The F1 ledge: density, height and slope

Diurnal variations of the F1 region ionization at 170 km altitude and the slope ?170 = dN/dh at this height are analyzed for mid-latitude and equatorial stations: Millstone Hill, Ramey, Puerto Madryn and Jicamarca. Both the density N(t) and the slope ?(t)at 170 km show well defined diurnal variations with day-to-day variabilities of less than 10%. The heights of the F1 ledge, hmF1, are spread over ± 20 km and are therefore of limited value for modeling purposes.

Hardening effects of grain boundary defect structure

The grain boundary defect structure can be changed to advantage by appropriate mechanical and thermal treatments. Researchers continue to show interest in understanding the effects of boundary defect structure on the mechanical properties of polycrystalline metals and alloys. Grain boundary structural features such as boundary ledges have been considered as a means of strengthening in metals and alloys. Considering the various models of Hall-Petch analyses, the grain boundary strength, σg can be expressed as σg = 8αGb(l-υ)m(L/ℓ); where m is the grain boundary ledge density, L is the grain size, ℓ is the distance of dislocation source in the adjacent grain matrix from the boundary, and G, b, and υ have the usual meaning. In particular, the influence of grain boundary ledge density on the strength (hardness) of grain boundaries is considered in the present paper.In the present investigation, pure (99.98%) nickel sheet mill (hot) rolled to 0.022 in. thick was used.

Metallurgical Effects of Grain Boundary Ledges

Ledges in grain boundaries can be identified by their characteristic contrast features (straight, black-white lines) distinct from those of lattice dislocations, for example1,2 [see Fig. 1(a) and (b)]. Simple contrast rules as pointed out by Murr and Venkatesh2, can be established so that ledges may be recognized with come confidence, and the number of ledges per unit length of grain boundary (referred to as the ledge density, m) measured by direct observations in the transmission electron microscope. Such measurements can then give rise to quantitative data which can be used to provide evidence for the influence of ledges on the physical and mechanical properties of materials.It has been shown that ledge density can be systematically altered in some metals by thermo-mechanical treatment3,4.

Effect of Grain Boundary Ledges on the Flow Stress in Nickel

In a recent paper1 it was shown that grain boundary ledge structure can be changed by appropriate thermomechanical treatments. Grain boundary ledges are sources of dislocations2. Recently the effects of grain boundaries on the mechanical properties in metals and alloys were studied3,4. For a few years now the structure and properties of grain boundaries and their control have been considered as a means of strengthening polycrystalline materials5,6. Li5 has derived a Hall-Petch type relation in terms of grain boundary dislocation source (ledge) density, m, in the form where L is the grain size, σ0 and α are constants, and G ana b have the usual meaning. The influence of grain boundary ledge density, on the flow stress is considered in this paper.In the present work, pure (99.98%) nickel sheet mill rolled (hot) to 0.022 in. thick was used.