69 research outputs found
Liquid morphologies and capillary forces between three spherical beads
Equilibrium shapes of coalesced pendular bridges in a static assembly of
spherical beads are computed by numerical minimization of the interfacial
energy. Our present study focuses on generic bead configurations involving
three beads, one of which is in contact to the two others while there is a gap
of variable size between the latter. In agreement with previous experimental
studies, we find interfacial `trimer' morphologies consisting of three
coalesced pendular bridges, and `dimers' of two coalesced bridges. In a certain
range of the gap opening we observe a bistability between the dimer and trimer
morphology during shrinking and growth. The magnitude of the corresponding
capillary forces in presence of a trimer or dimer depends, besides the gap
opening only on the volume or Laplace pressure of liquid. For a given Laplace
pressure, the capillary forces in presence of a trimer are slightly larger than
the force of a single bridges at the same gap opening, which could explain the
shallow maximum and plateau of the capillary cohesion of a wetting liquid for
saturations in the funicular regime
Quantification and localization of the liquid zone of partially remelted M2 tool steel using X-ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy
The authors warmly thank Luc Morhain and Marc Wary (Arts et Métiers ParisTech CER Metz) for their technical support.Thixoforming of steels poses challenges due to the high temperatures involved and the lack of understanding of thermomechanical behavior. The volume fractions of the liquid and solid phases in the semi-solid state are the most important parameters for such a form-ing process, as they affect the viscosity and hence the flow behavior of the material. Two-dimensional observations might not always be sufficient, as the size distribution and the connectivity of phases cannot be obtained from associated measurements, which can only be determined by three-dimensional (3-D) investigation. This paper presents the first application of high-energy X-ray microtomography to the microstructure of steel in the semi-solid state. The microstructure of M2 high-speed tool steel was studied in both as-received and heated-and-quenched states. From the reconstructed images, 3-D information could be obtained and was compared with scanning elec-tron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry observations. The volume fraction and the location of liquid phase in the semi-solid state were determined in particular, and the continuous solid skeleton was investigated
Quantification and localization of the liquid zone of partially remelted M2 tool steel using X-ray microtomography and scanning electron microscopy
The authors warmly thank Luc Morhain and Marc Wary (Arts et Métiers ParisTech CER Metz) for their technical support.Thixoforming of steels poses challenges due to the high temperatures involved and the lack of understanding of thermomechanical behavior. The volume fractions of the liquid and solid phases in the semi-solid state are the most important parameters for such a form-ing process, as they affect the viscosity and hence the flow behavior of the material. Two-dimensional observations might not always be sufficient, as the size distribution and the connectivity of phases cannot be obtained from associated measurements, which can only be determined by three-dimensional (3-D) investigation. This paper presents the first application of high-energy X-ray microtomography to the microstructure of steel in the semi-solid state. The microstructure of M2 high-speed tool steel was studied in both as-received and heated-and-quenched states. From the reconstructed images, 3-D information could be obtained and was compared with scanning elec-tron microscopy and energy dispersive spectrometry observations. The volume fraction and the location of liquid phase in the semi-solid state were determined in particular, and the continuous solid skeleton was investigated
Computational Model for Predicting Particle Fracture During Electrode Calendering
In the context of calling for low carbon emissions, lithium-ion batteries
(LIBs) have been widely concerned as a power source for electric vehicles, so
the fundamental science behind their manufacturing has attracted much attention
in recent years. Calendering is an important step of the LIB electrode
manufacturing process, and the changes it brings to the electrode
microstructure and mechanical properties are worth studying. In this work, we
reported the observed cracking of active material (AM) particles due to
calendering pressure under ex situ nano-X-ray tomography experiments. We
developed a 3D-resolved discrete element method (DEM) model with bonded
connections to physically mimic the calendering process using real AM particle
shapes derived from the tomography experiments. The DEM model can well predict
the change of the morphology of the dry electrode under pressure, and the
changes of the applied pressure and porosity are consistent with the
experimental values. At the same time, the model is able to simulate the
secondary AM particles cracking by the fracture of the bond under force. Our
model is the first of its kind being able to predict the fracture of the
secondary particles along the calendering process. This work provides a tool
for guidance in the manufacturing of optimized LIB electrodes
Time-Resolved X-Ray Microtomography Observation of Intermetallic Formation Between Solid Fe and Liquid Al
Time-resolved in situ X-ray tomography combined with scanning electron microscopy was performed on an Al-Fe diffusion system at 973K (700°C) to study the formation of the main intermetallic compounds occurring at the interface. After nucleation on the liquid side of the interface, growth occurs in both liquid and solid directions. In the direction of the solid, growth starts with a particular tongue-like feature which then progressively thickens. The thickening is linked to the deformation of the iron matrix during the formation of the intermetallic compound. Growth in the direction of the liquid is slowed down by erosio
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