<p dir="ltr">The production of aluminum components by laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (LPBF-AM) offers simultaneous weight reduction benefits through low material density and topology optimization. The primary limitation of the method – hot cracking in high-strength compositions – is addressed by the reactive additive manufacturing (RAM) process, which introduces ceramic-forming metallic particles to powder feedstock. <i>In situ</i> reactions subsequently inoculate equiaxed grains, prevent cracking, and strengthen the resulting alloy. The adoption of RAM alloys in aerospace applications requires the elimination of heterogeneous defects, requiring an understanding of laser processing effects and feedstock quality. To meet these needs, the collected work presents characterization methods based on x-ray tomography, seeking to establish novel descriptors for RAM feedstock and microstructures.</p><p dir="ltr">In the first two chapters, x-ray microscopy (XRM) is applied to produce multi-dimensional particle measurements for feedstock powder qualification. Evolving existing measure-and-classify processes, a method is described to characterize AA7050-RAM2 feedstock that is rapid, interpretable, and descriptive of the highly deformed particles observed. Applying the developed methodology to an analysis of recycled AA7050-RAM2 rationalizes decreasing particle sizes by identifying the selective removal of specific shape classes. Combined with quantitative electron microscopy of particle microstructures, sieving and heat effects are comprehensively reported, demonstrating a modernized powder analysis workflow.</p><p dir="ltr">In the second two chapters, the characteristic reactions seen in LPBF of AA7050-RAM2 are characterized. Correlative SEM/EDS and nanoindentation identified reactive phases and their mechanical properties and found a correlation between the extent of the Al-Ti reaction and the degree of particle remelting. Using 3D XRM measurements, the populations and distributions of low- and high-reaction particles were quantified, raising questions regarding homogenization mechanisms in laser-processed, particle-reinforced alloys. Thus, thin wall samples were produced and characterized to visualize convective and thermal history effects within symmetrical tracks. Novel observed mechanisms include thermal grain coarsening, keyhole-induced convection, and pore segregation by size. The accumulated microstructural quantification and novel perspective on pore movement provide a basis to improve contouring processes in RAM alloys and to better align fluid dynamics models of printing with experimental data.</p>

Aircraft are often designed with numbers determined by testing in a lab, rather than by repeatedly building prototypes. These lab tests conform to testing specifications so that the numbers can be compared between manufacturers, suppliers, and lab technicians. One such specification is ASTM specification E238 – 84(08), and it is used to determine important properties of a bearing pin joint like hinges, bolt holes, and rivet joints. The properties determined from this fastener-through-plate method are bearing strength, bearing yield strength, and bearing stiffness. Adhering to the methods outlined in ASTM E238, a study was performed, looking at the effects that plate material, fastener used, fastener lubrication, and plate hole preparation method (whether drilled and reamed or just drilled) have on the three bearing joint properties. The plate materials used were Al 7050 – T7451, Ti – 6Al – 4V (mill annealed), and PH13 – 8Mo – H1000. The fasteners were Ti – 6Al – 4V screws, coated A286 screws, and high speed steel (HSS) pins used as a control. Lubrication was tested using a corrosion inhibitor, PR – 1776M B – 2 from PRC – DeSoto, on the fastener or leaving the fastener uncoated. The HSS pins were always tested in the uncoated condition. 54 runs were performed, as outlined by a D-optimal design of experiment. It was discovered from the statistical analysis of the results via ANOVA that both the plate material used and the pin material, whether a screw or a pin, had a significant effect on the bearing strength, bearing yield strength, and bearing stiffness. The interaction between the two factors was also significant on all responses but the bearing stiffness. PH13 – 8Mo – H1000 plates seemed to perform best on average, followed by Ti – 6Al – 4V plates, then Al 7050 – T7451 plates. PH13 – 8Mo – H1000 and Ti – 6Al – 4V plates had similar bearing strength and bearing yield strength averages with the HSS control pins being used, which had the highest mean values for a given plate and fastener. The Ti – 6Al – 4V and A286 screws behaved and performed statistically similar in most cases, except when hole preparation method was take into account. The Ti – 6Al – 4V screws performed better when the hole was drilled and reamed, while the coated A286 screws performed better when the hole was drilled only. All screws had lower resulting bearing properties than the HSS control pins. It was also found that ASTM specification E238 – 84(08) is a precise test method, since the method could be performed repeatably and reliably with no missing data points. Therefore, this ASTM testing method is reasonable for determining bearing properties, which can then be used to design aircraft.

Acoustics is the study of all sound waves, with ultrasound classified as those frequencies above 20,000 Hz. Currently, ultrasound is being used in many industries for a variety of purposes such as ultrasonic imaging, ultrasonic assisted friction stir welding, and ultrasonic spot welding. Despite these uses, the effects of ultrasound on phase stability and resultant mechanical properties has been minimally analyzed. Here we study the impact waves play in ultrasonic welding and design an apparatus to maximize waves entering aluminum alloy samples. Aluminum 2139 and 7050 are used because they are precipitation strengthened by metastable phases so temperature change, and the corresponding phase stability, can greatly impact their strength. Results suggest that the ultrasonic welder primarily imposes a localized temperature spike due to friction, averaging over 200°C in a few seconds, which generally lowers the Vickers hardness due to coarsening or even dissolution of strengthening precipitates. Conversely, the new design increases the Vickers hardness by up to 30% over the initial hardness of approximately 63HV for aluminum 2139 and 83HV for aluminum 7050, respectively, while only increasing the temperature by an average of approximately 10°C. This new design was unable to achieve peak hardness, but the strengthening it achieved in two minutes was equivalent to one month of natural aging. If this system was able to be fine-tuned, it could serve as a quick strengthening process for recently weakened aluminum alloys, such as after friction stir welding.