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At least 55 records · Page 3

A Size Effect on the Fatigue Crack Growth Rate Threshold of Alloy 718

Fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) tests were conducted on Alloy 718 in the solution annealed and aged condition at room temperature. In each test, the FCGR threshold was measured using the decreasing (Delta)K method. Initial testing was at two facilities, one of which used C(T) specimens with W = 127 mm. Previous data at the other facility had been obtained with specimens with W = 50.8 mm. A comparison of test results at R = 0.1 showed that the threshold for the 127 mm specimen was considerably higher than that of the 50.8 mm specimen. A check showed that this difference was not due to a heat-to-heat or lab-to-lab variation. Additional tests were conducted on specimens with W = 25.4 mm and at other R values. Data for the various specimens is presented along with parameters usually used to describe threshold behavior.

Garr, K. R.↗

A Specimen Size Effect on the Fatigue Crack Growth Rate Threshold of IN 718

Fatigue crack growth rate (FCGR) tests were conducted on IN 718 in the solution annealed and aged condition at room temperature in accordance with E647-87. As part of each test, the FCGR threshold was measured using the decreasing Delta K method. A new heat of material was being tested and some of this material was sent to a different laboratory which wanted to use a specimen with a 127 mm width. Threshold data previously had been established on specimens with a width of 50.8 mm. As a check of the laboratory, tests were conducted at room temperature and R equal to 0.1 for comparison with the earlier data. The results were a threshold significantly higher than previously observed. Interchanging of specimen sizes and laboratories showed that the results were not due to a heat-to-heat or lab-to-lab variation. The results to be presented here are those obtained at the original laboratory. Growth rates were measured using the electric potential drop technique at R values of 0.1, 0.7, and 0.9. Compact tension specimen sizes with planer dimensions of 25.4 mm, 50.8 mm, and 127 mm were used. Crack growth rates at threshold were generally below 2.5 X 10(exp -8) mm / cycle. Closure measurements were made on some of the specimens by a manual procedure using a clip gage. When the crack growth rate data for the specimens tested at R equal to 0.1 were plotted as a function of applied Delta K, the thresholds varied with specimen width. The larger the width, the higher the threshold. The thresholds varied from 6.5 MPa-m(exp 1/2) for the 25.4 mm specimen to 15.4 MPa-m(exp 1/2) for the 127 mm specimen. At R equal to 0.7, the 25.4 mm and 50.8 mm specimens had essentially the same threshold, about 2.9 MPa-m(exp 1/2)while the 127 mm specimen had a threshold of 4.5 MPa-m(exp 1/2). When plotted as a function of effective Delta K, the R equal to 0.1 data are essentially normalized. Various aspects of the test procedure will be discussed as well as the results of analysis of the data using some different closure models.

Garr, K. R.↗

Method of thermal strain hysteresis reduction in metal matrix composites

A method is disclosed for treating graphite reinforced metal matrix composites so as to eliminate thermal strain hysteresis and impart dimensional stability through a large thermal cycle. The method is applied to the composite post fabrication and is effective on metal matrix materials using graphite fibers manufactured by both the hot roll bonding and diffusion bonding techniques. The method consists of first heat treating the material in a solution anneal oven followed by a water quench and then subjecting the material to a cryogenic treatment in a cryogenic oven. This heat treatment and cryogenic stress reflief is effective in imparting a dimensional stability and reduced thermal strain hysteresis in the material over a -250.degree. F. to +250.degree. F. thermal cycle.

Dries, Gregory A.↗

Effect of Heat Treatment on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Monel K500 Alloy Fabricated Via L-PBF and LP-DED

This study examines and compares the effect of different heat treatments (HT) on the microstructure and mechanical properties of Monel K500 fabricated using laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) and laser powder directed energy deposition (LP-DED) technologies. The as-fabricated Monel K500 specimens exhibited dendritic microstructure and elemental micro-segregation due to high cooling rates induced during the fabrication process. The applicability of HT proposed in the literature for wrought Monel K500 was investigated for L-PBF and LP-DED using four different HT procedures involving hot isostatic pressing (HIP), solution annealing (SA), and aging. The mechanical properties of test specimens were evaluated using uniaxial tensile testing at room temperature. The microstructural evolution of test specimens during HT was analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. For all HT conditions investigated, L-PBF Monel K500 specimens consistently displayed higher strength and lower ductility compared to the LP-DED counterparts. The HT procedure involving HIP at 1160°C for 3hr at 100 MPa, SA at 1100°C for 15 min, and three step aging at 610°C for 16 hr, 540°C for 6 hr, and 480°C for 8 hr resulted in highest strength for both L-PBF and LP-DED fabricated Monel K500.

Additive manufacturing↗

Effect of outdoor exposure at ambient and elevated temperatures on fatigue life of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy sheet in the annealed and the solution treated and aged condition

Specimens of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy sheet in the annealed and the solution-treated and aged heat-treatment condition were exposed outdoors at ambient and 560 K (550 F) temperatures to determine the effect of outdoor exposure on fatigue life. Effects of exposure were determined by comparing fatigue lives of exposed specimens to those of unexpected specimens. Two procedures for fatigue testing the exposed specimens were evaluated: (1) fatigue tests conducted outdoors by applying 1200 load cycles per week until failure occurred and (2) conventional fatigue tests (continuous cycling until failure occurred) conducted indoors after outdoor exposure under static load. The exposure period ranged from 9 to 28 months for the outdoor fatigue-test group and was 24 months for the static-load group. All fatigue tests were constant-amplitude bending of specimens containing a drilled hole (stress concentration factor of 1.6). The results of the tests indicate that the fatigue lives of solution-treated and aged specimens were significantly reduced by the outdoor exposure at 560 K but not by the exposure at ambient temperature. Fatigue lives of the annealed specimens were essentially unaffected by the outdoor exposure at either temperature. The two test procedures - outdoor fatigue test and indoor fatigue test after outdoor exposure - led to the same conclusions about exposure effects.

Phillips, E. P.↗

Dislocation Theory of the Fatigue of Metals

A dislocation theory of fatigue failure for annealed solid solutions is presented. On the basis of this theory, an equation giving the dependence of the number of cycles for failure on the stress, the temperature, the material parameters, and the frequency is derived for uniformly stressed specimens. The equation is in quantitative agreement with the data. Inasmuch as one material parameter is indicated to be temperature-dependent and its temperature dependence is unknown, it is impossible to predict the temperature dependence of the number of cycles for failure. A predicted quantitative correlation between fatigue and creep was found to exist, which suggests the practical possibility of obtaining fatigue data for annealed solid solutions and elements from steady-state creep-rate data for these materials. As a result of this investigation, a modification of the equation for the steady-state creep rate previously developed on the basis of the dislocation theory is suggested. Additional data are required to verify completely the dislocation theory of fatigue.

Machlin, E S↗

Development and fracture mechanics data for 6Al-6V-2 Sn titanium alloy

Fracture mechanics properties of 6Al-6V-2Sn titanium in the annealed, solution-treated, and aged condition are presented. Tensile, fracture toughness, cyclic flaw growth, and sustained-load threshold tests were conducted. Both surface flaw and compact tension-specimen geometries were employed. Temperatures and/or environments used were -65 F (220 K) air, ambient, 300 F (422 K) air, and room-temperature air containing 10 and 100% relative humidity.

Fiftal, C. F.↗

Acid Test For Annealing Of Welds

Solution changes color if heat-treated condition lost. Simple test indicates whether welded joint retained its postweld heat-treated condition after reworking including rewelding and grinding. Test used instead of Rockwell or Brinell hardness tests when reworked surface inaccessible to hardness-testing apparatus or when small surface imperfections created by apparatus unacceptable.

Deese, Gary E.↗

Homogeneity Study of ZrC, NbC, and TaC Binary Carbide Fuels for the Application of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion

In alignment with NASA and DARPA goals, efforts towards Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) have increased in recent years. As progress is made, a main challenge still exists; the fuel in an NTP system must survive the extreme environment experienced during operating conditions. Three fuel forms have been studied including a ceramic-metallic matrix, a ceramic-ceramic matrix, and solid solution carbides. Solid solution carbides were studied previously as a fuel for NTP and was shown to be a promising technology; however, the programs were canceled before demonstration in an NTP engine test. Of the refractory metal carbides of interest, zirconium carbide (ZrC), niobium carbide (NbC) and tantalum carbide (TaC) were studied. ZrC, NbC, and TaC powders were consolidated in monocarbide (ZrC, NbC, TaC) and bi-carbide (ZrC-NbC, ZrC-TaC, NbC-TaC) forms using spark plasma sintering (SPS), with 50-50 mol% compositions of the bi-carbides of interest. The time and temperature conditions to achieve a completely homogeneous solid solution for the mixed carbides is of interest for NTP fuel applications, since this homogeneity is considered to be essential for this fuel form. Homogeneity is typically not achieved during sintering, as surface diffusion (predominant for sintering to near ideal density) tends to occur at lower temperatures than bulk volumetric diffusion (required for solute interdiffusion to achieve a homogeneous solid solution). High temperature isochronal annealing was performed to identify the conditions to achieve a chemically homogeneous sample. The solute interpenetration vs annealing temperature was quantified using energy dispersion spectroscopy (EDS) in a scanning electron microscope (SEM). X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to accurately measure the phase stability and lattice parameter as a function of annealing conditions. The diffusion data from each sample was then used to determine self-diffusion coefficients for interdiffusion of the Nb, Zr, and Ta solutes and compared to existing literature values. The minimum annealing conditions to achieve complete chemical homogeneity for each carbide was determined.

nuclear thermal propulsion↗

Laser Powder Bed Fusion Manufactured Alloys 625 and 282 and Properties Relevant to Advanced Nuclear Components

Under the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies program, two Ni-based alloys fabricated by laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) have been evaluated: γ′-strengthened Haynes 282 and solution-strengthened Inconel 625. Large printing defects were observed in the LPBF 282 alloy fabricated using a Renishaw AM250 machine, likely due to particle spattering during printing. Annealing at 1,180°C for 1 h followed by 4 h at 800°C in a high density of 50 nm γ′-strengthening precipitates as well as partial recrystallization resulted in a bimodal grain distribution. Creep testing performed at 750°C revealed lower creep life and ductility for the LPBF 282 compared with wrought 282. X-ray computed tomography combined with optical and scanning electron microscopy microstructural characterization revealed crack formation during creep testing, initiated either from printing defects or from creep cavitation at grain boundaries. Printing defects were the likely reason for the lower creep performance of LPBF 282 and could be suppressed by optimizing the build configuration. Printing 625 on an EOS M290 machine using the recommended EOS parameters resulted in a very low defect density. Superior creep strength at 725°C was observed for the as-printed LPBF 625 along the build direction when compared with wrought 625. No defect larger than ~50 µm could be detected by X-ray computed tomography in the as-printed conditions and after creep testing for 1,000 h at 725°C and 150 MPa. Small, needle-like δ-phase precipitates were observed after creep testing for 100 h at 725°C and 200 MPa. The rapid formation of the γ phase is directly related to the initial Nb and Mo segregation in the LPBF 625 cell walls, and its effect on the alloy’s high-temperature performance will be evaluated. Solution annealing was carried out at 1,150°C for 1 h and led to full recrystallization of the alloy. A decrease in strength and increase in ductility were observed after solution annealing, and the alloy recrystallization resulted in isotropic tensile properties at room temperature, contrary to what was observed for the as-printed LPBF 625.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Effect of mechanical surface and heat treatments on erosion resistance

The effects of mechanical surface treatments as well as heat treatments on the erosion resistance of 6061 aluminum alloy and 1045 steel were studied. Mechanical surface treatments were found to have little or no effect on the erosion resistance. This is due to the formation by particle impact of a work hardened surface layer regardless of the initial surface condition. The erosion resistance of Al single crystals is found to be independent of orientation. This is due to destruction of the surface microstructure and formation of a polycrystalline surface layer by the impact of erodant particles as observed by X-ray diffraction. While upon solution treatment of annealed 6061 aluminum the increase in hardness is accompanied by an increase in erosion resistance, precipitation treatment which causes a further increase in hardness results in slightly lower erosion resistance. Using two types of erodant particles, glass beads and crushed glass, the erosion rate is found to be strongly dependent on erodant particle shape, being an order of magnitude higher for erosion with crushed glass as compared to glass beads. While for erosion with glass beads heat treatment of 1045 steel had a profound effect on its erosion resistance, little or no such effect was observed for erosion with crushed glass.

Salik, J.↗

The effect of mechanical surface and heat treatments on the erosion resistance of 6061 aluminum alloy

The effects of both mechanical surface treatments and heat treatments on the erosion resistance of 6061 aluminum alloy were studied in order to gain a better understanding of material properties which affect erosion behavior. It was found that mechanical surface treatments have little or no effect on the erosion resistance. This is due to the formation by particle impact of a work-hardened surface layer, independent of the initial surface condition. The erosion resistance of aluminum single crystals was found to be independent of orientation, which is due to destruction of the surface microstructure and formation of a polycrystalline surface layer by the particle impact as observed by X-ray diffraction. Although on solution treatment of annealed aluminum 6061 the increase in hardness is accompanied by an increase in erosion resistance, precipitation treatment (which causes a further increase in hardness) results in a slightly lower erosion resistance.

Salik, J.↗

Quantum Image Denoising: A Framework via Boltzmann Machines, QUBO, and Quantum Annealing

We investigate a framework for binary image denoising via restricted Boltzmann machines (RBMs) that introduces a denoising objective in quadratic unconstrained binary optimization (QUBO) form and is well-suited for quantum annealing. The denoising objective is attained by balancing the distribution learned by a trained RBM with a penalty term for derivations from the noisy image. We derive the statistically optimal choice of the penalty parameter assuming the target distribution has been well-approximated, and further suggest an empirically supported modification to make the method robust to that idealistic assumption. We also show under additional assumptions that the denoised images attained by our method are, in expectation, strictly closer to the noise-free images than the noisy images are. While we frame the model as an image denoising model, it can be applied to any binary data. As the QUBO formulation is well-suited for implementation on quantum annealers, we test the model on a D-Wave Advantage machine, and also test on data too large for current quantum annealers by approximating QUBO solutions through classical heuristics.

restricted Boltzmann machine↗

The placement of equipment in the Space Station Freedom using constraint based reasoning

This paper describes the Rack Equipment Placement and Optimization System. The primary objective of this system is to assist engineers with the placement of equipment into the racks of the modules of Space Station Freedom. It accomplishes this by showing a user where equipment placement is possible and by generating potential layouts. The system uses an explicit representation of integration constraints to search for potential solutions for individual rack equipment items. A simulated annealing process is being evaluated for total solution generation as well. Versions of this system are in use now and are assisting with the development of the Space Station Freedom at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.

Tanner, Steve↗

Porous Nanographenes, Graphene Nanoribbons, and Nanoporous Graphene Selectively Synthesized from the Same Molecular Precursor

In this study, we demonstrate a family of molecular precursors based on 7,10-dibromo-triphenylenes that can selectively produce different varieties of atomically precise porous graphene nanomaterials through the use of different synthetic environments. Upon Yamamoto polymerization of these molecules in solution, the free rotations of the triphenylene units around the C–C bonds result in the formation of cyclotrimers in high yields. In contrast, in on-surface polymerization of the same molecules on Au(111) these rotations are impeded, and the coupling proceeds toward the formation of long polymer chains. These chains can then be converted to porous graphene nanoribbons (pGNRs) by annealing. Correspondingly, the solution-synthesized cyclotrimers can also be deposited onto Au(111) and converted into porous nanographenes (pNGs) via thermal treatment. Thus, both processes start with the same molecular precursor and end with a porous graphene nanomaterial on Au(111), but the type of product, pNG or pGNR, depends on the specific coupling approach. We also produced extended nanoporous graphenes (NPGs) through the lateral fusion of highly aligned pGNRs on Au(111) that were grown at high coverage. The pNGs can also be synthesized directly in solution by Scholl oxidative cyclodehydrogenation of cyclotrimers. We demonstrate the generality of this approach by synthesizing two varieties of 7,10-dibromo-triphenylenes that selectively produced six nanoporous products with different dimensionalities. The basic 7,10-dibromo-triphenylene monomer is amenable to structural modifications, potentially providing access to many new porous graphene nanomaterials. We show that by constructing different porous structures from the same building blocks, it is possible to tune the energy band gap in a wide range.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

Photovoltage behaviour of p-Sb 2 S 3 photocathodes for hydrogen evolution: effect of n-In 2 S 3 passivation layers

The 1.76 eV band gap of antimony(iii) sulphide (Sb 2 S 3 ) makes this semiconductor material a promising light absorber for photoelectrochemical water splitting, but scalable fabrication approaches to efficient devices are still lacking. Here we show that compact Sb 2 S 3 films on FTO can be obtained by electrochemical growth from aqueous colloidal sulphur and antimony trichloride solutions, followed by mild annealing. These films can be converted into hydrogen evolution photocathodes after coating with In 2 S 3 passivation layers and the addition of Pt proton reduction co-catalysts. For the first time, vibrating Kelvin probe surface photovoltage (VKP-SPV) spectroscopy is used to observe the carrier dynamics in such photoelectrodes. While the bare Sb 2 S 3 films suffer from high surface recombination rates and poor electron extraction, the In 2 S 3 overlayer is found to raise the photovoltage and cathodic photocurrent density, due to passivation of surface defects and formation of a p–n heterojunction. In thick In 2 S 3 films, these benefits are offset by shading and slow electron transfer. Also, we find that O 2 strongly affects the band bending in the Sb 2 S 3 –air and In 2 S 3 –air junctions and their photovoltage. The optimised devices evolve H 2 at 77.5% Faradaic efficiency and with 0.084% applied bias photon-to-current efficiency (ABPE) at 0.12 V vs. RHE. The low ABPE value is attributed to Sb 2 S 3 sub-bandgap defects visible in SPV spectra, the random orientation of Sb 2 S 3 crystallites in the films, which inhibits charge transport, the absence of crystal facets of Sb 2 S 3 , and a detrimental Schottky junction at the FTO|Sb 2 S 3 interface.

de Araújo, Moisés A. [University of California, Da↗

Experiences with serial and parallel algorithms for channel routing using simulated annealing

Two algorithms for channel routing using simulated annealing are presented. Simulated annealing is an optimization methodology which allows the solution process to back up out of local minima that may be encountered by inappropriate selections. By properly controlling the annealing process, it is very likely that the optimal solution to an NP-complete problem such as channel routing may be found. The algorithm presented proposes very relaxed restrictions on the types of allowable transformations, including overlapping nets. By freeing that restriction and controlling overlap situations with an appropriate cost function, the algorithm becomes very flexible and can be applied to many extensions of channel routing. The selection of the transformation utilizes a number of heuristics, still retaining the pseudorandom nature of simulated annealing. The algorithm was implemented as a serial program for a workstation, and a parallel program designed for a hypercube computer. The details of the serial implementation are presented, including many of the heuristics used and some of the resulting solutions.

Brouwer, Randall Jay↗