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At least 631 records · Page 35

Powder Metallurgy – Hot Isostatic Pressing of 316H Stainless Steel for Nuclear Components

Overview of the PM-HIP work performed on stainless steel 316H as part of the microreactor program. High temperature mechanical testing was performed, with concerns identified with the creep-fatigue performance. Variations in feedstock and processing parameters did not conclusively identify the primary factor in the reduced creep-fatigue performance.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Using Maximal Isometric Force to Determine the Optimal Load for Measuring Dynamic Muscle Power

Maximal power output occurs when subjects perform ballistic exercises using loads of ~30-50% of one-repetition maximum (1-RM). However, performing 1-RM testing prior to power measurement requires considerable time, especially when testing involves multiple exercises. Maximal isometric force (MIF), which requires substantially less time to measure than 1-RM, might be an acceptable alternative for determining the optimal load for power testing. PURPOSE: To determine the optimal load based on MIF for maximizing dynamic power output during leg press and bench press exercises. METHODS: Twenty healthy volunteers (12 men and 8 women; mean +/- SD age: 31+/-6 y; body mass: 72 +/- 15 kg) performed isometric leg press and bench press movements, during which MIF was measured using force plates. Subsequently, subjects performed ballistic leg press and bench press exercises using loads corresponding to 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, and 60% of MIF presented in randomized order. Maximal instantaneous power was calculated during the ballistic exercise tests using force plates and position transducers. Repeated-measures ANOVA and Fisher LSD post hoc tests were used to determine the load(s) that elicited maximal power output. RESULTS: For the leg press power test, six subjects were unable to be tested at 20% and 30% MIF because these loads were less than the lightest possible load (i.e., the weight of the unloaded leg press sled assembly [31.4 kg]). For the bench press power test, five subjects were unable to be tested at 20% MIF because these loads were less than the weight of the unloaded aluminum bar (i.e., 11.4 kg). Therefore, these loads were excluded from analysis. A trend (p = 0.07) for a main effect of load existed for the leg press exercise, indicating that the 40% MIF load tended to elicit greater power output than the 60% MIF load (effect size = 0.38). A significant (p . 0.05) main effect of load existed for the bench press exercise; post hoc analysis indicated that the effect of load on power output was: 30% > 40% > 50% = 60%. CONCLUSION: Loads of 40% and 30% of MIF elicit maximal power output during dynamic leg presses and bench presses, respectively. These findings are similar to those obtained when loading is based on 1-RM.

Spiering, Barry A.↗

Effect of thermally induced porosity on an as-HIP powder metallurgy superalloy

The impact of thermally induced porosity on the mechanical properties of an as-hot-isostatically-pressed and heat treated pressing made from low carbon Astroloy was determined. Porosity in the disk-shape pressing studied ranged from 2.6 percent at the bore to 1.4 percent at the rim. Tensile, yield strength, ductility, and rupture life of the rim of the porous pressing was only slightly inferior to the rim of sound pressings. The strength, ductility, and rupture life of the bore of the porous pressing was severely degraded compared to sound pressings. At strain ranges typical of commercial jet engine designs, the rim of the porous pressing had slightly inferior fatigue life to sound pressings.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

Economics of plant oil recovery: A review

Plant oil is a major agricultural commodity used in food, feed, and chemicals. Presently plant oil is produced from oil seeds either using mechanical pressing or solvent extraction. These technologies have steadily improved for increased oil recovery; however, production cost is especially important for a commodity. Here in this paper three technologies and their costs are reviewed for on-farm pressing, industrial mechanical pressing, and solvent extraction. Solvent extraction is the dominant technology because it offers high oil recovery and low production cost. In contrast, industrial mechanical pressing has the highest production cost because of its low oil yield; nevertheless, the simple process results in the lowest fixed capital investment. For on-farm pressing, lower material cost results in lower production cost than industrial mechanical pressing. Additionally, credits from co-products play an important role in determining total revenues, especially for mechanical pressing. Therefore, broadening the applications and values of the co-product is also critical for profitability for the plant oil industry.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

Processing and consolidation of copper/tungsten

Here, we developed a copper/tungsten (Cu/W) composite for mesoscale Materials Science applications using the novel High-Energy Diffraction Microscopy (HEDM) technique. Argon-atomized copper powder was selected as the starting raw powder and screened to remove the extremely large particle fraction. Tungsten particles were collected by milling and screening the -325 mesh tungsten powder between 500 and 635 mesh sieves. Hot pressing of screened Cu powder was performed at 900 °C in Ar/4 %H 2 atmosphere. XRD and ICP results show that the hot-pressed Cu sample consists of about 5 vol% Cu 2 O, which is caused by the presence of oxygen on the surface of the starting Cu powder. Hot pressing the copper powder in a pure hydrogen atmosphere was successful in removing most of the surface oxygen. Our process was also implemented for hot pressing the Cu/W composite. The density of the Cu/W composites hot pressed at 950 °C in pure hydrogen was about 94 % of the theoretical density (TD). The hot-pressed Cu/W composites were further hot isostatic pressed at 1050 °C in argon atmosphere, which results in 99.6 % of the TD with the designed Cu grain size and W particle distribution. Tensile specimens with D-notch were machined using the wire EDM method. Furthermore, the processing and consolidation of these materials will be discussed in detail. The HEDM images are also showed and discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Studies on Thermoelectric Properties of n-type Polycrystalline SnSe 1- x S x by Iodine Doping

Iodine-doped n-type SnSe polycrystalline by melting and hot pressing is prepared. The prepared material is anisotropic with a peak ZT of ≈0.8 at about 773 K measured along the hot pressing direction. This is the first report on thermoelectric properties of n-type Sn chalcogenide alloys. With increasing content of iodine, the carrier concentration changed from 2.3 × 1017 cm-3 (p-type) to 5.0 × 1015 cm-3 (n-type) then to 2.0 × 1017 cm-3 (n-type). The decent ZT is mainly attributed to the intrinsically low thermal conductivity due to the high anharmonicity of the chemical bonds like those in p-type SnSe. By alloying with 10 at% SnS, even lower thermal conductivity and an enhanced Seebeck coefficient were achieved, leading to an increased ZT of ≈1.0 at about 773 K measured also along the hot pressing direction.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Thermal Processing Conditions for the Synthesis of Near Theoretical Density Li 5 La 3 Ta 2 O 12 Ceramics for Ceramic Dual-Mode Detectors

A family of Li-containing garnet compounds, extensively investigated for Li-ion solid electrolyte applications, show great potential to be developed into transparent ceramic dual-mode scintillators. In particular, Li 5 La 3 Ta 2 O 12 (LLTaO) shows promise as an efficient dual-mode scintillator due to its high Li content, high density, non-hygroscopicity, and high effective-Z. Often the synthesis of LLTaO ceramics involves solid state processing techniques starting with oxide and carbonate powders, calcining, sintering for the removal of residual porosity, and post-processing. This study focuses on two objectives: (1) establishing thermal processing boundary conditions for a flexible alkoxide-based sol-gel method for synthesizing fine-grained powders; and (2), consolidating powders via hot-pressing to form high-density ceramics. In this study, near single-phase ceramics were achieved by hot-pressing sol-gel powders with varying amounts of excess Li. Rietveld refinements were used to analyze X-ray diffraction data and provide a quantitative evaluation of the phases present in the hot pressed ceramics. Some of the diffraction data showed large low angle peak asymmetry, suggesting the presence of two cubic Li 5 La 3 Ta 2 O 12 garnet phases with different lattice parameters. Depending on the synthesis and processing conditions, the refinement revealed ~ 90 wt% concentration of a phase with a ≈ 12.8 Å and ~ 10 wt% concentration of a phase with a ≈ 12.9 Å, indicating a remaining excess of Li in the hot pressed ceramics in the large lattice parameter phase. These synthesis experiments allowed for the determination of a baseline for Li loss during hot-pressing. X-ray excited radioluminescence and photoluminescence excitation and emission spectra were obtained from the hot pressed ceramics. In conclusion, the measured emission spectra featured broad tantalate emission and line emissions likely from a rare-earth impurity.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Magnesia tuned multi-walled carbon nanotubes–reinforced alumina nanocomposites

Magnesia tuned alumina ceramic nanocomposites, reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes, were condensed using pressureless and hot-press sintering processes. Densification, microstructure and mechanical properties of the produced nanocomposites were meticulously investigated. Electron microscopy studies revealed the homogenous carbon nanotube dispersion within the alumina matrix and confirmed the retention of carbon nanotubes' distinctive tubular morphology and nanoscale features during the extreme mixing/sintering processes. Pressureless sintered nanocomposites showed meagre mechanical responses due to the poorly-integrated microstructures with a slight improvement upon magnesia addition. Conversely, both the magnesia addition and application of hot-press sintering technique resulted in the nanocomposite formation with near-theoretical densities (~ 99%), well-integrated microstructures and superior mechanical properties. Hot-press sintered nanocomposites incorporating 300 and 600 ppm magnesia exhibited an increase in hardness (10 and 11%), flexural strength (5 and 10%) and fracture toughness (15 and 20%) with respect to similar magnesia-free samples. Compared to monolithic alumina, a decent rise in fracture toughness (37%), flexural strength (22%) and hardness (20%) was observed in the hot-press sintered nanocomposites tuned with merely 600 ppm magnesia. Mechanically superior hot-press sintered magnesia tailored nanocomposites are attractive for several load-bearing structural applications. - Highlights: • MgO tailored Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}–2 wt.% CNT nanocomposites are presented. • The role of MgO and sintering on nanocomposite structures and properties was studied. • Well-dispersed CNTs maintained their morphology/structure after harsh sintering. • Hot-pressing and MgO led nanocomposites to higher properties/unified structures. • MgO tuned composites showed higher toughness (37%) and strength (22%) than Al{sub 2}O{sub 3}.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Demonstrating resonant ultrasound spectroscopy as a viable technique to characterize thermally conditioned high explosive materials

We present results of resonant ultrasound spectroscopy (RUS) measurements applied to granular high explosive materials at different bulk pressing densities and degree of thermal conditioning. The material chosen in this study is a ubiquitously used explosive material known as pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), which is used commercially in civil and defense applications both as a binderized plastic bonded explosive material and an unbinderized neat material. However, changes in granular PETN bulk elastic properties due to thermal conditioning, which could have implications for better understanding environmental aging-related effects, have not been well studied even though it is believed that elasticity may play an important role in explosive material initiation mechanisms. Furthermore, monitoring elastic property changes in granular explosive pressings has not yet been demonstrated using RUS, which is an appealing non-destructive characterization tool that requires only dry point contact with the explosive material. To this end, we report the first study using RUS to quantify the elastic properties of binderized and neat PETN pressings as well as to quantify changes in elastic properties as a function of both thermal conditioning and bulk pressing density. Elastic stiffness coefficients, sometimes more commonly referred to as elastic constants, calculated from the RUS measurements on the different PETN-based materials show a significant increase for the post-conditioned samples compared to the pre-conditioned samples. This trend of increasing elastic properties with thermal conditioning was consistent for different density pressings, different thermal exposure conditions, and even different neat PETN pressings of differing average crystal sizes and/or specific surface areas.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effects of thermally induced porosity on an as-HIP powder metallurgy superalloy

The effect of thermally induced porosity on the mechanical properties of an as-hot-isostatically pressed and heat-treated pressing made from low carbon Astroloy is examined. Tensile, stress-rupture, creep, and low cycle fatigue tests were performed and the results were compared with industrial acceptance criteria. It is shown that the porous pressing has a porosity gradient from the rim to the bore with the bore having 1-1/2% greater porosity. Mechanical properties of the test ring below acceptance level are tensile reduction in area at room temperature and 538 C and time for 0.1% creep at 704 C. It is also found that the strength, ductility, and rupture life of the rim are slightly inferior to those of the rim of the sound pressings, while those of the bore are generally below the acceptable level. At strain ranges typical of commercial aircraft engines, the low cycle fatigue life of the rim of the porous pressings is slightly lower than that of the sound pressings.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

Development of high Tc (greater than 100 K) Bi, Tl and Y-based materials as superconducting circuit elements

Experimental work on this project over the last four years has resulted in establishing processing and characterization techniques for producing both the Bi-based and Tl-based superconductors in their high temperature (2223) forms. In the bulk, dry pressed form, maximum critical temperatures (Tc) of 108.2 K and 117.8 K, respectively, were measured. Results have further shown that the Bi and Tl-based superconducting materials in bulk form are noticeably different from the Y-based 123 material in that superconductivity is considerably harder to achieve, maintain, and reproduce. This is due primarily to the difficulty in obtaining the higher Tc phase in pure form since it commonly co-exists with other undesirable, lower Tc phases. In particular, it has been found that long processing times for calcining and firing (20 - 200 hrs.) and close control of temperatures which are very near the melting point are required in order to obtain higher proportions of the desirable, high Tc (2223) phase. Thus far, the BSCCO bulk materials has been prepared in uniaxially pressed, hot pressed, and tapecast form. The uniaxially pressed material has been synthesized by the mixed oxide, coprecipitation, and melt quenching processes. The tapecast and hot pressed materials have been prepared via the mixed oxide process. In addition, thick films of BSCCO (2223 phase) have been prepared by screen printing on to yttria and magnesia stabilized zirconia with only moderate success; i.e., superconductivity was achieved in these thick films, but the highest Tc obtained in these films was 89.0 K. The Tc's of the bulk hot pressed, tapecast, and screen printed thick film materials were found to be 108.2, 102.4, and 89.0 K, respectively.

Haertling, Gene↗

Community Extreme Tonnage User Service (CETUS): A 5000 Ton Open Research Facility in the United States

Large sample volume 5000 ton multi-anvil presses have contributed to the exploration of deep Earth and planetary interiors, synthesis of ultra-hard and other novel materials, and serve as a sample complement to pressure and temperature regimes already attainable by diamond anvil cell experiments. However, no such facility exists on the North American continent. We propose the establishment of an open user facility for COMPRES members and the entire research community, with the unique capability of a 5000 ton (or more) press, supported by a host of extant co-located experimental and analytical laboratories and research staff. We offer wide range of complementary and/or preparatory experimental options. Any required synthesis of materials or follow up experiments can be carried out controlled atmosphere furnaces, piston cylinders, multi-anvil, or experimental impact apparatus. Additionally, our division houses two machine shops that would facilitate any modification or custom work necessary for development of CETUS, one for general fabrication and one located specifically within our experimental facilities. We also have a general sample preparation laboratory, specifically for experimental samples, that allows users to quickly and easily prepare samples for ebeam analyses and more. A service we can offer to COMPRES community members in general, and CETUS visiting users specifically, is a multitude of analytical instrumentation literally steps away from the experimental laboratories. This year we will be pursuing site funding of our laboratories through NASA's Planetary Science Directorate, which should result in substantial cost savings to all visiting users, and supports our mission of interagency cooperation for the enhancement of science for all (see companion PSAMS abstract). The PI is in a unique position as an employee of Jacobs Technology to draw funding from multiple sources, including those from industry and commerce. We submitted a Planetary Major Equipment proposal to the NASA Emerging Worlds solicitation for the full cost of a press, with competitive bids submitted from Sumitomo, Rockland Research, and Voggenreiter. Additional funding is currently being sought from industry sources through the Strategic Partnerships Office at NASA JSC, External Pursuits Program Office on the JETS contract, and Jacobs corporate in the United States. Internal funding is available for JETS contract personnel to travel to large press locations worldwide to study set-up and operations. We also anticipate a fortuitous cost savings in installation of the large press because plans are already underway for major renovations to the entire experimental petrology suite within the next 2 years in order to accommodate our growing user base. Our focus as contract staff is on serving the scientific needs of our users and collaborators. We are seeking community expert input on multiple aspects of this proposed facility, such as the press type and design, access management, immediate projects, and future innovation initiatives.

Danielson, L.↗

Deuteron irradiation of W and WO 3 for production of high specific activity 186 Re: Challenges associated with thick target preparation

This investigation evaluated target fabrication and beam parameters for scale-up production of high specific activity 186 Re using deuteron irradiation of enriched 186 W via the 186 W(d,2n) 186 Re reaction. Thick W and WO 3 targets were prepared, characterized and evaluated in deuteron irradiations. Full-thickness targets, as determined using SRIM, were prepared by uniaxi-ally pressing powdered natural abundance W and WO 3 , or 96.86% enriched 186 W, into Al target supports. Alternatively, thick targets were prepared by pressing 186 W between two layers of graphite powder or by placing pre-sintered (1105°C, 12 hours) natural abundance WO 3 pellets into an Al target support. Assessments of structural integrity were made on each target pre-pared. Prior to irradiation, material composition analyses were conducted using SEM, XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. With-in a minimum of 24 hours post irradiation, gamma-ray spectroscopy was performed on all targets to assess production yields and radionuclidic byproducts. Problems were encountered with the structural integrity of some pressed W and WO 3 pellets before and during irradiation, and target material characterization results could be correlated with the structural integrity of the pressed target pellets. Under the conditions studied, the findings suggest that all WO 3 targets prepared and studied were unacceptable. By contrast, 186W metal was found to be a viable target material for 186 Re production. Lastly, thick targets prepared with powdered 186W pressed between layers of graphite provided a particularly robust target configuration.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

A Review on Biomass Densification Systems to Develop Uniform Feedstock Commodities for Bioenergy Application

Developing uniformly formatted, densified feedstock from lignocellulosic biomass is of interest to achieve consistent physical properties like size and shape, bulk and unit density, and durability, which significantly influence storage, transportation and handling characteristics, and, by extension, feedstock cost and quality. A variety of densification systems are considered for producing a uniform format feedstock commodity for bioenergy applications, including (a) baler, (b) pellet mill, (c) cuber, (d) screw extruder, (e) briquette press, (f) roller press, (g) tablet press, and (g) agglomerator. Each of these systems has varying impacts on feedstock chemical and physical properties, and energy consumption. This review discusses the suitability of these densification systems for biomass feedstocks and the impact these systems have on specific energy consumption and end product quality. For example, a briquette press is more flexible in terms of feedstock variables where higher moisture content and larger particles are acceptable for making good quality briquettes; or among different densification systems, a screw press consumes the most energy because it not only compresses but also shears and mixes the material. Pretreatment options like preheating, grinding, steam explosion, torrefaction, and ammonia fiber explosion (AFEX) can also help to reduce specific energy consumption during densification and improve binding characteristics. Binding behavior can also be improved by adding natural binders, such as proteins, or commercial binders, such as lignosulphonates. The quality of the densified biomass for both domestic and international markets is evaluated using PFI (United States Standard) or CEN (European Standard).

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗