Gabriela Petculescu

Bio: Gabriela Petculescu is an academic researcher from University of Louisiana at Lafayette. The author has contributed to research in topics: Magnetostriction & Tetragonal crystal system. The author has an hindex of 9, co-authored 33 publications receiving 1005 citations. Previous affiliations of Gabriela Petculescu include Northwestern University.

Extraordinary magnetoelasticity and lattice softening in bcc Fe-Ga alloys

Abstract: Extraordinary magnetostrictive behavior has been observed in Fe-Ga alloys with concentrations of Ga between 4% and 27%. λ100 exhibits two peaks as a function of Ga content. At room temperature, λ100 reaches a maximum of 265 ppm near 19% Ga and 235 ppm near 27% Ga. For compositions between 19% and 27%, λ100 drops sharply to a minimum near 24% Ga and exhibits an anomalous temperature dependence, decreasing by as much as a factor of 2 at low temperatures. This unusual magnetostrictive behavior is interpreted on the basis of a single maximum in the magnetoelastic coupling |b1| of Fe with increasing amounts of nonmagnetic Ga, combined with a strongly temperature dependent elastic shear modulus (c11−c12) which approaches zero near 27% Ga. λ111 is significantly smaller in magnitude than λ100 over this composition range, and has an abrupt change in sign from negative for low Ga concentrations to positive for a concentration of Ga near 21%.

Synthesis of iron-based bulk metallic glasses as nonferromagnetic amorphous steel alloys

Abstract: Iron-based amorphous metals are investigated as nonferromagnetic amorphous steel alloys with magnetic transition temperatures well below ambient temperatures. Rod-shaped amorphous samples with diameters reaching 4 mm are obtained using injection casting. Amorphous steel alloys are designed by considering atomistic factors that enhance the stability of the amorphous phase, coupled with the realization of low-lying liquidus temperatures. The present alloys are found to exhibit superior mechanical strengths. In particular, the elastic moduli are comparable to those reported for super austenitic steels.

Tetragonal magnetostriction and magnetoelastic coupling in Fe-Al, Fe-Ga, Fe-Ge, Fe-Si, Fe-Ga-Al, and Fe-Ga-Ge alloys

Abstract: This paper presents a comparative study on the tetragonal magnetostriction constant, λγ,2, [ = (3/2)λ100] and magnetoelastic coupling, b1, of binary Fe100-xZx (0 < x < 35, Z = Al, Ga, Ge, and Si) and ternary Fe-Ga-Al and Fe-Ga-Ge alloys. The quantities are corrected for magnetostrains due to sample geometry (the magnetostrictive form effect). Recently published elastic constant data along with magnetization measurements at both room temperature and 77 K make these corrections possible. The form effect correction lowers the magnetostriction by ∼10 ppm for high-modulus alloys and by as much as 30 ppm for low-modulus alloys. The elastic constants are also used to determine the values of the magnetoelastic coupling constant, b1. With the new magnetostriction data on the Fe-Al-Ga alloy, it is possible to show how the double peak magnetostriction feature of the binary Fe-Ga alloy flows into the single peak binary Fe-Al alloy. The corrected magnetostriction and magnetoelastic coupling data for the various alloys...

Magnetic field dependence of galfenol elastic properties

Abstract: Elastic shear moduli measurements on Fe100−xGax (x=12–33) single crystals (via resonant ultrasound spectroscopy) with and without a magnetic field and within 4–300 K are reported. The pronounced softening of the tetragonal shear modulus c′ is concluded to be, based on magnetoelastic coupling, the cause of the second peak in the tetragonal magnetostriction constant λ100 near x=28. Exceedingly high ΔE effects (∼25%), combined with the extreme softness in c′ (c′<10GPa), suggest structural changes take place, yet, gradual in nature, as the moduli show a smooth dependence on Ga concentration, temperature, and magnetic field. Shear anisotropy (c44∕c′) as high as 14.7 was observed for Fe71.2Ga28.8.

Group delay measurements using modally selective Lamb wave transducers for detection and sizing of delaminations in composites

Abstract: A group delay measurement technique is proposed using modally selective Lamb wave transducers for the detection and sizing of delaminations in unidirectional and cross-ply composites. Unlike amplitude or energy based Lamb wave methods, this method is insensitive to transducer coupling. Specifically, modally selective array transducers are used to generate the lowest antisymmetric A0 Lamb mode in a zone with minimal dispersion. The change in the modal group velocity is used as a damage indicator while the accumulated time delay of the traveling ultrasonic wavepacket is used for size estimation of the delaminations. The results are repeatable and consistent, suggesting time delay as a reliable damage parameter for quantitative monitoring of delaminations and impact damage in composites.

A structural model for metallic glasses

Abstract: Despite the intense interest in metallic glasses for a variety of engineering applications, many details of their structure remain a mystery. Here, we present the first compelling atomic structural model for metallic glasses. This structural model is based on a new sphere-packing scheme—the dense packing of atomic clusters. Random positioning of solvent atoms and medium-range atomic order of solute atoms are combined to reproduce diffraction data successfully over radial distances up to ∼1 nm. Although metallic glasses can have any number of chemically distinct solute species, this model shows that they contain no more than three topologically distinct solutes and that these solutes have specific and predictable sizes relative to the solvent atoms. Finally, this model includes defects that provide richness to the structural description of metallic glasses. The model accurately predicts the number of solute atoms in the first coordination shell of a typical solvent atom, and provides a remarkable ability to predict metallic-glass compositions accurately for a wide range of simple and complex alloys.

Processing of Bulk Metallic Glass

Abstract: Bulk metallic glass (BMG) formers are multicomponent alloys that vitrify with remarkable ease during solidification. Technological interest in these materials has been generated by their unique properties, which often surpass those of conventional structural materials. The metastable nature of BMGs, however, has imposed a barrier to broad commercial adoption, particularly where the processing requirements of these alloys conflict with conventional metal processing methods. Research on the crystallization of BMG formers has uncovered novel thermoplastic forming (TPF)-based processing opportunities. Unique among metal processing methods, TPF utilizes the dramatic softening exhibited by a BMG as it approaches its glass-transition temperature and decouples the rapid cooling required to form a glass from the forming step. This article reviews crystallization processes in BMG former and summarizes and compares TPF-based processing methods. Finally, an assessment of scientific and technological advancements required for broader commercial utilization of BMGs will be made.

Fe-based bulk metallic glasses with diameter thickness larger than one centimeter

Abstract: Fe–Cr–Mo–(Y,Ln)–C–B bulk metallic glasses (Ln are lanthanides) with maximum diameter thicknesses reaching 12 mm have been obtained by casting. The high glass formability is attained despite a low reduced glass transition temperature of 0.58. The inclusion of Y/Ln is motivated by the idea that elements with large atomic sizes can destabilize the competing crystalline phase, enabling the amorphous phase to be formed. It is found that the role of Y/Ln as a fluxing agent is relatively small in terms of glass formability enhancement. The obtained bulk metallic glasses are non-ferromagnetic and exhibit high elastic moduli of approximately 180–200 GPa and microhardness of approximately 13 GPa.

Iron-based bulk metallic glasses

Abstract: The current status of research and development in Fe-based bulk metallic glasses (BMGs) is reviewed. Bulk metallic glasses are relatively new materials possessing a glassy structure and large section thickness. These materials have an exciting combination of properties such as high mechanical strength, good thermal stability, large supercooled liquid region and potential for easy forming. Ever since the first synthesis of an Fe-based BMG in an Fe–Al–Ga–P–C–B system in 1995, there has been intense activity on the synthesis and characterisation of Fe-based BMGs. These BMGs exhibit some unique characteristics which have not been obtained in conventional Fe-based crystalline alloys. This uniqueness has led to practical uses of these bulk glassy alloys as soft magnetic and structural materials. This review presents the recent results on the glass-forming ability, structure, thermal stability, mechanical properties, corrosion behaviour, soft magnetic properties and applications of Fe-based bulk glassy a...