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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 37 records · Page 2
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

Effect of microstructure and composition on the improvement of n-type SiGe/GaP material

Experimental and theoretical work has been conducted at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory to improve the thermoelectric properties of n-type SiGe materials. Particular emphasis has been placed upon the understanding of the differences in dopant solid solubilities when multidoping with both Ga and P instead of P alone, as in standard SiGe alloys. A set of various experimental techniques for obtaining heavily doped hot-pressed samples coupled with thermodynamic theoretical considerations was used to relate microstructure and composition to electrical and thermal transport properties. Application of these results to high-temperature heat treatments of several SiGe/GaP samples achieved substantial improvements of the thermoelectric figure of merit Z, with average values close to 1 x 10-3K-1 over the 600-1000 C temperature range. A set of systematic anneals on heavily doped SiGe/GaP materials is reported in an attempt to consistently reproduce the optimized thermoelectric properties.

Fleurial, Jean-Pierre↗
NASA NTRS1991

Morphology and microstructure of composite materials

Lightweight continuous carbon fiber based polymeric composites are currently enjoying increasing acceptance as structural materials capable of replacing metals and alloys in load bearing applications. As with most new materials, these composites are undergoing trials with several competing processing techniques aimed at cost effectively producing void free consolidations with good mechanical properties. As metallic materials have been in use for several centuries, a considerable database exists on their morphology - microstructure; and the interrelationships between structure and properties have been well documented. Numerous studies on composites have established the crucial relationship between microstructure - morphology and properties. The various microstructural and morphological features of composite materials, particularly those accompanying different processing routes, are documented.

Tiwari, S. N.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Comparative Mineralogy, Microstructure and Compositional Trends in the Sub-Micron Size Fractions of Mare and Highland Lunar Soils

The morphology, mineralogy, chemical composition and optical properties of lunar soils show distinct correlations as a function of grain size and origin [1,2,3]. In the <20 m size fraction, there is an increased correlation between lunar surface properties observed through remote sensing techniques and those attributed to space weathering phenomenae [1,2]. Despite the establishment of recognizable trends in lunar grains <20 in size [1,2,3], the size fraction < 10 m is characterized as a collective population of grains without subdivision. This investigation focuses specifically on grains in the <1 m diameter size fraction for both highland and mare derived soils. The properties of these materials provide the focus for many aspects of lunar research including the nature of space weathering on surface properties, electrostatic grain transport [4,5] and dusty plasmas [5]. In this study, we have used analytical transmission and scanning transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM) to characterize the mineralogy type, microstructure and major element compositions of grains in this important size range in lunar soils.

Thompson, M. S.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Joining and Integration of Silicon Nitride Ceramics for Aerospace and Energy Systems

Light-weight, creep-resistant silicon nitride ceramics possess excellent high-temperature strength and are projected to significantly raise engine efficiency and performance when used as turbine components in the next-generation turbo-shaft engines without the extensive cooling that is needed for metallic parts. One key aspect of Si3N4 utilization in such applications is its joining response to diverse materials. In an ongoing research program, the joining and integration of Si3N4 ceramics with metallic, ceramic, and composite materials using braze interlayers with the liquidus temperature in the range 750-1240C is being explored. In this paper, the self-joining behavior of Kyocera Si3N4 and St. Gobain Si3N4 using a ductile Cu-based active braze (Cu-ABA) containing Ti will be presented. Joint microstructure, composition, hardness, and strength as revealed by optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Knoop microhardness test, and offset compression shear test will be presented. Additionally, microstructure, composition, and joint strength of Si3N4/Inconel 625 joints made using Cu-ABA, will be presented. The results will be discussed with reference to the role of chemical reactions, wetting behavior, and residual stresses in joints.

Singh, M.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Composite materials microstructure for radiation shielding

Shielding against radiation is a concern for applications on earth, in space, and on extraterrestrial surfaces. On earth EMI is an important factor, while in space and on extraterrestrial surfaces particle (high charge-Z and high energy-E) radiation is a critical issue. Conventional metallic materials currently used for EMI shielding incur large weight penalties. To overcome this weight penalty, ultra-lightweight composite materials utilizing fillers ranging from carbon microballoons to silver coated ceramic microballoons are proposed. The crucial shielding requirement is conductivity of the constituent materials, while the hollow microballoon geometry is utilized to yield low weight. Methods of processing and composition effects are examined and these results are compared to the effectiveness of varying the conductive microballoon material. The resulting ultralightweight materials, developed for EMI shielding, can be tailored through the application of the understanding of the relative effects of variables such as those tested. Initial experimental results reveal that these tailored ultralightweight composite materials are superior to traditional aluminum shielding at only a small fraction of the weight.

Radford, Donald W.↗
NASA NTRS1992

CVD of silicon carbide on structural fibers: Microstructure and composition

Structural fibers are currently being considered as reinforcements for intermetallic and ceramic materials. Some of these fibers, however, are easily degraded in a high temperature oxidative environment. Therefore, coatings are needed to protect the fibers from environmental attack. Silicon carbide (SiC) was chemically vapor deposited (CVD) on Textron's SCS6 fibers. Fiber temperatures ranging from 1350 to 1500 C were studied. Silane (SiH4) and propane (C2H8) were used for the source gases and different concentrations of these source gases were studied. Deposition rates were determined for each group of fibers at different temperatures. Less variation in deposition rates were observed for the dilute source gas experiments than the concentrated source gas experiments. A careful analysis was performed on the stoichiometry of the CVD SiC coating using electron microprobe. Microstructures for the different conditions were compared. At 1350 C, the microstructures were similar; however, at higher temperatures, the microstructure for the more concentrated source gas group were porous and columnar in comparison to the cross sections taken from the same area for the dilute source gas group.

Veitch, Lisa C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

CVD of silicon carbide on structural fibers - Microstructure and composition

Structural fibers are currently being considered as reinforcements for intermetallic and ceramic materials. Some of these fibers, however, are easily degraded in a high temperature oxidative environment. Therefore, coatings are needed to protect the fibers from environmental attack. Silicon carbide (SiC) was chemically vapor deposited (CVD) on Textron's SCS6 fibers. Fiber temperatures ranging from 1350 to 1500 C were studied. Silane (SiH4) and propane (C2H8) were used for the source gases and different concentrations of these source gases were studied. Deposition rates were determined for each group of fibers at different temperatures. Less variation in deposition rates were observed for the dilute source gas experiments than the concentrated source gas experiments. A careful analysis was performed on the stoichiometry of the CVD SiC coating using electron microprobe. Microstructures for the different conditions were compared. At 1350 C, the microstructures were similar; however, at higher temperatures, the microstructure for the more concentrated source gas group were porous and columnar in comparison to the cross sections taken from the same area for the dilute source gas group.

Veitch, Lisa C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Microstructure and composition of InSb-GaSb ingots directionally solidified aboard Skylab

InSb-GaSb solid solution ingots prepared by directional solidification aboard Skylab and on earth consist of twins with (111) twin planes parallel to the direction of solidification and growth directions that lie along 211, 110, or 321 crystallographic directions. Significant fractions of several ingots prepared aboard Skylab were solidified from melts that were not in contact with container walls, resulting in convection driven by surface tension gradients in the melt and corresponding radially-symmetric composition variations in the ingot. In these regions, adjacent twins exhibit marked differences in indium content, indicating a substantial dependence of composition on crystallographic orientation.

Lefever, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Microstructural and Compositional Relations of Granitoid Clasts in Lunar Breccias at the Micrometer to Sub-Micrometer Scale

Lunar granitoid lithologies have long been of interest for the information they provide on processes leading to silicic melt compositions on the Moon. The extraction of such melts over time affects the distribution and budget of incompatible materials (i.e., radiogenic heat producing elements and volatiles) of the lunar interior. We have recently shown that in addition to their high concentrations of incompatible lithophile elements, some granitoid clasts in lunar breccias have significant indigenous water contents in their alkali feldspars. This raises the importance of lunar granitoid materials in the expanding search for mineralogic/petrologic hosts of indigenous lunar water-related species. We are undertaking a detailed survey of the petrologic/mineralogical relations of granitoid clasts in lunar breccias to achieve a better understanding of the potential of these diverse assemblages as hosts for volatiles, and as candidates for additional isotope chronology studies. Our preliminary results reported here based on high-resolution field-emission SEM, EPMA and TEM studies uncover immense complexity in these materials at the micrometer to sub-micrometer scale that heretofore have not been fully documented.

Christoffersen, R.↗
NASA NTRS2021

The Effect of Composition on Microstructure and Properties for Additively Manufactured Superalloy 718

Additive manufacturing (AM) represents an exciting new approach towards producing metallic aerospace components. The ability to make complex geometries that were impossible to create using conventional manufacturing methods has sparked interest from the aerospace community, including NASA. The use of AM components for crucial and human rated space missions necessitates a full characterization of the differences between AM and more conventional wrought and cast processes. For this study, sixteen different commercially available superalloy 718 powder feedstocks were obtained, built using laser powder bed fusion(L-PBF), and microstructurally and mechanically analyzed. These measurements revealed a wide range of build qualities and microstructures despite all powder lots falling within the 718chemical specification and being processed using the same prescribed build and heat treatment parameters. Statistical analysis found a strong correlation of the amount of carbon in the powder with the final grain size and strength of the heat-treated 718 part. Ultimately, this study highlights the need of a refined superalloy 718 chemical specification for powder lots to be used in AM.

Timothy M Smith↗
NASA NTRS2001

Property and Microstructural Characterization of Diboride Composites for High Temperature Aerospace Applications

Previous work on refractory diboride composites has shown these systems to have potential for use in high temperature leading edge applications for reusable reentry vehicles. These composites, based on compositions of HfB2 or ZrB2 with SiC particulate reinforcements, have shown good oxidation resistance in reentry environments. In this work we are investigating the effects of composition and microstructure on properties. Preliminary studies of composite mechanical properties and oxidation behavior will be discussed.

Gusman, Michael I.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Reliability and life prediction of ceramic composite structures at elevated temperatures

Methods are highlighted that ascertain the structural reliability of components fabricated of composites with ceramic matrices reinforced with ceramic fibers or whiskers and subject to quasi-static load conditions at elevated temperatures. Each method focuses on a particular composite microstructure: whisker-toughened ceramics, laminated ceramic matrix composites, and fabric reinforced ceramic matrix composites. In addition, since elevated service temperatures usually involve time-dependent effects, a section dealing with reliability degradation as a function of load history has been included. A recurring theme throughout this chapter is that even though component failure is controlled by a sequence of many microfailure events, failure of ceramic composites will be modeled using macrovariables.

Duffy, Stephen F.↗
NASA NTRS1984

The growth of metastable peritectic compounds

The effects of directional solidification processing on the microstructural, compositional, and magnetic properties of high-melting-temperature, commercially important alloys which form from the liquid state via peritectic or eutectic type reactions were determined. Emphasis was placed on ferromagnetic compounds of the commercially important Co-Sm and Al-Mn systems. The primary dendrite spacing for eutectic Sm2Co17/Co scaled with negative square root of V and varied from approximately 50 microns for V 20 cm/h to hundreds of microns for V 10 cm/h. Since the crystal growth mechanism was dendritic rather than cooperative, the assoicated permanent magnet properties were rather poor. Magnetization as a function of sample orientation indicates that the easy axis of magnetization was primarily along the direction of solidification for the eutectic Sm2Co17/Co and peritectic SmCo5/Sm2Co17 compositions. For the Al-Mn case, magnetization and microstructural characterization suggest isotropic, polycrystalling growth for all solidification velocities studied.

Pirich, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS2021

Microstructural, Strength, and Creep Characterization of Sylramic™, Sylramic™-iBN and Super Sylramic™-iBN SiC Fibers

The chemical composition, microstructure, strength, and thermal stability of polymer-derived Sylramic™ SiC fibers fabricated by Dow Corning and COI Ceramics, Inc., and nitrogen-treated Sylramic™ SiC fibers, referred to as Sylramic™-iBN and Super Sylramic™-iBN SiC fibers, were investigated and compared. The baseline Sylramic™ SiC fibers fabricated by both vendors as well as the nitrogen-treated Sylramic™ SiC fibers are composed mostly of β-SiC (~97 wt%) with small amounts of TiB2 (~2 wt%), amorphous carbon (~1 wt%) and trace amounts of B4C. Most of the amorphous carbon is segregated at the core/interior of the fibers. Both baseline and nitrogen-treated Sylramic™ SiC fibers have similar grain size and pore size distribution, except for a thin layer of in-situ grown crystalline BN (30 to 70 nm) on the surface of Sylramic™-iBN and Super Sylramic™-iBN fibers. Wide variation in strength within a batch as well as between batches is observed in both baseline and nitrogen-treated Sylramic™ SiC fibers but both types of fibers are microstructurally stable at temperatures to 1800°C in argon and nitrogen environments compared to Nicalon™-S and Tyranno®-SA SiC fibers. Under the same creep condition, Super Sylramic™-iBN fibers show better creep resistance compared to Sylramic™, Sylramic™-iBN, Hi-Nicalon™-S, and Tyranno®-SA fibers. Possible reasons for strength variability and the mechanism of in-situ BN formation on Sylramic™ SiC fibers are discussed.

SiC fibers↗
NASA NTRS2020

Microstructure and Hardness of 57Ni –40Ti –3Hf (wt.%)

Ni-rich NiTiHf (57 wt.% Ni – 40 wt.% Ti – 3 wt.% Hf) is an intermetallic material that is superelastic, corrosion resistant and hardenable through relatively simple heat treatment procedures. The composition, microstructure and hardness of two separate lots of Ni-rich NiTiHf were investigated. The measured compositions for both lots were nominal, with total impurities in each of less than 0.01 wt%. The average grain sizes were 28.0µm and 26.4µm for the two lots. In its annealed condition (1,050°C × 48h/furnace cool to room temperature), the microstructure consisted of a B2 (cubic) NiTiHf parent phase with abundant Ni4Ti3 precipitates and a few TiC inclusions. The grain boundaries were decorated with HfO2 particles and metastable Ni3Ti2 precipitates that were cubic in structure. The average hardness varied from approximately 470HV to 490HV for the two lots. The hardened (annealed then 900°C × 2h/water quench to room temperature) microstructure consisted of a B2 NiTiHf parent phase with no precipitates, HfO2 decorating the grain boundaries and some TiC inclusions. The average hardness in this heat treatment condition was approximately 580HV for both lots. The aged (hardened then 400°C × 30min/water quench to room temperature) microstructure consisted of a B2 NiTiHf parent phase containing a high density of very fine Ni4Ti3 precipitate phase, HfO2 decorating the grain boundaries and some TiC inclusions. For each lot, the average hardness decreased slightly after aging as compared to the hardened heat treatment condition. This report is expected to serve as a reference for a forthcoming Materials Specification for the use of Ni-rich NiTiHf in flight hardware.

intermetallics, compositional analysis, Vickers ha↗
NASA NTRS1973

Eutectic superalloys strengthened by aligned delta, Ni3Cb lamellae, gamma-prime, Ni3Al precipitates and reduced interlamellar spacing.

Monovariant eutectic alloys, located on the liquidus trough between the binary eutectic gamma, Ni - delta, Ni3Cb and the ternary eutectic gamma, Ni - gamma-prime, Ni3Al - delta, Ni3Cb, were identified which permitted the production of aligned lamellae within a nickel solid solution matrix containing the precipitate gamma-prime. These alloys exhibited great insensitivity in their composite microstructures to solidification parameters such as growth rate temperature gradient, and were found to be remarkably uniform in composition along their length.

Lemkey, F. D.↗