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James C. WilliamsHonda Professor of MaterialsPh. D., University of Washington, 1968 Tel. (614) 292-7251 Office: 143 Fontana Labs
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Areas of Prof. Williams' current research projects include the following:
- Understanding the dwell time fatigue of high temperature Ti alloys.
- Understanding the relation between processing, structure and properties of Thixformed™ Mg alloys.
- Characterizing the effects of casting and heat treatment variables on the residual stress of cast Al components.
- Investigating the opportunities that direct laser deposition of Ti alloys afford for new alloy synthesis.
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On the top is an OIM map from Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo-0.1Si to determine regions that have similar orientations. Micron-sized compression samples are then machined into the surface using a Focused Ion Beam (below). These samples are subsequently mechanically tested in compression using a nano-indenter outfitted with at flat tip. |
Prof. Williams' research has focused on phase transformations, processing and structure-property relations in high performance materials, mainly Ti, Ni and Al alloys. In his research he has made extensive use of fractographic techniques, transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction for microstructure and fracture characterization.
The performance and reliability of heavily loaded structures in aircraft and aircraft engines are reliant on high strength, fatigue and creep resistance and on the reproducibility of these properties. To ensure this, the effects of composition variations and processing history on these properties must be explicitly understood. Systematic studies of commercial alloys have improved this understanding. There are still a number of unexplained phenomena in the behavior of high performance of metals that are "managed" empirically. This approach has a significant cost and a certain level. Research to elucidate the nature of materials behavior is the most certain way to address these issues.
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Left: plot of the effects of dwell time on the fatigue life of Ti-6Al-2Sn-4Zr-2Mo (+Si) in two microstructural conditions (random and aligned). |
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| Cast Al V-6 engine block containing cast-in iron cylinder liners. Residual stresses require costly and time-consuming stress relief heat treatment. Research to minimize the stress time has a big pay-off. | Transmission electron micrograph showing the microstructure of a Thixformed™Mg alloy. |
Dr. Williams has also has been extensively involved in technology policy where materials are concerned. Before coming to OSU, Dr. Williams held research and leadership positions at General Electric, Boeing and Rockwell. He also spent 13 years at Carnegie Mellon University where he was Professor, President of Mellon Institute and Dean of Engineering. He is regularly invited to lecture at meetings and conferences both in the US and abroad.
He has published over 200 papers based on his research, is the editor of the 3 volume proceedings of the 1976 International Ti Conference held in Moscow, Russia and has two patents. In addition, Dr. Williams serves as Commissioner on the National Research Council Commission for Engineering and Technical Systems as well as Chair of the Los Alamos National Laboratory Division Review Committee, Materials Science and Technology. He has received the ASM Gold Medal award (1992), the TMS Leadership Award (1993), the Spirit Award, Prairie View A&M University (1994), as well as the Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award (1992) and the College of Engineering Distinguished Lecturer Award (1999), both from the University of Washington. Dr. Williams has been advisor or co-advisor to 16 Ph.D. and 4 Master's students.
