CORDIS Database: RESULTS
On-line structure monitoring by laser ultrasonics for process control in rolling and heat treatment; CUSTOM

Record Control Number : 26388
Quality Validation Date : 2001-06-07
Update Date : 2001-06-07
Abstract : In thin sheet copper a more sophisticated approach was taken. 
		Previous work aimed at assessing the structures in copper samples 
		was carried out on relatively coarse grained materials. In the 
		present work, fine grained copper sheets having grain structures 
		more appropriate to commercial products have been investigated. 
		Conventional analyses of attenuation would not be sensitive to 
		grain sizes in this range using the 6 MHz interferometer so a new 
		approach was attempted. The initial results look very promising.
		
		Overall, robust relationships between ultrasonic propagation 
		parameters and microstructure have been shown for recrystallisation 
		in thin strip steel, grain size in thick section steel and copper 
		and, phase transformation in thick section steel. Within nickel, 
		differences can be detected between treated and untreated alloy 
		although the relationships at treatment temperature are less robust.
		
		
		Under mill conditions a working laser ultrasonic system for 
		non-contact inspection has been produced and has operated 
		successfully. Within annealing applications the system has proven 
		to be reasonably robust and sensitive capable of operating for 
		extended periods of time. The technology has also been shown 
		capable of operation under the more severe conditions imposed by 
		hot rolling applications although more sophisticated installation 
		engineering will be required for routine on-line use in these 
		situations.
Subject Descriptors : Process control, Metals, alloys
Subject Index Codes : Industrial Manufacture, Materials Technology
Subject Class : Materials, industrial manufacturing technologies
Market Applications : Metal products (ferrous, nonferrous)
Remarks : RESULT ENTRY DATA: WDEL_4184
Collaboration Sought : Information exchange
Collaboration Detail : A major boost in the exploitation of the technology came with the 
		decision by SIMR to invest in a research based laser ultrasonic 
		system. SIMR have concluded from the work undertaken in CUSTOM that 
		a laser ultrasonic facility will make a positive contribution to 
		their current and future research activities. They believe that it 
		will complement activities in areas such as quantitative 
		metallography, hot working of metals, sheet metal processing and 
		powder metallurgy. The equipment purchased is portable in nature so 
		that it can be taken to industrial environments such as steelworks 
		or other metal producing centres and applied in trials on 
		production lines. These trials will either be for short periods to 
		monitor the results while various types of modifications are being 
		carried out to the process, they could be aimed at evaluating the 
		technology with a view to installing a custom-built system for 
		permanent on-line quality and process control. The system was 
		supplied by AEA Technology and is now being used by SIMR within an 
		ECSC programme in collaboration with Irsid and Corus; two other 
		partners within CUSTOM.
Programmes : BRITE/EURAM 3
Projects : BRPR960359
Project Title : On line structure monitoring by laser ultrasonics for process 
		control in rolling and heat treatment

Contact Details
  Contact Name : TWEED, James
  Department : F5
  Contact Organisation : AEA Technology
  Address : Culham Science & Engineering Centre
  City : Abingdon
  Region : SOUTH EAST (UK)
BERKSHIRE, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, OXFORDSHIRE
Oxfordshire
  Postcode : OX14 3ED
  Country : UNITED KINGDOM
  Telephone Number : +44-1235-463086
  Fax Number : +44-1235-464253
  Electronic Mailbox : James.Tweed@aeat.co.uk 




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