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At least 811 records · Page 45

Powder-metallurgy superalloy strengthened by a secondary gamma phase.

Description of experiments in which prealloyed powders of superalloy compositions were consolidated by extrusion after the strengthening by precipitation of a body-centered tetragonal gamma secondary Ni3 Ta phase. Thin foil electron microscopy showed that the mechanical properties of the resultant powder-metallurgy product were correlated with its microstructure. The product exhibited high strength at 1200 F without loss of ductility, after thermomechanical treatment and aging.

Kotval, P. S.↗

Friction, wear, and noise of slip ring and brush contacts for synchronous satellite use.

A program is being conducted for testing of slip rings for synchronous orbit application. Instrumentation systems necessary for monitoring electrical noise, friction, and brush wear at atmospheric pressure and at less than 50 nanotorr have been developed. A multiplex scheme necessary for the simultaneous recording of brush displacement, friction, and electrical noise has also been developed. Composite brushes consisting of silver-molybdenum disulfide-graphite and silver-niobium diselenide-graphite have been employed on rings of coin silver and rhodium plate. Brush property measurements made included measurement of density, electrical resistivity, shear strength, and microstructure.

Lewis, N. E.↗

Feasibility of SiC composite structures for 1644 deg gas turbine seal applications

The feasibility of silicon carbide composite structures was evaluated for 1644 K gas turbine seal applications. The silicon carbide composites evaluated consisted of Si/SiC Silcomp (Trademark) - and sintered silicon carbide as substrates, both with attached surface layers containing BN as an additive. A total of twenty-eight candidates with variations in substrate type and density, and layer chemistry, density, microstructure, and thickness were evaluated for abradability, cold particle erosion resistance, static oxidation resistance, ballistic impact resistance, and fabricability. The BN-free layers with variations in density and pore size were later added for evaluation. The most promising candidates were evaluated for Mach 1.0 gas oxidation/erosion resistance from 1477 K to 1644 K. The as-fabricated rub layers did not perform satisfactorily in the gas oxidation/erosion tests. However, preoxidation was found to be beneficial in improving the hot gas erosion resistance. Overall, the laboratory and rig test evaluations show that material properties are suitable for 1477 K gas turbine seal applications.

Darolia, R.↗

Isopycnic Phases and Structures in H2O/CO2/Ethoxylated Alcohol Surfactant Mixtures

Ternary mixtures of H2O and CO2 with ethoxylated alcohol (C(i)E(j)) surfactants can form three coexisting liquid phases at conditions where two of the phases have the same density (isopycnic phases). Isopycnic phase behavior has been observed for mixtures containing the surfactants C8E5, C10E6, and C12E6, but not for those mixtures containing either C4E1 or CgE3. Pressure-temperature (PT) projections for this isopycnic three-phase equilibrium were determined for H2O/CO2/C8E5 and H2O/CO2/C10E6 mixtures at temperatures from approximately 25 to 33 C and pressures between 90 and 350 bar. As a preliminary to measuring the microstructure in isopycnic three component mixtures, phase behavior and small angle neutron scattering (SANS) experiments were performed on mixtures of D2O/CO2/ n-hexaethyleneglycol monododecyl ether (C12E6) as a function of temperature (25-31 C), pressure (63.1-90.7 bar), and CO2 composition (0-3.9 wt%). Parameters extracted from model fits of the SANS spectra indicate that, while micellar structure remains essentially unchanged, critical concentration fluctuations increase as the phase boundary and plait point are approached.

Paulaitis, Michael E.↗

Microstructural Characterization of TiO2-II in the Chicxulub Peak Ring

The peak ring of the approximately 180 kilometer-diameter Chicxulub impact crater on the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, was recently drilled during IODP-ICDP (International Ocean Discovery Program-International Continental Scientific Drilling Program) Expedition 364, producing core M0077A. The new core provides insights into the anatomy, composition, tectonic deformation, shock metamorphism, and post-impact overprint of crater-filling impactites and crystalline basement rocks. The basement rocks were shocked to approximately 12.5-17.5 gigapascals, uplifted, and hydrothermally altered. This study presents a combined Raman spectroscopic and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) study of TiO2-II, a high-pressure polymorph of TiO2 with an alpha-PbO2 structure (orthorhombic; space group Pbcn; density 4.34 grams per cubic centimeter, in shocked granitoid rock of the Chicxulub peak ring.

Schmieder, Martin↗

Chemical and Microstructural Changes in Metallic and Ceramic Materials Exposed to Venusian Surface Conditions

The chemical and microstructural behavior of steels (304, 310, 316, and 1018), nickel-based alloys (beta-NiAl, G30, and 625), gold, coatings (4YSZ, SilcoNert(TradeMark) 1040 (SilcoTek Co.), Dursan(TradeMark) (SilcoTek Co.), and porcelain), and bulk ceramics (alpha-Al2O3, fused quartz, beta-SiC, and alpha-Si3N4) were probed after exposure to supercritical fluid with temperature, pressure, and composition mimicking the Venus lower atmosphere. Exposures were carried out in the Glenn Extreme Environments Rig (GEER) chamber with the Venusian gas mixture (96.5% CO2, 3.5% N2, 30 ppm H2O, 150 ppm SO2, 28 ppm CO, 15 ppm OCS, 3 ppm H2S, 0.5 ppm HCl, and 5 ppb HF) at 92 bar (1330 psi) and 467 C (873 F) for durations of 10 and 42 days. An additional 21-day exposure was done to stainless steel uncoated and coated with SilcoNert(TradeMark) and Dursan(TradeMark). Samples were characterized before and after the experiment by gravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron and Auger electron spectroscopies, and cross section electron microscopy analysis. All steels exposed for 10 and 42 days formed double-layered scales consisting mainly of metal (Cr, Fe, Ni) oxides and sulfides showing different chemistry, microstructure, and crystalline phases. The alloys G30 and 625 formed double-layered scales consisting mainly of nickel sulfides. After 10 days, the beta-NiAl exhibited no detectable scale, suggesting only a very thin film was formed. The 304 and 316 stainless steels coated with 4YSZ that were exposed for 10 and 42 days exhibited no significant oxidation. Steel 1018 coated with 4YSZ exhibited a corrosion scale of iron and/or chromium oxide formed at the base of the alloy. The 304 steel coated with porcelain did not exhibit corrosion, although the coating exhibited recession. SilcoNert(TradeMark) exposed for 10 and 42 days exhibited recession, although no oxidation was found to occur at the base of the alloy. Stainless steel 316 coated with Dursan(TradeMark)  exhibited corrosion at the base of the alloy. All ceramics tested showed no clear evidence of reaction. The weight-gain-per-area performance of the materials exposed in the GEER for 10 and 42 days are reported from the lowest to the highest weight gain per area as follows: gold did not exhibit any weight change; nickel-based alloys: beta- NiAl < G30 < 625; steels: 304 < 310 < 316 < 1018; ceramics: considering the experimental uncertainties, no weight change was observed for all ceramics of this work (alpha-Al2O3, Si3N4, SiC, and amorphous SiO2).

Costa, Gustavo C. C.↗

Acoustic emission from composite materials

The two basic areas where the acoustic emission (AE) technique can be applied are materials research and the evaluation of structural reliability. This experimental method leads to a better understanding of fracture mechanisms and is an NDT technique particularly well suited for the study of propagating cracks. Experiments are described in which acoustic emissions were unambiguously correlated with microstructural fracture mechanisms. The advantages and limitations of the AE technique are noted.

Visconti, I. C.↗

The response of cobalt-free Udimet 700 type alloy to modified heat treatments

A superalloy based on Udimet 700, in which all of the cobalt was replaced by nickel, was prepared from hot isostatically pressed prealloyed powders. This material was given various heat treatments consisting of partial solutioning and aging in a sequence of four different temperatures. Comparisons were made of microstructures and mechanical properties. Best results were obtained by partially solutioning at 1145 deg C and aging through a sequence of 870, 1030, 650 and 760 deg C. This heat treatment also provided significantly improved properties for wrought material of the same composition. The results suggest that cobalt free Udimet 700 should be considered as a substitute for Udimet 700 with the standard 17 percent cobalt content.

Harf, F. H.↗

The response of cobalt-free Udimet 700 type alloy to modified heat treatments

A superalloy based on Udimet 700, in which all of the cobalt was replaced by nickel, was prepared from hot isostatically pressed prealloyed powders. This material was given various heat treatments consisting of partial solutioning and aging in a sequence of four different temperatures. Comparisons were made of microstructures and mechanical properties. Best results were obtained by partially solutioning at 1145 deg C and aging through a sequence of 870, 1030, 650 and 760 deg C. This heat treatment also provided significantly improved properties for wrought material of the same composition. The results suggest that cobalt free Udimet 700 should be considered as a substitute for Udimet 700 with the standard 17 percent cobalt content.

Harf, F. H.↗

Advanced powder metallurgy aluminum alloys via rapid solidification technology, phase 2

Marko's rapid solidification technology was applied to processing high strength aluminum alloys. Four classes of alloys, namely, Al-Li based (class 1), 2124 type (class 2), high temperature Al-Fe-Mo (class 3), and PM X7091 type (class 4) alloy, were produced as melt-spun ribbons. The ribbons were pulverized, cold compacted, hot-degassed, and consolidated through single or double stage extrusion. The mechanical properties of all four classes of alloys were measured at room and elevated temperatures and their microstructures were investigated optically and through electron microscopy. The microstructure of class 1 Al-Li-Mg alloy was predominantly unrecrystallized due to Zr addition. Yield strengths to the order of 50 Ksi were obtained, but tensile elongation in most cases remained below 2 percent. The class 2 alloys were modified composition of 2124 aluminum alloy, through addition of 0.6 weight percent Zr and 1 weight percent Ni. Nickel addition gave rise to a fine dispersion of intermetallic particles resisting coarsening during elevated temperature exposure. The class 2 alloy showed good combination of tensile strength and ductility and retained high strength after 1000 hour exposure at 177 C. The class 3 Al-Fe-Mo alloy showed high strength and good ductility both at room and high temperatures. The yield and tensile strength of class 4 alloy exceeded those of the commercial 7075 aluminum alloy.

Ray, Ranjan↗

Crystallization of a barium-aluminosilicate glass

The crystallization of a celsian glass composition was investigated as a possible high-temperature ceramic matrix material. Heat treatments invariably resulted in crystallization of the hexaclesian phase unless a flux, such as lithia, was added or a nucleating agent used (e.g., celsian seeds). TEM analysis revealed complex microstructures. Glasses with Mo additions contained hexacelsian, mullite, and an Mo-rich glass. Li2O additions stabilized celsian but mullite and Mo-rich glass were still present.

Drummond, C. H., III↗

Measuring the Density, Viscosity, and Surface Tension of Molten Titanates Using Electrostatic Levitation in Microgravity

Rare earth and barium titanates are useful as ferroelectric, dielectric, and optical materials. Measurements of their thermophysical properties in the liquid state can help guide melt processing technologies for their manufacture and advance understanding of fragile liquids' behavior and glass formation. Here, we report the density, thermal expansion, viscosity, and surface tension of molten BaTiNsub>2 O 5 , BaTi 4 O 9 , and 83TiO 2 -17RE 2 O 3 (RE = La or Nd). Measurements were made using electrostatic levitation and droplet oscillation techniques in microgravity, which provide access to quiescent liquid droplets and deep supercooling of 510–815 K below the equilibrium melting points. Densities were measured over 900–2400 K. Viscosities were similar for all four compositions, increasing from ∼10 mPa s near 2100 K to ∼30 mPa s near 1750 K. Surface tensions were 450–490 dyn cm −1 for the rare earth titanates and 383–395 dyn cm−1 for the barium titanates; surface tensions of all compositions had small or negligible temperature dependence over 1700–2200 K. For solids recovered after melt quenching, x-ray microtomography revealed the fracture mechanics in crystalline products and minimal internal porosity in glass products, likely arising from entrapped gas bubbles. Internal microstructures were generally similar for products processed either in microgravity or in a terrestrial aerodynamic levitator.

Stephen K Wilke↗

A Fully Non-Metallic Gas Turbine Engine Enabled by Additive Manufacturing

The Non-Metallic Gas Turbine Engine project, funded by NASA Aeronautics Research Institute, represents the first comprehensive evaluation of emerging materials and manufacturing technologies that will enable fully nonmetallic gas turbine engines. This will be achieved by assessing the feasibility of using additive manufacturing technologies to fabricate polymer matrix composite and ceramic matrix composite turbine engine components. The benefits include: 50 weight reduction compared to metallic parts, reduced manufacturing costs, reduced part count and rapid design iterations. Two high payoff metallic components have been identified for replacement with PMCs and will be fabricated using fused deposition modeling (FDM) with high temperature polymer filaments. The CMC effort uses a binder jet process to fabricate silicon carbide test coupons and demonstration articles. Microstructural analysis and mechanical testing will be conducted on the PMC and CMC materials. System studies will assess the benefits of fully nonmetallic gas turbine engine in terms of fuel burn, emissions, reduction of part count, and cost. The research project includes a multidisciplinary, multiorganization NASA - industry team that includes experts in ceramic materials and CMCs, polymers and PMCs, structural engineering, additive manufacturing, engine design and analysis, and system analysis.

Ceramics↗

Transmission Electron Microscopy of Itokawa Regolith Grains

Introduction: In a remarkable engineering achievement, the JAXA space agency successfully recovered the Hayabusa space-craft in June 2010, following a non-optimal encounter and sur-face sampling mission to asteroid 25143 Itokawa. These are the first direct samples ever obtained and returned from the surface of an asteroid. The Hayabusa samples thus present a special op-portunity to directly investigate the evolution of asteroidal sur-faces, from the development of the regolith to the study of the effects of space weathering. Here we report on our preliminary TEM measurements on two Itokawa samples. Methods: We were allocated particles RA-QD02-0125 and RA-QD02-0211. Both particles were embedded in low viscosity epoxy and thin sections were prepared using ultramicrotomy. High resolution images and electron diffraction data were ob-tained using a JEOL 2500SE 200 kV field-emission scanning-transmission electron microscope. Quantitative maps and anal-yses were obtained using a Thermo thin-window energy-dispersive x-ray (EDX) spectrometer. Results: Both particles are olivine-rich (Fo70) with μm-sized inclusions of FeS and have microstructurally complex rims. Par-ticle RA-QD02-0125 is rounded and has numerous sub-μm grains attached to its surface including FeS, albite, olivine, and rare melt droplets. Solar flare tracks have not been observed, but the particle is surrounded by a continuous ~50 nm thick, stuctur-ally disordered rim that is compositionally similar to the core of the grain. One of the surface adhering grains is pyrrhotite show-ing a S-depleted rim (~8-10 nm thick) with nanophase Fe metal grains (<5 nm) decorating the outermost surface. The pyrrhotite displays a complex superstructure in its core that is absent in the S-depleted rim. Particle RA-QD02-0211 contains solar flare particle tracks (~2x109 cm-2) and shows a structurally disordered rim ~100 nm thick. The track density corresponds to a surface exposure of ~103-104 years based on the track production rate of [1]. The dis-ordered rim is nanocrystalline with minor amorphous material between crystalline domains. Quantitative element maps show the outermost ~10 nm of the disordered rim is Si-rich. Discussion and Conclusions: Both particles record the ef-fects of space weathering processes on Itokawa. Noguchi et al. [2] proposed that the disordered rims they observed on Itokawa particles largely result from solar wind radiation damage and we arrive at a similar conclusion for the two particles we analyzed. The microstructure of the S-depleted layer on the pyrrhotite grain in RA-QD02-0125 is similar to that observed in troilite irradiated with ~1018 4 kV He+ [3, 4]. Prolonged irradiation has also been shown to disorder pyrrhotite such that the superstructure reflec-tions are lost [5].

Keller, Lindsay P.↗

Identification of strengthening phases in Al-Cu-Li alloy Weldalite (tm) 049

Microstructure property relationships were determined for a family of ultrahigh strength weldable Al-Cu-Li based alloys referred to as Weldalite (tm) alloys. The highest strength variant of this family, Weldalite 049, has a high Cu/Li wt pct. ratio with a nominal composition of Al-6.3Cu-1.3Li-0.4Ag-0.4Mg-0.14Zr. Increasing the alloy's lithium content above 1.3 wt pct. resulted in a decrease in both yield and ultimate tensile strength. Strength was shown to be strongly dependent on lithium content, with a maximum in strength occurring in the range of about 1.1 to 1.4 wt pct. lithium. The strengthening phases present in Weldalite 049 (1.3Li) and an Al-6.3Cu-1.9Li-0.4Mg-0.14Zr alloy were identified using transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

Source record↗

Combustion synthesis of advanced materials

The combustion synthesis of ceramic-metal composites using an in-situ liquid infiltration technique is described. The effect of varying the reactants and their stoichiometry to provide a range of reactant and product species i.e. solids, liquids and gases, with varying physical properties e.g. thermal conductivity, on the microstructure and morphology of synthesized products is also described. Alternatively, conducting the combustion synthesis reaction in a reactive gas environment is also discussed, in which advantages can be gained from the synergistic effects of combustion synthesis and vapor phase transport. In each case, the effect of the presence or absence of gravity (density) driven fluid flow and vapor transport is discussed as is the potential for producing new and perhaps unique materials by conducting these SHS reactions under microgravity conditions.

Moore, J. J.↗

Mechanical and SEM analysis of artificial comet nucleus samples

Since 1987 experiments dealing with comet nucleus phenomena have been carried out in the DFVLR space simulation chambers. The main objective of these experiments is a better understanding of thermal behavior, surface phenomena and especially the gas dust interaction. As a function of different sample compositions and exposure to solar irradiation (xenon-bulbs) crusts of different hardness and thickness were measured. The measuring device consists of a motor driven pressure foot (5 mm diameter), which is pressed into the sample. The applied compressive force is electronically monitored. The microstructure of the crust and dust residuals is investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques. Stress-depth profiles of an unirradiated and an irradiated model comet are given.

Thiel, K.↗

Oxidation of ZrB2-and HfB2-Based Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics: Effects of Ta Additions

Several compositions of ZrB2- and HfB2-based Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics (UHTC) were oxidized in stagnant air at 1627 C in ten minute cycles for times up to 100 minutes. These compositions include: ZrB2 - 20v% SiC, HfB2 - 20v% SiC, ZrB2 - 20v% SiC - 20v% TaSi2, ZrB2 - 33v% SiC, HfB2 - 20v% SiC - 20v% TaSi2, and ZrB2 - 20v% SiC - 20v% TaC. The weight change due to oxidation was recorded. The ZrB2 - 20v% SiC - 20v% TaSi2 composition was also oxidized in stagnant air at 1927 C and in an arc jet atmosphere. Samples were analyzed after oxidation by x-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and energy dispersive spectroscopy to determine the reaction products and to observe the microstructure. The ZrB2 - 20v% SiC - 20v% TaSi2 showed the lowest oxidation rate at 1627 C, but performed poorly under the more extreme tests due to liquid phase formation. Effects of Ta-additions on the oxidation of the diboride-based UHTC are discussed.

Opila, Elizabeth↗