In situ investigation of phase transformations in Ti-6Al-4V under additive manufacturing conditions combining laser melting and high-speed micro-X-ray diffraction.

We present combined in situ X-ray diffraction and high-speed imaging to monitor the phase evolution upon cyclic rapid laser heating and cooling mimicking the direct energy deposition of Ti-6Al-4V in real time. Additive manufacturing of the industrially relevant alloy Ti-6Al-4V is known to create a multitude of phases and microstructures depending on processing technology and parameters. Current setups are limited by an averaged measurement through the solid and liquid parts. In this work the combination of a micro-focused intense X-ray beam, a fast detector and unidirectional cooling provide the spatial and temporal resolution to separate contributions from solid and liquid phases in limited volumes. Upon rapid heating and cooling, the ß â†” α' phase transformation is observed repeatedly. At room temperature, single phase α' is observed. Secondary ß-formation upon formation of α' is attributed to V partitioning to the ß-phase leading to temporary stabilization. Lattice strains in the α'-phase are found to be sensitive to the α' → ß phase transformation. Based on lattice strain of the ß-phase, the martensite start temperature is estimated at 923 K in these experiments. Off-axis high speed imaging confirms a technically relevant solidification front velocity and cooling rate of 10.3 mm/s and 4500 K/s, respectively.

Influence of oxidation treatment on fatigue and fatigue-induced damage of commercially pure titanium.

In this investigation, the cyclic deformation behaviour of commercially pure titanium was characterized in axial stress controlled constant amplitude and load increase tests, as well as in rotating bending tests. The influence of different clinically relevant surface treatments (polishing, thermal and anodic oxidizing) on the fatigue behaviour was investigated. All tests were realized in oxygen-saturated Ringer's solution. The cyclic deformation behaviour was characterized by mechanical hysteresis measurements. In addition, the change of the free corrosion potential and the corrosion current during the fatigue tests in simulated physiological media indicated such types of surface damage as slip bands, microcracks and oxide film ablation. Microstructural changes on the specimen surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy.