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Nickel–aluminum bronze was subjected to laser heating to change the microstructure on the surface for enhanced corrosion performance. To develop the laser processing parameters, a two-phase diffusion model was used to determine the phase transformation kinetics. Also, an analytical laser heating model was employed to determine the laser power setting required to process just below the melting point. The result was that the lamellar κIII phase of the as-cast microstructure was dissolved up to 1.3 mm deep. Electrochemical testing revealed an increase in the corrosion potential and hence improved corrosion resistance for the laser processed surface, supporting the use of this process for enhanced corrosion performance of nickel–aluminum bronze components.

This paper presents a novel method of non-contact infrared thermometry optimized for remote monitoring in cold climates. The method consists of selectively heating the optics of the instrument in order to prevent ice forming on the lens and blocking infrared energy. A self-calibration method is used to remove the errors caused by thermal shock when the heaters are cycled. Applications for this instrument include the monitoring of roads and railways to detect ice as well as long-term environmental studies. The self-calibration technique is shown to maintain an accuracy of ±1 °C in ambient temperatures as low as −20 °C. This compares with errors of over 20 °C in a conventional infrared thermometer.

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