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At least 703 records · Page 39
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Sliding durability of candidate seal fiber materials in hydrogen from 25 to 900 C

Sliding durability studies of candidate ceramic fibers were conducted in hydrogen to support the high temperature seal development program at NASA LeRC. Pin-on-disk tests were used to measure the friction and durability of a tow or bundle of ceramic fibers in sliding against a superalloy disk. This procedure was used previously to test candidate fibers in an air environment. The fibers based upon mullite (Al2O3-SiO2) chemistry (Nextel 550, 440, and 312) exhibited better durability in hydrogen than in air. HPZ, a complex silicon carboxynitride fiber which showed good durabilty in air, however, showed a significant loss of durability in hot hydrogen. These results are consistent with recent thermodynamic and experimental studies of ceramic compatibility with hydrogen at elevated temperatures. These research results indicate that only oxide fibers display good durability in both air and hydrogen environments. Also, simple, low cost testing in air can provide an adequate data base for initial seal material screening and selection, especially for oxide fiber candidates. The findings of this research provide critical input to the seal design team.

Dellacorte, Christopher↗
NASA NTRS1993

Advanced reinforcement systems for intermetallic applications

A 2-D axisymmetric model was employed to determine the magnitude of the radial, axial, and hoop stresses caused by the thermal expansion difference between fiber and matrix and which result from the fabrication temperature cycle. Finite element analysis was conducted for single fiber model systems based on SCS-6/Ti3Al+Nb and Al2O3/NiAl. The stress distribution due to the imposition of a graded intermediate layer for each system was determined and included variables of layer thickness and gradation in interlayer chemistry in order to vary the expansion gradient between fiber and matrix. Thermal cycling tests were conducted on sputter coated SCS-6 fibers selectively coated with Ti3Al+Nb, with and without an intermediate layer. Cracking of the Ti3Al+Nb layers was prevented by an interlayer based on Ti-TiN-Ti. The interlayer thickness appeared critical to its efficiency. Similarly, for the case of Al2O3/NiAl, an intermediate layer consisting of a Ni bond coat on the sapphire fiber followed by a graded Al2O3-NiAl layer did not crack when given a thermal excursion to 1100 C and then cooled to room temperature. Acoustic emission tests on single fiber specimens were unsuccessful in detecting load drops associated with the successive fracture of the fiber. For the SCS-6/Ti3Al system this was the result of several factors which included the matrix/fiber ratio and poor bonding of the matrix and fiber. In the case of the Al2O3/NiAl system brittle failure of the NiAl matrix precluded fiber breakdown during tensile loading.

Merrick, Howard F.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Production of Ultrafine, High-purity Ceramic Powders Using the US Bureau of Mines Developed Turbomill

Turbomilling, an innovative grinding technology developed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines in the early 1960's for delaminating filler-grade kaolinitic clays, has been expanded into the areas of particle size reduction, material mixing, and process reaction kinetics. The turbomill, originally called an attrition grinder, has been used for particle size reduction of many minerals, including natural and synthetic mica, pyrophyllite, talc, and marble. In recent years, an all-polymer version of the turbomill has been used to produce ultrafine, high-purity, advanced ceramic powders such as SiC, Si3N4, TiB2, and ZrO2. In addition to particle size reduction, the turbomill has been used to produce intimate mixtures of high surface area powders and whiskers. Raw materials, TiN, AlN, and Al2O3, used to produce a titanium nitride/aluminum oxynitride (TiN/AlON) composite, were mixed in the turbomill, resulting in strength increases over samples prepared by dry ball milling. Using the turbomill as a leach vessel, it was found that 90.4 pct of the copper was extracted from the chalcopyrite during a 4-hour leach test in ferric sulfate versus conventional processing which involves either roasting of the ore for Cu recovery or leaching of the ore for several days.

Hoyer, Jesse L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Comparison of measured and predicted performance of a SIS waveguide mixer at 345 GHz

The measured gain and noise of a SIS waveguide mixer at 345 GHz have been compared with theoretical values, calculated from the quantum mixer theory using a three port model. As a mixing element, we use a series array of two Nb-Al2O3-Nb SIS junctions. The area of each junction is 0.8 sq microns and the normal state resistance is 52 omega. The embedding impedance of the mixer has been determined from the pumped DC-IV curves of the junction and is compared to results from scale model measurements (105 x). Good agreement was obtained. The measured mixer gain, however, is a factor of 0.45 plus or minus 0.5 lower than the theoretical predicted gain. The measured mixer noise temperature is a factor of 4-5 higher than the calculated one. These discrepancies are independent on pump power and are valid for a broad range of tuning conditions.

Honingh, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Radiation/convection coupling in rocket motor and plume analysis

A method for describing radiation/convection coupling to a flow field analysis was developed for rocket motors and plumes. The three commonly used propellant systems (H2/O2, RP-1/O2, and solid propellants) radiate primarily as: molecular emitters, non-scattering small particles (soot), and scattering larger particles (Al2O3), respectively. For the required solution, the divergence of the radiation heat flux was included in the energy equation, and the local, volume averaged intensity was determined by a solution to the radiative transfer equation. A rigorous solution to this problem is intractable, therefore, solution methods which use the ordinary and improved differential approximation were developed. This radiation model was being incorporated into the FDNS code, a Navier-Stokes flowfield solver for multiphase, turbulent combusting flows.

Saladino, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The effect of oxygen fugacity on the partitioning of nickel and cobalt between olivine, silicate melt, and metal

The effect of oxygen fugacity, f(O2), on the partitioning behavior of Ni and Co between olivine, silicate melt, and metal was investigated in the CaO-MgO-Al2O3-SiO2-FeO-Na2O system, an analogue of a chondrule composition from an ordinary chondrite. The conditions were 1350 C and 1 atm, with values of f(O2) varying between 10 exp -5.5 and 10 exp -12.6 atm (i.e., the f(O2) range relevant for crystal/liquid processes in terrestrial planets and meteorite parent bodies). Results of chemical analysis showed that the values of the Ni and Co partitioning coefficients begin to decrease at values of f(O2) that are about 3.9 log units below the nickel-nickel oxide and cobalt-cobalt oxide buffers, respectively, near the metal saturation for the chondrule analogue composition.

Ehlers, Karin↗
NASA NTRS1991

Oxidation characteristics of Ti-33Al-6Nb-1.4Ta

Static oxidation kinetics of the gamma titanium-aluminide alloy Ti-33Al-6Nb-1.4Ta (wt pct) have been investigated in air from 700 to 1000 C and in oxygen from 800 to 1000 C using thermogravimetric analysis. The oxidation kinetics were controlled by the presence of alumina for all oxygen exposures and in air below 800 C, while the kinetics in air above 800 C were more complex. Oxidation products were identified using X-ray diffraction techniques. Oxide scale morphology was examined by SEM and TEM of the surfaces and across sections of oxidized specimens. The oxidation products formed depended on the exposure: Al2O3 and TiO2 were identified on all specimens exposed in and air and oxygen; the nitride phases TiN and Ti2AlN were also found on specimens exposed in air.

Wallace, T. A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

On the vectorial photoelectric effect at 2.69 keV

Recent experiments conducted to study the vectorial photoelectric effect with CsI, Al2O3 and Si photocathodes at 2.69 keV indicate null results. Detailed analysis shows that previously measured modulation can be well explained by geometrical misalignment and a combination of the asymmetric shape of the incident X-ray beam and a small detection area of the photoelectron detector. After the elimination of the sources of spurious modulation, we observed a modulation factor of less than 3 percent for a grazing incidence angle as small as 5 deg. There is no observable difference in the pulse height distribution between s and p states.

Shaw, P. S.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Elevated-temperature fracture resistances of monolithic and composite ceramics using chevron-notched bend tests

The quasi-static fracture behaviors of monolithic ceramics (SiC, Si3N4, MgAl2O4), self-reinforced monoliths (acicular grained Si3N4, acicular grained mullite), and ceramic matrix composites (SiC whisker/Al2O3 matrix, TiB2 particulate/SiC matrix, SiC fiber/CVI SiC matrix, Al2O3 fiber/CVI SiC matrix) were measured over the temperature range of 20 to 1400 C. The chevron notched, bend bar test geometry was essential for characterizing the elevated temperature fracture resistances of this wide range of quasi-brittle materials during stable crack growth. Fractography revealed the differences in the fracture behavior of the different materials at the various temperatures. The fracture resistances of the self-reinforced monoliths were comparable to those of the composites and the fracture mechanisms were found to be similar at room temperature. However at elevated temperatures the differences of the fracture behavior became apparent where the superior fracture resistance of the self-reinforced monoliths were attributed to the minor amounts of glassy, intergranular phases which were often more abundant in the composites and affected the fracture behavior when softened by elevated temperatures.

Ghosh, Asish↗
NASA NTRS1991

Predicting the oxidative lifetime of beta NiAl-Zr alloys

Nickel aluminides containing 40 to 50 at. pct Al and 0.1 at. pct Zr were studied following cyclic oxidation at 1400 C. The selective oxidation of Al resulted in the formation of protective Al2O3 scales on each alloy composition. However, repeated cycling eventually resulted in the gradual formation of less-protective NiAl2O4, first appearing on the 40Al alloys followed at longer times on the 45Al alloys. The appearance of the NiAl2O4, signaling the end of the protective scale-forming capability of the alloy, was related to the presence of gamma-prime (Ni3Al) which formed as a result of the loss of Al from the sample. A diffusion model, based on finite-difference techniques, was developed to predict the protective life of beta Ni-Al alloys. This model predicts Ni and Al concentration profiles after various oxidation exposures. The model can predict the oxidative lifetime due to Al depletion when the Al concentration decreases to a critical concentration. Measured Al concentration profiles on two alloys after various oxidation exposures are compared to those predicted by the diffusion model. The time to the appearance of the NiAl2O4 and that predicted by the diffusion model are compared and discussed.

Nesbitt, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1957

Nonmetallic Material Compatibility with Liquid Fluorine

Static tests were made on the compatibility of liquid fluorine with several nonmetallic materials at -3200 F and at pressures of 0 and 1500 pounds per square inch gage. The results are compared with those from previous work with gaseous fluorine at the same pressures, but at atmospheric temperature. In general, although environmental effects were not always consistent, reactivity was least with the low-temperature, low-pressure liquid fluorine. Reactivity was greatest with the warm, high-pressure gaseous fluorine. None of the liquids and greases tested was found to be entirely suitable for use in fluorine systems. Polytrifluorochloroethylene and N-43, the formula for which is (C4F9)3N, did not react with liquid fluorine at atmospheric pressure or 1500 pounds per square inch gage under static conditions, but they did react when injected into liquid fluorine at 1500 pounds per square inch gage; they also reacted with gaseous fluorine at 1500 pounds per square inch gage. While water did not react with liquid fluorine at 1500 pounds per square inch gage, it is known to react violently with fluorine under other conditions. The pipe-thread lubricant Q-Seal did not react with liquid fluorine, but did react with gaseous fluorine at 1500 pounds per square inch gage. Of the solids, ruby (Al2O3) and Teflon did not react under the test conditions. The results show that the compatibility of fluorine with nonmetals depends on the state of the fluorine and the system design.

Price, Harold G , Jr↗
NASA NTRS1993

Isotopic and trace element characteristics of an unusual refractory inclusion from Essebi

The isotopic and chemical properties of Ca-Al-rich inclusions (CAI) provide important clues to the early solar nebula environment. While the abundances of refractory major and trace elements are similar to those expected for high temperature condensates, the variety of textural, chemical, and isotopic signatures indicate most CAI experienced complex, multi-stage histories involving repeated episodes of condensation, evaporation, and metamorphism. Evidence of multiple processes is especially apparent in an unusual refractory inclusion from Essebi (URIE) described by El Goresy et al. The melilite (mel)-rich core of URIE contains polygonal framboids of spinel (sp) and hibonite (hb) or sp and fassaite (fas) and is surrounded by a rim sequence consisting of five layers. In contrast to rims on Allende, the mineralogy of the URIE rim layers becomes increasingly refractory from the core outwards, ending in a layer of spinel-Al2O3 solid solution + Sc-rich fassaite. The chemical and mineralogical features of URIE are inconsistent with crystallization from a homogeneous melt, and El Goresy et al. proposed a multi-step history involving condensation of sp + hb and aggregation into framboids, capture of framboids by a refractory silicate melt droplet, condensation of rim layers, and alteration of mel to calcite and feldspathoid. The PANURGE ion probe was used to investigate the isotopic and trace element characteristics of URIE to develop a more complete picture of the multiple processes leading to formation and metamorphism.

Deloule, E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Silica-bearing objects in the Dengli H3.8 and Gorlovka H3-4 chondrites

Silica-bearing objects are enigmatic components of the olivine-normative ordinary chondrites. Several papers have been devoted to the study of these objects in various chondrite types. While a relatively large body of information has been collected, the origin of these objects is still controversial. Here we report new data on silica-bearing objects in the unequilibrated H-chondrites Dengli and Gorlovka. The crystallization history of these objects could be explained on the basis of the phase diagram of the Q-Ol-Pl (Al2O3) system, but the origin of the silica-rich liquids remains unclear.

Ivanova, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Experimentally reproduced relict enstatite in porphyritic chondrules of enstatite chondrite composition

Experiments are presented that test a model for the origin of porphyritic pyroxene (PP) chondrules in enstatite chondrites that contain phenocrysts of enstatite with blue cathodoluminescence (CL) set in a matrix of radial, dendritic enstatite with red CL. Established one-atmosphere, gas-mixing techniques were used. Relict enstatite phenocrysts with blue CL in a matrix of coarsely radial to dendritic enstatite with red CL were successfully produced. The relict crystals are preserved in runs with a melt time of 36 minutes or less at 1537 C. The relicts remain angular with smooth crystal/melt interfaces, and thus melting has occurred uniformly. Partial melting does occur along fractures produced when the blue CL enstatite was initially grown and cooled through the proto/ortho enstatite transition with the attendent volume change. There is either reaction with the melt and diffusion of Mn and Cr into the blue CL En, or there is an overgrowth of red CL En along the fractures. The bulk of the relicts remain blue. The melt enclosing the relicts crystalized to a coarsely radial to dendritic to micro porphyritic texture comprised of enstatite that has a bright red CL with decreasing melt time. The blue CL En has Mn and Cr contents at or below detection limits of the electron probe as described in earlier studies and in natural blue CL En. In the red CL En in this study, the Mn, Al2O3, and Cr are at previously observed levels and the levels change rapidly.

Lofgren, Gary E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Thermal stress effects in intermetallic matrix composites

Intermetallic matrix composites develop residual stresses from the large thermal expansion mismatch (delta-alpha) between the fibers and matrix. This work was undertaken to: establish improved techniques to measure these thermal stresses in IMC's; determine residual stresses in a variety of IMC systems by experiments and modeling; and, determine the effect of residual stresses on selected mechanical properties of an IMC. X ray diffraction (XRD), neutron diffraction (ND), synchrotron XRD (SXRD), and ultrasonics (US) techniques for measuring thermal stresses in IMC were examined and ND was selected as the most promising technique. ND was demonstrated on a variety of IMC systems encompassing Ti- and Ni-base matrices, SiC, W, and Al2O3 fibers, and different fiber fractions (Vf). Experimental results on these systems agreed with predictions of a concentric cylinder model. In SiC/Ti-base systems, little yielding was found and stresses were controlled primarily by delta-alpha and Vf. In Ni-base matrix systems, yield strength of the matrix and Vf controlled stress levels. The longitudinal residual stresses in SCS-6/Ti-24Al-llNb composite were modified by thermomechanical processing. Increasing residual stress decreased ultimate tensile strength in agreement with model predictions. Fiber pushout strength showed an unexpected inverse correlation with residual stress. In-plane shear yield strength showed no dependence on residual stress. Higher levels of residual tension led to higher fatigue crack growth rates, as suggested by matrix mean stress effects.

Wright, P. K.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Properties of thin films for high temperature flow sensors

Requirements of material parameters of high temperature flow sensors are identified. Refractory metal silicides offer high temperature sensitivity and high frequency response and are stable up to 1000 C. Intrinsic semiconductors of high band gap are also considered as sensor elements. SiC and diamond are identified. Combined with substrates of low thermal and electrical conductivity, such as quartz or Al2O3, these materials meet several requirements of high sensitivity and frequency response. Film deposition and patterning techniques suitable for these materials are identified.

Albin, Sacharia↗
NASA NTRS1993

Sintering silicon nitride

Oxides having a composition of (Ba(1-x)Sr(x))O-Al2O3-2SiO2 are used as sintering aids for producing an improved silicon nitride ceramic material. The x must be greater than 0 to insure the formation of the stable monoclinic celsian glass phase.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Molecular equilibria and condensation sequences in carbon rich gases

Chemical equilibria in stellar atmospheres have been investigated by many authors. Lattimer, Schramm, and Grossman presented calculations in both O rich and C rich environments and predicted possible presolar condensates. A recent paper by Cherchneff and Barker considered a C rich composition with PAH's included in the calculations. However, the condensation sequences of C bearing species have not been investigated in detail. In a carbon rich gas surrounding an AGB star, it is often assumed that graphite (or diamond) condenses out before TiC and SiC. However, Lattimer et al. found some conditions under which TiC condenses before graphite. We have performed molecular equilibrium calculations to establish the stability fields of C(s), TiC(s), and SiC(s) and other high temperature phases under conditions of different pressures and C/O. The preserved presolar interstellar dust grains so far discovered in meteorites are graphite, diamond, SiC, TiC, and possibly Al2O3.

Sharp, C. M.↗