Laboratory for Metallic materials with spatial gradient structure

Scientific results:

1. We have formulated the principles of determining the critical state of structural materials under monotonic and cyclic loading on the basis of the modern method of acoustic emission.
2. New algorithms have been developed for determining sources of acoustic emission signals, reliable methods of analyzing signals and large volumes of information.
3. New methodologies have been proposed for performance monitoring and determining the critical state of rotating parts during friction.
4. We have proposed new software and hardware schemes for creating prospective diagnostic and monitoring equipment for detecting the early formation of defects and disruption of normal operation of static industrial objects, including highly critical, hazardous objects exposed to high load, as well as various mechanical systems. A prototype of such a system was created.
5. Our researchers have experimentally proven the existence of linear dislocation-type defects in metallic glasses.
6. We have developed phenomenological models of acoustic emission during plastic deformation of metals and alloys on the basis of non-equilibrium thermodynamics and dislocation kinetics.
7. New quantitative fractography methods have been developed for assessing the effect of hydrogen and the characteristics of the process of destruction.
8. We have demonstrated a connection between microstructure and hydrogen transport processes and hydrogen embrittlement, uncovered many details of the significance of the process of plastic deformation in the mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement.
9. The Laboratory has obtained experimental data on the mechanical behavior  and fatigue of a new class of high-strength metallic materials with ultra-small-granular and nanocrystalline structure produced by large plastic deformations.
10. We have proposed new models of structure formation under intense plastic deformation and models of the mechanical behavior of nanostructured materials produced in this manner.
11. The Laboratory has studied the structure of the mechanical behavior of magnesium alloys in which the key role is played by the interaction of dislocations and mechanical twins.
12. We have proposed a new microstructurally substantiated model of describing the process of the deformation of magnesium alloys accounting for the researched kinetics of twinning.
13. Main requirements for the microstructure and properties of magnesium alloys necessary for biomedical applications have been formulated.
14. We have produced some samples of alloys with unique, previously unattainable levels of strength and fatigue properties.
15. The Laboratory has developed bioresorbable magnesium alloys for medical applications with a unique combination of mechanical, technological and operational properties.
16. A fireproof magnesium casting alloy with increased strength has been developed.
17. We have determined the main features of the phenomenon of corrosion cracking under strain in magnesium alloys.
18. A model of corrosion-fatigue destruction of magnetism alloys has been developed.
19. A new methodology has been developed for the assessment of the damageability of materials on the basis of the method of confocal laser scanning microscopy.

• The results of the development of the technical documentation for the production of smart systems for monitoring hazardous industrial objects have been transferred to small innovative enterprise «LAES» Ltd created within the framework of Decree No. 217 of the Government of the Russian Federation.
• On the basis of the bioresorbable magnesium alloys developed by the Laboratory, for the first time in Russia at Tolyatti State University we started creating a full-cycle technological section for producing bioresorbable implants. The section is planned to be launched in October 2023.

• 8 Candidate of Sciences dissertations and more than 60 bachelor’s and master’s degree theses have been prepared and defended.
• We have conducted 6 International schools «Physical materials science» that attracted more than 1800 participants, of whom more than 100 have completed advanced training.
• The Laboratory has published six volumes of the textbook «Advanced materials».

Organizational and infrastructural transformations:

• On the grounds of the Laboratory, the Research Institute of Advanced Technologist (RIAT) has been created that features 5 research departments, the Testing center and the Research and Analytical Center for Physico-Chemical and Environmental Research. On the basis of RIAT we are currently organizing a Technological section for the elaboration of new technologies of the production of new materials.
• The Laboratory has been accredited in the system of the  Federal Service for the Supervision of Environment, Technology and Nuclear Management (Rostekhnadzor) and in the International system «Analytics». More then 200 Russian companies have received services from the Laboratory in quality control of materials and products made of them, as well as performing technical examinations to determine causes of accidents.

Collaborations:

• Kumamoto University (Japan): a collaborative project within a federal target program, conducting annual Japanese–Russian seminars, joint academic publications. A memorandum of cooperation in magnesium research has been signed between Kumamoto University and Tolyatti State University.
• Seoul National University (South Korea), University of Freiburg (Germany), Charles University of Prague (Czech Republic): collaborative projects within a federal target program, joint academic publications.