Three sheet materials, including high purity aluminum, commercial purity aluminum, and an aluminum-magnesium alloy with 3 wt% magnesium, were produced into single-crystals in the solid-state. The method, developed in 1939 by T. Fujiwara at Hiroshima University, involves straining a fully recrystallized material then passing it into a furnace with a high temperature gradient at a specific rate. This method preserves composition and particulate distributions that melt-solidification methods do not. Large single crystals were measured for their orientation preferences and growth rates. The single-crystals were found to preferably orient their growth direction to the <120> to <110> directions, and <100> to <111> directions normal to the specimen surface. The grain boundary mobility of each material was found to be a function of impurity content. The mobility constants observed were similar to those reported in the literature, indicating that this method of crystal growth provides an estimate of grain boundary mobility. This is the first study the effect of impurities and alloying to this single-crystal production process, and to show this method’s applicability in determining grain boundary mobility information. / text

The pipeline industry has conducted a vast amount of research on the subject of mechanical damage. Mechanical damage makes up a large portion of the total amount of pipeline failures that occur each year. The current methods rely on engineering judgment and experience rather than scientific theory. The method for the assessment of mechanical damage introduced in this study uses a material property called critical strain to predict the onset of cracking within the pipe wall. The critical strain is compared to the strain within a dent using a ductile failure damage indicator (DFDI). To investigate the use of the DFDI to indicate the onset of cracking within a dent, the study attempted to accomplish three tasks. The first was to investigate the use of various techniques to locate the critical strain from the stress-strain curve. Five samples taken from the pipe material was used to generate both engineering and true stress-strain curves. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to show the effects of different variables on the critical strain value. The DFDI compares the critical strain value to the calculated strain at the deepest depth location within a dent. The strain calculations use the curvature of the dent and thus require a dent profile. A high resolution laser scanner was used to extract dent profiles from a pipe. The second task of the study was to investigate the reliability of the laser scanner equipment used for this study. The results from the investigation showed that the laser scanner could be used to scan the inside of the pipe despite its design for external scanning. The results also showed that the scans should be 1 mm in length along the axis of the pipe at a resolution of 0.5 mm and 360 degrees around the pipe. The final task was to conduct the denting test. The test used a spherical indenter to dent the pipe at increments of 3% of the outside diameter. The results from the test showed that a visible crack did not form on the inside pipe surface as expected from the DFDI method. This does not mean a crack did not form. During the denting test distinct popping sounds were observed possibly indicating cracks forming within the pipe wall.

Road administrators have to make decisions regarding the maintenance and rehabilitation of many existing jointed Portland Cement Concrete (PCC) pavements in the road network. Since these pavements are in general expensive to rehabilitate, agencies often opt for overlaying the deteriorated PCC pavement with Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), resulting in a composite pavement. Unfortunately, the tensile stresses and strains at the bottom of the overlay developed from the movement of the joints, which are caused by the traffic and the changes in temperature, will create cracks on the surface known as reflective cracking. Reflective cracking can reduce the life of a pavement by allowing water or other particles to get into the underlying layers, which causes the pavement structure to lose strength. To improve the performance of the composite pavement, road agencies have studied mitigations techniques to delay the initiation and propagation of those cracks reflected from the PCC joints and cracks. Traditionally, these studies have relied only on laboratory testing or nondestructive tests. This dissertation expands the traditional approach by adding full-scale Accelerate Pavement Testing (APT) to a laboratory effort to investigate enhanced asphalt overlays that delay the initiation and propagation of cracks reflected from the PCC joints. The study was organized into three complementary experiments. The first experiment included the first reflective cracking study of hot-mix asphalt (HMA) overlays over jointed Portland cement concrete pavements (PCCP) conducted at the Virginia APT facility. A Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS) was used to compare the reflective cracking performance of a Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) control mix with a modified mix with a synthetic fiber. The discussion includes the characterization of the asphalt mixes, the pavement structure, construction layout, the equipment used, the instrumentation installed, and lessons learned. Results showed that the fiber-modified mix had a higher resistance to fracture, which increases the pavement life by approximately 50%. The second experiment compared the cracking resistance of the same control and modified mixes in the laboratory. Four cracking resistance tests were performed on each mix. These four tests are: (1) Indirect Tensile Asphalt Cracking Test (IDEAL-CT), which measures the Cracking Test index (CTindex); (2) Semicircular Bend Test-Illinois (SCB-IL), which measures the critical strain energy release rate (Jc); (3) Semicircular Bend-Louisiana Transportation Research Center (SCB-LTRC), which measures the Flexibility Index (FI); and (4) Overlay Test (OT), which measures the Cracking Propagation Rate (CPR). The results from the four tests showed that the fiber-modified mix had a better resistance to cracking, confirming the APT test results. The laboratory assessment also suggested that the IDEAL-CT and SCB-IL test appear to be the most practical for implementation. The third phase evaluated the performance of mixes designed with a high content of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and an enhanced asphalt-rubber extender, which comprises three primary components: plain soft bitumen, fine crumb rubber and an Activated Mineral Binder Stabilizer (AMBS). The experiment evaluated the fracture resistance of nine mixes designed with different rates of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and asphalt-rubber, compare them with a traditional mix, and propose an optimized mixture for use in overlays of concrete pavements. The mixes were designed with different rates of RAP (15, 30, 45%) and asphalt-rubber extender (0, 30, and 45%) following generally, the design requirements for an SMA mix in Virginia. The laboratory test recommended in the second experiment, IDEAL-CT and SCB-IL, were used to determine the fracture resistance of the mixes. The results showed that the addition of RAP decreases fracture resistance, but the asphalt-rubber extender improves it. A mix designed that replaced 30% of the binder with asphalt-rubber extender and 15% RAP had the highest resistance to fracture according to both. Also, as expected, all the mixed had a low susceptibility to rutting. / Doctor of Philosophy / Reflective cracking can reduce the life of a pavement by allowing water or other particles to get into the underlying layers, which causes the pavement structure to lose strength. To improve the performance of the composite pavement, road agencies have studied mitigations techniques that will delay the initiation and propagation of those cracks reflected from the PCC joints. Traditionally, these studies rely only on laboratory testing or nondestructive tests that will assist in the decision-making stage in a short time manner. This dissertation focusses on a reflective cracking study conducted through Accelerate Pavement Testing (APT) using a Heavy Vehicle Simulator (HVS) and laboratory testing. The first task used an HVS to evaluate reflective cracking of a Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) control mix and a modified mix with synthetic fiber. One lane was constructed with two layers of 1.5-inches of a control Stone Matrix Asphalt (SMA) mix and the second lane with an SMA mix modified with the synthetic fiber. Results from APT demonstrated that the modified SMA has a higher resistance to fracture which increases the pavement life by approximately 50%. The second task estimated the fracture resistance of the mixes studied in task one following the laboratory test: Indirect Tension Asphalt Cracking Test (IDEAL-CT), Texas Overlay Test (OT), Semi-Circular Bend-Louisiana Transportation Research Center (SCB-LTRC) and Semi-Circular Bend-Illinois (SCB-IL) to estimate the Cracking Test Index (CTindex), Cracking Propagation Rate (CPR), critical strain energy release rate (Jc) and Flexibility Index (FI), respectively. Results showed that the modified mix had a better resistance to cracking, confirming the APT test results. Specifically, CTindex results showed that the modified mix is more resistant than the control, with indices of 268.72 and 67.86. The estimated Jc indicated that less energy is required to initiate a crack for the control mix that achieved 0.48 kJ/m2 compared to the modified mix with synthetic fibers 0.54 kJ/m2. FI results for the control and fibers were 2.16 and 10.71, respectively. The calculated CPR showed that the control mix propagates a crack at a higher rate of 0.188 compared to the modified mix with a CPR of 0.152. The third phase evaluated the performance of mixes designed with a high content of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement (RAP) and an enhanced asphalt-rubber extender, which comprises three primary components: plain soft bitumen, fine crumb rubber and an Activated Mineral Binder Stabilizer (AMBS). The experiment evaluated the fracture resistance of nine mixes designed with different rates of recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) and asphalt-rubber, compare them with a traditional mix, and propose an optimized mixture for use in overlays of concrete pavements. The mixes were designed with different rates of RAP (15, 30, 45%) and asphalt-rubber extender (0, 30, and 45%) following generally, the design requirements for an SMA mix in Virginia. The laboratory test recommended in the second experiment, IDEAL-CT and SCB-IL, were used to determine the fracture resistance of the mixes. The results showed that the addition of RAP decreases fracture resistance, but the asphalt-rubber extender improves it. A mix designed that replaced 30% of the binder with asphalt-rubber extender and 15% RAP had the highest resistance to fracture according to both. Also, as expected, all the mixed had a low susceptibility to rutting.

Multi-layered electronic packages increase in complexity with demands for functionality. Interfacial delamination remains a prominent failure mechanism due to mismatch of coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). Numerous studies have investigated interfacial cracking in microelectronic packages using fracture mechanics, which requires knowledge of starter crack locations and crack propagation paths. Cohesive zone theory has been identified as an alternative method for modeling crack propagation and delamination without the need for a pre-existing crack. In a cohesive zone approach, traction forces between surfaces are related to the crack tip opening displacement and are governed by a traction-separation law. Unlike traditional fracture mechanics approaches, cohesive zone analyses can predict starter crack locations and directions or simulate complex geometries with more than one type of interface. In a cohesive zone model, cohesive zone elements are placed along material interfaces. Parameters that define cohesive zone behavior must be experimentally determined to be able to predict delamination propagation in a microelectronic package. The objective of this work is to study delamination propagation in a copper/mold compound interface through cohesive zone modeling. Mold compound and copper samples are fabricated, and such samples are used in experiments such as four-point bend test and double cantilever beam test to obtain the cohesive zone model parameters for a range of mode mixity. The developed cohesive zone elements are then placed in a small-outline integrated circuit package model at the interface between an epoxy mold compound and a copper lead frame. The package is simulated to go through thermal profiles associated with the fabrication of the package, and the potential locations for delamination are determined. Design guidelines are developed to reduce mold compound/copper lead frame interfacial delamination.

Due to their ability to confer enhanced surface properties without compromising the properties of the substrate, coatings have become ubiquitous in heavy industrial applications for corrosion, wear, and thermal protection, among others. Kinetic Metallization (KM), a solid-state impact consolidation and coating process, is well-suited for depositing industrial coatings due to its versatility, low substrate heat input, and low cost. The ability of KM coatings to adhere to the substrate is determined by the quality of the interface. The purpose of this study is to develop a model to predict the interfacial quality of KM coatings using known coating and substrate properties. Of the various contributions to adhesion of KM coatings, research suggests that the thermodynamic Work of Adhesion (WAD) is the most fundamental. It is useful to define interfacial quality in terms of the critical strain energy release rate (GC) at which coating delamination occurs. Studies show that GC for a given interface is related to WAD. This study attempts to develop a theoretical model for calculating WAD and understand the relationship between GC and WAD. For a bimetallic interface between two transition metals, WAD can be theoretically calculated using known electronic and physical properties of each metal: the molar volume, V, the surface energy, γ, and the enthalpy of alloy formation, ΔHinterface; ΔHinterface is a function of the molar volume, V, the work function, φ, and the electron density at the boundary of the Wigner-Seitz cell, nWS.WAD for Ni-Cu and Ni-Ti interfaces were 3.51 J/m2 and 4.55 J/m2, respectively. A modified Four-point bend testing technique was used to experimentally measure GC for Ni-Cu and Ni-Ti specimens produced by KM. These tests yielded mean G­C values of 50.92 J/m2 and 132.68 J/m2 for Ni-Cu and Ni-Ti specimens, respectively. Plastic deformation and surface roughness are likely the main reasons for the large discrepancy between GC and WAD. At the 95% confidence level, the mean GC of the Ni-Ti interface is significantly higher than that of the Ni-Cu interface. Further testing is recommended to better understand the relationship between WAD and GC.

L'objectif dans cette recherche expérimentale est de contribuer à la compréhension des phénomènes de l'endommagement et de la fissuration dans les sols argileux saturés sous chargement hydrique (dessiccation) et mécanique (chemins de contrainte). L'étude mécanique est axée sur l'identification des propriétés élastiques du matériau endommagé sous chargement triaxial à différents niveaux et chemins de contrainte. Les principaux points traités étaient, l'influence de la contrainte de consolidation (p'ic), du degré de surconsolidation (OCR) et du chemin de contrainte sur la vitesse d'onde de compression. Les résultats montrent que les propriétés élastiques sont affectées et évoluent avec la déformation. La contractance semble augmenter la vitesse d'onde de compression à mesure que p'ic croît et densifie le matériau. En revanche, la dilatance semble plutôt diminuer la vitesse d'onde de compression. Par ailleurs, différents chemins triaxiaux conduits à un niveau de contrainte donné ont montré que les vitesses d'onde sont très proches si les chemins sont normalement consolidés. Les vitesses sont proches également si les chemins sont surconsolidés. En revanche, à un même état de contrainte, la vitesse d'onde est différente si on compare un chemin normalement consolidé avec un chemin surconsolidé. La deuxième partie de l'étude porte sur une analyse approfondie des mécanismes d'amorçage et de propagation des fissures sous dessiccation libre et contrôlée d'une argile initialement saturée. L'analyse via la corrélation d'images numériques (CIN) a permis, en premier lieu, une caractérisation multiéchelle du phénomène de retrait opéré au cours du séchage. Différents phénomènes ont été identifiés : le phénomène de relaxation, caractérisé par un changement de signe de la déformation locale extension / compression, le mécanisme de fissuration par extension (mode I), identifié par la cartographie des directions des déformations principales. L'étude a été complétée par des essais de traction indirecte par flexion 3 points réalisés sur des poutrelles de kaolin K13 initialement soumises à différentes succions. L'effet de la succion initiale sur la résistance à la traction a donc été observé. Les résultats montrent que plus la succion initiale est élevée, plus la pente de la courbe de variations de la résistance à la traction est élevée. D'autre part, la déformation de la zone tendue de la poutrelle atteint sa valeur critique lorsque la contrainte atteint la résistance maximale à la traction de l'argile / The objective of this experimental research is to contribute to understanding phenomena of damage and cracking in saturated clay soils under hydric loading (desiccation) and mechanical loading (stress paths). Mechanical study focuses on identifying the elastic properties of the damaged material under triaxial loading at different levels and stress paths. The main issues were the influence of; the consolidation stress (p'ic), the overconsolidation ratio (OCR) and the stress path on the compression wave velocity. The results show that the elastic properties are affected and evolve with strain. Contractancy appears to increase the compression wave velocity as p'ic increase and densifies the material. However, dilatancy seems rather decrease the compression wave velocity. Moreover, various triaxial paths performed at a given stress level showed that the wave velocities are very close if the paths are normally consolidated. Velocities are also close if the paths are overconsolidated. However, at the same stress state, the wave velocity is different when comparing a normally consolidated path with an overconsolidated path. The second part of the study focuses on a thorough analysis of the cracks' initiation and propagation mechanisms under free and controlled desiccation on initial saturated clay. Analysis via the digital image correlation (DIC) allowed, first, a multi-scales characterization of the shrinkage phenomenon operated during drying. Different phenomena were identified; the relaxation phenomenon characterized by a change of the local strain's sign extension / compression, the cracking mechanism by extension (mode I) identified by the map of the directions of the principal strains. The study was completed with indirect tensile tests by bending performed on kaolin k13 beams initially submitted to different suctions. The effect of the initial suction on the tensile strength has been observed. The results show that more the initial suction is high, the greater the slope of the curve of changes in the tensile strength is high. On the other hand, strain of the tension zone of the beam reaches its critical value when the stress reaches the maximum tensile strength of the clay

The subject of this diploma thesis is a study of the influence of cellulose ethers on the rheological properties of lime. The theoretical part focuses on rheological parameters, techniques and test equipment used in rheology measurements. Various types of cellulose ethers and their influence on the rheological properties of fresh mortars are described. The practical part deals with the study of the influence of different types and quantities of cellulose ethers on the properties of fresh lime pastes and mortars. The results were obtained from measurements on a rotational rheometer with a special geometry for building materials. Measuring methods used were flow and oscillatory tests. Yield stress, viscosity and flow index were determined by the flow measurement. The stability and stiffness of fresh materials were determined during the oscillation measurements. The measured results are then evaluated and compared.