Pittsburgh University scientists to study aluminium alloy microstructures formation in real time

<p>A grant from the National Science Foundation will enable researchers at the University of Pittsburgh to utilize a one-of-a-kind transmission electron microscope developed at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory to examine in real time how microstructures form in metals and alloys as they solidify after laser beam melting. The researchers will study rapid solidification processes in aluminium alloys that are associated with laser or electron beam processing technologies used in welding, joining and additive manufacturing.<br /><br />The proposal, "In-situ transmission electron microscopy of microstructure formation during laser irradiation induced irreversible transformations in metals and alloys" was awarded a three-year, $503,435 grant from the NSF Division of Materials Research. Principal investigator is J&ouml;rg M.K. Wiezorek, PhD, professor of mechanical engineering and materials. The grant will also fund educational outreach and enhance the materials science curriculum at Pitt.<br /><br /><img style="vertical-align: middle; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="http://www.alcircle.com/uploads/images/Technology22072016.jpg" alt="News" width="403" height="426" />&nbsp;<br /><br />Dr. Wiezorek and his research group will utilize the dynamic transmission electron microscope (DTEM) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, which unlike a traditional electron microscope taking before-and-after images, can record nanoscale transformations in materials with nanosecond time-resolution.<br /><br />Dr. Wiezorek expects the research to help validate computer models and determine how composition changes and temperature gradients affect the microstructure. The data will assist in providing a stronger scientific underpinning for establishing relationships between the processing conditions, structure and properties of the alloys obtained by laser processing.<br /><br />"We are hoping to unravel details of the kinetic pathways taken from the liquid to the final solid structure," Dr. Wiezorek said. "This research will help us to refine solidification related manufacturing processes and to identify strategies to optimize how materials perform."</p>