Evaluation of microstructure of a 6092 Al - 17.5 volume percent SiC particle reinforced composite using Electron Backscatter Pattern (EBSP) analysis methods

Microtexture and grain boundary misorientation data were obtained for a 6092 Al-17.5 volume percent SiC particle reinforced material as a function of processing history. Computer aided electron backscatter pattern (EBSP) analysis methods in a scanning electron microscope were used to obtain grain-sp...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Author: Markovich, John J.
Other Authors: McNelley, Terry R.
Language:en_US
Published: Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School 2012
Online Access:http://hdl.handle.net/10945/8337
Description
Summary:Microtexture and grain boundary misorientation data were obtained for a 6092 Al-17.5 volume percent SiC particle reinforced material as a function of processing history. Computer aided electron backscatter pattern (EBSP) analysis methods in a scanning electron microscope were used to obtain grain-specific orientation measurements by traversing along a pattern of lines on the surface of a metallographic sample. As part of this project, it was necessary to develop ion milling methods to obtain a sufficiently strain free condition of the aluminum matrix to allow diffraction patterns to be obtained. These methods were applied to samples extruded at various strain rates and processing temperatures; the data revealed that recrystallization had occurred at all processing conditions. Analysis of crystal orientations and grain-to-grain misorientation data revealed random distributions consistent with predictions of the particle- stimulated nucleation theory of recrystallization. Additionally, spacing measurements were taken between orientation measurements, The result of this analysis indicated a very fine matrix micro structure