Article 1: “On the correlation between fracture toughness and precipitation hardening heat treatments in 15-5PH Stainless Steel” by Abdelshehid et al.
This study has numerous strengths and weaknesses. One of the primary strengths is that the purpose of the study is clear and realistic. Specifically, the authors described the purpose of the study in a manner that enables readers to understand its objectives and subsequent conclusions. Indeed, by looking at the title, a reader will be in a position to know what the study addressees as well as the methodology used to arrive at the conclusions (Abdelshehid et al. 29). This is an important aspect as it motivates the reader to get a broader perspective of the concepts and ideas that the researchers are trying to relay. The second strength of this study is that the authors employed an elaborate research design. Primarily, the researchers indicate that they conducted a test, and assigned appropriate pseudonyms to the samples that were being experimented. At the same time, the researchers identified the particular steps employed or used to facilitate the experiment (Abdelshehid et al. 29). It is clear that the study uses diagrams and images to illustrate different elements and to enhance the reader’s understanding. The researchers provide theoretical explanations for different concepts, create charts, and present images that represent the theory and study findings. The study also uses appropriate references and in-text citations to acknowledge some of the sources of information that the authors used to support their theories and arguments.
Such explanations are important because they lead to a greater understanding of the assumptions and findings presented in the article. It is clear that the researchers are fully aware of the fact that some people understand information better through visual representations (Abdelshehid et al. 27). In this regard, the researchers are motivated to help all readers to understand the phenomenon that they seek to elaborate. As a result, such an approach improves not only the reliability but also the credibility of the article. While this is the case, the article is too technical for a novice reader. The researchers incorporate the use of technical terminologies and signs used in the field of engineering. Therefore, individuals that are not conversant with the field of engineering will find it relatively difficult to the objectives, conclusions, and recommendations of the study (Abdelshehid et al. 31).
Article 2: “The effects of prolonged thermal exposure on the mechanical properties and fracture toughness of C458 aluminum–lithium alloy” by Ortiz and Colleagues
Ortiz et al. examine the impact of thermal exposure at about 177, 135, and 830C up to 1000 h on various properties, especially the mechanical attributes and electrical resistivity, as well as on the fracture toughness of a Al–Li–Cu–Zr alloy, C458-T861 that has reached its peak (Ortiz et al. 171). The researchers observed recommended heat stability in the mechanical characteristics up to a temperature of about 135 degrees centigrade. They established that as temperatures increased over time, the fracture toughness decreased significantly. As a result, they made four critical conclusions. Foremost, they concluded that C458 aluminum–lithium alloy maintains maintain its strength for up to 1000 h of the thermal exposure at135 degrees centigrade (Ortiz et al. 174). However, at a temperature of 177oC, the alloy softens. The second conclusion was that the results obtained from the Larson–Miller model suggested that aging processes are usually not similar to different temperature ranges. Thirdly, the researchers determined that the hardness values often serve as reliable indicators of shifts in the yield strength. While this is the case, DC electricity is not an appropriate indicator (Ortiz et al. 177). The fourth conclusion was that the plane strain fracture of the alloy is usually reduced as a function of both temperature and time.
Besides, the title of the article is concise and easy to understand. It does not have a complicated structure; therefore, it reinforces the credibility of the research. The study also employs an appropriate design while the methodology used tests the intended hypothesis, an aspect that promotes its reliability (Ortiz et al. 175). Accordingly, the researchers used several graphs, tables, and figure to represent their findings. The use of such visual aids is important because they help the readers to comprehend the findings and conclusions better, given that there are individuals who learn best through visuals. One notable weakness of the study is that the researchers hardly show how the findings of their study replicated the results of the previous studies (Ortiz et al. 179). This is a damaging attribution since it lessens the credibility of the findings. Ideally, a researcher has to show how their results compare with those of the past researchers. Such acknowledgments assist the audience to determine whether the findings make any meaningful additions to the existing pools of knowledge not. Nevertheless, the study is an excellent source of information; therefore, it is recommendable for any person who intends to make inquiries on issues regarding the topic (Ortiz et al. 180).
Works Cited
Abdelshehid, M., et al. "On the correlation between fracture toughness and precipitation hardening heat treatments in 15-5PH Stainless Steel." Engineering Failure Analysis 14.4 (2007): 626-631.
Ortiz, D., et al. "The effects of prolonged thermal exposure on the mechanical properties and fracture toughness of C458 aluminum–lithium alloy." Engineering Failure Analysis 13.1 (2006): 170-180.
