2012 Vol. 19, No. 10

Display Method:
Optimization and application of blasting parameters based on the “pushing-wall” mechanism
Feng-yu Ren, Thierno Amadou Mouctar Sow, Rong-xing He, and  Xin-rui Liu
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 879-885. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0642-y
Abstract:
The large structure parameter of a sublevel caving method was used in Beiminghe iron mine. The ores were generally lower than the medium hardness and easy to be drilled and blasted. However, the questions of boulder yield, "pushing-wall" accident rate, and brow damage rate were not effectively controlled in practical blasting. The model test of a similar material shows that the charge concentration of bottom blastholes in the sector is too high; the pushing wall is the fundamental reason for the poor blasting effect. One of the main methods to adjust the explosive distribution is to increase the length of charged blastholes. Therefore, the field tests with respect to increasing the length of uncharged blastholes were made in 12# stope of -95 subsection and 6# stope of Beiminghe iron mine. This paper took the test result of 12# stope as an example to analyze the impact of charge structure on blasting effect and design an appropriate blasting parameter that is to similar to No.12 stope.
Comparative study on the passivation layers of copper sulphide minerals during bioleaching
Kai-bin Fu, Hai Lin, Xiao-lan Mo, Han Wang, Hong-wei Wen, and  Zi-long Wen
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 886-892. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0643-x
Abstract:
The bioleaching of copper sulphide minerals was investigated by using A. ferrooxidans ATF6. The result shows the preferential order of the minerals bioleaching as djurleite>bornite>pyritic chalcopyrite>covellite>porphyry chalcopyrite. The residues were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is indicated that jarosite may not be responsible for hindered dissolution. The elemental sulfur layer on the surface of pyritic chalcopyrite residues is cracked. The compact surface layer of porphyry chalcopyrite may strongly hinder copper extraction. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) further confirms that the passivation layers of covellite, pyritic chalcopyrite, and porphyry chalcopyrite are copper-depleted sulphide Cu4S11, S8, and copper-rich iron-deficient polysulphide Cu4Fe2S9, respectively. The ability of these passivation layers was found as Cu4Fe2S9>Cu4S11>S8>jarosite.
Effects of the mineral phase and valence of vanadium on vanadium extraction from stone coal
Yang-jia Hu, Yi-min Zhang, Shen-xu Bao, and  Tao Liu
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 893-898. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0644-9
Abstract:
The influence of roasting on the leaching rate and valence of vanadium was evaluated during vanadium extraction from stone coal. Vanadium in stone coal is hard to be leached and the leaching rate is less than 10% when the raw ore is leached by 4 mol/L H2SO4 at 90℃ for 2 h. After the sample is roasted at 900℃ for 2 h, the leaching rate of vanadium reaches the maximum, and more than 70% of vanadium can be leached. The crystal of vanadium-bearing mica minerals decomposes and the content of V(V) increases with the rise of roasting temperature from 600 to 900℃, therefore the leaching rate of vanadium increases significantly with the decomposition of the mica minerals. Some new phases, anorthite for example, form when the roasting temperature reaches 1000℃. A part of vanadium may be enwrapped in the sintered materials and newly formed phases, which may impede the oxidation of low valent vanadium and make the leaching rate of vanadium drop dramatically. The leaching rate of vanadium is not only determined by the valence state of vanadium but also controlled by the decomposition of vanadium-bearing minerals and the existence state of vanadium to a large extent.
Algorithm for repairing the damaged images of grain structures obtained from the cellular automata and measurement of grain size
A. Ramírez-López, M. A. Romero-Romo, D. Muñoz-Negron, S. López-Ramírez, R. Escarela-Pérez, and  C. Duran-Valencia
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 899-907. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0645-8
Abstract:
Computational models are developed to create grain structures using mathematical algorithms based on the chaos theory such as cellular automaton, geometrical models, fractals, and stochastic methods. Because of the chaotic nature of grain structures, some of the most popular routines are based on the Monte Carlo method, statistical distributions, and random walk methods, which can be easily programmed and included in nested loops. Nevertheless, grain structures are not well defined as the results of computational errors and numerical inconsistencies on mathematical methods. Due to the finite definition of numbers or the numerical restrictions during the simulation of solidification, damaged images appear on the screen. These images must be repaired to obtain a good measurement of grain geometrical properties. Some mathematical algorithms were developed to repair, measure, and characterize grain structures obtained from cellular automata in the present work. An appropriate measurement of grain size and the corrected identification of interfaces and length are very important topics in materials science because they are the representation and validation of mathematical models with real samples. As a result, the developed algorithms are tested and proved to be appropriate and efficient to eliminate the errors and characterize the grain structures.
Numerical modeling and experimental validation of microstructure in gray cast iron
Masoud Jabbari, Parviz Davami, and  Naser Varahram
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 908-914. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0646-7
Abstract:
To predict the amount of different phases in gray cast iron by a finite difference model (FDM) on the basis of cooling rate (R), the volume fractions of total γ phase, graphite, and cementite were calculated. The results of phase composition were evaluated to find a proper correlation with cooling rate. More trials were carried out to find a good correlation between the hardness and phase composition. New proposed formulas show that the hardness of gray cast iron decreases as the amount of graphite phase increases, and increases as the amount of cementite increases. These formulas are developed to correlate the phase volume fraction to hardness. The results are compared with experimental data and show reasonable agreement.
Microstructures and mechanical properties of C-Mn-Cr-Nb and C-Mn-Si-Nb ultra-high strength dual-phase steels
Zhi-gang Wang, Ai-min Zhao, Zheng-zhi Zhao, Jie-yun Ye, Di Tang, and  Guo-sen Zhu
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 915-922. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0647-6
Abstract:
The microstructures and mechanical properties of C-Mn-Cr-Nb and C-Mn-Si-Nb ultra-high strength dual-phase steels were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and tensile test. The results show that Si can promote the transformation of austenite (γ) to ferrite (α), enlarge the (α+γ) region, and increase the aging stability of martensite by inhibiting carbide precipitation. Adding Cr leads to the formation of retained austenite and martensite/austenite (M/A) constituents, as well as the decomposition of martensite during the overaging stage. Both of the steels show higher initial strain-hardening rates and two-stage strain-hardening characteristics. The C-Mn-Si-Nb steel shows the higher strain-hardening rate than the C-Mn-Cr-Nb steel in the first stage; however, there is no significant difference in the second stage. Although the tensile strength and elongation of the two steels both exceed 1000 MPa and 15%, respectively, the comprehensive mechanical properties of the C-Mn-Si-Nb steel are superior.
Effect of welding parameters on the heat-affected zone of AISI409 ferritic stainless steel
Eslam Ranjbarnodeh, Stefanie Hanke, Sabine Weiss, and  Alfons Fischer
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 923-929. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0648-5
Abstract:
One of the main problems during the welding of ferritic stainless steels is severe grain growth within the heat-affected zone (HAZ). In the present study, the microstructural characteristics of tungsten inert gas (TIG) welded AISI409 ferritic stainless steel were investigated by electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD), and the effects of welding parameters on the grain size, local misorientation, and low-angle grain boundaries were studied. A 3-D finite element model (FEM) was developed to predict the effects of welding parameters on the holding time of the HAZ above the critical temperature of grain growth. It is found that the base metal is not fully recrystallized. During the welding, complete recrystallization is followed by severe grain growth. A decrease in the number of low-angle grain boundaries is observed within the HAZ. FEM results show that the final state of residual strains is caused by competition between welding plastic strains and their release by recrystallization. Still, the decisive factor for grain growth is heat input.
Corrosion resistance of steel materials in LiCl-KCl melts
Le Wang, Bing Li, Miao Shen, Shi-yan Li, and  Jian-guo Yu
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 930-933. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0649-4
Abstract:
The corrosion behaviors of 304SS, 316LSS, and Q235A in LiCl-KCl melts were investigated at 450℃ by Tafel curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). 316LSS shows the best corrosion resistance behaviors among the three materials, including the most positive corrosion potential and the smallest corrosion current from the Tafel curves and the largest electron transfer resistance from the Nyquist plots. The results are in good agreement with the weight losses in the static corrosion experiments for 45 h. This may be attributed to the better corrosion resistance of Mo and Ni existing as alloy elements in 316LSS, which exhibit the lower corrosion current densities and more positive corrosion potentials than 316LSS in the same melts.
Correlation of morphological anisotropy and Lankford value of deep drawing sheets hot-rolled by compact strip production
Shu-li Li, Run Wu, Yuan-zheng Wei, Zhi-fang Wu, Xue-jun Zhou, Yong-fu Zhang, and  Guang Xu
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 934-938. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0650-y
Abstract:
Cold-rolled steel sheets in automotive applications require an excellent deep draw ability, which is characterized by the Lankford value (r-value). In this study, a correlation was identified between r-value and pancake-shaped grain flatness which is indicated as the ratio of grain diameter in the rolling direction (RD) and normal direction (ND) of sheets (dr/dn). A mathematical model (r=e0.345(dn-1/2-dr-1/2)) was developed to calculate r-value by the microstructure of steel sheets hot-rolled by compact strip production (CSP). It is shown that the r-value is higher, if the microstructure of steel sheet is of pancake-shaped grains elongated in the rolling direction. The calculated r-value is confirmed to fit exactly to the measured one from the large-scale production.
Anodic dissolution of a crack tip at AA2024-T351 in 3.5wt% NaCl solution
Hai Sheng, Chao-fang Dong, Kui Xiao, Xiao-gang Li, and  Lin Lu
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 939-944. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0651-x
Abstract:
The anodic dissolution process of a crack tip at 2024-T351 aluminium alloy (AA2024-T351) was determined by means of scanning Kelvin probe (SKP). Wedge-open loading (WOL) specimens were immersed in a 3.5wt% NaCl solution. After various durations of immersion, the Volta potential distributions around the crack were measured by SKP and the surface morphologies were observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It is found that there is a nonuniform distribution of Volta potential around the crack. Before immersion, the Volta potential at crack tip is more negative than that in other regions. However, after immersion, a converse result occurs with the most positive Volta potential measured at the crack tip. SEM observations demonstrate that the noticeable positive shift of Volta potential results from the formation of corrosion products which deposit around the crack tip. Energy-dispersive spectrometry (EDS) analysis shows that the corrosion products are mainly Al oxide and Cu-rich particles. These observations implicate that the applied stress contributes to the preferential anodic dissolution of the crack tip and the redistribution of Cu.
Effects of thermomechanical treatments on the microstructures and mechanical properties of GTA-welded AZ31B magnesium alloy
Ya-jie Chu, Jian Chen, Xiao-quan Li, Shen-qing Wu, and  Zong-hui Yang
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 945-950. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0652-9
Abstract:
Thermomechanical treatments were carried out to improve the properties of AZ31B joints prepared by gas tungsten arc welding. The microstructures of the joints were studied by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive spectrometry. Tensile tests and hardness tests were performed to investigate the effects of thermomechanical treatments on the mechanical properties of the joints. It is found that the thermomechanical-treated joints show superior mechanical properties against the as-welded joints, and their ultimate tensile strength can reach more than 92% of the base material. This mainly attributes to the formation of fine equiaxed grains in the fusion zone. After thermomechanical treatments the dendrites are transformed to fine spherical grains, and the dendritic segregation can be effectively eliminated.
Processing of nanostructured metallic matrix composites by a modified accumulative roll bonding method with structural and mechanical considerations
Amir Hossein Yaghtin, Erfan Salahinejad, and  Ali Khosravifard
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 951-956. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0653-8
Abstract:
Particulate reinforced metallic matrix composites have attracted considerable attention due to their lightweight, high strength, high specific modulus, and good wear resistance. Al/B4C composite strips were produced in this work by a modified accumulative roll bonding process where the strips were rotated 90° around the normal direction between successive passes. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses reveal the development of nanostructures in the Al matrix after seven passes. It is found that the B4C reinforcement distribution in the matrix is improved by progression of the process. Additionally, the tensile yield strength and elongation of the processed materials are increased with the increase of passes.
Thermoelectric effect of silicon films prepared by aluminum-induced crystallization
Qing-run Hou, Bing-fu Gu, Yi-bao Chen, and  Yuan-jin He
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 957-963. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0654-7
Abstract:
Aluminum-induced crystallized silicon films were prepared on glass substrates by magnetron sputtering. Aluminum was added in the silicon films intermittently by the regular pulse sputtering of an aluminum target. The amount of aluminum in the silicon films can be controlled by regulating the aluminum sputtering power and the sputtering time of the undoped silicon layer; thus, the Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity of the polycrystalline silicon films can be adjusted. It is found that, when the sputtering power ratio of aluminum to silicon is 16%, both the Seebeck coefficient and the electrical resistivity decrease with the increasing amount of aluminum as expected; the Seebeck coefficient and the electrical resistivity at room temperature are 0.185-0.285 mV/K and 0.30-2.4 Ω·cm, respectively. By reducing the sputtering power ratio to 7%, however, the Seebeck coefficient does not change much, though the electrical resistivity still decreases with the amount of aluminum increasing; the Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity at room temperature are 0.219-0.263 mV/K and 0.26-0.80 Ω·cm, respectively.
Structural and magnetic properties of ZnFe2O4 films deposited by low sputtering power
Jin-long Li, Zhong Yu, Ke Sun, Xiao-na Jiang, and  Zhong-wen Lan
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 964-968. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0655-6
Abstract:
To validate the correctness of the Hartman-Perdok Theory (HPT), which indicates that the {111} planes have the lowest surface energy in spinel ferrites, the {111} plane orientated ZnFe2O4 thin films on Si(100), Si(111), and SiO2(500 nm)/Si(111) substrates were obtained through a radio frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering method with a low sputtering power of 80 W. All of the experiments prove that the atom energy determined by sputtering power plays an important role in the orientated growth of the ZnFe2O4 thin films, and it matches well with HPT. The ZnFe2O4 thin films exhibit ferromagnetism with a magnetization of 84.25 kJ/mol at room temperature, which is different from the bulk counterpart (antiferromagnetic as usual). The ZnFe2O4 thin films can be used as high-quality oriented inducing buffer layers for other spinel (Ni, Mn)Zn ferrite thin films and may have high potential in magnetic thin films-based devices.
Synthesis of Mg2B2O5 whiskers via coprecipitation and sintering process
Dong-hai Zhu, Xue-ying Nai, Cheng-cai Zhu, Feng-qin Guo, Shao-ju Bian, and  Wu Li
2012, vol. 19, no. 10, pp. 969-972. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12613-012-0656-5
Abstract:
Mg2B2O5 whiskers with high aspect ratio were synthesized by coprecipitation and sintering process using MgCl2·6H2O, H3BO3, and NaOH as raw materials and KCl as a flux. Their formation process was investigated by thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry (TG-DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microcopy (SEM). It is found that the products synthesized at 832℃ are monoclinic Mg2B2O5 whiskers with a diameter of 200-400 nm and a length of 50-80 μm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) analyses show that the whiskers obtained at 832℃ are single crystalline and grow along with the[010] direction. The growth mechanism of Mg2B2O5 whiskers was also presented.