Numerical Modelling and Optimization of Two-Dimensional Phononic Band Gaps in Elastic Metamaterials with Square Inclusions

A numerical simulation study on elastic wave propagation of a phononic composite structure consisting of epoxy and tungsten carbide is presented for low-frequency elastic wave attenuation applications. The calculated dispersion curves of the epoxy/tungsten carbide composite show that the propagation of elastic waves is prohibited inside the periodic structure over a frequency range. To achieve a wide bandgap, the elastic composite structure can be optimized by changing its dimensions and arrangement, including size, number, and rotation angle of square inclusions. The simulation results show that increasing the number of inclusions and the filling fraction of the unit cell significantly broaden the phononic bandgap compared to other geometric tunings. Additionally, a nonmonotonic relationship between the bandwidth and filling fraction of the composite was found, and this relationship results from spacing among inclusions and inclusion sizes causing different effects on Bragg scatterings and localized resonances of elastic waves. Moreover, the calculated transmission spectra of the epoxy/tungsten carbide composite structure verify its low-frequency bandgap behavior.

Microstructural and Mechanical Study of Inconel 625 – Tungsten Carbide Composite Coatings Obtained by Powder Laser Cladding

This study focuses on the investigation of fine (~0.54 μm) tungsten carbide particles effect on structural and mechanical properties of laser cladded Inconel 625-WC composite. Three powder mixtures with different Inconel 625 – WC weight ratio (10, 20 and 30 weight % of WC) were prepared. Coatings were made using following process parameters: laser beam diameter ø ≈ 500 μm, powder feeder rotation speed – 7 m/min, scanning velocity – 10 m/min, laser power – 220 W changed to 320 W, distance between tracks – 1 mm changed to 0.8 mm. Microstructure and hardness were investigated. Coatings produced by laser cladding were crack and pore free, chemically and structurally homogenous. High cooling rate during cladding process resulted in fine microstructure of material. Hardness improved with addition of WC from 396.3 ±10.5 HV for pure Inconel 625, to 469.9 ±24.9 HV for 30 weight % of WC. Tungsten carbide dissolved in Inconel 625 which allowed formation of intergranular eutectic that contains TCP phases.