In the present investigation, we provide results on the casting, homogenization, and deformation behavior of a new Al-containing refractory high-entropy alloy, namely the equiatomic Nb-Mo-Cr-Ti-Al. The alloy shows a dendritic microstructure after arc melting. The dendrites completely dissolve due to a heat treatment at 1300 °C for 20 h. Besides a major phase in the form of a solid solution of W prototype structure, identified by X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements as well as electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), additional phases of small volume fraction within the grains and at the grain boundaries were observed. Quasistatic compression tests, performed between room temperature and 1200 °C, reveal sustaining and high yield strength up to 800 °C and an increasing ductility with increasing test temperature. The dominant deformation mechanism for quasistatic compression loading between 800 °C and 1200 °C is the 〈111〉 pencil glide of dislocations within the solid solution which was proven by the according fiber texture components, evolving during deformation.

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Phase fractions and austenite carbon contents in austempered ductile iron samples with three different nickel contents were determined by in situ neutron diffraction. The samples were austenitized at 1178 K (905°C) for 30 minutes and austempered for 3.5 hours at temperatures between 523 K and 723 K (250°C and 450°C) using a mirror furnace. Based on the in situ neutron diffraction studies, plateau times were derived, which determine the end of stage I reaction. The austenite contents increase for higher austempering temperatures when the austempering times are selected properly, considering the accelerated phase transformation at higher temperature. Appropriate austempering times were derived for austempering temperatures between 523 K and 723 K (250°C and 450°C). Increased nickel contents lead to higher austenite phase fractions. Moreover the retarding effect of nickel on the phase transformation was quantified. The plateau values of phase fraction and the according austempering times were converted to TTT diagrams. The evolution of the austenite carbon content shows a maximum at 623 K (350°C) austempering temperature. This can be explained by temperature-dependent carbide precipitation and carbon diffusion into lattice defects. Fine carbides within the ferrite could be found by preliminary APT analysis.

AAU patients exhibited a significant psychopathology towards depression, a reduction of general health and impairment of performing daily life tasks. Patients who were unsatisfied at work seemed to suffer even more. The results underline the importance of offering psychological support to the patients and providing information to patients and close social contacts.