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At least 1,513 records · Page 84

Interfaces and failure mechanisms in Al-SiC composites

Aluminum alloys reinforced with silicon carbide whiskers exhibit significantly higher strength and modulus than the unreinforced alloys. However, the composites also exhibit low ductility and poor fracture toughness for reasons which are not well-understood. In this study, high resolution and conventional TEM techniques are used to analyze interface microstructure and failure mechanisms in P/M 2124 and 6061 aluminum alloys reinforced with silicon carbide whiskers. Interfacial oxides are typical of both composite materials, often distributed in clusters or in a discrete layer 2-5 nm thick along the whisker-matrix interface. Highly deformed regions beneath bulk tensile fracture surfaces reveal possible fracture nucleation centers as well as sites of stress concentration where intense plastic strain has occurred. Observations of such highly deformed regions include (1) void initiation at whisker ends, (2) interface decohesion involving the thin oxide layer, (3) transverse cracks in whiskers, and (4) cracks in large constituent particles. TEM results are presented and discussed in relation to mechanisms of composite failure.

Nutt, S. R.↗

Development and Characterization of the Bonding and Integration Technologies Needed for Fabricating Silicon Carbide Based Injector Components

Advanced ceramic bonding and integration technologies play a critical role in the fabrication and application of silicon carbide based components for a number of aerospace and ground based applications. One such application is a lean direct injector for a turbine engine to achieve low NOx emissions. Ceramic to ceramic diffusion bonding and ceramic to metal brazing technologies are being developed for this injector application. For the diffusion bonding technology, titanium interlayers (coatings and foils) were used to aid in the joining of silicon carbide (SiC) substrates. The influence of such variables as surface finish, interlayer thickness, and processing time were investigated. Electron microprobe analysis was used to identify the reaction formed phases. In the diffusion bonds, an intermediate phase, Ti5Si3Cx, formed that is thermally incompatible in its thermal expansion and caused thermal stresses and cracking during the processing cool-down. Thinner interlayers of pure titanium and/or longer processing times resulted in an optimized microstructure. Tensile tests on the joined materials resulted in strengths of 13-28 MPa depending on the SiC substrate material. Nondestructive evaluation using ultrasonic immersion showed well formed bonds. For the joining technology of brazing Kovar fuel tubes to silicon carbide, preliminary development of the joining approach has begun. Various technical issues and requirements for the injector application are addressed.

Halbig,Michael C.↗

Rock physics properties of some lunar samples

Linear strains and acoustic velocity data for lunar samples under uniaxial and hydrostatic loading are presented. Elastic properties are presented for 60335,20; 15555,68; 15498,23; and 12063,97. Internal friction data are summarized for a number of artificial lunar glasses with compositions similar to lunar rocks 12009, 12012, 14305, 15021, and 15555. Zero porosity model-rock moduli are calculated for a number of lunar model-rocks, with mineralogies similar to Apollo 12, 14, and 16 rocks. Model-rock calculations indicate that rock types in the troctolitic composition range may provide reasonable modeling of the lunar upper mantle. Model calculations involving pore crack effects are compatible with a strong dependence of rock moduli on pore strain, and therefore of rock velocities on nonhydrostatic loading. The high velocity of rocks under uniaxial loading appears to be compatible with, and may aid in, interpretation of near-surface velocity profiles observed in the active seismic experiment.

Warren, N.↗

The Stickney impact of Phobos - A dynamical model

The hypervelocity impact that excavated the Stickney crater on Phobos is numerically modeled in order to understand the effects this collision had on the interior and surface of Phobos. The model assumes homogeneity prior to impact based on Fujiwara's (1991) results. Constitutive relations for water ice and basalt are applied in tandem models. Fracture energetics is used to show that the impact itself is sufficient to cause the cracks observed on Phobos. It is further shown that the Stickney impact itself could not have created large voids; thus, the low density of Phobos must either be compositional in nature or else the result of porosity at a scale sufficiently small to avoid scattering the impact energy substantially.

Asphaug, E.↗

Enceladus and Europa: How Does Hydrothermal Activity Begin at the Surface?

The question of how the surface hydrothermal activity (e.g., eruptive plumes and heat flow) is initiated can be addressed within the frame-work of our "Perrier Ocean" model. This model delivers the necessary heat and chemicals to support the heat flow and plumes observed by Cassini in Enceladus' South Polar Region. The model employs closed-loop circulation of water from a sub-surface ocean. The ocean is the main reservoir of heat and chemicals, including dissolved gases. As ocean water moves up toward the surface, pressure is re-duced and gases exsolve forming bubbles. This bub-bly mixture is less dense than the icy crust and the buoyant ocean-water mixture rises toward the surface. Near the surface, heat and chemicals, including some volatiles, are delivered to the chambers in which plumes form and also to shallow reservoirs that keep the surface ice "warm". (Plume operations, per se, are as described by Schmidt et al. and Postberg et al. and are adopted by us.) After transferring heat, the water cools, bubbles contract and dissolve, and the mixture is now relatively dense. It descends through cracks in the crust and returns to the ocean. Once the closed-loop circulation has started it is self-sustaining. Loss of water via the erupting plumes is relatively negligible compared to the amount needed to maintain the heat flow.We note that the activity described herein for the the "Perrier-Ocean" model could, a priori, apply to all small icy bodies that sheltered an interior ocean at some point in their history.

Enceladus↗

Systems and methods for thermal barrier coatings to modify engine component thermal characteristics

An engine component comprises one or more thermal barrier coatings applied to one or more areas of the engine component. The thermal barrier coatings reduce the temperature rate of change of the areas to which the thermal barrier coating is applied. Reducing the temperature rate of change can help reduce lattice structure damage caused by different temperatures in different areas of the engine component. The thermal barrier coating can be applied as a monolithic layer on a surface of the engine component or can be applied in different areas using patterns. The patterns allow for the tuning of the performance characteristics (temperature rate of change) of the areas of the engine component and can help reduce defect propagation, such as cracks, in the thermal barrier coating from one area of the thermal barrier coating to other areas of the thermal barrier coating.

Koci, Chad Palmer↗

Intergranular corrosion of Ni-30Cr in high-temperature hydrogenated water after removing surface passivating film

Abstract High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography are used to characterize the initial passivation and subsequent intergranular corrosion of degraded grain boundaries in a model Ni-30Cr alloy exposed to 360 °C hydrogenated water. Upon initial exposure for 1000 h, the alloy surface directly above the grain boundary forms a thin passivating film of Cr 2 O 3 , protecting the underlying grain boundary from intergranular corrosion. However, the metal grain boundary experiences severe Cr depletion and grain boundary migration during this initial exposure. To understand how Cr depletion affects further corrosion, the local protective film was sputtered away using a glancing angle focused ion beam. Upon further exposure, the surface fails to repassivate, and intergranular corrosion is observed through the Cr-depleted region. Through this combination of high-resolution microscopy and localized passive film removal, we show that, although high-Cr alloys are resistant to intergranular attack and stress corrosion cracking, degradation-induced changes in the underlying metal at grain boundaries make the material more susceptible once the initial passive film is breached.

(S)TEM↗

Stationary Shoulder Friction Stir Assisted Scribe Technique for Dissimilar Joining

We report on implementation of a stationary shoulder in dissimilar joints of Al-steel and Al-carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) using friction stir assisted scribe technology (FaST ). Viable joint strength similar to that with the conventional FAST process was demonstrated in Al-steel. A significant improvement in as-welded surface roughness for both Al-steel and Al-CFRP cases was achieved by using stationary shoulder. Interrupted lap shear tests performed on Al-steel joints and a corresponding computational model indicate the joint failure typically occurs in Al sheet via a crack tip that originates at the steel hook tip on the loading side. A similar fracture path was observed in an Al-CFRP joint.

Das, Hrishikesh↗

Status of the Characterization of DEs from the Full Circumference Examination of the Inner Container Closure Weld Region (FY2020)

One of the main focus areas of the 3013 Surveillance Program is a thorough evaluation of the inner container closure weld region (ICCWR) opened for destructive examination (DE). As part of the protocol to investigate the corrosion in the ICCWR a laser confocal microscope (LCM) is used to perform close visual examination of the surface and measurements of corrosion features on the surface. DE containers from FY13 through FY16 were screened with three candidates selected for full circumference evaluation (FCE) according to the ICCWR examination protocol, During the FCE, FY16 DE05 and FY15 DE07 showed suspect major corrosion events, FY16 DE05 Section C2 shows two crack-like features, identified as Denebola and Draco. Both features are located at the boundary of Zone 2 and Zone 3. Consequently, Section C2 of FY16 DE05 was selected for examination by serial metallography at Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). For FY15 DE07 the suspect corrosion events were observed on Sections Cl and C2. Section Cl shows one crack-like feature, identified as Acrux. Section C2 shows three crack-like features, identified as Bellatrix, Cursa Minor and Cursa Major. Unlike Acrux and Bellatrix, which are located at the boundary of Zone 2 and Zone 3, Cursa Minor and Cursa Major are located in Zone 2. Sections Cl and C2 of FY15 DE07 were sent to Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANE) for characterization by X-Ray Tomography (XRT).

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Microstructure-Based Degradation Modeling in Solid Oxide Cells

The presentation is intended for a graduate class in Georgia Southern University taught by Dr. Hayri Sezer on electrochemistry, SOFC and Li ion battery. It summaries NETL's recent works on microstructure-based modeling of degradation in solid oxide cells. It covers the degradation mechanism of Ni coarsening, Ni migration and the build-up of oxygen partial pressure inside the electrolyte. The phase-field models developed for Ni coarsening and migration are reviewed and the results are compared to experiments in literature to examine different diffusion mechanisms (Ni self-diffusion, Ni(OH)2 diffusion in pores and Ni(OH) surface diffusion) and driving forces (Ni(OH)x concentration and Ni-YSZ contact angle change). It also demonstrates the developed model for oxygen partial pressure and shows that the predicted oxygen partial pressure can explain the Ni oxidation in the hydrogen electrode and crack growth on the electrolyte-oxygen electrode interface under certain operating conditions.

nickel coarsening↗

Thermal performance of 625-kg/cu m elastomeric ablative materials on spherically blunted 0.44-radian cones

Spherically blunted 0.44-radian (25 deg) half-angle conical models coated with elastomeric ablative materials were tested in supersonic arc-heated wind tunnels to evaluate performance of the ablators over a range of conditions typical of lifting entry. Four test conditions were combinations of stagnation point-heat transfer rates of 2.3 and 4.5 MW/m2 and stagnation pressures of 20 and 2kN/m2. Afterbody values of heat transfer rate and pressure were 0.05 to 0.20 of stagnation point values. Stagnation enthalpy varied from 4.4 to 25 MJ/kg (1900 to 11000 Btu/lbm) and free-stream Mach number was in a range from 3.5 to 4. Ablative materials retained the spherical nose shape throughout tests at the lower heat transfer level, but receded, assuming a flattened nose shape, during tests at the high heat transfer level. The residue layer that formed on the conical after-body was weak, friable, and extensively cracked. The reference ablative material, which contained phenolic microspheres, generally retained the conical shape on the model afterbody. However, a modified ablator, in which phenolic microspheres were replaced with silica microspheres, deformed and separated from the undegraded material, and thereby produced a very uneven surface. Substrate temperatures and ablator recession were in good agreement with values computed by a numerical analysis.

Champman, A. J.↗

Calculation of Weibull strength parameters, Batdorf flaw density constants and related statistical quantities using PC-CARES

This manual describes the operation and theory of the PC-CARES (Personal Computer-Ceramic Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures) computer program for the IBM PC and compatibles running PC-DOS/MS-DOR OR IBM/MS-OS/2 (version 1.1 or higher) operating systems. The primary purpose of this code is to estimate Weibull material strength parameters, the Batdorf crack density coefficient, and other related statistical quantities. Included in the manual is the description of the calculation of shape and scale parameters of the two-parameter Weibull distribution using the least-squares analysis and maximum likelihood methods for volume- and surface-flaw-induced fracture in ceramics with complete and censored samples. The methods 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 line, as well as the techniques for calculating the Batdorf flaw-density constants are also described.

Szatmary, Steven A.↗

Fracture of single crystals of the nickel-base superalloy PWA 1480E in hydrogen at 22 C

The present study investigates the hydrogen-induced fracture behavior of notched single crystals of the PWA 1480E nickel-based superalloy. Notched single crystals with seven different crystal orientations were tensile tested at 22 C in a hydrogen atmosphere at 34 MPa. Hydrogen-enhanced cleavage along 100-line planes in the notched region was found to be due to cracking along the gamma/gamma-prime interfaces. Cleavage on 111-line-type planes was observed only outside the notch region. The occurrence of 100- and 111-line-types of cleavage was independent of the single-crystal orientation. Outside the notch region, the fracture surfaces of specimens tested in hydrogen appeared very similar to those tested in helium. Differences in the fracture surfaces were located primarily near the notch region.

Chen, P. S.↗

High-Temperature Mechanical Properties of Cr(3+) Doped Sapphire Fibers

High-temperature slow-crack growth of single crystal 10 wt% Cr2O3 - Al2O3 (nominal composition) fibers has been studied by tensile rupture experiments at 1400 C, under different stressing rates (0.5 to 41.5 MPa/s). Slow-crack growth (SCG) is less pronounced with increasing Cr2O3. Rupture stresses increased with the stressing rate from 397 MPa to 515 MPa, resulting in a SCG exponent, N=19. The Cr2O3 composition was analyzed by Energy Dispersed X-Ray Spectra (EDS) and fracture surfaces were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Results are compared with previous studies on 100-300 ppm Cr3(+) doped sapphire fibers and on commercial sapphire fibers.

Sayir, A.↗

Microstructurally driven self-sharpening mechanism in beaver incisor enamel facilitates their capacity to fell trees

Beavers ( Castor ) stand out among mammals for their unique capacity to fell trees using their large, ever-growing incisors. This routine consumption of resistant fodder induces prodigious wear in the lower incisors, despite this blunting effect the incisors maintain a remarkably sharp cutting edge. Notably, the enamel edges of their incisors show a highly complex two-part microstructure of which the biomechanical import is unknown. Here, using fracture analysis, nanoindentation, and wear testing on North American beaver ( C. canadensis ) incisors we test the microstructure's possible contribution to maintaining incisal sharpness. Although comparable in hardness, the inner enamel preferentially fails and readily wears at 2.5 times the rate of the outer enamel. The outer microstructure redirects all fractures in parallel, decreasing fracture coalescence. Conversely, the inner microstructure facilitates crack coalescence increasing the wear rate by isolating layers of enamel prisms that readily fragment. Together these two architectures form a microstructurally driven self-sharpening mechanism contained entirely within the thin enamel shell. Here, our results demonstrate that enamel microstructures exposed at the occlusal surface can markedly influence both enamel crest shape and surface texture in wearing dentitions. The methods introduced here open the door to exploring the biomechanical functionality and evolution of enamel microstructures throughout Mammalia.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

The influence of electrochemical cycling protocols on capacity loss in nickel-rich lithium-ion batteries

The transition towards electric vehicles and more sustainable transportation is dependent on lithium-ion battery (LIB) performance. Ni-rich layered transition metal oxides, such as NMC811 (LiNi 0.8 Mn 0.1 Co 0.1 O 2 ), are promising cathode candidates for LIBs due to their higher specific capacity and lower cost compared with lower Ni content materials. However, complex degradation mechanisms inhibit their use. In this work, tailored aging protocols are employed to decouple the effect of electrochemical stimuli on the degradation mechanisms in graphite/NMC811 full cells. Using these protocols, impedance measurements, and differential voltage analysis, the primary drivers for capacity fade and impedance rise are shown to be large state of charge changes combined with high upper cut-off voltage. Focused ion beam-scanning electron microscopy highlights that extensive microscale NMC particle cracking, caused by electrode manufacturing and calendering, is present prior to aging and not immediately detrimental to the gravimetric capacity and impedance. Scanning transmission electron microscopy electron energy loss spectroscopy reveals a correlation between impedance rise and the level of transition metal reduction at the surfaces of aged NMC811. The present study provides insight into the leading causes for LIB performance fading, and highlights the defining role played by the evolving properties of the cathode particle surface layer.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Analysis of composite-reinforced cutouts and cracks

Finite element computer analyses of the reinforcement of cutouts and cracks in metal sheet by bonded overlays of composite material are described. The analyses articulate the separate responses of the sheet, the overlays, and the adhesive. Contour plots of computed stress and strain fields are automatically generated by the computer programs. Strains measured on the surfaces of several reinforced-sheet tensile specimens were, for the most part, in good agreement with strains predicted by the analyses. Significant correlations between certain failure modes observed in the test specimens and the stress distributions given by finite element analysis are apparent.

Mitchell, R. A.↗

Lubrication and failure mechanisms of molybdenum disulfide films. 1: Effect of atmosphere

Friction, wear, and wear lives of rubbed molybdenum disulfide (MoS2 films applied to sanded 440C HT steel surfaces were evaluated in moist air, dry air, and dry argon. Optical microscope observations were made as a function of sliding distance to determine the effect of moisture and oxygen on the lubricating and failure mechanisms of MoS2 films. In general, the lubrication process consisted of the formation of a thin, metallic colored, coalesced film of MoS2 that flowed between the surfaces in relative motion. In air, failure was due to the transformation of the metallic colored, coalesced films to a black, powdery material. Water in the air appeared to accelerate the transformation rate. In argon, no transformation of MoS2 was observed with the microscope, but cracking and spalling of the coalesced film occurred and resulted in the gradual depletion of the film.

Fusaro, R. L.↗