Abstract: A heat engine includes a first rotatable pulley and a second rotatable pulley spaced from the first rotatable pulley. A shape memory alloy (SMA) element is disposed about respective portions of the pulleys at an SMA pulley ratio. The SMA element includes a first wire, a second wire, and a matrix joining the first wire and the second wire. The first wire and the second wire are in contact with the pulleys, but the matrix is not in contact with the pulleys. A timing cable is disposed about respective portions of the pulleys at a timing pulley ratio, which is different than the SMA pulley ratio. The SMA element converts a thermal energy gradient between the hot region and the cold region into mechanical energy.

Abstract: An erosion resistant protective structure for a turbine engine component comprises a shape memory alloy. The shape memory alloy includes nickel-titanium based alloys, indium-titanium based alloys, nickel-aluminum based alloys, nickel-gallium based alloys, copper based alloys, gold-cadmium based alloys, iron-platinum based alloys, iron-palladium based alloys, silver-cadmium based alloys, indium-cadmium based alloys, manganese-copper based alloys, ruthenium-niobium based alloys, ruthenium-tantalum based alloys, titanium based alloys, iron-based alloys, or combinations comprising at least one of the foregoing alloys. Also, disclosed herein are methods for forming the shape memory alloy onto turbine component.

Abstract: A method of processing a Ni—Ti—Nb based alloy which contains from about 4 to about 14 atomic percent Nb and in which the ratio of atomic percent Ni to atomic percent Ti is from about 3.8 to 1.2, comprising working the alloy sufficient to impart a textured structure to the alloy, at a temperature below the recrystallisation temperature of the alloy. Preferably, the alloy is worked at least 10%, by a technique such as rolling or drawing, or another technique which produces a similar crystal structure. The alloy has increased stiffness compared with Ni—Ti binary alloys with superelastic properties.

Abstract: A superplastically formable, aluminum alloy product which consists essentially of about 2-10 wt. % magnesium; at least one dispersoid-forming element selected from the group consisting of: up to about 1.6 wt. % manganese, up to about 0.2 wt. % zirconium, and up to about 0.3 w. % chromium; at least one nucleation-enhancing element for recrystallization selected from: up to about 1.0 wt. % silicon, up to about 1.5 wt. % copper, and combinations thereof. Said alloy product has greater than about 300% elongation at a strain rate of at least about 0.0003/sec and a superplastic forming temperature between about 1000-1100.degree. F. due, in part, to the preferred thermomechanical processing steps subsequently applied thereto. A related method of manufacture is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for producing a superplastic aluminum alloy capable of being used for plastic working such as extrusion, forging and rolling. An object of the present invention is to provide an ingot-made high speed superplastic aluminum alloy in which superplasticity is developed at a strain rate higher than that of conventional static recrystallization type superplastic aluminum alloys, and a process for producing the same. The superplastic aluminum alloy of the invention has structure which is obtained by adding to a basic alloy containing from at least 4.0 to 15% by weight of Mg and from 0.1 to 1.0% by weight of one or more elements selected from the group consisting of Mm, Zr, V, W, Ti, Ni, Nb, Ca, Co, Mo and Ta, and further selective elements of Sc, Cu. Li, Sn, In and Cd, which contains from 0.1 to 4.0% by volume fraction of spheroidal precipitates of intermetallic compounds having a particle size from 10 to 200 nm, and which has a mean grain size from 0.1 to 10 .mu.m.

Abstract: A method of superplastic extrusion is provided for fabricating large, complex-shaped, high strength metal alloy components, such as large, thin cross section, closed-box panels or integrally "T-stiffened" aircraft skin panels. Superplastic extrusion is similar to conventional extrusion except that strain rate and temperature are carefully controlled to keep an ultra-fine grain high strength metal alloy within the superplastic regime where deformation occurs through grain boundary sliding. A high strength, heat treatable metal alloy is first processed, such as by equal channel angular extrusion (ECAE), to have a uniform, equiaxed, ultra-fine grain size in thick section billet form. Temperature and strain rate are controlled during superplastic extrusion of the ultra-fine grained billet so that the stresses required for metal flow are much lower than those needed in conventional extrusion.

Abstract: An aluminum-alloy rolled sheet is cold preformed and then superplastically formed by: providing a composition which consists of from 2.0 to 8.0% of Mg, from 0.0001 to 0.01% of Be, and at least one element selected from the group consisting of from 0.3 to 2.5% of Mn, from 0.1 to 0.5% of Cr, from 0.1 to 0.5% of Zr, and from 0.1 to 0.5% of V, less than 0.2% of Fe as impurities, as well as aluminum and unavoidable impurities in balance; providing an unrecrystallized structure formed by annealing at a temperature of from 150.degree. to 240.degree. C. for 0.5 to 12 hours or at a temperature of from 250.degree. to 340.degree. C. for 0 to 5 minutes; providing draft of final cold-rolling amounting to 50% or more; and, providing 7% or more of elongation at normal temperature.

Abstract: A method of treating a blank of an aluminium base alloy comprising a combination of heat treatments and cold forming operations to produce a highly recovered semi-fabricated wrought product that is not statically recrystallized and that is inherently non-superplastic and is capable of superplastic deformation only after an initial non-superplastic deformation to achieve dynamic recrystallization.

Abstract: A thermo mechanical treatment method for providing super-plasticity to Al--Li alloy being a kind of light and high strength alloys. The thermo mechanical treatment method according the invention comprises steps of, homogenizing Al--Li alloy consisting of Al--Cu--Li--Mg--Zr at a temperature of 500.degree.-500.degree. C. for 10-30 hours, and controlled rolling the alloy at a temperature of 300.degree.-500.degree. C., a rolling speed of 2-20 m/min and a draft percentage per pass of 2-18%. The thermo mechanical treatment of the invention has a wide industrially applicable range and thus an excellent operation efficiency. The thermo mechanical treatment exhibits excellent super-plasticity at a higher strain speed as compared with known treatments.

Abstract: A method for heat treatment of nonferrous metals and alloys is described which comprises the steps of providing a billet of material comprising nonferrous metal or alloy; rapidly heating the billet to a temperature higher than the transus or solvus temperature of the material whereby a microstructure of uniform single phase grains is formed in a surface layer of preselected depth or other selected region in the billet with the starting microstructure of the material central of the billet; and cooling the billet to room temperature to preserve in the billet surface the high temperature single phase microstructure or a transformation product thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for increasing the useful life of a shape memory alloy (SMA) actuator, wherein the SMA element contracts on heating and elongates on cooling under an applied stress and that property is used as an actuating technique. More specifically, the present invention relates to the cooling aspect of the cycle and maintaining a martensite strain on the actuator SMA element at less than about 3% by limiting the upper stress on the element. In the most preferred embodiment, the element is a ribbon actuator prepared from a nickel-titanium SMA alloy.

Abstract: A method for inducing superplasticity in a composite including a non-transforming phase and a transforming phase by cycling the composite material through a phase transformation of the transforming phase while applying an external stress to the composite material is provided as is a method for inducing superplasticity in a titanium/titanium carbide composite. Also provided is a method for forming a part from a composite material including a transforming phase and a non-transforming phase by cycling the composite through a phase transformation of the transforming phase and shaping the composite material by applying an external stress to the composite material while the transforming phase is undergoing a phase transformation to form a finished article.

Abstract: A superplastic aluminum-based alloy material consisting of a matrix formed of aluminum or a supersaturated aluminum solid solution, whose average crystal grain size is 0.005 to 1 .mu.m, and particles made of a stable or metastable phase of various intermetallic compounds formed of the main alloying element (i.e., the matrix element) and the other alloying elements and/or of various intermetallic compounds formed of the other alloying elements and distributed evenly in the matrix, the particles having a mean particle size of 0.001 to 0.1 .mu.m. The superplastic aluminum-based alloy material is produced from a rapidly solidified material consisting of an amorphous phase, a microcrystalline phase or a mixed phase thereof by optionally heat treating at a prescribed temperature for a prescribed period of time and then subjecting to a single or combined thermo-mechanical treatment. The superplastic aluminum-based alloy material of the present invention is suited for to superplastic working.

Abstract: Composite parts of Ni-Ti alloys joined to a different metal have a melt forged structure obtained through the reactive fusion of both metals, initiated by the fusion of at least one metal bordering on the joint interface and the application of pressure; a hot forged structure of Ni-Ti alloy obtained through softening the alloy at high temperature and applying pressure on the Ni-Ti alloy side of the joint; and a hot forged structure of the different metal obtained by softening the metal at high temperature and applying pressure on the different metal side of the joint.

Abstract: A superplastic aluminum-based alloy material consisting of a matrix formed of aluminum or a supersaturated aluminum solid solution, whose average crystal grain size is 0.005 to 1 .mu.m, and particles made of a stable or metastable phase of various intermetallic compounds formed of the main alloying element (i.e., the matrix element) and the other alloying elements and/or of various intermetallic compounds formed of the other alloying elements and distributed evenly in the matrix, the particles having a mean particle size of 0.001 to 0.1 .mu.m. The superplastic aluminum-based alloy material is produced from a rapidly solidified material consisting of an amorphous phase, a microcrystalline phase or a mixed phase thereof by optionally heat treating the material at a prescribed temperature for a prescribed period of time and then subjecting it to a single or combined thermomechanical treatment. The superplastic aluminum-based alloy material of the present invention is suited for superplastic working.

Abstract: A method for hot forging coarse grain materials to enhance hot workability and to refine microstructure is described which comprises the steps of imposing minimum initial deformation at low strain rate to effect initial dynamic recrystallization and grain refinement without fracture, and thereafter increasing the deformation rate to recrystallize the material and further refine grain structure. Depending on the deformation required to achieve full recrystallization at a given rate, deformation rate can be increased a number of times to further refine grain structure.

Abstract: Optimum strengthening of a superplastically formed aluminum-lithium alloy structure is achieved via a thermal processing technique which eliminates the conventional step of solution heat-treating immediately following the step of superplastic forming of the structure. The thermal processing technique involves quenching of the superplastically formed structure using static air, forced air or water quenching.

Abstract: A process for working .beta. titanium alloy comprises the steps of first elongating the alloy at a temperature not higher than a .beta. transus temperature and at a working ration of 30% or more. Next, conducting a subsequent aging treatment. Then, elongating the alloy at a temperature not higher than the aging treatment temperature and at a working ratio of 70% or more when combined with that in the first step for elongating. Then a recrystallization treatment is carried out at a treating temperature not higher than the .beta. transus temperature or isothermal working is carried out within a temperature range of the .beta. transus temperature minus 200.degree. C. to the .beta. transus.

Abstract: A sheet of Ti 6-2-2-2-2 alloy having a starting thickness of between approximately 0.040 inches and 0.187 inches is thermomechanically treated at a temperature of between approximately 1500 degrees F. and 1750 degrees F. at a mechanical strain rate in the range of between approximately 1.times.10.sup.-4 and 1.times.10.sup.-2 inch per inch per second to produce a formed part having a tensile strength which is approximately 33% greater than untreated rolled Ti 6-2-2-2-2 alloy sheet or plate.

Abstract: Provided is a superplastic forming aluminum alloy in rolled form which exhibits superplasticity and has improved corrosion resistance, weldability, and strength and fatigue property after superplastic forming, eliminating a need for heat treatment after superplastic forming. Preferred alloys have an excellent outer appearance of grey to black color after anodization. The alloy consists essentially of, in % by weight, 2.0-8.0% of Mg, 0.3-1.5% of Mn, 0.0001-0.01% of Be, an optional element selected from C, V, and Zr, an optional grain refining agent of Ti or Ti and B, less than 0.2% of Fe and less than 0.1% of Si as impurities, and the balance of Al, wherein intermetallic compounds have a size of up to 20 .mu.m, and the content of hydrogen present is up to 0.35 cc/100 grams. Particularly when a minor amount of Ti or Ti and B grain refining agent is contained, Mn precipitates have a size of 0.05 .mu.m or larger, and the Si content in entire precipitates is less than 0.

Abstract: A rapidly solidified aluminum base lithium containing alloy is subjected to at least one overaging treatment and a plurality of rolling passes. Upon completion of the process, the alloy is comprised of grains having an ultrafine grain size. A predominant number of the grains have grain boundaries pinned by the precipitation of Al.sub.3 Zr phase. The alloy has an elongation greater than 500% at temperature above about 500.degree. C. and a strain rate above about 4.times.10.sup.-2 /s.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for producing a diaphragm for highly brittle metals used in loudspeakers, comprising a step of making a laminated plate by stacking a plate of superplastic material on a plate of highly brittle metal. The laminated plate is arranged on a mould, and the laminated plate is heated to a predetermined range of temperatures, determined according to the highly brittle metal. Subsequently, the laminated plate is deformed by pressuring the laminated plate in the mould, at the range of temperatures. Thus, a diaphragm can be formed from a plate of highly brittle metals, without causing brittle fracture or generating internal or surface defects.

Abstract: The sheet metal which has recrystallized as fine grains and has superplastic characteristics consists of a work-hardenable, age-hardenable AlMgZn alloy. After continuous casting, the alloy containing 3-5.5% of magnesium, 2-8% of zinc, 0.4% of copper, 0-1% of manganese, 0-0.5% of iron, 0-0.4% of chromium, 0-0.4% of molybdenum, 0-0.4% of zirconium, 0-0.3% of silicon and 0-0.05% of titanium, the remainder being aluminium of commercial purity, is homogenized and rolled off hot. After an optional intermediate annealing, the strip is rolled off cold to the final thickness using a high degree of cold rolling, recrystallized, using rapid heating to effect softening, and cooled.

Abstract: A complex part composed of rapidly solidified magnesium base metal alloy is produced by superplastic forming at a temperature ranging from 160.degree. C. to 275.degree. C. and at a rate ranging from 0.00021 m/sec to 0.00001 mm/sec, to improve the formability thereof and allow forming to be conducted at lower temperature. The rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy has a composition consisting essentially of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium and yttrium, "a" ranges from 0 to about 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from 0 to about 4 atom percent and "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. Such an alloy contains fine grain size and finely dispersed magnesium-, aluminum- rare earth intermetallic phases.

Abstract: A method for producing a selectively surface hardened cast iron part includes uniformly heating the surface of the part by immersion into a molten metallic bath until a desired thickness of surface austenite is produced, and thereafter quenching the heated cast iron part in a liquid quenching bath which is maintained at a temperature of between about 450.degree. to about 800.degree. F. for about 10 minutes to about 4 hours. The resultant selectively surface hardened cast iron part is surface hardened with the bulk of the body of the part remaining untempered. An apparatus for performing this process includes a molten metal bath chamber for containing the molten metal and a molten salt bath quenching chamber for quenching the cast iron parts with a conveyor means extending between the molten metal bath and the molten salt bath chambers. A second conveyor means removes the parts from the molten salt bath chamber.

Abstract: Superplastic forming of aluminum work stock is improved by including therein about 0.05% to about 10% or 15% scandium together with up to 0.2 or 0.25% zirconium. In preferred practices, soluble elements such as magnesium are also included in the aluminum alloy. One or more of the elements from the group of scandium, yttrium, gadolinium, holminum, dysprosium, erbium, ytterbium, lutetium, and terbium, may be included in addition to or in lieu of scandium. Heat treatable aluminum alloys such as 7XXX alloys and 2XXX alloys can be made superplastic by including scandium and zirconium to provide very high strength in superplastically formed products.

Abstract: A superplastically formed and diffusion bonded structure formed with two or more sheets and upset forging the material at the perimeter to provide the expulsive material between the inner most sheets so as to close the entrance angle formed between the expanded sheets at the line where the surfaces of the split forming fixture engage and the method of producing this structure. The upset forged material insures the structural integrity of the outside perimeter structure after removal of the flange which is normally present as a result of the holding fixture.

Abstract: The present invention provides high-strength, heat resistant aluminum alloys having a composition represented by the general formula:Al.sub.a M.sub.b X.sub.d or Al.sub.a M.sub.b Q.sub.c X.sub.e(wherein M is at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Cu, Ni, Co and Fe; Q is at least one metal element selected from the group consisting Mn, Cr, Mo, W, V, Ti and Zr; X is at least one metal element selected from the group consisting of Nb, Ta, Hf and Y; and a, b, c, d and e are atomic percentages falling within the following ranges: 45.ltoreq.a.ltoreq.90, 5.ltoreq.b.ltoreq.40, 0<c.ltoreq.12, 0.5.ltoreq.d.ltoreq.15 and 0.5.ltoreq.e.ltoreq.10, the aluminum alloy containing at least 50% by volume of amorphous phase.

Abstract: A process for enhancing the physical properties of superplastically formed and solution heat treated Aluminum-Lithium workpieces entails stretching near-net parts by from 2 to 10 percent at a specified temperature, followed by controlled aging.

Abstract: A method is provided for producing a wrought aluminum eutectic composite characterized by improved physical properties. The method resides in forming a casting of an aluminum alloy characterized metallographically by the presence of a eutectic structure, and then heat treating the casting at a temperature related to the eutectic-forming temperature of said alloy casting, that is just below its incipient melting point. The heat treatment is continued for a time at least sufficient to convert the morphology of the eutectic to dispersed fine particles of reinforcing phase(s), following which the alloy is physically worked to reduce the cross section thereof and provide a wrought aluminum eutectic composite characterized by improved physical properties.

Abstract: Composite magnetic compacts having good conductivity and excellent mechanical and magnetic properties and their forming methods. The composite magnetic compacts are basically made by forming mixtures consisting essentially of 1 to 50 percent by weight of a magnetic powder and the remaining percentage of a powder of superplastic Zn-22A1 alloy. A drop in the strength of the compacts that occurs when the mixing percentage of the magnetic powder increases is made up for by the impregration of plastic in the compacts or the simpler addition of a plastic power to the mixture of the powders of magnetic material and superplastic Zn-22A1 alloy. The forming methods of the composite magnetic compacts are carried out at different temperatures and under different conditions depending on the composition of the powder mixtures and so on.

Abstract: An ornament is disclosed, which is characterized in that a metallic alloy wire provided with a characteristic to show the superelastic effect at room temperature by making the metallic texture Austenite phase is overlapped on both ends and formed into an approximately circular ring shape to form a wound ring. A method of manufacturing the same claimed is that a prime wire of Ni--Ti type alloy is submitted to the cold processing rating from 20 to 50% to form a round or angular wire rod, said wire rod is wound up around a stick or pipe with a fixed outer diameter and submitted to the heat treatment at 300.degree. to 600.degree. C. under restraint of both ends of wire rod to form a wound ring of approximately circular ring shape and simultaneously the superelastic effect is given to said ring at room temperature by making the metallic texture thereof Austenite phase.

Abstract: A complex part composed of rapidly solidified magnesium base metal alloy is produced by superplastic forming at a temperature ranging from 160.degree. C. to 275.degree. C. and at a rate ranging from 0.00021 m/sec. to 0.00001 m/sec., to improve the formability thereof and allow forming to be conducted at lower temperatures. The rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy has a composition consisting essentially of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium and yttrium, "a" range from 0 to about 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from 0 to about 4 atom percent and "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. Such an alloy contains fine grain size and finely dispersed magnesium-, aluminum- rare earth intermetallic phases.

Abstract: An hard ornamental alloy can be obtained by subjecting a nickel-base alloy to cold working, warm working or both workings at a working reduction of 35% or above and then subjecting it to hot working at 800.degree. to 1000.degree. C. and at a strain rate of from 10.sup.-5 S.sup.-1 to 10.degree.S.sup.-1.

Abstract: A method of treating a sample of an alloy which is capable of transforming between martensitic and austenitic phases, to render the alloy pseudoelastic, the method comprising:(a) annealing the alloy at a temperature which is greater than the stress relaxation temperature (T.sub.SR) of the alloy and less than the temperature at which the alloy is fully recrystallized (T.sub.x); and(b) deforming the sample at a temperature which is greater than about the maximum temperature at which the alloy can be made to transform from its austenitic phase to its martensitic phase by the application of stress (M.sub.d), and less than the stress relaxation temperature.

Abstract: An aluminium alloy suitable as a material for superplastic forming contains0.8-2.5% or iron,3.5-6.0% of magnesium,0.1-0.6% of manganese,0.05-0.5% of zirconium,at most 6.0% of zinc,at most 3.0% of copper,at most 0.3% of silicon,at most 0.05% of titanium andat most 0.05% of chromium,the remainder being aluminium of commercial purity.The alloy can be processed to give superplastically formable sheets without separate thermomechanical pretreatment.

Abstract: Superplastic forming of aluminum work stock is improved by including therein about 0.05% to about 10% or 15% scandium. In preferred practices, soluble elements such as magnesium are also included in the aluminum alloy. One or more of the elements from the group of scandium, yttrium, gadolinium, holminum, dysprosium, erbium, ytterbium, lutetium, and terbium, may be included in addition to or in lieu of scandium.

Abstract: A high-strength low-ductility material is formed by a method which comprises treating a bulk or powder of the material thereby converting coarse grains thereof into hyperfine grains capable of manifesting superplasticity when the strain rate is higher than 5.times.10.sup.-3 s.sup.-1, enclosing the treated material with a metallic insulating member, heating the material to a temperature for manifestation of superplasticity, and forging the material by the use of a die in a state heated to a temperature beyond which the die yields to heat.

Abstract: Improved superplastic aluminum alloys are formulated to contain less than 0.05 weight percent each of iron and silicon based on the total weight of the superplastic aluminum alloy. Advantageously these two elements are present at levels of 0.03 weight percent or below, preferably 0.01 weight percent or below. Advantageous superplastic forming properties are achieved with these low iron, low silicon alloys. Further advantageous superplastic forming properties are achieved by subjecting aluminum alloys to a thermomechanical treatment followed by a rapid recrystallization-anneal treatment as, for instance, a recrystallization-anneal treatment utilizing a molten salt bath. When these formulations and processes are practiced alone, in combination with each other or together with cavitation supression improvements in superplastic forming of component parts are achieved.

Abstract: A method for thermally treating an article made from an aluminum alloy having a first temperature at which solute atoms cluster to yield nuclei for the formation and growth of strengthening precipitates, and a second higher temperature at which the strengthening precipitates dissolve. The method comprises: heating the article to allow substantially all soluble alloy components to enter into solution; rapidly cooling the article in a quenching medium; and precipitation hardening the article by aging at or below the first temperature for a few hours to several months; then aging above the first temperature and below the second temperature until desired strength is achieved. A method for imparting improved combinations of strength and fracture toughness to a solution heat treated-article which includes an aluminum-lithium alloy is also disclosed. This method comprises aging the article at one or more temperatures at or below a first temperature of about 93.degree. C. (200.degree. F.

Abstract: An orthodontic coil spring is made of a shape-memory alloy wire which is wound into a coil and heat treated into a superelastic state. The coil spring imparts a predetermined spring force within a superelastic zone of deflection.

Abstract: A process for improving the properties of an aluminum-lithium product formed from a slab, such as an ingot or billet, of an aluminum-lithium alloy. Improved properties include superplastic response, reduced edge cracking during rolling, and reduced formation of stains during annealing. The process includes heating the slab to an elevated temperature to solutionize its soluble constituents, holding the slab at the elevated temperature to allow its soluble constituents to go into solution, cooling the slab to a rolling initiation temperature above about 650.degree. F. (343.degree. C.), and hot/warm rolling the slab to a desired gauge.

Abstract: A method for improving mechanical properties of superplastically formed alloy by healing the cavities formed as result of a superplastic forming process is disclosed. The alloy, such as an aluminum alloy, is superplastically formed and is then placed in an autoclave and hot isostatically pressed at a pressure ranging from about 10,000 psi to 30,000 psi for a time and temperature sufficient to heal cavities.

Abstract: A method of superplastically forming aluminum alloy composites employs explosive bonding to produce strong, consistent bonds and annealing treatment to produce a fine microstructure in the bonded alloy sheets. The bonded alloy sheets having the fine microstructure can then be formed by superplastic methods to produce complex parts and structural elements.

Abstract: Disclosed is a series of silicon rich nickel-base alloys that have a high degree of ductility and hot working properties. The alloys have the corrosion resistant characteristics comparable to cast HASTELLOY.RTM. alloy D (Ni - 9 Si - 3 Cu). The alloys have good tensile strength at temperatures up to 600.degree. C. comparing favorably with Alloy IN 718. In addition, the alloys may be produced by super plastic forming (isothermal forging). The nickel-base alloy typically contains 7 to 14% silicon, 0.5 to 6% vanadium, plus a number of optional modifying elements.

Abstract: In a process for manufacturing a fine-grained recrystallized sheet of heat-treatable i.e. age-hardenable aluminum alloy containing an addition of at least one of the elements Ti, Zr, Hf, V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, W amounting in total to 0.08-1.50%, the alloy is brought into a condition A in which the alloying elements that lead to age-hardening and the above mentioned additive elements are, at least for the greater part, in solid solution, following which in step B the incoherent hardening phases are precipitated out in a temperature range between the solvus T.sub.gps and the solvus T.sub.s, and in a subsequent step C the aluminides of the above mentioned elements are precipitated as a very dense uniform dispersion by heating in a temperature range between 300.degree. C. and T.sub.s -30.degree. C., whereby any deformation by rolling may take place between condition A and step C at temperatures not higher than T.sub.s -30.degree. C., and in which process the temperature of the sheet below a thickness or 2.

Abstract: A rapidly-solidified aluminum alloy powder having a nominal composition of 7% Zn, 2.5% Mg, 2% Cu, 0.3% Zr, and 0.3% Cr is used to make a high forming-rate, superplastic, high-strength aluminum alloy. The powder is outgassed, consolidated, and extruded, thereby developing a wide range of particle size distribution of dispersoids in the process, containing respectively zirconium and chromium dispersoids, as well as age hardening precipitates. The consolidated powder is then rolled to 85% reduction to provide a sheet material which is superplastically formed at a temperature in the range of 450.degree. C. to 490.degree. C. and at a rate between 5.times.10.sup.-3 to 5.times.10.sup.-2 per second.

Abstract: Novel Al-Li-Zr alloys of the formula Al.sub.bal Li.sub.b Zr.sub.c wherein "b" is about 1.9 through about 4.5 weight percent and "c" is about 0.70 through about 4.0 weight percent are disclosed. These alloys can be formed by mixing Al alloy, Li alloy and Zr alloy, heating to high temperatures and rapidly cooling, followed by heat treatment.

Abstract: A zinc/aluminum alloy feedstock containing 18-30% by weight Al, 0.003-0.2% by wt. Mg, 0.5-2.5% by wt. Cu, 0.02-0.5% by wt. Fe, 0-0.1% by wt. Si, Zn balance (including any impurities) is capable of achieving high plasticity at temperatures of 240.degree. C. or above after being subjected to a multistage heat treatment including an extrusion step.

Abstract: A duplex .alpha. (ferrite) and .gamma. (austenite) phase stainless steel exhibiting superplasticity at high strain rate is disclosed. The steel comprises Fe, Cr, and Ni as primary elements, and N in an amount of 0.05-0.25%, preferably 0.1-0.2% by weight. The amount of Cr+Mo+1.5xSi is preferred to be substantially three times as much as that of Ni+0.5.times.Mn+30.times.C+25.times.N. The disclosed steel shows good superplasticity in the temperature range of from 700.degree. C. to the point 100.degree. C. lower than the temperature at which the steel transforms into a single ferrite phase and at a strain rate of at least 1.times.10.sup.-6 s.sup.-1 and less than 1.times.10.sup.0 s.sup.-1, and can be elongated by more than 1000% at 900.degree. C. and at a strain rate of 1.5.times.10.sup.-2 s.sup.-1.