Abstract: An induction hardening heat treatment method comprises the steps of induction heating a metal part or component, particularly a part fabricated of a high strength material, and then exposing the part to a sequence or series of partial, intermittent or interrupted quenches. Such intermittent or interrupted quenching achieves the necessary change in surface temperature with time to achieve a martensitic transformation of the surface adjacent metal or material while minimizing surface to core temperature differentials during the process which could result in cracking of the part, especially if it is fabricated of high strength materials.

Abstract: A system and method for actively damping tension members modulates the natural frequency of shape memory alloys incorporated into tension members, such as suspension ropes or cables. The frequency of the tension member can be modulated by heating the shape memory alloy, such modulation preventing potentially destructive resonance with natural exciting forces.

Abstract: Process producing ultra low carbon steel strip or sheet including producing a vacuum-degassed steel melt in a steelmaking step including a ladle treatment containing, by weight, at most 0.008% carbon; at most 0.008% nitrogen; at most 0.20% phosphorus; at most 0.020% sulphur; balance iron and inevitable impurities. Melt target oxygen content at end of ladle treatment of the melt is obtained by measuring the melt actual oxygen content followed by adding a suitable amount of aluminium in a suitable form to the melt to bind oxygen. Melt target oxygen content at the end of the ladle treatment is at most 80 ppm. Casting steel thus produced in a continuous casting process to form slab or strip. The process provides slab, strip or sheet of ultra low carbon steel containing at most 0.002% of acid soluble aluminium and at most 0.003% silicon and total oxygen content at most 100 ppm.

Abstract: A microstructure detector and in-situ method for real-time determination of the microstructure of a material undergoing alloying or other phase transformation. The method carried out by the detector includes the steps of: (a) detecting light emitted from a plasma plume created during phase transformation of a material; (b) determining at least some of the spectral content of the detected light; and (c) determining an expected microstructure of the transformed material from the determined spectral content. Closed loop control of the phase transformation process can be carried out using feedback from the detector to achieve a desired microstructure.

Abstract: A shape memory alloy for use as a mechanical component is formed of an intermetallic material having a low apparent modulus and a high hardness. The intermetallic material is conditioned to have a stable, superelastic response without irrecoverable deformation while exhibiting strains of at least 3%. The method of conditioning the intermetallic material is described. Another embodiment relates to lightweight materials known as ordered intermetallics that perform well in sliding wear applications using conventional liquid lubricants and are therefore suitable for high performance mechanical components such as gears and bearings.

Abstract: In a process for producing a large single-crystal component or directionally solidified component made of a nickel-based superalloy, the component is first cast into shape in a known manner to form a microstructure comprising dendrites, and then solution annealing for homogenizing the cast microstructure of the component and two-stage precipitation heat treatment are carried out. In order to avoid chemical inhomogeneities and internal stresses caused thereby, a HIP process with a pressure of higher than 160 MPa is carried out following the solution annealing.

Abstract: A method of characterizing phase transformations of a shape memory material specimen entails recording data from the specimen during heating and cooling. The temperature of the specimen is changed in a first direction to a first temperature sufficient to define a first inflection and a second inflection in the data being recorded. The temperature of the specimen is changed in a second direction to a second temperature sufficient to define a third inflection in the data. The third inflection is formed by overlapping primary and secondary sub-inflections. The temperature of the specimen is changed in the first direction to a third temperature sufficient to define the first inflection but not sufficient to define the second inflection. The temperature of the specimen is then changed in the second direction to a fourth temperature sufficient to define the secondary sub-inflection in the data being recorded.

Abstract: A method for improving a residual stress in a pipe includes improving the residual stress in the inner surface to the compressive direction by rapid cooling of the inner surface after heating of the pipe. The heating is to heat a vicinity of a welded part of the pipe from the outer surface to raise the temperature to a construction temperature. The rapid cooling is to rapidly cool the inner surface in the vicinity of the welded part by supplying cooling water into the pipe. The heating and the rapid cooling are repeated twice or more. A method for construction management includes determining whether construction has been executed properly based on a maximum value of a lowering rate of an outer surface temperature of the pipe when the cooling water is supplied for the rapid cooling of the inner surface and a thickness of the pipe in a measuring position of the outer surface temperature.

Abstract: A device and to a corresponding method for partially hardening a metallic work piece, in which the work piece is transported in a continuous furnace along a conveying direction by means of a conveyor and partially heated by means of a heating device. It is proposed that the heating device generates at least one heating zone that is moved in the conveying direction together with the work piece.

Abstract: A method for controlling the cooling of a steel sheet characterized by controlling the end-of-cooling temperature in a cooling process from the Ae3 or above temperature of the steel sheet, during which; preliminarily obtaining enthalpies (H? and H?) of an austenite phase and ferrite phase respectively at some temperature, obtaining a gynamic enthalpy (Hsys) defined by formula (1) with an untransformed fraction (X?) of austenite in accordance with a target temperature pattern, predicting the temperature by using a gradient of this dynamic enthalpy with respect to temperature as a dynamic specific heat and controlling the cooling of the steel sheet: Hsys=H?(X?)+H?(1?X?).

Abstract: An method for converting tensile residual stress on an inner surface of a welded part of a pipe to compressive residual stress with use of ice plugs formed by cooling the pipe from the outer surface, comprises the steps of: placing refrigerant containers for forming the ice plugs in the upstream and downstream of a butt-welded part; cooling the outer surface of the pipe to form the ice plugs; and then cooling the outer surface of the pipe with use of at least one refrigerant container for expanding the pipe arranged between the refrigerant containers for forming the ice plugs. When the method is applied to a pipe with a large inside diameter, the method comprises forming the ice plugs at a curved pipe, an elbow or a branch pipe in the upstream and downstream of the butt-welded part.

Abstract: A method of imparting superior fatigue performance to a vehicle wheel cast from a magnesium alloy by selective application of friction stir processing to regions of the casting known to be subject to high in-service stresses is described. The method may be particularly applicable to open wheel designs in which a plurality of spokes is used to connect the hub and rim portions of the wheel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for improving properties of a solid material by providing shockwaves there through. Laser shock processing is used to provide the shockwaves. The method includes applying a liquid energy-absorbing overlay, which is resistant to erosion and dissolution by the transparent water overlay and which is resistant to drying to a portion of the surface of the solid material and then applying a transparent overlay to the coated portion of the solid material. A pulse of coherent laser energy is directed to the coated portion of the solid material to create a shockwave. Advantageously, at least a portion of the unspent energy-absorbing overlay can be reused in situ at a further laser treatment location and/or recovered for later use.

Abstract: The present invention describes a seamless steel tube for work-over risers comprising in weight percent, carbon 0.23-0.29, manganese 0.45-0.65, silicon 0.15-0.35, chromium 0.90-1.20, molybdenum 0.70-0.90, nickel 0.20 max, nitrogen 0.010 max, boron 0.0010-0.0030, aluminum 0.010-0.045, sulfur 0.005 max, phosphorus 0.015 max, titanium 0.005-0.030, niobium 0.020-0.035, copper 0.15 max, arsenic 0.020 max, calcium 0.0040 max, tin 0.020 max, hydrogen 2.4 ppm max, the rest are iron and inevitable impurities, consisting of a geometry in which ends of the tube have an increased wall thickness and outer diameter and having a yield strength of at least of 620 MPa (90 ksi) throughout the whole length of a tube body and in tube ends. The present invention also describes methods for manufacturing a seamless steel tube for work-over risers having a yield strength at least of 620 MPa (90 ksi) both in a tube body and in tube ends.

Abstract: In a heat treatment method for supplying transforming gas and enriched gas inside a furnace and heat treating a workpiece inside the furnace, feedback control of carbon potential is performed by operating a supply flow rate of the enriched gas based on carbon potential inside the furnace, the feedback control is stopped before an opening of the furnace is opened and supply flow rates of the transforming gas and the enriched gas are increased from supply flow rates thereof immediately before the feedback control is stopped; and the supply flow rate of the transforming gas is returned to the supply flow rate thereof immediately before the feedback control is stopped and the feedback control is resumed after the opening of the furnace is closed.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments provide systems, methods, apparatuses, and applications related to annealing nuclear fission reactor materials.

Abstract: The formability of coiled and annealed (O-temper) magnesium alloy sheet material in high temperature forming operations is sometimes adversely affected by small amounts of cold work introduced into the fine grained material during handling of the coil and unwinding it to obtain blank workpieces for hot stamping, hot blow forming, or the like. When necessary, the formability of the sheet material with regions of hard worked microstructure may be improved by predetermining a recovery heat treatment using small portions of the material in formability tests. The recovery heat treatment, determined for the specific coiled stock, may then be applied to the material of the coil as it is used in making vehicle body panels or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the strengthening of the surface of a structural component with the aid of laser shock processing in which a coating applied to a metallic surface of the component to be strengthened is decomposed with the aid of a laser beam provided by a processing laser through evaporation or pyrolysis under creation of a plasma in such a way that a shock wave induced by interaction of the plasma with the metallic surface deforms the surface plastically and with the laser shock processing being monitored by means of recording light emission values of the plasma. In accordance with the invention, the light emission values are recorded with the aid of a measuring laser in time-delayed fashion relative to the decomposition of the coating with the aid of the processing laser.

Abstract: A method using a continuous annealing furnace where a cooling method of a cooling zone including part or all of the temperature range of the steel sheet of 600 to 250° C. following the heating for recrystallization is one or more of gas cooling, effusion cooling, and cooling pipe cooling, or a joint cold rolled steel sheet/hot dip galvanized steel sheet facility having such a continuous annealing furnace, to continuously anneal cold rolled steel sheet to produce high strength cold rolled steel sheet, characterized by exposing the steel sheet surface to an iron-oxidizing atmosphere in the steel sheet temperature range to make the surface oxidize, pickling the sheet at the outlet side of the annealing furnace, then iron- or Ni-plating the sheet to 1 to 50 mg/m2.

Abstract: An iron-based alloy having shape memory properties and superelasticity, which has a composition comprising 25-35% by mass of Ni, 13-25% by mass of Co, 2-8% by mass of Al, and 1-20% by mass in total of at least one selected from the group consisting of 1-5% by mass of Ti, 2-10% by mass of Nb and 3-20% by mass of Ta, the balance being substantially Fe and inevitable impurities, and a recrystallization texture substantially comprising a ? phase and a ?? phase, particular crystal orientations of the ? phase being aligned, and the difference between a reverse transformation-finishing temperature and a martensitic transformation-starting temperature being 100° C. or less in the thermal hysteresis of martensitic transformation and reverse transformation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling a metal strip to be heat-treated, contained in a continuously operated heat treatment furnace and proceeding in an essentially horizontal direction and suspended position in a zone arranged between elements meant for supporting the metal strip when said metal strip is being cooled. The trajectory of the metal strip is measured by a measuring device, and on the basis of the obtained measurement results, the metal strip is subjected to a controlled cooling agent jet, so that the trajectory of the metal strip, at least in the zone located between the elements meant for supporting the metal strip, is made to proceed in between devices installed around the trajectory and meant for conveying the cooling agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for and method of conditioning a thermally activated shape memory alloy wire for use in an application, wherein the apparatus includes an adjustable hard-stop and the preferred method includes pre-determining a minimum activating current, allowable strain, and a loading magnitude and form based on the wire configuration and application, and further includes applying a double-exponential model to determine a final recoverable strain over fewer cycles.

Abstract: A rolled copper foil, according to the present invention, obtained after a final cold rolling step but before recrystallization annealing includes a group of crystal grains which exhibits four-fold symmetry in results obtained by X-ray diffraction (XRD) pole figure measurement with respect to a rolled surface. In the XRD pole figure measurement, at least four peaks of a {220}Cu plane diffraction of a copper crystal due to the group of crystal grains exhibiting the four-fold symmetry, which is obtained during ? axis scanning with an ? angle set to 45°, appear at intervals of 90°±5° along the ? angle.

Abstract: A method for preparing metal for heating by infrared radiance to enable uniform and consistent heating. The surface of one or more metal parts, such as aluminum or aluminum alloy parts, is treated to alter the surface finish to affect the reflectivity of the surface. The surface reflectivity is evaluated, such as by taking measurements at one or more points on the surface, to determine if a desired reflectivity has been achieved. The treating and measuring are performed until the measuring indicates that the desired reflectivity has been achieved. Once the treating has altered the surface finish to achieve the desired reflectivity, the metal part may then be exposed to infrared radiance to heat the metal part to a desired temperature, and that heating will be substantially consistent throughout by virtue of the desired reflectivity.

Abstract: One or more of the following quenching methods and apparatus: a quenching press for quenching a steel ring, a method of quenching a steel ring, a corresponding set of quenching dies for quenching steel rings, a die handling tool and related method to lift the corresponding set of quenching dies, and a die handling apparatus to load and unload dies to a quenching press.

Abstract: Systems and methods for determining an ammonia content of an ammonia-based atmosphere. The systems and methods provide a measurement vessel (70). The systems and methods provide an ammonia-based atmosphere conveyed into the measurement vessel (70). The systems and methods provide water conveyed into the measurement vessel (70), with the water causing dissociation of the ammonia from the atmosphere within the measurement vessel (70). The systems and methods measure a flow rate of water into the measurement vessel (70) during the dissociation. The systems and methods determine the ammonia content in the atmosphere based, at least in part, upon the flow rate of water.

Abstract: A method is provided of determining a heat treatment to apply to a structural member so as to modify the deformation behavior of the structural member when subjected to an applied stress. The method includes first simulating the deformation behavior of the structural member when subjected to the applied stress. The effect of at least one heat treatment upon a part of the structural member is then simulated so as to determine a heat treatment to apply to the part of the structural member so as to produce a modified deformation behavior.

Abstract: A rail manufacturing method is provided, in which a billet is hot-rolled into a rail form and the rail is cooled to ambient temperature. The foot part of the rail can be mechanically restrained to improve the straightness of the rail during at least the period of cooling where the surface temperature is between 800° C. and 400° C. In the subsequent cooling process, at least while the surface temperature of the foot of the rail is between 400° C. and 250° C., the rail is kept in an upright state, and cooled naturally without using insulation or accelerated cooling.

Abstract: A composite alloy has a three-dimensional periodic hierarchical structure having hard and soft metallic phases periodically arranged with a period having a length ranging from a nanometer scale to a millimeter scale. It is preferable that the three-dimensional periodic hierarchical structure has an alloy composition sloped microscopically within the period. The three-dimensional periodic hierarchical structure may be formed by periodically arranging rod-like hard and soft metallic phases having a width and a thickness ranging from a nanometer scale to a millimeter scale so that their side surfaces are adjacent to one another.

Abstract: The method of distorting a workpiece (8) includes selecting a desired configuration of the workpiece; determining distortions (14) to be applied to at least two regions of the workpiece to cause the workpiece to adopt the desired configuration; and using the determined distortions in accordance with predetermined information (12,13) relating heat treatments of the workpiece to resultant distortions, to obtain or generate heat control data (15) defining heat treatments to be applied to corresponding regions of the workpiece, which will cause the determined distortions in the workpiece (8). The heat control data and the determined distortions are related by the equation AX=B, where B is a vector describing the determined distortions according to the heat treatments, X is a vector representing the heat control data and A is a matrix of elements representing the predetermined information.

Abstract: A novel treatment method, for improving fatigue life, is provided that aims to resolve problems associated with conventional treatment methods for improving fatigue life of metal by reduction of stress concentration and conventional treatment methods for improving fatigue life of metal by introduction of compressive stress, that is, problems of poor efficiency in work execution, required level of skill of workers, and the impossibility of quality control due to lack of means for measuring the effect after treatment, characterized in that, for locations in metal for which fatigue is a problem, after pre-treatment is performed, ultrasonic impact treatment is performed, and thereafter, a quality assurance test is performed so as to improve the fatigue life of the metal.

Abstract: A method for reworking an aircraft wing, attached to an aircraft fuselage, to reduce a propensity for advanced dynamic changes is described. The reworking method includes verifying components of the aircraft wing are in a condition acceptable for reworking, removing at least one existing fastener from the wing, reworking the at least one fastener hole using a coldworking process, and installing an oversized fastener into the at least one reworked fastener hole.

Abstract: The inventive method is used for optimising a hot and/or cold strip mill process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus (5) for simulating and analyzing industrial thermal processes, including industrial heat-treatment, processes, melting, solidification, quenching and the like, used in the manufacture of metals, alloys and metal matrix composite components. The apparatus (5) includes an optional environmental chamber (10) used for situations where testing room conditions are too hot or too cold and would thus interfere with operation of the apparatus (5) without such chamber (10). The apparatus (5) includes a multifunctional excitation coil (40) that serves the function of the omitted environmental chamber (10). The apparatus (5) also includes one or more high frequency resonant inverters (15) and a cooling means (20). The apparatus (5) integrates melting and thermal processing capabilities with a thermal analyzer and a control system.

Abstract: Described are methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer program products for determining material constitutive relationships of fracture in a ductile material undergoing plastic deformation. A material pressure function is determined that describes dependence of a damage rule of at least a portion of the ductile material on pressure. A material azimuthal angle function is determined that describes dependence of the damage rule of the portion of the ductile material on principle stress. The damage rule of the portion of the ductile material is determined based on the material pressure function and the material azimuthal angle function. A weakening function of the portion of the ductile material is determined based on the damage rule. Material constitutive relationships of fracture in the portion of the ductile material are determined based on the weakening function and a matrix property of the ductile material.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a three-dimensional microstructure provides data corresponding to information relating to the structure of a three-dimensional microstructure design. A sample is processed in accordance with the provided data by irradiating the sample with a charged-particle beam while controlling processing conditions of the charged-particle beam. Dimensions of the processed sample are compared with the provided data to identify differences between the structure of the processed sample and the structure of the three-dimensional microstructure design. The sample is then irradiated again with a charged-particle beam to correct the identified structural differences while adjusting the processing conditions of the charged-particle beam to thereby fabricate a three-dimensional microstructure having a structure substantially the same as the structure of the three-dimensional microstructure design.

Abstract: It is disclosed a method of measuring the thickness and/or the depletion of Al and Cr of a ?/?? MCrAlY-coating after the use in a high temperature environment, the ?/? MCrAlY-coating exhibiting a non-equilibrium ?/??-microstructure at a temperature lower than the temperature during operation. Before the coating conductivity by means of a multifrequency eddy current system is measured a heat treatment is applied to transform the non-equilibrium ?/??-microstructure to a equilibrium microstructure having a ?-Cr phase. Subsequently the Al and/or Cr depletion of the coating from the coating conductivity and permeability is determined.

Abstract: It is disclosed a method of determining the exposure temperature of Al and Cr of a ?/?? MCrAlY-coating after the use in a high temperature environment, the ?/?? MCrAlY-coating exhibiting a non-equilibrium ?/??-microstructure at a temperature lower than the temperature during operation and the depletion of chromium from the ?/??-MCrAlY-coating still allows the ?-Cr phase to form. The coating conductivity and permeability by means of a multifrequency eddy current system is measured at different locations of the component and from the measured conductivity and permeability the exposure temperature of said different locations of the components is determined.

Abstract: A method of producing hot rolled steel having improved formability and minimal silver formation comprises the addition of Titanium and Boron to the molten steel to combine with and remove the free nitrogen prior to rolling. Titanium is added so that the amount of nitrogen remaining after Ti addition is about 0.0005 wt % to about 0.0025 wt % and Boron is added to remove the balance of the nitrogen by forming BN.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for quantitatively measuring a metal phase contained in a galvanized layer by X-ray diffractometry, and a method of producing a galvanized steel sheet by using the method and apparatus. The diffracted X-ray intensity from a metal phase contained in the galvanized layer is increased to improve measurement accuracy, thereby permitting application to on-line measurement. The diffracted X-rays from the metal phase are measured over a predetermined range on a Debye ring, or measured at a plurality of positions on the Debye ring to increase the diffracted X-ray intensity, thereby improving measurement accuracy. The X-ray beam produced by an X-ray source is compressed and made parallel and monochromatic by a multilayer film mirror to increase diffracted X-ray intensity, improving measurement accuracy. Particularly, the present invention is applied to measurement of the degree of alloying of hot-dip galvanization.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of fabricating a three-dimensional microstructure close to the designed shape, using a focused charged-particle beam. This is achieved by reducing the effects of etching and deposition which vary according to various conditions when a processing work is performed. The invention also provides a system for implementing this method. The method starts with performing a provisional processing work based on data about the designed 3D shape of the 3D structure by controlling the processing conditions including the accelerating voltage of the charged particles, beam current, scan rate, dot-to-dot interval, and dot wait time. In this way, a prototypic structure is created. Then, the shape of this prototypic structure is compared with the designed shape. A non-provisional processing work is carried out while correcting the processing-conditions so as to correct the differences. CAD data is used as the data about the designed 3D shape of the 3D structure.

Abstract: The recoiling temperature of a metal strip from a continuous heat treatment line is controlled by continuously passing the metal strip through an accumulator system where it passes around spaced accumulator rolls. While travelling through the accumulator, the metal strip is subjected to ambient cooling air and the length of aluminum strip travelling through the accumulator determines the amount of cooling that takes place. The length of the metal strip in the accumulator is in turn controlled by varying spacing between the accumulator rolls around which the metal strip travels. The spacing is preferably controlled by a programmed controller in response to temperature signals.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for casting, hot rolling and annealing of non-heat treatable aluminum alloys which comprises continuously casting, hot rolling and, in-line with the hot rolling line, heating the aluminum sheet using infrared heat. The infrared heating system uses a control to assure that the aluminum alloy is heated to the proper temperature based on one or a number of process variables, such as hot rolling exit temperature, hot rolled product exit rate in terms of speed and product dimensions, and sheet temperature at the exit of the infrared heater. Variations in the infrared heating temperature can be tolerated in the product without deviating from target mechanical properties.

Abstract: A method, which is used to make controlled defects corresponding to natural flaws and residual stresses in various kinds of test pieces. Defects identical to natural flaws are required to qualify non-destructive testing (NDT) procedures. In the method, sequential, repeated, heating-cooling cycles are used to create defects and residual stresses. The shape of the heating and cooling pattern, the duration of the heating and cooling, and the number of thermal cycles are used to control the size of the defects and residual stresses obtained. The defect is grown without initial flaw or other nucleator. The defects correspond to natural flaws in terms of morphology and also of the signals obtained with NDT methods, and are suitable for use in, for example, NDT-qualification blocks.

Abstract: To identify and manufacture metallic glass forming alloys, large inertial forces or “g”-forces are used to sequentially separate crystalline phases (particles) as they sequentially form and grow in a molten alloy during gradual cooling of the alloy below its liquidus temperature. These forces physically remove and isolate the actual crystalline particles from the remaining liquid as they are formed. Under the influence of a large g-force, this is accomplished by rapid and efficient sedimentation and stratification. Further contamination and nascent solid “debris” in the form of oxides, carbides, or other foreign particles can be removed from the molten alloy using the same sedimentation/stratification technique. Finally, a method of efficiently cooling and solidifying the final low melting stratified and decontaminated liquid into a solid glass component is proposed which utilizes convective heat transport by a cooling gas.

Abstract: A method of cooling on a cooling bed hot-rolled steel sections from rolling heat, wherein the sections, particularly rails, have section parts of different masses arranged at a distance from each other over the cross-section of the section, and an apparatus for carrying out the method. Initially, the heat quantities to be proportionally removed from the different section parts in dependence on their mass and temperature and the quantity of cooling medium required for this removal are determined and computed by using measuring equipment together with a computing unit by means of a computer program. Subsequently, cooling of the different section parts or their masses is carried out in a controlled manner in such a way that the section parts reach with as little time delay as possible the transformation line Ar3/Ar1 during the decomposition of the gamma-mixed crystal into ferrite and/or pearlite while releasing the transformation heat.

Abstract: An electron probe microanalyzer determines the particle size of intermetallic inclusions in a master while scanning an area of &phgr;5 mm located at an arbitrary location on the surface of the master. A calibration curve representative of the relationship between the particle size of intermetallic inclusions and the emission spectrum intensity of an constituent element constituting intermetallic inclusions is generated based on the determined particle size of the intermetallic inclusions. Intermetallic inclusions existing on emission spots on the surface of a test sample are specified based on data of emission spectrum intensity of an element existing on the emission spots, and a particle size of the specified intermetallic inclusions is determined based on the data of emission spectrum intensity and the generated calibration curve.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring a heat treating atmosphere derive from at least one sensor placed in situ in the atmosphere a process variable, which is indicative of the ratio of gaseous hydrogen H2(g) to water vapor H2O(g) in the atmosphere. The systems and methods use the process variable, e.g., to control the atmosphere, or to record, or display the process variable.

Abstract: A method for determining the thermal material properties of metal shaped parts from a model is disclosed, which describes the thermal material properties of the metal shaped part. At least one thermodynamic parameter (p) is formed as a linear combination consisting of at least one base function (hi) and of at least one weighting factor (gi), whereby the base function (hi) describes the thermal material properties, and the weighting factor (gi) takes the influence of the alloying elements on at least one thermodynamic parameter (p) into account. The method makes it possible to conduct a sufficiently precise determination of the thermal material properties with a smaller time requirement.