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At least 397 records · Page 22

The formation and study of titanium, zirconium, and hafnium complexes

Research involves the preparation and characterization of a series of Ti, Zr, Hf, TiO, and HfO complexes using the poly(pyrazole) borates as ligands. The study will provide increased understanding of the decomposition of these coordination compounds which may lead to the production of molecular oxygen on the Moon from lunar materials such as ilmenite and rutile. The model compounds are investigated under reducing conditions of molecular hydrogen by use of a high temperature/pressure stainless steel autoclave reactor and by thermogravimetric analysis.

Wilson, Bobby↗

Laser diode ignition characteristics of Zirconium Potassium Perchlorate (ZPP)

Hi-Shear Technology, Corp., (HSTC) has designed and built a Laser equivalent NASA Standard Initiator (LNSI). Langlie tests with a laser diode output initiating ZPP were conducted as a part of this effort. The test parameters include time to first pressure, laser power density requirements, and ignition time. The data from these laser tests on ZPP are presented.

Callaghan, Jerry D.↗

Magnesium-Aluminum-Zirconium Oxide Amorphous Ternary Composite: A Dense and Stable Optical Coating

In the present work, the process parameter dependent optical and structural properties of MgO-Al(2)O(3)-ZrO(2) ternary mixed-composite material have been investigated. Optical properties were derived from spectrophotometric measurements. The surface morphology, grain size distributions, crystallographic phases and process dependent material composition of films have been investigated through the use of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction analysis and Energy Dispersive X- ray (EDX) analysis. EDX analysis made evident the correlation between the optical constants and the process dependent compositions in the films. It is possible to achieve environmentally stable amorphous films with high packing density under certain optimized process conditions.

Sahoo, N. K.↗

Processing and Properties Of Refractory Zirconium Diboride Composites For Use In High Temperature Applications

The Thermal Protection Materials and Systems Branch at NASA Ames Research Center is involved in the development of a class of refractory oxidation-resistant diboride composites termed Ultra High Temperature Ceramics or UHTCs. These composites have good high temperature properties making them candidate materials for thermal protection system (TPS) applications. The current research focuses on improving processing methods to develop more reliable composites with enhanced thermal and mechanical properties. This presentation will concentrate on the processing of ZrB2/SiC composites. Some preliminary mechanical properties and oxidation data will also be presented.

Stackpoole, Margaret↗

Tantalum Addition to Zirconium Diboride for Improved Oxidation Resistance

Ultrahigh temperature ceramics have performed unreliably due to material flaws and attachment design. These deficiencies are brought to the fore by the low fracture toughness and thermal shock resistance of UHTCs. If these deficiencies are overcome, we are still faced with poor oxidation resistance as a limitation on UHTC applicability to reusable launch vehicles. We have been addressing the deficiencies of UHTCs with our focus on composite constructions and functional grading to address the mechanical issues, and on composition modification to address the oxidation issue. The approaches and progress toward the latter are reported.

Levine, Stanley R.↗

Improvement of GRCop-84 Through the Addition of Zirconium

GRCop-84 (Cu-8 at.% Cr-4 at.% Nb) has excellent strength, creep resistance, low cycle fatigue (LCF) life and stability at elevated temperatures. It suffers in comparison to many commercially available precipitation-strengthened alloys below 500 C (932 F). It was observed that the addition of Zr consistently improved the mechanical properties of Cu-based alloys especially below 500 C. In an effort to improve the low temperature properties of GRCop-84, 0.35 wt.% Zr was added to the alloy. Limited tensile, creep, and LCF testing was conducted to determine if improvements occur. The results showed some dramatic increases in the tensile and creep properties at the conditions tested with the probability of additional improvements being possible through cold working. LCF testing at room temperature did not show an improvement, but improvements might occur at elevated temperatures.

Ellis, David L.↗

Silicon carbide reinforced zirconium based cladding

A method for making an improved nuclear fuel cladding tube includes reinforcing a Zr alloy tube by first winding or braiding ceramic yarn directly around the tube to form a ceramic covering, then physically bonding the ceramic covering to the tube by applying a first coating selected from the group consisting of Nb, Nb alloy, Nb oxide, Cr, Cr oxide, Cr alloy, or combinations thereof, by one of a thermal deposition process or a physical deposition process to provide structural support member for the Zr tube, and optionally applying a second coating and optionally applying a third coating by one of a thermal deposition process or a physical deposition process. If the tube softens at 800° C.-1000° C., the structural support tube will reinforce the Zr alloy tube against ballooning and bursting, thereby preventing the release of fission products to the reactor coolant.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Zirconium Sludge Criticality Calculations in Large Process Tanks

The Savannah River Site’s (SRS) H-Canyon recently re-activated its 6.3D electrolytic dissolver to dissolve stainless steel clad research reactor fuels from Japan. A potential new mission was identified to dissolve other long-cooled fuel stored at SRS that is not aluminum clad. In the basic process of dissolution, the spent fuel dissolves into nitric acid (bulk solution). The eight ft. high and four ft. radius 6.3D dissolver is unique in that it has a platinum-coated niobium insert to resist corrosion, and the niobium basket forms an anode and cathode arrangement within the charge chute (Fig 1,2). DC current flows from anode to cathode, at up to 10,000 amps at 45 volts, through the potential gradient in the nitric acid solution, which allows the stainless steel (or other non-aluminum cladding) of the fuel to dissolve.

Wade, Brindley↗