Microstructural and elasto-plastic material parameters identification by inverse finite elements method of Ti(1-x) AlxN (0 < x < 1 sputtered thin films from Berkovich nano-indentation experiments

International audienceThe mechanical properties of Ti(1 − x)AlxN (0 b x b 1) films of different thicknesses deposited by r.f. reactive magnetron sputtering on Si b100N and high speed steel substrates have been investigated. The as-deposited coatings have been characterized by X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, four-probe electric resistivity method,mechanical deflection of cantilever beams and Berkovich nano-indentation tests associated with inverse finite elements analysis. The coatings with x b 0.58-0.59 present a cubic structure whereas for x N 0.7 a hexagonal structure is observed. Between these two compositions cubic and hexagonal structures coexist. The roughness depends on the film thickness and on the Al content and a minimumassociated to a very fine microstructure is clearly observed in the two-phase coatings. The electric resistivity sharply increases as soon as the hcp structure appears (x ~ 0.6). The mean residual stresses are compressive, except for the AlN coating, and present a minimum at the neighborhood of x ~ 0.64 where a mixed structure is observed. The indentation modulus MbhklN and the Berkovich hardness HBbhklN greatly depend on the Al content and a progressive decreasing has been observed for 0.58 b x b 0.7. For the MbhklN evolution, a simple model taking into account the stiffness coefficients of TiN and AlN structures, the mean residual stress level and the variations of the lattice parameters in the two structure domains is proposed. Knowing the elastic properties of these films, inverse finite elements analysis of the indentation curves considering a simple isotropic linear elasto-plastic behavior allows, as a function of the composition, the yield stress σY and the linear hardening coefficient Hp⁎ to be estimated. σY and Hp⁎ are in the ranges 4.2 to 6.8 GPa and 60 to 400 GPa, respectively. The maximum value of Hp⁎/σY which characterizes the ability of these coatings to exhibit plastic strain hardening is maximum for x = 0.5 and 0.6. The quality of the estimation was discussed through a practical identifiability study and quantified using an identifiability index. Tip radius and elasticity of the Berkovich indenter are two very relevant parameters to improve identifiability and correctly extract the plastic parameters of the behavior law. Scratch crack propagation resistance shows an evolution similar to those of Hp⁎/σY

Test d'usure d'outils modifiés ou non lors du déroulage de MDF

International audienceDes revêtements à base de nitrure de chrome réalisés par pulvérisation triode ont été testés en déroulage et défonçage du bois. L'efficacité des revêtements triode a été montrée en usinage de MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard), donc dans des conditions sévères de coupe, ainsi qu'en défonçage d'OSB (Oriented Strand Board) où un revêtement CrN de 1μm d'épaisseur permet d'usiner 9 fois plus qu'un outil non revêtu [1]. Le but de cette étude est d'examiner comment on peut améliorer la tenue à l'usure des outils de coupe dans l'opération de déroulage du MDF, en traitant la partie active de l'outil. Les modifications des surfaces actives des couteaux consistent à appliquer des films durs (CrAlN, CrSiN), qui ont déjà donné des résultats prometteurs dans l'opération de défonçage du MDF [2], l'un des facteurs limitant dont il faut nous affranchir est l'adhérence des couches déposées sur les outils de coupe. C'est pourquoi nous avons testé des traitements duplex (nitruration ionique+dépôt magnétron). Ces revêtements ont également été testés en simulant les chocs que peuvent générer les noeuds dans un billon. Les revêtements de CrAlN ont été réalisés par PVD sur un bâti dual magnétron RF alors que les couches de CrSiN ont été obtenues par l'institut FEMTO/ST de Besançon dans le cadre d'un projet de recherche. La nitruration ionique a été réalisée dans un four de traitement thermochimique BMI. Le processus d'usinage a été effectué sur une microdérouleuse instrumentée, le matériau utilisé étant du MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)

RELATION BETWEEN HARDNESS OF (Ti, Al)N BASED MULTILAYERED COATINGS AND PERIODS OF THEIR STACKING

This study aims to model, by using a finite element method, the relationship between the hardness and the period Λ of metal/nitride multilayer coatings (Ti0.54Al0.46/Ti0.54Al0.46N)n in order to understand the increase of the hardness at the low periods [1] and then optimise the multilayer coating architecture to obtain the best mechanical properties. A 2D axisymmetric finite element model of the Berkovich nanoindentation test was developed. The coating was designed as a stacking of Ti0.54Al0.46 and Ti0.54Al0.46N nanolayers with, in the first hypothesis, equal thickness and perfect interface. The elastoplastic behaviours of the metal and nitride layers were identified by Berkovich nanoindentation experiments and inverse analysis on thick monolayer samples. The indentation curves (P-h) obtained by this model depend on the period Λ of the stacking. Simulated (P-h) curves were compared with experimental data on 2 μm thick films with different periods Λ ranging from 10 to 50 nm deposited by RF magnetron sputtering using reactive gas pulsing process (RGPP). The model forecasts are very consistent with the experience for the largest period but the model does not reproduce the hardness increase at the lowest periods. The Λ = 10 nm coating was analysed by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) on a transmission electron microscope. Results show intermixing of the layers with the presence of nitrogen atoms in the metal layer over a few nanometers [1]. It was concluded that the metal/ceramic interface plays an important role at low periods. The addition in the model of a transition layer in the metal/nitride stacking, with an elastoplastic metal/ceramic medium behaviour, allows to reproduce the nanoindentation experimental curves. The thickness of this transition layer deduced from model updating method is in very good agreement with EELS observations

Magnetic-Field Induced Strains in Ferromagnetic Shape Memory Alloy Ni55Mn23Ga22 Deposited by RF-Magnetron Sputtering

1.5mm–Ni55Mn23Ga22 ferromagnetic thin films were deposited onto silicon substrates and silicon single beam cantilever using radio-frequency magnetron sputtering. As-deposited sample and heat-treated thin films were studied on their silicon substrates and peeled off to determine the influence of the stress. Post-heat treatment process allows at the films to achieve the shape memory effect (SME). Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and deflection measurement of the sample annealed at 873 K during 36 ks exhibit ferromagnetic martensitic structure with a typical SME response to the magnetic field induced strains which match the values of the bulk material

Physical Properties of (2) Pallas

We acquired and analyzed adaptive-optics imaging observations of asteroid (2) Pallas from Keck II and the Very Large Telescope taken during four Pallas oppositions between 2003 and 2007, with spatial resolution spanning 32-88 km (image scales 13-20 km/pix). We improve our determination of the size, shape, and pole by a novel method that combines our AO data with 51 visual light-curves spanning 34 years of observations as well as occultation data. The shape model of Pallas derived here reproduces well both the projected shape of Pallas on the sky and light-curve behavior at all the epochs considered. We resolved the pole ambiguity and found the spin-vector coordinates to be within 5 deg. of [long, lat] = [30 deg., -16 deg.] in the ECJ2000.0 reference frame, indicating a high obliquity of ~84 deg., leading to high seasonal contrast. The best triaxial-ellipsoid fit returns radii of a=275 km, b= 258 km, and c= 238 km. From the mass of Pallas determined by gravitational perturbation on other minor bodies [(1.2 +/- 0.3) x 10-10 Solar Masses], we derive a density of 3.4 +/- 0.9 g.cm-3 significantly different from the density of C-type (1) Ceres of 2.2 +/- 0.1 g.cm-3. Considering the spectral similarities of Pallas and Ceres at visible and near-infrared wavelengths, this may point to fundamental differences in the interior composition or structure of these two bodies. We define a planetocentric longitude system for Pallas, following IAU guidelines. We also present the first albedo maps of Pallas covering ~80% of the surface in K-band. These maps reveal features with diameters in the 70-180 km range and an albedo contrast of about 6% wrt the mean surface albedo.Comment: 16 pages, 8 figures, 6 table

The remarkable surface homogeneity of the Dawn mission target (1) Ceres

Dwarf-planet (1) Ceres is one of the two targets, along with (4) Vesta, that will be studied by the NASA Dawn spacecraft via imaging, visible and near-infrared spectroscopy, and gamma-ray and neutron spectroscopy. While Ceres' visible and near-infrared disk-integrated spectra have been well characterized, little has been done about quantifying spectral variations over the surface. Any spectral variation would give us insights on the geographical variation of the composition and/or the surface age. The only work so far was that of Rivkin & Volquardsen (2010, Icarus 206, 327) who reported rotationally-resolved spectroscopic (disk-integrated) observations in the 2.2-4.0 {\mu}m range; their observations showed evidence for a relatively uniform surface. Here, we report disk-resolved observations of Ceres with SINFONI (ESO VLT) in the 1.17-1.32 {\mu}m and 1.45-2.35 {\mu}m wavelength ranges. The observations were made under excellent seeing conditions (0.6"), allowing us to reach a spatial resolution of ~75 km on Ceres' surface. We do not find any spectral variation above a 3% level, suggesting a homogeneous surface at our spatial resolution. Slight variations (about 2%) of the spectral slope are detected, geographically correlated with the albedo markings reported from the analysis of the HST and Keck disk-resolved images of Ceres (Li et al., 2006, Icarus 182, 143; Carry et al., 2008, A&A 478, 235). Given the lack of constraints on the surface composition of Ceres, however, we cannot assert the causes of these variations.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figures, 2 tables, accepted for publication in Icaru

Eradication of chronic myeloid leukemia stem cells: a novel mathematical model predicts no therapeutic benefit of adding G-CSF to imatinib

Imatinib mesylate induces complete cytogenetic responses in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), yet many patients have detectable BCR-ABL transcripts in peripheral blood even after prolonged therapy. Bone marrow studies have shown that this residual disease resides within the stem cell compartment. Quiescence of leukemic stem cells has been suggested as a mechanism conferring insensitivity to imatinib, and exposure to the Granulocyte-Colony Stimulating Factor (G-CSF), together with imatinib, has led to a significant reduction in leukemic stem cells in vitro. In this paper, we design a novel mathematical model of stem cell quiescence to investigate the treatment response to imatinib and G-CSF. We find that the addition of G-CSF to an imatinib treatment protocol leads to observable effects only if the majority of leukemic stem cells are quiescent; otherwise it does not modulate the leukemic cell burden. The latter scenario is in agreement with clinical findings in a pilot study administering imatinib continuously or intermittently, with or without G-CSF (GIMI trial). Furthermore, our model predicts that the addition of G-CSF leads to a higher risk of resistance since it increases the production of cycling leukemic stem cells. Although the pilot study did not include enough patients to draw any conclusion with statistical significance, there were more cases of progression in the experimental arms as compared to continuous imatinib. Our results suggest that the additional use of G-CSF may be detrimental to patients in the clinic

Ground-breaking Exoplanet Science with the ANDES spectrograph at the ELT

In the past decade the study of exoplanet atmospheres at high-spectral resolution, via transmission/emission spectroscopy and cross-correlation techniques for atomic/molecular mapping, has become a powerful and consolidated methodology. The current limitation is the signal-to-noise ratio during a planetary transit. This limitation will be overcome by ANDES, an optical and near-infrared high-resolution spectrograph for the ELT. ANDES will be a powerful transformational instrument for exoplanet science. It will enable the study of giant planet atmospheres, allowing not only an exquisite determination of atmospheric composition, but also the study of isotopic compositions, dynamics and weather patterns, mapping the planetary atmospheres and probing atmospheric formation and evolution models. The unprecedented angular resolution of ANDES, will also allow us to explore the initial conditions in which planets form in proto-planetary disks. The main science case of ANDES, however, is the study of small, rocky exoplanet atmospheres, including the potential for biomarker detections, and the ability to reach this science case is driving its instrumental design. Here we discuss our simulations and the observing strategies to achieve this specific science goal. Since ANDES will be operational at the same time as NASA's JWST and ESA's ARIEL missions, it will provide enormous synergies in the characterization of planetary atmospheres at high and low spectral resolution. Moreover, ANDES will be able to probe for the first time the atmospheres of several giant and small planets in reflected light. In particular, we show how ANDES will be able to unlock the reflected light atmospheric signal of a golden sample of nearby non-transiting habitable zone earth-sized planets within a few tenths of nights, a scientific objective that no other currently approved astronomical facility will be able to reach.Comment: 66 pages (103 with references) 20 figures. Submitted to Experimental Astronom

Kinetics of early and late molecular recurrences after first-line imatinib cessation in chronic myeloid leukemia: updated results from the STIM2 trial

Discontinuation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia is feasible in clinical practice based on recently published international recommendations. Nevertheless, factors predictive of molecular recurrence have not been fully elucidated and long-term follow-up of patients enrolled in clinical studies are required in order to update knowledge on discontinuation attempts particularly in terms of the safety and durability of treatment-free remission (TFR). In the current study, we updated results from the STIM2 study in the light of the consensual criterion of molecular recurrence reported in different international recommendations. Among the 199 patients included in the perprotocol study, 108 patients lost a major molecular response. With a median follow-up of 40.8 months (5.5-111 months), the probability of treatment-free remission was 43.4% [36.3-50.4] at 5 years, 40.9% [32.8-47.3] at 7 years and 34.5% [25.6- 43.3] at 9 years. Molecular recurrence occurred between 0 to 6 months, 6 to 24 months and after 24 months in 75 patients (69%), 15 patients (14%) and 18 patients (17%), respectively. Notably, the kinetics of molecular recurrence differed significantly between these three subgroups with a median time from loss of MR4 (BCR::ABL1 IS≤0.01%) to loss of major molecular response of 1, 7 and 22 months, respectively. Predictive factors of molecular recurrence differed according to the time of occurrence of the molecular recurrence. Durations of imatinib treatment and deep molecular response as well as BCR::ABL1/ABL1 levels at cessation of tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment, as quantified by reverse transcriptase droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, are involved in molecular recurrence occurring up to 24 months but not beyond. (ClinicalTrial. gov Identifier NCT#0134373)