Local Internal Stresses Research Articles

Large Local Internal Stress in an Elastically Bent Molecular Crystal Revealed by Raman Shifts.

The structural dynamics involved in the mechanical flexibility of molecular crystals and the internal stress in such flexible materials remain obscure. Here, the study reports an elastically bending lipidated molecular crystal that shows systematic shifts in characteristic vibrational frequencies across the bent crystal region - revealing the nature of structural changes during bending and the local internal stress distribution. The blueshifts in the bond stretching modes (such as C═O and C-H modes) in the inner arc region and redshifts in the outer arc region of the bent crystals observed via micro-Raman mapping are counterintuitive to the bending models based on intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Correlating these shifts with the trends observed from high-pressure Raman studies on the crystal reveals the local stress difference between the inner arc and outer arc regions of the bent crystal to be ≈2GPa, more than an order of magnitude higher than the previously proposed value in elastically bending crystals. High local internal stress can have direct ramifications on the properties of molecular piezoelectric energy harvesters, actuators, semiconductors, and flexible optoelectronic materials.

Structural-functional integrated TiBw/Ti–V–Al lightweight shape memory alloy composites

Driven by the increasing demands in advanced aerospace engineering, the integrated structural and functional materials are explored. In present study, we fabricate the TiBw/Ti–V–Al lightweight shape memory alloy composites with large recoverable strain (>5 %), high specific strength (>200 MPa cm3/g) and good elongation (>20 %). The satisfied structural and functional performances are attributed to the unique gradient microstructure, including TiB whiskers, short-range martensitic nanodomains and long-range martensitic microdomains. TiBw with the optimized orientation exhibits high load-bearing capacity. The transition area between TiBw and matrix is composed of short-range martensitic nanodomains. Nanodomains are affected by the diffused interstitial B atoms and local internal stress field regulated by TiBw. The elastic interaction energy between nanodomains and TiBw are calculated according to the Eshelby method. Upon deformation, nanodomains grow to long-range martensitic laths. The long-range martensitic laths keep stable after unloading. The microstructure evolution ties well with the Landau free energy model. It achieves effective loading transfer from matrix to reinforcement phase, resulting in less irreversible defects and better shape memory effect. In addition, grain refinement strengthening, loading transfer strengthening and solution strengthening are utilized to achieve the improvement of the strength and plasticity. The finding offers a promising inspiration for the development of new type shape memory alloy composites with integrated structural and functional properties.

Solute clustering and its role in a titanium alloy made by laser powder bed fusion

In recent years, atomic clusters and composition undulation have been observed in a number of concentrated solid-solution alloys and were found to be beneficial for strength-ductility synergy. Some reports are also available on the observation of atomic clusters in body-centred cubic metastable β titanium alloys but the role of these atomic clusters in mechanical property development is unclear. In this study, we report the formation of solute atomic clusters in an additively manufactured and solution-treated metastable titanium alloy and investigate their role in deformation and strengthening mechanisms. It was found that the atomic clusters together with ultrafine ω precipitates present in the material effectively pin dislocation motion and contribute to an ultrahigh yield strength. The interaction between dislocations and solute atomic clusters leads to an increased shear stress necessary for dislocation motion. The atomic clusters and the resulting chemical undulation generate pronounced atomic strain fluctuations and distortions with alternating tensile and compressive strain fields, which lead to large local internal stresses and thus resistance to dislocation glide. Cross slip has also been frequently observed in the additively manufactured and solution-treated metastable titanium alloys, which is beneficial for strain hardening and ductility. We also reveal that thermal cycling in the alloy can lead to a significant influence on the microstructural evolution. During solidification and cooling upon laser powder bed fusion, only β and athermal ω precipitates form. With repetitive thermal cycling, the microstructure transforms into α + β grains together with isothermal ω particles. The present findings suggest that solute atom clustering can be introduced through proper selection of solute elements, providing a new strengthening mechanism for titanium alloys.

Thermally and magnetically responsive single layer bioinspired soft actuator with patterned structure obtained by direct ink writing

Multi-stimuli hydrogels are an important class of soft actuators, as they allow to expand the range of possible movements and responses by more closely mimicking living matter. Here we report the fabrication of thermally- and magnetically-responsive single layer hydrogel nanocomposite obtained by direct ink writing. Two types of inks, namely, thermosensitive based on poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM), and magnetically-sensitive based on magnetite particles, were distributed according to a certain pattern, forming a single-layer hydrogel sheet. Thermally-responsive inks due to “coil-to-globule” transformation of PNIPAM at temperatures above 32°C in aqueous solutions generate local internal stresses which lead to the transformation of the hydrogel’s shape. Magnetically sensitive ink allows to move the hydrogel in the space by attracting it to a magnet. Inks' formulations have been optimized to achieve thixotropic properties for the application of direct ink writing. The proposed hydrogel system represents a powerful platform for the development of biomedical soft robots because it consists of biocompatible components and operates in a temperature range close to the human body.

Strain-dependent transition of the relaxation dynamics in metallic glasses

Non-exponential relaxation is pervasive in glassy systems and intimately related to unique thermodynamic features, such as glass transition and aging; however, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The time scale of non-exponential relaxation goes beyond the time limit (nanosecond) of classic molecular dynamics simulation. Thus, the advanced time scaling atomistic approach is necessary to interpret the relaxation mechanisms at the experimental timescale. Here, we adopted autonomous basin climbing (ABC) to evaluate the long-time stress relaxation. At the same time, based on the energy minimization principle, we carried out simulations at continuum levels on the long-time stress relaxation kinetics of Cu–Zr metallic glass over timescales greater than 100 s. Combined with atomistic and continuum models, we demonstrate that a strain-dependent transition from compressed to stretched exponentials would happen, consistent with recent experimental observations on metallic glasses. Further examination of the spatial and temporal correlations of stress and plastic strain reveals two predominant driving forces: the thermal energy gradient governs in the compressed regime and leads to a release of the local internal stress; in the stretched regime, the strain energy gradient rules and causes long-range structural rearrangements. The discovery of the competition between two driving forces advances our understanding of the nature of aging dynamics in disordered solids.

Peculiarities Formation of Welded Joints under the External Electromagnetic Influence

Controlling the movement of liquid metal by selecting the parameters of an external electromagnetic effect makes it possible to change the conditions of dynamic equilibrium of the weld pool and, as a result, the formation of a weld. Magnetic process control has advantages over mechanical control methods, since it is carried out without contact with the welding zone. The study of processes leading to a decrease in the concentration of defects in metals, recombination of dislocations, polygonization, recrystallization, defect healing, etc., is an urgent task for technologists. The purpose of the work is to study the laws of formation of phase composition, microhardness, grain, lath, subgrain, dislocation structures of low-alloy steel welds in underwater welding and the relationship of structural parameters with the properties of strength and crack resistance of these joints. Microstructure studies were carried out by light, scanning, and transmission electron microscopy. Mathematical modelling was carried out to optimize the research efficiency. The developed computer application implements the idea of sequential calculation of quantities, where the value of the welding current and the current in the inductor is selected by the researcher. The influence of structural factors at the dislocation level on local internal stresses, which determine the deformation localization zones in the structures of the upper and lower bainites in the deposited metal, is analyzed. The conditions for obtaining high-quality welded joints in the welding of low-alloy steels, which ensure their strength and crack resistance, are established.

Effect of deformation on structural-phase state of structural steel and on formation of its yield strength and degree of hardening

The work shows that the values of the yield strength of steel 20 after long-term operation and deformation, obtained experimentally and by calculation, differ significantly. This is primarily due to the fact that all coefficients require experimental verification. However, the data obtained can be used to determine the role of each contribution (in %) in relation to the total received. Relaxation of such high local internal stresses (due to the appearance and intensive growth of the elastic component) can (and does) occur only through the destruction of the sample, which is what is observed. Therefore, it is the emergence and increase of local internal stresses that leads to the destruction of the sample.

Amphipathic Helices Can Sense Both Positive and Negative Curvatures of Lipid Membranes.

Curvature sensing is an essential ability of biomolecules to preferentially localize to membrane regions of a specific curvature. It has been shown that amphipathic helices (AHs), helical peptides with both hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions, could sense a positive membrane curvature. The origin of this AH sensing has been attributed to their ability to exploit lipid-packing defects that are enhanced in regions of positive curvature. In this study, we revisit an alternative framework where AHs act as sensors of local internal stress within the membrane, suggesting the possibility of an AH sensing a negative membrane curvature. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we gradually tuned the hydrophobicity of AHs, thereby adjusting their insertion depth so that the curvature preference of AHs is switched from positive to negative. This study suggests that highly hydrophobic AHs could preferentially localize proteins to regions of a negative membrane curvature.

Local government internal auditor stress and burnout: Supervisor support as a moderating variable

This study aims to empirically examine the direct relationship between stress arousal and burnout and the moderating effect of supervisor support on the relationship between the two dimensions experienced by local government internal auditors. This study uses an online survey method with a questionnaire. The sample for this study was 155 local government internal auditors from 17 City/Regency Government Inspectorate Provinces from Southern Sumatra. Based on the data analysis using SEM-PLS, the results of this study indicate that stress arousal is positively related to emotional exhaustion and depersonalization but not to reduced personal accomplishment. The results of this study also indicate that supervisor support is able to moderate the relationship between stress arousal and burnout. Supervisor support can reduce the effects of stress arousal on emotional exhaustion and depersonalization experienced by local government internal auditors and strengthen the effects of stress on personal accomplishment. Theoretically, this study supports the conservation of resources theory, which shows that supervisor support is a resource that acts as an effective coping strategy in reducing the effects of stress arousal and preventing burnout. The results also provide insights for policymakers to develop interventions for communication and monitoring based on personal conditions to improve interpersonal relations between supervisors and subordinates.

The Magnetostriction of Amorphous Magnetic Microwires: The Role of the Local Atomic Environment and Internal Stresses Relaxation

We studied the magnetostriction coefficients, λs, Curie temperature, Tc, and their dependence on annealing conditions in Fe47Ni27Si11B13C2 and Co67Fe3.9Ni1.5B11.5Si14.5Mo1.6 amorphous glass-coated microwires with rather different character of hysteresis loops. A positive λs ≈ 20 × 10−6 is observed in as-prepared Fe47Ni27Si11B13C2, while low and negative λs ≈ −0.3 × 10−6 is obtained for Co67Fe3.9Ni1.5B11.5Si14.5Mo1.6 microwire. Annealing affects the magnetostriction coefficients and Curie temperatures, Tc, of both Fe47Ni27Si11B13C2 and Co67Fe3.9Ni1.5B11.5Si14.5Mo1.6 glass-coated microwires in a similar way. Observed dependencies of hysteresis loops, λs and Tc on annealing conditions are discussed in terms of superposition of internal stresses relaxation and structural relaxation of studied microwires. We observed linear λs dependence on applied stress, σ, in both studied microwires. A decrease in the magnetostriction coefficient upon applied stress is observed for Co-rich microwires with low and negative magnetostriction coefficient. On the contrary, for Fe-Ni-rich microwires with a positive magnetostriction coefficient, an increase in the magnetostriction coefficient with applied stress is observed. The observed results are discussed considering the internal stresses relaxation and short range atomic rearrangements induced by annealing on hysteresis loops, magnetostriction coefficients and Curie temperatures of studied microwires.

Effect of a Long-Range Dislocation Pileup on the Atomic-Scale Hydrogen Diffusion near a Grain Boundary in Plastically Deformed bcc Iron

In this paper, we present concurrent atomistic-continuum (CAC) simulations of the hydrogen (H) diffusion along a grain boundary (GB), nearby which a large population of dislocations are piled up, in a plastically deformed bi-crystalline bcc iron sample. With the microscale dislocation slip and the atomic structure evolution at the GB being simultaneously retained, our main findings are: (i) the accumulation of tens of dislocations near the H-charged GB can induce a local internal stress as high as 3 GPa; (ii) the more dislocations piled up at the GB, the slower the H diffusion ahead of the slip–GB intersection; and (iii) H atoms diffuse fast behind the pileup tip, get trapped within the GB, and diffuse slowly ahead of the pileup tip. The CAC simulation-predicted local H diffusivity, Dpileup−tip, and local stresses, σ, are correlated with each other. We then consolidate such correlations into a mechanics model by considering the dislocation pileup as an Eshelby inclusion. These findings will provide researchers with opportunities to: (a) characterize the interplay between plasticity, H diffusion, and crack initiation underlying H-induced cracking (HIC); (b) develop mechanism-based constitutive rules to be used in diffusion–plasticity coupling models for understanding the interplay between mechanical and mass transport in materials at the continuum level; and (c) connect the atomistic deformation physics of polycrystalline materials with their performance in aqueous environments, which is currently difficult to achieve in experiments.

The interface microstructure and phase constitution of Nb/316L composite plates fabricated by explosive welding

ABSTRACT Niobium has a reputation for its superior superconducting, high strength and corrosion resistance at elevated temperatures. In this work, the explosive welding technique was successfully performed to join Nb/316L dissimilar metals. To reveal the phase constitution and texture distribution at the joining interface, the EBSD test was carried out. It was concluded that an irregular large wavy structure of fine crystal, sub-grains and twin structures was formed. In addition, the recrystallised structures, substructures, deformed structures and local internal stress at the joining interface were attributed to severe plastic deformation and rapid solidification of liquid metal. Furthermore, six different deformation textures and recrystallisation textures were confirmed at the joining interface due to severe plastic deformation and dynamic recrystallisation.

Construction of an Arrhenius constitutive model for Mg-Y-Nd-Zr-Gd rare earth magnesium alloy based on the Zener-Hollomon parameter and objective evaluation of its accuracy in the twinning-rich intervals

According to a high-temperature compression test of rare earth magnesium alloy (WE43), a strain-compensated constitutive model of the Arrhenius equation based on Zener-Hollomon parameters was established, and the rheological behaviors were predicted. The model exhibited relatively serious prediction distortion in the low-temperature and high-strain rate parameter interval, and its accuracy was still unsatisfactory even after modification by a correction operator considering the coupling of temperature and strain rate. The microstructure characterization and statistical analysis showed that a large number of twinning occurred in the parameter intervals with prediction deviation. The occurrence of twinning complicated the local internal stress distribution by drastically changing the crystal orientation and led to significant fluctuations in the macroscopic strain-stress and hardening curves relative to the rheological processes dominated by the dislocation and softening mechanisms, making the logarithm of the strain rate and stress deviate from the linear relationship. This twinning phenomenon was greatly influenced by the temperature and strain rate. Herein, the influence mechanism on twinning behavior was analyzed from the perspective of the interaction of dislocation and twinning.

Study on the mechanism of expanded graphite to improve the fading resistance of the non-asbestos organic composite braking materials

To improve the anti-fading performance and braking reliability of non-asbestos organic composite braking materials (NAOCBM) and to decrease vehicle driving risks due to braking failure, we studied the addition of expanded graphite (EG) to NAOCBM. The properties were optimized when the EG dose was 4 wt%. The reason for improvement was that the local flexible internal stress due to graphite expansion at high braking temperature partially offset the crack expansion, and thereby significantly decreased the damages of delamination wear to braking materials and braking performances. These results uncover the mechanism of EG addition to the performance optimization of braking materials, and provide an effective method to improve the reliability of braking materials and to reduce the probability of traffic accidents.

Strain engineering of magnetocaloric effect in W/Gd/W/MgO structures

Strain controlled magnetocaloric effect (MCE) accompanying a transition between ferromagnetic and paramagnetic phases has been revealed in multilayered W/Gd/W/MgO structures at Tc = 293 K. Mechanical stresses at the Gd/W interface controlled by internal stresses at the MgO substrate and depending on its crystallographic orientation, strongly affect magnetic part of entropy ΔSM and relative cooling power (RCP). Increase in thickness of Gd films from 100 nm up to 300 nm approaches the ΔSM and RCP values to those known for the bulk Gd samples. We found that higher internal stresses widen the temperature range in which a ferromagnet-paramagnet transition occurs. Since Gd based alloys are very perspective for magnetic refrigeration, obtained data can be used to predict how local internal stresses in the vicinity of structural defects (dislocations, twins etc) can affect MCE even in bulk Gd samples.

Data-mining of in-situ TEM experiments: Towards understanding nanoscale fracture

The lifetime and performance of any engineering component, from nanoscale sensors to macroscopic structures, are strongly influenced by fracture processes. Fracture itself is a highly localized event; originating at the atomic scale by bond breaking between individual atoms close to the crack tip. These processes, however, interact with defects such as dislocations or grain boundaries and influence phenomena on much larger length scales, ultimately giving rise to macroscopic behavior and engineering-scale fracture properties. This complex interplay is the fundamental reason why identifying the atomistic structural and energetic processes occurring at a crack tip remains a longstanding and still unsolved challenge.We develop a new analysis approach for combining quantitative in-situ observations of nanoscale deformation processes at a crack tip with three-dimensional reconstruction of the dislocation structure and advanced computational analysis to address plasticity and fracture initiation in a ductile metal. Our combinatorial approach reveals details of dislocation nucleation, their interaction process, and the local internal stress state, all of which were previously inaccessible to experiments. This enables us to describe fracture processes based on local crack driving forces on a dislocation level with a high fidelity that paves the way towards a better understanding and control of local failure processes in materials.

Effect of HF etching on titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) microstructure and its capacitive properties

Two-dimensional multi-layered microstructure generated by hydrofluoric acid etching is essential for the high capacitance MXenes. However, the mechanisms dictating the formation, evolution and properties of MXenes during etching remain elusive due to the lack of direct observation. Herein, using ex-situ scanning electron microscopy combined with high resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, we have revealed the fine variation of microstructure and properties of multi-layered titanium carbide Ti3C2Tx etched for different time. The results show that the laminar cracks always formed from the first initial laminar crack at the edge site of the outermost side of the Ti3AlC2 particle, which induces continuous nucleation of other laminar cracks in the nearby area. The early laminar cracks undergo growth accompanying with increased macro-layer density of Ti3C2Tx and the Al(F,O,C)3 precipitation in subsequent etching process. The formation of laminar cracks is revealed to be correlated with the release of local internal stress in Ti3AlC2. In addition, it is found that there are significant changes of Ti valence state, CC and Ti-C bonding as well as Ti-F, CO and Al-O surface groups during etching. Maximum specific capacitance coincides with maximum lattice parameter c of Ti3C2Tx and maximum number of macro-layers, while over-etching produces in-plane microcracks, Ti dissolution, and reduced specific capacitance. The results provide important insight to facilitate optimal synthesis of this material.

Hardening of Cobalt Ferrite Nanoparticles by Local Crystal Strain Release: Implications for Rare Earth Free Magnets.

In this work, we demonstrate that the reduction of the local internal stress by a low-temperature solvent-mediated thermal treatment is an effective post-treatment tool for magnetic hardening of chemically synthesized nanoparticles. As a case study, we used nonstoichiometric cobalt ferrite particles of an average size of 32(8) nm synthesized by thermal decomposition, which were further subjected to solvent-mediated annealing at variable temperatures between 150 and 320 °C in an inert atmosphere. The postsynthesis treatment produces a 50% increase of the coercive field, without affecting neither the remanence ratio nor the spontaneous magnetization. As a consequence, the energy product and the magnetic energy storage capability, key features for applications as permanent magnets and magnetic hyperthermia, can be increased by ca. 70%. A deep structural, morphological, chemical, and magnetic characterization reveals that the mechanism governing the coercive field improvement is the reduction of the concomitant internal stresses induced by the low-temperature annealing postsynthesis treatment. Furthermore, we show that the medium where the mild annealing process occurs is essential to control the final properties of the nanoparticles because the classical annealing procedure (T > 350 °C) performed on a dried powder does not allow the release of the lattice stress, leading to the reduction of the initial coercive field. The strategy here proposed, therefore, constitutes a method to improve the magnetic properties of nanoparticles, which can be particularly appealing for those materials, as is the case of cobalt ferrite, currently investigated as building blocks for the development of rare-earth free permanent magnets.

Construction of 3D Shape‐Changing Hydrogels via Light‐Modulated Internal Stress Fields

The 3D shape‐changing hydrogels are highly pursued for numerous applications. However, up to now, the construction of complex 3D shape‐changing hydrogels remains a challenge. The reported design strategies are mainly applied to fabricate 2D ones by introducing anisotropic microstructures into hydrogel sheets/membranes. Herein, we present a convenient photolithography strategy for constructing complex 3D shape‐changing hydrogels by simultaneously modulating anisotropic microstructures and internal stress fields of gel sheets. When the precursor solution containing ultraviolet (UV) absorber is irradiated by single‐side UV light, the attenuated polymerization rate can cause the generation of asymmetric internal stress field in the resulting hydrogel sheet. In the meantime, the directional diffusion of unpolymerized monomers allows for the formation of vertical gradient structure within hydrogel. Therefore, by applying different photomasks to modulate the local gradient structures and internal stress fields of the gel sheets, they can spontaneously transform into various complex 3D shape‐changing hydrogels in the air. Response to the external stimuli, these 3D shape‐changing hydrogels (e.g., fighter plane, birdie, and multi‐storey origami lattices) can deform in a novel 3D1‐to‐3D2‐to‐3D3 mode. This new design strategy contributes to the development of complex biomedical implants and soft robotics.

Corrosion Behavior of Ancient White Cast Iron Artifacts from Marine Excavations at Atmospheric Condition

A large number of iron pot artifacts were excavated from the “Nanhai I” shipwreck. The rapid embrittlement and pulverization of these objects (that have a good matrix) in the atmospheric environment is worthy of attention. Metallographic analysis showed that the material of the iron pots was hypereutectic white cast iron. Micro-CT observations revealed that there were numerous microcracks and fissures within the seemingly well-preserved iron. These fissures increased and enlarged with prolonged exposure to air. Scanning electron microscopy exhibited that the microcracks were initially created at the “concave surface” formed by the ferrite corrosion, and the cementite was gradually torn by the local accumulation of large internal stresses. Micro-Raman proved that the structure of rust was varied and complex during the generation and development of fissures. The dimension of corrosion products could expand and contract in mutual transformation, forming local internal stress and promoting the expansion of microcracks. This work proposed a reasonable mechanism for the rapid embrittlement and pulverization in the atmospheric environment of such hypereutectic white cast iron artifacts out of the sea, which provided a scientific reference for future protection.