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At least 1,405 records · Page 78

Fracture toughness of polycrystalline ceramics in combined mode I and mode II loading

The present investigation of the fracture of alumina and zirconia polycrystalline ceramic specimens of precracked-disk type, in diametral compression, evaluated fracture toughness in pure mode I, combined mode I/mode II, and pure mode II, depending on the alignment of the center crack relative to the loading diameter. The mixed-mode fracture-toughness envelope thus obtained exhibits significant deviation to higher fracture toughness in mode II, relative to the predictions of linear elastic fracture mechanics theory. Crack-surface resistance due to grain-interlocking and abrasion are identified as the primary sources of increased fracture resistance in mode II loading of the polycrystalline ceramics.

Singh, Dileep↗

Friction and wear of oxide-ceramic sliding against IN-718 nickel base alloy at 25 to 800 C in atmospheric air

The friction and wear of oxide-ceramics sliding against the nickel base alloy IN-718 at 25 to 800 C were measured. The oxide materials tested were mullite (3Al2O3.2SiO2); lithium aluminum silicate (LiAlSi(x)O(y)); polycrystalline monolithic alpha alumina (alpha-Al2O3); single crystal alpha-Al2O3 (sapphire); zirconia (ZrO2); and silicon carbide (SiC) whisker-reinforced Al2O3 composites. At 25 C the mullite and zirconia had the lowest friction and the polycrystalline monolithic alumina had the lowest wear. At 800 C the Al2O3-8 vol/percent SiC whisker composite had the lowest friction and the Al2O3-25 vol/percent SiC composite had the lowest wear. The friction of the Al2O3-SiC whisker composites increased with increased whisker content while the wear decreased. In general, the wear-resistance of the ceramics improve with their hardness.

Sliney, Harold E.↗

Thermodynamic analysis of chemical stability of ceramic materials in hydrogen-containing atmospheres at high temperatures

The chemical stability of several ceramic materials in hydrogen-containing environments was analyzed with thermodynamic considerations in mind. Equilibrium calculations were made as a function of temperature, moisture content, and total system pressure. The following ceramic materials were considered in this study: SiC, Si3N4, SiO2, Al2O3, mullite, ZrO2, Y2O3, CaO, MgO, BeO, TiB2, TiC, HfC, and ZrC. On the basis of purely thermodynamic arguments, upper temperature limits are suggested for each material for long-term use in H2-containing atmospheres.

Misra, Ajay K.↗

Boron-containing organosilane polymers and ceramic materials thereof

The present invention relates to a polyorgano borosilane ceramic precursor polymer comprising a plurality of repeating units of the formula: (R(sup 1) single bond B)(sub p) being linked together at B by second units of the formula: single bond (R sup 2) single bond (Si single bond R sup 3) single bond (sub q), where R(sup 1) is a lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, phenyl, or (R(sup 2)R(sup 3) single bond Si single bond B single bond)(sub n) and R(sup 2) and R(sup 3) are each independently selected from hydrogen, lower alkyl, vinyl, cycloalkyl, or aryl, n is an integer between 1 and 100; p is an integer between 1 and 100; and q is an integer between 1 and 100. These materials are prepared by combining an organo borohalide of the formula R(sup 4) single bond B single bond (X sup 1) (sub 2) where R(sup 4) is selected from halogen, lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, or aryl, and an organo halosilane of the formula: R(sup 2)(R sup 3)Si(X sup 2)(sub 2) where R(sup 2) and R (sup 3) are each independently selected from lower alkyl, cycloalkyl, or aryl, and X(sup 1) and X(sup 2) are each independently selected from halogen, in an anhydrous aprotic solvent having a boiling point at ambient pressure of not greater than 160 C with in excess of four equivalents of an alkali metal, heating the reaction mixture and recovering the polyorgano borosilane. These silicon boron polymers are useful to generate high-temperature ceramic materials, such as SiC, SiB4, and B4C, upon thermal degradation above 600 C.

Riccitiello, Salvatore R.↗

Polysiloxanes derived from the controlled hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane as precursors to silica for use in ceramic processing

Synthesis, properties, and potential applications in ceramic processing for two polysiloxane silica precursors derived from the controlled hydrolysis of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) are presented. The higher molecular weight TEOS-A is a thick adhesive liquid of viscosity 8000 to 12,000 c.p. having a SiO2 char yield of about 55 percent. The lower molecular weight TEOS-B is a more fluid liquid of viscosity 150 to 200 c.p. having a SiO2 char yield of about 52 percent. The acid catalyzed hydrolysis of TEOS to hydrated silica gel goes through a series of polysiloxane intermediates. The rate of this transition increases with the quantity of water added to the TEOS; thus, for ease of polymer isolation, the amount of water added must be carefully determined so as to produce the desired polymer in a reasonable time. The water to TEOS mole ratio falls in the narrow range of 1.05 for TEOS-A and 0.99 for TEOS-B. Further polymerization or gelation is prevented by storing at -5 C in a freezer. Both polysiloxanes thermoset to a glassy solid at 115 C. The liquid polymers are organic in nature in that they are miscible with toluene and ethanol, slightly souble in heptane, but immiscible with water. For both polymers, results on viscosity versus time are given at several temperatures and water additions. Based on these results, some examples of practical utilization of the precursors for ceramic fabrication are given.

Philipp, Warren H.↗

Extension of a noninteractive reliability model for ceramic matrix composites

Developments in the processing of high temperature ceramic composites demand innovative and progressive design protocols that adequately predict the thermal and mechanical behavior of these materials. The focus here is the extension of a reliability model for orthotropic ceramic composites. The approach chosen to describe failures leads to a noninteractive formulation of reliability that is phenomenological. This particular criterion, which was constructed using tensorial invariant theory, allows six potential failure modes to emerge.

Duffy, Stephen F.↗

Design of ceramic components with the NASA/CARES computer program

The ceramics analysis and reliability evaluation of structures (CARES) computer program is described. The primary function of the code is to calculate the fast-fracture reliability or failure probability of macro-scopically isotropic ceramic components. These components may be subjected to complex thermomechanical loadings, such as those found in heat engine applications. CARES uses results from MSC/NASTRAN or ANSYS finite-element analysis programs to evaluate how inherent surface and/or volume type flaws component reliability. CARES utilizes the Batdorf model and the two-parameter Weibull cumulative distribution function to describe the effects of multiaxial stress states on material strength. The principle of independent action (PIA) and the Weibull normal stress averaging models are also included. Weibull material strength parameters, the Batdorf crack density coefficient, and other related statistical quantities are estimated from four-point bend bar or uniform uniaxial tensile specimen fracture strength data. Parameter estimation can be performed for a single or multiple failure modes by using a least-squares analysis or a maximum likelihood method. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson-Darling goodness-to-fit-tests, 90 percent confidence intervals on the Weibull parameters, and Kanofsky-Srinivasan 90 percent confidence band values are also provided. Examples are provided to illustrate the various features of CARES.

Nemeth, Noel N.↗

Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures (CARES). Users and programmers manual

This manual describes how to use the Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures (CARES) computer program. The primary function of the code is to calculate the fast fracture reliability or failure probability of macroscopically isotropic ceramic components. These components may be subjected to complex thermomechanical loadings, such as those found in heat engine applications. The program uses results from MSC/NASTRAN or ANSYS finite element analysis programs to evaluate component reliability due to inherent surface and/or volume type flaws. CARES utilizes the Batdorf model and the two-parameter Weibull cumulative distribution function to describe the effect of multiaxial stress states on material strength. The principle of independent action (PIA) and the Weibull normal stress averaging models are also included. Weibull material strength parameters, the Batdorf crack density coefficient, and other related statistical quantities are estimated from four-point bend bar or unifrom uniaxial tensile specimen fracture strength data. Parameter estimation can be performed for single or multiple failure modes by using the least-square analysis or the maximum likelihood method. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson-Darling goodness-of-fit tests, ninety percent confidence intervals on the Weibull parameters, and Kanofsky-Srinivasan ninety percent confidence band values are also provided. The probabilistic fast-fracture theories used in CARES, along with the input and output for CARES, are described. Example problems to demonstrate various feature of the program are also included. This manual describes the MSC/NASTRAN version of the CARES program.

Nemeth, Noel N.↗

Energy efficient engine pin fin and ceramic composite segmented liner combustor sector rig test report

Under the NASA-sponsored Energy Efficient Engine program, Pratt and Whitney has successfully completed a comprehensive test program using a 90-degree sector combustor rig that featured an advanced two-stage combustor with a succession of advanced segmented liners. Building on the successful characteristics of the first generation counter-parallel Finwall cooled segmented liner, design features of an improved performance metallic segmented liner were substantiated through representative high pressure and temperature testing in a combustor atmosphere. This second generation liner was substantially lighter and lower in cost than the predecessor configuration. The final test in this series provided an evaluation of ceramic composite liner segments in a representative combustor environment. It was demonstrated that the unique properties of ceramic composites, low density, high fracture toughness, and thermal fatigue resistance can be advantageously exploited in high temperature components. Overall, this Combustor Section Rig Test program has provided a firm basis for the design of advanced combustor liners.

Dubiel, D. J.↗

Densification and coarsening during solid state sintering of ceramics: A review of the models. II - Grain growth

Two processes occur simultaneously during the sintering of a ceramic powder compact: densification and coarsening (or grain growth). Both processes have as their driving force the reduction of the excess free surface energy of the powder particles. Several different mechanisms of atom transport, operating concurrently or consecutively, may be responsible for the two processes. Algebraic, geometric and topological models have been proposed and refined in attempts to determine the mechanism, or mechanisms, responsible for densification under defined processing conditions. These efforts have met with varying degrees of success. Recently, it has become apparent that more attention must be paid to the coarsening processes during sintering. The models for both densification and coarsening during solid state sintering are reviewed with particular emphasis on their applicability to engineering ceramics.

Shaw, Nancy J.↗

Designing ceramic components with the CARES computer program

NASA-Lewis has developed a public-domain computer program, designated 'Ceramic Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures' (CARES) for calculating the fast-fracture reliability of macroscopically isotropic ceramic components subjected to the complex thermomechanical loadings typical of heat engines. The design methodology employed by CARES encompasses linear elastic fracture mechanics theory, extreme value statistics, and material microstructures; component integrity is conceived as a function of the entire field solution of the stresses, rather than being based solely on the most highly stressed point.

Nemeth, Noel N.↗

Analysis of whisker-toughened ceramic components - A design engineer's viewpoint

The analysis of components fabricated from whisker-toughened ceramic matrix composites requires a departure from the 'factor-of-safety' design philosophy prevalent in the design of metallic structural component, which are more tolerant of flaws. A public-domain computer algorithm has been developed which, in conjunction with a general-purposed FEM program, can predict the fast-fracture reliability of a structural component under multiaxial loading conditions. The present version of the algorithm, designated 'Toughened Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures', accounts for material symmetry imposed by whisker orientation; the processes of crack deflection and crack pinning are also addressed.

Duffy, Stephen F.↗

Noninteractive macroscopic reliability model for ceramic matrix composites with orthotropic material symmetry

A macroscopic noninteractive reliability model for ceramic matrix composites is presented. The model is multiaxial and applicable to composites that can be characterized as orthotropic. Tensorial invariant theory is used to create an integrity basis with invariants that correspond to physical mechanisms related to fracture. This integrity basis is then used to construct a failure function per unit volume (or area) of material. It is assumed that the overall strength of the composite is governed by weakest link theory. This leads to a Weibull type model similar in nature to the principle of independent action (PIA) model for isotropic monolithic ceramics. An experimental program to obtain model parameters is briefly discussed. In addition, qualitative features of the model are illustrated by presenting reliability surfaces for various model parameters.

Duffy, Stephen F.↗

Calculation of Weibull strength parameters and Batdorf flow-density constants for volume- and surface-flaw-induced fracture in ceramics

The calculation of shape and scale parametes of the two-parameter Weibull distribution is described using the least-squares analysis and maximum likelihood methods for volume- and surface-flaw-induced fracture in ceramics with complete and censored samples. Detailed procedures are given for evaluating 90 percent confidence intervals for maximum likelihood estimates of shape and scale parameters, the unbiased estimates of the shape parameters, and the Weibull mean values and corresponding standard deviations. Furthermore, the necessary steps are described for detecting outliers and for calculating the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and the Anderson-Darling goodness-of-fit statistics and 90 percent confidence bands about the Weibull distribution. It also shows how to calculate the Batdorf flaw-density constants by using the Weibull distribution statistical parameters. The techniques described were verified with several example problems, from the open literature, and were coded in the Structural Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation (SCARE) design program.

Shantaram, S. Pai↗

Dynamic fracture responses of alumina and two ceramic composites

A hybrid experimental-numerical procedure was used to characterize the dynamic fracture response of Al2O3 and TiB2-particulate/SiC-matrix and SiC-whisker/Al2O3-matrix composites. Unlike metals and polymers, dynamic arrest stress intensity factors (SIFs) did not exist in the monolithic ceramics and the two ceramic composites considered. Thus a running crack in these materials cannot be arrested by lowering the driving force, i.e., the dynamic SIF. Fractography study of the alumina specimens showed that the area of transgranular failure varied from about 3 percent to about 16 percent for rapid crack extensions in statically and impact loaded specimens, respectively. The influence of kinematic constraints which enforces transgranular flat crack extension, despite the higher fracture energy of transgranular fracture, is discussed.

Yang, Kwan-Ho↗

Radiographic Detection Of Voids In SiC And SiN Ceramics

Two reports describe experimental studies of efficacy of radiographic detection of voids in "green" (unfired) and sintered SiC and SiN ceramics. Projection radiography provides greater sensitivity of detection. Studies motivated by need for nondestructive technique to detect flaws limiting strengths of sintered structural ceramic components.

Baaklini, George Y.↗

Fabrication Of Ceramic Mats

Process to make mats of fine zirconia filaments proposed. Ceramic mats formed by sintering mats of partially dried filaments extruded from slurry of ceramic powder, binder, and solvent. Mats of fine zirconia fibers easier to ball-mill than commercially available zirconia powder.

Collins, Earl R., Jr.↗

Casting Of Multilayer Ceramic Tapes

Procedure for casting thin, multilayer ceramic membranes, commonly called tapes, involves centrifugal casting at accelerations of 1,800 to 2,000 times normal gravitational acceleration. Layers of tape cast one at a time on top of any previous layer or layers. Each layer cast from slurry of ground ceramic suspended in mixture of solvents, binders, and other components. Used in capacitors, fuel cells, and electrolytic separation of oxygen from air.

Collins, Earl R., Jr.↗