SUMMARY

The present study has as objective the multiscale characterization of alpha-beta titanium alloys for the exploration of homogenization models applied to bimodal microstructures. The student will achieve this goal by completion of three tasks as follows:
Tasks 1 and 2 will evaluate the high-throughput mechanical characterization of the primary-alpha phase and basket-weave morphology grains respectively, for five different titanium alloys, for determination of the mechanical response dependence on the distinct crystal lattice orientations involved. In both cases, spherical nano-indentation protocols will be used to capture the grain-level mechanical properties, and chemical analysis procedures will be employed to enhance current understanding of the solid solution strengthening mechanisms of such alloys. In task 2, microstructure characterization/ quantification by means of digital image segmentation and spatial correlations will further assist in the expansion and refinement of the current knowledge regarding the lath microstructure effect onto the mechanical behavior of basket-weave morphologies. Lastly, Task 3 will comprise the macro-scale mechanical characterization of bimodal microstructures (containing primary-alpha and basket-weave grains) using high-throughput Small Punch Test protocols, and their respective microstructure characterization/quantification. These results, along with those from tasks 1 and 2 will be used for the exploration of a variety of homogenization models.