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At least 1,027 records · Page 57

The development of two new KC-135 furnaces for studies on microgravity materials processing

Wyle Laboratories is currently designing and fabricating two KC-135 materials processing furnaces for Marshall Space Flight Center. The first of these, called the Rapid Melt/Rapid Quench (RM/RQ) Furnace, will be used to melt and resolidify Cu-, Al-, and Ni-based alloys and composites, all during the 20 to 30 seconds of low gravity (0.1 to 0.001 g) available in a single parabola of the KC-135. In addition, it will be capable of directional solidification of these alloys. The furnace can be configured for either liquid or gas quenching of the samples. The second furnace, called the Polymer Solidification Transparent (PST) Furnace, will use a wide range of sample translation rates to directionally solidify polymers and low-melting-point metals as the KC-135 flies a series of parabolic maneuvers. The use of transparent crucibles and an optics system between the hot and cold zones of the furnace will allow for high-resolution video monitoring of the solid-liquid interface during processing. It is hoped that the development of these two furnaces will lead to significant increases in understanding of interface kinetics, fluid flow, and heat transfer in materials during solidification in a low-gravity environment.

Fiske, Michael↗

Effect of melt spinning on grain size and texture in Ni-Mo alloys

Chill-block melt-spun ribbons of Ni-Mo alloys with Mo contents of 8 to 41.8 wt pct have been examined for microstructure and texture dependence on processing conditions. Linear features observed in grains solidified with a planar liquid-solid interface at the quench side of the ribbons have been identified to be due to the twins on the (111)gamma plane formed during solidification. Grain size variation with the wheel surface speed and the alloy composition has been studied. The crystallographic texture on the quench side and the free surface side of the ribbons has been investigated.

Tewari, S. N.↗

Radiative transfer in planetary atmospheres

Rheoretical techniques and observations at millimeter wavelengths are combined to study the atmosphere of planets and comets, planetary and satellite regoliths, and planetary rings. Analysis of the very high quality data on the 18 cm OH line observed in recent comets continued. The high spectral resolution and high signal-to-noise make these lines ideal for study of the kinematics in cometary comae. A model of the collisional quenching of the inversion of the lambda doublet responsible for the OH radio emission has been developed by P. Schloerb. For conditions appropriate to Halley's Comet, collisional quenching should lead radio observers to systematically underestimate the OH parent production rate by a factor of approximately 3 relative to its actual value, which is very consistent with differences observed between radio and ultraviolet-derived production rates. Modeling is likewise continuing for the profiles observed in the lowest rotational transition of HCN in Comet Halley in order to better estimate the excitation and hence the abundance of HCN, as well as the kinematics of parent molecules in the coma. A collaborative program to combine data from the 14 m antenna with interferometric data abtained at the Hat Creek Radio Observatory is allowing aperture synthesis mapping of Venus in the CO J=1-0 line.

Irvine, William M.↗

Dynamics of exploding magma chambers: Implications for K-T volcanism and mass extinctions

Although it is well known that unconfined chemical explosives may yield pressures to several megabars on detonation in air, the explosive literature has yet to be accessed by some contributors to the volcanological literature who've indicated that pressures in excess of the overburden and/or tensile cannot be obtained. Idealized ballistic assessments of pressures internal to volcanoes yield pressures in the hundreds of kilobar range upon correction by addition of friction, etc. Previous assessments of exploding magma chamber pressure have been made from the characteristics of the Mt. St. Helens explosion. A variety of methods yield pressures of similar value: at least hundreds of kilobars. Such results are consistent with free energy requirements for quench supersaturation explosion, a process occurring in solidifying industrial melts. Several reviews of geochemical literature emphasize the carbon event at the Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary as being an indicator of a massive dump of CO2 derived from the mantle and entering the atmosphere by extensive global volcanism. Oxygen isotope data indicates extreme warming at the end of the Cretaceous which is consistent with a greenhouse effect attending the CO2 event. Reaction rate equations for the quench supersaturation explosion mechanism indicated, are consistent with the rise in pressure to 30 kbar on solidification of magmatic melts, these pressures limited by the strength of the experimental apparatus.

Rice, A. R.↗

Impact and extinction signatures in complete Cretaceous-Tertiary (K-T) boundary sections

The Zumaya, Caravaca and Agost sections in Spain, the El Kef section in Tunisia and the Negev (Nahal Avdat) sections in Israel are among the most continuous, expanded and complete K-T boundary sections. The distribution patterns of the planktic faunas were quantitatively analyzed in closely spaced samples across the K-T boundary in these sections, in conjuction with the geochemistry, stable isotopes, mineralogy and magnetostratigraphy. Three hundred foraminiferal specimens were randomly selected and determined. Reliable estimates for the foraminiferal productivity changes across the K-T boundary and for the 1 to 2 Ma interval preceding the K-T boundary were made from the numbers of individuals/gram of sediment corrected for the sedimentation rates (calculated from magnetic reversals and lithology). No gradual or stepwise extinction is seen below the K-T boundary nor any productivity decrease. Stable isotope analyses show a warming just after deposition of the ejecta layer, not cooling as predicted by nuclear winter scenarios, although the duration of such cooling may be too short to be observed even in these complete sections. Low REE values and cpx spherules with quench textures idential to quench-textures in diagenetically altered spherules, strongly indicate an oceanic site of (one of) the impactor(s).

Smit, J.↗

An experimental study of opposed flow diffusion flame extinction over a thin fuel in microgravity

The flame spread and flame extinction characteristics of a thin fuel burning in a low-speed forced convective environment in microgravity were examined. The flame spread rate was observed to decrease both with decreasing ambient oxygen concentration as well as decreasing free stream velocity. A new mode of flame extinction was observed, caused by either of two means: keeping the free stream velocity constant and decreasing the oxygen concentration, or keeping the oxygen concentration constant and decreasing the free stream velocity. This extinction is called quenching extinction. By combining this data together with a previous microgravity quiescent flame study and normal-gravity blowoff extinction data, a flammability map was constructed with molar percentage oxygen and characteristic relative velocity as coordinates. The Damkohler number is not sufficient to predict flame spread and extinction in the near quench limit region.

Ferkul, Paul V.↗

Effect of processing parameters on the characteristics of high-Tc superconductor YBa2Cu3Oy

SEM, thermogravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction,and measurements of electrical resistivity and magnetic susceptibility, are presently used to characterize the influence of sintering temperature, sintering and annealing atmospheres, and quench-rate on the properties of the YBa2Cu3Oy superconducting oxide. It is established that annealing in oxygen, together with slow cooling rates, are required for preparation of high-Tc superconductors with sharp transitions; rapid quenching from high temperature does not yield good superconductors, due to low oxygen content.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

The effect of composition and cooling rate on the structure of rapidly solidified (Fe, Ni)3Al-C alloy

The quench rate-metastable structure dependence in the Fe-20Ni-8Al-2C wt pct alloy has been experimentally studied. The nonequilibrium gamma-prime and gamma phases were noted in foils 65-100 microns thick, while at higher quench rates (thinner samples) the matrix was found to be in a disordered fcc gamma phase with kappa carbide precipitates. With the addition of silicon to the alloys, the nonequilibrium gamma-prime and gamma structures are observed at higher cooling rates.

Myers, S. A.↗

Preparation of 110K (Bi, Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor from glass precursor

The Bi1.5Pb0.5Sr2Ca2Cu3O(x) glass, prepared by rapid quenching of the melt, showed T(sub g) of 383 C, crystallization temperature of approx. 446 C, melting temperature of approx. 855 C, and bulk density of 5.69 g/cu. cm. in air. The as-quenched glass was oxygen deficient. On heating in O2, it showed a slow, irreversible, and continuous weight gain starting at approx. 530 C. The influence of annealing conditions on the formation of various phases was investigated by XRD and electrical resistivity measurements. The 110K-T(sub c) phase did not form below 840 C. The amount of this phase increased with the sintering time at 840 C. A sample annealed at 840 C for 243 h in air and furnace cooled showed the highest T(sub c)(R=0) of 107.2K and transition width delta T(sub c)(10 to 90 percent) of approx. 2 K.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

Low NO(x) potential of gas turbine engines

The purpose is to correlate emission levels of gas turbine engines. The predictions of NO(x) emissions are based on a review of the literature of previous low NO(x) combustor programs and analytical chemical kinetic calculations. Concepts included in the literature review consisted of lean-premixed-prevaporized (LPP), rich burn/quick quench/lean burn (RQL), and direct injection. The NO(x) emissions were found to be an exponential function of adiabatic combustion temperature over a wide range of inlet temperatures, pressures and (lean) fuel-air ratios. A simple correlation of NO(x) formation with time was not found. The LPP and direct injection (using gaseous fuels) concepts have the lowest NO(x) emissions of the three concepts. The RQL data has higher values of NO(x) than the LPP concept, probably due to the stoichiometric temperatures and NO(x) production that occur during the quench step. Improvements in the quick quench step could reduce the NO(x) emissions to the LPP levels. The low NO(x) potential of LPP is offset by the operational disadvantages of its narrow stability limits and its susceptibility to autoignition/flashback. The Rich-Burn/Quick-Quench/Lean-Burn (RQL) and the direct injection concepts have the advantage of wider stability limits comparable to conventional combustors.

Tacina, Robert R.↗

Secondary arm coarsening and microsegregation in superalloy PWA-1480 single crystals: Effect of low gravity

Single crystal specimens of nickel base superalloy PWA-1480 were directionally solidified on ground and during low gravity (20 sec) and high gravity (90 sec) parabolic maneuver of KC-135 aircraft. Thermal profiles were measured during solidification by two in-situ thermocouples positioned along the sample length. The samples were quenched during either high or low gravity cycles so as to freeze the structures of the mushy zone developing under different gravity levels. Microsegregation was measured by examining the solutal profiles on several transverse cross-sections across primary dendrites along their length in the quenched mushy zone. Effect of gravity level on secondary arm coarsening kinetics and microsegregation have been investigated. The results indicate that there is no appreciable difference in the microsegregation and coarsening kinetics behavior in the specimens grown under high or low gravity. This suggests that short duration changes in gravity/levels (0.02 to 1.7 g) do not influence convection in the interdendritic region. Examination of the role of natural convection, in the melt near the primary dendrite tips, on secondary arm spacings requires low gravity periods longer than presently available on KC-135. Secondary arm coarsening kinetics show a reasonable fit with the predictions from a simple analytical model proposed by Kirkwood for a binary alloy.

Vijayakumar, M.↗

The heat of formation of CN radicals and radiative lifetimes of the A 1 Sigma - state of C2N2

Radiative lifetimes have been measured for the stable vibrational levels of the A 1 sigma - electronic state of C2N2. They range from 1.3 microsec for the 4(sub 0)(sup 1) level to 0.66 microsec for the 1(sub 0)(sup 1) 4(sub 0)(sup 1) level and in general decrease with increasing vibrational excitation. Self-quenching rate constants range from gas kinetic to ten times that. Foreign gas quenching rates are slower. Observation of emission from the 1(sub 0)(sup 1) 4(sub 0)(sup 1) level sets a lower limit for the heat of formation of CN of 439.11 kJ/mol.

Barts, Samuel A.↗

Processing Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductors from amorphous state

Researchers produced superconducting ceramics of the Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system started from a glass. To form the glass, the mixed oxide powder was melted at 1200 C in air. The liquid was quenched rapidly by pouring it onto an aluminum plate and rapidly pressing with another plate. The quenched compound was in the form of black amorphous solid, whose x-ray powder pattern has no crystalline peaks. After heat treatment at high temperatures, the glass crystallized into a superconductor. The crystalline phases in the superconductor identified using x-ray diffraction patterns. These phases were that associated with the superconducting phases of T(sub c) = 80 K (Bi2Ca1Sr2Cu2Ox) and of T(sub c) = 110 K (Bi2Ca2Sr2Cu3Ox). The dc resistivity and the ac susceptibility of these superconductors were studied.

Chiang, C. K.↗

Non-ideality near the monotectic composition of a miscibility-gap type system - Succinonitrile-water

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) of near monotectic succinonitrile-water solutions, fast-quenched in hydrophilic and hydrophobic DSC pans, indicate, by degree of undercooling, thst there may be significant dependence of final ingot microstructure on the pre-quench equilibration temperature. Partial molal-volume determinations from density data, along with DSC data, suggest the nature of temperature dependent component associations from 20 to 55 C in homogeneous solutions. The undercooling profile in a hydrophilic container is explained in terms of solution-composition shifts arising from the Gibbs surface excess. The evidence shows that temperature-dependent preferred component aggregates may modulate surface-composition gradients. Similar effects may be present through intermetallic compound formation in metallic monotectic alloys.

Frazier, D. O.↗

The effect of anti-phase domain size on the ductility of a rapidly solidified Ni3Al-Cr alloy

Tensile tests on splat-quenched Ni3Al-Cr alloys showed a sharp decrease in ductility with long-time annealing. The growth of the initially very-fine-size anti-phase domains showed a tenuous correlation with ductility up to a critical size, where ductility was lost. The grain size was relatively unaffected by these annealing treatments, but the grain-boundary curvature decreased, implying less toughness. An important observation was that, for the longest annealing time, a chromium-rich precipitate formed, which the data indicate could be a boride. Miniaturized tensile tests were performed on samples which were all obtained from the same splat-quenched foil, and the various domain sizes were controlled by subsequent annealing treatments.

Carro, G.↗

Synthesis and characterization of high-Tc superconductors in the Tl-Ca-Ba-Cu-O system

Both Tl2Ca2Ba2Cu3O10 and TlCa3BaCu3O8.5 are investigated for superconductivity as a function of the sintering temperature, time, atmosphere, and quench rate in an effort to synthesize the high-Tc superconducting phase in the thallium system. The samples are characterized by electrical resistivity measurements, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. Samples of starting composition Tl2Ca2Ba2Cu3O10 fired in air at 860-900 C and rapidly quenched show a Tc of 96-107 K. In contrast, specimens of starting composition TlCa3BaCu3O8.5 when baked at 900 C and slowly cooled in oxygen superconduct at 116 K and above and consist of Tl2Ca2Ba2Cu3O(10+x) as the dominant phase. The results also show that, in contrast to the case of YBa2Cu3O(7-x), doping with a small concentration of fluorine sharpens the resistive transition and produces a large Tc increase in thallium-based superconductors.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

A vibrational analysis of the O2 (A 3Sigma/+/u) Herzberg I system using rocket data

An observation of the UV nightglow between 2670 and 3040 A was conducted over White Sands Missile Range on October 22, 1984. A 1/4-m spectrometer operating at 3.5-A resolution viewed the earth's limb at tangent heights between 90 and 110 km for 120 sec. A total of 41 spectral scans of the nightglow were obtained with the brightest feature being the O2 Herzberg I bands. The data were sorted into two groups, one from the top side of the layer and one containing the emission peak, and compared with synthetic spectra. The deduced vibrational distributions indicate that, at low altitudes, the higher vibrational levels (v-prime greater than 6) were relatively depleted; however, the magnitude of the vibrational shift is much less than that predicted from theories of vibrational relaxation. It is shown that increasing the electronic quenching with respect to the vibrational quenching can reduce the vibrational shift in the model and qualitatively explain the observations; however, several details of the vibrational distribution are not well reproduced.

Siskind, David E.↗

Preparation of 110K (Bi, Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor from glass precursor

The Bi1.5Pb0.5Sr2Ca2Cu3O(x) glass, prepared by rapid quenching of the melt, showed T(sub g) of 383 C, crystallization temperature of approx. 446 C, melting temperature of approx. 855 C, and bulk density of 5.69 g/cu. cm. in air. The as-quenched glass was oxygen deficient. On heating in O2, it showed a slow, irreversible, and continuous weight gain starting at approx. 530 C. The influence of annealing conditions on the formation of various phases was investigated by XRD and electrical resistivity measurements. The 110K-T(sub c) phase did not form below 840 C. The amount of this phase increased with the sintering time at 840 C. A sample annealed at 840 C for 243 h in air and furnace cooled showed the highest T(sub c) (R=0) of 107.2 K and transition width delta T(sub c) (10 to 90 percent) of approx. 2 K.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗