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At least 91 records · Page 5

Intern Designed Modules for Conducting Potential Microgravity Solidification Experiments Aboard the International Space Station

MMaJIC (Microgravity Materials Joining Investigation Chamber) is a modular experiment chamber for performing materials science investigations. MMaJIC was initially designed to provide a controlled and sealed test environment to accommodate a wide variety of soldering and brazing experiments. However, its modular cartridge design is well suited to easily conduct any number and variety of science experiments. SoLIDD (Solid Liquid Interface Directional Device) is an apparatus for conducting directional solidification experiments with low melting temperature alloys. It has capability for varying the sample’s temperature gradient and growth velocity thus ensuring microstructural development under controlled conditions. ICED-T (Interface Control Experiment with Directional Translation) is an apparatus that conducts directional solidification experiments of transparent materials such that direct observation/recording of the advancing solid/liquid interface can be made. Currently, it is a functional breadboard that consists of the components mounted to a surface that allows the sample to be placed in an upright position. Orientation of the experiment (solid on the bottom, liquid on top) is important during testing ground samples to maintain stability. Ultimately, the goal of MMaJIC, SoLIDD and ICED-T is to conduct successful ground tests and then be re-configured for eventual use by aboard the ISS.

McElderry, Justin↗

Effect of Interface Shape and Magnetic Field on the Microstructure of Bulk Ge:Ga

Thermal and compositional gradients induced during the growth process contribute significantly to the development of defects in the solidified boule. Thermal gradients and the solid-liquid interface shape can be greatly effected by ampoule material. Compositional gradients are strongly influenced by interface curvature and convective flow in the liquid. Results of this investigation illustrate the combined influences of interface shape and convective fluid flow. An applied magnetic field was used to reduce the effects of convective fluid flow in the electrically conductive melt during directional solidification. Several 8 mm diameter boules of Ga-doped Ge were grown at different field strengths, up to 5 Tesla, in four different ampoule materials. Compositional profiles indicate mass transfer conditions ranged from completely mixed to diffusion controlled. The influence of convection in the melt on the developing crystal microstructure and defect density was investigated as a function of field strength and ampoule material. Chemical etching and electron backscattered electron diffraction were used to map the crystal structure of each boule along the center plane. Dislocation etch pit densities were measured for each boule. Results show the influence of magnetic field strength and ampoule material on overall crystal quality.

Cobb, S. D.↗

Interaction of flows with the crystal-melt interface

The coupling between a crystal-melt interface and fluid flow is investigated. The solidification boundary conditions at the crystal-melt interface are described. The influences of morphological and double-diffusive instabilities during directional solidification on the interface are studied. The experiments by Glicksman and Mickalonis (1982) and Fang et al. (1985) which examine the relationship between the hydrodynamic state of the phase melt and phase-change interface are analyzed. The Rayleigh-Benard problem, and the effect of crystal-melt interaction on the Rayleigh number are examined. Various applications for melt-flow interactions with solid-liquid interface to engineering and welding are discussed.

Glicksman, M. E.↗

The Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE): USMP-4 One-Year-Report

Dendrites describe the tree-like crystal morphology commonly assumed in many material systems--particularly in metals and alloys that freeze from supercooled or supersaturated melts. There remains a high level of engineering interest in dendritic solidification because of the role of dendrites in the determination of cast alloy microstructures. Microstructure plays a key role in determining the physical properties of cast or welded products. In addition, dendritic solidification provides an example of non-equilibrium physics and is one of the simplest non-trivial examples of dynamic pattern formation, where an amorphous melt, under simple starting conditions, evolves into a complex ramified microstructure. Although it is well-known that dendritic growth is controlled by the transport of latent heat from the moving solid-melt interface as the dendrite advances into a supercooled melt, an accurate, and predictive model has not been developed. Current theories consider: 1) the transfer of heat or solute from the solid-liquid interface into the melt, and 2) the interfacial crystal growth and growth selection physics for the interface. However, the effects of gravity-induced convection on the transfer of heat from the interface prevent either element from being adequately tested solely under terrestrial conditions. The Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE) constituted a series of three NASA-supported microgravity experiments, all of which flew aboard the space shuttle, Columbia. This experimental space flight series was designed and operated to grow and record dendrite solidification in the absence of gravity-induced convective heat transfer, and thereby produce a wealth of benchmark-quality data for testing solidification scaling laws. The data collection from the on-orbit phase of the IDGE flight series is now complete. We are currently completing analyses and moving towards final data archiving.

Glicksman, M. E.↗

Mephisto: Interfacial Destabilization in Metal Alloys

The destabilizing mechanisms at a solidification interface were studied to obtain information on the kinetics and morphologies in the transient and steady state, and to separate the influences of liquid phase instabilities from interfacial instabilities. A differential seebeck voltage measurements technique was developed to provide a continuous record of the solid-liquid interface temperature as the solidification rate is varied to determine the kinetic coefficients. Signal processing and noise suppression techniques allow nonovolt precision which corresponds to mK accuracy for the interfacial temperature.

Favier, J. J.↗

Study of ceramic products and processing techniques in space

An analysis of the solidification kinetics of beta alumina in a zero-gravity environment was carried out, using computer-simulation techniques, in order to assess the feasibility of producing high-quality single crystals of this material in space. The two coupled transport processes included were movement of the solid-liquid interface and diffusion of sodium atoms in the melt. Results of the simulation indicate that appreciable crystal-growth rates can be attained in space. Considerations were also made of the advantages offered by high-quality single crystals of beta alumina for use as a solid electrolyte; these clearly indicate that space-grown materials are superior in many respects to analogous terrestrially-grown crystals. Likewise, economic considerations, based on the rapidly expanding technological applications for beta alumina and related fast ionic conductors, reveal that the many superior qualities of space-grown material justify the added expense and experimental detail associated with space processing.

Markworth, A. J.↗

Dendritic growth of undercooled nickel-tin. III

The paper is concerned with structures and microsegregations in undercooled droplets of Ni-25 wt pct Sn and eutectic Ni-32.5 wt pct Sn alloys. An analysis of experimental results suggests that all samples solidify dendritically and that the final structures are largely the result of ripening. Experimental data on minimum solute composition in the samples produced are bounded by two curves both of which assume equilibrium at all liquid-solid interfaces during recalescence and subsequent cooling. The eutectic alloy samples often show a dendritic structure over the surface in areas where shrinkage is present. This structure appears to be the remnant of an original growth structure in which only limited ripening occurred, due to the rapid removal of interdendritic liquid by shrinkage.

Wu, Y.↗

Float-Zone Growth of Gel-xSix (x ? 10 at .%) Single Crystals: Influence of Thermocapillary and Solutocapillary Convection

Gel-xSix (x ? 10 at.%) single crystals have been grown with the float-zone technique applied within a monoellipsoid mirror furnace. The feed crystal consisted of synthesized GeO.95siO.05 polycrystalline material. Two Boron-doped (much much more than 1-2 (raised dot) 1017 at/cm3) crystals were grown under identical conditions using <100> Ge seeds. One Ge:Ga-doped (much much more than 1018 at/cm3) reference crystal was also grown in the same furnace. Compositional profiles were measured with an energy dispersive analysis by X-ray (EDAX). The maximum silicon concentration attained was 10 at.%. Micrographs of the etched crystals show sharp changes in interface curvature at the crystal edges. These are considered to be caused by solutal Marangoni convection, whose strength is assumed to be a direct function of silicon concentration, Theoretical considerations show that the flow direction, velocity, and strength varies significantly from a solutal Marangoni convection regime directly in front of the solid-liquid interface to a thermal Marangoni convection regime within the bulk melt.

Campbell, Tom A.↗

Laser-enhanced synthesis and processing of diamond films from liquid hydrocarbons

We report synthesis of diamond films by pulsed laser irradiation on copper substrate immersed into liquid benzene. It is envisaged that carbon released from benzene at the liquid-solid interface is converted into diamond as a result of rapid quenching from a high temperature. The diamond crystallites were characterized using high resolution transmission electron microscopy imaging and electron diffraction techniques. Growth of thicker diamond films by subsequent chemical vapor deposition has been investigated by transmission and scanning electron microscopy techniques. Thin diamond film deposited during liquid phase provided seed for diamond growth during subsequent chemical vapor deposition.

Singh, Jogender↗

Temperature and melt solid interface control during crystal growth

Findings on the adaptive control of a transparent Bridgman crystal growth furnace are summarized. The task of the process controller is to establish a user specified axial temperature profile by controlling the temperatures in eight heating zones. The furnace controller is built around a computer. Adaptive PID (Proportional Integral Derivative) and Pole Placement control algorithms are applied. The need for adaptive controller stems from the fact that the zone dynamics changes with respect to time. The controller was tested extensively on the Lead Bromide crystal growth. Several different temperature profiles and ampoule's translational rates are tried. The feasibility of solid liquid interface quantification by image processing was determined. The interface is observed by a color video camera and the image data file is processed to determine if the interface is flat, convex or concave.

Batur, Celal↗

Analysis of X-Ray Microradiographs of Al-Au Interface Quench Profile using Modeling of Solidification Including Double-Diffusion and Convection in the Melt

Experimental data on Al-0.8Au horizontal solidification of a 1 mm thick specimen in a BN crucible shows the effect of growth rate on the solidification interface shape. For translation rates below 0.5 micron/s the interface maintains a plain and flat shape. When the translation rate is 3 to 5 micron/s or more, the interface appearance changes to two planar zones, with the zone closer to the bottom having higher inclination. The interface shapes were measured by first quenching in place during growth. X-ray microscopy shows the interface shape within the quenched sample by viewing through the side of the specimen. In order to provide theoretical explanation of the phenomena, numerical modeling was undertaken using finite element code FIDAP. Double diffusion convection in Al-0.8Au melt and crystal-melt interface curvature during directional solidification was analyzed numerically. Actual thermophysical properties of Al-0.8Au including the binary Al-Au phase diagram were used. Although convection in the sample is weak, for the slower translation rate convection and diffusion is sufficient for the redistribution of initial compositional stratification caused by gravity. When translation rate is raised, neither convection nor diffusion can provide proper mixing so that solidification temperatures differ significantly near the bottom within the bulk of the sample. As a result, the solid-liquid interface appears to have two planar zones with different inclination.

Bune, Andris V.↗

Radial and directional solidification of metallic systems in space

Investigation of the solidification behavior of spherical specimens of Ni-12 wt % Sn and Ni-1 wt % Ag that froze radially from the surface toward the center and cylindrical specimens of Al-33 wt % Cu eutectic that froze directionally under appropriately selected conditions of thermal gradient at the solid-liquid interface and growth rate. Possible effects of vacuum and low gravity conditions, under which the spherical specimens were processed, on observed nucleation and growth phenomena are discussed. A genetic explanation is given of observed microstructures, and the distributions of alloying elements is discussed. In directionally solidified eutectic specimens a comparison is made between statistically evaluated growth defects in Skylab and in ground specimens.

Katamis, T. Z.↗

Analysis of liquid metal embrittlement from a bond energy viewpoint

Absorption induced embrittlement of solid metals by certain liquid metals is analyzed through an Engel-Brewer calculation of the solid-liquid interaction energy, and of the effect of the latter in reducing fracture surface energy. The reduction in fracture surface energy is estimated by comparison of the electronic contribution to the solid-liquid interaction energy with solid-solid bond energy for some 40 liquid-solid couples. Regular solution theory is used to estimate mutual solubility as the relative difference in parameter values. Embrittlement can be predicted by using reduction in fracture surface energy and solubility parameter difference as critical variables. The effect of solute additions to the liquid on the degree of embrittlement is interpreted via the same two variables; the principal effect of solutes is to modify solubility relationships at the solid-liquid interface.

Kelley, M. J.↗

RF shaping of silicon ribbon

Electromagnetic force generated by radiofrequency coil is used to shape molten silicon. Shaping coil surrounds melt near solid-liquid interface and induces current in surface region of melt nearly equal to but opposite coil current.

Pelhank, D. A.↗

Undercooling of materials during solidification in space

A theoretical research program was undertaken on the under cooling and solidification of materials under variable external field conditions. A catalog of theories and models of nucleation of solid phases in the melt is provided, as is a discussion of the relation of undercooling to intermolecular potentials, the dependence of growth rate on undercooling, the influence of undercooling on liquid-solid interface stability and solid structure, the direct effects of external fields on melts, the relation of solid physical properties to structure and the role of nucleants in solidification. Results of the theoretical analysis of several experiments related to the space processing applications program are given, and recommendations for future experiments and further theoretical developments along with procedures for correlation of theory and experiment are specified.

Miller, R. I.↗