Residual stress measurement methods have commonly been used to characterize states of stress in various elastic isotropic materials. In order to investigate the effects of elastic anisotropy on residual stress measurements, commercially pure grade 2 titanium (CP Ti Gr 2) was selected to study a strong texture, or preferred grain orientation. Warm rolled and air-cooled CP titanium is well known to have a texture from the factory. This texture and resulting elastic anisotropy were confirmed using two material characterization methods, resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The texture was further developed using a rolling mill to cold roll the titanium. A vacuum furnace set to a temperature of 550 C for one hour was used to stress relieve the titanium without reducing the texture. RUS and EBSD methods were used again to confirm the texture achieved by cold rolling. Well-characterized residual stresses were introduced with a shrink-fit ring and plug. The residual stress hole drilling method was used to characterize stresses in the rolling and transverse directions of the ring and plug assemblies. Stress profiles from hole drilling indicated some possible elastic anisotropic effects in two assemblies and are presented. However, more assemblies are needed to confirm the results. A stress determination technique with higher sensitivity may be necessary to substantiate assembly stress profile results.

This work establishes a framework for Monte Carlo simulations of complex, modulated electron fields produced by Varian's TrueBeam medical linear accelerator for investigations into modulated electron radiation therapy (MERT) and combined modulated photon and electron radiation therapy (MPERT). Both MERT and MPERT have shown potential for reduced low dose to normal tissue without compromising target coverage in the external beam radiation therapy of some breast, chest wall, head and neck, and scalp cancers. This reduction in low dose could translate into the reduction of immediate radiation side effects as well as long term morbidities and incidence of secondary cancers. Monte Carlo dose calculations are widely accepted as the gold standard for complex radiation therapy dose modelling, and are used almost exclusively for modelling the complex electron fields involved in MERT and MPERT. The introduction of Varian's newest linear accelerator, the TrueBeam, necessitated the development of new Monte Carlo models in order to further research into the potential role of MERT and MPERT in radiation therapy. This was complicated by the fact that the field independent internal schematics of TrueBeam were kept proprietary, unlike in previous generations of Varian accelerators. Two approaches are presented for performing Monte Carlo simulations of complex electron fields produced by TrueBeam. In the first approach, the dosimetric characteristics of electron fields produced by the TrueBeam were first compared with those produced by an older Varian accelerator, the Clinac 21EX. Differences in depth and profile characteristics of fields produced by the TrueBeam and those produced by the Clianc 21EX were found to be within 3%/3 mm. Given this information, complete accelerator models of the Clinac 21EX, based on its known internal geometry, were then successfully modified in order to simulate 12 and 20 MeV electron fields produced by the TrueBeam to within 2%/2 mm of measured depth and profile curves and to within 3.7% of measured relative output. While the 6 MeV TrueBeam model agreed with measured depth and profile data to within 3%/3 mm, the modified Clinac 21EX model was unable to reproduce trends in relative output as a function of field size with acceptable accuracy. The second approach to modelling TrueBeam electron fields used phase-space source files provided by Varian that were scored below the field-independent portions of the accelerator head geometry. These phase-spaces were first validated for use in MERT and MPERT applications, in which simulations using the phase-space source files were shown to model depth dose curves that agreed with measurement within 2%/2 mm and profile curves that agreed with measurement within 3%/3 mm. Simulated changes in output as a function of field size fell within 2.7%, for the most part. In order to inform the positioning of jaws in MLC-shaped electron field delivery, the change in output as a function of jaw position for fixed MLC-apertures was investigated using the phase-space source files. In order to achieve maximum output and minimize treatment time, a jaw setting between 5 and 10 cm beyond the MLC- field setting is recommended at 6 MeV, while 5 cm or closer is recommended for 12 and 20 MeV with the caveat that output is most sensitive to jaw position when the jaws are very close to the MLC-field periphery. Additionally, output was found to be highly sensitive to jaw model. A change in divergence of the jaw faces from a point on the source plane to a 3x3 mm^2 square in the source plane changed the shape of the output curve dramatically. Finally, electron backscatter from the jaws into the monitor ionization chamber of the TrueBeam was measured and simulated to enable accurate absolute dose calculations. Two approaches were presented for measuring backscatter into the monitor ionization chamber without specialized electronics by turning o the dose and pulse forming network servos. Next, a technique was applied for simulating backscatter factors for the TrueBeam phase-space source models without the exact specifications of the monitor ionization chamber. By using measured backscatter factors, the forward dose component in a virtual chamber was determined and then used to calculate backscatter factors for arbitrary fields to within 0.21%. Backscatter from the jaws was found to contribute up to 2.6% of the overall monitor chamber signal. The measurement techniques employed were not sensitive enough to quantify backscatter from the MLC, however, Monte Carlo simulations predicted this contribution to be 0.3%, at most, verifying that this component can be neglected. / Graduate / 0756 / lloyd.samantha@gmail.com

Ophiolites - thrust sheets of oceanic lithosphere that have been emplaced onto the continental margin - provide the opportunity to explore the structure and genesis of oceanic crust. As many ophiolites formed above subduction zones, they also allow for the investigation of mantle wedge and subduction interface processes. This the- sis examines the Oman-United Arab Emirates (UAE) ophiolite, which is the largest and most intensely studied ophiolite on Earth. Three distinct problems are addressed. (1) Recent research has proposed that the architecture and tectonic evolution of the ophiolite in the UAE differs from in Oman. In Chapter 2, I test this hypothesis by integrating new geological mapping and field observations with previously published maps of the ophiolite in the UAE. My results indicate that the ophiolite is gently folded, but otherwise largely intact. I demonstrate that the architecture of the ophi- olite in the UAE is not significantly different from in Oman. Thus, there is no basis for a different tectonic evolution as recently proposed. (2) Observations from exper- iments and small-scale natural shear zones indicate that volumetrically-minor phases can control strain localization. In Chapter 3, I test the hypothesis that minor phases control strain-localisation at plate boundaries. To do so, I analyzed peridotites from the base of the ophiolite, a palaeosubduction interface. My results demonstrate that minor phases limited olivine grain growth, which led to rheological weakening. (3) The mechanisms by which metamorphic soles detached from the downgoing slab and accreted to the hanging-wall mantle is unclear. In Chapter 4, I examine a transect across the metamorphic sole in the UAE. My results reveal that granulite formation was more extensive than is typically considered. I propose that granulite formation resulted in rheological strengthening, which caused the subduction interface to migrate into the downgoing slab and accrete the metamorphic sole.

<p>The goal of this work has been to evaluate the different experimental techniques used for quantitative analysis of multi-phase materials systems. </p><p>Powder based specimens containing two-phases, austenite and ferrite , were fabricated and quantified. The volume fraction of ferrite varied from 2 Vol% to 50 Vol%. </p><p>X ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements were based on two peak analysis. Computer based software Topas was used for quantitative analysis, which is believed to be the most advanced in this field. XRD results were found within the absolute limit of +/- 4% of given ferrite volume fraction. Volume fraction as low as 2 Vol% was successfully detected and quantified using XRD. However, high statistical error was observed in case of low volume fraction, such as 2 Vol% and 5 Vol% ferrite volume fraction. </p><p>Magnetic balance (MB) measurements were performed to determine the volume fraction of magnetic phase, ferrite. MB results were found in good agreement with given volume fractions. As low as 2 Vol% volume fraction was detected and quantified with MB. MB results were within the absolute limit of +/- 4% of given ferrite volume fraction. </p><p>Image analysis (IA) was performed after proper sample preparation as required by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mode of Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). IM results were found within the absolute limit of +/- 2 % of given ferrite volume fraction. However, high statistical error was observed in case of 2 Vol% volume fraction.</p>

Plagioclase is the most abundant mineral in the lower crust and it is thus important to constrain the behaviour of plagioclase during deformation. Anorthosites, which are plagioclase-rich rocks, are common in Archaean cratons but their origin and rheological importance is still debated. The aims of this thesis are to 1) describe a newly discovered Archaean anorthosite complex (Naajat Kuuat, SW Greenland), investigate its origin and a possible genetic relationship between the anorthosite and associated mafic-ultramafic rocks and 2) to study the rheology and deformation mechanisms in plagioclase-rich rocks. The main focus of this thesis is on the deformation studies. (1) Geochemical whole-rock analyses from the Naajat Kuuat complex are indicative for an origin near a subduction zone setting. A genetic link by crystal fractionation between the anorthosite and associated mafic-ultramafic units is inferred. (2) Deformation behaviour of plagioclase is assessed from analyses of three anorthosite units deformed during different conditions. Samples were analysed using the electron backscatter diffraction technique (EBSD) in combination with optical and chemical analyses. All three case studies show significant strain localisation related to grain size reduction. A wet anorthosite deformed at dry conditions (T ~675-700°C) was dynamically recrystallised. Continuous bands of recrystallised grains developed a texture yet display microstructures and grain relationships indicative for grain size sensitive creep, suggesting that the rheology followed a Newtonian flow law. In the other two studies, samples with initially dry and wet composition, respectively, have experienced deformation during fluid present conditions at T ~550-620°C. These two samples show that fluids effectively caused reactions, replacements and aided strain localisation during deformation at mid crustal conditions. / At the time of the doctoral defence the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 1: Manuscript; Paper 2 Manuscript; Paper 3 Manuscript.

The goal of this work has been to evaluate the different experimental techniques used for quantitative analysis of multi-phase materials systems. Powder based specimens containing two-phases, austenite and ferrite , were fabricated and quantified. The volume fraction of ferrite varied from 2 Vol% to 50 Vol%. X ray powder diffraction (XRD) measurements were based on two peak analysis. Computer based software Topas was used for quantitative analysis, which is believed to be the most advanced in this field. XRD results were found within the absolute limit of +/- 4% of given ferrite volume fraction. Volume fraction as low as 2 Vol% was successfully detected and quantified using XRD. However, high statistical error was observed in case of low volume fraction, such as 2 Vol% and 5 Vol% ferrite volume fraction. Magnetic balance (MB) measurements were performed to determine the volume fraction of magnetic phase, ferrite. MB results were found in good agreement with given volume fractions. As low as 2 Vol% volume fraction was detected and quantified with MB. MB results were within the absolute limit of +/- 4% of given ferrite volume fraction. Image analysis (IA) was performed after proper sample preparation as required by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) mode of Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). IM results were found within the absolute limit of +/- 2 % of given ferrite volume fraction. However, high statistical error was observed in case of 2 Vol% volume fraction.

La compréhension et la simulation des mécanismes de déformation dans la croûte supérieure sont des enjeux scientifiques et techniques importants. La calcite étant un minéral commun de la croûte supérieure se déformant essentiellement par maclage sous 200 °C, c'est pour cette raison que l'on s'intéresse plus particulièrement au maclage de la calcite dans le cadre de cette thèse. L'utilisation du maclage de la calcite n'en est pas à son coup d'essai et de nombreuses méthodes d'inversions existent que ce soit pour remonter aux tenseurs des contraintes comme aux tenseurs des déformations. Cette thèse propose une nouvelle méthode d'inversion basée sur l'inversion d'Etchopar permettant de reconstruire 5 sur 6 paramètres du tenseur des contraintes avec une quantification fine des incertitudes. Cette méthode permet de détecter automatiquement l'existence d'un ou de plusieurs évènements tectoniques enregistrés par le maclage de la calcite. Un deuxième volet de la thèse consiste en l'amélioration de la méthode d'acquisition des données de macles en utilisant un EBSD (electron backscatter diffraction). En effet, l'utilisation traditionnelle de la platine universelle a des limitations techniques et amène aussi à un doute visuel sur l'appréciation du statut non-maclé de certains plans, en plus du côté long et fastidieux. Le dernier volet de la thèse consiste à déterminer le seuil de maclage de la calcite pour différentes tailles de grains à l'aide de tests mécaniques sous une presse uniaxiale. Qui plus est, le suivi en continu des déformations sur les monocristaux de calcite a permis de mettre en évidence le comportement macroscopique d'un cristal de calcite et la séquence de maclage. / The understanding and modelling of deformation mechanics in the upper crust are important scientific and technical issues. The calcite is a common mineral in the upper crust and mainly deforms by twinning under 200°C. That is why we are interested by calcite twinning as part of this thesis. It is not the first time that calcite twinning is used to reconstruct paleostress or paleostrain tensors. This thesis propose a new inversion method based on the Etchecopar’s one allowing to reconstruct 5 among 6 parameters of the stress tensor with an accurate quantification of the uncertainties. This method allows to automatically detect the realness of one or several tectonic events recorded by calcite twinning. A second part of the thesis consists in the improvement of the data acquisition by using EBSD (electron backscatter diffraction). In fact, the traditional use of the universal stage has technical limitations and brings some optical doubt about the untwinned status of few planes in addition to the long and tedious side. The last part of the thesis consists in the establishing the threshold of calcite twinning for different grain sizes by mechanical tests under a uniaxial press. Moreover, the continuous monitoring of the experiments using single crystals of calcite allowed to highlight the macroscopic behavior of a single crystal and the sequence of twinning.

Formable Advanced High-Strength Steels (AHSS) have a unique combination of strength and ductility, making them ideal in the effort to lightweight vehicles. The AHSS in this study, Quenched and Partitioned 1180, rely on the Transformation Induced Plasticity (TRIP) effect, in which retained austenite (RA) grains transform to martensite during plastic deformation, providing extra ductility via the transformation event. Understanding the factors involved in RA transformation, such as local strain and grain attributes, is therefore key to optimizing the microstructure of these steels. This research seeks to increase understanding of those attributes and the correlations between microstructure and RA transformation in TRIP steels. To measure local strain, the viability of using forescatter detector (FSD) images as the basis for DIC study is investigated. Standard FSD techniques, along with an integrated EBSD / FSD approach (Pattern Region of Interest Analysis System), are both analyzed. Simultaneous strain and microstructure maps are obtained for tensile deformation up to around 6% strain. The method does not give sub-grain resolution, and surface feature evolution prevents DIC analysis across large strain steps; however, the data is easy to obtain and provides a natural set of complementary information for the EBSD analysis. In-situ tensile tests combined with EBSD allow RA grain and neighboring attributes to be characterized and corresponding transformation data to be obtained. However, pseudo-symmetry of the ferrite (BCC) and martensite (BCT) phases prevents EBSD from accurately identifying all phases. Measuring the relative distortion of the crystal lattice, tetragonality, is one approach to identifying the phases. Unfortunately, small errors in the pattern center can cause significant errors in tetragonality measurement. Therefore, this research utilizes a new approach for accurate pattern center determination using a strain minimization routine and applies it to tetragonality maps for phase identification. Tetragonality maps based on dynamically simulated patterns result in the most accurate maps and can also be used to predict approximate local carbon content. Machine learning is then used on the collected data to isolate key attributes of RA grains and provide a decision tree model to predict transformation based on those attributes. Among the most relevant attributes found, RA grain area, RA grain shape aspect ratio, a “hardness” factor, and major axis orientation are included. Possible correlations between these factors and transformation improve understanding of relevant attributes and show the advantage that machine learning can have in unravelling complex material behavior.

One conventional method for studying dislocations uses the Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), a complex and expensive piece of equipment which requires extensive specimen preparation in order to thin the specimens to electron transparent thickness. Newer High Resolution Electron Backscatter Diffraction (HREBSD) methods of determining geometrically necessary dislocation content via cross-correlation promise to be able to produce estimates of the dislocation density of the sample over a larger area with considerably less preparation time and using a much more accessible instrument. However, the accuracy of the new EBSD technique needs more experimental verification, including consideration of possible changes in the specimen dislocation density due to the different preparation methods. By comparing EBSD and TEM dislocation measurements of Electron Transparent platinum specimens prepared using the Focused Ion Beam (FIB), along with EBSD dislocations measurements of specimens prepared by both FIB and mechanical polishing techniques, this paper seeks to verify the accuracy of the new method and identify any changes in the specimens’ apparent dislocation density caused by the different preparation processes.

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