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At least 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1975

X-ray method shows fibers fail during fatigue of boron-epoxy laminates

A method proposed for studying progressive fiber fracture in boron-epoxy laminates during fatigue tests is described. It is based on the intensity of X-ray absorption of the tungsten core in the boron filaments as contrasted with that of the boron and epoxy matrix. When the laminate is X-rayed, the image of the tungsten in the born filaments is recorded on a photographic plate. Breaks in the boron laminates can be easily identified by magnifying the photographic plates. The method is suitable for studying broken boron filaments in most matrix materials, and may supply key information for developing realistic fatigue and fracture models.

Roderick, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Friction and transfer behavior of pyrolytic boron nitride in contact with various metals

Sliding friction experiments were conducted with pyrolytic boron nitride in sliding contact with itself and various metals. Auger emission spectroscopy was used to monitor transfer of pyrolytic boron nitride to metals and metals to pyrolytic boron nitride. Results indicate that the friction coefficient for pyrolytic boron nitride in contact with metals can be related to the chemical activity of the metals and more particularly to the d valence bond character of the metal. Transfer was found to occur to all metals except silver and gold and the amount of transfer was less in the presence than in the absence of metal oxide. Friction was less for pyrolytic boron nitride in contact with a metal in air than in vacuum.

Buckley, D. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Determination of boron and lithium by recording the products from (n, alpha) reactions

Irradiation with thermal neutrons in the VVR-S reactor provides a nondestructive method for determining the presence of boron and lithium in solids. The charged particles produced in the reactions Li-6(n,alpha)H-3 and B-10(n,alpha)Li-7 were detected using CsI single crystal. For alpha-particle spectrometry in the boron determination, an ionization chamber (W and Sn electrodes, 99% Ar + 1% H2) was developed allowing both absolute and relative measurements. In determining boron in lithium-containing samples, both scintillation and ionization chambers are used. In determining lithium in minerals, the error was 1.5%, and the sensitivity 0.00005 wt.%. In the determination of boron in SiC with a concentration of boron approximately (3 plus or minus 2) the error given by the alpha-range uncertainty was 15%.

Lobanov, Y. M.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Axial residual stresses in boron fibers

A method of measuring axial residual stresses in boron fibers is presented. With this method, the axial residual stress distribution as a function of radius is determined from the fiber surface to the core including the average residual stress in the core. Such measurements on boron on tungsten (B/W) fibers show that the residual stresses for 102, 142, 203, and 366 micron diam fibers are similar, being compressive at the surface and changing monotonically to a region of tensile stress within the boron. At approximately 25% of the original radius, the stress reaches a maximum tensile stress of about 860 MN sq m and then decreases to a compressive stress near the tungsten boride core. Data are presented for 203-micron diam B/W fibers that show annealing above 900 C reduces the residual stresses. A comparison between 102-micron diam B/W and boron on carbon (B/C) show that the residual stresses are similar in the outer regions of the fibers, but that large differences near and in the core are observed. Fracture of boron fibers is discussed.

Behrendt, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The abundance of boron in B- and A-type stars

Results are reported for Copernicus observations of the 1362.46-A resonance line of B II in 16 normal B and A stars. An average for the stars in which a boron abundance has been determined yields a B/H abundance ratio of 2 x 10 to the -10th; this value is taken to be the cosmic abundance of boron. The observed abundances are compared with those predicted by the galactic-cosmic-ray (GCR) spallation theory for the 'best fit' GCR flux, and remarkably good agreement is obtained. The value derived for the cosmic boron abundance is shown to support the theory that spallation reactions by high-energy GCRs on atoms of C, N, and O in the interstellar gas are responsible for the origin of B and Be as well as at least some Li. It is noted that the meteorite boron abundance is an order of magnitude greater than the cosmic abundance derived from stars, which implies an anomalous local enrichment in boron and possibly in the B-11/B-10 ratio during the formation of carbonaceous chondrites.

Boesgaard, A. M.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Calculation of residual principal stresses in CVD boron on carbon filaments

A three-dimensional finite element model of the chemical vapor deposition of boron on a carbon substrate (B/C) is developed. The model includes an expansion of the boron after deposition due to atomic rearrangement and includes creep of the boron and carbon. Curves are presented showing the variation of the principal residual stresses and the filament elongation with the parameters defining deposition strain and creep. The calculated results are compared with experimental axial residual stress and elongation measurements made on B/C filaments. For good agreement between calculated and experimental results, the deposited boron must continue to expand after deposition, and the build up of residual stresses must be limited by significant boron and carbon creep rates.

Behrendt, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Calculation of residual principal stresses in CVD boron on carbon filaments

A three-dimensional finite element model of the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of boron on a carbon substrate (B/C) is developed. The model includes an expansion of the boron after deposition due to atomic rearrangement and includes creep of the boron and carbon. Curves are presented to show how the principal residual stresses and the filament elongation vary as the parameters defining deposition strain and creep are varied. The calculated results are compared with experimental axial residual stress and elongation measurements made on B/C filaments. This comparison requires that for good agreement between calculated and experimental results, the deposited boron must continue to expand after deposition, and that the build-up of residual stresses is limited by significant boron and carbon creep rates.

Behrendt, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Surface Chemistry, Microstructure, and Tribological Properties of Cubic Boron Nitride Films

This report deals with the surface chemistry, microstructure, bonding state, morphology, and friction and wear properties of cubic boron nitride (c-BN) films that were synthesized by magnetically enhanced plasma ion plating. Several analytical techniques - x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and surface profilometry - were used to characterize the films. Sliding friction experiments using a ball-on-disk configuration were conducted for the c-BN films in sliding contact with 440C stainless-steel balls at room temperature in ultrahigh vacuum (pressure, 10(exp -6), in ambient air, and under water lubrication. Results indicate that the boron-to-nitrogen ratio on the surface of the as-deposited c-BN film is greater than 1 and that not all the boron is present as boron nitride but a small percentage is present as an oxide. Both in air and under water lubrication, the c-BN film in sliding contact with steel showed a low wear rate, whereas a high wear rate was observed in vacuum. In air and under water lubrication, c-BN exhibited wear resistance superior to that of amorphous boron nitride, titanium nitride, and titanium carbide.

Watanabe, Shuichi↗
NASA NTRS1999

Low-Energy Sputtering Studies of Boron Nitride with Xenon Ions

Sputtering of boron nitride with xenon ions was investigated using secondary ion (SIMS) and secondary neutral (SNMS) mass spectrometry. The ions generated from the ion gun were incident on the target at an angle of 50' with respect to the surface'normal. The energy of ions ranged from 100 eV to 3 keV. A flood electron gun was used to neutralize the positive charge build-up on the target surface. The intensities of sputtered neutral and charged particles, including single atoms, molecules, and clusters, were measured as a function of ion energy. Positive SIMS spectra were dominated by the two boron isotopes whereas BN- and B- were the two major constituents of the negative SIMS spectra. Nitrogen could be detected only in the SNMS spectra. The intensity-energy curves of the sputtered particles were similar in shape. The knees in P-SIMS and SNMS intensity-energy curves appear at around I keV which is significantly higher that 100 to 200 eV energy range at which knees appear in the sputtering of medium and heavy elements by ions of argon and xenon. This difference in the position of the sputter yield knee between boron nitride and heavier targets is due to the reduced ion energy differences. The isotopic composition of secondary ions of boron were measured by bombarding boron nitride with xenon ions at energies ranging from 100 eV to 1.5 keV using a quadrupole mass spectrometer. An ion gun was used to generate the ion beam. A flood electron gun was used to neutralize the positive charge buildup on the target surface. The secondary ion flux was found to be enriched in heavy isotopes at lower incident ion energies. The heavy isotope enrichment was observed to decrease with increasing primary ion energy. Beyond 350 eV, light isotopes were sputtered preferentially with the enrichment increasing to an asymptotic value of 1.27 at 1.5 keV. The trend is similar to that of the isotopic enrichment observed earlier when copper was sputtered with xenon ions in the same energy range.

Ray, P. K.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Fabrication Of Carbon-Boron Reinforced Dry Polymer Matrix Composite Tape

Future generation aerospace vehicles will require specialized hybrid material forms for component structure fabrication. For this reason, high temperature composite prepregs in both dry and wet forms are being developed at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). In an attempt to improve compressive properties of carbon fiber reinforced composites, a hybrid carbon-boron tape was developed and used to fabricate composite laminates which were subsequently cut into flexural and compression specimens and tested. The hybrid material, given the designation HYCARB, was fabricated by modifying a previously developed process for the manufacture of dry polymer matrix composite (PMC) tape at LaRC. In this work, boron fibers were processed with IM7/LaRC(TradeMark)IAX poly(amide acid) solution-coated prepreg to form a dry hybrid tape for Automated Tow Placement (ATP). Boron fibers were encapsulated between two (2) layers of reduced volatile, low fiber areal weight poly(amide acid) solution-coated prepreg. The hybrid prepreg was then fully imidized and consolidated into a dry tape suitable for ATP. The fabrication of a hybrid boron material form for tow placement aids in the reduction of the overall manufacturing cost of boron reinforced composites, while realizing the improved compression strengths. Composite specimens were press-molded from the hybrid material and exhibited excellent mechanical properties.

Belvin, Harry L.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Synthesis of Boron Nitride Nanotubes for Engineering Applications

Boron Nitride nanotubes (BNNT) are of interest to the scientific and technical communities for many of the same reasons that carbon nanotubes (CNT) have attracted large amounts of attention. Both materials have potentially unique and significant properties which may have important structural and electronic applications in the future. However of even more interest than their similarities may be the differences between carbon and boron nanotubes. Whilt boron nitride nanotubes possess a very high modulus similaar to CNT, they are also more chemically and thermally inert. Additionally BNNT possess more uniform electronic properties, having a uniform band gap of approximately 5.5 eV while CNT vary from semi-conductin to conductor behavior. Boron Nitride nanotubes have been synthesized by a variety of methods such as chemical vapor deposition, arc discharge and reactive milling. Consistently producing a reliable product has proven difficult. Progress in synthesis of 1-2 gram sized batches of Boron Nitride nanotubes will be discussed as well as potential uses for this unique material.

Hurst, Janet↗
NASA NTRS2000

Process to produce silicon carbide fibers using a controlled concentration of boron oxide vapor

A process for producing polycrystalline silicon carbide includes heating an amorphous ceramic fiber that contains silicon and carbon in an environment containing boron oxide vapor. The boron oxide vapor is produced in situ by the reaction of a boron containing material such as boron carbide and an oxidizing agent such as carbon dioxide, and the amount of boron oxide vapor can be controlled by varying the amount and rate of addition of the oxidizing agent.

Barnard, Thomas Duncan↗
NASA NTRS1997

Low pressure growth of cubic boron nitride films

A method for forming thin films of cubic boron nitride on substrates at low pressures and temperatures. A substrate is first coated with polycrystalline diamond to provide a uniform surface upon which cubic boron nitride can be deposited by chemical vapor deposition. The cubic boron nitride film is useful as a substitute for diamond coatings for a variety of applications in which diamond is not suitable. any tetragonal or hexagonal boron nitride. The cubic boron nitride produced in accordance with the preceding example is particularly well-suited for use as a coating for ultra hard tool bits and abrasives, especially those intended to use in cutting or otherwise fabricating iron.

Ong, Tiong P.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Process to produce silicon carbide fibers using a controlled concentration of boron oxide vapor

A process for producing polycrystalline silicon carbide by heating an amorphous ceramic fiber that contains silicon and carbon in an environment containing boron oxide vapor. The boron oxide vapor is produced in situ by the reaction of a boron containing material such as boron carbide and an oxidizing agent such as carbon dioxide, and the amount of boron oxide vapor can be controlled by varying the amount and rate of addition of the oxidizing agent.

Barnard, Thomas Duncan↗
NASA NTRS2012

Boron Nitride Nanotubes

Boron nitride nanotubes are prepared by a process which includes: (a) creating a source of boron vapor; (b) mixing the boron vapor with nitrogen gas so that a mixture of boron vapor and nitrogen gas is present at a nucleation site, which is a surface, the nitrogen gas being provided at a pressure elevated above atmospheric, e.g., from greater than about 2 atmospheres up to about 250 atmospheres; and (c) harvesting boron nitride nanotubes, which are formed at the nucleation site.

Smith, Michael W.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Forcespun Polymers as Precursors to Boron Nitride Fibers

The need for multifunctional materials in aerospace technologies is currently driving the development of new novel composite materials. Specifically, insulation materials with high thermal conductivity, high electrical resistivity, and are chemically inert are needed for high voltage power applications. Boron nitride (BN) nanomaterials fit these criteria and can be incorporated into composites for further material design. The synthesis of boron nitride through a polymer derived ceramic route allows for the morphology of the resulting BN to be tailored. This is especially beneficial since the polymers can be shaped or spun into fibers prior to the ceramic conversion. This project utilizes the Forcespinning technique to produce boron-containing polymer fibers that are converted to boron nitride through a heat treatment. The chemical compositions and fiber morphologies were studied and reported here.

Boron nitride, Fibers, Forcespinning↗
NASA NTRS1973

Development of a process for producing ribbon shaped boron filaments

A ribbon-shaped boron filament with a tensile strength of 138 KN/sq cm (200 ksi) was investigated. The investigation was carried out using both carbon and tungsten as substrate materials. No satisfactory results were obtained utilizing uncoated, copper-plated or silicon carbide coated tungsten ribbon substrates. Carbon ribbon substrates were prepared by pyrolysis of stretched polyimide tape. A severe deposition gradient occurred in all dc reactor experiments due to convective cooling at the edge of the substrate that resulted in a weak, nonuniform filament. RF heating, however, completely eliminated this gradient problem and a 90 cm (35.5 in.) long boron ribbon was produced at .85 cm/sec (100 ft/hr) using a frequency of 40.68 megahertz. This boron ribbon, however, exhibited a light-bulb effect during deposition to 59 KN/sq cm (85.7 ksi) were obtained from this ribbon. Several silicon carbide ribbon shaped filaments were also produced during this investigation by decomposition of CH3SiHCl2 onto carbon substrates. Contrary to the boron work, silicon carbide ribbon was readily prepared in dc static reactors. A very uniform and smooth deposition was obtained with strengths up to 71.1 KN/sq cm (103.5 ksi).

Basche, M.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Design and fabrication of a boron reinforced intertank skirt

Analytical and experimental studies were performed to evaluate the structural efficiency of a boron reinforced shell, where the medium of reinforcement consists of hollow aluminum extrusions infiltrated with boron epoxy. Studies were completed for the design of a one-half scale minimum weight shell using boron reinforced stringers and boron reinforced rings. Parametric and iterative studies were completed for the design of minimum weight stringers, rings, shells without rings and shells with rings. Computer studies were completed for the final evaluation of a minimum weight shell using highly buckled minimum gage skin. The detail design is described of a practical minimum weight test shell which demonstrates a weight savings of 30% as compared to an all aluminum longitudinal stiffened shell. Sub-element tests were conducted on representative segments of the compression surface at maximum stress and also on segments of the load transfer joint. A 10 foot long, 77 inch diameter shell was fabricated from the design and delivered for further testing.

Henshaw, J.↗