As advanced structural materials, titanium alloys have found extensive applications in aerospace, medical devices, and precision electronics industries, serving as critical components for achieving lightweight designs in high-end equipment. In aerospace applications, titanium alloy components are frequently subjected to complex thermo-mechanical loading conditions involving varying temperature levels and multiaxial stress states, which may induce progressive fatigue damage accumulation and ultimately lead to premature fracture failures. This study conducts a systematic investigation into the fatigue damage mechanisms of aerospace-grade titanium alloys under service conditions, with particular emphasis on elucidating the synergistic effects of microstructural characteristics, surface integrity parameters, and operational temperature variations on fatigue behavior. Through comprehensive analysis, the research reveals that surface modification techniques, including shot peening (SP), ultrasonic surface polling process (USRP), and laser shock peening (LSP), significantly enhance fatigue performance through two primary mechanisms: (1) the generated residual compressive stress fields effectively inhibit crack initiation and retard propagation rates; (2) improved surface integrity characteristics, such as reduced roughness and work-hardened layers, contribute to enhanced oxidation resistance thereby preserving structural integrity.

This study introduces an innovative approach to enhancing the corrosion resistance and tribological performance of magnesium alloys by in situ growing zinc-aluminum layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDHs) with graphene oxide (GO) sealing. Traditional LDHs coatings exhibit limitations in corrosion protection due to their porous structure. This paper advances the LDHs coating technology by integrating GO, forming a composite LDHs/GO coating on magnesium alloys. The novel incorporation of GO provides a unique two-layered defense system against corrosion: the GO layer serves as a high-resistance barrier to corrosive agents, while the LDHs layer absorbs NO₃⁻ ions, offering a secondary protection. The coating’s properties were meticulously characterized using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) Raman spectroscopy, electrochemical assays, and friction-wear tests. Experimental findings reveal that the synergistic action between LDHs and GO results in significant improvements in corrosion resistance and friction reduction. Specifically, GO’s adherence to the LDHs coating’s pores and its ability to transfer into the friction layer during wear significantly enhances the coating’s integrity and stability. The successful in situ synthesis of LDHs /GO coatings opens new horizons for composite coatings, with potential implications across various industrial applications.

This paper investigates the failure of a regulating valve stem in a petrochemical plant, which was mainly caused by vibration fatigue under small opening conditions. The fractured valve stem was analyzed using macroscopic analysis, chemical composition analysis, mechanical property analysis, metallographic analysis, fracture surface observation, and energy spectrum analysis. Additionally, fluid-structure interaction (FSI) modal analysis was used to investigate the failure of the regulating valve. The results indicate that the valve opening had a direct impact on the vibration of the valve body, which, when operated at small openings, led to fatigue fracture at the step of variable cross-section. The paper suggests a smooth transition treatment be performed at the variable cross-section of the valve stem to avoid stress concentration. Although this study is limited to a specific case, it provides valuable insights for the failure analysis of valves operating at small openings.

Heat exchangers, as essential devices for facilitating heat transfer, have found a variety applications in various industries. However, the occurrence of corrosion-related failures in real-world scenarios remains a prevalent problem that can lead to catastrophic incidents. This paper investigates the problem of corrosion perforation on the outlet flange of a heat exchanger in a sour steam stripper from a petrochemical company. Failure analysis was performed using physical testing and chemical analysis, metallographic examination, microscopic observation, and energy spectrum analysis. Intergranular corrosion experiments and flow calculations were performed to verify the analysis. The results indicate that the main cause of the flange corrosion perforation was the formation of a highly concentrated NH₄HS aqueous solution during the cooling process of the NH₃, H₂S, and water vapor in the fluid passing through the heat exchanger, and the velocity was too high, which triggered alkali-sour water washout corrosion. To prevent the recurrence of similar corrosion perforations, recommendations for material and process optimization are proposed to effectively reduce the safety production risks in refinery units and provide valuable information for the safe long-term operation of a sour steam stripper.