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At least 667 records · Page 37

NiAl-Base Composite Containing High Volume Fraction of AIN Particulate for Advanced Engines

Cryomilling of prealloyed NiAl containing 53 at. % AJ was carried out to achieve high nitrogen levels. The consolidation of cryomilled powder by extrusion or hot pressing/ hot isostatic pressing resulted in a fully dense NiAl-base composite containing 30 vol. % of inhomogeneously distributed, nanosized AIN particulate. The NiAl-30AIN composite exhibited the highest compression yield strengths at all temperatures between 300 and 1300 K as compared with other compositions of NiAl-AIN composite. The NiAl-30AIN specimens tested under compressive creep loading between 1300 and 1500 K also exhibited the highest creep resistance with very little surface oxidation indicating also their superior elevated temperature oxidation resistance. In the high stress exponent regime, the strength is proportional to the square root of the AIN content and in the low stress exponent regime, the influence of AIN content on strength appears to be less dramatic. The specific creep strength of this material at 1300 K is superior to a first generation Ni-base single crystal superalloy. The improvements in elevated temperature creep strength and oxidation resistance have been achieved without sacrificing the room temperature fracture toughness of the NiAl-base material. Based on its attractive combination of properties, the NiAl-30AIN composite is a potential candidate for advanced engine applications,

Hebsur, Mohan G.↗

High Temperature Brush Seal Tuft Testing of Selected Nickel-Chrome and Cobalt-Chrome Superalloys

The tribology of brush seals is of considerable interest to turbine engine designers because bristle wear continues to limit long term seal performance and life. To provide better materials characterization and foster the development of improved seals, NASA Lewis has developed a brush seal tuft tester. In this test, a 'paintbrush' sample tuft is loaded under constant contact pressure against the outside diameter of a rotating journal. With this configuration, load and friction are directly measured and accurate wear measurements are possible. Previously reported research using this facility showed excellent data repeatability and wear morphology similar to published seal data and dynamic rig tests. This paper is an update of the ongoing research into the tribology of brush seals. The effects of wire materials processing on seal wear and the tribological results for three journal coatings are discussed. Included in the materials processing were two nickel-chrome superalloys each processed to two different yield strengths. The results suggest that seal wear is dependent more on material composition than processing conditions.

Fellenstein, James A.↗

Volcanic Constructs on Ganymede and Enceladus: Topographic Evidence from Stereo Images and Photoclinometry

The morphology of volcanic features on Ganymede differs significantly from that on the terrestrial planets. Few if any major volcanic landforms, such as thick flows or shield volcanoes, have been identified to date. Using new stereo Voyager images, we have searched Ganymede for relief-generating volcanic constructs. We observed seven major types of volcanic structures, including several not previously recognized. The oldest are broad flat-topped domes partially filling many older craters in dark terrain. Similar domes occur on Enceladus. Together with smooth dark deposits, these domes indicate that the volcanic history of the dark terrain is complex. Bright terrain covers vast areas, although the style of emplacement remains unclear. Smooth bright materials embay and flood older terrains, and may have been emplaced as low- viscosity fluids. Associated with smooth bright material are a number of scalloped-shaped, semi- enclosed scarps that cut into preexisting terrain. In planform these structures resemble terrestrial calderas. The youngest volcanic materials identified are a series of small flows that may have flooded the floor of the multiring impact structure Gilgamesh, forming a broad dome, The identification of volcanic constructs up to I km thick is the first evidence for extrusion of moderate-to-high viscosity material on Ganymede. Viscosity and yield strength estimates for these materials span several orders of magnitude, indicating that volcanic materials on Ganymede have a range of compositions and/or were extruded under a wide range of conditions and/or eruptive styles.

Schenk, Paul M.↗

Evaluation of the Transient Liquid Phase (TLP) Bonding Process for Ti3Al-Based Honeycomb Core Sandwich Structure

The suitability of using transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding to fabricate honeycomb core sandwich panels with Ti-14Al-21Nb (wt%) titanium aluminide (T3Al) face sheets for high-temperature hypersonic vehicle applications was evaluated. Three titanium alloy honeycomb cores and one Ti3Al alloy honeycomb core were investigated. Edgewise compression (EWC) and flatwise tension (FWT) tests on honeycomb core sandwich specimens and tensile tests of the face sheet material were conducted at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 1500 F. EWC tests indicated that the honeycomb cores and diffusion bonded joints were able to stabilize the face sheets up to and beyond the face sheet compressive yield strength for all temperatures investigated. The specimens with the T3Al honeycomb core produced the highest FWT strengths at temperatures above 1000 F. Tensile tests indicated that TLP processing conditions resulted in decreases in ductility of the Ti-14Al-21Nb face sheets. Microstructural examination showed that the side of the face sheets to which the filler metals had been applied was transformed from equiaxed alpha2 grains to coarse plates of alpha2 with intergranular Beta. Fractographic examination of the tensile specimens showed that this transformed region was dominated by brittle fracture.

Bird, R. Keith↗

An Evaluation of Some Current Practices for Short-Time Elevated-Temperature Tensile Tests of Metals

The effect of different testing practices on the short-time elevated-temperature tensile properties was determined for 2024-T3 aluminum-alloy, HM21A-T8 and HK31A-H24 magnesium-alloy, and 12 MoV stainless-steel sheet. Tests were made under single strain-rate and single head-speed conditions. A dual strain-rate test was also included. An evaluation of the effects of these practices is given for the tensile and yield strengths, the elongation in 2 inches, and the uniform elongation. The need for a uniform testing practice is demonstrated. Recommended practices suggested by different organizations are included.

Manning, Charles R., Jr.↗

Probabilistic Structural Analysis Methods (PSAM) for Select Space Propulsion System Components

Probabilistic Structural Analysis Methods (PSAM) are described for the probabilistic structural analysis of engine components for current and future space propulsion systems. Components for these systems are subjected to stochastic thermomechanical launch loads. Uncertainties or randomness also occurs in material properties, structural geometry, and boundary conditions. Material property stochasticity, such as in modulus of elasticity or yield strength, exists in every structure and is a consequence of variations in material composition and manufacturing processes. Procedures are outlined for computing the probabilistic structural response or reliability of the structural components. The response variables include static or dynamic deflections, strains, and stresses at one or several locations, natural frequencies, fatigue or creep life, etc. Sample cases illustrates how the PSAM methods and codes simulate input uncertainties and compute probabilistic response or reliability using a finite element model with probabilistic methods.

Source record↗

Single-Mode Panel Flutter of a Wind Tunnel Flex-Wall

Twice during the spring of 1978, the two steel-plate "flex-walls" that form the variable-geometry nozzle of the 11- by 11-ft transonic wind tunnel at Ames Research Center experienced a severe dynamic instability. Both walls fluttered in the fundamental beam-bending mode and experienced stresses approaching the yield strength of the material. Both flutter incidents occurred at Mach numbers of about 1.15. The tunnel, operational for 24 years, had no history of such an instability. The cause of these flutter incidents, the steps taken to prevent a recurrence, and the requalification of the facility are described.

Erickson, Larry L.↗

Spatial evolution of 26-day recurrent galactic cosmic ray decreases: Correlated Ulysses COSPIN/KET and SOHO COSTEP observations

A Lomb (spectral) analysis was performed on the galactic comsic ray flux from February 1996 to June 1996. The most probable frequency is approximately 28 days and not 26 or 27 days, corresponding to one solar rotation. The amplitude of the recurrent cosmic ray decreases (RCRDs) is approximately 2.3 percent on both spacecraft. The variation in the solar wind speed shows the same periodicites and is anticorrelated to the variation in the cosmic ray flux. In contrast to the RCRDs, the amplitude found in the solar wind speed is four times larger at WIND (120 km/s) than at Ulysses (32 km/s). The solar wind proton density and magnetic field strength yielded no significant periodicities, neither at Ulysses nor at WIND. Comparing the RCRDs with coronal hole structures observed in the FE XIV line, it was found that a single coronal hole close to the heliographic equator can account for the RCRDs observed 'simultaneously' at Ulysses and SOHO. The coronal hole boundaries changed towards lower Carrington longitudes and vanished slowly. The changes of the boundaries during the investigated period could explain a 28-day periodicity.

Heber, B.↗

The Effect of Boron on the Low Cycle Fatigue Behavior of Disk Alloy KM4

The durability of powder metallurgy nickel base superalloys employed as compressor and turbine disks is often limited by low cycle fatigue (LCF) crack initiation and crack growth from highly stressed surface locations (corners, holes, etc.). Crack growth induced by dwells at high stresses during aerospace engine operation can be particularly severe. Supersolvus solution heat treatments can be used to produce coarse grain sizes approaching ASTM 6 for improved resistance to dwell fatigue crack growth. However, the coarse grain sizes reduce yield strength, which can lower LCF initiation life. These high temperature heat treatments also can encourage pores to form. In the advanced General Electric disk superalloy KM4, such pores can initiate fatigue cracks that limit LCF initiation life. Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) during the supersolvus solution heat treatment has been shown to improve LCF initiation life in KM4, as the HIP pressure minimizes formation of the pores. Reduction of boron levels in KM4 has also been shown to increase LCF initiation life after a conventional supersolvus heat treatment, again possibly due to effects on the formation tendencies of these pores. However, the effects of reduced boron levels on microstructure, pore characteristics, and LCF failure modes in KM4 still need to be fully quantified. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of boron level on the microstructure, porosity, LCF behavior, and failure modes of supersolvus heat treated KM4.

Gabb, Timothy↗

Structural Verification of the Space Shuttle's External Tank Super LightWeight Design: A Lesson in Innovation

The Super LightWeight Tank (SLWT) team was tasked with a daunting challenge from the outset: boost the payload capability of the Shuttle System by safely removing 7500 lbs. from the existing 65,400 lb. External Tank (ET). Tools they had to work with included a promising new Aluminum Lithium alloy, the concept of a more efficient structural configuration for the Liquid Hydrogen (LH2) tank, and a highly successful, mature Light Weight Tank (LWT) program. The 44 month schedule which the SLWT team was given for the task was ambitious by any measure. During this time the team had to not only design, build, and verify the new tank, but they also had to move a material from the early stages of development to maturity. The aluminum lithium alloy showed great promise, with an approximately 29% increase in yield strength, 15% increase in ultimate strength, 5 deg/O increase in modulus and 5 deg/O decrease in density when compared to the current 2219 alloy. But processes had to be developed and brought under control, manufacturing techniques perfected, properties characterized, and design allowable generated. Because of the schedule constraint, this material development activity had to occur in parallel with design and manufacturing. Initial design was performed using design allowable believed to be achievable with the Aluminum Lithium alloy system, but based on limited test data. Preliminary structural development tests were performed with material still in the process of iteration. This parallel path approach posed obvious challenges and risks, but also allowed a unique opportunity for interaction between the structures and materials disciplines in the formulation of the material.

Otte, Neil↗

Modeling of Ternary Element Site Substitution in NiAl

It is well recognized that ternary alloying additions can have a dramatic impact on the behavior of ordered intermetallic alloys such as nickel aluminides. Properties as diverse as yield strength, fracture strength, fracture mode, cyclic oxidation resistance, creep strength, and thermal and electrical diffusivity can change by orders of magnitude when a few percent or less of a ternary element is added. Yet our understanding of the resulting point defect structures and the simple site preferences of ternary alloying additions is poor because these are extremely difficult characteristics to determine. This disconnection between the understanding of the structure and properties in ordered alloys is at least in part responsible for the limited development and commercialization of these materials. Theoretical methods have provided useful but limited insight in this area, since most techniques suffer from constraints in the type of elements and the crystallographic structures that can be modeled. In an effort to overcome these limitations, the Bozzolo-Ferrante-Smith (BFS) method for alloys was designed. After a brief description of this approximate quantum mechanical approach, we use BFS to investigate the energetics of Si, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Cu, Zr, Nb, Mo, Ru, Hf, Ta and W additions to B2-ordered, stoichiometric NiAl. In addition to determining the site preference for these alloying additions over a range of compositions, we include results for the concentration dependence of the lattice parameter. In this introductory paper, we performed our analyses in the absence of constitutional and thermal vacancies for alloys of the form Ni50(Al,X)50. Where data exist, a comparison between experimental, theoretical, and BFS results is also included.

Bozzolo, Guillermo↗

GRCop-84 Development for Combustion Chamber Liners

The development, test, and thermophysical & mechanical properties of a GRCop-84 alloy for combustion chamber liners is discussed. Topics discussed include: History of GRCop-84 development, GRCop-84 thermal expansion, thermal conductivity of GRCop-84, yield strength of GRCop-84, GRCop-84 creep lives, GrCop-84 low cycle fatigue (LCF) lives, and hot fire testing of GRCop-84 spool pieces.

Ellis, David↗

Cryogenic Fracture Toughness Improvement for the Super Lightweight Tank's Main Structural Alloy

Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a two-step (TS) artificial aging technique that can significantly enhance cryogenic fracture toughness and resistance to stress corrosion cracking (SCC) in aluminum-copper-lithium alloy 2195. The new TS aging treatment consists of exposures at 132 C (270 F)/20 hr + 138 C (280 F)/42 hr, which can be readily applied to flight hardware production. TS aging achieves the same yield strength levels as conventional aging, while providing much improved ductility in the short transverse direction. After TS aging, five previously rejected lots of alloy 2195 (lots 950M029B, 960M030F, 960M030J, 960M030K, and 960M030L) passed simulated service testing for use in the super lightweight tank program. Each lot exhibited higher fracture toughness at cryogenic temperature than at ambient temperature. Their SCC resistance was also enhanced. All SCC specimens passed the minimum 10-day requirement in 3.5-percent sodium chloride alternate immersion at a stress of 45 ksi. The SCC lives ranged from 57 to 83 days, with an average of 70 days.

Chen, P. S.↗

Artificial Aging Effects on Cryogenic Fracture Toughness of the Main Structural Alloy for the Super Lightweight Tank

In 1996, Marshall Space Flight Center developed a multistep heating rate-controlled (MSRC) aging technique that significantly enhanced cryogenic fracture toughness (CFT) and reduced the statistical spread of fracture toughness values in alloy 2195 by controlling the location and size of strengthening precipitate T1. However, it could not be readily applied to flight-related hardware production, primarily because large-scale production furnaces are unable to maintain a heating rate of 0.6 C (1 F)/hr. In August 1996, a new program was initiated to determine whether the MSRC aging treatment could be further modified to facilitate its implementation to flight hardware production. It was successfully redesigned into a simplified two-step aging treatment consisting of 132 C (270 F)/20 hr + 138 C (280 F)/40 hr. Results indicated that two-step aging can achieve the same yield strength levels as those produced by conventional aging while providing greatly improved ductility. Two-step aging proved to be very effective at enhancing CFT, enabling previously rejected materials to meet simulated service requirements. Cryogenic properties are improved by controlling T1 nucleation and growth so that they are promoted in the matrix and suppressed in the subgrain boundaries.

Chen, P. S.↗

Calculation of Non-Bonded Forces Due to Sliding of Bundled Carbon Nanotubes

An important consideration for load transfer in bundles of single-walled carbon nanotubes is the nonbonded (van der Waals) forces between the nanotubes and their effect on axial sliding of the nanotubes relative to each other. In this research, the non-bonded forces in a bundle of seven hexagonally packed (10,10) single-walled carbon nanotubes are represented as an axial force applied to the central nanotube. A simple model, based on momentum balance, is developed to describe the velocity response of the central nanotube to the applied force. The model is verified by comparing its velocity predictions with molecular dynamics simulations that were performed on the bundle with different force histories applied to the central nanotube. The model was found to quantitatively predict the nanotube velocities obtained from the molecular dynamics simulations. Both the model and the simulations predict a threshold force at which the nanotube releases from the bundle. This force converts to a shear yield strength of 10.5-11.0 MPa for (10,10) nanotubes in a bundle.

Frankland, S. J. V.↗

Preliminary Thermal Stress Analysis of a High-Pressure Cryogenic Storage Tank

The thermal stresses on a cryogenic storage tank strongly affect the condition of the tank and its ability to withstand operational stresses. These thermal stresses also affect the growth of any surface damage that might occur in the tank walls. These stresses are particularly of concern during the initial cooldown period for a new tank placed into service, and during any subsequent thermal cycles. A preliminary thermal stress analysis of a high-pressure cryogenic storage tank was performed. Stresses during normal operation were determined, as well as the transient temperature distribution. An elastic analysis was used to determine the thermal stresses in the inner wall based on the temperature data. The results of this elastic analysis indicate that the inner wall of the storage tank will experience thermal stresses of approximately 145,000 psi (1000 MPa). This stress level is well above the room-temperature yield strength of 304L stainless steel, which is about 25,000 psi (170 MPa). For this preliminary analysis, several important factors have not yet been considered. These factors include increased strength of 304L stainless steel at cryogenic temperatures, plastic material behavior, and increased strength due to strain hardening. In order to more accurately determine the thermal stresses and their affect on the tank material, further investigation is required, particularly in the area of material properties and their relationship to stress.

Baker, J. Mark↗

Observations of Glide and Decomposition of a<101> Dislocations at High Temperatures in Ni-Al Single Crystals Deformed along the Hard Orientation

Ni-44at.% Al and Ni-50at.% single crystals were tested in compression in the hard (001) orientations. The dislocation processes and deformation behavior were studied as a function of temperature, strain and strain rate. A slip transition in NiAl occurs from alpha(111) slip to non-alphaaaaaaaaaaa9111) slip at intermediate temperatures. In Ni-50at.% Al single crystal, only alpha(010) dislocations are observed above the slip transition temperature. In contrast, alpha(101)(101) glide has been observed to control deformation beyond the slip transition temperature in Ni-44at.%Al. alpha(101) dislocations are observed primarily along both (111) directions in the glide plane. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy observations show that the core of the alpha(101) dislocations along these directions is decomposed into two alpha(010) dislocations, separated by a distance of approximately 2nm. The temperature window of stability for these alpha(101) dislocations depends upon the strain rate. At a strain rate of 1.4 x 10(exp -4)/s, lpha(101) dislocations are observed between 800 and 1000K. Complete decomposition of a alpha(101) dislocations into alpha(010) dislocations occurs beyond 1000K, leading to alpha(010) climb as the deformation mode at higher temperature. At lower strain rates, decomposition of a alpha(101) dislocations has been observed to occur along the edge orientation at temperatures below 1000K. Embedded-atom method calculations and experimental results indicate that alpha(101) dislocation have a large Peieris stress at low temperature. Based on the present microstructural observations and a survey of the literature with respect to vacancy content and diffusion in NiAl, a model is proposed for alpha(101)(101) glide in Ni-44at.%Al, and for the observed yield strength versus temperature behavior of Ni-Al alloys at intermediate and high temperatures.

Srinivasan, R.↗

Model Determined for Predicting Fatigue Lives of Metal Matrix Composites Under Mean Stresses

Aircraft engine components invariably are subjected to mean stresses over and above the cyclic loads. In monolithic materials, it has been observed that tensile mean stresses are detrimental and compressive mean stresses are beneficial to fatigue life in comparison to a base of zero mean stress. Several mean stress models exist for monolithic metals, but each differ quantitatively in the extent to which detrimental or beneficial effects are ascribed. There have been limited attempts to apply these models to metal matrix composites. At the NASA Lewis Research Center, several mean stress models--the Smith-Watson- Topper, Walker, Normalized Goodman, and Soderberg models--were examined for applicability to this class of composite materials. The Soderberg approach, which normalizes the mean stress to a 0.02-percent yield strength, was shown to best represent the effect of mean stresses over the range covered. The other models varied significantly in their predictability and often failed to predict the composite behavior at very high tensile mean stresses. This work is the first to systematically demonstrate the influence of mean stresses on metal matrix composites and model their effects. Attention also was given to fatigue-cracking mechanisms in the Ti-15-3 matrix and to micromechanics analyses of mean stress effects.

Lerch, Bradley↗