Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “refractory metal”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 721 records · Page 40
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Doping Effects on Multivalence States, Electronic Structure, and Optical Band Gap in LaCrO 3 under Varied Atmospheres: An Integrated Experimental and Density Functional Theory Study

Doping effects on the valence state, electronic structure, and optical band and the effects on electrical conductivity were studied on the doped lanthanum chromite (LaCrO 3 ) system. The specific compositions studied were La 1–x Ca x CrO 3 (LCCx), La 1–x Sr x CrO 3 (LSCx), and La 0.8 Sr 0.2 Cr 1–x Mn x O 3 (LSCMx) (0.1 ≤ x ≤ 0.4). The powders were synthesized using a modified Pechini sol–gel method, and the ceramic samples were densified using a reactive sintering method resulting in densities >96% theoretical. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was completed to characterize the defect states and cationic valence compensation as a result of divalent (Ca 2+ or Sr 2+ ) and trivalent (Mn 3+ ) substitutions. XPS was completed for samples tested in oxidizing and reducing atmospheres (up to 1500 °C), which provided insights into the oxidation state transitions induced by the Ca 2+ and Sr 2+ dopants. The work notably demonstrated, for the first time, the oxidation/reduction transitions of Cr 4+ to Cr 3+ in Sr 2+ /Mn 3+ co-doped samples under reducing atmospheres. Reflectance UV–vis spectrophotometry optical band gap measurements were also completed for the same materials; a decrease in the optical band gap (2.81–3.12 eV) was shown with increased substitution, suggesting electronic structure modifications in the LaCrO 3 perovskite. Density functional theory calculations validated experimental trends, predicting a diminishing band gap with a rising dopant concentration. The transition in Cr oxidation states was attributed to the presence of divalent/trivalent cations. These findings contribute some insights into methods to tune the LaCrO 3 electrical properties for various low- and high-temperature applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1991

Optical properties of grains in molecular clouds and accretion disks

A baseline model of the composition and abundances of grains and gases in molecular cloud cores and accretion disks around young stars is defined by employing: a wide range of astronomical data and theory; the composition of primitive bodies in the solar system; and solar elemental abundances. It is proposed that in the coldest portions of these objects the major grain species include amorphous olivine, amorphous orthopyroxene, volatile and refractory organics, water ice, troilite, and metallic iron. Using a combination of laboratory measurements of optical constants and asymptotic theory, values of the real and imaginary indices of refraction of these grain species over a wavelength range that runs from the vacuum UV to the radio domain are derived. Auxiliary information for these grain species, such as their vaporization temperatures bulk densities, and their fractional abundances by mass. The above information on grain properties in molecular cloud cores and accretion disks is used to estimate the Rosseland mean opacity of the grains in both environments and the IR and microwave opacity of grains in accretion disks.

Pollack, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1992

NASA Space Engineering Research Center for utilization of local planetary resources

Reports covering the period from 1 Nov. 1991 to 31 Oct. 1992 and documenting progress at the NASA Space Engineering Research Center are included. Topics covered include: (1) processing of propellants, volatiles, and metals; (2) production of structural and refractory materials; (3) system optimization discovery and characterization; (4) system automation and optimization; and (5) database development.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2003

High-Temperature Sprayable Phosphor Coating Developed for Measuring Surface Temperatures

The use of phosphor thermography for noncontact temperature measurements in harsh environments has been proven over the last decade, but it has suffered from difficult application procedures such as vapor deposition or sputtering techniques. We have developed a high-temperature-sensitive paint that is easily applied with commercially available paint-spraying equipment and have successfully demonstrated it to temperatures up to 1500 C. Selected phosphors have also shown measurable signals to 1700 C, thus allowing a combination of phosphors to be used in high-temperature binders to make surface temperature measurements from ambient to over 1500 C. Phosphor thermography is an optical technique that measures the time response of fluorescence light, which is a function of the phosphor temperature. The phosphors are excited with short wavelength light (ultraviolet or blue), and they emit light at a longer wavelength. This technique has a benefit over other temperature measurements, such as thermocouples and infrared thermography, in difficult environments such as high blackbody backgrounds, vibration, flames, high electromagnetic noise, or where special windows may be needed. In addition, the sprayable phosphor paints easily cover large or complicated structures, providing full-surface information with a single measurement. Oak Ridge National Laboratories developed and tested the high-temperature binders and phosphors under the direction of the NASA Glenn Research Center. Refractory materials doped with rare earth metals were selected for their performance at high temperature. Survivability, adhesion, and material compatibility tests were conducted at high temperatures in a small furnace while the fluorescent response from the phosphors was being measured. A painted sample in a furnace with a clearly visible fluorescing dot excited by a pulsed laser is shown. Measuring the decay time of this fluorescence yields the surface temperature. One new paint was recently tested in a rocket test stand at Glenn. The floor of a square duct nozzle was painted, and full-field lifetime decay measurements were acquired for multiple firings of the rocket. Good agreement with predicted results was obtained, matching temperature gradients along the length of the nozzle and clearly showing shock structures. These good results were very satisfactory given that the measurements were made looking through the combustion plume. Infrared pyrometry was incapable of making the surface measurements because of the interference from the rocket exhaust, which contaminated the infrared signature.

Bencic, Timothy J.↗
NASA NTRS2006

NASA Tech Briefs, June 2006

Topics covered include: Magnetic-Field-Response Measurement-Acquisition System; Platform for Testing Robotic Vehicles on Simulated Terrain; Interferometer for Low-Uncertainty Vector Metrology; Rayleigh Scattering for Measuring Flow in a Nozzle Testing Facility; "Virtual Feel" Capaciflectors; FETs Based on Doped Polyaniline/Polyethylene Oxide Fibers; Miniature Housings for Electronics With Standard Interfaces; Integrated Modeling Environment; Modified Recursive Hierarchical Segmentation of Data; Sizing Structures and Predicting Weight of a Spacecraft; Stress Testing of Data-Communication Networks; Framework for Flexible Security in Group Communications; Software for Collaborative Use of Large Interactive Displays; Microsphere Insulation Panels; Single-Wall Carbon Nanotube Anodes for Lithium Cells; Tantalum-Based Ceramics for Refractory Composites; Integral Flexure Mounts for Metal Mirrors for Cryogenic Use; Templates for Fabricating Nanowire/Nanoconduit- Based Devices; Measuring Vapors To Monitor the State of Cure of a Resin; Partial-Vacuum-Gasketed Electrochemical Corrosion Cell; Theodolite Ring Lights; Integrating Terrain Maps Into a Reactive Navigation Strategy; Reducing Centroid Error Through Model-Based Noise Reduction; Adaptive Modeling Language and Its Derivatives; Stable Satellite Orbits for Global Coverage of the Moon; and Low-Cost Propellant Launch From a Tethered Balloon

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1972

High temperature insulation materials for reradiative thermal protection systems

Results are presented of a two year program to evaluate packaged thermal insulations for use under a metallic radiative TPS of a shuttle orbiter vehicle. Evaluations demonstrated their survival for up to 100 mission reuse cycles under shuttle acoustic and thermal loads with peak temperatures of 1000 F, 1800 F, 2000 F, 2200 F and 2500 F. The specimens were composed of low density refractory fiber felts, packaged in thin gage metal foils. In addition, studies were conducted on the venting requirements of the packages, salt spray resistance of the metal foils, and the thermal conductivity of many of the insulations as a function of temperature and ambient air pressure. Data is also presented on the radiant energy transport through insulations, and back-scattering coefficients were experimentally determined as a function of source temperature.

Hughes, T. A.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Molybdenite in calcium-aluminum-rich inclusions in the Allende meteorite

The first observations of molybdenite in a meteorite have been made in two Ca-Al-rich inclusions in the Allende chondrite. The mineral occurs as single individuals completely enclosed in high Ni metal (62-64.5 wt. % Ni). The association with refractories is consistent with thermodynamic calculations which predict that Mo is a high temperature condensate even when nucleation constraints are imposed on the formation of a metal phase. Kinetic factors (including nucleation constraints) appear to have played an important role in the formation of molybdenite and the associated sulfides, magnetite and high nickel metal.

Fuchs, L. H.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Coatings for wear and lubrication

In this paper we review the recent advances in the tribological uses of R.F.-sputtered and ion-plated films of solid film lubricants (laminar solids, soft metals, organic polymers) and wear-resistant refractory compounds (carbides, nitrides, silicides). The sputtering and ion-plating potentials and the corresponding coatings formed are evaluated relative to the friction coefficient, wear endurance life and mechanical properties. The tribological and mechanical properties of each kind of film are discussed in terms of film adherence, coherence, density, grain size, morphology, internal stresses and thickness and substrate conditions such as temperature, topography, chemistry and d.c. biasing. The ion-plated metallic films in addition to improved tribological properties also have better mechanical properties such as tensile strength and fatigue life.

Spalvins, T.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Metal- and intermetallic-matrix composites for aerospace propulsion and power systems

The requirements for high specific strength refractory materials of prospective military, civil, and space propulsion systems are presently addressed in the context of emerging capabilities in metal- and intermetallic-matrix composites. The candidate systems encompass composite matrix compositions of superalloy, Nb-Zr refractory alloy, Cu-base, and Ti-base alloy types, as well as such intermetallics as TiAl, Ti3Al, NiAl, and MoSi2. The brittleness of intermetallic matrices remains a major consideration, as does their general difficulty of fabrication.

Doychak, J.↗
NASA NTRS1980

RF-sputtered and ion-plated solid lubricants

Report reviews advances in tribological uses of RF-sputtered and ion-plated films of solid film lubricants (laminar solids, soft metals, organic polymers) and wear-resistant refractory compounds.

Spalvins, T.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Composition and radiative properties of grains in molecular clouds and accretion disks

We define a model of the compositon and abundances of grains and gases in molecular cloud cores and accretion disks around young stars by employing a wide range of astronomical data and theory, the composition of primitive bodies in the solar system, and solar elemental abundances. In the coldest portions of these objects, we propose that the major grain species include olivine (Fe, Mg, 2SiO4), orthopyroxene (Fe, Mg, SiO3), volatile and refractory organics, water ice, troilite (FeS), and metallic iron. This compositional model differs from almost all previous models of the interstellar medium (ISM) by having organics as the major condensed C species, rather than graphite; by including troilite as a major grain species; and by specifying the mineralogical composition of the condensed silicates. Using a combination of laboratory measurements of optical constants and asymptotic theory, we derive values of the real and imaginary indices of refraction of these grain species over a wavelength range that runs from the vacuum ultraviolet (UV) to the radio domain. The above information on grain properties is used to estimate the Rosseland mean opacity of the grains and their monochromatic opacity.

Pollack, James B.↗
NASA NTRS2007

High Temperature Stability of Dissimilar Metal Joints in Fission Surface Power Systems

Future generations of power systems for spacecraft and lunar surface systems will likely require a strong dependence on nuclear power. The design of a space nuclear power plant involves integrating together major subsystems with varying materia1 requirements. Refractory alloys are repeatedly considered for major structural components in space power reactor designs because refractory alloys retain their strength at higher temperatures than other classes of metals. The relatively higher mass and lower ductility of the refractory alloys make them less attractive for lower temperature subsystems in the power plant such as the power conversion system. The power conversion system would consist more likely of intermediate temperature Ni-based superalloys. One of many unanswered questions about the use of refractory alloys in a space power plant is how to transition from the use of the structural refractory alloy to more traditional structural alloys. Because deleterious phases can form when complex alloys are joined and operated at elevated temperatures, dissimilar material diffusion analyses of refractory alloys and superalloys are needed to inform designers about options of joint temperature and operational lifetime. Combinations of four superalloys and six refractory alloys were bonded and annealed at 1150 K and 1300 K to examine diffusional interactions in this study. Joints formed through hot pressing and hot isostatic pressing were compared. Results on newer alloys compared favorably to historical data. Diffusional stability is promising for some combinations of Mo-Re alloys and superalloys at 1150 K, but it appears that lower joint temperatures would be required for other refractory alloy couples.

Locci, Ivan E.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Strength can be controlled by edge dislocations in refractory high-entropy alloys

Energy efficiency is motivating the search for new high-temperature (high-T) metals. Some new body-centered-cubic (BCC) random multicomponent “high-entropy alloys (HEAs)” based on refractory elements (Cr-Mo-Nb-Ta-V-W-Hf-Ti-Zr) possess exceptional strengths at high temperatures but the physical origins of this outstanding behavior are not known. Here we show, using integrated in-situ neutron-diffraction (ND), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), and recent theory, that the high strength and strength retention of a NbTaTiV alloy and a high-strength/low-density CrMoNbV alloy are attributable to edge dislocations. This finding is surprising because plastic flows in BCC elemental metals and dilute alloys are generally controlled by screw dislocations. We use the insight and theory to perform a computationally-guided search over 10 7 BCC HEAs and identify over 10 6 possible ultra-strong high-T alloy compositions for future exploration.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1995

Method for fabricating semiconductor devices

A process for fabricating gold/gallium arsenide structures, in situ, on molecular beam epitaxially grown gallium arsenide. The resulting interface proves to be Ohmic, an unexpected result which is interpreted in terms of increased electrode interdiffusion. More importantly, the present invention surprisingly permits the fabrication of Ohmic contacts in a III-V semiconductor material at room temperature. Although it may be desireable to heat the Ohmic contact to a temperature of, for example, 200 degrees Centigrade if one wishes to further decrease the resistance of the contact, such low temperature annealing is much less likely to have any deleterious affect on the underlying substrate. The use of the term in situ herein, contemplates continuously maintaining an ultra-high vacuum, that is a vacuum which is at least 10.sup.-8 Torr, until after the metallization has been completed. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprising an additional step, namely the termination of the gallium arsenide by a two monolayer thickness of epitaxial aluminum arsenide as a diffusion barrier, enables the recovery of Schottky barrier behavior, namely a rectified I-V characteristic. The present invention provides a significant breakthrough in the fabrication of III-V semiconductor devices wherein excellent Ohmic contact and Schottky barrier interfaces to such devices can be achieved simply and inexpensively and without requiring the high temperature processing of the prior art and also without requiring the use of exotic high temperature refractory materials as substitutes for those preferred contact metals such as gold, aluminum and the like.

Kaiser, William J.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Investigation of residual stress distribution in wire-arc directed energy deposited refractory molybdenum alloy utilizing numerical thermo-mechanical analysis and neutron diffraction method

Directed energy deposition (DED), a metal additive manufacturing (AM) technique, offers higher deposition rates and energy efficiency, making it suitable for fabricating components from refractory molybdenum alloys, such as molybdenum-titanium-zirconium (TZM). However, large thermal gradients and non-equilibrium thermal cycles in DED could generate high residual stress in the component, potentially deteriorating quality and performance. Thus, this study aims to investigate residual stress generation and its distribution in wire-arc DED of TZM thin-wall, utilizing thermo-mechanical analysis and high-fidelity neutron diffraction (ND) method. Two interpass temperatures (50°C and 200°C) have been considered to investigate their impact on residual stress formation. During experiments, in-situ thermal data has been recorded using thermocouples, which have been utilized for calibrating the thermal model. Thermocouple data shows a good agreement with the simulation results, having a difference of less than 10 %. Post-deposition part deformation has been observed, which is measured using a coordinate measuring machine, showing maximum values of 0.93 mm and 0.78 mm for interpass temperatures of 50°C and 200°C, respectively. Numerical predictions of distortion deviated by less than 15% from the experimental results. ND measurement and simulation results indicate that residual stress magnitude and evolution vary across the TZM deposits, revealing microstructural anisotropy in both conditions. Notably, lower interpass temperatures resulted in higher residual stresses, confirmed by experimental and simulation data. Further, this study demonstrated that an integrated experimental and thermo-mechanical analysis can potentially reveal the temperature history, part deformation, and residual stress formation in wire-arc DED TZM alloy.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗