Dheerendra Kumar Dwivedi

Microstructure and abrasive wear behaviour of iron base hardfacing

Abstract The influence of the composition and heat treatment of overlays on the abrasive wear resistance of iron base hardfacing alloy overlays is reported. Overlays were deposited using a shielded metal arc (SMA) welding process on structural steel using two commercial hardfacing electrodes, i.e.Fe – 6%Cr – 0.7%C (H1) and Fe – 32%Cr – 4.5%C (H2). Abrasive wear resistance of overlays in as welded and heat treated conditions was tested using a pin on disc system against a 300 grade waterproof SiC polishing paper at different normal loads (1 – 4 N) and constant sliding speed 2.0 m s-1. Optical microscopy was used to study the microstructure of overlays in as welded and heat treated conditions. SEM studies of wear surfaces were carried out to analyse wear mechanisms. It was found that the wear resistance of the high Cr – C coating is better than the low Cr – C hardfacing under identical conditions. Significant variation in hardness was noticed across the interface, indicating the effect of dilution. Hardness of the coating adjacent to the interface was found to be comparatively lower than the coating further away from the interface. Post-weld heat treatment enhanced the abrasive wear resistance.

Optimization of A-TIG process parameters using response surface methodology

ABSTRACT In the present work, the influence of process parameters such as welding current (I), welding speed (S), and flux coating density (F) on different aspects of weld bead geometry for example depth of penetration (DOP), bead width (BW), depth to width ratio (D/W), and weld fusion zone area (WA) were investigated by using the central composite design (CCD). 9–12% Cr ferritic stainless steel (FSS) plates were welded using A-TIG welding. It was observed that all input variables have a direct influence on the DOP, BW, and D/W. However, flux coating density has no significant effect on WA. Mathematical models were generated from the obtained responses to predict the weld bead geometry. An optimized DOP, BW, D/W, and WA of 6.95u2009mm, 8.76u2009mm, 0.80, and 41.99u2009mm2, respectively, were predicted at the welding current of 213.78 A, the welding speed of 96.22u2009mm/min, and the flux coating density of 1.99u2009mg/cm2. Conformity test was done to check the practicability of the developed models. The conformity test results were in good agreement with the predicted values. Arc constriction and reversal in Marangoni convection were considered as major mechanisms for the deep and narrow weld bead during A-TIG welding.

Influence of solutionising and aging temperatures on microstructure and mechanical properties of cast Al–Si–Cu alloy

Abstract This paper presents the influence of solution and aging temperatures on the microstructure and mechanical properties of 319 secondary cast aluminium alloy. Experimental alloy was subjected to different heat treatment cycles. Heat treatments were designed with two solutionising temperatures (504 and 545°C) at two solutionising times (4 and 8 h), followed by quenching in water at 60°C and artificial aging. The artificial aging was carried out at two temperatures (200 and 154°C) for 6 h. The improvement in mechanical properties was obtained with low solution temperature (504°C) for 8 h followed by quenching in water to 60°C and aging at low temperature (154°C). The increase in the solutionising temperature from 504 to 545°C was recommendable only for short solutionising time (4 h). Increase in the aging temperature from 154 to 200°C has led to the increase in hardness with the corresponding decrease in ductility. Aging under unfavourable conditions (prolonged aging at high temperature) caused coarsening of spheroidised eutectic silicon crystals and precipitated particles resulted in deleterious effect on the tensile strength.

Impulse Pressure Assisted Diffusion Bonding of Low Carbon Steel Using Silver Interlayer

In the present study, impulse pressure assisted diffusion bonding of low carbon steel was carried out using silver interlayer. To study the influence of input process parameters namely bonding temperature (T), maximum pulse pressure (P), and number of pulses (N), experiments of diffusion bonding were conducted according to the Taguchi L9 orthogonal array. To reveal the typical bond interface characteristics, selected samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) equipped with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS). The EDS analysis revealed a diffusion affected zone at the interface due to the diffusion of silver and iron across the interface. Lap joints were developed to measure the shear strength of the diffusion bonds. The optimum level of bonding temperature, maximum pulse pressure and number of pulses (875xa0°C, 10xa0MPa and 10 pulses) were identified. The ANOVA results indicated that bonding temperature had the highest statistical effect of 66.37% on shear strength followed by number of pulses and maximum pulse pressure. The fracture surface of the lap joints was also examined by FESEM and X-ray diffraction analysis.

Sliding Wear Behavior Solid Lubricant Based Ni–Al–Bronze Surface Composite Developed by Friction Stir Processing

In this study, a nickel aluminium bronze (NAB) metal matrix composite reinforced with solid lubricants i.e. graphite and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2) was prepared by friction stir processing. Friction stir processing (FSP) refined the grain structure as compared to the as-cast NAB. The micrographs of graphite reinforced matrix revealed fine globular α phase with some elongated morphology α phases, whereas MoS2 reinforced surface composite mainly exhibited fine α phase particles. FSP also resulted in the distribution of solid lubricant particles in the NAB matrix. The hardness of the composites decreased with the addition of the solid lubricants in NAB matrix. SEM–EDS analysis of the reinforced NAB matrix confirmed the presence of solid lubricants. The influence of solid lubricants on the sliding wear behavior of NAB metal matrix was investigated by using the design of experimental approach. The experimental results revealed better wear resistance of the NAB–MoS2 surface composite as compared to graphite reinforced and FSPed NAB surface. SEM–EDS analysis of worn out surfaces and wear debris were carried out for understanding the wear mechanism.

Microstructure Evolution and Charpy Toughness Relationship of A-TIG Weld Fusion Zone for Varying Tempering Time

AbstractnIn the present research work, activating flux tungsten inert gas (A-TIG) weld joints of AISI 409 ferritic stainless steel was subjected to post weld heat treatment at 750xa0°C followed by the air cooling. To study the effect of tempering time on the microstructural and mechanical properties of the weld fusion zone, tempering time was varied from 2 to 10xa0h. The current study also demonstrated the comprehensive microstructure–mechanical property relationships using the collective techniques of optical and electron microscopy, electron dispersive X-ray analysis techniques, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results indicated that the Charpy toughness of the fusion zone improved after 2 and 4xa0h of tempering, but the further stretch in tempering time resulted in a drastic drop in Charpy toughness. The shape of the sulphide inclusions was found to be an important factor in deciding the Charpy toughness of the A-TIG weld fusion zone. Maximum impact energy of 116xa0±xa09xa0J was observed by the sample tempered for 4xa0h.

Barium titanate reinforced nickel aluminium bronze surface composite by friction stir processing

ABSTRACT Friction stir processing (FSP) is a surface modification technique, which can be used for the fabrication of surface composites. In the present work, a surface composite was prepared by introducing a piezoelectric ceramic powder (PZT; BaTiO3) to a nickel aluminium bronze (NAB) metal matrix using FSP. BaTiO3 powder was placed in holes drilled at the centre of a NAB plate and FSP was carried out. Microstructural characterisation of the surface composite was carried out using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The microhardness and tensile behaviour of the surface composite were investigated, together with the cavitation erosion behaviour. The results are discussed in light of the microstructural modification.