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At least 343 records · Page 19

Creep and stress rupture of a mechanically alloyed oxide dispersion and precipitation strengthened nickel-base superalloy

The creep and stress rupture behavior of a mechanically alloyed oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) and gamma-prime precipitation strengthened nickel-base alloy (alloy MA 6000E) was studied at intermediate and elevated temperatures. At 760 C, MA 6000E exhibits the high creep strength characteristic of nickel-base superalloys and at 1093 C the creep strength is superior to other ODS nickel-base alloys. The stress dependence of the creep rate is very sharp at both test temperatures and the apparent creep activation energy measured around 760 C is high, much larger in magnitude than the self-diffusion energy. Stress rupture in this large grain size material is transgranular and crystallographic cracking is observed. The rupture ductility is dependent on creep strain rate, but usually is low. These and accompanying microstructural results are discussed with respect to other ODS alloys and superalloys and the creep behavior is rationalized by invoking a recently-developed resisting stress model of creep in materials strengthened by second phase particles.

Howson, T. E.↗

The structures of the sintered plaque in the nickel hydroxide electrode

The various failure mechanisms were identified for the nickel electrode. The nickel sinter is involved in all these failure modes. The first one, chemical attack by carbonate, nitrate or other electrolyte components, involves corrosion of the nickel sinters. The second is the physical mode, which involves swelling of the electrode and physical shifting of the sinter in the electrodes. The third is the mechanical failure mode, and is due to fatigue or to the oxygen pressure that causes deformation or fracture of the sinter.

Vyas, B.↗

Elevated temperature mechanical properties and residual tensile properties of two cast superalloys and several nickel-base oxide dispersion strengthened alloys

The elevated temperature tensile, stress-rupture and creep properties and residual tensile properties after creep straining have been determined for two cast superalloys and several wrought Ni-16Cr-4Al-yttria oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys. The creep behavior of the ODS alloys is similar to that of previously studied ODS nickel alloys. In general, the longitudinal direction is stronger than the long transverse direction, and creep is at least partially due to a diffusional creep mechanism as dispersoid-free zones were observed after creep-rupture testing. The tensile properties of the nickel-base superalloy B-1900 and cobalt-base superalloy MAR-M509 are not degraded by prior elevated temperature creep straining (at least up to 1 pct) between 1144 and 1366 K. On the other hand, the room temperature tensile properties of ODS nickel-base alloys can be reduced by prior creep strains of 0.5 pct or less between 1144 and 1477 K, with the long transverse direction being more susceptible to degradation than the longitudinal direction.

Whittenberger, J. D.↗

The abundances and energy spectra of cosmic ray iron and nickel at energies from 1 to 10 GeV per amu

A scintillation-Cerenkov counter telescope has been used to measure the absolute flux and energy spectra of the nuclear components of the primary cosmic radiation. This instrument has been flown twice on high-altitude balloons launched from Muskogee, Okalahoma (vertical rigidity cutoff of 3.4 GV), and has provided a total exposure of 20 sq m sr hr. In this paper the measurements of the abundances and the differential energy spectra of iron and nickel in the energy interval from 1 to 10 GeV per amu are presented. The mean abundance of nickel relative to iron is found to be 0.050 + or - 0.003. This ratio is consistent with abundances at the source which are similar to those of the interstellar medium as estimated both by Meyer (1979) and by Cameron (1970). If the measured energy spectra are fit to single power laws in total energy, spectral indices of 2.44 + or - 0.07 for iron and 2.33 + or - 0.13 for nickel are obtained.

Minagawa, G.↗

Electronic levels and charge distribution near the interface of nickel

The energy levels in clusters of nickel atoms were investigated by means of a series of cluster calculations using both the multiple scattering and computational techniques (designated SSO) which avoids the muffin-tin approximation. The point group symmetry of the cluster has significant effect on the energy of levels nominally not occupied. This influences the electron transfer process during chemisorption. The SSO technique permits the approaching atom or molecule plus a small number of nickel atoms to be treated as a cluster. Specifically, molecular levels become more negative in the O atom, as well as in a CO molecule, as the metal atoms are approached. Thus, electron transfer from the nickel and bond formation is facilitated. This result is of importance in understanding chemisorption and catalytic processes.

Waber, J. T.↗

Study of alumina-trichite reinforcement of a nickel-based matric by means of powder metallurgy

Research was conducted on reinforcing nickel based matrices with alumina trichites by using powder metallurgy. Alumina trichites previously coated with nickel are magnetically aligned. The felt obtained is then sintered under a light pressure at a temperature just below the melting point of nickel. The halogenated atmosphere technique makes it possible to incorporate a large number of additive elements such as chromium, titanium, zirconium, tantalum, niobium, aluminum, etc. It does not appear that going from laboratory scale to a semi-industrial scale in production would create any major problems.

Walder, A.↗

Development of technique for air coating and nickel and copper metalization of solar cells

Solar cells were made with a variety of base metal screen printing inks applied over silicon nitride AR coating and copper electroplated. Fritted and fritless nickel and fritless tin base printing inks were evaluated. Conversion efficiencies as high as 9% were observed with fritted nickel ink contacts, however, curve shapes were generally poor, reflecting high series resistance. Problems encountered in addition to high series reistance included loss of adhesion of the nickel contacts during plating and poor adhesion, oxidation and inferior curve shapes with the tin base contacts.

Source record↗

Nickel hydrogen/nickel cadmium battery trade studies

Nickel Hydrogen cell and battery technology has matured to the point where a real choice exists between Nickel Hydrogen and Nickel Cadmium batteries for each new spacecraft application. During the past few years, a number of spacecraft programs have been evaluated at Hughes with respect to this choice, with the results being split about fifty-fifty. The following paragraphs contain criteria which were used in making the battery selection.

Stadnick, S. J.↗

Effects of cobalt in nickel-base superalloys

The role of cobalt in a representative wrought nickel-base superalloy was determined. The results show cobalt affecting the solubility of elements in the gamma matrix, resulting in enhanced gamma' volume fraction, in the stabilization of MC-type carbides, and in the stabilization of sigma phase. In the particular alloy studied, these microstructural and microchemistry changes are insufficient in extent to impact on tensile strength, yield strength, and in the ductilities. Depending on the heat treatment, creep and stress rupture resistance can be cobalt sensitive. In the coarse grain, fully solutioned and aged condition, all of the alloy's 17% cobalt can be replaced by nickel without deleteriously affecting this resistance. In the fine grain, partially solutioned and aged condition, this resistance is deleteriously affected only when one-half or more of the initial cobalt content is removed. The structure and property results are discussed with respect to existing theories and with respect to other recent and earlier findings on the impact of cobalt, if any, on the performance of nickel-base superalloys.

Tien, J. K.↗

Technique for manufacturing nickel electrodes

A method of manufacturing nickel electrodes distinctive for its use of a composite material for the electrode made up of nickel compound, electrode material, cobalt in metal form or cobalt in compound form is investigated. The composite is over-discharged (same as reverse charging) in an alkaline solution. After dealkalization, synthetic resin adhesive is added and the electrode is formed. Selection of the cobalt compound is made from a group consisting of cobalt oxide, cobalt hydroxide, cobalt carbonate and cobalt sulfate. The method upgrades plate characteristics by using an active material in a non-sintered type nickel electrode, which is activated by electro-chemical effect.

Yamazaki, H.↗

Research on oxidation by air and tempering of Raney nickel electrocatalysts for the H2 anodes of alkali combustion materials cells

The controlled oxidation in air of Raney nickel electrocatalysts was studied, with special attention paid to the quantitative analysis of nickel hydroxide. The content of the latter was determined through X-ray studies, thermogravimetric measurements, and spectral photometric examinations. The dependence of the content on the drying of activated catalyst is determined. The influence of nickel hydroxide on the electrochemical parameters of the catalyst, such as diffusion polarization, is studied, including a measurement of the exchange current density using the potential drop method. Conservation by oxidation in air with ancillary stabilization of the oxide in an H2 flow at 300 C is explored, including reduction by H2, the influence of tempering time, and structural studies on conserved and stabilized catalyst, long term research on the catalyst, including the influence of aging on the reduced catalyst, and the results of impedance measurements are presented.

Selbach, H. J.↗

Test Results of a Ten Cell Bipolar Nickel-hydrogen Battery

A study was initiated to design and evaluate a new design concept for nickel-hydrogen cells. This concept involved constructing a battery in a bipolar stack with cells consisting of a one plate for each nickel and hydrogen electrode. Preliminary designs at the system level of this concept promised improvements in both volumetric and gravimetric energy densities, thermal management, life extension, costs, and peak power capability over more conventional designs. Test results were most encouraging. This preprototype battery, built with less than ideal components and hardware, exceeded expectations. A total of 2000 LEO cycles at 80 percent depth of discharge were accrued. A cycle life goal of 30,000 cycles appears achievable with minor design changes. These improvements include advanced technology nickel electrodes, insulated bipolar plates and specifically designed frames to minimize shunt currents. The discharge rate capability of this design exceeds 25C. At the 10C discharge rate, 80% of the battery capacity can be withdrawn in six minutes. This data shows that the bipolar design is well suited for those applications requiring high peak power pulses.

Cataldo, R. L.↗

Nickel-cadmium cell life test

Over 6,9000 Low Earth Orbit cycles were accumulated at 30% Depth of Discharge on twelve INTELSAT-design nickel-hydrogen cells. Physical equipment and cells are described. Performance characteristics are seen to be uniform. Further testing is planned to seek a failure mode, and also to investigate the effects of a new additive for nickel-hydrogen cells. Initial results indicate improved performance at higher temperatures and diminished swelling of positive nickel plates.

Wheeler, J. R.↗

Adsorption of O2, SO2, and SO3 on nickel oxide. Mechanism for sulfate formation

Calculations based on the atom superposition and electron delocalization molecular orbital (ASED-MO) technique suggest that O2 will adsorb perferentially end-on at an angle 45 deg from normal on a nickel cation site on the (100) surface of NiO. SO2 adsorption is also stronger on the nickel site; SO2 bonds through the sulfur atom is a plane perpendicular to the surface. Adsorption energies for SO3 on the nickel and oxygen sites are comparable in the perferred orientation in which the SO3 plane is parallel to the surface. On activation, SO3 adsorbed to an O2(-) site forms a trigonal pyramidal SO4 species which yields, with a low barrier, a tetrahedral sulfate anion. Subsequently the anion reorients on the surface. Possibilities for alternative mechanisms which require the formation of Ni3(+) or O2(-) are discussed. NiSO4 thus formed leads to the corrosion of Ni at high temperatures in the SO2+O2/SO3 The SO2+O2/SO3 atmosphere, as discussed in the experimental literature.

Mehandru, S. P.↗

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.↗

Adsorption of O2, SO2, and SO3, on nickel oxide - Mechanism for sulfate formation

Calculations based on the atom superposition and electron delocalization molecular orbital technique suggest that O2 will adsorb preferentially end-on at an angle 45 deg from normal on a nickel cation site on the (100) surface of NiO. SO2 adsorption is also stronger on the nickel site; SO2 bonds through the sulfur atom in a plane perpendicular to the surface. Adsorption energies for SO3 on the nickel and oxygen sites are comparable in the preferred orientation in which the SO3 plane is parallel to the surface. The calculations suggest that the strength of adsorption varies as O2 greater than SO2 greater than SO3. On activation, SO3 adsorbed to an O(2-) site forms a trigonal pyramidal SO4 species which yields, with a low barrier, a tetrahedral sulfate anion. Subsequently the anion reorients on the surface. Alternative mechanisms which require the formation of Ni(3+) or O(-) are discussed. NiSO4 thus formed may play a passivating role for the corrosion of Ni at low temperatures in the SO2 + O2 + SO3 atmospheres and an active role at high temperatures, as discussed in the experimental literature.

Mehandru, S. P.↗

A point defect model for nickel electrode structures

The Raman spectra for nickel electrode active mass indicate a single formula-unit crystallographic unit cell of the layered NiOOH-type. Empirical stoichiometric formulas require that extensive point defects, cation dopants and nickel vacancies, be incorporated on nickel sites. Structural differences between the alpha/gamma and beta/beta cycles, and the influence of cobalt addition on the structure will be discussed in terms of the point defect model. Other empirical data supporting the point defect model will be considered.

Loyselle, Patricia L.↗

Small scale bipolar nickel-hydrogen testing

Bipolar nickel-hydrogen batteries, ranging in capacity from 6 to 40 A-hr, have been tested at the NASA Lewis Research Center over the past six years. Small scale tests of 1 A-hr nickel-hydrogen stacks have been initiated as a means of screening design and component variations for bipolar nickel-hydrogen cells and batteries. Four small-scale batteries have been built and tested. Characterization and limited cycle testing were performed to establish the validity of test results in the scaled down hardware. The results show characterization test results to be valid. LEO test results in the small scale hardware have limited value.

Manzo, Michelle A.↗