Laser Surface Engineering of Aluminum Alloys
About this ebook
Aluminum (Al) alloys are the one of the most popular structural materials due to their ductility and high strength-to-weight ratio, and have been extensively used in aircraft, automobile and sports industries. However, these alloys often exhibit insufficient corrosion resistance, stress-corrosion cracking resistance, and wear resistance properties for applications in these industries. Significant efforts are now directed toward modifying the surface characteristics of these alloys for improved surface properties.
- Provides a comprehensive overview of laser surface processing approaches, including thermal aspects, compositional effects and microstructure development associated with each approach
- Features separate chapters/sections for all Al alloy systems, including newer emerging systems
- Provides a valuable reference for further research in the area
- Covers the techniques used for surface preparation of aluminum alloys for laser processing, including details such as focus parameters, nozzle designs, inert gas and safety relevant to operation of practical laser surface processing set-ups
About the author
Dr. Sandip P. Harimkar is an associate professor in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Oklahoma State University. His research interests encompass advanced processing and characterization of materials, with emphasis on investigating the mechanisms of micro/nanostructure evolution and its influence on properties. Specific areas of research include laser surface engineering of metallic and ceramic materials, laser micromachining of materials, and spark plasma sintering of nanostructured materials. Most of Harimkar's research projects are supported by the National Science Foundation, NASA-EPSCoR and Oklahoma State University's Technology Business Development Program. He received his Ph.D in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2007. Harimkar's work on processing of materials has been published in more than 50 research articles in international journals. He has also coauthored a book entitled "Laser Fabrication and Machining of Materials." Harimkar is chair of the Surface Engineering Committee of the Minerals, Metals and Materials Society. He has received several awards, including Young Leaders International Scholar-JIM Award (The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society, 2013), Faculty Early Career Development Award (U.S. National Science Foundation, 2012), Outstanding Manufacturing Engineer Award (Society of Manufacturing Engineers, 2011), Young Leader Professional Development Award (The Minerals, Metals and Materials Society, 2010), and K.K. Malik Award (Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, 2003). Harimkar teaches undergraduate and graduate courses in mechanical metallurgy, phase transformations and modern materials.
