The role of microstructural analysis in the development and application of advanced performance materials

The paper illustrates how knowledge of the microstructure of advanced performance materials can be used to improve the processing of these materials and optimizing properties in laboratory and simulate in-service performance. The examples chosen include: the assessment of the degree of supersaturation in rapidly solidified alloys and the establishing of thermal stability; x-ray diffraction line profile analysis to measure precipitate size in Al-Li alloys; texture analysis to establish the degree of mechanical anisotropy; the influence of residual stresses induced by the cold-expansion of fastener holes on fatigue life predictions; identifying corrosion sites in metal-matrix composites; and the hardening of titanium surfaces by laser nitriding and the incorporation of silicon carbide.