Conference Agenda

This study proposes leveraging design principles from the marine industry, specifically the bulbous bows of ships, to address challenges in soil ripper design for agricultural machinery. New shape elements based on delta, oval, and nabla types of bulbous bows were developed. Thirteen newly designed elements, along with the original shape, were evaluated virtually using the Discrete Element Method (DEM), followed by draught force testing of 3D-printed samples in a sand bin. Draught force and energy results demonstrated good agreement between simulation and experimental tests, within standard error range. The slightly higher force values observed in simulations may be attributed to the influence of 3D printing layer height and particle-particle as well as particle-geometry interactions. The nabla-type sample N2 achieved the highest reduction in draught force (7.1%), while the nabla-type sample N3 showed the largest increase (4.1%) compared to the original design. Analysis of the samples' projected areas indicated that a smaller area generally reduces sand resistance, with the exception of the oval-type sample O3, which, despite a 32% reduction in projected area, did not show a corresponding reduction in draught force. For comprehensive evaluation, future research should include soil disturbance and wear analysis of the designed elements

Surface engineering plays a critical role in improving the physical, chemical, and functional properties of materials to meet the needs of a variety of applications, from industrial machinery to biological implants. Modification of surface characteristics can significantly improve performance in harsh environments, such as increased wear resistance, corrosion protection, and greater biocompatibility. This study explores various surface modification techniques, with a particular focus on coating methods (e.g., thermal spraying, PVD, CVD) and surface texturing techniques (e.g., laser surface texturing, micromachining). Among them, laser surface texturing (LST) stands out for its precision, repeatability, and ability to modify a variety of materials, including metals, polymers, and ceramics. The use of LST is further emphasized as an eco-friendly alternative to chemical etching and traditional processing methods, offering sustainability benefits through reduced waste and chemical use. In addition, the analytical research study discusses the influence of specific surface textures on properties such as friction, wear, and wetting, as well as their applications in industries such as aerospace, electronics, and metalworking. Key advantages of LST, such as improved process efficiency, reduced energy consumption and improved product quality, are explored, illustrating its potential to revolutionize surface engineering in various industrial sectors. In conclusion, research in the field of surface engineering, with a particular focus on the laser texturing process, can be considered as a crucial step towards advancement in a wide range of areas, leading to enhancements in mechanical efficiency and a reduction in environmental impact.

Ultra-high temperature ceramics, like HfC, TaC, ZrC, HfB2, ZrB2, ZrSi2 and their composites, are used as protective coatings in aero-propulsion, high ballistic coefficient atmospheric re-entry, and hypersonic applications. Despite their promise, these materials have drawbacks such as low fracture toughness, poor thermal shock resistance, and limited sinterability, resulting in low damage tolerance in extreme conditions. Recent studies highlight HfC and its composites are the most promising candidates for such applications, yet their behavior is unpredictable due to multiple phase transitions and uncontrolled oxidation/degradation under extreme condition. Understanding these effects, particularly oxidation kinetics and degradation, will fill knowledge gaps and aid material selection, influencing future manufacturing processes.

This study employed the HSTS-3 device to synthesize HfC and TaC, allowing rapid, controlled processing (with up to 10000 K/min) of disc-shaped compressed Hf/Ta+C mixtures up to a maximum temperature of 2000 K. The oxidation characteristics of the synthesized material were investigated through thermal analysis methods, which involved the systematic observation of alterations in temperature, the release of energy, and variations in mass as a consequence of airflow oxidation. Ex-situ characterization of materials links reaction kinetics, phase transition mechanisms, and degradation of material․

High-entropy materials (HEM) are an innovative group of solid-solution materials composed of multiple elements in equimolar ratios (or non-equimolar ratios), with each element’s content ranging from 5 at.% to 35 at.% [1]. The possibility of chemical exfoliation of layered bulk structures has brought great hope to synthesis novel 2D materials with unique electronic and mechanical properties in the future [2].

The aim of this work is to study the possibility of the combustion synthesis of new HEM in the Ti-Cr-Mn-Co-Ni-Al-C system. A novel high entropy alloy (HEA) and 211-type MAX phases were developed and synthesized in the Ti-Cr-Mn-Co-Ni-Al-C system depending on the titanium and carbon content.

The final products obtained by SHS were examined using the X-ray diffractometer (XRD MiniFlex 600) and Scanning electron microscope (Prisma E). In the XRD patterns of the final product, a characteristic peak of MAX phase type 211 was found out at 2 theta (degree) 13.74. The product also contained HEA. SEM analysis confirmed the existence of two different microstructuress - layered structures and porous sheets, simultaneously. The synthesized and characterized powders are adapted and will be tested for future catalytic applications.

This work was supported by the Committee of Science of the Republic of Armenia (grant number 23LCG-2F001).

References

[1] Donglong Bai, Qiang Wang, et al, J. Mat. Scien. & Techn. 209, 1–8 (2025)

[2] K. Wang, H. Du, Z. Wang, et al, Int. J. Hydr. Ener. 42, 4244-4251(2017).

This research examines the wear resistance of plough points and knife coulters from different manufacturers, using both field and laboratory methods to compare the durability of reinforced and non-reinforced parts. The primary focus is on understanding the impact of material composition, microstructural properties, and the application of carbide plates on wear characteristics. ASTM G65 tests and Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations reveal key insights into wear characteristics, stress distribution and durability for tillage working parts.

Reinforced points wore 2.5 times less by mass and experienced 4.53 times less diagonal length shortening. The study also found that carbide-reinforced points experienced 10.2 times less diagonal shortening than non-reinforced points when no stone damage occurred.

Further microstructural analysis revealed that plough points with a martensitic-bainitic microstructure and higher boron and carbon content had superior wear resistance, while less durable plough points showed more significant wear due to lower carbon content (0.1768%) and reduced hardness.

DEM simulations, conducted using Ansys Rocky software, allowed for accurate predictions of soil-particle interactions and stress distributions. The simulation results aligned with field data, identifying the highest stress at the front edge of the plough point, where soil pressure reached up to 1.0 MPa (Fig. 1 b), confirming this area’s susceptibility to intense wear.

These findings highlight the advantages of carbide reinforcement and optimized microstructure in reducing wear, especially in abrasive soils. Manufacturers can extend plough lifespan by improving steel composition and applying heat treatments to enhance martensitic and bainitic microstructure properties, ultimately reducing maintenance needs and costs for end users.

This study introduces a MATLAB-based automated system for the detection and measurement of defect areas in coated surfaces, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of quality control processes in metal, polymeric and thermoplastic coatings. Utilizing ISO standards for defect evaluation, the code identifies various defect characteristics, quantifying their size and location while adhering to stringent criteria regarding indications. A comprehensive testing method involving penetrant testing and radiographic examination allowed for an in-depth analysis of surface and internal porosity across different coating methods, including chrome, aluminium, copper, polytetrafluoroethylene, polyether ether ketone based materials . Initial findings helps indicate a critical discontinuities of obtained coatings manufactured using different technologies and materials. Each sample image is individually loaded into MATLAB and analysed using the Image Processing Tool, Computer Vision Toolbox, and Statistics and Machine Learning Toolbox. The customized code performs essential tasks such as image conversion, filtering, boundary detection, layering operations, and calculations. These processes are integral to rendering images with marked indicators of defects, providing a detailed visual representation of the analysis. Non-destructive radiographic testing confirmed previous observations, revealing no additional hidden defects in the coatings or opposite then internal porosity are common issue. Matrix and graphical representations were utilized to facilitate the comparison of test results, emphasizing the modern methods and materials as the superior choice for achieving optimal mechanical and structural integrity. This work represents a substantial advancement in the assessment and optimization of non-destructive testing and numerical method complementation, providing critical insights for future research and applications in material engineering.

This study investigates the effects of cold plastic deformation at room temperature using a Bridgman anvil, in combination with different heat treatment conditions, on the hardness, wear resistance, and microstructure of X160CrMoV12 cold work tool steel. The samples were divided into three groups: Batch I (As-Hardened), Batch II (Hardened and Tempered), and Batch III (Hardened and Plastically Deformed), with hardening performed at 1100°C, 1150°C, and 1200°C. Batch I served as the baseline, where the samples were hardened without tempering or deformation. The results showed that the retained austenite content was highest at 1200°C (69.02%) and lowest at 1100°C (17.36%), with the latter promoting a more martensitic structure and higher hardness. In Batch II, after tempering at 600°C for 1.5 hours, the retained austenite content significantly decreased, with a corresponding reduction in hardness but improved toughness. Batch III explored the effect of cold plastic deformation. After hardening, the samples were plastically deformed, leading to a significant increase in surface hardness, with a hardened depth of about 0.08 mm. The plastically deformed samples showed superior wear resistance compared to both the hardened-only and tempered samples. Notably, the best wear resistance was achieved in samples hardened at 1100°C, which showed the lowest retained austenite and a stable martensitic structure. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed the microstructural changes. The XRD results confirmed higher levels of retained austenite at higher hardening temperatures, while SEM images showed finer microstructures in the plastically deformed samples, contributing to improved wear performance. In conclusion, cold plastic deformation significantly enhanced surface hardness and wear resistance, especially when combined with lower hardening temperatures. The optimal hardening temperature for maximum wear resistance was 1100°C, while tempering reduced retained austenite but also decreased hardness. This study suggests that cold plastic deformation is a promising method for improving the wear resistance of cold work tool steels, offering a cost-effective alternative to additional heat treatments. In summary, plastic deformation after conventional hardening increases the hardness and refines the microstructure of cold work tool steel, resulting in slight increase of wear resistance comparing with as-hardened samples. This highlights the importance of combining heat and mechanical treatments to achieve better properties of cold work tool steels.

The aim is to overcome the issues of high-hardness material welding by different additives used to achieve the desired improvements. The research is focused on Hardox 450 steel welding and factors to be considered in order to maintain the required mechanical properties of the weld. The selection of best suited welding materials or additives, including filler metals and shielding gases, are within the important factors to be taken into account. During the welding of Hardox 450 steel, cobalt, nickel, tungsten and titanium additives and cobalt and tungsten mixture additives were used and their influence on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the fusion and heat-affected zones was investigated. The microstructure of the weld zone is related to certain mechanical properties of the weld and heat-affected zone, such as hardness, tensile and bending strength, yield strength, strain at ultimate tensile strength, the Young’s modulus and elongation. Research has shown significant differences in the mentioned parameters depending on specific additives used in the welds. It can be concluded that tungsten, used as an additive, increased the hardness of the heat-affected and fusion zones up to 478 HV; the combined presence of cobalt and tungsten additives improves the strength of the seam up to 744 MPa during tensile; and in the case of bending, nickel, when used as an additive, increased ductility (the bending modulus reached the limit of 94 GPa) and at the same time, decreased the risk of cracking. The obtained results highlight the possibilities for strengthening the welded joint of Hardox 450 steel using different additives or their mixtures. The research conclusions and recommendations aim at improving the quality and mechanical properties of welded Hardox 450 steel joints in various applications.