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At least 109 records · Page 6

Microstructure and mechanical properties of multiphase NiAl-based alloys

The effect of the gamma-prime phase on the deformation behavior and fracture resistance of melt-spun ribbons and consolidated bulk specimens of a series of Nial-based alloys with Co and Hf additions has been examined. The morphology, location, and volume fraction of the gamma-prime phase are significant factors in enhancing the fracture resistance of the normally brittle NiAl-based alloys. In particular, the results indicate that a continuous-grain-boundary film of gamma-prime can impart limited room-temperature ductility regardless of whether B2 or L10 NiAl is present. Guidelines for microstructure control in multiphase NiAl-based alloys are also presented.

Pank, D. R.↗

Containerless Measurement of Thermophysical Properties of Ti-Zr-Ni Alloys

The surface tension, viscosity, density, and thermal expansion of Ti-Zr-Ni alloys were measured for a number of compositions by electrostatic levitation methods. Containerless methods greatly reduce heterogeneous nucleation, increasing access to the undercooled liquid regime at finite cooling rates. The density and thermal expansion are measured optically, while the surface tension and viscosity are measured by the oscillating drop method. The measured alloys include compositions which form a metastable quasicrystal phase from the undercooled liquid, and alloys close to the composition of several multi-component bulk metallic glass-forming alloys. Measurements of surface tension show behavior typical of transition metals at high temperature, but a sudden decrease in the deeply undercooled liquid for alloys near the quasicrystal-forming composition range, but not for compositions which form the solid-solution phase first.

Hyers, Robert↗

A 2-D Piston Effect Solution for the Relaxation in the MISTE Cell

When a large density stratification is no longer a problem in a microgravity environment, one would like to increase the sample size in order to increase the signal-to-noise ratio for a specific heat measurement. To reduce the equilibration time associated with the large sample size, we designed a cylindrical cell containing a stack of plates that separate the bulk fluid into 60 equally thin layers. To understand the thermal behavior of the whole cell, we analyzed the thermal behavior of a 2-D composite system of a cylindrical near-critical fluid layer in contact with a cylindrical copper plate. In this 2-D analysis, the circumference boundary of the two cylindrical layers is subjected to a step temperature change. The solution of this 2-D composite system includes the piston effect that speeds up the equilibration in the near-critical fluid layer and the pure diffusion in the copper plate. The results of this analysis indicate that the characteristic length for the equilibration of the stacked cell is determined by an effective thickness of a single fluid layer instead of the total height of the cylindrical cell.

Weilert, Mark↗

The magnetic effects of brecciation and shock in meteorites. II - The ureilites and evidence for strong nebular magnetic fields. III - The achondrites

Magnetic studies were conducted on samples of the ureilitic meteorites Goalpara, Havero, Novo Urei, and Kenna. Measurements included bulk magnetic susceptibility, natural remanent magnetization (NRM), saturation remanence, and the demagnetization behavior of NRM and saturation remanence. An approximate 'fossil' magnetic field intensity was determined by analysis of coercivity spectra of NRM and saturation remanence after reheating. It was found that the magnetic susceptibility of ureilites increased with severity of shock, and the NRM intensity decreases while its coercivity spectrum generally hardens with increasing shock. Goalpara and Kenna are distinguished by unexpectedly homogeneous, strong, stable, and directionally clustered NRM, indicative of a unique original magnetizing event. The results support the assertion that both ureilites and carbonaceous chondrites have formed from related nebular material and provide further evidence for a strong external magnetic field during the accretional stages and throughout an early bombardment stage.

Brecher, A.↗

Importance and Definition of Materials in Tribology. Status of Understanding

In general, tribological systems consist of three basic components: the material surfaces in contact, the lubricant, and the environment. The materials in contact and the influence of both bulk and surface properties, indicating the importance of material characterization, on tribological behavior are addressed. Since metals and metallic alloys are the most widely used class of materials in practical devices, attention is focused principally on them. With respect to surface behavior, the effect of contaminants both from within the material and from the environment on adhesive behavior is addressed. The various surface events that alter adhesion, friction, and wear are discussed. These include surface reconstruction, segregation, chemisorption, and compound formation. Examples of these events are presented. Minor nuances in the structure of the outermost layers of solids have a pronounced effect on tribological properties. The importance of characterizing the materials of solids in contact in order to achieve a fundamental understanding of adhesion, friction, and wear and accordingly of methods for their control are addressed.

Buckley, D. H.↗

Absorptive surfaces of extended reaction angle of incidence considerations

The acoustic properties of a porous absorbing surface are characterized to apply the concepts to practical situations. Propagation constants, impedance, incident pressure wave, sound waves in the air of the pores, and general acoustic behavior are presented mathematically. The design equations are applicable for highly porous bulk materials. Modified equations are appropriate for bulk liners with stiff frames or flexible frames of finite depth.

Lambert, R. F.↗

Comparison of the degradation effects of heavy ion, electron, and cobalt-60 irradiation in an advanced bipolar process

Experimental measurements are reported of the degradation effects of high-energy particles (heavy Br ions and electrons) and Co-60 gamma-rays on the current gain of minimum-geometry bipolar transistors made from an advanced process. The data clearly illustrate the total-ionizing-dose vs particle-fluence behavior of this bipolar transistor produced by an advanced process. In particular, bulk damage from Co-60 gamma rays in bipolar transistors (base transport factor degradation) and surface damage in bipolar transistors from ionizing radiation (emitter-efficiency degradation) have been observed. The true equivalence between various types of radiation for this process technology has been determined on the basis of damage from the log K1 intercepts.

Zoutendyk, John A.↗

Dynamics of a barium release in the magnetospheric tail

The late time behavior of the May 13, 1985 magnetotail barium cloud is examined. The bulk dynamics of the cloud are studied based on triangulated data and data from Fabry-Perot Doppler velocity measurements. The changes in cloud morphology in relation to the in situ measurements made by the Ion Release Module satellite are discussed.

Mende, S. B.↗

Carbon Nanotube Nanoelectrode Array for Ultrasensitive DNA Detection

A reliable nanoelectrode array based on vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) embedded in SiO2 is used for ultrasensitive DNA detection. Characteristic nanoelectrode behavior is observed using low-density MWNT arrays for measuring both bulk and surface immobilized redox species such as K4Fe(CN)6. The open-end of MWNTs present similar properties as graphite edge-plane electrodes with wide potential window, flexible chemical functionalities, and good biocompatibility. Oligonucleotide probes are selectively functionalized at the open ends cf the nanotube array and specifically hybridized with oligonucleotide targets. The guanine groups are employed as the signal moieties in the electrochemical measurements. Ru(bpy)3(2+) mediator is used to further amplify the guanine oxidation signal. The hybridization of subattomoles of PCR amplified DNA targets is detected electrochemically by combining the MWNT nanoelectrode array with the Ru(bpy)32' amplification mechanism. This system provides a general platform of molecular diagnostics for applications requiring ultrahigh sensitivity, high-degree of miniaturization, and simple sample preparations.

Li, Jun↗

Carbon Nanotube Nanoelectrode Array as an Electronic Chip for Ultrasensitive Label-free DNA Detection

A reliable nanoelectrode array based on vertically aligned multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) embedded in SiO2 is used for ultrasensitive DNA detection. Characteristic nanoelectrode behavior is observed using low-density MWNT arrays for measuring both bulk and surface immobilized redox species such as K4Fe(CN)6 and ferrocene derivatives. The open-end of MWNTs are found to present similar properties as graphite edge-plane electrodes with wide potential window, flexible chemical functionalities, and good biocompatibility. BRCA1 related oligonucleotide probes with 18 bp are selectively functionalized at the open ends of the nanotube array and specifically hybridized with oligonucleotide targets incorporated with a polyG tag. The guanine groups are employed as the signal moieties in the electrochemical measurements. R(bpy)(sup 2+, sub 3) mediator is used to further amplify the guanine oxidation signal. The hybridization of sub-attomoles of DNA targets is detected electrochemically by combining the MWNT nanoelectrode array with the R(bpy)(sup 2+, sub 3) amplification mechanism. This technique was employed for direct electrochemical detection of label-free PCR amplicon from a healthy donor through specific hybridization with the BRCA1 probe. The detection limit is estimated to be less than 1000 DNA molecules since abundant guanine bases in the PCR amplicon provides a large signal. This system provides a general platform for rapid molecular diagnostics in applications requiring ultrahigh sensitivity, high-degree of miniaturization, and simple sample preparation, and low-cost operation.

Li, Jun↗

Development of an 400 L Integrated Refrigeration and Storage Cryostat for LNG/LCH4 Research

Research engineers from the Cryogenics Test Laboratory at NASA Kennedy Space Center in Florida have developed a 400 liter Integrated Refrigeration and Storage (IRAS) cryostat to explore advanced techniques for storage, conditioning, and transfer of liquefied natural gas and/or pure methane. A vertical-cylindrical configuration, the vacuum-jacketed apparatus houses a G-M cryocooler to control the state of the fluid, and sample tubes with corresponding temperature sensors fixed at various elevations to allow for sampling of the liquid. Two additional ports were also included for future instrumentation and/or mechanical feed-throughs. A primary goal of this test apparatus will be to study the effect of IRAS on the behavior of LNG during storage; most notably weathering and stratification of the bulk liquid over time. Additionally, in-situ liquefaction of natural gas can be performed, along with zero boil-off control, liquid densification, and slush production.

Swanger, Adam M.↗

Constraints on bulk composition, seasonal variation, and global dynamics of Pluto's atmosphere

The potential seasonal variation of Pluto's atmosphere is investigated by considering the behavior of the candidate atmospheric constituents Ne, N2, CO, O2, and Ar when individually mixed with CH4. The effects of diurnal and latitudinal variation of insolation and eclipses on the atmosphere are also studied. Seasonal effects are shown to dominate. It is shown that the atmospheric bulk may not be a minimum near aphelion but rather at intermediate distances from the sun during summer/winter where inadequate ice deposits may allow the atmosphere to collapse by freezing out over winter latitudes. The likely global circulation regimes for each model atmosphere are investigated as a function of temperature, and it is concluded that if CH4, O2, or CO dominates the atmosphere, Pluto will exhibit cyclic variations between an axially symmetric circulation system at perihelion and a baroclinic wave regime at aphelion. If N2 dominates the wave regime should hold continuously.

Stern, S. A.↗

Determination of the Corrosive Conditions Present within Aircraft Lap-Splice Joints

The complexity of airframe structure lends itself to damage resulting from crevice corrosion. Fuselage lap-splice joints are a particularly important structural detail in this regard because of the difficulty associated with detection and measurement of corrosion in these occluded regions. The objective of this work is to develop a laboratory corrosion test protocol to identify the chemistry to which lap joints are exposed and to develop a model of the corrosion within the joints. A protocol for collecting and identifying the chemistry of airframe crevice corrosion has been developed. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is used to identify the ionic species contained in corrosion product samples removed from fuselage lap splice joints. CE analysis has been performed on over sixty corrosion product samples removed from both civilian and military aircraft. Over twenty different ions have been detected. Measurements of pH of wetted corroded surfaces indicated an alkaline occluded solution. After determining the species present and their relative concentrations, the resultant solution was reproduced in bulk and electrochemical tests were performed to determine the corrosion rate. Electrochemical analyses of the behavior of AA2024-T3 in these solutions gave corrosion rates of up to 250 microns per year (10 mpy). Additional tests have determined the relative importance of each of the detected ions in model solutions used for future predictive tests. The statistically significant ions have been used to create a second generation solution. Laboratory studies have also included exposure tests involving artificial lap joints exposed to various simulated bulk and crevice environments. The extent and morphology of the attack in artificial lap joints has been compared to studies of corroded samples from actual aircraft. Other effects, such as temperature and potential, as well as the impact of the environment on fatigue crack growth have also been studied.

Lewis, Karen S.↗

Microgravity Processing of Oxide Superconductors

Considerable effort has been concentrated on the synthesis and characterization of high T(sub c) oxide superconducting materials. The YBaCuO system has received the most intense study, as this material has shown promise for the application of both thin film and bulk materials. There are many problems with the application of bulk materials- weak links, poor connectivity, small coherence length, oxygen content and control, environmental reactivity, phase stability, incongruent melting behavior, grain boundary contamination, brittle mechanical behavior, and flux creep. The extent to which these problems are intrinsic or associated with processing is the subject of controversy. This study seeks to understand solidification processing of these materials, and to use this knowledge for alternative processing strategies, which, at the very least, will improve the understanding of bulk material properties and deficiencies. In general, the phase diagram studies of the YBaCuO system have concentrated on solid state reactions and on the Y2BaCuO(x) + liquid yields YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) peritectic reaction. Little information is available on the complete melting relations, undercooling, and solidification behavior of these materials. In addition, rare earth substitutions such as Nd and Gd affect the liquidus and phase relations. These materials have promising applications, but lack of information on the high temperature phase relations has hampered research. In general, the understanding of undercooling and solidification of high temperature oxide systems lags behind the science of these phenomena in metallic systems. Therefore, this research investigates the fundamental melting relations, undercooling, and solidification behavior of oxide superconductors with an emphasis on improving ground based synthesis of these materials.

Olive, James R.↗

Two fluid model for thermal stratification in the Apollo cryogenic oxygen tanks

It is observed on Apollo flights that for oxygen densities greater than 42 lb/cu ft the heater operation time to achieve a desired pressure rise is half that which would be required if the energy were uniformly dispersed. A two fluid model was developed to describe this effect of stratification on the tank's pressurization behavior. The increase in pressure rise rate is attributed to compression of the bulk fluid in response to expansion of the heated fluid adjacent to the heater. It is assumed that during the heating operation the adjacent fluid retains nearly all the heater energy and has no mass interaction with the bulk fluid. The hot fluid temperatures predicted by the model are in reasonable correspondence with the observed heater temperatures. The model indicates that the fraction of the fluid interacting with the heater increases with decreasing density, from less than 0.1% at full tank to roughly 1% at 50% quantity, the lowest quantity at which stratification effects on pressure are observed.

Saxton, J. A.↗

Stratification calculations in a heated cryogenic oxygen storage tank at zero gravity

A cylindrical one-dimensional model of the Apollo cyrogenic oxygen storage tank has been developed to study the effect of stratification in the tank. Zero gravity was assumed, and only the thermally induced motions were considered. The governing equations were derived from conservation laws and solved on a digital computer. Realistic thermodynamic and transport properties were used. Calculations were made for a wide range of conditions. The results show the fluid behavior to be dependent on the quantity in the tank or equivalently the bulk fluid temperature. For high quantities (low temperatures) the tank pressure rose rapidly with heat addition, the heater temperature remained low, and significant pressure drop potentials accrued. For low quantities the tank pressure rose more slowly with heat addition and the heater temperature became high. A high degree of stratification resulted for all conditions; however, the stratified region extended appreciably into the tank only for the lowest tank quantity.

Shuttles, J. T.↗

High-intensity sound in air saturated fibrous bulk porous materials

The interaction high-intensity sound with bulk porous materials in porous materials including Kevlar 29 is reported. The nonlinear behavior of the materials was described by dc flow resistivity tests. Then acoustic propagation and reflection were measured and small signal broadband measurements of phase speed and attenuation were carried out. High-intensity tests were made with 1, 2, and 3 kHz tone bursts to measure harmonic generation and extra attenuation of the fundamental. Small signal standing wave tests measured impedence between 0.1 and 3.5 kHz. High level tests with single cycle tone bursts at 1 to 4 kHz show that impedance increases with intensity. A theoretical analysis is presented for high-porosity, rigid-frame, isothermal materials. One dimensional equations of motion are derived and solved by perturbation. The experiments show that there is excess attenuation of the fundamental component and in some cases a close approach to saturation. A separate theoretical model, developed to explain the excess attenuation, yields predictions that are in good agreement with the measurements. Impedance and attenuation at high intensities are modeled.

Kuntz, H. L., II↗