio (elongation and fatness) was found to significantly lower shear resistance, while more uniform aspect ratio’s increased shear resistance with shape non-convexity showing extremes of massive slip or jamming. Thus, while spheres with rolling friction may yield bulk shear strength similar to some polyhedra with a mild aspect ratio, the grain scale effect that leads to compaction and jamming from rotation and interlocking is missed. These results shed light on the complex impact that individual grain shape has on bulk behaviour and its importance.

Performance of concrete-encased CFST subjected to low-velocity impact: shear resistance analysis

The performance of concrete-encased concrete-filled steel tube (concrete-encased CFST) subjected to low-velocity impact is investigated through experimental and numerical studies in this paper. A total of 40 concrete-encased CFST specimens, 20 square and 20 circular ones, are tested under a drop hammer apparatus. It shows that while the outer RC components have a shear-dominated failure mode, the core CFST deforms in a flexural pattern. The influence of tested parameters on the impact force and midspan deflection of the specimens is summarized. A finite element analysis (FEA) model is then established to investigate the shear mechanism of concrete-encased CFST under impact. A comparative study between a concrete-encased CFST member and an RC member shows that the core CFST component could effectively mitigate the shear failure of the outer RC section under impact due to its high shear resistance; meanwhile, the outer RC component could well protect the core CFST and reduce its flexural deformation. Such composite effects make the concrete-encased CFST a desirable impact-resisting structure. Subsequently, a parametric study on the impact velocity shows that the debonding between outer RC and core concrete can be more prominent for the impact with a relatively higher velocity, and the use of shear studs is suggested for members under such circumstances.

Three-Dimensional Atomic Structure of Grain Boundaries Resolved by Atomic-Resolution Electron Tomography

Summary Grain boundaries (GBs) determine the properties of polycrystals, and tailoring the GB structure offers a promising method for the discovery and engineering of new materials. However, GB structures are far from well understood because of their structural complexity and limitations of conventional projection imaging methods. Here, we decipher three-dimensional atomic structure and crystallography of GBs in nanometals using atomic-resolution electron tomography. Unlike conventional descriptions, whereby they are either straight or curved planar planes with one-dimensional translational symmetry, we show that the high-angle GBs completely lose translational symmetry due to undulated curvature related to configurations of structural units. Moreover, we directly visualize kinks and jogs at the single-atom scale in dislocation-type GBs and investigate their mobilities. Our findings bring new insights to the conventional wisdom of GBs and show the importance of developing methods to include the non-planar nature of GBs to statistically evaluate the behavior of GBs in modeling studies.