In the heart of Kazakhstan, researchers are pioneering a method that could revolutionize the way we think about metal structures, particularly in the energy sector. Irina Volokitina, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Metallurgy at Karaganda Industrial University, has been leading a study that explores the potential of gradient metal materials with nanostructured surface layers. These materials, known for their exceptional properties, could significantly impact industrial applications, particularly in the construction of energy infrastructure.
The research, published in the journal “Materials Research Express” (translated from Russian as “Express News of Materials Science”), focuses on a novel combined deformation technology that merges radial-shear broaching with traditional drawing. This innovative approach aims to enhance the properties and microstructure of copper bars, which are widely used in various industries, including energy.
Volokitina and her team conducted laboratory experiments at room temperature on copper bars with a diameter of 30 mm. The process involved three cycles of deformation, after which the bars were examined using transmission electron microscopy, EBSD analysis, tensile tests, and microhardness measurements. The results were promising. “The use of radial shear broaching helps to reduce the number of deformation cycles, thereby reducing the cyclicity of the technological process,” Volokitina explained. This not only streamlines the production process but also increases the depth of structure development due to the penetration of compressive deformation along the cross-section of the bar.
During the drawing process, intense accumulation of deformation occurs in the surface zone, which improves both the strength and plastic properties of the bar. This accumulation is achieved through the simultaneous action of four sources of deformation: shear deformation, diameter reduction, torsion, and broaching. The implications for the energy sector are significant. Structures built with these enhanced copper bars could be stronger, more durable, and potentially more cost-effective.
The research suggests that this new technology could lead to a reduction in the metal intensity of structures, meaning that less material might be needed to achieve the same or even better performance. This could have a profound impact on the construction of energy infrastructure, from power plants to transmission lines, making them more efficient and sustainable.
As the world continues to demand more from its energy infrastructure, innovations like these are crucial. They not only push the boundaries of what is possible but also pave the way for more efficient and sustainable practices. Volokitina’s work is a testament to the power of innovation and the potential it holds for the future of the energy sector. “This technology could be a game-changer,” she said, highlighting the potential for broader industrial applications.
In the quest for stronger, more efficient materials, Volokitina’s research offers a glimpse into a future where the boundaries of material science are continually pushed. As the energy sector evolves, so too must the materials that support it. This research is a step in that direction, offering a promising path forward for the construction of energy infrastructure.