This study deals with the friction and wear behavior of the vertical spindle and V-belt to improve the reliability, operation and to extend the service life of a cotton picker. The vertical spindle made of low-carbon steel (ST3) was treated by the ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (UNSM) technique to control the friction and wear behavior. It was found that the UNSM technique reduced surface roughness and increased surface hardness of the vertical spindle. The friction and wear behavior of the vertical spindle and V-belt was assessed by carrying out tribological tests and the results showed that the UNSM-treated vertical spindle generated a higher friction coefficient compared to the untreated one due to having less slip. In case of wear resistance, unmeasurable wear occurred on the surface of the vertical spindle due to its significant high hardness compared to the hardness of the V-belt that came into contact with the vertical spindle in relative motion. Hence, the wear behavior and mechanisms of the V-belts were systematically investigated and also discussed based on the wear track profiles and micrographs. It can be concluded that the application of the UNSM technique to the vertical spindle may contribute to improve the performance of cotton pickers by reducing the slip and prolonging the service life.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) which is also known as metal 3D printing technique is a promising process with a massive potential for developing a component for wide range applications for various industries. Recently, AM process was introduced to the nuclear power plant industry as AM is capable of manufacturing the substitution of aging and obsolete component. However, the AM component has inferior mechanical properties and performance in terms of fatigue strength and wear resistance compared to its conventionally manufactured counterpart. Ultrasonic Nanocrystal Surface Modification (UNSM) is one of mechanical surface modification treatment known for improving fatigue strength and wear resistance of wrought material. Hence, in this study effect of UNSM treatment on fatigue strength and wear resistance of additive manufactured material was investigated. The investigation was done to Ni-based alloy 718 (UNS N07718) as this material is used for nuclear power plant components and was manufactured with two different AM techniques namely Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Direct Energy Deposition (DED) processes. The evaluation was conducted by comparing the as-polished and UNSM-treated specimens for each AM processes by performing fatigue and tribo tests. This result will become a part of the technical basis for KEPIC Code Case development.
Additive Manufacturing (AM) which is also known as metal 3D printing technique is one of the promising manufacturing processes due to the capability to process a complex geometry component. This is implemented in wide range of applications in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, power plants, etc. The aging nuclear power plant components and the obsolescence of those components has become a concern in this industry, and AM has come as an alternative solution for this matter. The Board on Pressure and Technology Codes and Standards (BPTCS) and Board on Nuclear Codes and Standards (BNCS) Special Committees started to study the application of Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) technique for pressure retaining equipment made from UNS S31603. Also, later Korean International Working Group (KIWG) was also started a Task Group on Additive Manufacturing for Valves which focusing on Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) and Direct Energy Disposition (DED) process for pressure-retaining valve manufacturing especially for nuclear power plant application with the same material. However, the poor mechanical properties and performance, especially fatigue strength of AM materials become a concern due to the defects and flaws as the results of layering and multiple interfaces and welding related discontinuities. In this study, the fatigue strength of PBF and DED manufactured and Ultrasonic Nanocrystal Surface Modification (UNSM) treated UNS S31603 austenitic stainless steel was investigated.
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