Materials Performance and Characterization 

About: Materials Performance and Characterization is an academic journal published by ASM International. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Materials science & Microstructure. It has an ISSN identifier of 2165-3992. Over the lifetime, 642 publications have been published receiving 2288 citations. The journal is also known as: ASTM materials performance and characterization & MPC.

Performance and Characterization of TWIP Steels for Automotive Applications

Abstract: This article reviews the current state of the art in understanding twinning-induced plasticity (TWIP) steels with an emphasis on linking microstructure to mechanical behavior by means of microstructure-aware constitutive models. A materials selection exercise is conducted to substantiate that TWIP steels are more desirable than most other materials for use in structural and safety components of automobiles. Gaps in the knowledge of TWIP steels that are hindering their adoption for automotive applications are identified. This review concludes by suggesting fundamental research needs for promoting the design of TWIP steels with improved properties and performance for structural components in automotive applications.

A Review on SHM Techniques and Current Challenges for Characteristic Investigation of Damage in Composite Material Components of Aviation Industry

Abstract: Introduction of composites for aircraft fabrication has given the opportunity to all researchers and original equipment manufacturers to design a lightweight structure that will reduce both fuel consumption and harmful emissions. Reliability and cost of implementing structural health monitoring (SHM) systems are two critical parameters for the utilization of composite materials in the aviation industry. SHM of composite material components in the aviation industry not only lessens the downtime of aircraft but also enhances the possibility of damage detection in order to avoid severe failure. This article presents a case study of SHM systems that has been developed from research and implemented for the inspection and safety of recent aircraft structures. Compulsory components required for proper working of an SHM system and the basis and classification of defects in composite material components of aircraft are thoroughly explained in this article. Furthermore, characterization of SHM techniques (on the basis of functioning, advantages, and limitations) for crack detection and challenges of SHM systems are also part of this case study. An experimental work and its results have been well expressed regarding guided wave inspection using two different types of fiber-optic sensors for quasi-isotropic carbon fiber–reinforced plastic laminate. The ultimate goal of this article is to highlight the current challenges of SHM and promote the concept that SHM has great potential for research in the aviation industry.

Residual Stress in Selective Laser Melted Inconel 718: Influence of the Removal from Base Plate and Deposition Hatch Length

Abstract: The residual stress distribution in IN718 elongated prisms produced by selective laser melting was studied by means of neutron (bulk) and laboratory X-ray (surface) diffraction. Two deposition hatch lengths were considered. A horizontal plane near the top surface (perpendicular to the building direction) and a vertical plane near the lateral surface (parallel to the building direction) were investigated. Samples both in as-built (AB) condition and removed from the base plate (RE) were characterized. While surface stress fields seem constant for the AB condition, X-ray diffraction shows stress gradients along the hatch direction in the RE condition. The stress profiles correlate with the distortion maps obtained by tactile probe measurements. Neutron diffraction shows bulk stress gradients for all principal components along the main sample directions. We correlate the observed stress patterns with the hatch length, i.e., with its effect on temperature gradients and heat flow. The bulk stress gradients partially disappear after removal from the base plate.

Experimental Response of Nonwoven Waste Cellulose Fabric–Reinforced Epoxy Composites for High Toughness and Coating Applications

Abstract: In this article, the authors have fabricated (using the manual hand lay-up method) and characterized in detail the nonwoven waste cellulose fabric (with varying weight percentages of 0, 7, 9, and 11) reinforced epoxy resin composites. The methodology to develop in conjunction with various physical (density, water absorption, and thickness swelling), mechanical (tensile, compression, flexural, hardness, and impact), thermal (differential thermal analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and derivative thermogravimetric analysis), morphological (scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction), and electrical characterization tests were performed to give complete insight into the mechanics of epoxy fabric laminates. It was predicted from these tests that with an increasing weight percentage of fabric, most of the mechanical properties improved and were complemented through the microstructural morphological tests. Enhanced mechanical strength and thermal stability of the developed composite (relative to the neat epoxy resin) pave its way for high toughness and coating applications in various engineering fields.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Starch and Sisal Fiber Biocomposite Modified with Epoxy Resin

Abstract: In this experimental analysis, fabrication and characterization of biocomposites derived from starch-glycerol resin and sisal fiber have been done using the wet hand lay-up technique. Fibers having different weight percentage and 2–3-mm length have been taken for the investigation. The surface of fibers was treated with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to improve the interphase bonding. The mechanical tests of composites were investigated in accordance with ASTM standards. Various other tests that were conducted include water absorption, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The main drawback of natural composite is its poor water absorption property, which has been checked here by the epoxy coating. The results of the tests reveal a significant improvement in overall properties of biocomposite when compared with the neat starch matrix.