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At least 217 records · Page 12

Cryo-mechanical tests of Ames 24E2 IR-black coating

In addition to the ambient condition tape test, five mechanical tests of the IR-black coating, Ames 24E2, were performed at either liquid helium or liquid nitrogen teperatures. Tensile strain in the coating at liquid nitrogen temperature was measured up to values of 4E-3, both before and after the coating was cycled down to liquid helium temperature. When applied to an aluminum substrate which was then bent in liquid nitrogen, the aluminum substrate always failed (permanently deformed) well before the coating failed. Sinusoidal accelerations up to 45 Gs in liquid nitrogen and 25 Gs in liquid helium did not crack or otherwise visibly damage the coating. Both sinusoidal and random acceleration at about 90 K of a representative baffle vane structure, at frequencies from 10 to 2000 Hz and up to 15 Gs, did not damage the coating, even at the intersection of a baffle with the telescope tube. Thus on a macroscopic level, cryogenic cooling and various levels of acceleration and strain did not affect this coating. However, on a microscopic scale, some loose particles were found associated with several tests. Outgassing data are also given

Smith, Sheldon M.↗

Normal pressure tests on unstiffened flat plates

Flat sheet panels of aluminum alloy (all 17S-T except for two specimens of 24S-T) were tested under normal pressures with clamped edge supports in the structures laboratory of the Guggenheim Aeronautical Laboratory, California Institute of Technology. The thicknesses used ranged from 0.010 to 0.080 inch; the panel sizes ranged from 10 by 10 inches to 10 by 40 inches; and the pressure range was from 0 to 60-pounds-per-square-inch gage. Deflection patterns were measured and maximum tensile strains in the center of the panel were determined by electric strain gages. The experimental data are presented by pressure-strain, pressure-maximum-deflection, and pressure-deflection curves. The results of these tests have been compared with the corresponding strains and deflections as calculated by the simple membrane theory and by large deflection theories.

Head, Richard M↗

Mechanical properties of high-temperature superconducting wires

Bending strength, fracture toughness, and elastic modulus data were acquired for YBa2Cu3O(x), Bi2Sr2CaCu2O(x) (Bi,Pb)2Sr2Ca2Cu3O(x), and Tl2Ba2Ca2Cu3O(x) bars. These data and thermal expansion coefficients strongly suggest that the maximum possible tensile strain without fracture of bulk tapes or wires is approximately equals 0.2%. In Ag-clad conductors, residual stresses will be of limited benefit, but fractures produced by larger strains can be accommodated by shunting current through the Ag.

Goretta, K. C.↗

Chemical and Thermal Analysis

Thermal decomposition activation energies have been determined using two methods of Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), with good correlation being obtained between the two techniques. Initial heating curves indicated a two-component system for Coflon (i.e. polymer plus placticizer) but a single component system for Tefzel. Two widely differing activation energies were for Coflon supported this view, 15 kcl/mol being associated with plasticizer, and 40 kcal/mol with polymer degradation. With Tefzel, values were 40-45 kcal/mol, the former perhaps being associated with a low molecular weight fraction. Appropriate acceleration factors have been determined. Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA) has shown considerable dimensional change during temperature cycles. For unaged pipe sections heating to 100 C and then holding the temperature resulted in a stable thickness increase of 2%, whereas the Coflon thickness decreased continuously, reaching -4% in 2.7 weeks. Previously strained tensile bars of Tefzel expanded on cooling during TMA. SEM performed on H2S-aged Coflon samples showed significant changes in both physical and chemical nature. The first may have resulted from explosive decompression after part of the aging process. Chemically extensive dehydrofluorination was indicated, and sulfur was present as a result of the aging. These observations indicate that chemical attack of PVDF can occur in some circumstances.

Bulluck, J. W.↗

A Dynamic Pathway for Stone-Wales Bond Rotation on Carbon Nanotubes through Diamond-Like Bonds

A new lower energy barrier with a two-step pathway of Stone-Wales (SW) ,ond rotation on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is found through molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of CNTs under tension. The first step involves going over to a stable sp3-like metastable configuration with half rotated and partially tilted C-C bond. The second step involves going over to the fully rotated C-C bond with the formation of a SW defect in the nanotube. The energy barrier for this two-step dynamic pathway is significantly lower than the previously known static barrier for in-plane rotation of the C-C bond on a tensile strained (> 4%) CNT.

Wei, Chen-Yu↗

Stress Distribution During Deformation of Polycrystalline Aluminum by Molecular-Dynamics and Finite-Element Modeling

In this paper, a multiscale modelling strategy is used to study the effect of grain-boundary sliding on stress localization in a polycrystalline microstructure with an uneven distribution of grain size. The development of the molecular dynamics (MD) analysis used to interrogate idealized grain microstructures with various types of grain boundaries and the multiscale modelling strategies for modelling large systems of grains is discussed. Both molecular-dynamics and finite-element (FE) simulations for idealized polycrystalline models of identical geometry are presented with the purpose of demonstrating the effectiveness of the adapted finite-element method using cohesive zone models to reproduce grain-boundary sliding and its effect on the stress distribution in a polycrystalline metal. The yield properties of the grain-boundary interface, used in the FE simulations, are extracted from a MD simulation on a bicrystal. The models allow for the study of the load transfer between adjacent grains of very different size through grain-boundary sliding during deformation. A large-scale FE simulation of 100 grains of a typical microstructure is then presented to reveal that the stress distribution due to grain-boundary sliding during uniform tensile strain can lead to stress localization of two to three times the background stress, thus suggesting a significant effect on the failure properties of the metal.

Yamakov, V.↗

Characterization of Si (sub X)Ge (sub 1-x)/Si Heterostructures for Device Applications Using Spectroscopic Ellipsometry

Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) characterization of several complex Si (sub X)Ge (sub 1-x)/Si heterostructures prepared for device fabrication, including structures for heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBT), p-type and n-type heterostructure modulation doped field effect transistors, has been performed. We have shown that SE can simultaneously determine all active layer thicknesses, Si (sub X)Ge (sub 1-x) compositions, and the oxide overlayer thickness, with only a general knowledge of the structure topology needed a priori. The characterization of HBT material included the SE analysis of a Si (sub X)Ge (sub 1-x) layer deeply buried (600 nanometers) under the silicon emitter and cap layers. In the SE analysis of n-type heterostructures, we examined for the first time a silicon layer under tensile strain. We found that an excellent fit can be obtained using optical constants of unstrained silicon to represent the strained silicon conduction layer. We also used SE to measure lateral sample homogeneity, providing quantitative identification of the inhomogeneous layer. Surface overlayers resulting from prior sample processing were also detected and measured quantitatively. These results should allow SE to be used extensively as a non-destructive means of characterizing Si (sub X)Ge (sub 1-x)/Si heterostructures prior to device fabrication and testing.

Sieg, R. M.↗

Tunable Piezoelectricity of Multifunctional Boron Nitride Nanotube/Poly(dimethylsiloxane) Stretchable Composites

Boron nitride nanotubes (BNNT) uniformly dispersed in stretchable materials, such as poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS), could create the next generation of composites with augmented mechanical, thermal, and piezoelectric characteristics. This work reports tunable piezoelectricity of multifunctional BNNT/PDMS stretchable composites prepared via co-solvent blending with tetrahydrofuran (THF) to disperse BNNTs in PDMS while avoiding sonication or functionalization. The resultant stretchable BNNT/PDMS composites demonstrate augmented Young’s modulus (200% increase at 9 wt% BNNT) and thermal conductivity (120% increase at 9 wt% BNNT) without losing stretchability. Further-more, BNNT/PDMS composites demonstrate piezoelectric responses that are linearly proportional to BNNT wt%, achieving a piezoelectric constant (|d33|) of 18 pmV−1 at 9 wt% BNNT without poling, which is competitive with commercial piezoelectric polymers. Uniquely, BNNT/PDMS accommodates tensile strains up to 60% without plastic deformation by aligning BNNTs, which enhances the composites’ piezoelectric response approximately five times. Finally, the combined stretchable and piezoelectric nature of the composite was exploited to produce a vibration sensor sensitive to low-frequency (≈1 kHz) excitation. This is the first demonstration of multifunctional, stretchable BNNT/PDMS composites with enhanced mechanical strength and thermal conductivity and furthermore tunable piezoelectric response by varying BNNT wt% and applied strain, permitting applications in soft actuators and vibration sensors.

Boron Nitride Nanotubes, Polydimethylsiloxane, Pie↗

Enabling Nuclear and Solar Thermal Propulsion with the Computational Laboratory: Faster and Cheaper Materials Characterization

Nuclear and solar thermal propulsion offer enhanced efficiencies for in-space travel which may open up the outer Solar System to both crewed and automated craft. However, these advanced propulsion systems require cutting-edge materials which are often not easily tested in the laboratory. Ab initio thermodynamics and other computational methods offer a way to test materials at high pressures and temperatures more quickly, and with reduced cost. Here, several case studies are presented which highlight the utility of modern simulation techniques. First, an extensive thermodynamic study was performed at the ab initio level to elucidate the role of hot hydrogen flow on the erosion of four refractory carbides to examine their appropriateness for use as channel coatings. A detailed analysis of reaction products informs estimates of erosion which are validated in comparison with heritage NERVA data. Specific material suggestions are made for both nuclear and solar designs. Secondly, we examined the mechanical behavior and chemical stability of various components of an idealized nuclear cermet core design using techniques spanning from the atomic to microscale. Next, the mechanical and chemical behavior of tungsten (a potential matrix material) and the stability of uranium mononitride (a potential ceramic fuel element), are characterized in the presence of hydrogen and at elevated temperatures with ab initio thermodynamics. Finally, the mechanical response and failure of tungsten under tensile strain is simulated at the micron scale with a combined finite element and dislocation dynamics approach. The resultant stress-strain data agrees well with experiments and leads to a workflow which can incorporate ab initio thermodynamic data into micron-scale simulations and thus provide real-world relevant estimates of erosion and stress-strain behavior. The power of this framework and our plans to use it in the future will be discussed.

William C Tucker↗

Method of protecting sulfur cathode materials for alkali metal-sulfur secondary battery

Provided is a method of producing a rechargeable alkali metal-sulfur cell, comprising: (a) providing an anode layer; (b) providing particulates comprising primary particles of a sulfur-containing material encapsulated or embraced by a thin layer of a conductive sulfonated elastomer composite, wherein the conductive sulfonated elastomer composite comprises from 0% to 50% by weight of a conductive reinforcement material dispersed in a sulfonated elastomeric matrix material, and the conductive sulfonated elastomer composite has a thickness from 1 nm to 10 μm, a fully recoverable tensile strain from 2% to 500%, a lithium ion conductivity from 10−7 S/cm to 5×10−2 S/cm, and an electrical conductivity from 10−7 S/cm to 100 S/cm; (c) forming the particulates, a resin binder, and an optional conductive additive into a cathode layer; and (d) combining the anode layer, the cathode layer, an optional porous separator, and an electrolyte to form the alkali metal-sulfur cell.

Zhamu, Aruna↗

Alkali metal-sulfur secondary battery containing cathode material particulates

Provided is a rechargeable alkali metal-sulfur cell comprising an anode active material layer, an electrolyte, and a cathode active material layer comprising multiple particulates, wherein at least one of the particulates comprises one or a plurality of sulfur-containing material particles being embraced or encapsulated by a thin layer of a conductive sulfonated elastomer composite having from 0.01% to 50% by weight of a conductive reinforcement material dispersed in a sulfonated elastomeric matrix material, wherein the conductive reinforcement material is selected from graphene sheets, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibers, metal nanowires, conductive polymer fibers, or a combination thereof and the composite has a recoverable tensile strain from 2% to 500%, a lithium ion conductivity from 10−7 S/cm to 5×10−2 S/cm, and a thickness from 0.5 nm to 10 μm. This battery exhibits an excellent combination of high sulfur content, high sulfur utilization efficiency, high energy density, and long cycle life.

Zhamu, Aruna↗

Understanding Fundamental Mechanisms Behind Anomalous Segregation Behavior at Grain Boundaries during Diffusional Creep

Recent experimental studies in a nickel (Ni)-rhenium (Re) alloy demonstrated anisotropic elemental segregation around grain boundaries (GBs) while under tensile strain. Some GBs showed Re enrichment, while others showed Re depletion. We hypothesize that differing vacancy fluxes to GBs, caused by the anisotropic elastic stresses generated within the polycrystal, results in anisotropic creep-induced segregation (CIS) and grain growth. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we developed a mechanistic understanding of CIS and determined the contribution of elastic stresses and grain growth in Ni-Re alloys. We find that the stress state of the GB significantly changes the segregation energy profile for Re atoms, leading to significant Re redistribution. Further, as the GB migrates, the segregation/desegregation tendency of Re leads to bands of Re enrichment/depletion. Our results have important consequences for the quantitative predictions of diffusion creep and for the design of high-temperature creep-resistant Ni alloys.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Strain effects on Auger–Meitner recombination in silicon

We study the effects of compressive and tensile biaxial strain on direct and phonon-assisted Auger–Meitner recombination (AMR) in silicon using first-principles calculations. We find that the application of strain has a non-trivial effect on the AMR rate. For most AMR processes, the application of strain increases the AMR rate. However, the recombination rate for the AMR process involving two holes and one electron is suppressed by 38% under tensile strain. We further analyze the specific phonon contributions that mediate the phonon-assisted AMR mechanism, demonstrating the increased anisotropy under strain. In conclusion, our results indicate that the application of tensile strain increases the lifetime of minority electron carriers in p-type silicon and can be leveraged to improve the efficiency of silicon devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of Strain Rate and Surface Finish on Tensile Properties in High Pressure Hydrogen — A Case Study for LP-DED NASA HR-1

NASA has advanced NASA HR-1 as a solution for liquid rocket engine components that operate in hydrogen rich environments using various AM techniques. The NASA HR-1 for AM applications was specifically formulated for high ductility in high pressure gaseous hydrogen environment in addition to high strength and low cycle fatigue (LCF) resistance. NASA HR-1 meets materials requirements for liquid rocket engine components, including good hydrogen resistance, high conductivity, good LCF performance, and high elongation and strength for components in medium heat flux environments. NASA has completed fabrication of several subscale and full-scale channel wall nozzles in LP-DED NASA HR-1 and completed hot-fire testing. This includes refinement of the process to produce thin-walls and various channel geometries to meet the requirements for channel wall nozzle applications. The main objective of this investigation is to better understand the effects of tensile test strain rate and specimen surface finish on the amount of tensile ductility degradation in high pressure gaseous hydrogen environments. Performing smooth tensile tests in high pressure hydrogen and nitrogen environments can serve as a rapid and economical screening method to determine the relative susceptibility of materials to HEE. This paper presents the tensile test results for LP-DED NASA HR-1 in hydrogen and details the material evaluation on the effects of strain rate and surface finish condition on surface cracking behavior and fracture characteristics. The resistance to HEE for LP-DED NASA HR-1 and the wrought alloy is compared under the same testing conditions. Loss of tensile ductility is quantified in terms of changes in elongation at failure in hydrogen to compare HEE susceptibility. The most suitable strain rate and specimen surface finish condition for future HEE screening testing at MSFC are recommended.

Additive manufacturing↗

Tensile testing and fracture mechanism analysis of polyvinyl alcohol nanofibrous webs

Abstract A tensile properties testing study was conducted to understand the influence of thickness, cross‐head speed (speed of testing), gauge length (GL; specimen test length), and sample shape on important tensile properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanofiber webs. The effects of each testing parameter on load at break, extension at break, Young's modulus, and tensile stress–strain curve of PVA nanofiber webs are analyzed. The Welch two sample t ‐tests show the significant difference among tested data. Using interaction plots, two‐way analysis of variance, and margin mean plots, the interaction effects among testing parameters have been analyzed. Of all the factors, cross‐head speed, the interaction among GL, and sample thickness (GL: Thickness) and the interaction among GL, testing speed and sample thickness (GL: Speed: Thickness) have significant influence on the tensile properties of PVA nanofiber webs. Moreover, the hypothesized model of mechanism of tensile strain–stress curve of PVA nanofiber webs has been proposed. Based on the model, the tensile strain–stress curve can be split into three stages: linear elastic, partial break up, and complete breakage. This study will provide a better understanding of tensile testing parameters' effects and their interaction effects on the tensile properties of nanowebs.

Lou, Lihua↗

Tensile stress-strain behavior of hybrid composite laminates

A study was made of the stress-strain response of several hybrid laminates, and the damage was correlated with nonlinear stress-strain response and ultimate strength. The fibers used in the laminates were graphite, S-glass, and Kevlar. Some laminates with graphite fibers had perforated Mylar film between plies, which lowered the interlaminar bond strength. The laminate configurations were chosen to be like those of buffer strips in large panels and fracture coupons. Longitudinal and transverse specimens were loaded in tension to failure. Some specimens were radiographed to reveal damage due to edge effects. Stress-strain response is discussed in terms of damage shown by the radiographs. Ultimate strengths are compared with simple failure criteria, one of which account for damage.

Kennedy, J. M.↗