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At least 775 records · Page 43

Additive manufacturing of amorphous metal soft magnetic composites

Soft magnet alloys are used as magnetic cores for electric motors, transformers, wind turbines and other power generation systems. Soft magnetic cores are expensive and time consuming to manufacture in the complex shapes required for next-generation devices using conventional press and sinter powder metallurgy. The objective of this effort is to additively manufacture high performance soft magnets, with reduced cost and reduced material waste and 10x lower energy (core) loss at the high operating frequencies of many electric machines. Laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing is used as the fabrication method. Electrical steel and amorphous alloys atomized powders are used as a feedstock materials. Magnetic cores are printed in topology optimized structures such as the Hilbert curve because this has been shown to reduce energy losses by minimizing the eddy currents that circulate within the magnet at high frequencies. In our project, we succeed in printing FeSi 3.5wt% and FeSi 6.5wt% electrical steels, and iron-based soft magnetic amorphous alloys in the shape of Hilbert and Peano curve topology optimized structures. We found that the Peano curve has a higher cut-off frequency than the Hilbert curve, and that amorphous alloys have high cut-off frequencies and higher mechanical hardness than electrical steels. Processing conditions such as laser power, scan speed, and hatching pattern were optimized to achieve high density prints, and optimize magnetic performance. We find that the printing of amorphous alloy soft magnetic cores may be technoeconomically feasible for large scale applications such as transformers, for which supply chain issues and the labor costs of manual fabrication of magnetic cores is prohibitive in some cases.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Cryogenically formed prestressed composite fiber-metal structures for O2/N2 high pressure gas tanks.

Demonstration of high-structural-performance ARDEFORM cryoformed 301 stainless-steel glass-fiber-reinforced (GFR) vessels by room temperature tests of 13 1/2-in. diam spheres. Tests verified that the structural performance of ARDEFORM spherical GFR vessels not only exceeded that of all metal construction, but also bettered previous GFR experimental results by 50%. Achievement of essentially the full strength of fiberglass in a spherical wrap pattern was again verified. Significant weight advantages for this construction are projected for O2/N2 high-pressure gas tanks for Space Shuttle environmental control/life support system missions.

Gleich, D.↗

Metal-metal reinforced laminar composites

Two prototype laminar composites have shown potential for high strength and high temperature applications. These composites might be made with less in-place anisotropy and be less expensive than comparable fiber composites.

Weeton, J. W.↗

Nonlinear laminate analysis for metal matrix fiber composites

A nonlinear laminate analysis is described for predicting the mechanical behavior (stress-strain relationships) of angleplied laminates in which the matrix is strained nonlinearly by both the residual stress and the mechanical load and in which additional nonlinearities are induced due to progressive fiber fractures and ply relative rotations. The nonlinear laminate analysis (NLA) is based on linear composite mechanics and a piece wise linear laminate analysis to handle the nonlinear responses. Results obtained by using this nonlinear analysis on boron fiber/aluminum matrix angleplied laminates agree well with experimental data. The results shown illustrate the in situ ply stress-strain behavior and synergistic strength enhancement.

Chamis, C. C.↗

Nonlinear laminate analysis for metal matrix fiber composites

A nonlinear laminate analysis is described for predicting the mechanical behavior (stress-strain relationships) of angle-ply laminates in which the matrix is strained nonlinearly by both the residual stress and the mechanical load and in which additional nonlinearities are induced due to progressive fiber fractures and ply relative rotations. The nonlinear laminate analysis is based on linear composite mechanics and a piece-wise linear laminate analysis to handle the nonlinear responses. Results obtained by using this nonlinear analysis on boron-fiber/aluminum-matrix angle-ply laminates agree well with experimental data. The results shown illustrate the in situ ply stress-strain behavior and synergistic strength enhancement.

Chamis, C. C.↗

Electrochemical studies of thin films of conducting polymers and conducting polymer composites deposited on metal and semiconductor electrodes

Electrochemical studies indicate that poly(Isothianaphthene) or PITN, can be p-doped only. Electrochemical properties of PITN and Nafion-PITN in acetonitrile solutions containing tetra-phenyl Phosphonium chloride as supporting electrolyte are compared. In both cases, the electrochemical behavior of thin films are different from that of thick films. In addition, Nafion does not seem to alter the electrochemical properties of PITN. Cyclic voltammetric and chronocoulometric measurements were made to compute the diffusion coefficient of the counter ions. Electrochemical behavior of both PITN and Nafion-PITN in acetonitrile solution containing different counter ions are described. PITN, when electrochemically deposited, apparently neither passivates surface states present nor forms ohmic contacts with p-Si or p(+)Si single-crystal electrodes.

Nagasubramanian, G.↗

Detecting Lamb waves with broad-band acousto-ultrasonic signals in composite structures

Lamb waves can be produced and detected in ceramic matrix composites (CMC) and metal matrix composites (MMC) plates using the acousto-ultrasonic configuration employing broadband transducers. Experimental dispersion curves of lowest symmetric and antisymmetric modes behave in a manner analogous to the graphite/polymer theoretical curves. In this study a basis has been established for analyzing Lamb wave velocities for characterizing composite plates. Lamb wave dispersion curves and group velocities were correlated with variations in axial stiffness and shear stiffness in MMC and CMC. For CMC, interfacial shear strength was also correlated with the first antisymmetric Lamb mode.

Kautz, Harold E.↗

Applications of composites to armaments

The U.S. Army Materials Technology Laboratory (MTL) has been engaged in investigating the feasibility of applying composite materials to the lightening of artillery structural components since about 1982. In this period a number of efforts were carried out either in-house at MTL or by supporting organizations, including Benet Laboratory and the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, aimed at investigating applications to various components of towed artillery. Salient features of these efforts and some important conclusions that have come out of them are described. In addition to organic matrix composites, discontinuously reinforced metal matrix composites appear to have great potential for weight reduction in this type of application.

Oplinger, Don W.↗

Detecting Lamb waves with broadband acousto-ultrasonic signals in composite structures

Lamb waves can be produced and detected in ceramic matrix composites (CMC) and metal matrix composites (MMC) plates using the acousto-ultrasonic configuration employing broadband transducers. Experimental dispersion curves of lowest symmetric and lowest antisymmetric modes behave in a manner analogous to the graphite/polymer theoretical curves. In this study a basis has been established for analyzing Lamb wave velocities for characterizing composite plates. Lamb wave disperison curves and group velocities were correlated with variations in axial stiffness and shear stiffness in MMC and CMC. For CMCs, interfacial shear strength was also correlated with the first antisymmetric Lamb mode.

Kautz, Harold E.↗

Predicting Fatigue Lives Of Metal-Matrix/Fiber Composites

Method of prediction of fatigue lives of intermetallic-matrix/fiber composite parts at high temperatures styled after method of universal slopes. It suffices to perform relatively small numbers of fatigue tests. Data from fatigue tests correlated with tensile-test data by fitting universal-slopes equation to both sets of data. Thereafter, universal-slopes equation used to predict fatigue lives from tensile properties.

Bartolotta, Paul A.↗

Space environmental effects on spacecraft: LEO materials selection guide, part 1

This document provides performance properties on major spacecraft materials and subsystems that have been exposed to the low-Earth orbit (LEO) space environment. Spacecraft materials include metals, polymers, composites, white and black paints, thermal-control blankets, adhesives, and lubricants. Spacecraft subsystems include optical components, solar cells, and electronics. Information has been compiled from LEO short-term spaceflight experiments (e.g., space shuttle) and from retrieved satellites of longer mission durations (e.g., Long Duration Exposure Facility). Major space environment effects include atomic oxygen (AO), ultraviolet radiation, micrometeoroids and debris, contamination, and particle radiation. The main objective of this document is to provide a decision tool to designers for designing spacecraft and structures. This document identifies the space environments that will affect the performance of materials and components, e.g., thermal-optical property changes of paints due to UV exposures, AO-induced surface erosion of composites, dimensional changes due to thermal cycling, vacuum-induced moisture outgassing, and surface optical changes due to AO/UV exposures. Where appropriate, relationships between the space environment and the attendant material/system effects are identified. Part 1 covers spacecraft design considerations for the space environment; advanced composites; polymers; adhesives; metals; ceramics; protective coatings; and lubricants, greases, and seals.

Silverman, Edward M.↗

Lightweight Chambers for Thrust Assemblies

The Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully applied new materials and fabrication techniques to create actively cooled thrust chambers that operate 200-400 degrees hotter and weigh 50% lighter than conventional designs. In some vehicles, thrust assemblies account for as much as 20% of the engine weight. So, reducing the weight of these components and increasing their operating range will benefit many engines and vehicle designs, including Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) concepts. Obviously, copper and steel alloys have been used successfully for many years in the chamber components of thrust assemblies. Yet, by replacing the steel alloys with Polymer Matrix Composite (PMC) and/or Metal Matrix Composite (MMC) materials, design weights can be drastically reduced. In addition, replacing the traditional copper alloys with a Ceramic Matrix Composite (CMC) or an advanced copper alloy (Cu-8Cr-4Nb, also known as GRCop-84) significantly increases allowable operating temperatures. Several small MMC and PMC demonstration chambers have recently been fabricated with promising results. Each of these designs included GRCop-84 for the cooled chamber liner. These units successfully verified that designs over 50% lighter are feasible. New fabrication processes, including advanced casting technology and a low cost vacuum plasma spray (VPS) process, were also demonstrated with these units. Hot-fire testing at MSFC is currently being conducted on the chambers to verify increased operating temperatures available with the GRCop-84 liner. Unique CMC chamber liners were also successfully fabricated and prepared for hot-fire testing. Yet, early results indicate these CMC liners need significantly more development in order to use them in required chamber designs. Based on the successful efforts with the MMC and PMC concepts, two full size "lightweight" chambers are currently being designed and fabricated for hot-fire testing at MSFC in 2001. These "full size" chambers will be similar in size to those used on the X33 engine (RS2200). One will be fabricated with a MMC structural jacket, while the other uses a PMC jacket. Each will be designed for thrust levels of 15,000 pounds in an oxygen/hydrogen environment with liquid hydrogen coolant. Both chambers will use GRCop-84 for its channel wall liner. Each unit is expected to be at least 60% lighter than a conventional design with traditional materials. Hot-fire testing on the full size units in late 2001 will directly compare performance results between a conventional chamber design and these "lightweight" alternatives. The technology developed and demonstrated by this effort will not only benefit next generation RLV programs, but it can be applied to other existing and future engine programs, as well. Efforts were sponsored by the Advanced Space Transportation Program for RLV Focused Technologies. The task team was led by MSFC with additional members from NASA-Glenn Research Center and the Rocketdyne Division of The Boeing Company. Specific materials development and fabrication processes were provided by Aerojet, Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Composite Optics, Inc., Hyper-Therm, Ceramic Composites, Inc., MSE Technology Applications, and Plasma Processes, Inc.

Elam, Sandra K.↗

Manufacturing Process Simulation of Large-Scale Cryotanks

NASA's Space Launch Initiative (SLI) is an effort to research and develop the technologies needed to build a second-generation reusable launch vehicle. It is required that this new launch vehicle be 100 times safer and 10 times cheaper to operate than current launch vehicles. Part of the SLI includes the development of reusable composite and metallic cryotanks. The size of these reusable tanks is far greater than anything ever developed and exceeds the design limits of current manufacturing tools. Several design and manufacturing approaches have been formulated, but many factors must be weighed during the selection process. Among these factors are tooling reachability, cycle times, feasibility, and facility impacts. The manufacturing process simulation capabilities available at NASA.s Marshall Space Flight Center have played a key role in down selecting between the various manufacturing approaches. By creating 3-D manufacturing process simulations, the varying approaches can be analyzed in a virtual world before any hardware or infrastructure is built. This analysis can detect and eliminate costly flaws in the various manufacturing approaches. The simulations check for collisions between devices, verify that design limits on joints are not exceeded, and provide cycle times which aide in the development of an optimized process flow. In addition, new ideas and concerns are often raised after seeing the visual representation of a manufacturing process flow. The output of the manufacturing process simulations allows for cost and safety comparisons to be performed between the various manufacturing approaches. This output helps determine which manufacturing process options reach the safety and cost goals of the SLI. As part of the SLI, The Boeing Company was awarded a basic period contract to research and propose options for both a metallic and a composite cryotank. Boeing then entered into a task agreement with the Marshall Space Flight Center to provide manufacturing simulation support. This paper highlights the accomplishments of this task agreement, while also introducing the capabilities of simulation software.

Babai, Majid↗

Noncontact Determination of Antisymmetric Plate Wave Velocity in Ceramic Matrix Composites

High-temperature materials are of increasing importance in the development of more efficient engines and components for the aeronautics industry. In particular, ceramic matrix composite (CMC) and metal matrix composite (MMC) structures are under active development for these applications. The acousto-ultrasonic (AU) method has been shown to be useful for assessing mechanical properties in composite structures. In particular, plate wave analysis can characterize composites in terms of their stiffness moduli. It is desirable to monitor changes in mechanical properties that occur during thermomechanical testing and to monitor the health of components whose geometry or position make them hard to reach with conventional ultrasonic probes. In such applications, it would be useful to apply AU without coupling directly to the test surface. For a number of years, lasers have been under investigation as remote ultrasonic input sources and ultrasound detectors. The use of an ultrasonic transducer coupled through an air gap has also been under study. So far at the NASA Lewis Research Center, we have been more successful in using lasers as ultrasonic sources than as output devices. On the other hand, we have been more successful in using an air-coupled piezoelectric transducer as an output device than as an input device. For this reason, we studied the laser in/air-coupled-transducer out combination-using a pulsed NdYAG laser as the ultrasonic source and an air-coupled-transducer as the detector. The present work is focused on one of the AU parameters of interest, the ultrasonic velocity of the antisymmetric plate-wave mode. This easily identified antisymmetric pulse can be used to determine shear and flexure modulus. It was chosen for this initial work because the pulse arrival times are likely to be the most precise. The following schematic illustrates our experimental arrangement for using laser in/air-transducer out on SiC/SiC composite tensile specimens. The NdYAG pulse was directed downward by a 90 infrared prism to the top of the specimen, but at the edge of one end. An energy sensor measured a single pulse at 13 millijoules (mJ) before it passed through the prism, which attenuated 15 percent of its energy. It also provided an output trigger for the waveform time-delay synthesizer.

Kautz, Harold E.↗