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At least 91 records · Page 5

Effect of Cu Interlayer on the Microstructure and Strength for Brazing of Tungsten/316L Steel

Brazing is an effective technique for joining tungsten and steel. However, the high residual stresses are produced due to the different coefficients of thermal expansions between tungsten and steel. Compared with the direct brazing with BNi-2 foil filler, BNi-2/Cu/ BNi-2 multiple interlayer was used as filler to minimize the residual stresses between tungsten and 316L steel. The brazing experiments were conducted at 1050 °C for 25 min using Cu foils with different thickness. The results show that tungsten and 316L steel have been successfully joined by brazing. The intermetallic compound of NiW formed at the W/BNi-2 interface, which was detrimental to the strength of the joint. The microhardness of different diffusion zones is higher than that of the substrates owing to the formation of intermetallic compound and solid solution. All specimens of shear testing fractured at the W/BNi-2 interface close to W substrate, and the average strength of joints was 197, 275 and 268 MPa with multiple interlayer thickness of 0.2 , 0.1 and 0.05 mm copper foil, respectively, while the average strength of joints was 143 MPa with BNi-2 foil filler. The significant increase in the joint shear strength can be ascribed to the Cu foil in the multiple interlayer because of with excellent plasticity and toughness.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Predictive dynamic wetting, fluid–structure interaction simulations for braze run-out

Brazing and soldering are metallurgical joining techniques that use a wetting molten metal to create a joint between two faying surfaces. Here, the quality of the brazing process depends strongly on the wetting properties of the molten filler metal, namely the surface tension and contact angle, and the resulting joint can be susceptible to various defects, such as run-out and underfill, if the material properties or joining conditions are not suitable. In this work, we implement a finite element simulation to predict the formation of such defects in braze processes. This model incorporates both fluid–structure interaction through an arbitrary Eulerian–Lagrangian technique and free surface wetting through conformal decomposition finite element modeling. Upon validating our numerical simulations against experimental run-out studies on a silver-Kovar system, we then use the model to predict run-out and underfill in systems with variable surface tension, contact angles, and applied pressure. Finally, we consider variable joint/surface geometries and show how different geometrical configurations can help to mitigate run-out. This work aims to understand how brazing defects arise and validate a coupled wetting and fluid–structure interaction simulation that can be used for other industrial problems.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microstructure and mechanical properties development of micro channel tubes in extrusion, rolling and brazing

Highlights: • Rolling and brazing greatly affect the properties of micro-channel tubes (MCTs). • The properties of MCTs are investigated by the evolution of the microstructure. • Strength is decreased by 47% at 5%-rolling reduction ratio and 3-minute brazing. • Ductile fracture mode is observed by OM at failure of MCTs under inner pressure. - Abstract: In addition to extrusion, the post-processing of rolling and brazing has significant effect on the mechanical properties of multi-port tubes. The aluminum micro channel tubes, especially the seam welding zone in the internal webs, are investigated in terms of mechanical tests, microstructure characterization, and finite element analysis. The effect of the post-process of rolling are quantified by varying amount of rolling reduction ratios. Tensile strength and pressure bearing capacity are determined by tensile tests and burst pressure tests, respectively. The evolution of the microstructure within the seam wielding zone is characterized by Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and optical microscopy (OM). The fracture profile observed by OM indicates ductile fracture mode. The pressure bearing capacity is reduced by ~47% at 5% reduction ratio of rolling followed by 3-minute brazing, where largest grains are obtained due to abnormal grain growth.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Brazed Carbon Nanotube Arrays: Decoupling Thermal Conductance and Mechanical Rigidity

Bonding two solids at their interface is the most effective way to achieve a mechanically robust and thermally conducting interface. However, for high‐temperature applications, bonded interfaces between dissimilar materials experience high thermomechanical stress that degrades their performance in terms of cyclic stability (under thermal load) and lifetime. The present study shows that integrating a carbon nanotube (CNT) array as a stress‐relief element to a traditional braze joint mitigates the adverse effects of thermomechanical stress while preserving mechanical robustness and excellent heat transfer characteristic at the interface. A substantial reduction in total thermal interface resistance is achieved (from 41 mm 2 K W −1 for bare CNT array to less than 3 mm 2 K W −1 for a CNT array integrated with braze alloy). A brazed metal/insulator interface (between Cu and quartz) with a CNT array between them exhibits low thermal interface resistance even after extreme thermal cycling whereas the same interface delaminates readily when brazed without a CNT array. The reported technique provides a promising route for substantially improving the problematic high‐temperature interface, a major hindrance in achieving stable and efficient operation for systems such as thermoelectric generators that operate at elevated temperatures (above 400 °C).

Hao, Menglong↗

Triaxial Constraint and Tensile Strength Enhancement in Brazed Joints

A brazed joint consists of a low-melting point and thin interlayer sandwiched between the high-melting-point base materials, in which the interlayer strength is typically lower than that of the base material. When this butt-joined composite is loaded uniaxially in the direction perpendicular to the plane of the brazing layer, the tensile strength is found to be much higher than that of the braze. This seems to violate the iso-stress condition in such a butt-joint serial configuration. Furthermore, the stress triaxiality has been usually ascribed, but without a quantitative rationalization, as being responsible for this tensile strength enhancement. Here a complete finite element simulation has been conducted to study the dependence of triaxiality and strength enhancement on geometric and material parameters. Two asymptotic limit solutions (based on Bridgman and Xia–Shih solutions, respectively) have been identified to understand the simulation results. The critical role of void evolution has been revealed when making a quantitative comparison to available experiments. In addition, ductility of the brazed joint, which has not been fully addressed in literature, is investigated by the Gurson–Tvergaard–Needleman model.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Ultrasonic scanning system for inspection of brazed tube joints

An ultrasonic scanning system used to inspect and evaluate in-place brazed tube joints is considered. The system was designed, developed, and built especially for nondestructive testing and was selected because of its known response to brazing defects not associated with material density changes. The scan system is capable of scanning brazed joints in union, tee, elbow and cross configuration of 3/16-inch through 5/8-inch diameters. It is capable of detecting brazed defects as small as 0.008 by 0.010-inch, which exceeds the 0.015-inch diameter defect resolution required by specification.

Haynes, J. L.↗

Effects of high temperature brazing and thermal cycling on mechanical properties of Hastelloy X.

Data are presented on the effects of brazing alloy, brazing operation, thermal cycling, and combinations of these on the yield strength, elongation, ultimate tensile strength, and fatigue life of thin gage Hastelloy X. These data show that brazing with a Ni-Pd-Au alloy at 1461 K resulted in reductions of 35 percent in yield strength and elongation, 6 percent in ultimate tensile strength, and 18 percent in fatigue limit of Hastelloy X, as compared with as-received material. Subsequent exposure to 200 thermal cycles between 533 K and 1144 K after brazing caused further losses of 4 percent in yield strength, 8 percent in ultimate tensile strength, and 6 percent in fatigue limit.

Dicus, D. L.↗

The effects of high-temperature brazing and thermal cycling on the mechanical properties of Hastelloy X

Data are presented on the effects of brazing alloy, brazing operation, thermal cycling, and combinations of these on the yield strength, elongation, tensile strength, and fatigue life of thin gage Hastelloy X. These data show that brazing at 1461 K (2170 F) with a Ni-Pd-Au alloy and subsequent exposure to 200 service thermal cycles between 533 and 1144 K (500 and 1600 F) result in reduction of as much as 39 percent in yield strength, 33 percent in elongation, 14 percent in tensile strength, and 26 percent in fatigue limit of Hastelloy X, as compared to as-received materials. These property losses are primarily caused by the brazing operation rather than the subsequent service thermal cycles.

Dicus, D. L.↗

Induction brazing at the Kennedy Space Center

A description of the joint design, materials, equipment, qualification testing, inspection methods, and applications involved in performing induction brazing on hyperbolic propellants tubing at Kennedy Space Center. Induction brazing is a form of brazing in which the energy is transmitted to the workpiece by electrical induction; the eddy currents generated in the metal produce heat by resistance losses. Since induction heating is fast and highly localized, undesirable heat effects are minimized and the resulting braze is of high quality.

Clautice, W. E.↗

Retort braze bonding of borsic/aluminum composite sheet to titanium

Braze bonding studies between Borsic/aluminum composite and titanium sheet were conducted to establish acceptable brazing techniques and to assess potential joint efficiencies. Excellent braze joints were produced which exhibited joint strengths exceeding 117 MPa (17,000 psi) and which retained up to 2/3 of this strength at 589 K (600 F). Noticeable composite strength degradation resulting from the required high temperature braze cycle was found to be a problem.

Webb, B. A.↗

Low vapor pressure braze alloys for thermionic energy converters

The evaluation of cesium diode electrode materials called for braze fillers with very low vapor pressures and a wide range of melting points. Binary alloys of low vapor pressure refractory metals were chosen to fill this need. These alloys of Th, Zr, Hf, Ru, Nb, Ir, Mo, Ta, Os, Re, and W have reported melting point minima or eutectics from 1,510 K to above 3,000 K. Preliminary data are compiled on the use of several of these braze alloys. Melting points and surface wetting on a Ta base are given. Results of brazing Ir, LaB6, Nb, Re, W, and Zr-22 wt % ZrO2 materials into Ta and Nb-1% Zr bases are presented. Current braze usage is summarized.

Bair, V. L.↗

Fluxless Brazing and Heat Treatment of a Plate-Fin Sandwich Actively Cooled Panel

The processes and techniques used to fabricate plate-fin sandwich actively cooled panels are presented. The materials were 6061 aluminum alloy and brazing sheet having clad brazing alloy. The panels consisted of small scale specimens, fatigue specimens, and a large 0.61 m by 1.22 m test panel. All panels were fluxless brazed in retorts in heated platen presses while exerting external pressure to assure intimate contact of details. Distortion and damage normally associated with that heat treatment were minimized by heat treating without fixtures and solution quenching in an organic polymer solution. The test panel is the largest fluxless brazed and heat treated panel of its configuration known to exist.

Beuyukian, C. S.↗

Time-sharing switch for vacuum brazing

Switching unit changes power and cooling-water connections between two vacuum-brazing machines. It allows both units to be powered by single radio-frequency (RF) generator. One machine can be used for brazing while bell jar of other is being evacuated (20 minute process) in preparation for brazing or is being cooled after brazing (10 minute process).

Stein, J. A.↗

Low-Gold-Content Brazing Alloys

Two new alloys for brazing at 1,760 degrees to 1,850 degrees F are stronger and have better gap-filling capability. Alloys have lower gold content than other gold brazes for their temperature range and therefore are far less expensive. They are produced in wire, foil, and powder and are excellent for brazing at temperatures where no suitable alloys existed--especially for step brazing copper.

Brennan, A.↗

Design, fabrication, and performance of brazed, graphite electrode, multistage depressed collectors with 500-W, continuous wave, 4.8- to 9.6-GHz traveling-wave tubes

A small, isotropic graphite electrode, multistage depressed collector (MDC) was designed, fabricated, and evaluated in conjunction with a 500-W, continuous wave (CW), 4.8- to 9.6-GHz traveling-wave tube (TWT). The carbon electrode surfaces were used to improve the TWT overall efficiency by minimizing the secondary electron emission losses in the MDC. The design and fabrication of the brazed graphite MDC assembly are described. The brazing technique, which used copper braze filler metal, is compatible with both vacuum and the more commonly available hydrogen atmosphere brazing furnaces. The TWT and graphite electrode MCC bakeout, processing, and outgassing characteristics were evaluated and found to be comparable to TWT's equipped with copper electrode MDC's. The TWT and MDC performance was optimized for broadband CW operation at saturation. The average radiofrequency (RF), overall, and MDC efficiencies were 14.9, 46.4, and 83.6 percent, respectively, across the octave operating band. A 1500-hr CW test, conducted without the use of an appendage ion pump, showed no gas buildup and excellent stability of the electrode surfaces.

Ramins, Peter↗

Brazing in Space: The Next Frontier

This viewgraph presentation provides information on the challenges facing mechanically joining objects in space, as well as past, present, and future techniques for brazing. The sections of the presentation include: 1) Why do we need to join components in space; 2) Why brazing? 3) History of brazing in space; 4) Electron beam vacuum brazing; 5) Current effort at GSFC; 6) Future work.

Flom, Yury↗

A Simple Test to Determine the Effectiveness of Different Braze Compositions for Joining Ti-Tubes to C/C Composite Plates

A simple tube-plate joint tensile test was implemented to compare the effectiveness of commercial brazes, namely, TiCuNi, TiCuSil, and Cu-ABA, used for bonding Ti-tubes joined to C-C composite plates. The different braze systems yielded different; yet, repeatable results. The Cu-ABA system proved to have about twice the load-carrying ability of the other two systems due to the fact that the bonded area between the braze material and the C-C plate was largest for this system. The orientation of the surface fiber tows also had a significant effect on load-carrying ability with tows oriented perpendicular to the tube axis displaying the highest failure loads. Increasing the process load and modifying the surface of the C-C plate by grooving out channels for the Ti-Tube to nest in resulted in increased load-carrying ability for the TiCuSil and Cu-ABA systems due to increased bonded area and better penetration of the braze material into the C-C composite.

Morscher, Gregory N.↗

Characterization of Brazed Joints of C-C Composite to Cu-clad-Molybdenum

Carbon-carbon composites with either pitch+CVI matrix or resin-derived matrix were joined to copper-clad molybdenum using two active braze alloys, Cusil-ABA (1.75% Ti) and Ticusil (4.5% Ti). The brazed joints revealed good interfacial bonding, preferential precipitation of Ti at the composite/braze interface, and a tendency toward de-lamination in resin-derived C-C composite due to its low inter-laminar shear strength. Extensive braze penetration of the inter-fiber channels in the pitch+CVI C-C composites was observed. The relatively low brazing temperatures (<950 C) precluded melting of the clad layer and restricted the redistribution of alloying elements but led to metallurgically sound composite joints. The Knoop microhardness (HK) distribution across the joint interfaces revealed sharp gradients at the Cu-clad-Mo/braze interface and higher hardness in Ticusil (approx.85-250 HK) than in Cusil-ABA (approx.50-150 HK). These C-C/Cu-clad-Mo joints with relatively low thermal resistance may be promising for thermal management applications.

Singh, M.↗