MEMS1059 Phase Equilibrium in Multi-Component Materials SCUPI, April 15, 2019

MIDTERM EXAMINATION
Open Book, Independent Work

Name:
ID:

1. Explain a typical aging curve and transitional phases of a typical Al-Cu-Mg 2000 Series Alloy.
(20 Points)

2. Describe the thermodynamic driving force and barrier for heterogeneous nucleation. Draw
schematic diagrams and given equations as needed. (20 Points)

3. Hot stamping, also called hot forming or press hardening, is a manufacture process of forming
metal into its final shape (by stamping, drawing, bending, stretching or punching) while it is
hot (e.g., above 900°C), and then quenching it in the die. A steel grade used for hot stamping
is 22MnB5. You are to answer the following: (60 Points)

a) Draw a typical Temperature-Time diagram for the process.

b) Draw an isothermal transformation diagram for the 22MnB5 steel.
c) How would you determine the minimum cooling rate required for this process?
d) Why surface coating or protection may be needed for hot stamping?
e) Why B is added in the steel?
f) What are the pros and cons for hot stamping?
g) How would you improve the process, in order to avoid cracking of the parts?
h) How would you improve the alloy design, in order to improve the ductility of the parts?
i) What other materials can also be used for hot stamping?
j) Could strain-induced transformation play a big role in hot stamping?