Materials Processing and Characterization Division

The production of highly functional structural materials, such as heat resistant superalloy, biomedical Co−Cr alloys and titanium alloys, is crucial to the sustainable development of human society. To accomplish this, we aim to systematize the relationships between the processing, structure, and properties of structural metallic materials using state-of-the-art analytical techniques and simulations of the macro-, micro- and nano-structures evolved during plastic deformation and heat treatment. We propose a novel processing concept—intelligent forging—capable of producing the most favorable microstructures, and thereby optimal performance, in hotforged materials. In addition, we are studying additive manufacturing using electron-beam melting (EBM) to produce advanced metallic materials with superior properties by controlling their microstructures.