The phase-field method has become the method of choice for simulating microstructure formation during solidification. Recent progress, both on the formulation of the model and on the numerical implementation, makes it now possible to simulate quantitatively the evolution of complex microstructures in three dimensions. This is illustrated by simulations of eutectic coupled growth. The morphologi...

We demonstrate liquid-metal-mediated homoepitaxial crystal growth of Ge on Ge( 111) at temperatures in the range of 400-450 “C. Crystal growth proceeds by diffusion of Ge through a liquid layer, followed by precipitation onto the substrate by the vapor-liquid-solid mechanism. The liquid-metal phase at the interface is a Au-Ge alloy formed by initial deposition of a thin Au layer above the eutec...

The energy distribution of the monomer ion species is studied as a function of emitter temperature for an Au82Si18 eutectic liquid metal alloy ion source (LMAIS). Secondary peaks, or shoulders, in the distribution of some of the species are explained in terms of Hornsey’s model, which involves the fast movement of the jet in conjunction with a space– charge energy broadening mechanism within th...

A lightweight, compact gas standards generator for permeation tubes is described. This system provides reliable temperature control during periods of intermittent power and is ideal for field measurements. A eutectic alloy with a high heat of fusion is used as a phase change material. This thermal source allows the system to maintain a constant permeation tube temperature of 46.6 °C for over 5 ...

Pb free solder for electronics assemblies is fast becoming a reality primarily because of market driven forces. This impacts the entire electronic manufacturing industry, from component supplier to equipment manufacturer. While the industry has identified possible alternates to Sn/Pb solder alloy, much work still needs to be done, especially in the area of component & board level reliability an...

During heat treatment, the work piece experiences a range of heating rates depending upon the sizes and types of furnace. When the Al-Si-Mg cast alloy is heated to the solutionizing temperature , recrystallization takes place during the ramp-up stage. The effect of heating rate on recrystallization in the A356 (Al-Si-Mg) alloy was studied using dilatometric and calorimetric methods. Recrystalli...

The use of heavy liquid metals, and especially of lead-bismuth eutectic (LBE) or lead for accelerator-driven systems (ADS) and lead-cooled (Pb) or lead-alloy-cooled (primarily Pb-Bi) fast reactor (FR) concepts of Generation IV requires an assessment of their compatibility with structural materials. Their deployment requires that the materials compatibility issue will be resolved, with and witho...

In this study, a large number of creep tests were carried out to study the effect of stress level and testing temperature on the creep behavior of 63 Sn/37Pb solder in a systematic manner. Based on the dislocation controlled creep mechanism and Gibbs’ free-energy theory, a new creep constitutive model was proposed. The model was found to describe accurately the creep flow of the solder and to b...

The aim of this work was WC distribution in base Al-Si-Mg (A356) alloy as reinforcing agent. WC Solid particles in the sub-23-nm size range added to melted alloy by centrifuge casting. The cylinder tube without gap was obtained. FESEM and OPM results show that the distribution depends upon the rotational speeds of the mould and centrifugal casting conditions. According to the MAP results, durin...

The effect of T6 heat treatment on the microstructure and wear behavior of Al-332 piston alloy containing 1.2wt% iron was investigated. The results showed that the T6 heat treatment changed the morphology of acicular eutectic Si particles to a more spherical form. The heat treatment also reduced the average length and blunted the needle-like ?- phase intermetallics through dissolution and fragm...