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At least 235 records · Page 13

Response of selected plant and insect species to simulated SRM exhaust mixtures and to exhaust components from SRM fuels

The possible biologic effects of exhaust products from solid rocket motor (SRM) burns associated with the space shuttle are examined. The major components of the exhaust that might have an adverse effect on vegetation, HCl and Al2O3 are studied. Dose response curves for native and cultivated plants and selected insects exposed to simulated exhaust and component chemicals from SRM exhaust are presented. A system for dispensing and monitoring component chemicals of SRM exhaust (HCl and Al2O3) and a system for exposing test plants to simulated SRM exhaust (controlled fuel burns) are described. The effects of HCl, Al2O3, and mixtures of the two on the honeybee, the corn earworm, and the common lacewing and the effects of simulated exhaust on the honeybee are discussed.

Heck, W. W.↗

Structure of transient oxides formed on NiCrAl alloys

It is one of the three objectives of the present study to document the fine internal structure of the transient scales in order to clarify the development of the stable alpha-Al2O3 from a structural point of view. Another objective is concerned with the origin of features found in the mature alpha-Al2O3 scales, such as voids, taking into account an examination in the early stages of oxidation. The third objective is to relate any difference in scale structure caused by oxide adherence additives (Y or Zr) to the current oxide adherence theories. The primary effect of short-time oxidation on the NiCrAl substrate structure is found to be production of dislocations and aluminum-depleted phases. The random alpha-Al2O3 scale is the primary oxide phase observed in contact with the metal.

Smialek, J. L.↗

Dopant effect of yttrium and the growth and adherence of alumina on nickel-aluminum alloys

The atom superposition and electron delocalization molecular orbital theory and large cluster models have been employed to study cation vacancy diffusion in alpha-Al2O3 and the bonding of alpha-Al2O3 to nickel, aluminum, and yttrium surfaces. Al(3+) diffusion barriers in alpha-Al2O3 by the vacancy mechanism are in reasonable agreement with experiment. The barrier to Y(3+) diffusion is predicted to be much higher. Since addition of yttrium to transition metal alloys is known to reduce the growth rate and stress convolutions in protective alumina scales, this result suggests the rate-limiting step in scale growth is cation vacancy diffusion. This may partially explain the beneficial effect of yttrium dopants on scale adhesion. The theory also predicts a very strong bonding between alumina and yttrium at the surface of the alloy. This may also be important to the adhesion phenomenon. It is also found that aluminum and yttrium atoms bond very strongly to nickel because of charge transfer from their higher lying valence orbitals to the lower lying nickel s-d band.

Anderson, A. B.↗

Patterning of dispenser cathode surfaces to a controlled porosity

A process to pattern slots approximately 1.25 microns in width into 25-micron-thick W films that have been deposited onto flat or concave surfaces is discussed. A 25-micron-thick W film with a high degree of (100) orientation is chemically vapor deposited (CVD) onto a flat or concave Mo mandrel. A 5-micron-thick Al film is deposited onto the CVD W, followed by 2 microns of photoresist. On concave cathodes, XeCl2 laser ablation or X-ray lithography is used to pattern the photoresist, whereas on flat cathodes deep UV lithography can be used. The patterned photoresist serves as the mask in a Cl ion-beam-assisted etching (IBAE) process to pattern the Al. An alternative process is to deposit Al2O3 films onto the W and pattern the Al2O3 using laser ablation. The W film is then patterned to 3-6-micron slot widths using IBAE + ClF3 with the patterned Al or Al2O3 as the mask. Finally, a sputter deposition step is required to close up the slots to approximately 1 micron. The process described is capable of patterning concave dispenser cathodes to a controlled and precise porosity.

Garner, Charles E.↗

Transient oxidation of single-crystal beta-NiAl

The transient oxidation of beta-NiAl in air at 800 C and 1100 C has been studied using electron microscopy. The oxide scale consists predominantly of metastable Al2O3 phases. Theta-Al2O3 is the major oxide phase within 10.0 hr of oxidation at 800 C and 0.1 hr at 1100 C. The scales form epitaxially on (001) sub beta and (012) sub beta specimens throughout the transient stage, whereas the degree of preferred oxide orientation decreases with oxidation time on (011) sub beta and (111) sub beta specimens. The orientation relationships reflect the small mismatch between parallel close-packed directions in the metal and in the cation sublattice of the oxides. The correlation of distinctive oxide surface morphologies with internal structural defects indicates the strong tendency of the Al2O3 scale to grow via short-circuit diffusion paths.

Doychak, J.↗

Crystallization and properties of Sr-Ba aluminosilicate glass-ceramic matrices

Powders of roller quenched (Sr,Ba)O-Al2O3-2SiO2 glasses of various compositions were uniaxially pressed into bars and hot isostatically pressed at 1350 C for 4 hours or cold isostatically pressed and sintered at different temperatures between 800 to 1500 C for 10 or 20 hours. Densities, flexural strengths, and linear thermal expansion were measured for three compositions. The glasss transition and crystallization temperatures were determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The liquidus and crystallization temperature from the melt were measured using high temperature Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). Crystalline phases formed on heat treatment of the glasses were identified by powder x ray diffraction. In Sr containing glasses, the monoclinic celsian phase always crystallized at temperatures above 1000 C. At lower temperatures, the hexagonal analog formed. The temperature for orthorhombic to hexagonal structure transformation increased monotonically with SrO content, from 327 C for BaO-Al2O3-2SiO2 to 758 C for SrO-Al2O3-2SiO2. These glass powders can be sintered to almost full densities and monoclinic celsian phase at a relatively low temperature of 1100 C.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

Reaction of Ti and Ti-Al alloys with alumina

The reaction of single-crystal Al2O3 with pure Ti and Ti-Al alloys with different Al concentrations was examined in the temperature range of 1173 to 1573 K. Significant reaction occurred between Al2O3 and the Ti-Al alloys with Al concentrations lower than that corresponding to the gamma-TiAl phase. The reaction mechanism was determined to be simultaneous diffusion of Al and atomic oxygen from Al2O3 into Ti and the Ti-Al alloys.

Misra, Ajay K.↗

Crystallization and properties of Sr-Ba aluminosilicate glass-ceramic matrices

Powders of roller quenched (Sr,Ba)O-Al2O3-2SiO2 glasses of various compositions were uniaxially pressed into bars and hot isostatically pressed at 1350 C for 4 hours or cold isostatically pressed and sintered at different temperatures between 800 to 1500 C for 10 or 20 hours. Densities, flexural strengths, and linear thermal expansion were measured for three compositions. The glass transition and crystallization temperatures were determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC). The liquidus and crystallization temperature from the melt were measured using high temperature Differential Thermal Analysis (DTA). Crystalline phases formed on heat treatment of the glasses were identified by powder X ray diffraction. In Sr containing glasses, the monoclinic celsian phase always crystallized at temperatures above 1000 C. At lower temperatures, the hexagonal analog formed. The temperature for orthorhombic to hexagonal structural transformation increased monotonically with SrO content, from 327 C for BaO-Al2O3-2SiO2 to 758 C for SrO-Al2O3-2SiO2. These glass powders can be sintered to almost full densities and monoclinic celsian phase at a relatively low temperature of 1100 C.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

1200 and 1300 K slow plastic compression properties of Ni-50Al composites

XD synthesis, powder blending, and hot pressing techniques have been utilized to produce NiAl composites containing 4, 7.5, 15, and 25 vol pct alumina whiskers and hybrid composite materials with 15 vol pct Al2O3 + 10 or 20 vol pct, nominally 1 micron TiB2 particles. The resistance to slow plastic flow was determined at 1200 and 1300 K via compression testing in air under constant velocity conditions. The stress-strain behavior of the intermetallic composites depended on the fraction of second phases where the 4 and 7.5 percent Al2O3 materials flowed at a nominally constant stress after about 2 percent deformation, while all the other composites exhibited diffuse yielding followed by strain softening. The flow stress-strain rate properties increased with volume fraction of Al2O3 whiskers except for the 4 and 7.5 percent materials, which had similar strengths. The hybrid composite NiAl + 15Al2O3 + 10TiB2 was substantially stronger than the materials simply containing alumina. Deformation in these composites can be described by the Kelly and Street model of creep in perfectly bonded, rigid, discontinuous fiber materials.

Whittenberger, J. D.↗

Oxidation Kinetics of Cast TiAl3

The isothermal oxidation kinetics of the TiAl3 compound over a wide temperature range is documented, and these rates are related to exclusive alpha-Al2O3 scale growth. The specific weight change vs time curves are shown. Two abnormalities are immediately apparent. One is that a rapid initial uptake of oxygen occurs at times less than 5 h, followed by a lower oxidation rate at longer times, for tests at 900 C and below. The other is that the final weight changes for the 700, 800, and 900 C tests are not in the sequence expected with respect to temperature. Isothermal oxidation of drop cast TiAl above 1000 C was found to exhibit parabolic oxidation controlled by protective alpha-Al2O3 scale formation. TiAl is the only phase in the binary Ti-Al system that forms exclusive scales of alpha-Al2O3 in isothermal oxidation. High anomalous rates at short times and at temperatures below 1000 C resulted from the internal oxidation of a second phase of aluminum.

Smialek, J. L.↗

Geochemistry of HASP, VLT, and other glasses from double drive tube 79001/2

The Apollo 17 double drive tube 79001/2 (station 9, Van Serg Crater) is distinctive because of its extreme maturity, abundance, and variety of glass clasts. It contains mare glasses of both high Ti and very low Ti (VLT) compositions, and highland glasses of all compositions common in lunar regolith samples: highland basalt (feldspathic; Al2O3 greater than 23 wt percent), KREEP (Al2O3 less than 23 wt percent, K2O greater than 0.25 wt percent), and low-K Fra Mauro (LKFM; Al2O3 less than 23 wt percent, K2O less than 0.25 wt percent). It also contains rare specimens of high-alumina, silica-poor (HASP), and ultra Mg glasses. HASP glasses contain insufficient SiO2 to permit the calculation of a standard norm, and are thought to be the product of volatilization during impact melting. They have been studied by electron microprobe major-element analysis techniques but have not previously been analyzed for trace elements. The samples analyzed for this study were polished grain mounts of the 90-160 micron fraction of four sieved samples from the 79001/2 core (depth range 2.3-11.5 cm). A total of 80 glasses were analyzed by SEM/EDS and electron microprobe, and a subset of 33 of the glasses, representing a wide range of compositional types, was chosen for high-sensitivity INAA. A microdrilling device removed disks (mostly 50-100 micron diameter, weighing approx. 0.1-0.5 micro-g) for INAA. Preliminary data reported here are based only on short counts done within two weeks of irradiation.

Lindstrom, D. J.↗

Mullite Whiskers and Mullite-whisker Felt

The Naval Surface Warfare Center has developed processes for the preparation of mullite (3(Al2O3)(dot)2(SiO2)) whiskers and mullite-whisker felt. Three patents on the technology were issued in 1990. The processes are based on chemical reactions between AlF3, Al2O3, and SiO2. The felt is formed in-situ during the processing of shaped powdered precursors. It consists of randomly oriented whiskers which are mutually intergrown forming a rigid structure. The microstructure and properties of the felt and size of the whiskers can be modified by varying the amount of Al2O3 in the starting mixture. Loose mullite whiskers can be used as a reinforcement for polymer-, metal-, and ceramic-matrix composites. The felt can be used as preforms for fabricating composite materials as well as for thermal insulation and high temperature, chemically stable filters for liquids (melts) and gases.

Talmy, Inna G.↗

Solid propellant exhausted aluminum oxide and hydrogen chloride - Environmental considerations

Measurements of gaseous hydrogen chloride (HCl) and particulate aluminum oxide (Al2O3) were made during penetrations of five Space Shuttle exhaust clouds and one static ground test firing of a shuttle booster. Instrumented aircraft were used to penetrate exhaust clouds and to measure and/or collect samples of exhaust for subsequent analyses. The focus was on the primary solid rocket motor exhaust products, HCl and Al2O3, from the Space Shuttle's solid boosters. Time-dependent behavior of HCl was determined for the exhaust clouds. Composition, morphology, surface chemistry, and particle size distributions were determined for the exhausted Al2O3. Results determined for the exhaust cloud from the static test firing were complicated by having large amounts of entrained alkaline ground debris (soil) in the lofted cloud. The entrained debris may have contributed to neutralization of in-cloud HCl.

Cofer, W. R., III↗

Tungsten solution kinetics and amorphization of nickel in mechanically alloyed Ni-W alloys

The kinetics of solution of W, and the subsequent amorphization of Ni, in mechanically alloyed Ni-W alloys has been investigated. As W is a highly abrasive material in the energy intensive devices used for mechanical alloying, we studied the above reactions in different mills. One used hardened steel balls as the grinding media, and the other Al2O3. Abrasion is common to both mills, but Fe wear debris from the hardened steel enters into solution in the Ni rich phases whereas Al2O3 debris is present as small dispersoids. The kinetics of W solution and those of subsequent amorphization do not appear strongly affected by the Fe in solution or the Al2O3 dispersoid. Tungsten dissolves in crystalline Ni in amounts in excess of the equilibrium solubility during alloying. Amorphization of the Ni phase occurs if the W content in this phase exceeds ca. 28 at. pct.

Aning, A. O.↗

Chromium and reactive element modified aluminide diffusion coatings on superalloys - Environmental testing

The high temperature performance of reactive element (RE)-doped and Cr/RE-modified aluminide diffusion coatings on commercial Ni-base alloy substrates was determined. In isothermal oxidation at 1100 C in air, RE-doped aluminide coatings on IN 713LC substrates formed a continuous slow-growing n-Al2O3 scale after 44 hrs of exposure. The coatings were protected by either an outer ridge Al2O3 scale with an inner compact Al2O3 scale rich in RE or by a continuous compact scale without any noticeable cracks or flaws. The cyclic oxidation behavior of Cr/RE-modified aluminide coatings on Rene 80 and IN 713LC alloys and of RE-doped aluminide coatings on IN 713LC alloys at 1100 C in static air was determined. Pack powder entrapment from the powder contacting (PC) process detracted significantly from the overall cyclic oxidation performance. Type I hot corrosion behavior of Cr/RE-modified aluminide coatings on Rene 80 and Mar-M247 alloy substrates at 900 C in a catalyzed 0.1 percent SO3/O3 gas mixture was determined. The modified coatings produced from the PC arrangement provided significantly better resistance to hot corrosion attack than commercial low-activity aluminide coatings produced by the above pack arrangement.

Bianco, Robert↗

Niobium matrix composites for high temperature turbine blades, phase 2

This program demonstrated the feasibility of fabricating fiber-reinforced MMC (niobium matrix) turbine blades to net shape by chemical vapor infiltration (CVI). A controllable, repeatable niobium infiltration process was developed, and the kinetics of both deposition and infiltration were studied. Several continuous refractory fibers (Nicalon, Nextel 440, FP-Al2O3, HPZ, and tungsten mesh) were investigated as potential reinforcements for strengthening niobium. Thermodynamic and experimental evaluation indicated FP-Al2O3 and tungsten to be the most chemically compatible with niobium, while Nicalon, FP-Al2O3, and tungsten were found to be best with regard to reinforcing capability. Finally, a protective coating for iridium was found to provide substantial oxidation protection to the niobium blade matrix.

Heng, Sangvavann↗

Phase E in a water-saturated peridotite system at 9.3 GPa

The stability of hydrous phases in a natural upper mantle system has been investigated at 9.3 GPa using a gel of KLB-1 peridotite composition with brucite which contains 14 wt. percent (30 atom. percent) water. No hydrous mineral was found at 950 (+150 -50) degree C. At 800 degree C, an assemblage of phase A, phase E, enstatite, clinohumite, and garnet is obtained. Although there is a significant thermal gradient over the sample, phase E is found to be surrounded by phase A in the lower temperature part. Electron probe analyses show that phase E has 35.5 SiO2, 4.4 Al2O3, 41.1 MgO and 8.5 wt. percent FeO* (Mg value is 90) with an oxide sum of 89.7 wt. percent, and possesses a stoichiometry similar to that proposed by Kanzaki. CaO and TiO2 are both less than 0.1 wt. percent. Coexisting phase A has 0.5 wt. percent CaO but only 0.4 wt. percent Al2O3 concentration. Phase A coexists with only enstatite in the water-saturated MgO-FeO-SiO2 system at 800 degree C and 9.3 GPa as well as the results in the water-saturated MgO-SiO2 system. Therefore it is suggested that the addition of Al2O3 expands the stability field of phase E to lower than 13 - 17 GPa in the water-saturated MgO-SiO2 system.

Kawamoto, Tatsuhiko↗

Mineralogy of a refractory inclusion in the Allende (C3V) meteorite

A spherical 220-micrometer diameter, spinel-hibonite-perovskite inclusion from the Allende C3V meteorite contains a central hibonite cluster with an angular coundary. This central hibonite is enclosed within spinel that is zoned from Mg-rich at the hibonite boundary to more Fe-rich at the inclusion boundary. This spinel zone includes lath-shaped hibonites usually subradial to the central hibonites. Two textural types of perovskites are present as exsolution from the central hibonite and as equidimensional grains within both the central hibonite and spinel. These second perovskites have exsolution lamellae of Al2O3. Within the central hibonite and adjacent to some equidimensional perovskites, a fine porous phase interpreted as alteration has a composition of nearly pure Al2O3 with minor amounts of Na and Si. This is possibly either an intergrowth of corundum and nepheline or a modified Al2O3, Beta-alumina.

Steele, Ian M.↗