Mechanical testing of Zr-based amorphous and semi-crystalline alloys

• Grant number: 17/20038-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: March 01, 2018
• End date: February 28, 2019
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Falcão de Oliveira
• Grantee: Pedro Olmos Morandi
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Although amorphous metals are not widely spread, studies and research of this material are currently expanding because some studies have shown that the properties of this metal may often be higher than crystalline metals. This advantage mostly comes from the absence of long-range atomic organization found in amorphous metals. In addition, even the production of Bulk Metallic Glasses (BMGs) is limited to samples with a maximum of a few centimeters, because its manufacturing process requires high cooling rates with an inert and controlled atmosphere. Therefore, a Zirconium based alloy will be produced in the electric arc melting furnace. Sheet shape specimens will be obtained by vacuum suction in a copper mold, resulting in high cooling rates required for the production of BMGs. For the characterization of the obtained samples, images analysis will be done in an optical microscope. Then, impulse excitation tests will provide the Young's modulus and, finally, mechanical tests with the best samples will be performed to obtain information on the mechanical properties of this material. (AU)