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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 1,405 records · Page 78
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

Welding and Brazing Silicon Carbide

Hot isostatic pressing and conventional furnace brazing effective under right conditions. Study performed showed feasibility of welding SiC using several welding and brazing techniques. Use of SiC improves engine efficiency by allowing increase in operating temperature. SiC successfully hot-pressure-welded at 3,550 degrees F (1,950 degrees C) in argon. Refinements of solid-state welding and brazing procedures used sufficient for some specific industrial applications.

Moore, T. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Studying Transonic Gases With a Hydraulic Analog

Water table for hydraulic-flow research yields valuable information about gas flow at transonic speeds. Used to study fuel and oxidizer flow in high-pressure rocket engines. Method applied to gas flows in such equipment as furnaces, nozzles, and chemical lasers. Especially suitable when wall contours nonuniform, discontinuous, or unusually shaped. Wall shapes changed quickly for study and evaluated on spot. Method used instead of computer simulation when computer models unavailable, inaccurate, or costly to run.

Wagner, W.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Making Highly Pure Glass Rods

Proposed quasi-containerless method for making glass rods or fibers minimizes contact between processing equipment and product. Method allows greater range of product sizes and shapes than achieved in experiments on containerless processing. Molten zone established in polycrystalline rod. Furnace sections separated, and glass rod solidifies between them. Clamp supports solid glass as it grows in length. Pulling clamp rapidly away from melt draws glass fiber. Fiber diameter controlled by adjustment of pulling rate.

Naumann, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Processing of Complex Compound Semiconductors in Space

The purpose of this first year ground based research effort was to develop growth and characterization facilities for bulk single crystals of compound semiconductor alloys. As a system of 2-6 alloy crystal growth, C sub x Mn sub (1-x)Te was chosen since it has a relatively narrow solidus-liquidus separation serving as a suitable first model for zone melting and solution growth. Also, it allows, in principle, perfect lattice matching to Cd sub x Hg sub(1-x)Te that needs to be studied as a model for the investigation of heteroepitaxial growth from Te-solutions. A vertical zone melting furnace was built and used in the synthesis of Cd sub x Mn sub(1-x)Te from the elements and crystal growth in carbon coated fused silica crucibles of Bridgman growth geometry. Photoluminescence spectra of the crystals reveal band to band recombination at energies that agree with the reported literature data. In addition, deep luminescence is present at energies corresponding to proportional shifts from the 1.4 eV deep emission observed for bulk single crystals of CdTe.

Bachmann, K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Effect of Undercooling in a Low-Gravity Containerless Environment on the Structure and Properties of Alloys

The 30 meter and 100 meter drop tubes at the Marshall Space Flight Center offer a unique opportunity to study solidification in a containerless, microgravity environment. Samples are melted in a furnace at the top of the drop tube and solidify during a 4.5 second free fall in the 100 meter drop tube or a 2.6 second free fall in the 30 meter drop tube. The cooling rate obtained in the drop tubes is lower than cooling rates in atomization and splat-quenching processes. Decoupling the rapid solidification process allows the study of the effects of undercooling and recalescence on alloy morphologies. The research therefore has a three-fold purpose. The first is examination of the limits of undercooling of niobium and niobium-base alloys in the drop tube. The second purpose is the observation of microstructures resulting from the solidification of samples at large undercoolings and moderate cooling rates. The third purpose is the observation of metastable phase formation in highly undercooled samples.

Bayuzick, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Graphite Formation in Cast Iron

In the first phase of the project it was proven that by changing the ratio between the thermal gradient and the growth rate for commercial cast iron samples solidifying in a Bridgman type furnace, it is possible to produce all types of graphite structures, from flake to spheroidal, and all types of matrices, from ferritic to white at a certain given level of cerium. KC-135 flight experiments have shown that in a low-gravity environment, no flotation occurs even in spheroidal graphite cast irons with carbon equivalent as high as 5%, while extensive graphite flotation occurred in both flake and spheroidal graphite cast irons, in high carbon samples solidified in a high gravity environment. This opens the way for production of iron-carbon composite materials, with high carbon content (e.g., 10%) in a low gravity environment. By using KC-135 flights, the influence of some basic elements on the solidification of cast iron will be studied. The mechanism of flake to spheroidal graphite transition will be studied, by using quenching experiments at both low and one gravity for different G/R ratios.

Stefanescu, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Crystallization, Optical and Chemical Properties of Fluoride Glasses

Fluoride glasses have great promise as infrared optical components, especially fibers, because they are transparent to 8 micrometers and higher. In order to optimize properties, different glass compositions are needed. Some are hard to form in a container, and may possibly be formable in a containerless furnace. Understanding of crystallization with and without a container could lead to glasses with optimum properties. Chemical durability (attack by water) can limit or extend the applicability of fluoride glasses. Progress to date is given.

Doremus, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Levitating Furnance for Containerless Processing in Space

The purpose of this project is to design, construct and test a levitator which would function reliably in a radiant heated cold wall furnace in a reduced gravity environment. A prototype levitating/positioning device termed the Sonic Pump Levitator is designed, built and successfully tested in full gravity and in the reduced gravity of the parabolic flight regime of the KC-135. Positioning is achieved by timely and appropriate application of gas momentum from one or more of six sonic pumps. The sonic pumps, which are arranged orthogonally in opposed pairs about the levitation region, are activated by an electro-optical, computer controlled, feedback system. The Sonic Pump Levitator is a promising candidate for containerless processing in microgravity. Being a null point device, it imposes minimal perturbation on the levitated, or positioned, target. Functioning as it does by optical feedback controlled jets of air, it would be expected to be free from disturbance caused by high temperature. This expectation is now being examined experimentally.

Dunn, S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

High-Temperature Controlled Redox Crystallization Studies

The crystallization of silicates containing redox sensitive ions (e.g., Fe, Ti, Ce) must be performed under controlled and known redox conditions in order to obtain the maximum scientific benefit from experimental study. Furthermore, many compositions crystallize dense phases which settle during ground-based experiments. This settling influences the texture and chemical evolution of the crystallizing system. The purpose of this investigation is to develop a test system in which controlled redox experiments can be performed in the microgravity environment. The system will use solid ceramic oxygen electrolyte cells for control, measurements, and production of the required redox conditions. A preliminary design for a prototype is developed, the electrolyte and furnace tested, and a tentative protocol for experiment developed. The control parameter is to be established and a laboratory prototype built.

Williams, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Modifications of system for elevated temperature tensile testing and stress-strain measurement of metal matrix composites

Composites consisting of tungsten alloy wires in superalloy matrices are being studied because they offer the potential for increased strength compared to current materials used at temperatures up to at least 1093 C (2000F). Previous research at the NASA Lewis Research Center and at other laboratories in the U.S., Europe, and Japan has demonstrated laboratory feasibility for fiber reinforced superalloys (FRS). The data for the mechanical and physical properties used to evaluate candidate materials is limited and a need exists for a more detailed and complete data base. The focus of this work is to develop a test procedure to provide a more complete FRS data base to quantitatively evaluate the composite's potential for component applications. This paper will describe and discuss the equipment and procedures under development to obtain elevated temperature tensile stress-strain, strength and modulus data for the first generation of tungsten fiber reinforced superalloy composite (TFRS) materials. Tensile stress-strain tests are conducted using a constant crosshead speed tensile testing machine and a modified load-strain measuring apparatus. Elevated temperature tensile tests are performed using a resistance wound commercial furnace capable of heating test specimens up to 1093 C (2000 F). Tensile stress-strain data are obtained for hollow tubular stainless steel specimens serving as a prototype for future composite specimens.

Diaz, J. O.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Hot isostatic pressing of ceramics

A mixture containing glass 70 to 95 and BN or B4C powder (0.1-10 microns) 5 to 30 vol. % is used as a secondary pressure medium in hot isostatic pressing of ceramics. Thus, Pyrex beads were mixed with 15% vol. BN powder (average diameter 2 microns), fused at 1400 deg for 2 h, cooled, crushed, and put into a graphite crucible. A Si3N4 sintered body was embedded in the powder, heated in vacuum at 1200 deg for 2 h, treated in a hot isostatic press furnace at 1700 deg and 1000 atm. for 1 h, and cooled to give a Si3N4 ceramic. It was easily separated from the crucible.

Honma, K.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Potential productivity benefits of float-zone versus Czochralski crystal growth

Efficient mass production of single-crystal silicon is necessary for the efficient silicon solar arrays needed in the coming decade. However, it is anticipated that there will be difficulty growing such volumes of crystals using conventional Czochralski (Cz) methods. While the productivity of single crystals might increase with a crystal diameter increase, there are two obstacles to the mass production of large diameter Czochralski crystals, the long production cycle due to slow growth rate and the high heat requirements of the furnaces. Also counterproductive would be the large resistivity gradient along the growth direction of the crystals due to impurity concentration. Comparison between Float zone (FZ) and Cz crystal growth on the basis of a crystal 150 mm in diameter is on an order of two to four times in favor of the FZ method. This advantage results from high growth rates and steady-state growth while maintaining a dislocation-free condition and impurity segregation.

Abe, T.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Drop tube technical tasks

Criteria, using fundamental thermochemical dynamics, were developed to assist a scientist using the Drop Tube Facility in designing a good experiment. The types of parameters involved in designing the experiments include the type of furnace, the type of atmosphere, and in general which materials are better behaved than others as determined by past experience in the facility. One of the major advantages of the facility lies in its ability to provide large undercoolings in the cooling curve during the drops. A beginning was to consider the effect of oxygen and other gases upon the amount of undercooling observed. The starting point of the thermochemistry was given by Ellingham and later transformed into what is known as the Richardson Chart. The effect of surface oxidations upon the nucleation phenomena can be observed in each specimen.

Workman, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Thermal barrier coating life prediction model development

A methodology was established to predict thermal barrier coating life in an environment simulative of that experienced by gas turbine airfoils. Specifically, work is being conducted to determine failure modes of thermal barrier coatings in the aircraft engine environment. Analytical studies coupled with appropriate physical and mechanical property determinations are being employed to derive coating life prediction model(s) on the important failure mode(s). An initial review of experimental and flight service components indicates that the predominant mode of TBC failure involves thermomechanical spallation of the ceramic coating layer. This ceramic spallation involves the formation of a dominant crack in the ceramic coating parallel to and closely adjacent to the metal-ceramic interface. Initial results from a laboratory test program designed to study the influence of various driving forces such as temperature, thermal cycle frequency, environment, and coating thickness, on ceramic coating spalling life suggest that bond coat oxidation damage at the metal-ceramic interface contributes significantly to thermomechanical cracking in the ceramic layer. Low cycle rate furnace testing in air and in argon clearly shows a dramatic increase of spalling life in the non-oxidizing environments.

Sheffler, K. D.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Thermomechanical design criteria for ceramic-coated surfaces

Some early history of ceramic applications is presented. Finite element modeling of components to determine service and fabrication loads found inelastic behavior and residual stresses to be significant to component life. Inelastic behavior mitigates peak strains but enhances residual strains. Results of furnace, Mach 0.3 burner, and engine tests are discussed and categorized into design criteria (loading, geometry, fabrication, materials, analysis, and testing). These design rules and finite element analyses are brought to bear on two test cases: turboshaft engine seals, and rocket thrust chambers.

Mullen, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Solar-grade silicon prepared by carbothermic reduction of silica

An advanced carbothermic reduction (ACR) process was developed to produce solar grade (SC) silicon from high purity silica and carbon. Preparation of starting materials and operation of the arc furnace to product high purity silicon is described. Solar cells prepared from single crystal SG-Si had efficiencies of up to 12.3% practically identical to cells made from electronic grade silicon. The ACR process is not in the pilot stage for further evaluation.

Aulich, H. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Excimer laser annealing for fabrication of low-cost solar cells

Pulsed excimer laser annealing was successfully performed using a 50 w laser. Both polished and texturized cells were tried, however, there are serious problems with nonuniformity on texturized cells. A number of cells were produced and compared to diffusion furnace annealed cells. There was no clear economic advantage in using an excimer laser and there was a small penalty on average efficiency. The conclusion was that the excimer laser anneal process must be able to produce superior cells to be considered as a viable process option.

Spitzer, M. B.↗