Structural materials for aerospace

The segregation of elements in superalloys is known to influence their mechanical properties. Here, atomic-scale imaging and theoretical calculations reveal a mechanism by which segregation causes a yield strength anomaly, strengthening the superalloy.

The orientation of reinforcing fibers in composite materials is key to their performance, yet is hard to determine as fibers are buried within a sample. Here, an algorithm allows for the rapid determination of in-plane fiber orientation, based on microscopy images of adjacent regions.

Dynamic process of epitaxial microstructure forming during laser additive manufacturing is important for achieving single crystalline texture. Here, the authors perform in situ, real-time synchrotron Laue diffraction to capture the microstructural evolution in Ni-based single-crystal superalloy.

Coarsening of precipitates in medium and high temperatures causes reduction in strength of Al alloys. Here, the authors design an Al-Cu-Mg-Ag-Si-Sc alloy with multiple interface structures, showing an excellent combination of strength and heat resistance compared to conventional Al alloys.

Refractory high entropy alloys (RHEAs) have recently been developed in the context of high-temperature and severe environmental applications. Here the authors, by combining simulation and experiments, develop an irradiation resistant, thermally stable, and strong RHEA for nuclear application.

Fiber-reinforced polymer composites have found widespread use in critical engineering applications. Here, the use of simulations to understand the mechanical durability of polymer composites across a range of length scales is reviewed, with a focus on molecular dynamics simulations.