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At least 55 records · Page 3

Fractographic evaluation of creep effects on strain-controlled fatigue-cracking of AISI 304LC and 316 stainless steel

Analysis of high temperature low cycle fatigue of AISI 304LC and 316 stainless steels by the method of strainrange partitioning results in four separate strainrange versus life relationships, depending upon the way in which creep-strain and plastic strain are combined within a cycle. Fractography is used in this investigation of the creep-fatigue interaction associated with these cycles. The PP and PC-cycle fractures were transgranular. The PC-cycle resulted in fewer cycles of initiation and shorter total cyclic life for the same applied inelastic strainrange. The CC-cycle had mixed transgranular and intergranular fracture, fewer cycles of initiation and shorter cycle life than PP or PC. The CP-cycle had fully integranular cracking, and failed in fewer cycles than were required for cracks to initate for PP,PC, and CC.

Oldrieve, R. E.↗

Controlling stress corrosion cracking in mechanism components of ground support equipment

The selection of materials for mechanism components used in ground support equipment so that failures resulting from stress corrosion cracking will be prevented is described. A general criteria to be used in designing for resistance to stress corrosion cracking is also provided. Stress corrosion can be defined as combined action of sustained tensile stress and corrosion to cause premature failure of materials. Various aluminum, steels, nickel, titanium and copper alloys, and tempers and corrosive environment are evaluated for stress corrosion cracking.

Majid, W. A.↗

Design Criteria for Controlling Stress Corrosion Cracking

This document sets forth the criteria to be used in the selection of materials for space vehicles and associated equipment and facilities so that failure resulting from stress corrosion will be prevented. The requirements established herein apply to all metallic components proposed for use in space vehicles and other flight hardware, ground support equipment, and facilities for testing. These requirements are applicable not only to items designed and fabricated by MSFC (Marshall Space Flight Center) and its prime contractors, but also to items supplied to the prime contractor by subcontractors and vendors.

Franklin, D. B.↗

Bend-Test Results of the MISSE 7 Flexural Stress Effects Experiment After 1.5 Years of Space Exposure

Low Earth orbital environmental exposure can cause degradation of exterior spacecraft materials. Radiation and thermal exposure often result in bond-breaking and embrittlement of polymers, reducing mechanical strength and structural integrity. The Flexural Stress Effects Experiment (FSEE) was flown with the objective of determining the role of space exposure on the degradation of polymers under flexural stress. The FSEE samples were flown in a wake orientation on the exterior of International Space Station for 1.5 years. Twenty-three polyimide and fluorinated polymers with various coatings were flown: 11 bent over a 0.375-inch diameter holder and 12 over a 0.25-inch diameter holder. A non-standard bend-test procedure was used to determine the surface strain at which embrittled polymers crack. None of the control samples cracked, even under surface strains up to 19.7%, although one coating cracked. Of the 10 flight samples tested, seven indicated increased embrittlement through bend-test cracking at surface strains from 0.65% to 8.11%. Therefore, most of the tested polymers were embrittled due to space exposure, when compared to their control samples. The samples flown over the 0.375-inch holder were more embrittled than those on the 0.25-inch holder. Determination of the extent of space induced embrittlement of polymers is important for designing durable spacecraft.

Snow, Kate E.↗

Development of Eddy Current Techniques for the Detection of Cracking in Space Shuttle Primary Reaction Control Thrusters

A recent identification of cracking in the Space Shuttle Primary Reaction Control System (PRCS) thrusters triggered an extensive nondestructive evaluation effort to develop techniques capable of identifying such damage on installed shuttle hardware. As a part of this effort, specially designed eddy current probes inserted into the acoustic cavity were explored for the detection of such flaws and for evaluation of the remaining material between the crack tip and acoustic cavity. The technique utilizes two orthogonal eddy current probes which are scanned under stepper motor control in the acoustic cavity to identify cracks hidden with as much as 0.060 remaining wall thickness to the cavity. As crack growth rates in this area have been determined to be very slow, such an inspection provides a large safety margin for continued operation of the critical shuttle hardware. Testing has been performed on thruster components with both actual and fabricated defects. This paper will review the design and performance of the developed eddy current inspection system. Detection of flaws as a function of remaining wall thickness will be presented along with the proposed system configuration for depot level or on-vehicle inspection capabilities.

Wincheski, Buzz A.↗

Measurement and analysis of critical crack tip processes associated with variable amplitude fatigue crack growth

Crack growth retardation following overloads can result in overly conservative life predictions in structures subjected to variable amplitude fatigue loading when linear damage accumulation procedures are employed. Crack closure is believed to control the crack growth retardation, although the specific closure mechanism is debatable. Information on the relative contributions to crack closure from: (1) plasticity left in the wake of the advancing crack and (2) crack tip residual stresses is provided. The delay period and corresponding crack growth rate transients following overloads are systematically measured as a function of load ratio (R) and overload magnitude. These responses are correlated in terms of the local 'driving force' for crack growth as measured by crack tip opening loads and delta K sub eff. The latter measurements are obtained using a scanning electron microscope equipped with a cyclic loading stage; measurements are quantified using a relatively new stereoimaging technique. Combining experimental results with analytical predictions suggests that both plastic wake and residual stress mechanism are operative, the latter becoming predominate as R increases.

Hudak, S. J., Jr.↗

Development of Eddy Current Technique for the Detection of Stress Corrosion Cracking in Space Shuttle Primary Reaction Control Thrusters

A recent identification of stress corrosion cracking in the Space Shuttle Primary Reaction Control System (PRCS) thrusters triggered an extensive nondestructive evaluation effort to develop techniques capable of identifying such damage on installed shuttle hardware. As a part of this effort, specially designed eddy current probes inserted into the acoustic cavity were explored for the detection of such flaws and for evaluation of the remaining material between the crack tip and acoustic cavity. The technique utilizes two orthogonal eddy current probes which are scanned under stepper motor control in the acoustic cavity to identify cracks hidden with as much as 0.060 remaining wall thickness to the cavity. As crack growth rates in this area have been determined to be very slow, such an inspection provides a large safety margin for continued operation of the critical shuttle hardware. Testing has been performed on thruster components with both actual and fabricated defects. This paper will review the design and performance of the developed eddy current inspection system. Detection of flaws as a function of remaining wall thickness will be presented along with the proposed system configuration for depot level or on-vehicle inspection capabilities.

Wincheski, Buzz↗

An Open-Source Numerical Model for Mitigating Refractory Alloy Hot Cracking Susceptibility

Refractory alloys are susceptible to solidification cracking during welding and 3D printing. Composition control is an effective method of controlling solidification cracking. This work evaluates the effect of compositional variation in refractory metal systems on a computed solidification cracking susceptibility. A numerical model has been developed using Python code and open-source CALPHAD software to calculate Kou’s crack susceptibility index. The model is validated against past weldability studies performed on several refractory alloy systems. The approach is extended towards the development of new alloys with improved 3D printability and weldability and is shown to have utility in defining compositional limits for existing alloys and feedstocks. Furthermore, the model will aid in determining process controls for powder reuse and recycling.

pycalphad↗

Quench Crack Behavior of Nickel-base Disk Superalloys

There is a need to increase the temperature capability of superalloy turbine disks to allow higher operating temperatures in advanced aircraft engines. When modifying processing and chemistry of disk alloys to achieve this capability, it is important to preserve the ability to use rapid cooling during supersolvus heat treatments to achieve coarse grain, fine gamma prime microstructures. An important step in this effort is an understanding of the key variables controlling the cracking tendencies of nickel-base disk alloys during quenching from supersolvus heat treatments. The objective of this study was to investigate the quench cracking tendencies of several advanced disk superalloys during simulated heat treatments. Miniature disk specimens were rapidly quenched after solution heat treatments. The responses and failure modes were compared and related to the quench cracking tendencies of actual disk forgings. Cracking along grain boundaries was generally observed to be operative. For the alloys examined in this study, the solution temperature not alloy chemistry was found to be the primary factor controlling quench cracking. Alloys with high solvus temperatures show greater tendency for quench cracking.

Gayda, John↗

The Impact of Carbonation Curing on the Fatigue Behavior of Polyvinyl Alcohol Engineered Cementitious Composites (PVA-ECC)

Use of Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) has been proven to enhance structural fatigue resistance and reduce the use-phase emissions for transportation infrastructure. Carbonation curing offers an opportunity to reduce the embodied carbon of ECC via direct CO 2 sequestration. In this study, the impact of carbonation curing on ECC’s fatigue resistance was examined. ECC’s CO 2 uptake, static flexural behavior, flexural fatigue performance, and single fiber pull-out behavior were studied experimentally. Midspan deflection up to 3 million cycles under fatigue load, fatigue stress-life relationship, and failure mechanism for carbonation-cured and air-cured ECC were investigated. Carbonation curing was found to significantly improved the fatigue life of ECC and lowered the midspan deflection under the same stress. Further, CO 2 -cured ECC can achieve >20% CO 2 uptake per cement mass after 24-hour carbonation curing. Carbonation curing increased ECC’s flexural strength by 32% and promoted crack width control capability, with maximum post-fatigue crack width reduced from 148 μm to 76 μm. As a result, the positive impact of carbonation curing on the fatigue behavior of ECC simultaneously lowers the embodied and operational carbon of ECC structural members subjected to fatigue loading during service.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Models in the Design and Validation of Eddy Current Inspection for Cracking in the Shuttle Reaction Control System Thruster

A case study is presented for using models in eddy current NDE design for crack detection in Shuttle Reaction Control System thruster components. Numerical methods were used to address the complex geometry of the part and perform parametric studies of potential transducer designs. Simulations were found to show agreement with experimental results. Accurate representation of the coherent noise associated with the measurement and part geometry was found to be critical to properly evaluate the best probe designs.

Aldrin, John C.↗

NASA Work on Fatigue-Induced Cracking of H2 Flow Control Valve Poppet

This slide presentation reviews the work that is being done to resolve a potential problem with the flow control valve poppet that controls the flow of GH2 into the space shuttle's main engine. The STS Hydrogen Flow Control Valve (HFVC) and potential problems that could arise from the failure of a poppet are reviewed. The analysis and testing that were performed are discussed. There is discussion about the current work involved in finding a resolution to the problem, including finding new materials to use in construction of poppetts,

Maes, Miguel↗

Evaluation of the cyclic behavior of aircraft turbine disk alloys, part 2

Several nickel-base aircraft turbine disk superalloys were evaluated at 650 C for resistance to fatigue crack initiation and propagation under cyclic and cyclic/dwell conditions. Controlled strain low cycle fatigue (LCF) and controlled load crack propagation tests were performed and results utilized to provide a direct comparison among the alloys. Tests were performed on selected alloys to evaluate the effects of hold times, mean stresses, stress-dwell cycle types, inert environment, and contractor test methods. At the lower total strain ranges of interest, the alloys exhibited generally increasing initiation life with increasing tensile strength for both cyclic (0.33 Hz) and cyclic/dwell (900-sec hold per cycle) conditions. Rank order of the alloys by LCF initiation life changed substantially at higher strain ranges, approaching the rank order expected from monotonic tensile ductilities. The effect of the 900 sec (15 min) hold time fatigue life varied significantly from alloy to alloy. Generally, the higher-strength, finer-grained alloys exhibited more significant reductions in fatigue life due to the dwell. The effects of mean strain were found to be negligible and the effects of mean stress were pronounced. At high strain ranges the mean stress was near zero and did not contribute to reduction in life. At low strain ranges, however, mean stresses were large and significant reductions in LCF lives occurred.

Cowles, B. A.↗

A comparison of single-cycle versus multiple-cycle proof testing strategies

An evaluation of single-cycle and multiple-cycle proof testing (MCPT) strategies for SSME components is described. Data for initial sizes and shapes of actual SSME hardware defects are analyzed statistically. Closed-form estimates of the J-integral for surface flaws are derived with a modified reference stress method. The results of load- and displacement-controlled stable crack growth tests on thin IN-718 plates with deep surface flaws are summarized. A J-resistance curve for the surface-cracked configuration is developed and compared with data from thick compact tension specimens. The potential for further crack growth during large unload/reload cycles is discussed, highlighting conflicting data in the literature. A simple model for ductile crack growth during MCPT based on the J-resistance curve is used to study the potential effects of key variables. The projected changes in the crack size distribution during MCPT depend on the interactions between several key parameters, including the number of proof cycles, the nature of the resistance curve, the initial crack size distribution, the component boundary conditions (load vs. displacement control), and the magnitude of the applied load or displacement. The relative advantages of single-cycle and multiple-cycle proof testing appear to be specific, therefore, to individual component geometry, material, and loading.

Hudak, S. J., Jr.↗

Creep, Fatigue and Environmental Interactions and Their Effect on Crack Growth in Superalloys

Complex interactions of creep/fatigue/environment control dwell fatigue crack growth (DFCG) in superalloys. Crack tip stress relaxation during dwells significantly changes the crack driving force and influence DFCG. Linear Elastic Fracture Mechanics, Kmax, parameter unsuitable for correlating DFCG behavior due to extensive visco-plastic deformation. Magnitude of remaining crack tip axial stresses controls DFCG resistance due to the brittle-intergranular nature of the crack growth process. Proposed a new empirical parameter, Ksrf, which incorporates visco-plastic evolution of the magnitude of remaining crack tip stresses. Previous work performed at 704C, extend the work to 760C.

environmental interactions↗

Controlled Spalling of 4H Silicon Carbide with Investigated Spin Coherence for Quantum Engineering Integration

We detail scientific and engineering advances which enable the controlled spalling and layer transfer of single crystal 4H silicon carbide (4H-SiC) from bulk substrates. 4HSiC’s properties, including high thermal conductivity and a wide bandgap, make it an ideal semiconductor for power electronics. Moreover, 4H-SiC is an excellent host of solid-state atomic defect qubits for quantum computing and quantum networking. Because 4H-SiC substrates are expensive (due to long growth times and limited yield), techniques for removal and transfer of bulk-quality films are desirable for substrate reuse and integration of the separated films. In this work, we utilize updated approaches for stressor layer thickness control and spalling crack initiation to demonstrate controlled spalling of 4H-SiC, the highest fracture toughness crystal spalled to date. We achieve coherent spin control of neutral divacancy (VV 0 ) qubit ensembles and measure a quasi-bulk spin T 2 of 79.7 μs in the spalled films.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗