Article,
Integration of Microstructural Development and Properties Design Into the CAD/CAM Environment
Journal of Engineering Materials and Technology, 114 (1): 34--40 (January 1992)
Abstract
This investigation incorporates the development and control of microstructure
and propertiesinto a computer aided design/computer aided manufacturing
(CAD/CAM) environment formaterials design. An integrated computer
model has been developed whichpredicts the microstructure and properties
based on the material processingand the material composition. The
material processing includes the extrusionparameters and the aging
conditions employed during heat treatment. Thematerial being utilized
as a demonstration medium is a specialprecipitation hardenable aluminum-lithium-zirconium
(Al-Li-Zr) alloy which has been direct-chill (D.C.)cast and direct
extruded. A model has been developed basedon a series of quantitative
transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigationsto predict microstructure
from the composition and material processing. Thismodel, referred
to as the microstructural model, provides the basisfor the overall
CAD/CAM model for materials design. Also includedis an analysis of
the microstructural mechanisms that contribute tothe strengthening
of precipitation hardened alloys that contain shearable precipitates.A
number of existing models regarding particle shearing and loopingmechanisms
in precipitation hardened systems were evaluated regarding their
suitabilityin describing the Al-Li aging and strengthening behavior.
These analyticalmodels are incorporated with the microstructural
model to make theoreticalpredictions for the critical resolved shear
strength. ©1992 The American Society of Mechanical Engineers
