Engineering topics

Dreshfield, R. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Dreshfield, R. L..

At least 19 records

NASA NTRS1995

A new Cu-8 Cr-4 Nb alloy for high temperature applications

Various applications exist where a high conductivity alloy with good strength and creep resistance are required. NASA LeRC has developed a Cu-8 at. percent Cr-4 at. percent Nb (Cu-8 Cr-4 Nb) alloy for these applications. The alloy is designed for use up to 700 C and shows exceptional strength, low cycle fatigue (LCF) resistance, and creep resistance. Cu-8 Cr-4 Nb also has a thermal conductivity of at least 72 percent that of pure Cu. Furthermore, the microstructure and mechanical properties of the alloy are very stable. In addition to the original application in combustion chambers, Cu-8 Cr-4 Nb shows promise for welding electrodes, brazing fixtures, and other applications requiring high conductivity and strength at elevated temperatures.

Ellis, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Progress toward a tungsten alloy wire/high temperature alloy composite turbine blade

A tungsten alloy wire reinforced high temperature alloy composite is being developed for potential application as a hollow turbine blade for advanced rocket engine turbopumps. The W-24Re-HfC alloy wire used for these composite blades provides an excellent balance of strength and wire ductility. Preliminary fabrication, specimen design, and characterization studies were conducted by using commercially available W218 tungsten wire in place of the W-24Re-Hfc wire. Subsequently, two-ply, 50 vol pct composite panels using the W-24Re-HfC wire were fabricated. Tensile tests and metallographic studies were performed to determine the material viability. Tensile strengths of a Waspaloy matrix composite at 870 C were 90 pct of the value expected from rule-of-mixtures calculations. During processing of this Waspaloy matrix composite, a brittle phase was formed at the wire/matrix interface. Circumferential wire cracks were found in this phase. Wire coating and process evaluation efforts were performed in an attempt to solve the reaction problem. Although problems were encountered in this study, wire reinforced high temperature alloy composites continue to show promise for turbopump turbine blade material improvement.

Ritzert, F. J.↗

NASA NTRS1991

The effect of porosity and gamma-gamma-prime eutectic content on the fatigue behavior of hydrogen charged PWA 1480

The study addresses the effect of systematically varying gamma-gamma-prime eutectic content and porosity level on the fatigue life of a hydrogen-charged single crystal PWA 1480 superalloy. Four microstructural variants are produced, and differences in gamma-gamma-prime eutectic morphology among the four processing variants are analyzed. Single valued tensile test data indicate that the tensile and yield strength of the PWA 1480 are degraded by hydrogen charging, with the exception of the material given a eutectic solution treatment. It is shown that the reduction of the fatigue life can be minimized by a duplex thermomechanical treatment consisting of a eutectic solution followed by hot isostatic pressing.

Gayda, J.↗

NASA NTRS1990

The effect of hydrogen on the low cycle fatigue behavior of a single crystal superalloy

The present study compares the room temperature fatigue properties of PWA 1480 single crystals containing either normal or elevated hydrogen levels, giving attention to the effects of various levels of HIPing process-controlled porosity on hydrogen-trapping and fatigue life. Hydrogen charging is found to degrade the fatigue lives of alloy samples by an order of magnitude; the magnitude of this degradation is comparable at both high and low porosity. HIPing accomplished a small beneficial effect on the fatigue life of both the hydrogen-charged and uncharged PWA 1480 samples. Fatigue cracks are noted to have consistently initiated at large, near-surface pores. By reducing the size and frquency of the larger pores, HIPing apparently retarded fatigue-crack initiation.

Gayda, J.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Application of single crystal superalloys for earth-to-orbit propulsion systems

Single crystal superalloys were first identified as potentially useful engineering materials for aircraft gas turbine engines in the mid-1960s. Although they were not introduced into service as turbine blades in commercial aircraft engines until the early 1980's, they have subsequently accumulated tens of millions of flight hours in revenue producing service. The Space Shuttle main engine (SSME) and potential advanced earth-to-orbit propulsion systems impose severe conditions on turbopump turbine blades which for some potential failure modes are more severe than in aircraft gas turbines. Research activities which are directed at evaluating the potential for single crystal superalloys for application as turbopump turbine blades in the SSME and advanced rocket engines are discussed. The mechanical properties of these alloys are summarized and the effects of hydrogen are noted. The use of high gradient directional solidification and hot isostatic pressing to improve fatigue properties is also addressed.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Application of single crystal superalloys for Earth-to-orbit propulsion systems

Single crystal superalloys were first identified as potentially useful engineering materials for aircraft gas turbine engines in the mid-1960's. Although they were not introduced into service as turbine blades in commercial aircraft engines until the early 1980's, they have subsequently accumulated tens of millions of flight hours in revenue producing service. The space shuttle main engine (SSME) and potential advanced earth-to-orbit propulsion systems impose severe conditions on turbopump turbine blades which for some potential failure modes are more severe than in aircraft gas turbines. Research activities which are directed at evaluating the potential for single crystal superalloys for application as turbopump turbine blades in the SSME and advanced rocket engines are discussed. The mechanical properties of these alloys are summarized and the effects of hydrogen are noted. The use of high gradient directional solidification and hot isostatic pressing to improve fatigue properties is also addressed.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1986

The continuing battle against defects in nickel-base superalloys

In the six decades since the identification of age hardenable nickel-base superalloys their compositions and microstructures have changed markedly. Current alloys are tailored for specific applications. Thus their microstructures are defined for that application. This paper briefly reviews the evolution of superalloy microstructures and comments on the appearance and implications of microstructural defects in high performance superalloys. It is seen that new alloys and proceses have generated new types of defects. Thus as the industry continues to develop new alloys and processes it must remain vigilant toward the identification and control of new types of defects.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Manufacturing and producibility technology

Activities of the manufacturing/producibility working group within the Advanced High-Pressure O2/H2 Technology Program are summarized. The objectives of the M/P working group are: to develop and evaluate process and manufacturing techniques for advanced propulsion hardware design and selected materials; and to optimize the producibility of (SSME) components and assemblies by improved performance, increased life, greater reliability, and/or reduced cost. The technologies being developed include: plasma arc, laser, and inertia welding; combustion chamber and turbine blade coatings; coating processes; high performance alloy electroforming; and process control technology.

Hankins, J. D.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Material technology

Advanced high pressure O2/H2 propulsion systems as exemplified by the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) create challenging operating environments for materials. Many components operate in either hydrogen or hydrogen-steam environments which may significantly degrade the performance of common alloys. The objective of the materials technology projects is to develop and evaluate candidate materials for application in advanced high pressure O2/H2 propulsion systems. These new and improved materials are to improve the durability or performance of the SSME or derivative engine. The program includes projects on the following topics: (1) Hydrogen Resistant Alloys; (2) High Pressure O2 Ignition and Burning; (3) Improved Turbine Blades; (4) Improved Turbine Disk Material; (5) Impact Reactivity in High Pressure O2; and Fiber Reinforced Superalloys.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1985

PM superalloys - A troubled adolescent?

The history of powder metallurgy P/M superalloy technology is reviewed with a comment on the state of the art, and speculates on the technology's future potential growth and maturity.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Understanding the roles of the strategic element cobalt in nickel base superalloys

Research progress in understanding the effects of cobalt and some possible substitute on microstructure, mechanical properties, and environmental resistance of turbine alloys is discussed. The United States imports over 90 percent of its cobalt, chromium, tantalum and columbium, all key elements in high temperature nickel base superalloys for aircraft gas turbine disks and airfoils. NASA, through joint government/industry/university teams, undertook a long range research program aimed at reducing or eliminating these strategic elements by examining their basic roles in superalloys and identifying viable substitutes.

Stephens, J. B.↗

NASA NTRS1984

P/M superalloys: A troubled adolescent?

The history of powder metallurgy P/M superalloy technology is reviewed with a comment on the state of the art, and speculates on the technology's future potential growth and maturity.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Effects of tin on microstructure and mechanical behavior of Inconel 718

Columbium, for which the United States is 100 percent import reliant, is of strategic importance to the U.S. aerospace industry. A major amount of the Cb is used in Inconel 718. Should Cb sources be disrupted, it may be desired to use a grade of Cb melting stock having greater Sn content then the preferred vacuum rade. Additions of Sn to Inconel 718 were varied from none added to 1 wt %. The Sn additions below 800 ppm had no detrimental effects on 650 C stress rupture behavior; however, 1-wt % Sn severely degraded both life and ductility. Additions of Sn in excess of 200 ppm were slightly detrimental to the 425 C tensile yield strength and ductility. The Sn additions had no effect on the microstructure of Inconel 718 even after stress rupture testing for over 6000 hr at 650 C.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Replacing critical and strategic refractory metal elements in nickel-base superalloys

Because of the import status and essential nature of their use, cobalt, chromium, tantalum, and niobium were identified as strategic and critical in the aerospace industry. NASA's Conservation of Strategic Aerospace Materials (COSAM) program aims to reduce the need for strategic materials used in gas turbine engines. Technological thrusts in two major areas are under way to meet the primary objective of conserving the use of strategic materials in nickelbase superalloys. These thrusts consist of strategic element substitution and alternative material identification. The program emphasizes cooperative research teams involving NASA Lewis Research Center, universities, and industry. The adoption of refractory metals in nickel-base superalloys is summarized including their roles in mechanical strengthening and environmental resistance; current research activities under way in the COSAM Program are presented as well as research findings to date.

Stephens, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Progress toward determining the potential of ODS alloys for gas turbine applications

The Materials for Advanced Turbine Engine (MATE) Program managed by the NASA Lewis Research Center is supporting two projects to evaluate the potential of oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys for aircraft gas turbine applications. One project involves the evaluation of Incoloy (TM) MA-956 for application as a combustor liner material. An assessment of advanced engine potential will be conducted by means of a test in a P&WA 2037 turbofan engine. The other project involves the evaluation of Inconel (TM) MA 6000 for application as a high pressure turbine blade material and includes a test in a Garrett TFE 731 turbofan engine. Both projects are progressing toward these engine tests in 1984.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Understanding the roles of the strategic element cobalt in nickel base superalloys

The United States imports over 90% of its cobalt, chromium, columbium, and tantalum, all key elements in high temperature nickel base superalloys for aircraft gas turbine disks and airfoils. Research progress in understanding the roles of cobalt and some possible substitutes effects on microstructure, mechanical properties, and environmental resistance of turbine alloys is discussed.

Stephens, J. R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Effects on stress rupture life and tensile strength of tin additions to Inconel 718

Because Inconel 718 represents a major use of columbium and a large potential source of columbium for aerospace alloys could be that of columbium derived from tin slags, the effects of tin additions to Inconel 718 at levels which might be typical of or exceed those anticipated if tin slag derived columbium were used as a melting stock were investigated. Tin was added to 15 pound Inconel 718 heats at levels varying from none added to approximately 10,000 ppm (1 wt%). Limited 1200 F stress rupture testing was performed at stresses from 68,000 to 115,000 psi and a few tensile tests were performed at room temperature, 800 and 1200 F. Additions of tin in excess of 800 ppm were detrimental to ductility and stress rupture life.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Advanced aircraft engine materials trends

Recent activities of the Lewis Research Center are reviewed which are directed toward developing materials for rotating hot section components for aircraft gas turbines. Turbine blade materials activities are directed at increasing metal temperatures approximately 100 C compared to current directionally solidified alloys by use of oxide dispersion strengthening or tungsten alloy wire reinforcement of nickel or iron base superalloys. The application of thermal barrier coatings offers a promise of increasing gas temperatures an additional 100 C with current cooling technology. For turbine disk alloys, activities are directed toward reducing the cost of turbine disks by 50 percent through near net shape fabrication of prealloyed powders as well as towards improved performance. In addition, advanced alloy concepts and fabrication methods for dual alloy disks are being studied as having potential for improving the life of future high performance disks and reducing the amount of strategic materials required in these components.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗