Three-dimensional analysis of dendrites via automated serial sectioning using a Robo-Met.3D
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Research Letter
Three-dimensional analysis of dendrites via automated serial sectioning using a Robo-Met.3D Y. Lu, M. Wang, Z. Wu, and I. P. Jones, School of Metallurgy and Materials, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK M. Wickins and N. R. Green, School of Metallurgy and Materials, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; High Temperature Research Centre (HTRC), University of Birmingham, Unit 2 Airfield Drive, Ansty Business Park, Coventry CV7 9BF, UK H. C. Basoalto, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, The University of Sheffield, Mappin Street, Sheffield S1 3JD, UK Address all correspondence to Y. Lu at [email protected] (Received 9 April 2020; accepted 9 June 2020)
Abstract The dendrite morphologies of the cast nickel-based superalloy CMSX-4® (CMSX-4® is registered trademarks of the Cannon-Muskegon Corporation) and the austenitic stainless steel HP microalloy have been obtained via an automated serial-sectioning process which allows three-dimensional (3D) microstructural characterization. The dendrite arm spacing, volume fraction of segregation, and fraction of porosity have been determined. This technique not only increases the depth, scope, and level of detailed microstructural characterization but also delivers microstructural data for modeling and simulation.
Introduction Dendrites are topologically complex structures in metal castings. Dendrites consist of primary, secondary, tertiary, and higher-order branches. Most metallic alloys form dendritic structures that grow along low-index crystal axes (e.g. 〈100〉 in fcc).[1,2] The dendrite morphologies are important because they constitute the primary growth morphology during the early stage of solidification. Many material properties are related to the dendrite morphology. For example, it has been reported that the tensile strength of Al–Si alloys can improve because of decreased secondary dendrite arm spacing.[3,4] Long-term creep behavior also is sensitive to the dendrite arm spacing of nickel-based superalloys.[5] Dendrite evolution affects the tensile and creep behavior of steels.[6,7] Dendrites in cast alloys have, therefore, been much studied because of the need to predict and control the microstructure.[8–11] It is acknowledged that the understanding and characterization of dendrite morphologies are important, but experiments and modeling aimed at measuring or predicting the morphology are challenging. Because of complex dendrite topology and the large size of the computational domain required, modeling of the dendrite morphology evolution is difficult. A technique with the ability for direct representation of microstructures is highly desirable, both in terms of providing insights on the evolution of such a structure as well as data for the development and validation of microstructure models. Three-dimensional (3D) microstructural characterization is an emerging and rapidly developing area in materials science and engineering. 3D microstructural characterization requires several steps: image acquisit
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