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At least 811 records · Page 45

Improving the toughness of refractory compounds

Composition and processing studies were conducted on silicon nitride and silicon carbide materials. Charpy mode impact testing to 2415 F established the effectiveness of higher purity silicon nitride powder sources in reducing the scatter of measurements and in improving short time bend strengths as well as bend stress rupture properties. Stabilized zirconia additions in particular were observed to dramatically enhance low and high temperature bend strengths and stress rupture properties for all grades of silicon nitride powder. Silicon carbide samples showed relatively poor impact resistance, although the maxima in stress rupture behavior was exhibited by this material.

Vasilos, T.↗

The polymer-like organic material in the Orgueil meteorite

Results are reported for analysis of polymeric organic material contained in powder from the Orgueil chondrite, using a stepwise high-vacuum pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry technique. Pyrolysis products obtained include a series of alkanes and alkenes to C8, an extensive series of alkylbenzene isomers, thiophene, alkylthiophenes, benzothiophene, acetonitrile, acrylonitrile, benzonitrile, acetone, and phenol. Most of these products are shown to be similar both qualitatively and quantitatively to those previously obtained from solvent-extracted Allende powder, indicating a basically aromatic and heteroaromatic polymer matrix with short aliphatic bridges or side chains. The production of acrylonitrile, acetonitrile, and benzonitrile (common breakdown products of amino acids) from the insoluble organic material is taken to suggest that amino acids exist in an insoluble form, perhaps as peptides, in the meteorite's polymeric component. Similarities between the structure of the Orgueil polymeric material and terrestrial kerogen are discussed which raise the possibility that both might have been produced in part by similar reactions.

Bandurski, E. L.↗

Preparation of zinc orthotitanate

Use of decomposable precursors to enhance zinc oxide-titanium dioxide reaction and rapid fixing results in rapid preparation of zinc orthotitanate powder pigment. Preparation process allows production under less stringent conditions. Elimination of powder grinding results in purer that is less susceptible to color degradation.

Gates, D. W.↗

Self-sterilizing canister

Canister, originally conceived for remote sterilization of spacecraft packages, could be used terrestrially to handle samples in biologically hazardous environments. Multiwalled canister includes inner layer of pyrotechnic powder. For sterilization, electrically activated squib ignites powder, raising temperature of outer surface of canister to 230 degrees centigrade for several minutes. Thermal-buffer inner layer prevents inside temperature for exceeding 100 degrees centigrade to protect contents from damage. Samples in field hospitals and other emergency situations could also be handled by equipment.

Yang, L. C.↗

Development of Si3N4 and SiC of improved toughness

The application of energy absorbing surface layers to Si3N4 and SiC was investigated. Among the layers studied were microcracked materials such as iron titanate and a silica-zircon mixture and porous materials such as reaction sintered Si3N4. Energy absorption due to microcrack extension upon impact was found not to be an important mechanism. Instead, the fivefold improvement in Charpy and ballistic impact at elevated temperature (1250 C and 1370 C) found for Fe2TiO5 was due to plastic deformation while similar improvement found for silica-zircon mixtures at RT was due to crushing of the porous material. Due to thermal expansion mismatch, these two materials could not withstand thermal cycling when used as energy absorbing surface layers on Si3N4. Reaction sintered Si3N4 layers on dense Si3N4 were found to give up to a sevenfold increase in ballistic impact resistance due to crushing of the layer upon impact. High porosity (45%), large particle size R.S. Si3N4 layers fabricated from -100, +200 mesh Si powder gave better impact improvement than less porous (30%), small particle size layers fabricated from -325 mesh Si powder.

Brennan, J. J.↗

Development and evaluation of die and container materials

Commercial high purity ultrafine Si3N4, Al2O3, and SiO2 powders were vacuum dried and stored under nitrogen in sealed containers. Extensive analysis of the chemical, physical, and morphological characteristics of these powders was performed. The interaction of molten silicon with fused quartz was examined in a Knudsen cell using a mass spectrometer. The solubility of oxygen at the melting point of silicon was calculated to be 1.78 times 10 to the 18th power atoms/cu cm, and the activity coefficients of oxygen and silicon monoxide, the major vapor species, were calculated to be 4.83 times 10 to the minus 24th power and 0.0000701, respectively.

Wills, R. R.↗

Low cost silicon solar array project silicon materials task: Establishment of the feasibility of a process capable of low-cost, high volume production of silane (step 1) and the pyrolysis of silane to semiconductor-grade silicon (step 2)

Extended operation of a small process-development unit routinely produced high quality silane in 97+% yield from dichlorosilane. The production rate was consistent with design loadings for the fractionating column and for the redistribution reactor. A glass fluid-bed reactor was constructed for room temperature operation. The behavior of a bed of silcon particles was observed as a function of various feedstocks, component configurations, and operating conditions. For operating modes other than spouting, the bed behaved in an erratic and unstable manner. A method was developed for casting molten silicon powder into crack-free solid pellets for process evaluation. The silicon powder was melted and cast into thin walled quartz tubes that sacrificially broke on cooling.

Breneman, W. C.↗

Low cost silicon solar array project silicon materials task: Establishment of the feasibility of a process capable of low-cost, high volume production of silane (step 1) and the pyrolysis of silane to semiconductor-grade silicon (step 2)

A quartz fluid bed reactor capable of operating at temperatures of up to 1000 C was designed, constructed, and successfully operated. During a 30 minute experiment, silane was decomposed within the reactor with no pyrolysis occurring on the reactor wall or on the gas injection system. A hammer mill/roller-crusher system appeared to be the most practical method for producing seed material from bulk silicon. No measurable impurities were detected in the silicon powder produced by the free space reactor, using the cathode layer emission spectroscopic technique. Impurity concentration followed by emission spectroscopic examination of the residue indicated a total impurity level of 2 micrograms/gram. A pellet cast from this powder had an electrical resistivity of 35 to 45 ohm-cm and P-type conductivity.

Breneman, W. C.↗

Novel duplex vapor-electrochemical method for silicon solar cells

Silicon obtained by the SiF4-Na reaction was analyzed by spark source mass spectrometry (SSMS). Silicon samples prepared from induction melted powder were evaluated for electrical properties using four point probe conductivity and thermoelectric methods. SiF4-Na reaction under P sub SiF4 greater than 1 atmosphere. The amount of silicon produced was increased from 25 g per batch (in the glass reactor) to greater than 70 g per batch in the stainless steel reactor. The study of the effects of reaction variables such as P sub SiF4 and maximum temperature attained on the particle size of silicon powder showed that the silicon particle size tends to grow larger with increasing pressure of the SiF4 gas in the reaction system.

Kapur, V. K.↗

Evaluation of Cyclic Behavior of Aircraft Turbine Disk Alloys

An evaluation of the cyclic behavior of three aircraft engine turbine disk materials was conducted to compare their relative crack initiation and crack propagation resistance. The disk alloys investigated were Inconel 718, hot isostatically pressed and forged powder metallurgy Rene '95, and as-hot-isostatically pressed Rene '95. The objective was to compare the hot isostatically pressed powder metallurgy alloy forms with conventionally processed superalloys as represented by Inconel 718. Cyclic behavior was evaluated at 650 C both under continuously cycling and a fifteen minute tensile hold time cycle to simulate engine conditions. Analysis of the test data were made to evaluate the strain range partitioning and energy exhaustion concepts for predicting hold time effects on low cycle fatigue.

Shahani, V.↗

An experimental P/M wrought superalloy for advanced temperature service

A study was undertaken in order to adapt IIB-11 (an experimental wrought superalloy with high temperature strength) to manufacture via powder metallurgy techniques, and to improve its microstructural stability. Three compositional modifications were produced and evaluated. Among the conclusions reached it was found that: (1) IIB-11 having a low C and low Hf alloy content is suitable for advanced temperature turbine disks, and is applicable to fabrication by powder metallurgy techniques, (2) IIB-11, when compared to modifications with higher C and/or higher Hf, is somewhat weaker in tension at intermediate temperatures but superior in tensile ductility, rupture strength and ductility, and stability during long-time heating, (3) increases in the cross-rolling temperature increase the grain size of alloys after solution treatment, and (4) both the lower C modifications develop larger grain sizes than the higher C modification.

Miner, R. V.↗

Progress in advanced high temperature turbine materials, coatings, and technology

Several NASA-sponsored benefit-cost studies have shown that very substantial benefits can be obtained by increasing material capability for aircraft gas turbines. Prealloyed powder processing holds promise for providing superalloys with increased strength for turbine disk applications. The developement of advanced powder metallurgy disk alloys must be based on a design of optimum processing and heat treating procedures. Materials considered for high temperature application include oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys, directionally solidified superalloys, ceramics, directionally solidified eutectics, materials combining the high strength of a gamma prime strengthened alloy with the elevated temperature strength of an ODS, and composites. Attention is also given to the use of high pressure turbine seals, approaches for promoting environmental protection, and turbine cooling technology.

Freche, J. C.↗

Sialons as high temperature insulators

Sialons were evaluated for application as high temperature electrical insulators in contact with molybdenum and tungsten components in hard vacuum applications. Both D.C. and variable frequency A.C. resistivity data indicate the sialons to have electrical resistivity similar to common oxide in the 1000 C or higher range. Metallographic evaluations indicate good bonding of the type 15R ALN polytype to molybdenum and tungsten. The beta prime or modified silicon nitride phase was unacceptable in terms of vacuum stability. Additives effect on electrical resistivity. Similar resistivity decreases were produced by additions of molybdenum or tungsten to form cermets. The use of hot pressing at 1800 C with ALN, Al2 O3 and Si3N4 starting powders produced a better product than did a combination of SiO2 and AIN staring powders. It was indicated that sialons will be suitable insulators in the 1600K range in contact with molybdenum or tungsten if they are produced as a pure ceramic and subsequently bonded to the metal components at temperatures in the 1600K range.

Phillips, W. M.↗

Laboratory analogues to cosmic dust

Results are reported for a study of the condensation of a number of solids that are likely candidates for dust formed in astronomical environments. The condensate materials were produced by vaporizing a portion of a solid target of chosen composition by a laser pulse in an atmosphere of H2, O2, or Ar at 1 atm pressure. The systems studied include olivine, pyroxene, Fe-Ni alloy, Al2O3, carbon, CaCO3, SiC, Au-olivine powders, and Au-Al2O3 powders. Possible relations among the sizes, chainlike structures, and chemistries of the condensates and of grains formed in astronomical systems are investigated. The results indicate that the laser evaporation technique is useful for providing a wide variety of grain systems that are analogous to astronomical grain systems and that the grain materials produced are useful for spectral studies of materials believed to exist in astronomical environments, both as single materials and as multicomponent grain systems

Stephens, J. R.↗

Photoproduction of halogens using platinized TiO2

Unlike electrolysis of halide salt solutions, technique using powdered titanium dioxide catalyst requires no external power other than ultraviolet radiation source. Semiconductor powders photocatalyze and photosynthesize many useful reactions; applications are production of halogen molecules, oxidation of hazardous materials in wastewater, and conversion of carbon monoxide to carbon dioxide.

Reichman, B.↗

Development of silicon nitride of improved toughness

The application of reaction sintered Si2N4 energy absorbing surface layers to hot-pressed Si3N4 was investigated. The surface layer was formed by in-place nitridation of silicon powder. It was found that reaction sintered Si3N4 layers of 1 mm thickness, fabricated from either -100, +200, -200, or -325 mesh Si powder and nitrided in 96% N2/4% H2 so that approximately 20-25 vol % unnitrided Si remained in the layer, resulted in a sevenfold increase in ballistic impact resistance of a 0.64 cm thick hot-pressed SI3N4 substrate from RT 1370 C. Both NC-132 SI3N4, with MgO additive, and NCX-34 Si3N4, with Y2O3 additive, were evaluated as substrate material. The finer grain size -200 and -325 mesh nitrided Si layers were for their smoothness and relatively high density. It was found that nitriding in N2/H2 mixtures, rather than pure N2, resulted in a microstructure that did not substantially degrade the strength of the hot-pressed Si3N4 substrate. Thermal cycling tests on the RSSN/HPSN combinations from 200 C to 1370 C for 75 cycles in air did not degrade the impact resistance nor the interfacial bonding, although a large amount of internal silica formation occurred within the RSSN layer. Mach 0.8, 5 hr, hot gas erosion tests showed no surface recession of RSSN layers at 1200 C and slight surface recession at 1370 C.

Brennan, J. J.↗

Burning characteristics and fiber retention of graphite/resin matrix composites

Graphite fiber reinforced resin matrix composites were subjected to controlled burning conditions to determine their burning characteristics and fiber retention properties. Small samples were burned with a natural gas fired torch to study the effects of fiber orientation and structural flaws such as holes and slits that were machined into the laminates. Larger laminate samples were burned in a modified heat release rate calorimeter. Unidirectional epoxy/graphite and polyimide/graphite composites and boron powder filled samples of each of the two composite systems were burn tested. The composites were exposed to a thermal radiation of 5.3 Btu/sq ft-sec in air. Samples of each of the unfilled composite were decomposed anaerobically in the calorimeter. Weight loss data were recorded for burning and decomposition times up to thirty-five minutes. The effects of fiber orientation, flaws, and boron filler additives to the resins were evaluated. A high char forming polyimide resin was no more effective in retaining graphite fibers than a low char forming epoxy resin when burned in air. Boron powder additions to both the polyimide and the epoxy resins stabilized the chars and effectively controlled the fiber release.

Bowles, K. J.↗

Velocity model of the shallow lunar crust

The travel times of the seismic waves obtained for the Apollo-14 and -16 active seismic experiments and the Apollo-16 grenade launches are shown to be consistent with a powder-layer model of the shallow lunar crust. The velocity variation with depth determined from these data is: V(z) = approximately 110 z to the 1/6 power m/sec for z less than 10 meters and V(z) is nearly = to 250 m/sec for z greater than 10 meters. The velocity values found for the 10 meter depth are similar to those found by Kovach, et al. (1972). The z to the 1/6 power depth dependence for the velocity of the topmost layer is that predicted on the basis of a powder layer (Gangi, 1972). The Amplitude variation of the direct waves as a function of source-to-receiver separation, x, is A(x) = A(o)x to the -n power exp(-ax) where 1.5 n 2.2 and a is nearly = to 0.047 neper/m. Velocity-spectra analyses of the direct, surface-reflected, bottom-reflected and refracted waves give results that are consistent with the velocity model inferred from the traveltime data.

Gangi, A. F.↗