The study of superplasticity and superplastic forming (SPF) has been increasing steadily over the past 15 years. This volume examines the current state of the technology with a focus on technological applications of superplastic forming and the mechanistic behaviour of superplastic materials.

This book combines the perspectives of materials science of Superplasticity, on the one hand, and those of design and mechanics, on the other, in order to provide a holistic view of materials, design, mechanics and performance which will lead to useful solutions of societal benefits, in addition to providing great intellectual challenges. After considering the experimental evidence for superplasticity in different classes of materials, the book discusses the physics-based models, along with their advantages and limitations. Then, the analyses for superplastic forming available in the framework of continuum mechanics, finite element analysis and numerical simulations are presented. Finally, the authors highlight some successful industrial applications. This book is recommended as a text book for courses on Superplasticity and as supplementary use for courses on Materials Processing, Manufacturing, High Temperature Deformation, Nanotechnology and Mechanical Behavior of Materials. Persons working in Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Physics, Mechanics, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Metallurgy, Ceramics and Geo-sciences are likely to find the book to be useful. It is also recommended as a reference source for practicing engineers involved in the design, processing and manufacture of industrial components, which exploit the unique properties associated with superplastic materials.

This book describes advances in the field of superplasticity, the ability of certain materials to undergo very large tensile strains. This phenomenon has increasing commercial applications, but also presents a fascinating scientific challenge in attempts to understand the physical mechanisms that underpin it. The authors emphasize the materials aspects of superplasticity. Beginning with a brief history of the phenomenon, they describe the two major types of superplasticity-- fine-structure and internal-stress superplasticity-- and discuss their operative mechanisms. They also present microstructural factors controlling the ductility and fracture in superplastic materials. Observations of superplasticity in metals (including aluminum, magnesium, iron, titanium and nickel), ceramics (including monoliths and composites), intermetallics (including iron, nickel, and titanium base), and laminates are thoroughly described. This is a valuable text for graduate students and researchers in materials science and engineering.

Ultra fine-grained metals can show exceptional ductility, known as superplasticity, during sheet forming. The higher ductility of superplastic metals makes it possible to form large and complex components in a single operation without joints or rivets. The result is less waste, lower weight and manufacturing costs, high precision and lack of residual stress associated with welding which makes components ideal for aerospace, automotive and other applications. Superplastic forming of advanced metallic materials summarises key recent research on this important process. Part one reviews types of superplastic metals, standards for superplastic forming, processes and equipment. Part two discusses ways of modelling superplastic forming processes whilst the final part of the book considers applications, including superplastic forming of titanium, aluminium and magnesium alloys. With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Superplastic forming of advanced metallic materials is a valuable reference for metallurgists and engineers in such sectors as aerospace and automotive engineering. Note: The Publishers wish to point out an error in the authorship of Chapter 3 which was originally listed as: G. Bernhart, Clément Ader Institute, France. The correct authorship is: G Bernhart, P. Lours, T. Cutard, V. Velay, Ecole des Mines Albi, France and F. Nazaret, Aurock, France. The Publishers apologise to the authors for this error. Reviews types of superplastic metals and standards for superplastic forming Discusses the modelling of superplastic forming, including mathematical and finite element modelling Examines various applications, including superplastic forming of titanium, aluminiun and magnesium alloys