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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 307 records · Page 17
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1981

Fillers for improved graphite fiber retention by polymer matrix composites

The results of a program designed to determine the extent to which elemental boron and boron containing fillers added to the matrix resin of graphite/epoxy composites prevent the release of graphite fibers when the composites are exposed to fire and impact conditions are described. The fillers evaluated were boron, boron carbide and aluminum boride. The conditions evaluated were laboratory simulations of those that could exist in the event of an aircraft crash and burn situation. The baseline (i.e., unfilled) laminates evaluated were prepared from commercially available graphite/epoxy. The baseline and filled laminates' mechanical properties, before and after isothermal and humidity aging, also were compared. It was found that a small amount of graphite fiber was released from the baseline graphite/epoxy laminates during the burn and impact conditions used in this program. However, the extent to which the fibers were released is not considered a severe enough problem to preclude the use of graphite reinforced composites in civil aircraft structure. It also was found that the addition of boron and boron containing fillers to the resin matrix eliminated this fiber release. Mechanical properties of laminates containing the boron and boron containing fillers were lower than those of the baseline laminates. These property degradations for two systems: boron (5 micron) at 2.5 percent filler loading, and boron (5 micron) at 5.0 percent filler loading do not appear severe enough to preclude their use in structural composite applications.

House, E. E.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Fillers for improved graphite fiber retention by polymer matrix composites

This program was designed to develop technology for fabrication of graphite/epoxy composites containing selected boron and boron-containing fillers, determine the effects of the fillers on physical and mechanical properties of composites, and evaluate the effectiveness of the boron fillers for fiber retention when the composites are exposed to fire conditions followed by impact. Fillers evaluated were crystalline and amorphous boron, boron carbide, and aluminum boride. The fillers were evaluated by mixing with Narmco 5208 resin matrix at quantities up to 5%. Graphite composites were fabricated and evaluated with respect to their mechanical properties, resistance to humidity, and burning characteristics. Also, the mechanism by which the fillers prevented fiber release was studied.

Sheppard, C. H.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Oxidation-induced contraction and strengthening of boron fibers

An investigation of the physical and mechanical effects of thermal treatment in a controlled oxygen-argon atmosphere on boron fibers is reported, with attention to the optimization of such treatment as a secondary processing method for improvement of fiber strength. The strengthening mechanism is comprised of an oxidation-induced axial contraction of the fiber, accompanied by axial compression of strength-limiting flaws within the fiber's tungsten boride core. It was found that after an oxidation contraction of 0.3% near 900 C, and a slight surface etch near 100 C, the average tensile strength of 203-micron fibers increased from 500 to 800 ksi. Various physical observations are used to develop mechanistic models of oxidation, contraction, and the formation of new flaws in the boron sheath at contractions greater than 0.3%.

Dicarlo, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Effects of cobalt on the microstructure of Udimet 700

Cobalt, a critical and "strategic" alloying element in many superalloys, was systematically substituted by nickel in experimental alloys Udimet 700 containing 0.1, 4.3, 8.6, 12.8 and the standard 17.0 wt.% cobalt. Electrolytic and chemical extraction techniques, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron and optical microscopy were used for the microstructural studies. The total weight fraction of gamma' was not significantly affected by the cobalt content, although a difference in the size and quantities of the primary and secondary gamma' phases was apparent. The lattice parameters of the gamma' were found to increase with increasing cobalt content while the lattice mismatch between the gamma matrix and gamma' phases decreased. Other significant effects of cobalt on the weight fraction, distribution and formation of the carbide and boride phases as well as the relative stability of the experimental alloys during long-time aging are also discussed.

Engel, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Materials for high-temperature thermoelectric conversion

High boron materials of high efficiency for thermoelectric power generation and capable of prolonged operation at temperatures over 1200 C are discussed. Background theoretical studies indicated that the low carrier mobility of materials with beta boron and related structures is probably associated with the high density of traps. Experimental work was mainly concerned with silicon borides in view of promising data from European laboratories. A systematic study using structure determination and lattice constant measurements failed to confirm the existence of an SiBn phase. Only SiB6 and a solid solution of silicon in beta boron with a maximum solid solubility of 5.5-6 at % at 1650 C were found.

Feigelson, R. S.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Refractory materials for high-temperature thermoelectric energy conversion

Theoretical work of two decades ago adequately explained the transport behavior and effectively guided the development of thermoelectric materials of high conversion efficiencies of conventional semiconductors (e.g., SiGe alloys). The more significant contributions involved the estimation of optimum doping concentrations, the reduction of thermal conductivity by solid solution doping and the development of a variety of materials with ZT approx. 1 in the temperature range 300 K to 1200 K. ZT approx. 1 is not a theoretical limitation although, experimentally, values in excess of one were not achieved. Work has continued with emphasis on higher temperature energy conversion. A number of promising materials have been discovered in which it appears that ZT 1 is realizable. These materials are divided into two classes: (1) the rare-earth chalcogenides which behave as itinerant highly-degenerate n-type semiconductors at room-temperature, and (2) the boron-rich borides, which exhibit p-type small-polaronic hopping conductivity.

Wood, C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Investigation of the thermophysical properties of high-melting materials with the aid of a complex of instruments

The evaporation rate, vapor pressure, heats of evaporation reaction (sublimation, dissociation), enthalpy, electrical resistance, heat capacity, emissivity, and heat conductivity of various carbides, borides, sulfides, nitrides, selenides, and phosphides were investigated. A set of high temperature high vacuum devices, calorimeters (designed for operation at 400 to 1300 K and from 1200 K), and mass spectrometers, most of which were specially developed for these studies, is described.

Bolgar, A. S.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Method of making a light weight battery plaque

A nickel plaque which may be coated with a suitable metal or compound to make an electrode for a fuel cell or battery is fabricated by directing nickel sensitizer, catalyst and plating solutions through a porous plastic substrate in the order named and at prescribed temperatures and flow rates. A boride compound dissolved in the plating solution decreases the electrical resistance of the plaque. Certain substrates may require treatment in an alkali solution to dissolve filler materials thereby increasing porosity to a required 65%.

Reid, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Effects of cobalt, boron, and zirconium on the microstructure of Udimet 738

A structural study was carried out on Co modified Udimet 738 alloys containing 0.04, 0.10, and 0.20 wt % Zr at 0.01 and 0.03 wt % B levels. Samples in the as-cast and solution-treated conditions were exposed at 843 C to study structural stability. The structures produced by the interactions of Co, Zr, and B were studied by SEM, X-ray diffraction, and dispersive analysis techniques. The additions of large amounts of Zr and B were found to increase the solidification range of the U-738. Structural changes involved eutectic gamma prime islands, formation of low melting point compounds, and precipitation of borides and Zr rich phases. Boron and zirconium additions did not show substantial changes in mechanical properties. Removal of Co from the alloys resulted in reduction of the matrix solubility for carbon and increase in the gamma prime solvus. Structural instabilities found were continuous grain boundary M23C6 films, MC breakdown, and plate-like phases. Removal of cobalt resulted in a slight decrease in tensile and stress rupture properties. Detailed structural results presented.

Nakanishi, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Vapor pressure and evaporation rate of certain heat-resistant compounds in a vacuum at high temperatures

The vapor pressure and evaporation rate of borides of titanium, zirconium, and chrome; and of strontium and carbides of titanium, zirconium, and chrome, molybdenum silicide; and nitrides of titanium, niobium, and tantalum in a vacuum were studied. It is concluded that all subject compounds evaporate by molecular structures except AlB sub 12' which dissociates, losing the aluminum.

Bolgar, A. S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The use of moments of momentum to account for crystal habits

A three-step theory of crystal growth is proposed which involves first an association of molecules or ions in solution to form an impinging growth unit, then second the orientation of this unit prior to its impact on the surface of a crystal, and finally the attachment of this unit to the crystal face. From this theory the habit of a crystal is dependent upon the moments of momentum of the impinging growth unit. The results of sample calculations are presented or sodium chloride, succinic acid, sucrose, and chromium boride. The faces predicted by this proposed theory are compared with those predicted by other, energy-based calculations and with those experimentally observed. The proposed theory suggests alternative strategies for crystallization and habit modification which may be of technological importance. Listings of the two computer programs that were used are provided.

Barber, P. G.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Refractory materials for high-temperature thermoelectric energy conversion

Theoretical work of two decades ago adequately explained the transport behavior and effectively guided the development of thermoelectric materials of high conversion efficiencies of conventional semiconductors (e.g., SiGe alloys). The more significant contributions involved the estimaiation of optimum doping concentrations, the reduction of thermal conductivity by solid solution doping and the development of a variety of materials with ZT approx. 1 in the temperature range 300 K to 1200 K. ZT approx. 1 is not a theoretical limitation although, experimentally, values in excess of one were not achieved. Work has continued with emphasis on higher temperature energy conversion. A number of promising materials have been discovered in which it appears that ZT 1 is realizable. These materials are divided into two classes: (1) the rare-earth chalcogenides which behave as itinerant highly-degenerate n-type semiconductors at room-temperature, and (2) the boron-rich borides, which exhibit p-type small-polaronic hopping conductivity.

Wood, C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

High-temperature thermoelectric energy converstion. I - Theory

The high-temperature thermoelectric energy-conversion theory is examined. It is shown that semiconductors are the logical choices for high-figure of merit-value materials, but the requirements for optimization differ depending on whether the material is classed as a broad-band or narrow-band semiconductor. Optimization is discussed as a function of temperature. Phonon scattering mechanisms are considered; and for the reduction of thermal conductivity, basic material guidelines are given. Although experimental results indicate that ZT (where Z is the figure of merit and T is the temperature) of about 1 represents an upper limit, there is in fact, no theoretical limitation. It is unlikely that the Z values will be significantly reduced by radiation transfer at temperatures lower than 2000 K. The current status of materials research is also considered. The rare-earth chalcogenides which behave as n-type semi-conductors and the boron-rich borides which exhibit hopping p-type conductivity behavior are the materials that show promise for high-temperature Z values. The reasons for low thermal conductivities in these materials is discussed.

Wood, C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Feasibility study of the welding of SiC

In a brief study of the feasibility of welding sintered alpha-SiC, solid-state welding and brazing were investigated. Joint quality was determined solely by microstructural examination. Hot-pressure welding was shown to be feasible at 1950 C. Diffusion welding and brazing were also successful under hot isostatic pressure at 1950 C when boride, carbide, and silicide interlayers were used. Furnace brazing was accomplished at 1750 C when a TiSi2 interlayer was introduced.

Moore, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Advances In Thermoelectric Materials

Rare-earth chalcogenides and boron-rich borides show promise. Report discusses search for materials performing more efficiently in high-temperature thermoelectric conversion. Begins with summary of developments during past three decades. Followed by brief introduction to theory of thermoelectric energy conversion, then by experimental findings and by some additional theory on specific materials.

Wood, Charles↗
NASA NTRS1986

Structural ceramics in heat engines - The NASA viewpoint

The interest of NASA in the application of ceramics in heat engines is reviewed. This interest started in the early 1950s with attempts to apply oxides, borides, and cermets as gas turbine components. These attempts, as other similar efforts around the world at that time, generally met with failure due to the brittle nature of the materials and a lack of understanding of how to accommodate brittleness by appropriate design approaches. More recent efforts of the 1970s have concentrated on the silicon nitride and silicon carbide family of ceramics. This class of materials demonstrated thermal stability and thermal shock resistance in gas turbine environments. Subsequent programs funded by the DOE and managed by NASA have demonstrated great strides in material fabricability and the application of FEM design concepts. However, the materials remain brittle and lacking in reliability and reproducibility. This reliability/reproducibility problem is viewed as the major current impediment to the application of ceramics in heat engines; approaches to its solution are discussed.

Probst, H. B.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Boron Carbides As Thermo-electric Materials

Report reviews recent theoretical and experimental research on thermoelectric materials. Recent work with narrow-band semiconductors demonstrated possibility of relatively high thermoelectric energy-conversion efficiencies in materials withstanding high temperatures needed to attain such efficiencies. Among promising semiconductors are boron-rich borides, especially boron carbides.

Wood, Charles↗
NASA NTRS1988

Tribological properties of alumina-boria-silicate fabric from 25 to 850 C

Demanding tribological properties are required of the materials used for the sliding seal between the sidewalls and the lower wall of the variable area hypersonic engine. Temperatures range from room temperature and below to operating temperatures of 1000 C in an environment of air, hydrogen, and water vapor. Candidate sealing materials for this application are an alumina-boria-silicate, ceramic, fabric rope sliding against the engine walls which may be made from copper- or nickel-based alloys. Using a pin-on-disk tribometer, the friction and wear properties of some of these potential materials and possible lubrication methods are evaluated. The ceramic fabric rope displayed unacceptably high friction coefficients (0.6 to 1.3) and, thus, requires lubrication. Sputtered thin films of gold, silver, and CaF2 reduced the friction by a factor of two. Sprayed coatings of boride nitride did not effectively lubricate the fabric. Static heat treatment tests at 950 C indicate that the fabric is chemically attacked by large quantities of silver, CaF2, and boron nitride. Sputtered films or powder impregnation of the fabric with gold may provide adequate lubrication up to 1000 C without showing any chemical attack.

Dellacorte, Christopher↗