Objective The processing of metals through the application of severe plastic deformation (SPD) provides an opportunity for achieving exceptional grain refinement to the submicrometer or the nanometer range. This grain refinement cannot be achieved by conventional methods and it introduces both significant strength and a potential superplastic forming capability. The two most important SPD techniques are Equal-Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP) and High-Pressure Torsion (HPT). In both procedures, very high strains are imposed without introducing any significant changes in the overall dimensions of the samples. This proposal outlines a research programme based on these techniques.Although processing by ECAP and HPT has attracted considerable attention, there have been few attempts to make use of this technology for the fabrication of commercial products. There are several reasons for this omission. First, both techniques produce materials having high strength but limited ductility. Second, ECAP is a labour-intensive process that must be adapted to provide a continuous processing capability. Third, the flow processes are not understood and recent experiments using HPT show remarkable similarities to fluid flow and plasma turbulence. We will take advantage of the ERC Advanced Grant to investigate these areas with three overall objectives. First, to provide an understanding of the flow processes and the microstructural evolution occurring in metals when using these techniques. Second, to develop procedures for the successful utilisation of these techniques in manufacturing. Third, to evaluate the potential for producing super-strong solids by combining HPT with a surface mechanical attrition treatment to introduce a hard surface layer of nanostructured grains. Fields of science engineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materialsbulk nanostructured materials Programme(s) FP7-IDEAS-ERC - Specific programme: "Ideas" implementing the Seventh Framework Programme of the European Community for research, technological development and demonstration activities (2007 to 2013) Topic(s) ERC-AG-PE8 - ERC Advanced Grant - Products and process engineering Call for proposal ERC-2010-AdG_20100224 See other projects for this call Funding Scheme ERC-AG - ERC Advanced Grant Coordinator UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON Address Highfield SO17 1BJ Southampton United Kingdom See on map Region South East (England) Hampshire and Isle of Wight Southampton Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Emma Mills (Mrs.) Principal investigator Terence George Langdon (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window EU contribution No data Beneficiaries (1) Sort alphabetically Sort by EU Contribution Expand all Collapse all UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON United Kingdom EU contribution € 2 300 000,00 Address Highfield SO17 1BJ Southampton See on map Region South East (England) Hampshire and Isle of Wight Southampton Activity type Higher or Secondary Education Establishments Administrative Contact Emma Mills (Mrs.) Principal investigator Terence George Langdon (Prof.) Links Contact the organisation Opens in new window Website Opens in new window Other funding No data
