Production of a multicomponent alloy with good combinations of mechanical properties selected by a genetic algorithm

• Grant number: 21/12044-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: January 01, 2022
• End date: March 31, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Physical Metallurgy
• Principal Investigator: Francisco Gil Coury
• Grantee: Caroline Binde Stoco
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 22/01327-2 - Phase equilibria and lattice distortion X-ray diffraction characterization of multicomponent alloys selected by a genetic algorithm, BE.EP.IC

Abstract

Continuous technological advances generate a necessity of developing new materials that can fulfill the high demands of a variety of sectors such as the petrochemical, aeronautic and naval. In this context, the multi-principal element alloys (MPEA) rise, being characterized for not having a single main alloy element. One of the biggest challenges with this type of alloy is to effectively select a composition for a certain goal, once this multicomponent field is very large. One answer for this dilemma is to use genetic algorithms. This is a method that consists of selecting a group of parameters to be optimized in an individual, which in this case, is a metallic alloy. Different generations are created by crossing different individuals based on the parameters chosen for optimization and on the idea of "survival of the fittest". An end result is a group of optimized alloys. A preliminary version of such algorithm has already been written in a python code by the proponent of this project and the chosen features for optimization were the formation of a single-phase face-centered cubic (FCC) structure, evaluated by the "Æ" and "VEC" parameters, high values of the Hall-Petch constant (K) and of the critical resolved shear stress (Ä_Y), being these last two indicators of hardening by grain refinement and solid solution, respectively. The two most promising alloys will be selected and their structure will be also checked by thermodynamic calculations (via the CALPHAD method). The objective of this project is to evaluate the algorithm by experimental methods. The alloys will be fabricated with high purity metals. The microstructure will be characterized by optical and electron microscopy analysis, X-ray diffraction and fluorescence, Vickers hardness test. The most promising composition will also be cold-rolled and annealed to study grain refinement strengthening via hardness curves for samples with different grain sizes. (AU)