The primary objective of this research is to design and develop ultrahigh steel strength steels (yield strength = 2000 MPa) that are significantly less expensive than current generation steels with similar strength levels. The investigators intend to use nanoscale precipitates made of copper, nickel and aluminum to improve strength (instead of traditional carbon-based precipitates). By proper control of the crystal structure of the nanoscale precipitates, the investigators expect to introduce sufficient concentrations of these precipitates to increase the strength to desired levels, which are two to three times higher than traditional steels. This approach is expected to make the steels easily weldable, maintain their toughness in subfreezing temperatures, and more corrosion-resistant. Because of these interesting properties (ultrahigh strength, low-cost, easily weldable, high toughness at low temperatures and excellent corrosion resistance), this new class of steels has all the attributes needed for successful applications in infrastructure such as buildings, roads and bridges. Considering the extent of today's aging infrastructure, this research will have significant impact on the cost and durability of future replacements of such structures. In addition, if the proposed strength level can be attained, this will mean that less materials are needed in any given construction, thus minimizing cost and the use of increasingly expensive resources.
