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At least 307 records · Page 17

Heterogeneous nucleation of gamma prime in Al-Ag and Al-Ag /Cd or Cu/ alloys.

Results of transmission electron microscopy studies of heterogeneous nucleation of the metastable gamma prime phase were made in binary and ternary alloys of Al-5 at. % Ag, Al-4.8 at. % Ag-0.15 at. % Cd, and Al-4.8 at. % Ag-0.2 at. % Cu. Heterogeneous nucleation of gamma prime was found to be associated with four types of dislocations, regardless of the quenching treatment or alloy additions which were used. Nucleation was found to occur on: (a) jogged dislocations; (b) helical dislocations; (c) dislocation loops; (d) heterogeneous climb sources. Only one nucleation mechanism was found to be unique to the ternary alloys: that of nucleation on heterogeneous climb sources.

Passoja, D. E.↗

Composition Dependence of Bulk Alloy Properties

We introduce an approximate expression for the direct calculation of properties of alloys in terms of the pure components. This rule can be obtained as a particular case from the Bozzolo-Ferrante-Smith (BFS) method, a recently developed semiempirical method for alloys. In particular, we examine the application of this rule to several examples of the concentration dependence of the lattice parameter of binary and ternary alloys.

Bozzolo, Guillermo↗

Superconducting compounds and alloys research

Resistivity measurements as a function of temperature were performed on alloys of the binary material system In sub(1-x) Bi sub x for x varying between 0 and 1. It was found that for all single-phase alloys (the pure elements, alpha-In, and the three intermetallic compounds) at temperatures sufficiently above the Debye-temperature, the resistivity p can be expressed as p = a sub o T(n), where a sub o and n are composition-dependent constants. The same exponential relationship can also be applied for the sub-system In-In2Bi, when the two phases are in compositional equilibrium. Superconductivity measurements on single and two-phase alloys can be explained with respect to the phase diagram. There occur three superconducting phases (alpha-In, In2Bi, and In5Bi3) with different transition temperatures in the alloying system. The magnitude of the transition temperatures for the various intermetallic phases of In-Bi is such that the disappearance or occurrence of a phase in two component alloys can be demonstrated easily by means of superconductivity measurements.

Otto, G.↗

Miga Aero Actuator and 2D Machined Mechanical Binary Latch

Shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators provide the highest force-to-weight ratio of any known actuator. They can be designed for a wide variety of form factors from flat, thin packages, to form-matching packages for existing actuators. SMA actuators can be operated many thousands of times, so that ground testing is possible. Actuation speed can be accurately controlled from milliseconds to position and hold, and even electronic velocity-profile control is possible. SMA actuators provide a high degree of operational flexibility, and are truly smart actuators capable of being accurately controlled by onboard microprocessors across a wide range of voltages. The Miga Aero actuator is a SMA actuator designed specifically for spaceflight applications. Providing 13 mm of stroke with either 20- or 40-N output force in two different models, the Aero actuator is made from low-outgassing PEEK (polyether ether ketone) plastic, stainless steel, and nickel-titanium SMA wires. The modular actuator weighs less than 28 grams. The dorsal output attachment allows the Aero to be used in either PUSH or PULL modes by inverting the mounting orientation. The SPA1 actuator utilizes commercially available SMA actuator wire to provide 3/8-in. (approx. =.1 cm) of stroke at a force of over 28 lb (approx. = .125 N). The force is provided by a unique packaging of the single SMA wire that provides the output force of four SMA wires mechanically in parallel. The output load is shared by allowing the SMA wire to slip around the output attachment end to adjust or balance the load, preventing any individual wire segment from experiencing high loads during actuation. A built-in end limit switch prevents overheating of the SMA element following actuation when used in conjunction with the Miga Analog Driver [a simple MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistor) switching circuit]. A simple 2D machined mechanical binary latch has been developed to complement the capabilities of SMA wire actuators. SMA actuators typically perform ideally as latch-release devices, wherein a spring-loaded device is released when the SMA actuator actuates in one direction. But many applications require cycling between two latched states open and closed.

Gummin, Mark A.↗

Nanostructured Platinum Alloys for Use as Catalyst Materials

A series of binary and ternary Pt-alloys, that promote the important reactions for catalysis at an alloy surface; oxygen reduction, hydrogen oxidation, and hydrogen and oxygen evolution. The first two of these reactions are essential when applying the alloy for use in a PEMFC.

Hays, Charles C.↗

Nanostructured Platinum Alloys for Use as Catalyst Materials

A series of binary and ternary Pt-alloys, that promote the important reactions for catalysis at an alloy surface; oxygen reduction, hydrogen oxidation, and hydrogen and oxygen evolution. The first two of these reactions are essential when applying the alloy for use in a PEMFC.

Hays, Charles C.↗

Surface Segregation in Ternary Alloys

Surface segregation profiles of binary (Cu-Ni, Au-Ni, Cu-Au) and ternary (Cu-Au-Ni) alloys are determined via Monte Carlo-Metropolis computer simulations using the BFS method for alloys for the calculation of the energetics. The behavior of Cu or Au in Ni is contrasted with their behavior when both are present. The interaction between Cu and Au and its effect on the segregation profiles for Cu-Au-Ni alloys is discussed.

Good, Brian↗

A theoretical study of heterojunction and graded band gap type solar cells

A computer program was designed for the analysis of variable composition solar cells and applied to several proposed solar cell structures using appropriate semiconductor materials. The program simulates solar cells made of a ternary alloy of two binary semiconductors with an arbitrary composition profile, and an abrupt or Gaussian doping profile of polarity n-on-p or p-on-n with arbitrary doping levels. Once the device structure is specified, the program numerically solves a complete set of differential equations and calculates electrostatic potential, quasi-Fermi levels, carrier concentrations and current densities, total current density and efficiency as functions of terminal voltage and position within the cell. These results are then recorded by computer in tabulated or plotted form for interpretation by the user.

Sutherland, J. E.↗

Preparation and evaluation of advanced catalysts for phosphoric acid fuel cells

The platinum electrocatalysts were characterized for their crystallite sizes and the degree of dispersion on the carbon supports. One application of these electrocatalysts was for anodic oxidation of hydrogen in hot phosphoric acid fuel cells, coupled with the influence of low concentrations of carbon monoxide in the fuel gas stream. In a similar way, these platinum on carbon electrocatalysts were evaluated for oxygen reduction in hot phosphoric acid. Binary noble metal alloys were prepared for anodic oxidation of hydrogen and noble metal-refractory metal mixtures were prepared for oxygen reduction. An exemplar alloy of platinum and palladium (50/50 atom %) was discovered for anodic oxidation of hydrogen in the presence of carbon monoxide, and patent disclosures were submitted. For the cathode, platinum-vanadium alloys were prepared showing improved performance over pure platinum. Preliminary experiments on electrocatalyst utilization in electrode structures showed low utilization of the noble metal when the electrocatalyst loading exceeded one weight percent on the carbon.

Stonehart, P.↗

PCS: The First Fluid Physics Payload on ISS

The Physics of Colloids in Space (PCS) experiment was accommodated within International Space Station (ISS) EXpedite the PRocessing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) Rack 2 and was remotely operated from early June 2001 until February 2002 from NASA Glenn Research Center's Telescience Support Center in Cleveland, Ohio and from a remote site at Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts. PCS is an experiment conceived by Professor David A. Weitz of Harvard University (the Principal Investigator), focusing on the behavior of three different classes of colloid mixtures. The sophisticated light scattering instrumentation comprising PCS is capable of color imaging, and dynamic and static light scattering from 11 to 169 degrees, Bragg scattering over the range from 10 to 60 degrees, and laser light scattering at low angles from 0.3 to 6.0 degrees. The PCS instrumentation performed remarkably well, demonstrating a flexibility that enabled experiments to be performed that had not been envisioned prior to launch. While on-orbit, PCS accomplished 2400 hours of science operations, and was declared a resounding success. Each of the eight sample cells worked well and produced interesting and important results. Crystal nucleation and growth and the resulting structures of two binary colloidal crystal alloys were studied, with the long duration microgravity environment of the ISS facilitating extended studies on the growth and coarsening characteristics of the crystals. In another experiment run, the de-mixing of the colloid-polymer critical-point sample was studied as it phase-separates into two phases, one that resembles a gas and one that resembles a liquid. This process was studied over four decades of length scale, from 1 micron to 1 centimeter, behavior that cannot be observed in this sample on Earth because sedimentation would cause the colloids to fall to the bottom of the cell faster than the de-mixing process could occur. Similarly, the study of gelation and aging of another colloid-polymer sample, the colloid-polymer gel, also provided valuable information on gelation mechanisms, as did investigations on the extremely the low concentration silica and polystyrene fractal gel samples.

Doherty, M.↗

High Temperature Characteristics of Pt/TaSi2/Pt/W and Pt/Ti/W Diffusion Barrier Systems for Ohmic Contacts to 4H-SiC

The degradation of ohmic contacts to 4H-SiC pressure sensors over time at high temperature is primarily due to two failure mechanisms: migrating bond pad Au and atmospheric O toward the ohmic contact SiC interface and the inter-metallic mixing between diffusion barrier systems (DBS) and the underlying ohmic contact metallization. We investigated the effectiveness of Pt/TaSi2/Pt/W (DBS-A) and Pt/Ti/W (DBS-B) in preventing Au and O diffusion through the underlying binary Ti/W or alloyed W50:Ni50 ohmic contacts to 4H-SiC and the DBS ohmic contact intermixing at temperature up to 700 C.

Platinum↗

Preparation and Thermoelectric Properties of IR(sub x)Co(sub 1-x)Sb(sub 2) Alloys

The preparation and characterization of the binary arsenopyrite compounds CoSb2 and IrSb2 and IrxCo1-xSb2 alloys is reported. Single crystals of CoSb2 were grown by the vertical gradient freeze technique from solution rich in antimony. Polycrystalline samples of IrSb2 and IrxCo1-xSb2 alloys were prepared by hot-pressing of prereacted elemental powders. Samples were investigated by X-ray diffractometry, microprobe analysis and density measurements. It was found that a range of solid solution exist in the system IrxCo1-xSb2 for 0.1<x<0.8. Samples were also characterized by high temperature electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient and thermal conductivity measurements. All materials have p-type conductivity and are semiconductors. A band gap of about 0.98 eV was calculated for IrSb2. Preliminary measurements of the thermoelectric properties of these materials showed that their potential for thermoelectric applications is limited.

Thermoelectric Properties↗

Influence of alloying elements on the oxidation behavior of NbAl3

NbAL3 is one candidate material for advanced aeropropulsion systems because of its high melting point, low density, and good oxidation resistance. Although NbAl3 has the lowest oxidation rate among the binary Nb-Al alloys, it does not form exclusive layers of protective Al2O3 scales. Recently Perkin et al., have shown the feasibility of forming alumina scales on Nb-Al alloys at greatly reduced Al contents. However, the objective was to maintain the high Al content, and hence low density, while achieving the capability of growing protective alumina scales. Alloy development followed approaches similar to those used successfully for superalloys and oxidation resistant MCrAlY coatings. Among the three elements examined (Ti, Si, and Cr) as ternary additions to Nb-Al3, Cr was the most effective in favoring the selective oxidation of Al. Nb-41Al-8Cr formed exclusive layers of alumina and had a k sub p value of 0.22 mg squared/cm (sup 4)/hr at 1200 C. The addition of 1 wt percent Y to this alloy was also beneficial, resulting in nearly an order of magnitude decrease in K sub p at 1200 C. Further improvements were achieved by adding about 1 wt percent Si to the quaternary alloy. The k sub p value of 0.012 mg squared/cm (sup 4)/hr for Nb-40Al-8Cr-1Y-1Si at 1200 C was identical to the best NiAl + Zr alloys. These NbAl3 alloys also exhibited excellent cyclic oxidation resistance for 100 hr at 1200 C, being nearly equivalent to NiAl + Zr.

Hebsur, M. G.↗

Influence of alloying elements on the oxidation behavior of NbAl3

NbAl3 is one candidate material for advanced aeropropulsion systems because of its high melting point, low density, and good oxidation resistance. Although NbAl3 has the lowest oxidation rate among the binary Nb-Al alloys, it does not form exclusive layers of protective Al203 scales. Recently Perkin et al., have shown the feasibility of forming alumina scales on Nb-Al alloys at greatly reduced Al contents. However, the objective was to maintain the high Al content, and hence low density, while achieving the capability of growing protective alumina scales. Alloy development followed approaches similar to those used successfully for superalloys and oxidation resistant MCrAly coatings. Among the three elements examined (Ti, Si, and Cr) as ternary additions to Nb-Al3, Cr was the most effective in favoring the selective oxidation of Al. Nb-41Al-8Cr formed exclusive layers of alumina and had a k sub p value of 0.22 mg squared/cm (sup 4)/hr at 1200 C. The addition of 1 wt percent Y to this alloy was also beneficial, resulting in nearly an order of magnitude decrease in K sub p at 1200 C. Further improvements were achieved by adding about 1 wt percent Si to the quaternary alloy. The k sub p value of 0.012 mg squared/cm (sup 4)/hr for Nb-40Al-8Cr-1Y-1Si at 1200 C was identical to the best NiAl + Zr alloys. These NbAl3 alloys also exhibited excellent cyclic oxidation resistance for 100 hr at 1200 C, being nearly equivalent to NiAl + Zr.

Hebsur, M. G.↗

The Influence of Silicon Additions on Friction and Wear of Nickel Alloys at Temperatures to 1000 Degrees Fahrenheit

Small additions of silicon have considerable beneficial effect on performance on slider alloys. This effect has most frequently been attributed to increased hardness. The research reported was conducted to consider a hypothesis that the primary role of silicon in slider alloys is one of supporting the formation of protective surface films. Friction and wear data were obtained at temperatures from 75 to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit with a series of binary silicon-nickel alloys containing up to 10 percent silicon. Pertinent hot hardness, metallurgical and surface-film analysis data are included. Atmospheres used were air, mixtures of oxygen and argon, a mixture of hydrogen and nitrogen, and a halogenated methane gas lubricant. The results show the role of silicon as a film former to be of great importance in success of silicon-containing alloys as slider materials for extreme temperatures. The range of variables studied gave friction coefficients from 0.05 to greater than 10.00 depending on film formation tendencies. Alloys with 5 percent or more silicon having a duplex structure showed the best results. Film formation resulted from surface reactions or the smearing of the softer phase from the alloys having duplex structure.

Buckley, Donald H.↗

Photoemission studies of core level shifts in HgCdTe, CdMnTe, and HgZnTe

The results of photoemission studies of core level shifts in the Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te, Cd(1-x)Mn(x)Te, and Hg(1-x)Zn(x)Te alloys are discussed. In Hg(0.7)Cd(0.3)Te, the Hg 5d level is found to shift to lower binding energy by 0.1 eV, and the Cd 4d level to shift to higher binding energy by 0.25 eV upon alloying (relative to their binaries). The Born-Haber cycle is used to determine core level binding energies relative to the valence-band maximum in the context of tight-binding theory, and calculated core level shifts upon alloying in HgCdTe are shown to be too small to account for the observed values. A natural valence-band offset between HgTe and CdTe of 0.35 eV is found.

Shih, C. K.↗

Precipitation-Strengthened, High-Temperature, High-Force Shape Memory Alloys

Shape memory alloys (SMAs) are an enabling component in the development of compact, lightweight, durable, high-force actuation systems particularly for use where hydraulics or electrical motors are not practical. However, commercial shape memory alloys based on NiTi are only suitable for applications near room temperature, due to their relatively low transformation temperatures, while many potential applications require higher temperature capability. Consequently, a family of (Ni,Pt)(sub 1-x)Ti(sub x) shape memory alloys with Ti concentrations ranging from about 15 to 25 at.% have been developed for applications in which there are requirements for SMA actuators to exert high forces at operating temperatures higher than those of conventional binary NiTi SMAs. These alloys can be heat treated in the range of 500 C to produce a series of fine precipitate phases that increase the strength of alloy while maintaining a high transformation temperature, even in Ti-lean compositions.

Noebe, Ronald D.↗

Processing, physical metallurgy and creep of NiAl + Ta and NiAl + Nb alloys

Powder processed NiAl + Ta alloys containing 1, 2, and 4.5 at percent tantalum and NiAl + Nb alloys containing 1 and 2 at percent niobium were developed for improved creep properties. In addition, a cast alloy with 5 at percent tantalum was also studied. Hot extrusion parameters for processing alloys with 1 and 2 at percent of tantalum or niobium were designed. The NiAl + 4.5 at percent Ta alloy could be vacuum hot pressed successfully, even though it could not be extruded. All the phases in the multiphase alloys were identified and the phase transformations studied. The Ni2AlTa in NiAl + 4.5 at percent Ta alloy transforms into a liquid phase above 1700 K. Solutionizing and annealing below this temperature gives rise to a uniform distribution of fine second phase precipitates. Compressive creep properties were evaluated at 1300 K using constant load and constant velocity tests. In the higher strain rate region single phase NiAl + 1 at percent Ta and NiAl + 1 at percent Nb alloys exhibit a stress exponent of 5 characteristic of climb controlled dislocation creep. In slower strain rate regime diffusional creep becomes important. The two phase alloys containing 2 to 5 at percent Ta and 2 at percent Nb show considerable improvement over binary NiAl and single phase alloys. Loose dislocation networks and tangles stabilized by the precipitates were found in the as crept microstructure. The cast alloy which has larger grains and a distribution of fine precipitates shows the maximum improvement over binary NiAl.

Pathare, Viren M.↗