Superplasticity –Current Status and Future Potential

Superplasticity refers to the ability of a crystalline material to exhibit large strains when pulled in tension. This phenomenon is of academic interest, but because it provides the capability for forming complex parts from sheet metals, it also has considerable industrial potential. The incentive for organizing the symposium was the recognition that several significant developments have occurred in the field of superplasticity. New techniques have become available for the production of materials with ultrafine grain sizes, typically in the submicrometer or nanometer range. These materials provide at least the potential for utilizing superplastic forming capabilities at much faster strain rates, and thereby expanding the technology from the fabrication of low-volume, high-value components to high-volume commercial applications. The book, first published in 2000, includes topics on: superplasticity in metals and intermetallics; superplasticity in ceramics; fundamental aspects of superplasticity; superplasticity in industry; high strain rate superplasticity; and developments using severe plastic deformation.