Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

Golasiński K., Maj M., Tasaki W., Pieczyska E.A., Kim H., Full-Field Deformation Study of Ti–25Nb, Ti–25Nb–0.3O and Ti–25Nb–0.7O Shape Memory Alloys During Tension Using Digital Image Correlation, METALLURGICAL AND MATERIALS TRANSACTIONS A-PHYSICAL METALLURGY AND MATERIALS SCIENCE, ISSN: 1073-5623, DOI: 10.1007/s11661-024-07414-8, pp.1-10, 2024

Abstract:
A Ti–25Nb shape memory alloy (SMA) exhibits shape memory effect associated with stress-induced martensitic transformation from β to α″ phase. Addition of oxygen stabilizes the β phase and changes stress–strain response. Oxygen-added Ti–25Nb SMAs show a more distinct superelastic behavior. In this work, digital image correlation (DIC) was applied to investigate for the first time full-field deformation of Ti–25Nb, Ti–25Nb–0.3O and Ti–25Nb–0.7O (at. pct) SMAs. The specimens were subjected to loading–unloading tensile tests to study local and global mechanical characteristics related to activity of particular deformation mechanisms of the SMAs. Strain and strain rate fields were quantitatively compared at selected stages of each SMA’s deformation. It was found that the Ti–25Nb SMA exhibits a macroscopically localized Lüders-type deformation associated with the stress-induced phase transformation, whereas Ti–25Nb–0.3O and Ti–25Nb–0.7O SMAs show more discrete types of deformation related to activity of interstitial oxygen atoms. As a consequence, at particular stages of deformation, local values of strain rate of Ti–25Nb SMA were significantly higher than those of average strain rate. The results obtained in this paper provide a better understanding of the deformation mechanism in the oxygen-added Ti–25Nb based SMAs.

Kaczmarek A., Wisniewska A., Mościcki T. P., Hoffman J., The Luminescence of Laser-Produced Carbon Nanodots: The Effect of Aggregation in PEI Solution, Materials, ISSN: 1996-1944, DOI: 10.3390/ma17071573, Vol.17, No.7, pp.1-15, 2024

Abstract:
Carbon nanodots (CNDs) produced in pure water by the ablation of graphite with a nanosecond laser pulse exhibit weak photoluminescence. A small addition of polyethyleneimine (PEI) to the aqueous suspension of CNDs causes a significant increase in emissions. This paper presents experimental and theoretical studies of the emission properties of CND/PEI systems. The obtained CNDs responded to even trace amounts of PEI in solution (~0.014% v/v), resulting in a significant increase in the initial weak blue emission of CNDs and PEI taken separately. Morphology and size measurements showed that particle aggregation occurred in the presence of the polymer. A decrease in the calculated Stokes shift values was observed with increasing PEI content in the solution. This indicates a reduction in the number of non-radiative transitions, which explains the increase in the emission intensity of the CND/PEI systems. These results therefore confirmed that the increase in the emission of CND/PEI systems is caused by particle aggregation. Kinetic studies proved that the process is controlled mainly by diffusion, the initial stage of which has a dominant influence on determining the optical properties of the system.

Keywords:
aggregation-induced emission, carbon nanodots, polyethyleneimine, intrinsic fluorescence, adsorption kinetic study

Dąbrowski M., Brachaczek A., Bogusz K., Glinicki M.A., Experimental assessment of appropriate time for aggregate exposure at the surface of cement concrete pavement, International Journal of Pavement Engineering, ISSN: 1029-8436, DOI: 10.1080/10298436.2024.2318607, Vol.25, No.1, pp.1-12, 2024

Abstract:
Exposed aggregate concrete (EAC) pavement is a commonly employed technology in Europe for the construction of highways. The technical challenges associated with pavement construction include achieving both a comfortable ride and the desired skid resistance, while ensuring the long-term concrete durability. Maintaining uniformity of concrete mix, precise dosing of retarding agents, optimal selection of brushing time, and ensuring adequate curing conditions are identified as critical factors for achieving the designed ride performance. This study is focused on determining the appropriate time for the brushing operation, conducted to expose aggregate grains at the surface of the pavement. Laboratory tests were performed on concrete mixes designed to replicate job mixes for the upper layer of a two-layer concrete pavement. Measurements of the mass of evaporated water from the cement paste, isothermal calorimetry tests, and modified Vicat tests were employed to predict the appropriate brushing time. The texture depth was determined using a laser profiler as a function of brushing time. Compressive strength, the rate of chloride ion migration, and scaling resistance were determined through tests conducted on specimens cut from exposed aggregate slabs. Results revealed the suitability of the developed test method for determining the appropriate time for brushing EAC pavements.

Keywords:
cement setting, exposed aggregate concrete, macrotexture, pavement durability, surface retarder, texturing technology

Kopeć M., Gunputh U., Macek W., Kowalewski Z.L., Wood P., Orientation effects on the fracture behaviour of additively manufactured stainless steel 316L subjected to high cyclic fatigue, Theoretical and Applied Fracture Mechanics, ISSN: 0167-8442, DOI: 10.1016/j.tafmec.2024.104287, pp.1-20, 2024

Abstract:
In this paper, stainless steel 316L (SS316L) bars were additively manufactured (AM) in three orientations (Z – vertical, XY – horizontal, ZX45 – midway between vertical and horizontal) by using the Laser Powder Bed Fusion Melting (LPBF-M) method. The AM specimens were subjected to load control fatigue testing under full tension and compression (R = -1) at stress amplitudes ±350, ±400 and ±450 MPa. The XY and ZX45 printing orientations were found to significantly improve service life. Although similar strain response was found for each orientation when the same stress amplitude was applied, slightly different fracture mechanisms were identified during the post-mortem surface observations.

Keywords:
SS316L,stainless steel,fatigue,additive manufacturing,Laser Powder Bed Fusion Melting (LPBF-M)

Lisowski P., Glinicki M.A., Novel Processing Methods of Low-Clinker Multi-Component Cementitious Materials—A Review, Applied Sciences, ISSN: 2076-3417, DOI: 10.3390/app14020899, Vol.14(2), No.899, pp.1-28, 2024

Abstract:
The wide use of multi-component cement of highly reduced Portland clinker factor is largely impeded by detrimental changes in the rheological properties of concrete mixes, a substantial reduction in the early rate of cement hardening, and sometimes the insufficient strength of mature concrete. Therefore, major changes are needed in traditional concrete-production technologies if low-clinker cement is to gain wider acceptance. This review’s goal is to summarize the impacts of using non-ionizing radiation methods to improve the dispersion of concrete mix constituents, cement setting, and early hardening. The potential impacts of such interactions on the permeability and strength of concrete are also highlighted and investigated. Their intriguing potential for delivering additional energy to cementitious mixtures is analyzed for batch water, solid non-clinker constituents of cement (mainly supplementary cementitious materials), and their mixtures with aggregates. The advantages of adopting these non-traditional methods are found to be highly alluring to the greener preparation techniques used in the construction materials sector.

Keywords:
concrete mixing technology,early-age properties,low-clinker multi-component cement,magnetized water,microwave treatment,non-clinker constituents,ultrasound treatment

Staszczak M., Urbański L., Cristea M., Ionita D., Pieczyska E.A., Investigation of Shape Memory Polyurethane Properties in Cold Programming Process Towards Its Applications, Polymers, ISSN: 2073-4360, DOI: 10.3390/polym16020219, Vol.16, No.2, pp.219-1-219-20, 2024

Abstract:
Thermoresponsive shape memory polymers (SMPs) with the remarkable ability to remember a temporary shape and recover their original one using temperature have been gaining more and more attention in a wide range of applications. Traditionally, SMPs are investigated using a method named often “hot-programming”, since they are heated above their glass transition temperature (Tg) and after that, reshaped and cooled below Tg to achieve and fix the desired configuration. Upon reheating, these materials return to their original shape. However, the heating of SMPs above their Tg during a thermomechanical cycle to trigger a change in their shape creates a temperature gradient within the material structure and causes significant thermal expansion of the polymer sample resulting in a reduction in its shape recovery property. These phenomena, in turn, limit the application fields of SMPs, in which fast actuation, dimensional stability and low thermal expansion coefficient are crucial. This paper aims at a comprehensive experimental investigation of thermoplastic polyurethane shape memory polymer (PU-SMP) using the cold programming approach, in which the deformation of the SMP into the programmed shape is conducted at temperatures below Tg. The PU-SMP glass transition temperature equals approximately 65 ◦C. Structural, mechanical and thermomechanical characterization was performed, and the results on the identification of functional properties of PU-SMPs in quite a large strain range beyond yield limit were obtained. The average shape fixity ratio of the PU-SMP at room temperature programming was found to be approximately 90%, while the average shape fixity ratio at 45 ◦C (Tg − 20 ◦C) was approximately 97%. Whereas, the average shape recovery ratio was 93% at room temperature programming and it was equal to approximately 90% at 45 ◦C. However, the results obtained using the traditional method, the so-called hot programming at 65 ◦C, indicate a higher shape fixity value of 98%, but a lower shape recovery of 90%. Thus, the obtained results confirmed good shape memory properties of the PU-SMPs at a large strain range at various temperatures. Furthermore, the experiments conducted at both temperatures below Tg demonstrated that cold programming can be successfully applied to PU-SMPs with a relatively high Tg. Knowledge of the PU-SMP shape memory and shape fixity properties, estimated without risk of material degradation, caused by heating above Tg, makes them attractive for various applications, e.g., in electronic components, aircraft or aerospace structures.

Keywords:
polyurethane shape memory polymer, cold programming, thermal expansion, shape fixity, shape recovery

Makowska K., Kowalewski Z.L., Analysis of the Microstructure and Hardness of Flake Graphite Cast Iron Using the Barkhausen Noise Method and Conventional Techniques, JOURNAL OF NONDESTRUCTIVE EVALUATION, ISSN: 0195-9298, DOI: 10.1007/s10921-024-01065-w, Vol.43, No.54, pp.1-12, 2024

Abstract:
The new brake disc was evaluated for microstructure and hardness by the conventional destructive tests and non-destructive Barkhausen noise method (BNM). Ten non-destructive measurements were carried out in different areas of a brake disc, which were then cut out and made into metallographic test samples. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of graphite precipitates was performed to assess their volume in material matrix, anisotropy and size. Subsequently, graphs showing the relationships between selected stereological parameters of graphite precipitates and parameters determined from the RMS envelope of Barkhausen noise were elucidated. Similar relationships between hardness and parameters coming from non-destructive tests were carried out. Magnetic parameters that specified the size of a graphite precipitate was selected. In addition, repeatability studies using BNM were carried out in the areas of the material with the smallest and largest average size of graphite precipitates. A linear relationship between amplitude of BN and length of graphite flakes was found. The paper presents the possibilities of assessing the volume and size of graphite precipitates, as well as cast iron hardness using BNM.

Keywords:
Flake cast iron,Barkhausen noise,Brake disc,Non-destructive testing,Hardness

Haponova O., Tarelnyk V., Mościcki T. P., Tarelnyk N., Półrolniczak J., Myslyvchenko O., Adamczyk-Cieślak B., Sulej-Chojnacka J., Investigation of the Structure and Properties of MoS2 Coatings Obtained by Electrospark Alloying, Coatings, ISSN: 2079-6412, DOI: 10.3390/coatings14050563, Vol.14, No.563, pp.1-15, 2024

Abstract:
Electrospark coatings alloyed with MoS2 have been studied. The coatings were obtained by the following two strategies: the first consisted of pre-applying molybdenum disulfide to the treated surface and alloying with a molybdenum electrode (Mo + MoS2 coating); the second consisted of applying a paste with a sulfur content of 33.3% to the treated surface and alloying with a molybdenum electrode (Mo + S coating). The structure, phase composition, and tribological properties of the coatings were investigated. The coatings have a complex structure consisting of an upper soft layer, a hardened white layer, a diffusion zone, and a substrate. Element analysis and cross-sectional hardness changes indicated that element diffusion occurred at the coating/substrate interface. The phase composition of the coatings is represented by BCC and FCC solid solutions on Fe, and MoS2 is also detected. In Mo + S coatings, the molybdenum disulfide on the surface is about 8%; in Mo + MoS2 coatings, it is 27%–46%. The obtained coatings show very good tribological properties compared to molybdenum ESA coatings. The frictional forces and coefficients are reduced by a factor of 10 and 40, depending on the test conditions.

Keywords:
electrospark alloying, coating, structure, molybdenum disulfide, tribological properties, energy conservation

Makowska K., Szymczak T., Kowalewski Z.L., Fatigue Behaviour of Medium Carbon Steel Assessed by the Barkhausen Noise Method, ACTA MECHANICA ET AUTOMATICA, ISSN: 1898-4088, DOI: 10.2478/ama-2024-0005, Vol.18, No.1, pp.40-47, 2024

Abstract:
In this paper, an attempt to estimate the stage of the fatigue process using the Barkhausen noise method is studied. First, microstructural and static tensile tests were carried out and, subsequently, fatigue tests up to failure were conducted. After determination of the material behaviour in the assumed static and dynamic conditions, the interrupted fatigue tests were performed. Each specimen was stressed up to a different number of cycles corresponding to 10%, 30%, 50%, 70% and 90% of fatigue lifetime for the loading conditions considered. In the next step of the experimental programme, the specimens were subjected to the Barkhausen magnetic noise measurements. Various magnetic parameters coming from the rms Barkhausen noise envelopes were determined. The linear relationship betweenthe full-width at half-maximum (FWHM) of the Barkhausen noise envelope and the number of loading cycles to fracture was found. Specimens loaded up to a certain number of cycles were also subjected to a tensile test to assess an influence of fatigue on the fracture features

Keywords:
fatigue, Barkhausen noise, structural steel, fracture, mechanical properties, deformation

Mackiewicz S., Ranachowski Z., Katz T., Dębowski T., Starzyński G., Ranachowski P., Modeling of Acoustic Coupling of Ultrasonic Probes for High-Speed Rail Track Inspection, ARCHIVES OF ACOUSTICS, ISSN: 0137-5075, DOI: 10.24425/aoa.2024.148787, pp.1-12, 2024

Abstract:
The paper presents the modeling of transmission of the ultrasonic plane wave through an uniform liquid layer. The considered sources of the ultrasonic wave were normal (straight) beam longitudinal wave probes and angle beam sheer waves probes commonly used in non-destructive testing. Coupling losses (CL) introduced by the presence of the coupling layer are discussed and determined applying the numerical procedure. The modeling applies to both monochromatic waves and short ultrasonic pulses with a specified frequency bandwidth. Model implementation and validation was performed using a specialized software. The predictions of the model were confirmed by coupling losses measurements for a normal beam longitudinal wave probe with a delay line made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The developed model can be useful in designing ultrasonic probes for high-speed rail track inspections, especially for establishing the optimal thickness of the water coupling layer and estimation of coupling losses, due to inevitable changes of the water gap during mobile rail inspection.

Keywords:
non-destructive testing, ultrasonic examination, plane wave propagation

Tabin J., Brodecki A., Parametrisation of Uniform Deformation in Ductile Metals Using Digital Image Correlation Technology, EXPERIMENTAL TECHNIQUES, ISSN: 0732-8818, DOI: 10.1007/s40799-024-00704-1, pp.1-12, 2024

Abstract:
This paper presents a novel measurement method that aims to qualitatively and quantitatively assess uniform deformation during displacement- and force-controlled tensile tests of ductile metals. The method utilizes digital image correlation technology to record the strain distribution during tensile testing, followed by the calculation of the floating root mean square (RMS) value of the strain amplitude along the specimen axis. By implementing this approach, the RMS-based profiles of strain amplitude are identified in different metals and alloys, including austenitic stainless steels, structural steel, copper, and aluminium alloys. Moreover, the proposed method holds potential for predicting important deformation characteristics such as distribution of intensive plastic zones, necking effect, and delocalization effect. Thus, it establishes a link between macroscale and microscale during the analysis of plastic deformation behaviour. The effectiveness of the new method is compared with existing strain and strain-rate methods. The novel approach demonstrates promising advantages in the context of the identification of metal-forming parameters.

Keywords:
Digital image correlation, Root mean square, Uniform strain distribution, Strain delocalization, Necking effect

Drożyner P., Brodecki A., Szymczak T., Stand testing of springs for drum brake systems, DIAGNOSTYKA, ISSN: 1641-6414, DOI: 10.29354/diag/177242, Vol.24, No.4, pp.1-6, 2024

Abstract:
The paper concerns the study of changes in responses of spring for drum brake systems, due to fatigue cycles conducted at operational regimes of vehicles with respect to the number of kilometers. Three types of springs from two manufacturers were examined i.e. double cylindrical, single cylindrical, and conical helical. The springs were subjected to a durability test up to 1×106 loading cycles, covering 300-500 thousand kilometers traveled. Tensile test was used for collecting differences between results for the tested object in the as-receive state and after fatigue. Values of the Pearson correlation coefficient were used to indicate differences between tested objects before and after loading cycles. They show that the obtained results expressed a very strong correlation, which means that the elastic response of the springs during operation over a distance of 300-500 thousand kilometers did not change significantly. Taking into account the recommendations of brake system manufacturers regarding the replacement of brake drums after 150,000 and 50,000 kilometers, respectively, it can be concluded that brake springs are the most durable and reliable element of such a brake system.

Keywords:
drums, springs, fatigue, reliability

Kopeć M., Kukla D., Wyszkowski M., Kowalewski Z.L., High temperature fatigue testing of turbine blades, FATIGUE OF AIRCRAFT STRUCTURES, ISSN: 2300-7591, DOI: 10.2478/fas-2023-0002, Vol.15, pp.22-27, 2024

Abstract:
This paper evaluates the efficacy of a patented grip for high-temperature fatigue testing by establishing the S-N curve for full-scale nickel-based turbine blades under simulated environmental conditions. Initially, a bending test assessed the stress-displacement characteristics of the component. This was followed by a series of fatigue tests at 950°C, using cyclic bending with force amplitudes from 5.2 kN to 6.6 kN and a constant frequency of 10 Hz. The setup, integrating the grip into a standard testing machine,
proved effective for high-temperature tests and successfully determined the service life of full-scale components.

Keywords:
fatigue,high temperature,turbine blade,full-scale fatigue test