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Non-destructive residual stress measurement techniques reviewed
International news
Database could expand composites use A new database hopes to change industry's attitude towards fibre-reinforced c o m p o s i t e - s i m p l y by providing userfriendly information on the impact performance of these advanced materials. Pera International of the U K believes that its database, which makes years of impact and durability tests available in standard format, will at last allow designers to work with composites swiftly and cheaply. It will also give industry a clear insight into the applications of these underutilized materials, especially where strength and impact performance are critical. 'Designers and manufacturers are often reluctant to use fibre reinforced composites, because of the limited availability of proven performance data,' says Tony Harrison, head of Pera International's engineering design group. 'Who can blame them? Such data are readily available for conventional materials.' Pera International is currently spearheading a three-year collaborative project, the fourth in its seven-year study of the complex behaviour of composites. This project has two aims; first, to conduct further impact studies on a wide range of materials, and second, to compile the results of all four projects, plus other performance studies, into a simple database that allows easy comparison of different fibre-reinforced composites. The test programme includes single and repeat impact studies on carbon, aramid and glass-reinforced materials, at a range of velocities from 6 to 450 metres per second. The effects of temperature and immersion in various fluids on the tested materials will also be investigated. Tests on curved and tubular components, of especial interest to designers, will be carried out, complementing previous work on fibres, matrices, hybrid combinations and sandwich constructions. The final state of this project will be the development of the database, taking all relevant data and converting it into an understandable graph format. This will allow easy comparison of different materials under similar conditions for the first time. The database will be available about the end of 1995, although companies involved in the project will have access to the information immediately. Companies wishing to discuss participation in the project should contact Tony Harrison, Pera International's Technology Centre, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LEI 3 0PB.
310
Coordination of European creep data development activities Long-term creep data are fundamental to improving the design of new plant and to the safe, efficient and reliable operation of existing plant beyond its original design life. Coordination is generally regarded as essential if European plant manufacturers and plant operators are to compete effectively in world markets. To this end, a CEC-funded Concerted Action aimed at coordinating and integrating national creep data development activities relevant to high-temperature power and process plant materials has been established. The Secretariat for the Concerted Action is to be provided by ERA Technology's Materials and Standards Group. The activity will support the formation of a recently instituted interactive group called the European Collaborative Creep Committee (ECCC), involving representatives from the national activities. A series of meetings of the ECCC and other
working groups are to be held to address the procedures for ensuring that data meet specific quality levels; that the supply of data for the development of European databases and European standards is coordinated; that the standards for the production, assessment and utilization of data are harmonized; and that standardized European data-exchange methods and innovative integrated approaches address the whole plant life cycle. ERA's Materials and Standards Group carried out a preliminary study on this subject for the CEC during 1992.
Non-destructive residual stress measurement techniques reviewed
Providing corrosion information on PCs
Several non-destructive or semi-destructive techniques are used at present by industry for residual stress measurement, including hole drilling, trepanning, Xray, neutron diffraction, magnetic and ultrasonic methods. The selection of the most appropriate for a specific application involves consideration of several factors such as ease of use, accuracy, speed and cost. Although several studies have already been carried out on this subject, ERA Technology feels there is a need for a comprehensive, comparative and clearly presented review of the principles, advantages, limitations, applicability and accuracy of the techniques currently available. The overall aim of a new ERA project is therefore to look critically at non-destructive residual stress measurement methods, evaluate their practicality in relation to the testing of metallic engineering compounds, to identify the advancements required and to determine the most prudent areas for research investment. The study will be carried out by ERA's Structural Integrity Division. The division is interested in collaborating with residual stress measurement system/ equipment suppliers to develop on-line stress measurement techniques and systems.
Materials & Design Volume 14 Number 5 1993
For further information contact Dr Phil Aplin, ERA Technology Ltd, Cleeve Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7SA, UK. Tel: +44 (0)372 374151, ext 2438. Fax: +44 (0)372 374496.
Since 1982, researchers from the National Association of Corrosion Engineers and NIST have been working to minimize corrosion's negative impact on the competitiveness of US industry, as well as the safety of structures and facilities. Together, the two organizations are developing a series of personal computer software modules that provide rapid access to reliable information on the performance of engineering materials in corrosive environments. These expert systems contain critically evaluated scientific data for the design of industrial plants, pipelines, petrochemical facilities, structures, equipment and other products susceptible to the effects of corrosion. With user-friendly software, the PC modules are said to cover the spectrum from classic databases to true expert systems that mimic a consultant. For information on the corrosion program, contact Richard Ricker, B254 Materials Bldg, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001, USA. Tel: + 1 (301) 975-6023.
For a listing of NACE/NIST products, contact NACE, PO Box 218340, Houston, Texas 77218, USA. Tel: +1 (713) 492-0535, Fax: + 1 (713) 492-8254.
Database could expand composites use A new database hopes to change industry's attitude towards fibre-reinforced c o m p o s i t e - s i m p l y by providing userfriendly information on the impact performance of these advanced materials. Pera International of the U K believes that its database, which makes years of impact and durability tests available in standard format, will at last allow designers to work with composites swiftly and cheaply. It will also give industry a clear insight into the applications of these underutilized materials, especially where strength and impact performance are critical. 'Designers and manufacturers are often reluctant to use fibre reinforced composites, because of the limited availability of proven performance data,' says Tony Harrison, head of Pera International's engineering design group. 'Who can blame them? Such data are readily available for conventional materials.' Pera International is currently spearheading a three-year collaborative project, the fourth in its seven-year study of the complex behaviour of composites. This project has two aims; first, to conduct further impact studies on a wide range of materials, and second, to compile the results of all four projects, plus other performance studies, into a simple database that allows easy comparison of different fibre-reinforced composites. The test programme includes single and repeat impact studies on carbon, aramid and glass-reinforced materials, at a range of velocities from 6 to 450 metres per second. The effects of temperature and immersion in various fluids on the tested materials will also be investigated. Tests on curved and tubular components, of especial interest to designers, will be carried out, complementing previous work on fibres, matrices, hybrid combinations and sandwich constructions. The final state of this project will be the development of the database, taking all relevant data and converting it into an understandable graph format. This will allow easy comparison of different materials under similar conditions for the first time. The database will be available about the end of 1995, although companies involved in the project will have access to the information immediately. Companies wishing to discuss participation in the project should contact Tony Harrison, Pera International's Technology Centre, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LEI 3 0PB.
310
Coordination of European creep data development activities Long-term creep data are fundamental to improving the design of new plant and to the safe, efficient and reliable operation of existing plant beyond its original design life. Coordination is generally regarded as essential if European plant manufacturers and plant operators are to compete effectively in world markets. To this end, a CEC-funded Concerted Action aimed at coordinating and integrating national creep data development activities relevant to high-temperature power and process plant materials has been established. The Secretariat for the Concerted Action is to be provided by ERA Technology's Materials and Standards Group. The activity will support the formation of a recently instituted interactive group called the European Collaborative Creep Committee (ECCC), involving representatives from the national activities. A series of meetings of the ECCC and other
working groups are to be held to address the procedures for ensuring that data meet specific quality levels; that the supply of data for the development of European databases and European standards is coordinated; that the standards for the production, assessment and utilization of data are harmonized; and that standardized European data-exchange methods and innovative integrated approaches address the whole plant life cycle. ERA's Materials and Standards Group carried out a preliminary study on this subject for the CEC during 1992.
Non-destructive residual stress measurement techniques reviewed
Providing corrosion information on PCs
Several non-destructive or semi-destructive techniques are used at present by industry for residual stress measurement, including hole drilling, trepanning, Xray, neutron diffraction, magnetic and ultrasonic methods. The selection of the most appropriate for a specific application involves consideration of several factors such as ease of use, accuracy, speed and cost. Although several studies have already been carried out on this subject, ERA Technology feels there is a need for a comprehensive, comparative and clearly presented review of the principles, advantages, limitations, applicability and accuracy of the techniques currently available. The overall aim of a new ERA project is therefore to look critically at non-destructive residual stress measurement methods, evaluate their practicality in relation to the testing of metallic engineering compounds, to identify the advancements required and to determine the most prudent areas for research investment. The study will be carried out by ERA's Structural Integrity Division. The division is interested in collaborating with residual stress measurement system/ equipment suppliers to develop on-line stress measurement techniques and systems.
Materials & Design Volume 14 Number 5 1993
For further information contact Dr Phil Aplin, ERA Technology Ltd, Cleeve Road, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7SA, UK. Tel: +44 (0)372 374151, ext 2438. Fax: +44 (0)372 374496.
Since 1982, researchers from the National Association of Corrosion Engineers and NIST have been working to minimize corrosion's negative impact on the competitiveness of US industry, as well as the safety of structures and facilities. Together, the two organizations are developing a series of personal computer software modules that provide rapid access to reliable information on the performance of engineering materials in corrosive environments. These expert systems contain critically evaluated scientific data for the design of industrial plants, pipelines, petrochemical facilities, structures, equipment and other products susceptible to the effects of corrosion. With user-friendly software, the PC modules are said to cover the spectrum from classic databases to true expert systems that mimic a consultant. For information on the corrosion program, contact Richard Ricker, B254 Materials Bldg, NIST, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001, USA. Tel: + 1 (301) 975-6023.
For a listing of NACE/NIST products, contact NACE, PO Box 218340, Houston, Texas 77218, USA. Tel: +1 (713) 492-0535, Fax: + 1 (713) 492-8254.