Search

This work evaluated the technical basis of using laser direct energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing (AM) as a rapid alloy screening method to study the phase transformation of second phase particles and recrystallization behavior of Al-Mn alloy AA3104 throughout the steps of thermomechanical processing. The study focused on assessing the differences between DED and DC-cast AA3104 alloy after homogenization and hot rolling. The fast cooling and repeated in situ thermal cycles during DED AM resulted in different phase transformation behavior compared to conventional DC-cast alloys. DED alloys exhibited a higher fraction of α-Al (Fe,Mn)-Si particles, more uniform particle distribution, and stronger cube texture in the as-fabricated condition. Homogenization promoted Al6(Fe,Mn) to α-Al (Fe,Mn)-Si phase transformation in both DED and DC-cast alloys. After homogenization, DED alloys exhibited two times as many coarse α particles in area fraction as DC-cast alloys but fewer nanoscale dispersoids. These unique material characteristics in DED alloys were responsible for easier recrystallization after hot rolling and annealing. While the differences existed, DED and DC-cast AA3104 alloys demonstrated a similar trend in phase transformation and recrystallization, strongly reinforcing that DED AM can support high-throughput Al alloy development.

INTRODUCTIONVaginal cuff dehiscence following robotic surgery is uncommon. Published reports of vaginal cuff dehiscence following robotic surgery are increasing, but the true incidence is unknown.PRESENTATION OF CASECase 1. A 45 year old female had sexual intercourse and presented with a vaginal cuff dehiscence complicated by small bowel evisceration 4 months after RA-TLH. Case 2. A 44 year old female had sexual intercourse and presented with a vaginal cuff dehiscence with small bowel evisceration 6 weeks after RA-TLH.DISCUSSIONWe discuss the rate of vaginal cuff dehiscence by mode of hysterectomy, surgical and non-surgical risk factors that may contribute to vaginal cuff dehiscence, and proposed preventative methods at the time of RA-TLH to reduce this complication.CONCLUSIONVaginal cuff dehiscence with associated evisceration of intraabdominal contents is a potentially severe complication of hysterectomy. We recommend counseling patients who undergo RA-TLH to abstain from vaginal intercourse for a minimum of 8–12 weeks.