Method for producing ultrafine-grained materials using repetitive corrugation and straightening
AssigneeThe United States of America as represented by the United States Department of Energy
InventorsYuntian T. Zhu, Terry C. Lowe, Honggang Jiang, Jianyu Huang
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Abstract
A method of refining the grain structure and improving the hardness and strength properties of a metal or metal alloy workpiece is disclosed. The workpiece is subjected to forces that corrugate and then straighten the workpiece. These steps are repeated until an ultrafine-grained product having improved hardness and strength is produced.
Claims25
A method for producing an ultrafine-grained product, comprising the steps of:
- (a) bending a metal or alloy workpiece having opposing, substantially flat surfaces into a corrugated shape;
- (b) applying forces to the corrugated workpiece sufficient to substantially restore the flat surfaces and produce a finer-grained workpiece;
- and
- (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) until the workpiece is transformed into an ultrafine-grained product having a refined grain size and improved strength.
An ultrafine-grained metal or alloy product made by the process of:
- (a) bending a metal or alloy workpiece having opposing, substantially flat surfaces into a corrugated shape;
- (b) applying forces to the corrugated workpiece sufficient to substantially restore the flat surfaces and produce a finer-grained workpiece;
- and
- (c) repeating steps (a) and (b) until the workpiece is transformed into an ultrafine-grained product having a desired strength.
An apparatus for refining the grain size of a metal or alloy workpiece, comprising;
- (a) means for corrugating the workpiece;
- (b) means for straightening the corrugated workpiece;
- and
- (c) means for delivering the workpiece from said corrugating means to said straightening means.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.