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At least 811 records · Page 45

The structure and properties of rapidly solidified high alloy aluminum materials

A series of 2024 type aluminum alloys modified by additions of 1 to 2% Li were studied to determine the role of the Cu:Li and the (Cu + Mg):Li ratios on resultant strength, ductility, notch-tensile behavior, and crack propagation rates. Ultrasonically gas atomized powders with quench rates of 10 to 100 thousand degrees/s were atomized in an argon atmosphere, producing yields of powder such that almost 100% was finer than 250 microns. The powders are free of gases and porosity, are quite spherical, have few satellites (adhering fine powder particles) and are of uniform microstructure. Strength properties are such that yield strength is 20% greater than for lithium-free 2024 ingot alloy, tensile strength is 10% greater than that of 2024 ingot material, and ductilities are comparable. In terms of specific strength and specific modulus, these RS 2024-Li alloys are significantly better than IM 2024.

Grant, N. J.↗

TPSAS-NF1676L-31381-DND

- Accumulation of excess negative charge generates potential differences between spacecraft ground and space (frame potential), between two points on the spacecraft surface or within materials (differential potential) - An electrostatic discharge (ESD) results when electric fields associated with potential differences (E = -∇Φ) exceed the dielectric breakdown strength of materials allowing charge to flow in an arc - Magnitude of damage depends on energy available to an arc E = ½CV^2 - Charging to a potential V depends on electrical properties of materials - Surface and volume resistivity - Dielectric constant - Secondary and backscattered electron yields, photoemission yields - Dielectric breakdown strength

Joseph I. Minow↗

Mechanical and Thermophysical properties of low enriched uranium-10wt% molybdenum rolled foils

In this study, low-enriched (~19.75% 235 U) U-10Mo(wt%) foils were evaluated for both mechanical and thermophysical properties to establish baseline characteristics prior to irradiation testing. Cast U-10Mo ingots were sequentially hot and cold rolled to two different final foil thicknesses, resulting in different levels of cold work being present in the finished foils. The mechanical response of the U-10Mo foils was evaluated in the temperature range of 293–623 K. Increasing test temperatures resulted in decreases of both yield and ultimate tensile strength. Comparison of results to earlier work performed on depleted U-10Mo rolled foils indicates that the material in this study has lower strength and increased ductility. However, a comparison of the two different foil thicknesses in this study found that they were nearly identical in yield and ultimate tensile strength, differing by only 10–20 MPa (<2%). Thermal conductivity was calculated from the measurements of specific heat, linear thermal expansion, and thermal diffusivity from 323 to 1273 K on both thicknesses of the foils. These data were approximately 5–10% lower than previously published data above 573 K and were similar to data for temperature ranges below 573 K. Differences are likely related to differences in grain size and/or impurity content and variation in fabrication history.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Microstructural Evaluation of KM4 and SR3 Samples Subjected to Various Heat Treatments

The gamma-gamma microstructures of two advanced powder metallurgy disk alloys, KM4 and SR3, were quantified after a series of heat treatments using transmission electron microscopy and image analysis. Relationships between the heat treatments and the resulting gamma distributions were evaluated. Statistical correlations between the gamma distributions and the reported tensile strengths, creep resistances, and dwell crack growth resistances were separately assessed for each alloy. To avoid the effects of grain size related mechanisms, the grain size of the samples used in the correlations for each alloy were limited to narrow ranges of about 1.5 in ASTM grain size number. In both alloys, yield and tensile strength increased with increasing fraction of medium sized gamma. The strength increased as the size of the medium gamma decreased and the size of the fine gamma increased. Time to 0.2 percent creep in SR3 increased with increasing medium gamma volume fraction, and decreasing fine gamma sizes. However, 0.2 percent creep time was not clearly correlated with the gamma microstructures of KM4 specimens, apparently due to effects of stabilization heat treatments which greatly suppress creep resistance. Dwell fatigue crack growth rate decreased with increasing medium gamma volume fraction, indicating more medium gamma is beneficial. The crack growth rate also decreased with decreasing gamma size, indicating finer gamma is better.

Ellis, David↗

Processing and Properties of Fiber Reinforced Polymeric Matrix Composites: Processing Robustness of IM7/PETI Polyimide Composites - Part 2

The processability of a phenylethynyl terminated imide (PETI) resin matrix composite was investigated. Unidirectional prepregs were made by coating an N-methylpyrrolidone solution of the amide acid oligomer onto unsized IM7. Two batches of prepregs were used: one was made by NASA in-house, and the other was from an industrial source. The composite processing robustness was investigated with respect to the effect of B-staging conditions, the prepreg shelf life, and the optimal processing window. Rheological measurements indicated that PETI's processability was only slightly affected over a wide range of B-staging temperatures (from 250 C to 300 C). The open hole compression (OHC) strength values were statistically indistinguishable among specimens consolidated using various B-staging conditions. Prepreg rheology and OHC strengths were also found not to be affected by prolonged (i.e., up to 60 days) ambient storage. An optimal processing window was established using response surface methodology. It was found that IM7/PETI composite is more sensitive to the consolidation temperature than to the consolidation pressure. A good consolidation was achievable at 371 C/100 Psi, which yielded an OHC strength of 62 Ksi at room temperature. However, processability declined dramatically at temperatures below 350 C.

Hou, Tan-Hung↗

Automated Fiber Placement of PEEK/IM7 Composites with Film Interleaf Layers

The incorporation of thin discrete layers of resin between plies (interleafing) has been shown to improve fatigue and impact properties of structural composite materials. Furthermore, interleafing could be used to increase the barrier properties of composites used as structural materials for cryogenic propellant storage. In this work, robotic heated-head tape placement of PEEK/IM7 composites containing a PEEK polymer film interleaf was investigated. These experiments were carried out at the NASA Langley Research Center automated fiber placement facility. Using the robotic equipment, an optimal fabrication process was developed for the composite without the interleaf. Preliminary interleaf processing trials indicated that a two-stage process was necessary; the film had to be tacked to the partially-placed laminate then fully melted in a separate operation. Screening experiments determined the relative influence of the various robotic process variables on the peel strength of the film-composite interface. Optimization studies were performed in which peel specimens were fabricated at various compaction loads and roller temperatures at each of three film melt processing rates. The resulting data were fitted with quadratic response surfaces. Additional specimens were fabricated at placement parameters predicted by the response surface models to yield high peel strength in an attempt to gage the accuracy of the predicted response and assess the repeatability of the process. The overall results indicate that quality PEEK/lM7 laminates having film interleaves can be successfully and repeatability fabricated by heated head automated fiber placement.

Hulcher, A. Bruce↗

Properties and Potential of Two (ni,pt)ti Alloys for Use as High-temperature Actuator Materials

The microstructure, transformation temperatures, basic tensile properties, shape memory behavior, and work output for two (Ni,Ti)Pt high-temperature shape memory alloys have been characterized. One was a Ni30Pt20Ti50 alloy (referred to as 20Pt) with transformation temperatures above 230 C and the other was a Ni20Pt30Ti50 alloy (30Pt) with transformation temperatures about 530 C. Both materials displayed shape memory behavior and were capable of 100% (no-load) strain recovery for strain levels up to their fracture limit (3-4%) when deformed at room temperature. For the 20Pt alloy, the tensile strength, modulus, and ductility dramatically increased when the material was tested just about the austenite finish (A(sub f)) temperature. For the 30Pt alloy, a similar change in yield behavior at temperatures above the A(sub f) was not observed. In this case the strength of the austentite phase was at best comparable and generally much weaker than the martensite phase. A ductility minimum was also observed just below the A(sub s) temperature in this alloy. As a result of these differences in tensile behavior, the two alloys performed completely different when thermally cycled under constant load. The 20Pt alloy behaved similar to conventional binary NiTi alloys with work output due to the martensite-to-austenite transformation initially increasing with applied stress. The maximum work output measured in the 20Pt alloy was nearly 9 J/cu cm and was limited by the tensile ductility of the material. In contrast, the martensite-to-austenite transformation in the 30Pt alloy was not capable of performing work against any bias load. The reason for this behavior was traced back to its basic mechanical properties, where the yield strength of the austenite phase was similar to or lower than that of the martensite phase, depending on temperature. Hence, the recovery or transformation strain for the 30Pt alloy under load was essentially zero, resulting in zero work output.

Noebe, Ronald↗

9.6 micrometer ozone band /nu sub 3/ intensity

The band intensity of the 9.6 micrometer (nu sub 3) band of ozone was investigated. The nu sub 3 band strength was determined from ultraviolet spectra over the interval 9.36-11.00 micrometers. A set of 34 absorption measurements were made at pressures of about 730 torr and mass paths of 0.002-0.025 atm cm (STP). The ozone amounts were corrected to the Harn (1961) absorption coefficients. The data indicate that the weak-line approximation is valid at least to 0.025 atm cm (STP). A least-squares fit yields a band strength (298 K) of 355/cm/atm cm STP with a standard deviation of 10/cm/atm cm STP, in close agreement with results reported by McCaa and Shaw (1968) and Young and Bunner (1974).

Bartman, F. L.↗

Effects of three-dimensional Cu/Nb interfaces on strengthening and shear banding in nanoscale metallic multilayers

Manipulation of the atomic-scale structure of two-dimensional (2D) interfaces have been shown to provide nanocomposites with enhanced strength, deformability, and radiation damage resistance. In comparison with 2D interfaces, here we investigate the mechanical response of nanocomposites containing three-dimensional (3D) Cu/Nb interfaces consisting of a chemical/structural gradient separating pure Cu and Nb layers, through which the lattice mismatch between face-centered cubic Cu and body-centered cubic Nb is accommodated over a distance of several nanometers. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that 3D interfaces increase the yield and flow strength by 50% and 22%, respectively, over composites containing 2D interfaces at similar layer thicknesses. After 14% compressive strain, the onset of shear banding results in co-deformation of both Cu and Nb phases within and outside of the shear band. We conclude with a discussion of the role of interface structure in shear band formation and growth in 3D Cu/Nb.

3-dimensional interface↗

Novel Low-Density Ablators Containing Hyperbranched Poly(azomethine)s

An ablative composite is low-density (0.25 to 0.40 g/cu cm), easy to fabricate, and superior to the current state-of-the-art ablator (phenolic impregnated carbon ablator, PICA) in terms of decomposition temperature, char yield, and mechanical strength. Initial ablative testing with a CO2 laser under high-heat-flux (1,100 W/sq cm) conditions showed these new ablators are over twice as effective as PICA in terms of weight loss, as well as transfer of heat through the specimen. The carbon fiber/poly(azomethine) composites have the same density as PICA, but are 8 to 11 times stronger to irreversible breaking by tensile compression. In addition, polyazomethine char yields by thermogravimetric analysis are 70 to 80 percent at 1,000 C. This char yield is 10 to 20 percent higher than phenolic resins, as well as one of the highest char yields known for any polymer. A high char yield holds the composite together better toward shearing forces on reentry, as well as reradiates high heat fluxes. This innovative composite is stronger than PICA, so multiple pieces can be sealed together without fracture. Researchers have also studied polyazomethines before as linear polymers. Due to poor solubility, these polymers precipitate from the polymerization solvent as a low-molecular-weight (2 to 4 repeat units) powder. The only way found to date to keep linear polyazomethines in solution is by adding solubilizing side groups. However, these groups sacrifice certain polymer properties. These hyperbranched polyazomethines are high molecular weight and fully aromatic.

Tigelaar, Dean↗

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

The tensile properties in the peak-strength T8 temper for Weldalite 049, a family of ultrahigh-strength weldable Al-Cu-Li-based alloys with a Li content ranging from 0 to 1.9 wt percent, are investigated, and strengthening precipitates at selected Li levels are identified. Relatively small amounts of Ag and Mg were found to be extremely effective in stimulating precipitation in Weldalite 049, resulting in a homogeneous distribution of fine, platelike precipitates with a 111-type habit plane in the peak-aged, T8 temper. The yield and tensile strengths are strongly dependent on Li content, with a peak in the range of 1.1 to 1.4 wt percent Li. At above 1.4 wt percent Li, strength decreases rapidly, which is associated with delta-prime precipitation. For high-resolution TEM, the structure of T(1)-type precipitates in Weldalite 049 is similar to that of T(1) platelets in 2090.

Langan, T. J.↗

Effects of High-Temperature Annealing in Air on Hi-Nicalon Fiber-Reinforced Celsian Matrix Composites

BN/SiC-coated Hi-Nicalon fiber-reinforced celsian matrix composites (CMC) were annealed for 100 h in air at various temperatures to 1200 C, followed by flexural strength measurements at room temperature. Values of yield stress and strain, ultimate strength, and composite modulus remain almost unchanged for samples annealed up to 1100 C. A thin porous layer formed on the surface of the 1100 C annealed sample and its density decreased from 3.09 to 2.90 g/cu cm. The specimen annealed at 1200 C gained 0.43 wt%, was severely deformed, and was covered with a porous layer of thick shiny glaze which could be easily peeled off. Some gas bubbles were also present on the surface. This surface layer consisted of elongated crystals of monoclinic celsian and some amorphous phase(s). The fibers in this surface ply of the CMC had broken into small pieces. The fiber-matrix interface strength was characterized through fiber push-in technique. Values of debond stress, alpha(sub d), and frictional sliding stress, tau(sub f), for the as-fabricated CMC were 0.31+/-0.14 GPa and 10.4+/-3.1 MPa, respectively. These values compared with 0.53+/-0.47 GPa and 8.33+/-1.72 MPa for the fibers in the interior of the 1200 C annealed sample, indicating hardly any change in fiber-matrix interface strength. The effects of thermal aging on microstructure were investigated using scanning electron microscopy. Only the surface ply of the 1200 C annealed specimens had degraded from oxidation whereas the bulk interior part of the CMC was unaffected. A mechanism is proposed explaining the various steps involved during the degradation of the CMC on annealing in air at 1200 C.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

Cyanate Ester and Phthalonitrile Impregnated Carbon Ablative TPS

Phenolic resin has extensive heritage as a TPS (Thermal Protection Systems) material, however, alternative resin systems such as Cyanate Ester and Phthalonitrile may offer improved performance compared to state-of-the-art phenolic resin. These alternative resin systems may have higher char yield, higher char strength, lower thermal conductivity and improved mechanical properties. In current work at NASA Ames alternative resin systems were uniformly infused into fibrous substrates and preliminary properties characterized. The density of the cyanate ester infused in fibrous substrate ranged from 0.25-0.3 grams per cubic centimeter compared to PICA (Phenolic resin impregnated carbon ablative) having a density of approximately 0.25 grams per cubic centimeter. The density of Phthalonitrile varies from 0.22-0.25 grams per cubic centimeter. Initial formulations of these new resin systems were recently tested at the LARC HyMETs (Hypersonic Materials Environmental Test System) facility to evaluate their performance and data such as back face temperature, char yield, and recession are compared to PICA. Cyanate Ester and Phthalonitrile impregnated carbon ablative samples showed comparable performance to phenolic resin impregnated carbon ablative samples.

Polymer↗

Role of the micro/macro structure of welds in crack nucleation and propagation in aerospace aluminum-lithium alloy

Al-Li alloys offer the benefits of increased strength, elastic modulus and lower densities as compared to conventional aluminum alloys. Martin Marietta Laboratories has developed an Al-Li alloy designated 2195 which is designated for use in the cryogenic tanks of the space shuttle. The Variable Polarity Plasma Arc (VPPA) welding process is currently being used to produce these welds [1]. VPPA welding utilizes high temperature ionized gas (plasma) to transfer heat to the workpiece. An inert gas, such as Helium, is used to shield the active welding zone to prevent contamination of the molten base metal with surrounding reactive atmospheric gases. [1] In the Space Shuttle application, two passes of the arc are used to complete a butt-type weld. The pressure of the plasma stream is increased during the first pass to force the arc entirely through the material, a practice commonly referred to as keyholing. Molten metal forms on either side of the arc and surface tension draws this liquid together as the arc passes. 2319 Al alloy filler material may also be fed into the weld zone during this pass. During the second pass, the plasma stream pressure is reduced such that only partial penetration of the base material is obtained. Al 2319 filler material is added during this pass to yield a uniform, fully filled welded joint. This additional pass also acts to alter the grain structure of the weld zone to yield a higher strength joint.

Talia, George E.↗

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of the AA7075 Tube Fabricated using Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE)

Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE) experimental setup and tooling were adopted for extruding thin-walled AA7075 aluminum tube from as-cast non-homogenized billet material in a single run. The mechanical and microstructural characterizations were performed on the extrudate in the as-extruded condition without subsequent heat treating. It was shown that the ShAPE process developed a significantly refined microstructure with uniform and almost equiaxed grain structure on both hoop and axial cross-sections of the extrudate as well as through the thickness of the material. The pole figures and inverse pole figures of the EBSD data showed an strong shear texture development, and it was found out that axial shear is the dominant deformation mechanism in the regions near the inner surface of the tube, while combined axial and torsional shears are the two dominant modes of deformation near the outer surface of the extrudate. As for the mechanical properties, there was an increase of 150% and 73% in the yield and ultimate strengths of the tube produced using ShAPE process, respectively, and a 18% decrease in maximum uniform plastic elongation compared to the conventionally extruded AA7075-O tube.

Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion, Friction ↗

Examining infrared thermography based approaches to rapid fatigue characterization of additively manufactured compression molded short fiber thermoplastic composites

A novel additive manufacturing (AM) methodology combined with a compression molding (CM) process has been developed to optimize the microstructure of short fiber thermoplastic composites (SFTs)with higher fiber alignment and lower porosity, yielding superior stiffness, strength, and structural integrity. Here, the current work examines the efficacy of the ‘passive’ infrared thermography (IRT) techniques for rapid fatigue characterization of SFTs that use the surface temperature evolution during cyclic loading due to self-heating as a fatigue indicator. A comparison of fatigue limits obtained from traditional stress-life (SN) (≈53.1%σ uts ) and IRT (≈54.1%σ uts ) shows a close match. However, the SN curve required 18 specimens and two weeks of continuous cyclic testing, while IRT used three specimens with 5 hours of testing. Thus, the IRT approach provides an accelerated testing framework for rapidly estimating the fatigue limit. Additionally, existing phenomenological approaches to IRT fatigue characterization have been examined.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Steady state thermo-mechanics and material property definition framework for analyzing DCLL blanket in the fusion nuclear science facility

In this work, a thermo-mechanics model that relies on creating the material property definition framework (MPDF) and multiphysics coupling of the heat transfer and the solid mechanics modules is developed to determine the structural integrity of the recently designed dual cooled lead lithium (DCLL) inboard blanket (IB) for the Fusion Nuclear Science Facility under steady state loads. The MPDF is called to supply fusion relevant neutron irradiation and temperature induced changes in material properties during multiphysics finite element runs, and PbLi temperature profiles are used to approximate Magnetohydrodynamics effect and the nuclear volumetric heating on the PbLi. Neutron irradiation and temperature induced reduction of the yield and ultimate strengths of F82H steel at the first wall (FW) are quantified for one year. A blanket in an assembly with gaps between blanket sectors and another blanket in an assembly with no gaps between blanket sectors, both exposed to radiation damage that lasted for one year are analyzed. Analysis using the elastic ITER structural design criteria for in-vessel components (ITER SDC-IC) design rules and a linear isotropic-hardening-type elastoplastic material model are used where most appropriate. The IB blanket with gaps between blanket sectors will withstand the steady state combined thermal and coolant loads for one year operational period but will fail if no gaps are allowed between blanket sectors. It is recommended that a gap of about 7.62 mm should be provided between IB blanket sectors during assembly which would close up during service, stop neutron streaming, reduce stresses and reduce bending of the FW into the scrape-off layer.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Influence of the as-built microstructure on the recrystallization of an additively manufactured Inconel939 Ni-based superalloy

This study investigates the influence of the as-built microstructure on the recrystallization (RX) behavior and mechanical properties of the Ni-based superalloy Inconel 939 produced by laser powder bed fusion (PBF-LB/M). Two distinct as-built microstructures were obtained by varying the hatch distance (h d ): a columnar, strongly textured condition (h d =50, termed h d 50) and an equiaxed, weakly textured condition (h d =70, termed h d 70)). Both were subjected to nine solution treatments combining three temperatures (1100, 1150, and 1200 °C) and three holding times (1, 4, and 8 h). Comprehensive microstructural characterization was conducted to assess grain morphology, texture, grain boundary character, dislocation density, and precipitate distribution. Recrystallization was found to be significantly slower than in cast counterparts, requiring higher temperatures and longer times for completion. The initial microstructure plays a decisive role: full RX was achieved only in hd70 specimens after treatment at 1200 °C for 8 h, whereas hd50 samples exhibited delayed and incomplete RX under identical conditions. This behavior is attributed to the finer grain size and higher fraction of high-angle grain boundaries in hd70, which promote recrystallization. Mechanical testing revealed that hd70 samples subjected to a 1200 °C/8 h treatment followed by standard double ageing show higher yield and tensile strengths across the investigated temperature range than both printed and cast Inconel939 processed under conventional conditions, albeit with slightly reduced ductility. The enhanced mechanical performance is attributed to the larger grain size, which limits grain boundary sliding. These results demonstrate the critical importance of controlling the as-built microstructure and tailoring post-processing strategies to optimize high-temperature performance of PBF-LB/M Inconel939.

Inconel939↗