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At least 325 records · Page 18
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

The effect of temperature cycling typical of low earth orbit satellites on thin films of YBa2Cu3O(7-x)

Thin films of YBa2Cu3O(7-x) (YBCO) were temperature cycled to simulate conditions of a low earth orbit satellite. In one series of tests, epitaxial and polycrystalline YBCO films were cycled between temperatures of +/- 80 C in vacuum and in nitrogen for hundreds of cycles. The room temperature resistance of an epitaxial YBCO film increased by about 10 percent, but the superconducting transition temperature was unchanged. The largest changes were for a polycrystalline YBCO film on oxidized silicon with a zirconia buffer layer, for which the transition temperature decreased by 3 K. An extended test was carried out for epitaxial films. After 3200 cycles (corresponding to about 230 days in space), transition temperatures and critical current densities remained unchanged.

Mogro-Campero, A.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The influence of chromium on structure and mechanical properties of B2 nickel aluminide alloys

Major obstacles to the use of NiAl-based alloys and composites are low ductility and toughness. These shortcomings result in part from a lack of sufficient slip systems to accommodate plastic deformation of polycrystalline material (von Mises Criterion). It has been reported that minor additions of chromium to polycrystalline NiAl cause the predominant slip system to shift from the usual. If true, then a major step toward increasing ductility in this compound may be realized. The purpose of the present study was to verify this phenomenon, characterize it with respect to chromium level and Ni to Al ratio, and correlate any change in slip system with microstructure and mechanical properties. Compression and tensile specimens were prepared from alloys containing 0 to 5 percent chromium and 45 to 55 percent aluminum. Following about one percent strain, transmission electron microscopy foils were produced and the slip systems determined using the g x b = 0 invisibility criterion. Contrary to previous results, chromium was found to have no effect on the preferred slip system of any of the alloys studied. Possible reasons for the inconsistency of the current results with previous work are considered. Composition-structure-property relationships are discerned for the alloys, and good correlation are demonstrated in terms of conventional strengthening models for metallic systems.

Cotton, James Dean↗
NASA NTRS1991

Flow and fracture behavior of NiAl in relation to the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature

NiAl has only three independent slip systems operating at low and intermediate temperatures whereas five independent deformation mechanisms are required to satisfy the von Mises criterion for general plasticity in polycrystalline materials. Yet, it is generally recognized that polycrystalline NiAl can be deformed extensively in compression at room temperature and that limited tensile ductility can be obtained in extruded materials. In order to determine whether these results are in conflict with the von Mises criterion, tension and compression tests were conducted on powder-extruded, binary NiAl between 300 and 1300 K. The results indicate that below the brittle-to-ductile transition temperature (BDTT) the failure mechanism in NiAl involves the initiation and propagation of cracks at the grain boundaries which is consistent with the von Mises analysis. Furthermore, evaluation of the flow behavior of NiAl indicates that the transition from brittle to ductile behavior with increasing temperature coincides with the onset of recovery mechanisms such as dislocation climb. The increase in ductility above the BDTT is therefore attributed to the climb of the 001 line type dislocations which in combination with dislocation glide enable grain boundary compatibility to be maintained at the higher temperatures.

Noebe, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Thin film processing of photorefractive BaTiO3

During the period covered by this report, October 11, 1991 through October 10, 1992, the research has progressed in a number of different areas. The sol-gel technique was initially studied and experimentally evaluated for depositing films of BaTiO3. The difficulties with the precursors and the poor quality of the films deposited lead to the investigation of pulsed laser deposition as an alternative approach. The development of the pulsed laser deposition technique has resulted in continuous improvements to the quality of deposited films of BaTiO3. The initial depositions of BaTiO3 resulted in amorphous films, however, as the pulsed laser deposition technique continued to evolve, films were deposited in the polycrystalline state, then the textured polycrystalline state, and most recently heteroepitaxial films have also been successfully deposited on cubic (100) oriented SrTiO3 substrates. A technique for poling samples at room temperature and in air is also undergoing development with some very preliminary but positive results. The analytical techniques, which include x-ray diffraction, ferroelectric analysis, UV-Vis spectrophotometry, scanning electron microscopy with x-ray compositional analysis, optical and polarized light microscopy, and surface profilometry have been enhanced to allow for more detailed evaluation of the samples. In the area of optical characterization, a pulsed Nd:YAG laser has been incorporated into the experimental configuration. Now data can also be acquired within various temporal domains resulting in more detailed information on the optical response of the samples and on their photorefractive sensitivity. The recent establishment of collaborative efforts with two departments at Johns Hopkins University and the Army Research Lab at Fort Belvoir has also produced preliminary results using the metallo-organic decomposition technique as an alternative method for thin film processing of BaTiO3. RF and DC sputtering is another film deposition approach that should be initiated in the near future. Other techniques for optical characterization, which may even allow for intragrannular (within single grains) investigations, are also being considered.

Schuster, Paul R.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Investigation of nucleation and growth processes of diamond films by atomic force microscopy

The nucleation and growth of plasma-enhanced chemical-vapor deposited polycrystalline diamond films were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM images were obtained for (1) nucleated diamond films produced from depositions that were terminated during the initial stages of growth, (2) the silicon substrate-diamond film interface side of diamond films (1-4 micrometers thick) removed from the original surface of the substrate, and (3) the cross-sectional fracture surface of the film, including the Si/diamond interface. Pronounced tip effects were observed for early-stage diamond nucleation attributed to tip convolution in the AFM images. AFM images of the film's cross section and interface, however, were not highly affected by tip convolution, and the images indicate that the surface of the silicon substrate is initially covered by a small grained polycrystalline-like film and the formation of this precursor film is followed by nucleation of the diamond film on top of this layer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy spectra indicate that some silicon carbide is present in the precursor layer.

George, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Investigation of nucleation and growth processes of diamond films by atomic force microscopy

The nucleation and growth of plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposited (PECVD) polycrystalline diamond films were studied using atomic force microscopy (AFM). AFM images were obtained for: (1) nucleated diamond films produced from depositions that were terminated during the initial stages of growth, (2) the silicon substrate-diamond film interface side of diamond films (1-4 micrometers thick) removed from the original surface of the substrate, and (3) cross-sectional fracture surface of the film, including the Si/diamond interface. Pronounced tip effects were observed for early-stage diamond nucleation attributed to tip convolution in the AFM images. AFM images of the films cross-section and interface however were not affected by tip convolution, and the images indicate that the surface of the silicon substrate is initially covered by small grained polycrystalline-like film and the formation of this precursor film is followed by nucleation of the diamond film on top of this layer. X-ray photoelectron spectroscoy (XPS) spectra indicates that some silicon carbide is present in the precursor layer.

George, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Strain Aging Behavior in NiAl Microalloyed with Interstitial and Substitutional Solutes

Dynamic strain aging has been investigated in polycrystalline NiAl alloys containing combined additions of interstitial and substitutional impurities. The results indicate that strain aging can be enhanced in polycrystalline alloys containing concentrations of silicon or iron in excess of 0.15 at.% in addition to conventional levels of carbon. This co-doping leads to very dramatic strain aging events, comparable to those typically observed in single crystals. This effect will be discussed with respect to conventional theories of strain aging.

Weaver, M. L.↗
NASA NTRS1998

The Effect of Alloying on Topologically Close Packed Phase Instability in Advanced Nickel-Based Superalloy Rene N6

An investigation was conducted to describe topologically close packed (TCP) phase instability as a function of composition in the advanced Ni-base superalloy Rene N6. TCP phases are detrimental to overall high-temperature performance of Ni-base superalloys because of their brittle nature and because they deplete the Ni-rich matrix of potent solid solution strengthening elements. Thirty-four variations of polycrystalline Rene N6 determined from a design-of-experiments approach were cast and homogenized at 1315"C for 80 hours followed by exposure at 10930C for 400 hours to promote TCP formation. The alloys had the following composition ranges in atomic percent: Co 10.61 to 16.73%, Mo 0.32 to 1.34%, W 1.85 to 2.52%, Re 1.80 to 2.1 1 %, Ta 2.36 to 3.02%, Al 11.90 to 14.75%, and Cr 3.57 to 6.23%. Physical and chemical characteristics of all n-ticrostructures obtained were described using various analytical techniques. From these observations, a mathematical description of TCP occurrence (omega and P phase) was generated for polycrystalline Rene N6.

Ritzert, Frank↗
NASA NTRS2000

Effects of Radiation on the Mechanical Properties of Polysilicon and Polydiamond thin Film

Due to its many excellent properties, diamond is being explored as a material for MicroElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS). However, as is true in the case of silicon, a large amount of basic material characterization issues still warrant investigation. This paper presents preliminary results from charged particle irradiation of Chemical Vapor Deposited (CVD) polycrystalline diamond films. The films were simultaneously dosed to a level of 9.4 x l0(exp 13)/sq cm using 700 keV protons and 1 MeV electrons. The samples were then subject to cross-sectional nanoindention analysis and Raman spectroscopy. Polycrystalline silicon was also investigated for comparison purposes. The diamond was unaffected by the irradiation. However, the silicon did indicate a slight decrease in the Young's Modulus.

Newton, Robert L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Diamond Coatings

Advances in materials technology have demonstrated that it is possible to get the advantages of diamond in a number of applications without the cost penalty, by coating and chemically bonding an inexpensive substrate with a thin film of diamond-like carbon (DLC). Diamond films offer tremendous technical and economic potential in such advances as chemically inert protective coatings; machine tools and parts capable of resisting wear 10 times longer; ball bearings and metal cutting tools; a broad variety of optical instruments and systems; and consumer products. Among the American companies engaged in DLC commercialization is Diamonex, Inc., a diamond coating spinoff of Air Products and Chemicals, Inc. Along with its own proprietary technology for both polycrystalline diamond and DLC coatings, Diamonex is using, under an exclusive license, NASA technology for depositing DLC on a substrate. Diamonex is developing, and offering commercially, under the trade name Diamond Aegis, a line of polycrystalline diamond-coated products that can be custom tailored for optical, electronic and engineering applications. Diamonex's initial focus is on optical products and the first commercial product is expected in late 1990. Other target applications include electronic heat sink substrates, x-ray lithography masks, metal cutting tools and bearings.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1996

Methodology Developed for Modeling the Fatigue Crack Growth Behavior of Single-Crystal, Nickel-Base Superalloys

Because of their superior high-temperature properties, gas generator turbine airfoils made of single-crystal, nickel-base superalloys are fast becoming the standard equipment on today's advanced, high-performance aerospace engines. The increased temperature capabilities of these airfoils has allowed for a significant increase in the operating temperatures in turbine sections, resulting in superior propulsion performance and greater efficiencies. However, the previously developed methodologies for life-prediction models are based on experience with polycrystalline alloys and may not be applicable to single-crystal alloys under certain operating conditions. One of the main areas where behavior differences between single-crystal and polycrystalline alloys are readily apparent is subcritical fatigue crack growth (FCG). The NASA Lewis Research Center's work in this area enables accurate prediction of the subcritical fatigue crack growth behavior in single-crystal, nickel-based superalloys at elevated temperatures.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2002

Magnetomechanical damping in cryogenic TbDy

Vibration damping in polycrystalline TbDy alloys was studied at cryogenic temperatures. The material was prepared by cold-rolling to induce crystallographic texture, and was then heat-treated to relieve internal stress. Mechanical hysteretic losses were measured at various strains, frequencies, and loading configurations at 77 K. Some textured TbDy materials demonstrated 22.6% energy dissipation in mechanical measurements at low frequency (0.01 Hz) and a mean logarithmic decrement of 0.23 at a higher frequency (25 kHz). Ultrasonic velocities of longitudinal and shear elastic waves were measured on single and polycrystalline TbDy; little variation in ultrasonic velocities was found evenfor samples with large variation in crystallographic texture and magnetomechanical properties.

magnetomechanical TbDy↗
NASA NTRS2002

Magnetoelastic vibration damping properties of TbDy alloys

Damping of axial and bending mode vibrations in giant magnetoelastic polycrystalline TbDy alloys was studied at cryogenic temperatures. All specimens of TbDy were arc-melted in the proper composition ratio and dropped into a chilled copper mold. Additional treatments consisted of cold plane-rolling to induce crystallographic texture and then heat-treating to relieve internal stress. Mechanical hysteretic losses were measured at various strains, frequencies, and loading configurations down to 77 K. Both as-cast and textured polycrystalline TbDy samples were tested along with an aluminum specimen for comparison. Loss factors at multiple natural vibration frequencies of the samples were measured for axial modes. Larger damping rates were measured for axial mode vibrations than for bending mode vibrations, possibly reflecting the larger specimen volume contributing to magnetoelastic damping. At LN2 temperatures TbDy materials demonstrated q > 0.05 at 0.01 Hz and q > 0.1 at higher frequencies from 0.6-1.5 kHz.

magnetoelastic TbDy↗
NASA NTRS2007

High-Temperature Characterization of Alumina Substrates and Folded Slot Antenna

The characterization of 99.6% polycrystalline alumina substrates and folded slot antennas is presented in this paper. Coplanar Waveguide (CPW) calibration standards where fabricated on 99.6% polycrystalline alumina substrates. Thru-Reflect-Line (TRL) calibrations were performed at temperatures of 25 to 400 C over a frequency range from 0.5 to 50 GHz. The effective dielectric constant of the alumina substrates was determined to be relatively constant at 5.4 from 25 to 200 C and then increased steadily to approximately 6 at 400 C. The loss of the CPW lines increased as temperature and frequency increased as well noting that the increase in loss is even more profound as both the temperature and frequency increased simultaneously. A CPW fed folded slot antenna fabricated on the alumina substrates is also presented. The Return Loss (RL) of a CPW fed folded slot antenna exhibits a self impedance matching technique. The RL of the folded slot antenna at 25 C displays a resonance at 3.5 GHz and is approximately 16 dB in magnitude. At 300 C the resonance shifts down in frequency to approximately 3.3 dB and has roughly the same magnitude. However the loss of the antenna response also increases at this elevated temperature. This work is part of the initial stages of an effort at NASA Glenn research Center to develop wireless sensors for harsh environments. This work can reduce cost, space to house all the hard wired connections, and reduce the weight of the overall units such as aerospace engines and allow for the placement of the wireless sensors in the engine which are not possible with hard wired sensors.

Scardelletti, Maximilian C.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Continuous method of producing silicon carbide fibers

This invention pertains to a method for production of polycrystalline ceramic fibers from silicon oxycarbide (SiCO) ceramic fibers wherein the method comprises heating an amorphous ceramic fiber containing silicon and carbon in an inert environment comprising a boron oxide and carbon monoxide at a temperature sufficient to convert the amorphous ceramic fiber to a polycrystalline ceramic fiber. By having carbon monoxide present during the heating of the ceramic fiber, it is possible to achieve higher production rates on a continuous process.

Barnard, Thomas Duncan↗
NASA NTRS2011

Nanoscale Metal Oxide Semiconductors for Gas Sensing

A report describes the fabrication and testing of nanoscale metal oxide semiconductors (MOSs) for gas and chemical sensing. This document examines the relationship between processing approaches and resulting sensor behavior. This is a core question related to a range of applications of nanotechnology and a number of different synthesis methods are discussed: thermal evaporation- condensation (TEC), controlled oxidation, and electrospinning. Advantages and limitations of each technique are listed, providing a processing overview to developers of nanotechnology- based systems. The results of a significant amount of testing and comparison are also described. A comparison is made between SnO2, ZnO, and TiO2 single-crystal nanowires and SnO2 polycrystalline nanofibers for gas sensing. The TECsynthesized single-crystal nanowires offer uniform crystal surfaces, resistance to sintering, and their synthesis may be done apart from the substrate. The TECproduced nanowire response is very low, even at the operating temperature of 200 C. In contrast, the electrospun polycrystalline nanofiber response is high, suggesting that junction potentials are superior to a continuous surface depletion layer as a transduction mechanism for chemisorption. Using a catalyst deposited upon the surface in the form of nanoparticles yields dramatic gains in sensitivity for both nanostructured, one-dimensional forms. For the nanowire materials, the response magnitude and response rate uniformly increase with increasing operating temperature. Such changes are interpreted in terms of accelerated surface diffusional processes, yielding greater access to chemisorbed oxygen species and faster dissociative chemisorption, respectively. Regardless of operating temperature, sensitivity of the nanofibers is a factor of 10 to 100 greater than that of nanowires with the same catalyst for the same test condition. In summary, nanostructure appears critical to governing the reactivity, as measured by electrical resistance of these SnO2 nanomaterials towards reducing gases. With regard to the sensitivity of the different nascent nanostructures, the electrospun nanofibers appear preferable

Hunter, Gary W.↗
NASA NTRS2020

Residual Stress Measurements of Ni-base Superalloys through Neutron Diffraction

Linear friction welding (LFW) is being considered for joining single crystal to polycrystalline nickel-base alloys for advanced high temperature gas turbine disks. Unfortunately, the transient thermal cycle during the welding generates undesirable residual stresses. Additionally, upon thermal treatment to relieve these residual stresses the weld joints often crack. To understand this issue, state-of-the-art neutron diffraction was performed near weld joints to quantify the residual stresses created by varying linear friction weld conditions. The residual stresses were measured along three orthogonal axes in both the polycrystalline LSHR and single crystal SC-180 alloys. Residual stress measurements using a contour method were used to compare the calculations obtained by neutron diffraction. The results suggest high residual stresses can be successfully reduced using both pre- and post-weld processing steps. Moreover, the effect of grain size and pre-heat temperatures on the LFW process were explored.

Superalloys↗