Materials Processing Research Group

The Materials Processing Research Group investigates thermo-mechanical effects of advanced manufacturing processes. These processes include but are not limited to welding, especially friction stir welding, casting, and extrusion.  Materials considered are usually light alloys like aluminium, magnesium and latest titanium alloys.

The Group cooperates with the local manufacturing industries and has well established links with similar entities around the world. The advanced and applied research is supported by equipment for friction stir welding and processing, a casting facility as well as access to AUT’s late model scanning electron microscope.

Research Areas

  • Thermo-mechanics & physical metallurgy of friction stir processing
  • Welding metallurgy (laser, electron beam & TIG on Al, Mg, and Ti alloys)
  • Extrusion, solidification & casting
  • Thermodynamics & growth kinetics of phases in various manufacturing processes
  • Microstructure & mechanical properties of materials; Aerospace Al alloys

Selected Publications

  • S. Yazdanian, Z.W. Chen and G. Littlefair, “Effects of friction stir lap welding parameters on weld features on advancing side and fracture strength of A6060-T5 welds”, Journal of Materials Science 47 (2012) 1251-1261.
  • J.C. Sabol, T. Pasang, W.Z. Misiolek, R.M. Mitchell, “Localized tensile strain distribution and metallurgy of electron beam welded Ti–5Al–5V–5Mo–3Cr titanium alloys”, Journal of Materials Processing Technology 212 (2012) 2380– 2385.
  • T. Pasang, N. Symonds, S. Moutsos, R.J.H. Wanhill, and S.P. Lynch, “Low-energy Intergranular Fracture in Al-Li Alloys”, Engineering Failure Analysis 22 (2012) 166–178.
  • S. Cui, Z.W. Chen and J.D. Robson, “A model relating tool torque and its associated power and specific energy to rotation and forward speeds during friction stir welding/processing” International Journal of Machine Tools and Manufacture 50 (2010) 1023-1030.
  • T. Zhu, Z.W. Chen and W. Gao, “Microstructure formation in partially melted zone during gas tungsten arc welding of AZ91 Mg cast alloy”, Materials Characterization, 59 (2008) 1550-1558.
  • Z.W. Chen, T. Pasang and Y. Qi, ”Shear flow and formation of nugget zone during friction stir welding of aluminium Alloy 5083-O”, Materials Science and Engineering A 474 (2008) 312-316.
  • T. Zhu, Z. W. Chen and W. Gao, “Incipient melting in partially melted zone during arc welding of AZ91D magnesium alloy”, Materials Science and Engineering A 416 (2006) 246-252.
  • Z.W. Chen, "Formation and progression of die soldering during high pressure die casting”, Materials Science and Engineering A 379 (2005) 356-369.
  • Z.W. Chen “Skin solidification during high pressure die casting of Al-11Si-2Cu-1Fe alloy", Materials Science and Engineering A 348 (2003) 145-153.

Selected Theses

  • T. Zhu, “Mechanisms of partially melted zone microstructure formation during welding of magnesium AZ91 alloy”, PhD Thesis, The University of Auckland, 2007.
  • S. Cui, “Thermomechanics, material flow and microstructure evolution during friction stir processing of light cast alloys”, PhD Thesis, Auckland University of Technology, 2011.
  • R.G. Peris, “Effects of extrusion conditions on “die pick-up” formed during extrusion of aluminium alloy AA6060. ME Thesis, Auckland University of Technology, 2007.
  • C. Meng, “Effect of preheating condition of strength of AA6060 aluminium alloy for extrusion”, ME Thesis, Auckland University of Technology, 2010
  • R. Mitchell, “Characteristics of electron beam welded Ti and Ti Alloys”, ME thesis, Auckland University of Technology, 2011

Staff

Professor Zhan Chen, Dr Timotius Pasang, postgraduate research students & external collaborators

Contact Us

Professor Zhan Chen
Email: zhan.chen@aut.ac.nz 
Phone: +64 9 9219999 ext 8737
School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences,
Auckland University of Technology,
34 St Paul St,
Auckland 1142