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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1983

Shock-wave properties and high-pressure equations of state of geophysically important materials

Shock wave (Hugoniot), shock temperature, and release data are presented for several geophysically important, refractory materials. A sensitive multichannel optical pyrometer was developed to measure shock temperatures (2500 to 5600 K at pressures from 48 to 117 GPa) in anorthite (CaAl2Si2O8) glass. Shock temperatures of 3750 to 6000 K at pressures from 140 to 182 GPa were measured in calcium oxide (CaO). Temperature data were used to constrain the energetics of the B1-B2 phase transition at 70 GPa in CaO, and to construct a finite strain equation of state for CaO consistent with previous Hugoniot data. The CaO equation of state was used with equation of state parameters of other oxides to construct a theoretical mixed oxide Hugoniot of anorthite, which is in agreement with new Hugoniot data above about 50 GPa, determined using experimental techniques developed. The mixed oxide model, however, overestimates the shock temperatures, and does not accurately predict measured release paths.

Boslough, M. B.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Increasing melt efficiency and secondary alloy usage in aluminum die casting

In this project, the focus was to develop thermodynamic and kinetic models for the aluminum melting process involving secondary alloys, refractory materials and flux materials. The major research outcome of this study is 1) the refractory composition of CaO (8-12%), microsilica (1-3%), BaSO 4 and/or BaO (no more than 5%), B 2 O 3 (5%) and Al 2 O 3 (balance) effectively reduced the reactions with liquid Al and alloying/impurity elements and heat transfer during melting and holding process. 2) a flux composition of NaCl-KCl-(1-10%)KAlF 4 exhibited an effective covering effect and prevented the dross formation during melting of Al process. 3) A high Fe (0.44%) content recycled Al alloy with compatible mechanical properties was developed based on the impurities control methods, which provides great potential to replace the commercial structural alloys from primary Al and increase the usage of secondary alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Interaction Between Liquid Steel and AlN Substrate Containing Al-Y-Oxides

Reactions between molten iron, molten silicon steel, and ceramic materials are of great importance from the perspective of the corrosion of refractory material in the steelmaking and continuous casting processes. Reactions between liquid steel and aluminum nitride (AlN) substrate containing Al-Y-oxides were investigated using the sessile drop method at 1833 K (1560 °C). The liquid–substrate interface was observed with the increasing holding time, and the reaction mechanism was studied. In the case of the liquid iron and the silicon steel on the AlN substrate containing Al-Y-oxides, the reaction products on the steel side of the interface between the steel and the substrate were Al-rich Al-Y-oxides and Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles. For silicon steel and pure AlN substrate, Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} particles were the main products. Contact angles were lower for liquid iron than for silicon steel due to the higher oxygen content in iron. In addition, the solid–liquid interfacial tension and the work of adhesion between AlN and steel were measured.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS2004

Thin-Film Ceramic Thermocouples Fabricated and Tested

The Sensors and Electronics Technology Branch of the NASA Glenn Research Center is developing thin-film-based sensors for surface measurement in propulsion system research. Thin-film sensors do not require special machining of the components on which they are mounted, and they are considerably thinner than wire- or foil-based sensors. One type of sensor being advanced is the thin-film thermocouple, specifically for applications in high-temperature combustion environments. Ceramics are being demonstrated as having the potential to meet the demands of thin-film thermocouples in advanced aerospace environments. The maximum-use temperature of noble metal thin-film thermocouples, 1500 C (2700 F), may not be adequate for components used in the increasingly harsh conditions of advanced aircraft and next-generation launch vehicles. Ceramic-based thermocouples are known for their high stability and robustness at temperatures exceeding 1500 C, but are typically in the form of bulky rods or probes. As part of ASTP, Glenn's Sensors and Electronics Technology Branch is leading an in-house effort to apply ceramics as thin-film thermocouples for extremely high-temperature applications as part of ASTP. Since the purity of the ceramics is crucial for the stability of the thermocouples, Glenn's Ceramics Branch and Case Western Reserve University are developing high-purity ceramic sputtering targets for fabricating high-temperature sensors. Glenn's Microsystems Fabrication Laboratory, supported by the Akima Corporation, is using these targets to fabricate thermocouple samples for testing. The first of the materials used were chromium silicide (CrSi) and tantalum carbide (TaC). These refractory materials are expected to survive temperatures in excess of 1500 C. Preliminary results indicate that the thermoelectric voltage output of a thin-film CrSi versus TaC thermocouple is 15 times that of the standard type R (platinum-rhodium versus platinum) thermocouple, producing 20 mV with a 200 C temperature gradient. The photograph on the left shows the CrSi-TaC thermocouple in a test fixture at Glenn, and the resulting output signal is shown on the right. The temperature differential across the sample, from the center of the sample inside the oven to the sample mount outside the oven, is measured using a type R thermocouple on the sample.

Wrbanek, John D.↗
NASA NTRS2003

High performance structural laminate composite material for use to 1000.degree. F. and above, apparatus for and method of manufacturing same, and articles made with same

A novel materials technology has been developed and demonstrated for providing a high modulus composite material for use to 1000.degree. F. and above. This material can be produced at 5-20% of the cost of refractory materials, and has higher structural properties. This technology successfully resolves the problem of thermal shock or ply lift, which limits traditional high temperature laminates (such as graphite/polyimide and graphite/phenolic) to temperatures of 550-650.degree. F. in thicker (0.25 and above) laminates. The technology disclosed herein is an enabling technology for the nose for the External Tank (ET) of the Space Shuttle, and has been shown to be capable of withstanding the severe environments encountered by the nose cone through wind tunnel testing, high temperature subcomponent testing, and full scale structural, dynamic, acoustic, and damage tolerance testing.

Seal, Ellis C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Refractories Keep Silicon Crystals Pure

Formation of carbon monoxide gas is prevented by a linear of refractory material free of elemental carbon. For pressures above about 4 torr, silicon carbide can be used as refractory liner. The problem of carbide contamination can arise in crystal growth of any material that forms a carbide more stable than carbon monoxide. Prevention in such cases is possible by using noncarbon refractories in place of graphite.

Schmid, F.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Improved Rare-Earth Emitter Hollow Cathode

An improvement has been made to the design of the hollow cathode geometry that was created for the rare-earth electron emitter described in Compact Rare Earth Emitter Hollow Cathode (NPO-44923), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 34, No. 3 (March 2010), p. 52. The original interior assembly was made entirely of graphite in order to be compatible with the LaB6 material, which cannot be touched by metals during operation due to boron diffusion causing embrittlement issues in high-temperature refractory materials. Also, the graphite tube was difficult to machine and was subject to vibration-induced fracturing. This innovation replaces the graphite tube with one made out of refractory metal that is relatively easy to manufacture. The cathode support tube is made of molybdenum or molybdenum-rhenium. This material is easily gun-bored to near the tolerances required, and finish machined with steps at each end that capture the orifice plate and the mounting flange. This provides the manufacturability and robustness needed for flight applications, and eliminates the need for expensive e-beam welding used in prior cathodes. The LaB6 insert is protected from direct contact with the refractory metal tube by thin, graphite sleeves in a cup-arrangement around the ends of the insert. The sleeves, insert, and orifice plate are held in place by a ceramic spacer and tungsten spring inserted inside the tube. To heat the cathode, an insulating tube is slipped around the refractory metal hollow tube, which can be made of high-temperature materials like boron nitride or aluminum nitride. A screw-shaped slot, or series of slots, is machined in the outside of the ceramic tube to constrain a refractory metal wire wound inside the slot that is used as the heater. The screw slot can hold a single heater wire that is then connected to the front of the cathode tube by tack-welding to complete the electrical circuit, or it can be a double slot that takes a bifilar wound heater with both leads coming out the back. This configuration replaces the previous sheathed heater design that limited the cycling-life of the cathode.

Goebel, Dan M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Evaluation of oxidation resistant nonmetallic materials at 1204 C (2200 F) in a Mach 1 burner

Specimens of 23 oxidation resistant, nonmetallic, refractory materials were systematically exposed in a high gas velocity burner to simulate a turbine engine environment. Isothermal and cyclic tests were conducted at a specimen temperature of 2200F which resulted from exposure to Mach 1 or Mach 0.5 hot gas streams. Specimen behavior was judged on the basis of failure mode, appearance, and weight change. SiC and Si3N4 exhibited the most promising behavior surviving all exposures including Mach 1 for 120 cycles (10 hr). Major failure modes identified for other materials were thermal shock, thermal fatigue, and mechanical failure due to gas loading.

Sanders, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Influence of deflocculant on the isoelectric point of refractory powders: Considerations on the action of deflocculant

Isoelectric point changes in suspensions of refractory materials vis-a-vis the role of deflocculants used in monolithic refractories were investigated by considering the mineral compositions and adsorbed ions in four kinds of clay. Three types of curves represented the relation between the isoelectric point and the deflocculant. The surface charge of clay particles in the suspensions became negative as a result of the deflocculant, since the isoelectric point of suspensions decreased as the deflocculant was added. The isoelectric point changes of calcined alumina were also compared with those of the clays, and a similar phenomenon was observed, except that the deflocculant dispersed the calcined alumina better than it did the clays. A simple model was used to analyze the results.

Naruse, Y.↗
NASA NTRS2003

The Organic Component of Interstellar Dust

The distribution, chemical structure, and formation of organic matter in the interstellar medium are important to our understanding of the overall evolution of dust. The exchange of dust between the dense and diffuse interstellar medium, and the effects of processing on dust within dense clouds will affect the inventory of material available for incorporation into newly forming star and planetary systems. Observational ground-based studies have confirmed the widespread distribution of the 3.4 pm absorption band attributed to aliphatic hydrocarbons in the diffuse interstellar medium of our own galaxy, and in the dusty spectra of a few nearby galaxies, while space based observations from IS0 probed the signatures of corresponding mid-infrared features. Laboratory experiments which utilize both thermal processes and energetic processing by high energy photons and cosmic rays, produce candidate materials which offer close matches to the observed diffuse interstellar medium and extragalactic hydrocarbon absorption features. Through an analysis of the 4000 to 1000 cm (2.5 to 10 micrometers) region of the spectrum of diffuse interstellar medium (DISM) dust compared with the spectra of thirteen chemical entities produced in the laboratory which serve as analogs to the interstellar material, significant constraints have been placed on the applicability of proposed candidate materials to explain the interstellar features. The results indicate that the organic refractory material in the diffuse interstellar medium is predominantly hydrocarbon in nature, possessing little nitrogen or oxygen, with the carbon distributed between the aromatic and aliphatic forms. Long alkane chains H3C-(CH2),- with n much greater than 4 or 5 are not major constituents of this material. Comparisons to laboratory analogs indicate the DISM organic material resembles plasma processed pure hydrocarbon residues much more so than energetically processed ice residues. This result is consistent with a birthsite for the carrier of the 3.4 micrometers band in the outflow region of evolved carbon stars. Comparisons of dust from our own galaxy with that of distant galaxies suggests that the organic component of interstellar dust is widespread and may be an important universal reservoir of prebiotic organic carbon.

Pendleton, Yvonne↗
DOE OSTI2022

Experimental investigation of low velocity and high temperature solid particle impact erosion wear

Next generation Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) plants utilizing solid particles as the heat transfer medium (HTM) are expected to achieve greater operational efficiencies. However, the erosion from the solid particles can cause significant damage to component materials. Low particle speeds (1–2 m/s) are proposed as a means of preventing excessive damage to containment materials. Within the current investigation, solid particle erosion of three potential containment materials, stainless-steel grade 316L, a nickel alloy (Inconel 740H), and a refractory material (Tufcrete 60 M), are examined at a particle impact speed of 1.6 m/s. CarboBead-HSP 40/70 particles, a candidate HTM for CSP systems, impact the specimens at a relatively high impact angle of 60° based on containment design criteria. Experiments were conducted at ambient temperature and 800 °C to examine erosion of the materials at very low impact speeds and determine how temperature effects erosion. Initial results revealed surprising outcomes inconsistent with available literature: ambient temperature erosion of SS316L is an order of magnitude lower than IN740H, but erosion (erosion-corrosion) of SS316L at 800 °C surpasses IN740H by two orders of magnitude. Furthermore, results suggest removal of oxide layers (erosion-corrosion) is responsible for the significant erosion that was observed even at these low particle speeds.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1971

Practical method of diffusion-welding steel plate in air

Method is ideal for critical service requirements where parent metal properties are equaled in notch toughness, stress rupture and other characteristics. Welding technique variations may be used on a variety of materials, such as carbon steels, alloy steels, stainless steels, ceramics, and reactive and refractory materials.

Holko, K. H.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Materials degradation in low earth orbit (LEO); Proceedings of the Symposium, 119th Annual Meeting of the Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society, Anaheim, CA, Feb. 17-22, 1990

The current understanding of the effect of space environment on materials and the development of protective coatings is examined in reviews and reports. Consideration is given to hyperthermal atomic oxygen reactions, the effect of atomic oxygen on altered and coated Kapton surfaces for spacecraft applications in LEO, silicon dioxide space coatings studied ellipsometrically, atomic oxygen effects on spacecraft materials, atomic oxygen beam source for erosion simulation, and atomic oxygen effects on refractory materials. Particular attention is given to ellipsometric analysis of materials degradation in space, studies of the interaction of 8 km/s oxygen atoms with selected materials, characterization and calibration of the EOIM-III flight mass spectrometer in a high velocity oxygen atom beam, the reaction efficiency of thermal energy oxygen atoms with polymeric materials, and effects of simulated space environments on the properties of selected materials.

Srinivasan, V.↗
DOE OSTI2012

NOVEL SPINEL-FAMILY REFRACTORIES FOR HIGH-TEMPERATURE, HIGH-ALKALINE ENVIRONMENTS

Work was performed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL), in collaboration with the industrial refractory manufacturer Minteq International, Inc. (MINTEQ), academic research partner Missouri University of Science and Technology (MS&T) and end users to employ novel refractory systems and techniques to reduce energy consumption of refractory lined vessels found in industries such as aluminum, chemical, glass, and pulp and paper. The project aim was to address factors which limit the applicability of currently available refractory materials such as chemical attack, mechanical degradation, use temperature, and installation or repair issues. To this end, new innovative unshaped refractory compositions (gunnables) were developed based on MgO-Al 2O3 spinel and alumino-silicate based structures utilizing new aggregate materials, bond systems, protective coatings, and phase formation techniques. Development efforts, materials validation, and results to date of current industrial validation trials a discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1974

Ultrapure materials - Containerless evaporation and the roles of diffusion and Marangoni convection

Contamination from containers is a major problem in preparing ultrapure refractory materials. Space with its zero gravity and its high vacuum offers an opportunity for containerless purification of these materials. The evaporation of impurities from a melt will involve many complex chemical equilibria. Thermodynamic calculations have been modified to describe these equilibria when impurities in the melt evaporate into vacuum. The contributions of diffusion and Marangoni convection to mass transfer rates in the bulk liquid have been estimated. Calculations for the evaporative purification of molten alumina are given.

Dragoo, A. L.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Thermal conductivity of salvaged fused cast alumina used in the glass industry

Fused cast alumina (FCA) has been and continues to be used as a refractory material in energy intensive industries such as glass melting and chemical processing. In-service degradation due to high temperature exposure in harsh environment affects the designed furnace thermal profiles and energy consumption. Phase transformation may occur at the refractory hot face during glass melting altering the properties. Three FCA blocks recovered from industrial furnaces were investigated in this study. The as-received FCA consists primarily of a mixture of alpha (α) and beta (β) alumina that has a thermal conductivity value of 5–6 W/mK. The Hot Disk method was used to obtain thermal conductivity directly on the refractory blocks. At the hot face, a transformation from β to α alumina occurred and was confirmed by an X-ray diffraction study. Thermal conductivity measurements as a function of position also showed a clear transition from β to α alumina at both ends of a complete block with no voids. Thermal conductivity of the α alumina tripled compared to β alumina. This study provides important information of heat transfer and thermal conductivity evolution to refractory manufacturers and users.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

DEVELOPMENT AND DEPLOYMENT OF SHOTCRETE REFRACTORIES FOR ALUMINUM ROTARY FURNACE APPLICATION

Work was performed by Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) in the United States, in collaboration with the industrial refractory manufacturer Minteq International, Inc. (MINTEQ), academic research partner Missouri University of Science and Technology (MS&T) and end users to employ novel refractory systems and techniques to reduce energy consumption of refractory lined vessels found in the aluminum industry. The project aim was to address factors that limit the applicability of currently available refractory materials such as chemical attack, mechanical degradation, use temperature, and installation or repair issues. To this end, as part of the overall project, shotcretable refractory compositions were developed based on alumino-silicate based structures utilizing new aggregate materials, bond systems, protective coatings, and phase formation techniques for use in rotary dross furnaces. Additionally a shotcretable high strength insulating back-up lining material was also developed for use in this and other applications. Development efforts, materials validation, and results from industrial validation trials are discussed.

aluminum↗
DOE OSTI2015

NEUTRAL Na IN COMETARY TAILS AS A REMNANT OF EARLY AQUEOUS ALTERATION

Observations of comet C/1995O1 Hale-Bopp during the spring of 1997 led to the discovery of a neutral sodium tail whose origin is still not clearly understood. Here, we propose an interpretation for the origin of this sodium tail, which is based upon chemical grounds. Starting from Na{sup +} trapped chemically during the condensation of refractory material in the protosolar nebula to its incorporation in the building blocks of comets and its transfer from refractory to volatile phases in the nucleus due to aqueous alteration, we follow the chemical path of sodium until its transformation into a neutral atom when released from the sublimating cometary ice. We propose that two Na reservoirs should coexist in a comet: one coming from the refractory dust, the other one from the icy matrix. Their relative importance would depend on the extent of the zone where liquid water formed within the nucleus and the time during which water remained liquid, thus favoring the Na{sup +} exchange between rocks and ice. These two key parameters would in turn strongly depend on the thermal history of the comet (amounts of radiogenic nuclides, orbital history, etc.). If our model is correct, the detection of Na originating from water ice would be a testimonial of the past aqueous alteration of the comet or its parent body.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗