Browsing by Keyword "Mechanical Engineering"
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Item AC Magnetron Sputtering: An Industrial Approach for High-Voltage and High-Performance Thin-Film Cathodes for Li-Ion Batteries(2021-05-21) Rikarte, Jokin; Madinabeitia, Iñaki; Baraldi, Giorgio; Fernández-Carretero, Francisco José; Bellido-González, Víctor; García-Luis, Alberto; Muñoz-Márquez, Miguel Ángel; Fernández‐Carretero, Francisco José; Bellido‐González, Víctor; García‐Luis, Alberto; Muñoz‐Márquez, Miguel Ángel; TECNOLOGÍAS DE HIDRÓGENOIndustrial-oriented mid-frequency alternating current (MF-AC) magnetron sputtering technique is used to fabricate LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 high-voltage thin-film cathodes. Films are deposited on bare stainless-steel substrate at room temperature and then annealed to induce crystallization in disordered spinel phase. In situ X-ray diffraction is used to follow film structural evolution from room temperature to 900 °C. Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy are used to study the evolution with temperature of film morphology, surface chemical composition, and crystal structure arrangement, respectively. Film structure evolves almost continuously in the studied temperature range. A pattern corresponding to spinel phase is observed after annealing at 600 °C, while poor crystallization is obtained for lower temperatures, and additional unwanted phase changes are observed for higher temperatures. Cyclic voltammetry, rate capability, and cycling performance of fabricated films are tested. Only the film annealed at 600 °C shows redox peaks corresponding to Ni oxidation from 2+ to 3+ and 3+ to 4+ oxidation states, confirming that this film crystallizes in disordered spinel phase. The thin-film cathode shows good rate performance and outstanding cyclability, despite the impurities formed upon electrolyte decomposition at high voltage.Item Analysis of life-cycle boundaries for environmental and economic assessment of building energy refurbishment projects(2017-02-01) Oregi, Xabat; Hernandez, Patxi; Hernandez, Rufino; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; PLANIFICACIÓN ENERGÉTICADespite the standardization of the life-cycle assessment methodology for the construction sector, analysts tend to apply some simplifications in relation to the system boundaries, omitting some of the life-cycle stages. In particular, for building energy refurbishment projects, there is a general focus on the operational stage, linked to the main objective of reducing operational energy use. This paper evaluates the relevance of each life-cycle stage in relation to the overall environmental and economic impact on residential building energy refurbishment projects. The results from the analysis of the refurbishment strategies at a case study in Spain show the relatively minor importance of the transport and end of life stages. The construction process stage is also of relatively minor importance regarding the environmental performance. The product, maintenance and replacement stages are generally of higher importance, particularly for economic evaluation. An extensive sensitivity analysis demonstrates the difficulties of simplifying the life-cycle boundaries, suggesting that potential simplifications should take into account various parameters, including the climate region, building typologies, and expected service life. As an example, the results have shown that for cold climate zones and buildings, where large energy savings from energy refurbishment strategies can be achieved, the other life-cycle phases are less important and, in most cases, represent less than 10% of life-cycle environmental impacts.Item Automatised and georeferenced energy assessment of an Antwerp district based on cadastral data(2018-08-15) Oregi, Xabat; Hermoso, Nekane; Prieto, Iñaki; Izkara, Jose Luis; Mabe, Lara; Sismanidis, Panagiotis; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; PLANIFICACIÓN ENERGÉTICA; LABORATORIO DE TRANSFORMACIÓN URBANAMunicipalities play a key role in supporting Europe's energy transition towards a low-carbon economy. However, there is a lack of tools to allow municipalities to easily formulate a detailed energy vision for their city. Nevertheless, most municipalities have access to georeferenced cartographic and cadastre information, including that on basic building characteristics. This article describes an innovative method to calculate and display the current hourly thermal energy demand for each building in a district based on basic cartography, cadastre, and degree-day values. The method is divided into two main blocks: (1) input data processing to obtain geometric information (e.g. geolocation, building and facades’ dimensions) and semantic data (e.g. use, year of construction), and (2) district energy assessment to calculate the thermal energy demand using data obtained in block 1. The proposed method has been applied and tested in the historical district of Antwerp. The reliability and thoroughness of the results obtained using the method are demonstrated based on two different validations: (1) comparison of the results with those calculated using an existing dynamic energy simulation tool, and (2) comparison of the results with the real gas consumption of a partial sector of the selected district. The first validation shows that the average difference between the two methodologies is less than 11% for the heating demand, less than 11% for the cooling demand, and less than 15% for the domestic hot water demand. The second validation shows a 24% difference between the real natural gas consumption and that obtained by new methodology. Finally, the results have been presented to the municipality of Antwerp, which plans to use the method to design the district heating expansion within the city centre. Furthermore, sensitivity assessment was used to determine the relevance of the main input parameters considered in this method, such as the base temperature, energy system schedules, window-to-wall ratio, and solar gains.Item Bacterial-cellulose-derived carbonaceous electrode materials for water desalination via capacitive method: The crucial role of defect sites: The crucial role of defect sites(2020-10-15) Belaustegui, Yolanda; Pantò, Fabiola; Urbina, Leire; Corcuera, Maria Angeles; Eceiza, Arantxa; Palella, Alessandra; Triolo, Claudia; Santangelo, Saveria; VALORIZACIÓN DE RESIDUOSElectrosorptive desalination is a very simple and appealing approach to satisfy the increasing demand for drinking water. The large-scale application of this technology calls for the development of easy-to-produce, cheap and highly performing electrode materials and for the identification and tailoring of their most influential properties, as well. Here, biosynthesised bacterial cellulose is used as a carbon precursor for the production of three-dimensional nanostructures endowed with hierarchically porous architecture and different density and type of intrinsic and hetero-atom induced lattice defects. The produced materials exhibit unprecedented desalination capacities for carbon-based electrodes. At an initial concentration of 585 mg L−1 (10 mmol L−1), they are able to remove from 55 to 79 mg g−1 of salt; as the initial concentration rises to 11.7 g L−1 (200 mmol L−1), their salt adsorption capacity reaches values ranging between 1.03 and 1.35 g g−1. The results of the thorough material characterisation by complementary techniques evidence that the relative amount of oxygenated surface functional species enhancing the electrode wettability play a crucial role at lower NaCl concentrations, whereas the availability of active non-sp2 defect sites for adsorption is mainly influential at higher salt concentrations.Item Big Data for transportation and mobility: recent advances, trends and challenges: Recent advances, trends and challenges(2018-10-04) Torre-Bastida, Ana I.; Del Ser, Javier; Laña, Ibai; Ilardia, Maitena; Bilbao, Miren Nekane; Campos-Cordobes, Sergio; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; HPA; IA; LABORATORIO DE TRANSFORMACIÓN URBANA; SMART_TRANSPORTBig Data is an emerging paradigm and has currently become a strong attractor of global interest, specially within the transportation industry. The combination of disruptive technologies and new concepts such as the Smart City upgrades the transport data life cycle. In this context, Big Data is considered as a new pledge for the transportation industry to effectively manage all data this sector required for providing safer, cleaner and more efficient transport means, as well as for users to personalize their transport experience. However, Big Data comes along with its own set of technological challenges, stemming from the multiple and heterogeneous transportation/mobility application scenarios. In this survey we analyze the latest research efforts revolving on Big Data for the transportation and mobility industry, its applications, baselines scenarios, fields and use case such as routing, planning, infrastructure monitoring, network design, among others. This analysis will be done strictly from the Big Data perspective, focusing on those contributions gravitating on techniques, tools and methods for modeling, processing, analyzing and visualizing transport and mobility Big Data. From the literature review a set of trends and challenges is extracted so as to provide researchers with an insightful outlook on the field of transport and mobility.Item Bioleaching of metals from secondary materials using glycolipid biosurfactants(2021-03-15) Castelein, Martijn; Verbruggen, Florian; Van Renterghem, Lisa; Spooren, Jeroen; Yurramendi, Lourdes; Du Laing, Gijs; Boon, Nico; Soetaert, Wim; Hennebel, Tom; Roelants, Sophie; Williamson, Adam J.; VALORIZACIÓN DE RESIDUOSWith the global demand for economically important metals increasing, compounded by the depletion of readily accessible ores, secondary resources and low-grade ores are being targeted to meet growing demands. Novel technologies developed within biobased industries, such as microbial biosurfactants, could be implemented to improve the sustainability of traditional hydrometallurgy techniques. This study investigates newly developed microbial biosurfactants (acidic- and bolaform glycolipids) for the leaching of metals (particularly Cu and Zn) from a suite of mine tailings, metallurgical sludges and automotive shredder residues. Generally, acidic sophorolipids were the most performant, and optimal Cu leaching was observed from a fayalite slag (27%) and a copper sulfide mine tailing (53%). Further investigation of the leached fayalite material showed that leaching was occurring from small metallic Cu droplets in this material via a corrosion-based mechanism, and/or from Cu-Pb sulfides, selective against dominant Fe-silicate matrices. This study highlights that acidic sophorolipid microbial biosurfactants have the potential to leach Cu and Zn from low-grade secondary materials. It also provides important fundamental insights into biosurfactant-metal and mineral interactions that are currently unexplored. Together, the convergence of leaching and mining industries with bio-industries can improve material recovery and will positively impact the bio- and circular economies and the environment.Item Consistent arm rehabilitation from clinical to home environment - Integrating the universal haptic drive into the TeleReha software platform(Springer International Publishing, 2013) Veneman, Jan F.; Jung, Je Hyung; Perry, Joel C.; Keller, Thierry; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; Medical TechnologiesThis paper describes the current work on integrating a haptic force feedback device, named the Universal Haptic Drive (UHD), for upper limb training into a software platform for telerehabilitation which has been developed for at-home rehabilitation after stroke. The aim of the integration is to provide a consistent training and assessment platform during the entire rehabilitation period, from clinical facilities to home, while also allowing less specialized supervision to rehabilitate a stroke patient.Item Contact angle measurement for LiBr aqueous solutions on different surface materials used in absorption systems(2018-11) Martinez-Urrutia, Asier; Fernández de Arroiabe, Peru; Ramirez, Miguel; Martinez-Agirre, Manex; Mounir Bou-Ali, M.; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; SISTEMAS TÉRMICOS EFICIENTESWetting surface is a very important issue for the design of absorption applications and heat exchangers. The contact angle is deemed essential in wettability studies; However, LiBr aqueous solution contact angle studies are limited. This work analyses the contact angle of LiBr aqueous solution in the range of 0–55% mass fraction on different material surfaces: copper, aluminum, stainless-steel and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) under atmospheric conditions. A sessile drop technique was used for measuring the contact angles, and a linear relation between solution surface tension and contact angle is observed in the tested materials. The study of three metals show hydrophilic performance (θ < 90°), whereas the PTFE shows hydrophobic performance. Additionally, the effect of the selection of the material, and consequent effect on the contact angle, on the minimum wetting rate and film thicknesses is presented under the working conditions of the absorption technologies. From the wettability point of view, the results show that using stainless-steel and aluminum leads to a slightly better performance than a copper made heat exchanger.Item Data driven model for heat load prediction in buildings connected to District Heating by using smart heat meters(2022-01-15) Lumbreras, Mikel; Garay-Martinez, Roberto; Arregi, Beñat; Martin-Escudero, Koldobika; Diarce, Gonzalo; Raud, Margus; Hagu, Indrek; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; EDIFICACIÓN DE ENERGÍA POSITIVAAn accurate characterization and prediction of heat loads in buildings connected to a District Heating (DH) network is crucial for the effective operation of these systems. The high variability of the heat production process of DH networks with low supply temperatures and derived from the incorporation of different heat sources increases the need for heat demand prediction models. This paper presents a novel data-driven model for the characterization and prediction of heating demand in buildings connected to a DH network. This model is built on the so-called Q-algorithm and fed with real data from 42 smart energy meters located in 42 buildings connected to the DH in Tartu (Estonia). These meters deliver heat consumption data with a 1-h frequency. Heat load profiles are analysed, and a model based on supervised clustering methods in combination with multiple variable regression is proposed. The model makes use of four climatic variables, including outdoor ambient temperature, global solar radiation and wind speed and direction, combined with time factors and data from smart meters. The model is designed for deployment over large sets of the building stock, and thus aims to forecast heat load regardless of the construction characteristics or final use of the building. The low computational cost required by this algorithm enables its integration into machines with no special requirements due to the equations governing the model. The data-driven model is evaluated both statistically and from an engineering or energetic point of view. R2 values from 0.70 to 0.99 are obtained for daily data resolution and R2 values up to 0.95 for hourly data resolution. Hourly results are very promising for more than 90% of the buildings under study.Item Design of Rotary Extrusion Process Using Simulation Techniques to Save Raw Material in Hollow Components(Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland, 2015) Mangas, Ángela; Santos, Maite; Zarazua, Jose Ignacio; Pérez, Iñaki; Ofenheimer, Aldo; Poletti, Cecilia; Schalk-Kitting, Daniela; Sommitsch, Christof; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; SG; PROMETALThe forging process plays an important role in the automotive industry thanks to the good mechanical properties of the forged parts. Nowadays, due to the European policy of increasing efficiency in raw material and energy usage, the metal forming sector is demanding new innovative technologies. In this context, rotary extrusion technology is a very promising metal forming alternative to the drilling techniques after forging processes. The presented work is focused on hollow shafts that are usually manufactured using a combination of forming and metal cutting techniques. Deep drilling is the most common technique to obtain internal holes in the automotive hollow parts, but it is an expensive process in terms of material usage. In this framework, rotary extrusion appears as an alternative technology that leads to the reduction of material usage and process time. The tubular shape is formed with the combination of two forming processes: flow forming and backward extrusion. This paper presents the development of a simulation methodology, the process design for a hollow part, the specifications of the experimental unit, and the manufactured prototypes in order to validate the simulation model. Also the incremental process is improved thanks to a sensitivity study of the rollers geometry. Rotary extrusion experiments are done using a modified flow forming machine and 20% material saving is achieved when obtaining the deep hole in comparison to the current deep drilling technology. The process design and numerical model tasks carried out try to provide the industry manufacturers an alternative technology to drilled parts considering the advantages of rotary extrusion parts.Item Developing and Implementing a Lean Performance Indicator: Overall Process Effectiveness to Measure the Effectiveness in an Operation Process: Overall Process Effectiveness to Measure the Effectiveness in an Operation Process(2022-02-12) Ng Corrales, Lisbeth del Carmen; Lambán, María Pilar; Morella, Paula; Royo, Jesús; Sánchez Catalán, Juan Carlos; Hernandez Korner, Mario Enrique; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; SGThe purpose of this paper is to build up and implement a framework of a lean performance indicator with collaborative participation. A new indicator derived from OEE is presented, overall process effectiveness (OPE), which measures the effectiveness of an operation process. The action research (AR) methodology was used; collaborative work was done between researchers and management team participation. The framework was developed with the researchers’ and practitioners’ experiences, and the data was collected and analyzed; some improvements were applied and finally, a critical reflection of the process was done. This new metric contributes to measuring the unloading process, identifying losses, and generating continuous improvement plans tailored to organizational needs, increasing their market competitiveness and reducing the non-value-add activities. The OEE framework is implemented in a new domain, opening a new line of research applied to logistic process performance. This framework contributes to recording and measuring the data of one unloading area and could be extrapolated to other domains for lean performance. It was possible to generate and validate knowledge applied in the field. This study makes collaborative participation providing an effectiveness indicator that helps the managerial team to make better decisions through AR methodology.Item Development of a Squeeze Semisolid High-Pressure Die Casting Process for Magnesium Structural Parts(2019-07-15) Vicario, Iban; Crespo, Iñigo; Val, D.; Weiss, U.; Cao, D.; Martinez de la pera, Ignacio; Sanchez, Jon Mikel; PROMETAL; CIRMETALHigh-pressure die casting is the most common method used to produce magnesium castings, due to the excellent balance of cost and properties for high production volumes with limitations in terms of final mechanical properties. A newly developed process based on employing low injection speeds, in a range slightly over the standard semisolid speeds with a modified die, with thick gates and high die temperatures has been developed. Despite working with speeds that are not in the lamellar flow, the obtained parts present very low porosity, allowing the use thermal treatments to increase the ductility without producing blisters. The demonstration has been performed in a AM60B magnesium body joint produced by the squeeze casting process. Finally, the microstructure and the mechanical properties of as-cast and T4 heat-treated samples were studied. The results indicate the improvement of the mechanical properties in T4 heat-treated parts; specifically, a 40% improved deformation-to-failure, 40-60% improved penetration force and 90% of energy absorption were possible to obtain employing the newly developed SC + T4 process.Item Development of electric resistance sintering process for the fabrication of hard metals: Processing, microstructure and mechanical properties: Processing, microstructure and mechanical properties(2017-08-01) Lagos, M.A.; Agote, Iñigo; Schubert, T.; Weissgaerber, T.; Gallardo, J.M.; Montes, J.M.; Prakash, L.; Andreouli, C.; Oikonomou, V.; Lopez, D.; Calero, J.A.; EXTREMATThis work presents the development of the Electrical Resistance Sintering (ERS) process for the fabrication of hard metals. The compositions of the materials produced were WC with 6 and 10 wt% of Co. In addition to the specific characteristics of the technology, the characterization of the produced parts is presented and compared to materials obtained by conventional processes. The parts produced by ERS present densities comparable to the ones obtained by conventional methods. The microstructural comparison shows a considerable grain size reduction in the ERS materials which consequently brings a hardness increase. ERS materials show similar fracture toughness to conventional ones. The very fast sintering allows performing the process without any protective atmosphere, therefore making this process very attractive for the production of materials that need to be sintered under non-oxidising environments. The total duration of the cycle, including heating, holding time and cooling is few seconds. Finally, some considerations about the scale up and possible industrialization of the technology are explained.Item Different Phenomena Encountered during Dilatometry of Low-density Steels(2021-11-22) Jimbert, Pello; Guraya, Teresa; Kaltzakorta, Idurre; Gutiérrez, Teresa; Elvira, Roberto; Tafaghodi Khajavi, Leili; CIRMETALIn recent decades, highly alloyed low-density steels are being developed to reduce the weight of different automotive parts. Dilatometry can be a very useful experimental technique to understand phase transformations during heating or cooling of new low-density steel alloys. When performing dilatometry measurements some assumptions are made such as the homogeneity of the sample material tested during the experiment. In this study, dilatometry tests were performed for two different low-density steels, and the variations of the composition between the surface and the inner part of the sample were analyzed. The migration of manganese by diffusion from the interior of the samples and finally its evaporation on the surface under vacuum were observed. This compositional gradient generated in the samples may influence the veracity and interpretation of the results obtained in dilatometry when working with high manganese steel alloys. The detachment of surface grains created by this compositional change near the surface of the samples is also investigated.Item Direct route from ethanol to pure hydrogen through autothermal reforming in a membrane reactor: Experimental demonstration, reactor modelling and design: Experimental demonstration, reactor modelling and design(2018-01-15) Spallina, V.; Matturro, G.; Ruocco, C.; Meloni, E.; Palma, V.; Fernández-Gesalaga, E.; Melendez, J.; Pacheco Tanaka, David A.; Viviente Sole, J.L.; van Sint Annaland, M.; Gallucci, F.; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; TECNOLOGÍAS DE HIDRÓGENO; TECNOLOGÍA DE MEMBRANAS E INTENSIFICACIÓN DE PROCESOSThis work reports the integration of thin (∼3–4 μm thick) Pd-based membranes for H2 separation in a fluidized bed catalytic reactor for ethanol auto-thermal reforming. The performance of a fluidized bed membrane reactor has been investigated from an experimental and numerical point of view. The demonstration of the technology has been carried out over 50 h under reactive conditions using 5 thin Pd-based alumina-supported membranes and a 3 wt%Pt-10 wt%Ni catalyst deposited on a mixed CeO2/SiO2 support. The results have confirmed the feasibility of the concept, in particular the capacity to reach a hydrogen recovery factor up to 70%, while the operation at different fluidization regimes, oxygen-to-ethanol and steam-to-ethanol ratios, feed pressures and reactor temperatures have been studied. The most critical part of the system is the sealing of the membranes, where most of the gas leakage was detected. A fluidized bed membrane reactor model for ethanol reforming has been developed and validated with the obtained experimental results. The model has been subsequently used to design a small reactor unit for domestic use, showing that 0.45 m2 membrane area is needed to produce the amount of H2 required for a 5 kWe PEM fuel-cell based micro-CHP system.Item Disaggregation process for dynamic multidimensional heat flux in building simulation(2017-08-01) Garay, Roberto; Riverola, Alberto; Chemisana, Daniel; Martinez, Roberto Garay; Tecnalia Research & InnovationHeat transfer across envelopes (façade, roof, glazed areas) represents a big share of the energy flow within the heat balance of buildings. This paper focuses on areas of the envelope where multi-dimensional heat transfer occurs. These areas are commonly defined as thermal bridges, due to a localized reduction of thermal resistance of constructions in these places. This paper reviews common standardized methods to assess heat transfer in buildings, under various modelling assumptions: one-dimensional, multi-dimensional, steady state and dynamic. Within presently developed modelling and assessment methods, a need for improvement has been identified over existing methods for the thermal assessment of multi-dimensional heat transfer under dynamic conditions. A phasorial approach to differential heat transfer in thermal bridges has been developed, which serves as the dynamic extension of steady-state thermal bridge coefficients. This formulation is applied to the junction of a masonry wall with a concrete slab.Item Durability studies on steelmaking slag concretes(2014-11) Arribas, Idoia; Vegas, Iñigo; San-Jose, Jose Tomas; Manso, Juan M.; TRAZABILIDAD CIRCULAR; GENERALElectric-arc furnace slag is proposed as a substitute for the conventional aggregate used in classical structural concrete. In the present research is studied the durability of these slag aggregate concretes and their resistance to both physical (freeze–thaw, high temperature and relative humidity) and chemical degradation (sulfate attack, alkali–aggregate reaction and marine environment), as well as their resistance to the corrosion of steel reinforcement bars (an assessment of the risks of corrosion) embedded in the concrete matrix. This approach requires laboratory studies. The main objective of this work focuses on evaluating the durability of slag concrete under the conditions specified in the Spanish structural concrete code. In general terms, the behavior of the concrete with slag aggregate was similar to or better than the reference concrete (natural aggregate), except in case of exposure to marine environments and seawater, which resulted in quicker chloride penetration. The study confirms the viability of producing steel-reinforced concrete with slag aggregate.Item Effect of Temperature on Mechanical Properties of 9%Cr Ferritic Steel(2016) Peñalba, Felix; Gómez-Mitxelena, Xabier; Jiménez, José Antonio; Carsí, Manuel; Ruano, Oscar Antonio; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; EXTREMATMechanical properties of a 9%Cr-ferritic steel grade P92 experimental alloy are studied. The effect of cooling rate on the hardenability was determined by means of continuous cooling diagrams and data provided by hardness measurements and microstructure observations. A fully martensitic microstructure after the solubilization treatment over a wide range of cooling rates was revealed. As this grade of steels is mostly supplied in tempered condition, tensile tests to determine the variation of the strength and ductility at temperatures ranging from 20 to 650°C were carried out after a treatment of 3 h at 760°C. In addition, Charpy V-notch tests were conducted to characterize the impact toughness of the steel and the ductile-brittle transition temperature. Finally, the creep strength was determined from creep tests in the range 550 to 650°C.Item Effect of the Heat Input on Wire-Arc Additive Manufacturing of Invar 36 Alloy: Microstructure and Mechanical Properties: Microstructure and Mechanical Properties(2022-04-07) Veiga, Fernando; Suárez, Alfredo; Artaza, Teresa; Aldalur, Eider; Tecnalia Research & Innovation; FABRIC_INTELInvar, also known as FeNi36, is a material of great interest due to its unique properties, which makes it an excellent alterna tive for sectors such as tooling in aeronautics and aerospace. Its manufacture by means of wire arc additive manufacturing (WAAM) technology could extend its use. This paper aims to evaluate the comparison of two of the most widespread WAAM technologies: plasma arc welding (PAW) and gas metal arc welding (GMAW). This comparison is based on the analysis of wall geometry, metallography, and mechanical properties of the material produced by both technologies. The results show a slight increase in toughness and elongation before fracture and worse tensile strength data in the case of PAW, with aver age values of 485 MPa for ultimate tensile strength (UTS), 31% for elongation and 475 MPa, 40% in GMAW and PAW, respectively. All results gathered from the analysis show the possibility of successful manufacturing of Invar by means of WAAM technologies. The novelties presented in this paper allow us to establish relationships between the thermal input of the process itself and the mechanical and metallographic properties of the material produced.Item Effects of nanoparticle addition on hardening and tempering steel(2014-11-01) Callejo, L. M.; Kaltzakorta, I.; CIRMETAL; Tecnalia Research & InnovationThe effects of nanoparticle addition on the hardening and tempering 20MnCr steel have been investigated. Addition of oxide nanoparticles to the melt, through a new technology that ensures safe handling, was found to give as hardened steel hardness and tensile properties close to those of the conventional steel in the hardened and tempered condition. This has the potential to eliminate the tempering step in component production, with benefits for process efficiency. The effects on microstructure, hardness and tensile properties depend on the type and concentration of the nanoparticles added. The reduced tensile strength and hardness, and increased ductility, of the steels with nanoparticle additions are attributed to the presence of retained ferrite in these microstructures, in both the hardened and tempered condition. It is proposed that the application of this approach at an industrial scale has the potential to reduce energy consumption, cost and time in component production through the elimination of intermediate operations such as tempering.