The exciting thermomechanical properties of nickel-titanium shape memory alloys have sparked significant research efforts seeking to exploit their exotic capabilities. Until recently, the performance capabilities of nickel-titanium devices have been inhibited by the retention of only one thermomechanical characteristic. However, laser processing technology promises to deliver enhanced material offerings which are capable of multiple functional responses. Presented in this thesis, is an investigation of the effects of laser processing on the thermomechanical behaviour of nickel-titanium shape memory alloys. In the context of this work, laser processing refers to removal of alloy constituents, as in the case of laser ablation, or alternatively, addition of elements through laser alloying. The effects of laser ablation on the composition, crystallography and phase transformation temperatures of a nickel-titanium strip have been studied. Application of laser energy was shown to ablate nickel constituents, induce an austenite-martensite phase change and cause an increase in phase transformation onset temperatures, which correlated well with reported findings. Laser processing of a nickel-titanium wire was shown to locally embed an additional thermomechanical response which manifested as unique shape memory and pseudoelastic properties. Localized alloying of ternary species via laser processing of nickel-titanium strip was investigated. Synthesis of a ternary shape memory intermetallic within the laser processing region was achieved through melting of copper foils. Results from thermoanalytical testing indicated that the ternary compound possessed a higher phase transformation temperature and reduced transformation hysteresis in comparison to the reference alloy. Indentation testing was used to demonstrate the augmented thermomechanical characteristics of the laser processed shape memory alloy. In order to demonstrate the enhanced functionality of laser processed nickel-titanium shape memory alloys, a self-positioning nickel-titanium microgripper was fabricated. The microgripper was designed to actuate through four different positions, corresponding to activation of three embedded shape memory characteristics. Thermoanalytical and tensile testing instrumentations were used to characterize the thermomechanical performance of the laser processed nickel-titanium microgripper. Results indicated that each of the laser processed microgripper components possessed unique mechanical and shape memory recovery properties.

TiNiPd high-temperature shape memory alloys (HTSMAs) have attracted considerable attention as potential solid-state actuators capable of operating at temperatures up to 500 °C, exhibiting excellent corrosion resistance, adequate ductility levels and significant strain recovery under both constrained and unconstrained thermomechanical conditions. During operation, these actuators may be subjected to multiple cycles and from an application point of view, the functional stability, i.e. conservation of original actuator dimensions and transformation temperatures during repeated employment, is of considerable importance. This study addresses the issue of functional stability in a model HTSMA, Ti50.5Ni24.5Pd25, for its use as a compact solid-state actuator. Since the primary reason for functional instability is the creation of lattice defects (dislocations, vacancies, etc.) during repeated transformation cycles, several methods were successfully undertaken to improve the functional stability through inhibiting the generation of these defects. Solid-solution strengthening through Sc microalloying and thermomechanical treatments via severe plastic deformation were the two approaches used to strengthen the HTSMA against defect generation. Thermal cycling the HTSMA under stress was the third method to voluntarily introduce defects into the microstructure such that further defect generation during application would be impeded. Overall, severe plastic deformation was found to be more efficient than other strengthening methods in improving the functional stability of TiNiPd HTSMA, yet it brought about disadvantages such as reduction in transformation strain and transformation temperatures. While functional instability is due to the creation of lattice defects, the generation of these defects is mainly controlled by the crystallographic incompatibility between martensitically transforming phases and the strength levels for plastic deformation. It was shown that TiNiPd HTSMAs, which exhibited martensitic transformation from a cubic (B2) to orthorhombic (B19) symmetry, illustrated better compatibility and thus better functional stability levels compared to TiNi SMAs, which had a B2 to monoclinic (B19’) transition. Although crystallographic incompatibility seems to be the governing factor for the functional stability of the TiNiPd HTSMA, the strength differential between the onset of plastic deformation and local constraint due to the martensitic transformation was also found to be an influential factor determining the overall stable behavior. Functional stability was also investigated for the two-way shape memory effect (TWSME) in TiNiPd HTSMAs. Better strength and compatibility levels compared to TiNi SMAs were also reflected in the TWSME characteristics in the form of enhanced stability under stress-free thermal cycling. The stability during constrained thermal cycling was not as good and TWSME degraded rapidly while doing work against an opposing stress. Nevertheless, work output levels were much higher as compared to those obtained from conventional TiNi and Cu-based SMAs.

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Washington, 1998. / Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. [139]-145).

Ce travail de thèse, porte sur le développement d’une technique originale de traitement de surface par jet d’azote cryogénique. Ce procédé a été initialement développé pour le décapage et le nettoyage des surfaces. Il est ici utilisé pour obtenir un durcissement superficiel sans altération ou endommagement de la surface du matériau traité. Sous certaines conditions, dans un premier temps, nous avons appliqué la technique jet d’azote en conditions statiques de traitement afin de cartographier les domaines d’utilisation du jet en fonction des paramètres de procédé (distance de tir et temps d’exposition). On montre, un durcissement superficiel sans endommagement de la surface du matériau cible (acier austénitique AISI 316L). L’influence de la distance à laquelle la surface est traitée (distance de tir) et le temps d’exposition du jet sur l’évolution de la microstructure, le durcissement et l’endommagement en surface de l’acier AISI 316L a été étudiée. Des analyses par microscopie électronique à balayage, des analyses d’images ainsi que des mesures de microdureté ont été effectuées sur les microstructures des surfaces traitées pour quantifier les effets de traitement par jet d’azote. Le durcissement en surface, du essentiellement à la transformation martensitique, est ainsi quantifié selon les conditions d’essai. Dans un second temps, un traitement en conditions cinématiques a été réalisé en vue d’obtenir un durcissement superficiel sans endommagement de matière. Les essais de traitement en conditions cinématiques ont été essentiellement réalisés sur les surfaces d’aciers austénitiques instables, l’AISI 316L et l’AISI 304L et, ponctuellement sur l’acier stable, l’AISI 310s. L’influence de la vitesse d’avance du jet et la pression de consigne sur l’évolution de la microstructure, les fractions de martensites formées et le niveau de durcissement en surface d’aciers AISI 316L et AISI 304L ont été étudiées. Les analyses EBSD, MEB ainsi que les mesures de microdureté réalisées sur les surfaces traitées ont permis de mettre en évidence le lien entre le niveau de durcissement et la quantité de martensite induite. Le durcissement de la surface de l’acier AISI 310s, qui reste très faible comparé à celui d’aciers instables, est le résultat de l’écrouissage de sa phase austénitique. Il a été également montré qu’un traitement avec un double passage du jet conduit à l’amélioration de la microdureté en surface des trois aciers traités / This work focuses on the study of an original surface treatment technique that uses supercritical cryogenic nitrogen jet. This process was initially designed for environmentally friendly surface cleaning, where indeed such gas recycles in the air after operation. In the present work, this technique is implemented for surface hardening use without damage of the surface to be treated. Two types of operation cases are studied: static jet tool impingement, cinematic using jet tool scanning on the top surface. In fact, these two static and cinematic treatment cases can be used in industrial operations. In the first stage, the treatment was performed under static conditions in order to map the domains of use of the process. Variation of the experimental parameters (standoff distance and dwell time - treatment time-) made possible to define several uses of the nitrogen jet. In particular the hardening without any damage of the surface of the material to be treated such as AISI 316L stainless steel. Thus, the influence of the standoff distance and the dwell time on the evolution of surface microstructure and damage and hardening was studied. To quantify the effects of nitrogen jet on the microstructure, SEM (Scaning Electrons Microscope) observations and micro hardness measurements were carried out on the treated surfaces. As a result, for different conditions of treatment, the relationship between hardness and martensite rate during surface transformation process, is shown and plotted. Secondly, we focus on hardening without surface damage. The treatments were essentially carried out on both AISI 316L and AISI 304L metastable stainless steels. The influence of both torch velocity and jet static pressure on the variation of microstructure, martensite fractions and hardening level, was also studied and discussed. Thanks to both SEM/EBSD analysis and micro hardness measurements, the relationship between martensite rate and increase of hardness, is highlighted. It is also established that the treatment using several passes allows to increase the surface micro hardness without damage. Finally, it is found that, for some particular working parameters, the nitrogen jet process can also be used for surface hardening without martensitic transformation

Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-08T14:59:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 arquivototal.pdf: 2777493 bytes, checksum: eef0d78a961712e8d2857815f543d068 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2014-02-14 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Five different compositions of the Cu-Al-Mn shape memory alloys were cast under ambient atmosphere, and characterized thought optical microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. Shape recovery and superelasticity was evaluated using mechanical tensile test, always comparing the results between them and observing the influence of manganese concentration on termomecanicals properties. Results were encountered regarding the shape recovery of approximately 5%, however, the compositions of the alloys Cu-Al-Mn analyzed have high brittleness, which should be kept to a minimum. Another favorable aspect in relation to these alloys is highly sensitive to the composition of its components, where 1 %peso increase in manganese content will reduce the Mi temperature around 60 K, which facilitates the handling of their transformation temperatures according to application needs. / Cinco composições diferentes da liga Cu-Al-Mn foram elaboradas em atmosfera ambiente, e caracterizadas por Microscopia Ótica, Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura, Difratometria de Raios-X e Calorimetria Diferencial de varredura. Em seguida suas propriedades termomecânicas foram medidas através de ensaios de tração, superelasticidade e recuperação de forma, sempre observando a influência da concentração do manganês em suas propriedades. Foram encontrados resultados promissores em relação à recuperação de forma de aproximadamente 5%, em contrapartida, as composições das ligas Cu-Al-Mn analisadas, possuem elevada fragilidade, algo que deve ser reduzido ao máximo. Outro aspecto favorável em relação a estas ligas é a alta sensibilidade à composição de seus componentes, onde 1% em peso de aumento no teor de manganês irá reduzir a temperatura Mi em torno de 60 K, o que facilita a manipulação de suas temperaturas de transformação de acordo com a necessidade da aplicação.

FundaÃÃo de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Cearà / Os arames eletrodos de aÃos inoxidÃveis martensÃticos tÃm seu emprego voltado nas soldagens de ligas ferrÃtica/martensÃticas por fornecer apropriada resistÃncia mecÃnica e à corrosÃo. Este trabalho apresenta um estudo do efeito da estrutura martensÃtica formada a baixa temperatura no metal de solda de juntas soldadas multipasse, sobre o nÃvel de tensÃes residuais, propriedades mecÃnicas e tenacidade, comparando com os resultados obtidos por soldagens convencionais. O arame eletrodo utilizado foi Fe-12%Cr-5%Ni, com temperatura de transformaÃÃo martensÃtica inferior a 200 ÂC, soldando secÃÃes de tubulaÃÃes de aÃo API 5L classe B utilizado em extraÃÃo e transporte de petrÃleo. As soldagens dos corpos de prova foram realizadas de modo automÃtico. Amostras de cada cordÃo do enchimento foram retiradas para a realizaÃÃo das anÃlises de composiÃÃo quÃmica, microdureza, caracterizaÃÃo microestrutural por microscopia Ãtica (MO) e microscopia eletrÃnica de varredura (MEV), difraÃÃo de raios-X e ensaio termo-magnÃtico. Realizando o mapeamento da textura cristalogrÃfica e determinando as variantes cristalogrÃficas da formaÃÃo da martensÃta por Electron Backscattering Diffraction (EBSD). Os resultados de tensÃes residuais mostraram que as juntas soldadas com eletrodo de baixa temperatura de transformaÃÃo martensÃtica apresentaram maiores intensidades de tensÃes residuais compressivas comparados com o eletrodo comum, e nÃo influenciaram no surgimento de textura cristalogrÃfica nos cordÃes de topo. A maior energia de soldagem influenciou significativamente no aumento da tenacidade do cordÃo e contribuiu para o surgimento de austenita revertida. / Os arames eletrodos de aÃos inoxidÃveis martensÃticos tÃm seu emprego voltado nas soldagens de ligas ferrÃtica/martensÃticas por fornecer apropriada resistÃncia mecÃnica e à corrosÃo. Este trabalho apresenta um estudo do efeito da estrutura martensÃtica formada a baixa temperatura no metal de solda de juntas soldadas multipasse, sobre o nÃvel de tensÃes residuais, propriedades mecÃnicas e tenacidade, comparando com os resultados obtidos por soldagens convencionais. O arame eletrodo utilizado foi Fe-12%Cr-5%Ni, com temperatura de transformaÃÃo martensÃtica inferior a 200 ÂC, soldando secÃÃes de tubulaÃÃes de aÃo API 5L classe B utilizado em extraÃÃo e transporte de petrÃleo. As soldagens dos corpos de prova foram realizadas de modo automÃtico. Amostras de cada cordÃo do enchimento foram retiradas para a realizaÃÃo das anÃlises de composiÃÃo quÃmica, microdureza, caracterizaÃÃo microestrutural por microscopia Ãtica (MO) e microscopia eletrÃnica de varredura (MEV), difraÃÃo de raios-X e ensaio termo-magnÃtico. Realizando o mapeamento da textura cristalogrÃfica e determinando as variantes cristalogrÃficas da formaÃÃo da martensÃta por Electron Backscattering Diffraction (EBSD). Os resultados de tensÃes residuais mostraram que as juntas soldadas com eletrodo de baixa temperatura de transformaÃÃo martensÃtica apresentaram maiores intensidades de tensÃes residuais compressivas comparados com o eletrodo comum, e nÃo influenciaram no surgimento de textura cristalogrÃfica nos cordÃes de topo. A maior energia de soldagem influenciou significativamente no aumento da tenacidade do cordÃo e contribuiu para o surgimento de austenita revertida. / The filler metal of martensitic stainless steels has its used welding of alloy ferritic / martensitic to provide suitable mechanical strength and corrosion. This research accomplishes a study of the mechanical and metallurgical properties correlate with the crystallography texture and variants selection during the martensitic transformation in the weld metal. The filler metal used was Fe-12% Cr-5% Ni, with martensitic transformation temperature less than 200ÂC, welding sections of steel pipeline API 5L grade B used in oil extraction and structure offshore. The welding of the specimens was performed automatically. Samples of each layer of filling were removed for analysis during chemical composition, microhardness, microstructural characterization by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and thermo-magnetic test. Itâs intend to accomplish a mapping of texture and variants selection of the formation of martensitic morphology by Electron Backscattering Diffraction (EBSD). The results have shown that residual stresses in welded joints filler metal of low-temperature martensitic transformation had higher compressive residual stress intensities compared to the common electrode, and did not influence the appearance of crystallographic texture on top of beads. The high heat input significantly influenced the increase toughness beads and contributed to the appearance of reverted austenite. / The filler metal of martensitic stainless steels has its used welding of alloy ferritic / martensitic to provide suitable mechanical strength and corrosion. This research accomplishes a study of the mechanical and metallurgical properties correlate with the crystallography texture and variants selection during the martensitic transformation in the weld metal. The filler metal used was Fe-12% Cr-5% Ni, with martensitic transformation temperature less than 200ÂC, welding sections of steel pipeline API 5L grade B used in oil extraction and structure offshore. The welding of the specimens was performed automatically. Samples of each layer of filling were removed for analysis during chemical composition, microhardness, microstructural characterization by optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction and thermo-magnetic test. Itâs intend to accomplish a mapping of texture and variants selection of the formation of martensitic morphology by Electron Backscattering Diffraction (EBSD). The results have shown that residual stresses in welded joints filler metal of low-temperature martensitic transformation had higher compressive residual stress intensities compared to the common electrode, and did not influence the appearance of crystallographic texture on top of beads. The high heat input significantly influenced the increase toughness beads and contributed to the appearance of reverted austenite.

L’alliage PuGa 1at.% stabilisé en phase δ n’existe que dans un état métastable et présente donc un caractère très sensible à l’environnement extérieur (transformation de phase sous sollicitations thermiques et mécaniques). L'originalité de ce travail consiste en une caractérisation quantitative In Situ de la transformation martensitique δ → α’ (nature et fraction des phases en présence, évolutions de paramètres de maille et microdéformations générées...) ainsi qu’en une étude microstructurale associées à différentes conditions de transformation (températures et sollicitations mécaniques). Le caractère isotherme pour la transformation de l’alliage PuGa 1at.% a été confirmé. L’analyse des cinétiques de transformation isotherme menée avec le modèle de Pati et Cohen a permis de discuter les différents phénomènes mis en jeu lors de la transformation (germination autocatalytique, interaction entre le nouveau variant formé et la matrice). Les modifications engendrées lorsque la matière est contrainte (augmentation de température Ms, orientation des produits de transformation) ont pu être calculées à partir du formalisme de Patel et Cohen. Des simulations numériques microstructurales ont également été réalisées afin d’appréhender l’effet des contraintes associées à la déformation libre de transformation sur la morphologie et l’arrangement des plaquettes de martensite, en regard aux observations expérimentales par microscopie optique et microscopie électronique à balayage. La confrontation directe de l’ensemble des résultats obtenus a permis de mettre en évidence l’influence majeure des contraintes accumulées dans la matière durant la transformation. En effet, alors qu’un effet auto-catalytique contrôle largement les premiers instants de la cinétique, une accumulation d’interactions mécaniques défavorables apparait progressivement expliquant le caractère partiel de cette transformation. L’étude de la transformation martensitique transformée à basses températures et sous contraintes a été complétée par l’étude de sa réversion en phase δ afin de comprendre les différents mécanismes pilotant cette réversion. Ce travail a montré l’existence d’une compétition entre deux modes de réversion direct et indirect, ce dernier étant étroitement lié à la mobilité du gallium et la stabilité thermodynamique des différentes phases de l’alliage en température / The δ-stabilized PuGa 1at.% is only in a metastable state and therefore is very sensitive to the external environment (phase transformation under thermal and mechanical loading). The originality of this work consists in a quantitative In Situ characterization of the δ → α' martensitic transformation (nature and amount of existing phases, evolution of lattice parameters and induced microstrains …) as well as a microstructural study conducted under different transformation conditions (temperature and mechanical loading). The isothermal character of the transformation kinetics in the PuGa 1at.% was confirmed. The analysis of the kinetics from the Pati and Cohen formalism gave the opportunity to investigate the mechanisms involved during the transformation (autocatalytic nucleation, interaction between the new variant formed and the matrix). Modifications induced in a stressed material (increase in temperature Ms, crystallographic orientation of transformation products) were calculated from the Patel and Cohen formalism. Microstructural numerical simulations were also performed in order to understand the effect of elastic interactions associated with transformation eigenstrain on the martensite plate morphology and plates arrangement in regard of the observations by SEM and OM. The direct confrontation of all results highlighted the large influence of accumulated stresses in the material during the transformation. Indeed, while an autocatalytic effect controls the first steps of the kinetic, an accumulation of unfavorable mechanical interactions occurs gradually explaining the partial nature of this transformation. The study of the martensitic transformation occurring at low temperature and under stresses was complemented by the study of its reversion into the δ phase in order to grasp the different mechanisms driving this reversion. This work shows the existence of competition between direct and indirect reversion modes, the latter being closely related to the mobility of gallium and to the thermodynamic stability of different phases of the alloy versus temperature

De nos jours, l’essor de la miniaturisation est un paramètre clé pour la réalisation de microsystèmesde plus en plus complexes. Les recherches sur l’élaboration de matériaux « intelligents », onttoujours suscité un grand intérêt. Dans ce cadre, on se propose d’étudier l’alliage à mémoirede forme magnétique Ni2MnGa sous la forme de couche mince. Ce matériau a la propriétéparticulière de répondre aux sollicitations mécaniques, thermiques et magnétiques. Le couplage deces effets permettrait l’élaboration de micro-actionneurs usuellement réalisés à partir d’assemblagescomplexes. Cette étude pluridisciplinaire traite de l’influence des paramètres d’élaboration sur lespropriétés fonctionnelles des couches minces. L’originalité de ce travail de thèse réside dansl’emploi de substrats en silicium dans la perspective d’une transposition technologique. Un procédéd’élaboration par PVD a été qualifié afin d’obtenir un film aux propriétés AMF magnétique / Nowadays, the miniaturization development is a key parameter in order to fabricate increasinglycomplex microsystems. Research on smart materials aroused a great interest. In this context, westudy the magnetic shape memory alloy Ni2MnGa as a thin layer. This material can be activatedby mechanical, thermal and magnetic stresses. The coupling of these effects would allow thedevelopment of micro-actuators usually made from complex assemblies. This multidisciplinary studyfocuses on the impact of the process on the functional properties of thin films. The originality of thiswork lies in the use of silicon substrates in the context of a technological implementation. A methoddeveloped by PVD was qualified to obtain a film with magnetic shape memory alloy properties.

Theoretical part of this thesis includes overview of laser welding technology and possible combinations with arc welding methods for meeting desired properties of the weld. It also explains mechanical testing and metallographic examination on welds. The experimental part deals with optimisation of process parameters during welding of martensitic stainless steel, used in energetic industry using hybrid laser - TIG technology in regard of mechanical properties of the weld, its structure and proposal of technological parameters.

The structural stability of creep-resistant steels P22, P91 and Eurofer´97 and structural stability of weld joint P22/P91 have been studied. The microstructural changes during annealing at temperatures of 500 – 900°C were examined. The state of equilibrium have been simulated using the ThermoCalc software. The computed results were compared with published data. A good agreement between the simulation and the published data was observed.