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Metals processed by severe plastic deformation [SPD] techniques, such as equal-channel angular pressing [ECAP] and high-pressure torsion [HPT], generally have submicrometer grain sizes. Consequently, they exhibit high strength as expected on the basis of the HallPetch [H-P] relationship. Examples of this behavior are discussed using data on Ti, Al-Mg 1 and Ni. These materials typically have grain size above ~50 nm where softening is not expected. An increase in strength is usually accompanied by a decrease in ductility. High strength and ductility can be achieved simultaneously by imposing high strains to give both ultrafine grain sizes and a high fraction of high-angle grain boundaries. An example is presented for a cast Al-7% Si alloy processed by HPT. In some cases, SPD may produce a fine grain size but also lead to a weakening due to microstructural changes as in ECAP of an Al-7034 alloy and HPT of Zn-22% Al. In SPD-processed materials, grain boundary segregation and nanostructural features are present which may lead to higher strengths than those predicted by the H-P relationship in some alloys having nano grain sizes.

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Gradual depletion of world petroleum reserves and the impact of environmental pollution of increasing exhaust emissions lead to the search for a suitable alternative fuels for diesel engines. The substitution of conventional fuels (gasoline, diesel) by renewable biofuels is considered a potential way to reduce pollution and to support the sustainable development of a country. Direct use of vegetable oil and animal fat is a promising alternative to solve these problems. An exhaustive review of the experiments in this area, carried out by several researchers in last three decades, is presented here. Different problems associated with the direct use of vegetable oil and animal fat and potential solutions from both public and private sectors are discussed. Some engine manufacturers have started to launch full-warranty engines with vegetable oil as fuel. It is expected that the competitive engine market will witness more intense research, resulting in the launch of more vegetable-oil engines with full warranties. The steep rise in food prices in recent years is concerning policy-makers and has raised the old 'food vs fuel' debate. It has been concluded that vegetable oil can probably only substitute small to medium portions of petroleum-based fuel due to future severe land-usage competition from food sector. This calls for intense research initiatives into the production of suitable fuel from non-edible vegetable oil, grown in wasteland. In this regard, genetic engineering may prove to be extremely effective in developing 'designer fuel'.

Flow and consolidation of the material under the tool shoulder and subsequent nugget formation are among the least understood aspects of friction stir welding and processing (FSW/P). Welding parameters and tool profile impact the process forces acting on the tool. This work is an observational study of the process forces associated with bead on plate runs on two aluminium alloys, 6061 and F357. Polar plots of the resultant forces acting on the tool spindle are analysed and correlated to the process parameters. The dependence of the nugget's width with various heat indices is evaluated.