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Ellis, D. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Ellis, D. L..

Three-Dimensional Printing GRCop-42

GRCop-42 (Cu-4 at.% Cr-2 at.% Nb) is a copper (Cu)-chromium (Cr)-niobium (Nb) alloy that NASA developed for use in rocket propulsion components that required high thermal conductivity, excellent creep resistance, low-cycle fatigue life, and strength at elevated temperatures, such as combustion chamber liners and fuel injector face plates. Using powder bed fusion (PBF) 3D printing, NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) successfully printed near-fully-dense GRCop-42 components that may equal to or exceed their traditionally manufactured predecessors. This Technical Memorandum serves to summarize the process that was developed to achieve 3D printable near-fully-dense and functional GRCop-42.

Cooper, K. G.

High Conductivity Materials for High Heat Flux Applications in Space Propulsion Systems

GRCop-84 is a new copper base alloy with an excellent combination of strength and conductivity and has been developed to the point that it is a strong candidate for near term rocket engine applications. This work sought to establish the feasibility of new alloys with capabilities beyond GRCop-84. The use of coatings as environmental and thermal barriers adds further capability into the Copper base structure. Finally, Nickel-Aluminum based systems have also been explored.

Nathal, M. V.

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.