NU 2013-128
Inventors
Chris Wolverton*
James E. Saal
Short Description
Novel low-cost Mg alloys with long-period stacking ordered structure for high mechanical strength to improve the efficiency of transport vehicles
Abstract
Light-weight Mg-based alloys are the critical technology to improve the efficiency of transportation vehicles. However, the poor mechanical strength and ductility of Mg have long been impediments to its industrial use. The long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) structures formed in the Mg-based alloys has been proved to significantly enhance the mechanical strength of the alloys, whereas all existing LPSO Mg alloys require expensive rare earth elements. To overcome this issue, Northwestern researchers have recently developed several new light-weight LPSO Mg alloys that are both mechanically strong and economically viable. Advanced computational methods are utilized for predicting and optimizing the alloy performance to facilitate the material development. This invention not only enables the use of LPSO Mg alloy in industrial applications but also provides a promising approach to develop innovative high-performance alloys.
Applications
Advantages
Publication
J. E. Saal and C. Wolverton, 'Thermodynamic stability of Mg-based ternary long-period stacking ordered structures', Acta Materialia, 2014
IP Status
US Utility patent has been filed.