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Purpose: The purpose of this work is to study the effect of sintering modes, especially the sintering temperature, on the crystal lattice parameters and the morphology of the ZrO2-nY2O3 (n = 3-8 mol%) ceramic microstructure components in relation to corresponding fracture micromechanisms. Design/methodology/approach: The series of ZrO2-nY2O3 (n = 3-8 mol%) ceramics were sintered in an argon atmosphere at temperatures 1450°C, 1500°C, 1550°C, and 1600°C. The cross-sectional surfaces of samples were prepared for microstructure analysis using a grinding and polishing Struers Tegramin machine. Young's ceramics modulus values were determined using an ultrasonic flaw detector Panametrics EPOCH III 2300. The samples' density and porosity were determined by the Archimedes' method. Scanning electron microscopes Hitachi SU3900 and Carl Zeiss EVO-40XVP were used to analyse the microstructure and fracture surface morphology of samples. For estimating chemical compositions in an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy mode, an INCA ENERGY 350 spectrometer was utilized. Microhardness measurement was performed on a NOVOTEST TC-MKB1 microhardness tester. The fracture toughness of the material was estimated using a single-edge notch beam (SENB) test and the Vickers indentation test. Both the flexural strength and SENB tests were performed under threepoint bending using a UIT STM 050 test machine. All mechanical tests were carried out in air at a temperature of 20°C. Findings: Optimal sintering modes for a variety of YSZ ceramic compositions are found, taking into account the combined effect of the sintering temperature and a percentage of Y2O3, which resulted in a specified balance of cubic, tetragonal, and monoclinic zirconia phases, an optimal microstructure features, and the implementation of high-energy fracture micromechanisms responsible for high strength and fracture toughness of YSZ ceramics. Research limitations/implications: To study the behaviour of YSZ ceramics in the operating atmosphere, their microhardness, flexural strength, and fracture toughness should be evaluated under the operating temperature and pressure conditions. Practical implications: Based on the research performed, it is possible to design the microstructure of YSZ ceramic with the necessary physical and mechanical properties to provide high reliability of ceramic products in various industry branches. Originality/value: The balance of cubic, tetragonal, and monoclinic zirconia phases, as well as the crystal lattice parameters change, was determined for YSZ ceramics stabilized with the various amounts of yttria, and it was linked to their mechanical behaviour; the Vickers indentation method and SENB method were used to estimate crack growth resistance of YSZ ceramics, and an appropriate fracture micromechanism was found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This paper aims to decide the Sm-Co alloy's maximum energy product prediction task based on the boosting strategy of the ensemble of machine learning methods. Design/methodology/approach: This paper examines an ensemble-based approach to solving Sm-Co alloy's maximum energy product prediction task. Because classical machine learning methods sometimes do not supply acceptable precision when solving the regression problem, the authors investigated the boosting ML model, namely Gradient Boosting. Building a boosting model based on several weak submodels, each of which considers the errors of the prior ones, provides substantial growth in the accuracy of the problem-solving. The obtained result is confirmed using an actual data set collected by the authors. Findings: This work demonstrates the high efficiency of applying the ensemble strategy of machine learning to the applied problem of materials science. The experiments determined the highest accuracy of solving the forecast task for the maximum energy product of Sm-Co alloy formed on the boosting model of machine learning in comparison with classical methods of machine learning. Research limitations/implications: The boosting strategy of machine learning, in comparison with single algorithms of machine learning, requires much more computational and time resources to implement the learning process of the model. Practical implications: This work demonstrated the possibility of effectively solving Sm-Co alloy's maximum energy product prediction task using machine learning. The studied boosting model of machine learning for solving the problem provides high accuracy of prediction, which reveals several advantages of their use in solving issues applied to computational material science. Furthermore, using the Orange modelling environment provides a simple and intuitive interface for using the researched methods. The proposed approach to the forecast significantly reduces the time and resource costs associated with studying expensive rare earth metals (REM)-based ferromagnetic materials. Originality/value: The authors have collected and formed a set of data on predicting the maximum energy product of the Sm-Co alloy. We used machine learning tools to solve the task. As a result, the most increased forecasting precision based on the boosting model is demonstrated compared to classical machine learning methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The study aims to diagnose the corrosion current density in the coating defect on the outer surface of the ammonia pipe depending on the distance to the pumping station, taking into account the interaction of media at the soil-steel interface and using modern graphical data visualization technologies and approaches to model such a system. Design/methodology/approach: The use of an automated system for monitoring defects in underground metallic components of structures, in particular in ammonia pipelines, is proposed. The use of the information processing approach opens additional opportunities in solving the problem of defect detection. Temperature and pressure indicators in the pipeline play an important role because these parameters must be taken into account in the ammonia pipeline for safe transportation. The analysis of diagnostic signs on the outer surface of the underground metallic ammonia pipeline is carried out taking into account temperature changes and corrosion currents. The parameters and relations of the mathematical model for the description of the influence of thermal processes and mechanical loading in the vicinity of pumping stations on the corresponding corrosion currents in the metal of the ammonia pipeline are offered. Findings: The paper evaluates the corrosion current density in the coating defect on the metal surface depending on the distance to the pumping station and the relationship between the corrosion current density and the characteristics of the temperature field at a distance L = 0...20 km from the pumping station. The relative density of corrosion current is also compared with the energy characteristics of the surface layers at a distance L = 0...20 km from the pumping station. An information system using cloud technologies for data processing and visualization has been developed, which simplifies the process of data analysis regarding corrosion currents on the metal surface of an ammonia pipeline. Research limitations/implications: The study was conducted for the section from the pumping station to the pipeline directly on a relatively small data set. Practical implications: The use of client-server architecture has become very popular, thanks to which monitoring can be carried out in any corner of the planet, using Internet data transmission protocols. At the same time, cloud technologies allow you to deploy such software on remote physical computers. The use of the Amazon Web Service cloud environment as a common tool for working with data and the ability to use ready-made extensions is proposed. Also, this cloud technology simplifies the procedure of public and secure access to the collected information for further analysis. Originality/value: Use of cloud environments and databases to monitor ammonia pipeline defects for correct resource assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Purpose: The purpose of this work is to evaluate the propensity to brittle fracture of YSZ ceramics stabilized by the various amount of yttria, based on a study of changes in the microstructure, phase composition, and fracture micromechanisms. Design/methodology/approach: The series of 3YSZ, 4YSZ, and 5YSZ ceramic specimens were sintered in an argon atmosphere. Three sintering temperatures were used for each series: 1450°C, 1500°C, and 1550°C. Microhardness measurements were performed on a NOVOTEST TC-MKB1 microhardness tester. The configuration of the imprints and cracks formed was studied on an optical microscope Neophot-21. The fracture toughness of the material was estimated using both the Vickers indentation method and a single-edge notch beam (SENB) test performed under three-point bending at 20°C in air. The microstructure and morphology of the fracture surface of the specimens were studied using a scanning electron microscope Carl Zeiss EVO-40XVP. The chemical composition was determined using an INCA ENERGY 350 spectrometer. Findings: Peculiarities of changes in the microstructure, the morphology of specimens fracture surface, and mechanical characteristics of YSZ ceramic materials of different chemical and phase compositions sintered in a temperature range of 1450°C to 1550°C are found. Research limitations/implications: To study the actual behaviour of YSZ ceramic materials under operating conditions, it is necessary to evaluate their Young's moduli, strength, microhardness, and fracture toughness in an operating environment of the corresponding parameters (temperature, pressure, etc.). Practical implications: Based on the developed approach to estimating the propensity to brittle fracture of the formed YSZ ceramic microstructure, it is possible to obtain YSZ ceramic material that will provide the necessary physical and mechanical properties of a wide variety of precision ceramic products. Originality/value: An approach to estimating the propensity to brittle fracture of YSZ ceramics stabilized by the various amount of yttria is proposed based on two methods of evaluating crack growth resistance of materials, namely, the Vickers indentation method and SENB method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this work is to estimate the tendency to brittle fracture of the YSZ-NiO(Ni) anode cermet in a hydrogenous environment with various concentrations of water vapor. Design/methodology/approach: YSZ-NiO ceramic plates were fabricated by sintering in an argon atmosphere. The treatment of material was performed in a hydrogenous environment with various concentrations of water vapor. The strength test was performed under three-point bending at 20°C in air. The microstructure and morphology of the fracture surface of the specimens were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) Carl Zeiss EVO-40XVP. The chemical composition was determined using an INCA ENERGY 350 spectrometer. Microhardness measurements were performed on a NOVOTEST TC-MKB1 microhardness tester. The configuration of the imprints and cracks formed was studied on an optical microscope Neophot-21. The porosity of the materials was investigated by analysing the SEM micrographs using the image processing technique. Findings: Peculiarities of changes in the microstructure, the morphology of specimens fracture surface, physical and mechanical characteristics of YSZ-NiO(Ni) material for solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) anodes of different preconditioning modes aged under various partial pressures of water vapor in a hydrogenous environment are found. Research limitations/implications: To study the actual behaviour of the YSZ-NiO(Ni) anode material in the operating environment, it is necessary to evaluate its strength, Young's modulus, microhardness, and fracture toughness by changing with a certain step the partial pressure of water vapor in the whole range noted in this work. Practical implications: Based on the developed approach to assessing the propensity to brittle fracture of the formed cermet microstructure, it is possible to obtain an anode material that will provide the necessary functional properties of a SOFC. Originality/value: An approach to estimating the propensity to brittle fracture of a formed cermet structure is proposed based on the microhardness and fracture toughness characteristics obtained by the Vickers indentation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of reduction treatment in a high-temperature (600 °C) hydrogen-containing environment on the microstructure and tendency to brittle fracture of YSZ– NiO(Ni) materials for solid oxide fuel cell anodes has been studied. To assess the crack growth resistance of the ceramics, the Vickers indentation technique was adapted, which allowed estimating the microhardness and fracture toughness of the material in the complex. The requirements for high porosity of the anodes to ensure functional properties show that the strength may be an insufficient characteristic of the bearing capacity of the anode. More structurally sensitive characteristics are needed to assess its crack growth resistance. The average levels of microhardness of YSZ–NiO ceramics in the as-sintered state and YSZ–NiO(Ni) cermets (2.0 GPa and 0.8 GPa, respectively) and their fracture toughness (3.75 MPa·m1/2 and 2.9 MPa·m1/2, respectively) were experimentally determined. It was found that the microstructure of YSZ–NiO(Ni) cermet after redox treatment is formed by a YSZ ceramic skeleton with refined Ni-phase grains combined in a network, which provides increased electrical conductivity. Along with higher porosity of the cermet, its fracture toughness is not lower than that of the one-time reduced cermet due to the implementation of the bridging toughening mechanism of fracture. The proposed treatment method allowed forming the microstructure of the anode material, resistant to crack propagation under mechanical load. The propensity of the anode material to brittle fracture on the basis of evaluation of its crack growth resistance and analysis of the microstructure and fracture micromechanism was substantiated. This result is interesting from a theoretical point of view. From a practical point of view, the developed technique allows determining the conditions of redox treatment in the technology of manufacturing fuel cell anodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The aim of the proposed research is to create a calculation model of surface fatigue crack growth at the axle of railway wheelset working under operational loads. Design/methodology/approach: The energy approach of the fracture mechanics was used to formulate the calculation model of fatigue crack propagation at the wheelset axle surface. The method of least squares was used to determine the investigated material mechanical constants that the kinetic equations of the calculation model contain. The system of differential equations of crack growth kinetics was solved numerically using the Runge-Kutta method. Findings: On the basis of the energy approach of the fracture mechanics the calculation model of fatigue macrocrack growth in three-dimensional elastic-plastic body in case of a mixed-mode I+II+III macromechanism of fracture has been built. On the basis of the created calculation model, the kinetics of the growth of fatigue cracks was investigated both in the middle part of the wheelset axle and in the axle journal. Research limitations/implications: The results obtained on laboratory specimens should be tested during a real railway wheelset axle investigation. Practical implications: The created calculation model can be used in practice to formulate method of residual lifetime estimation of railway wheelset axle. Originality/value: It was shown, that surface crack kinetics depends not only on the crack initial area but also significantly depends on the crack edge geometry and comparatively small crack-like defects at the wheelset axle surface can reach critical sizes in comparatively short run. It has been found that mechanical shear stresses caused by the weight of the loaded railway wagon in the cross section of the wheelset axle journal can significantly accelerate the growth of the transverse fatigue crack at the axle surface, reducing the period of crack subcritical growth by about 20%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Purpose of this work is to analyse the process of synthesis of oxide ceramic coatings in plasma electrolytes on 2024 aluminium alloy and to form an electrolyte which allows to reduce energy consumption for the coating formation. Design/methodology/approach: The oxide ceramic coatings were synthesized on 2024 aluminium alloy. The coatings were formed by the alternate application of anode and cathode pulses to the sample. X-ray diffraction analysis of coatings was performed on a DRON-3.0 X-ray diffractometer using CuKa radiation. The thickness of the coatings was determined using a CHY TG-05 thickness gauge. The porosity of the coatings was investigated by analysing the micrographs of the plasma electrolyte oxidation (PEO) coatings obtained on a scanning electron microscope at ×500 magnification using the image processing technique. Findings: The electrolyte with 5 g/l H2O2 additive have been elaborated as an optimal composition for synthesis of a coating with an increased content of corundum (a-Al2O3) as compared to a coating synthesized in the same mode in the 3KOH+2Na2SiO3 electrolyte without H2O2. This synthesis mode allows obtaining a coating with a high corundum content at low energy consumption. Research limitations/implications: For further optimization of the synthesis modes, it is necessary to analyse the influence of the phase composition and porosity of the obtained oxide ceramic coatings on their microhardness, wear resistance, and corrosion resistance. Practical implications: Based on the developed modes of synthesis of the coatings, it will be possible to obtain wear and corrosion resistant oxide ceramic coatings with predetermined functional properties and to reduce energy consumption for their formation. the developed modes of synthesis of the coatings, it will be possible to obtain wear and corrosion resistant oxide ceramic coatings with predetermined functional properties and to reduce energy consumption for their formation. Originality/value: Methods for accelerating the formation of coatings have been proposed and tested, in particular, by adding various amounts of hydrogen peroxide to the electrolyte. The content of oxides in the obtained coatings, in particular, their ratios at various concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The proposed research aims to determine the expediency of surface treatment of vanadium alloys of V-Cr and V-Ti systems due to irradiation of their surfaces with low- temperature nitrogen plasma using plasma torch NO-01. Design/methodology/approach: The investigation of microstructure and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) of the samples were performed using an electron microscope TESCAN Vega3. The microhardness (Vickers hardness) of the samples was measured before and after surface treatment. The study of corrosive properties of the surface layers was performed by an electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) method. Corrosion damages were identified using impedance dependences. Findings: The microstructure of the surface layers of the V-8Ti, V-15Cr, and V-35Cr alloys in the initial state and after plasma treatment have been investigated. The chemical composition of the surface layers is determined and comparative measurements of the microhardness of these alloys are carried out. Corrosion-electrochemical properties (corrosion potentials, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and constructed potential-dynamic polarization curves) of investigated alloys after treatment with nitrogen plasma are evaluated. Research limitations/implications: The results obtained using laboratory samples should be checked at the conditions of power equipment operation. Practical implications: This treatment has advantages over other methods of surface engineering since it provides strong surface plastic deformation and the possibility of formation of secondary phases resulting in increases in surface hardness and corrosion resistance. Originality/value: Vanadium alloys have significant advantages over other structural materials due to their high thermal conductivity and swelling resistance, high strength and plasticity up to temperatures of 700-800°C, and good weldability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Determine the possibility of modifying aluminium alloys of the Al-Si system with an ultrafine SiC modifier with a particle size of 3-5 µm. Design/methodology/approach: Processing of the Al-Si alloy was carried out by introducing an ultrafine modifier in the amount of 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 wt.%. Silicon carbide (SiC) with a particle size in the range of 3-5 µm was used as a modifier. To study the microstructure of the formed surface layers, a metallographic analysis was performed according to the standard method on a microscope MIKPOTEX® MMT-14C using TopView software. Microhardness studies of the samples were carried out on a Vickers microhardness tester NOVOTEST TC-MKV1. The microstructure of castings of the AlSi12 grade was studied at magnification from 100 to 400 times on the horizontal and vertical surfaces of the samples after etching with a 2% NaOH aqueous solution. Findings: Aluminium cast alloy of Al-Si system has been synthesized with the addition of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 wt.% ultrafine SiC modifier. It was found that the modification of the AlSi12 alloy by SiC particles of 3-5 µm in size led to an improvement of its microstructure due to the reduction of the volume fraction of micropores and primary Si crystals. It was shown that the AlSi12 aluminium alloy due to the modification by 0.2 wt.% SiC has the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Small sizes of nanoparticles lead to the appearance of new unique functional properties. Under transition to nanosizes in metals and their compounds new specific characteristics appears. In this work, the microstructural and magnetic properties of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NP) have been compared with those of commercially available Fe3O4 microparticles (Fe3O4-MP) and detailed analysis of differences has been carried out. The synthesis of Fe3O4-NP was carried out by means of colloidal method performed without the use of surfactants. Commercial and synthesized particles were characterized using NTEGRA Prima (NT-MDT) atomic force microscope. For magnetic properties investigations we used the method of vibrating sample magnetometer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]