FINE-STRUCTURE SUPERPLASTICITY IN MATERIALS

Superplastic forming is a viable net-shape forming technology. It is a n attractive manufacturing technique because it bypasses machining, jo ining and riveting, and reduces material waste. This paper reviews the history and progress in the field of superplasticity. Fundamental und erstandings, such as microstructural prerequisites and deformation mec hanisms, and technological applications for superplasticity are discus sed. A wide range of structural materials, including metals, intermeta llics, and ceramics are presented. Some of the most recent advances, f or example, high strain rate superplasticity, low temperature superpla sticity, and the development of ultrafine-grained materials for superp lasticity are also described.