Abstract
Th is research demonstrates that signifi cantly enhanced materials microstructures and improved performance can be achieved by coupling two previously independent materials research concepts,
namely, the thermo-magnetic processing (T-MP)1 and the electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT)2 technologies. In prior, separate NHMFL research endeavors, ORNL researchers have demonstrated that: 1.) thermo-magnetic processing (T-MP) can signifi cantly enhance Ni solubility in Fe by up to 30%; and 2.) using the electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) technology can signifi cantly improve cast product homogeneity. Based on these earlier successful results, we proposed simultaneously coupling these two R&D approaches/eff ects (i.e., T-MP with EMAT), in order to simultaneously achieve: 1.) enhanced elemental solid-solubility in Mg and in at least one
Fe-based alloy; and 2.) uniform dispersion of intentional additions of inert nanoparticles in Mg. Developing homogeneous dispersions of inert nanoparticles is and has been pursued as one of the “holy grails” for achieving unprecedented materials performance and highly desired mechanical
properties, e.g., in creep and oxidation resistant alloys. Successfully coupling these two technologies would provide the ability to create uniquely controlled nano-scale microstructures that currently are unachievable by any other materials processing technologies.
