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At least 55 records · Page 3

Tracer versus trace element diffusion - Diffusional decoupling of Sr concentration from Sr isotope composition

Chemical diffusivities for nonalkali major, minor, and selected trace elements have been measured at 10 kbar, 1300 C during interdiffusion of dacitic and rhyolitic melts. Sr tracer diffusivities were measured at the same conditions in melts of dacitic and rhyolitic composition and in a diffusion couple of these two melts undergoing simultaneous chemical diffusion. Chemical diffusivities of all elements studied are functions of the silica content of the melt, but at any one silica content the chemical diffusivities of all elements studied are within a factor of five of the Si and Al diffusivities. Si diffusivity varies from 2.8 x 10 to the -9th sq cm/s at 65 percent SiO2 to 5.1 x 10 to the -10th sq cm/s at 75 percent SiO2. The diffusivities of minor and trace elements are proposed to be controlled by the ability of the local melt structure to accommodate these elements while maintaining LTE. The measured Sr tracer diffusivities are an order of magnitude above Sr chemical diffusivities.

Baker, Don R.↗

A study of interdiffusion in beta + gamma/gamma + gamma prime Ni-Cr-Al

Ternary diffusion in the NiCrAl system at 1200 C was studied with beta + gamma/gamma + gamma prime infinite diffusion couples. Interdiffusion resulted in the formation of complex, multiphase diffusion zones. Concentration/distance profiles for Cr and Al in the phases present in the diffusion zone were measured after 200 hr. The Ni-rich portion of the NiCrAl phase diagram (1200 C) was also determined. From these data, bulk Cr and Al profiles were calculated and translated to diffusion paths on the ternary isotherm. Growth layer kinetics of the layers present in the diffusion zone were also measured.

Carol, L. A.↗

Diffusion in thoriated and nonthoriated nickel and nickel-chromium alloys at 1260 C

Various solid-solid diffusion couples were assembled from thoriated and nonthoriated nickel-base alloys, welded, and diffusion annealed at 1260 C. Concentration profiles indicated that a thoria dispersion does not affect diffusion in Cr(alloy):Ni and Ni-4.8Al:Ni types of couples unless a fine grain structure is retained by the thoria particles. Metallography revealed the presence of thoria-free bands in the thoriated-Ni side of the diffusion zone. The bands contained grain boundaries and, in some cases, non-Kirkendall porosity. A mechanism based on the operation of vacancy sources is proposed to explain the thoria-free bands. In addition, a particular DS-NiCr:Ni couple had negligible Kirkendall porosity. This behavior was related to the grain structure of the particular lot of DS-NiCr.

Whittenberger, J. D.↗

Substitutional and Interstitial Diffusion in alpha2-Ti3Al(O)

The reaction between Al2O3 and alpha2-Ti3Al was studied with a series of Al2O3/alpha2-Ti3Al multiphase diffusion couples annealed at 900, 1000 and 1100 C. The diffusion-paths were found to strongly depend on alpha2- Ti3Al(O) composition. For alloys with low oxygen concentrations the reaction involved the reduction of Al2O3, the formation of a gamma-TiAl reaction-layer and diffusion of Al and O into the alpha2-Ti3Al substrate. Measured concentration profiles across the interaction-zone showed "up-hill" diffusion of O in alpha2-Ti3Al(O) indicating a significant thermodynamic interaction between O and Al, Ti or both. Diffusion coefficients for the interstitial O in alpha2-Ti3Al(O) were determined independently from the interdiffusion of Ti and Al on the substitutional lattice. Diffusion coefficients are reported for alpha2-Ti3Al(O) as well as gamma-TiAl. Interpretation of the results were aided with the subsequent measurement of the activities of Al, Ti and O in alpha 2-Ti3Al(O) by Knudsen effusion-cell mass spectrometry.

Copland, Evan↗

Reaction diffusion in the nickel-chromium-aluminum and cobalt-chromium-aluminum systems

The effects of MCrAl coating-substrate interdiffusion on oxidation life and the general mutliphase, multicomponent diffusion problem were examined. Semi-infinite diffusion couples that had sources representing coatings and sinks representing gas turbine alloys were annealed at 1,000, 1,095, 1,150, or 1,205 C for as long as 500 hours. The source and sink aluminum and chromium contents and the base metal (cobalt or nickel) determined the parabolic diffusion rate constants of the couples and predicted finite coating lives. The beta source strength concept provided a method (1) for correlating beta recession rate constants with composition; (2) for determining reliable average total, diffusion, and constitutional activation energies; and (3) for calculating interdiffusion coefficients.

Levine, S. R.↗

Solutal diffusion coefficient for liquid PbTe-SnTe

The solutal diffusion coefficient has been determined for liquid lead telluride-tin telluride using a modified shear cell technique. Postdiffusion concentration profiles are presented for several diffusion couples. The best analytical curve fit to the data gives a composition-dependent diffusion coefficient of (/3/7/ to the C power) x 0.00014 sq cm/sec, where C is the PbTe concentration. In addition, data are presented to show the importance of solutal convection in the lead-tin-telluride system.

Clark, I. O.↗

Wear and Reactivity Studies of Melt infiltrated Ceramic Matrix Composite

As interest grows in the use of ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) for critical gas turbine engine components, the effects of the CMCs interaction with the adjoining structure needs to be understood. A series of CMC/material couples were wear tested in a custom elevated temperature test rig and tested as diffusion couples, to identify interactions. Specifically, melt infiltrated silicon carbide/silicon carbide (MI SiC/SiC) CMC was tested in combination with a nickel-based super alloy, Waspaloy, a thermal barrier coating, Yttria Stabilized Zirconia (YSZ), and a monolithic ceramic, silicon nitride (Si3N4). To make the tests more representative of actual hardware, the surface of the CMC was kept in the as-received state (not machined) with the full surface features/roughness present. Test results include: scanning electron microscope characterization of the surfaces, micro-structural characterization, and microprobe analysis.

Jarmon, David C.↗

Velocity and concentration distribution in a Stefan diffusion tube

Numerical solutions for the diffusion- and gravity-driven flow in a cylindrical Stefan tube were obtained from the coupled diffusion and Navier-Stokes equations of Peclet numbers 0.3, 1 and 5. Distributions of binary component concentrations and velocities were calculated. The mass average velocity is parabolic in nature, except at high Peclet numbers. The solvent is not stagnant but recirculates, even in the absence of gravity. Radial concentration gradients develop which act convectively destabilizing. Consequences for the deduction of diffusion coefficients from Stefan tube experiments are discussed.

Markham, B. L.↗

Surface migration and volume diffusion in the AgGaSe2-Ag2Se system

Surface migration and volume diffusion in the Ag2Se-AgGaSe2 system were investigated using reactive diffusion couples which were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and electron probe microanalysis. The surface diffusivities of all mobile species are found to be much larger than volume diffusivities. The results of the study suggest that Se moves together with Ag and Ga to maintain binary (Ag2Se and Ga2Se3) stoichiometry and electroneutrality. The dominance of surface migration kinetics can account for the uniform annihilation of second-phase precipitates during heat treatments.

Kim, N.-H.↗

A novel directly coupled gradostat

The original bidirectional compound chemostat (gradostat) described by Lovitt and Wimpenny has been simplified by making a more compact apparatus in which chemical gradients are established by diffusion between adjacent culture chambers. The experimental model (diffusion coupled (DC) gradostat) consisted of five chambers whose contents could be agitated by turbines rotating in the horizontal plane on a common shaft. Two biological experiments were designed to reveal the value of the DC gradostat. A methylotroph (Methylophilus methylotrophus) grown in a methanol gradient showed expected changes in cell viability as a function of position in the five vessel array. Cells of two species of photosynthetic bacteria (Rhodobacter capsulata and Rhodopseudomonas marina/agilis) with different salt sensitivities could be mixed and subsequently separated by the DC gradostat operating with a NaCl gradient of 0-3% w/v.

NASA Discipline Exobiology↗

Grain boundary effects in high-temperature liquid-metal dealloying: a multi-phase field study

Abstract A multi-phase field model is employed to study the microstructural evolution of an alloy undergoing liquid dealloying, specifically considering the role of grain boundaries. A semi-implicit time-stepping algorithm using spectral methods is implemented, which enables simulating large 2D and 3D domains over long time scales while still maintaining a realistic interfacial thickness. Simulations reveal a mechanism of coupled grain–boundary migration to maintain equilibrium contact angles with the topologically complex solid–liquid interface, which locally accelerates diffusion-coupled growth of a liquid channel into the precursor. This mechanism asymmetrically disrupts the ligament connectivity of the dealloyed structure in qualitative agreement with published experimental observations. The grain boundary migration-assisted corrosion channels form even for precursors with small amounts of the dissolving alloy species, below the parting limit . The activation of this grain boundary dealloying mechanism depends strongly on grain boundary mobility.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Interdiffusion in the Ni/TD-NiCr and Cr/TD-NiCr systems

The diffusion of Ni and Cr into TD-NiCr has been studied over the 900 to 1100 C temperature range. The diffusion couples were prepared by electroplating Cr and Ni on polished TD-NiCr wafers. Concentration profiles produced as a result of isothermal diffusion at 905, 1000, and 1100 C were determined by electron microprobe analysis. The Boltzmann-Matano analysis was used to determine concentration-dependent diffusion coefficients which were found to compare favorably with previously reported values. These data suggest that 2 vol % ThO2 distribution has no appreciable effect on the rates of diffusion in TD-NiCr with a large grain size. This supports the view that an inert dispersoid in an alloy matrix will not in itself lead to enhanced diffusion unless a short-circuit diffusion structure is stabilized.

Pawar, A. V.↗

Reaction diffusion in the NiCrAl and CoCrAl systems

The paper assesses the effect of overlay coating and substrate composition on the kinetics of coating depletion by interdiffusion. This is accomplished by examining the constitution, kinetics and activation energies for a series of diffusion couples primarily of the NiCrAl/Ni-10Cr or CoCrAl/Ni-10Cr type annealed at temperatures in the range 1000-1205 C for times up to 500 hr. A general procedure is developed for analyzing diffusion in multicomponent multiphase systems. It is shown that by introducing the concept of beta-source strength, which can be determined from appropriate phase diagrams, the Wagner solution for consumption of a second phase in a semiinfinite couple is successfully applied to the analysis of MCrAl couples. Thus, correlation of beta-recession rate constants with couple composition, total and diffusional activation energies, and interdiffusion coefficients are determined.

Levine, S. R.↗

Estimation of the viscosities of silicate liquids at high pressure from measurements of oxygen diffusivity

The dynamics and evolution of a magma ocean depend significantly on the structure and physical properties of silicate liquids at high pressure. Viscosity is particularly important because of its effect on the dynamics of convection and crystal setting. Traditionally, the viscosities of silicate liquids have been measured at high pressure by falling sphere viscometry but, due to some limitations of this technique, few measurements have been made at pressures exceeding 2.5 GPa. An alternative approach, which has previously been proven up to 2 GPa, is to use high pressure measurements of oxygen self-diffusivity (D) to estimate viscosity (eta) from the Eyring relationship eta = kT/D lambda (where k is the Boltzmann constant, T is absolute temperature, and lambda is the diffusive jump distance). We have performed preliminary experiments on Na2Si4O9 liquid in order to explore the feasibility of this method up to pressures in excess of 10 GPa. Diffusion couples were prepared from glass starting materials with one half of the sample enriched in O-18 and the other half containing the natural abundance (0.2 wt percent). Diffusion experiments were performed at 1600 to 1800 C at pressures in the range of 2.5 to 10 GPa for times up to 6 minutes using a 1200 ton multianvil apparatus. Oxygen diffusivities were derived from the resulting O-18 concentration profiles, which were analyzed using an ion microprobe. At 1800 C, oxygen diffusivities increase continuously from 1 x 10(exp -10) m(exp -2) s(exp -1) at 2.5 Gpa to 5 x 10(exp -10) m(exp -2) s(exp -1) at 10 GPa. From the Eyring relationship, the viscosity of Na2SiO9 liquid is predicted to decrease by approx. 0.7 log units over this pressure range at 1800 C. These trends, which can be related to changes in the structure of the liquid at high pressure, are in agreement with results of molecular dynamics calculations. These results suggest that it should be possible to estimate the viscosities of silicate liquids up to at least 15 GPa and 2200 C by this method.

Rubie, D. C.↗

Diffusion study of uranium mononitride/zirconium carbide composite for space nuclear propulsion

Here, the next generation of space exploration will require extensive developments in rocket technology. Space nuclear propulsion is of interest due to its high fuel density and power, however, it also has high temperature and stability demands. This study examines a uranium nitride/zirconium carbide ceramic-ceramic particle composite as a potential fuel for these missions. Based on the constituent properties, this fuel composite is expected to be highly thermally efficient and resistant to the hot hydrogen propellant. One of the main concerns with this composite is unknown diffusion behavior between UN and ZrC over time. Diffusion couples and composites were used to determine how these constituents will behave when left in contact at high temperatures. UN and ZrC were found to have limited but observable diffusion at the phase boundary. The resulting phase is a UZr(CN) quaternary phase. UZr(CN) has been examined for other high temperature and gas nuclear reactors with preliminary success; however, there lacks sufficient data to fully qualify this phase. Based on the limited information available, the resultant quaternary phase could be deemed acceptable and even provide better adhesion for the fuel particles (UN) to the matrix (ZrC).

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Tensile behavior of diffusion bonded AA6061 - AA6061 with variation in cooling method

Hot isostatically pressed AA6061 cladding is an important structural component of the high performance, Zr-laminated U-10Mo monolithic fuel system for the application in research and test reactors. In this study, the mechanical behavior of two diffusion bonded aluminum alloy, AA6061, was examined using tensile testing. Solid-to-solid diffusion bonding between two pieces of AA6061 was performed by isothermal annealing at 560 °C for 1.5 h, and diffusion couples were subsequently cooled via three different cooling methods: furnace cooling, air cooling, and water quenching. Dog-bone shaped tensile specimens, with 10 mm in gauge length (with diffusion bonded interface in the middle), and 1.5 × 1.5 mm 2 gauge cross-sections, were fabricated from the diffusion bonded AA6061 by electro-discharge machining. Yield strength (% EL at failure) of furnace cooled, air cooled and water quenched tensile specimens determined was 82 ~ 89 MPa (10 ~ 30%), 112 ~ 116 MPa (10 ~ 14%), and 149 ~ 164 MPa (10 ~ 17%), respectively. This variation in mechanical behavior was examined with cooling-rate dependent, concentrated precipitation of Mg 2 Si at the diffusion bonded interface, with due respect for mechanical properties of the AA6061 alloy that inherently vary as a function of cooling rate from 560 °C. Finite element analysis using ABAQUS was employed to augment experimental findings with the appropriate microstructural constituents and alloy properties. Results suggest that the strength is dominated by matrix/bulk properties of AA6061, while ductility is strongly influenced by the cooling method dependent presence of Mg 2 Si precipitates at the interface.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Augmentation of heat transfer by subsonic diffusion at a nearly separated state

Measurements of mean velocity, turbulence intensity, and wall heat transfer were obtained in a 13 deg total angle of divergence conical diffuser coupled to a constant diameter recovery section. The results indicated that the boundary layer was in a nearly separated state. Turbulence intensity levels approaching 0.4 were observed in the latter stages of diffusion. The convective heat transfer was always equal to or higher than corresponding values for fully developed pipe flow at the same Reynolds number. The augmentation in heat transfer was greatest during the latter stages of diffusion where the Stanton number was nearly three times the pipe flow value.

Boldman, D. R.↗