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At least 235 records · Page 13

In-Situ X-Ray Microscopy of Phase and Composition Distributions in Metal Alloys During Solidification

This research applies a state of the art X-ray Transmission Microscope, to image the solidification of metallic or semiconductor alloys in real-time. By employing a hard x-ray source with sub-micron dimensions, resolutions of up to 3 gm can be obtained with magnifications of over 800 X. Specimen growth conditions were optimized and the best imaging technologies applied to maintain x-ray image resolution, contrast and sensitivity. In addition, a special furnace design is required to permit controlled growth conditions and still offer maximum resolution and image contrast. We have successfully imaged in real-time: interfacial morphologies, phase growth, coalescence, incorporation of phases into the growing interface, and the solute boundary layer in the liquid at the solid-liquid inter-face. We have also measured true local growth rates and can evaluate segregation structures in the solid; a form of in-situ metallography. Composition gradients within the specimen cause vafiations in absorption of the flux such that the final image represents a spatial integral of composition (or thickness). During this study, the growth of secondary phase fibers and lameilae from eutectic and monotectic alloys have been imaged during solidification, in real-time, for the first time in bulk metal alloys. Keywords: x-ray, microscope, solidification, microfocus, real-time, microstructure

Kaukler, William F.↗

Amino Acid Sequence Controls Enhanced Electron Transport in Heme-Binding Peptide Monolayers

Metal-binding proteins have the exceptional ability to facilitate long-range electron transport in nature. Despite recent progress, the sequence-structure–function relationships governing electron transport in heme-binding peptides and protein assemblies are not yet fully understood. In this work, the electronic properties of a series of heme-binding peptides inspired by cytochrome bc1 are studied using a combination of molecular electronics experiments, molecular modeling, and simulation. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are prepared using sequence-defined heme-binding peptides capable of forming helical secondary structures. Following monolayer formation, the structural properties and chemical composition of assembled peptides are determined using atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the electronic properties (current density–voltage response) are characterized using a soft contact liquid metal electrode method based on eutectic gallium–indium alloys (EGaIn). Our results show a substantial 1000-fold increase in current density across SAM junctions upon addition of heme compared to identical peptide sequences in the absence of heme, while maintaining a constant junction thickness. These findings show that amino acid composition and sequence directly control enhancements in electron transport in heme-binding peptides. Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of using sequence-defined synthetic peptides inspired by nature as functional bioelectronic materials.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

New materials in the aerospace industries

Trends in the development of new aerospace metals and alloys are reviewed, and applications of these advanced materials in nonaerospace fields are indicated. Emphasis is placed on the light metals and the high-temperature alloys. Attention is given to the properties and uses of the high-strength aluminum alloy 7050, alpha and beta titanium alloys, dispersion strengthened superalloys, metal-metal composites, eutectic superalloys, and coated columbium alloys.

Gangler, J. J.↗

Effect of undercooling on the microstructure of Ni-35 at. pct Mo (eutectic) and Ni-38 at. pct Mo (hypereutectic) alloys

Ni-35 at. pct Mo and Ni-38 at. pct Mo alloy specimens have been solidified from various levels of undercooling in the differential thermal analysis and the electromagnetic levitation units in a pyrex/vycor bed. The evolution of the microstructure in the solified specimens has been examined in terms of the degree of undercooling, the nature of the first phase to nucleate from the melt, and the specimen cooling rate. The melt has been observed to undercool more in the presence of intermetallic NiMo (beta) phase as compared to that in the presence of nickel-rich solid solution (gamma). The 'anomalous eutectic' type of microstructure has been shown to result from the initial formation of the dendritic skeleton of either of the two phases, its segmentation due to convection and ripening, and the subsequent nucleation of the other phase in the interdendritic liquid regions. The recalescence behavior has been examined as a function of undercooling and the nature of the phase nucleating first in the melt.

Tewari, S. N.↗

Efficient estimation of diffusion during dendritic solidification

A very efficient finite difference method has been developed to estimate the solute redistribution during solidification with diffusion in the solid. This method is validated by comparing the computed results with the results of an analytical solution derived by Kobayashi (1988) for the assumptions of a constant diffusion coefficient, a constant equilibrium partition ratio, and a parabolic rate of the advancement of the solid/liquid interface. The flexibility of the method is demonstrated by applying it to the dendritic solidification of a Pb-15 wt pct Sn alloy, for which the equilibrium partition ratio and diffusion coefficient vary substantially during solidification. The fraction eutectic at the end of solidification is also obtained by estimating the fraction solid, in greater resolution, where the concentration of solute in the interdendritic liquid reaches the eutectic composition of the alloy.

Yeum, K. S.↗

High-pressure phase transition in 3-D printed nanolamellar high-entropy alloy by imaging and simulation insights

Abstract We report on the high-resolution imaging and molecular dynamics simulations of a 3D-printed eutectic high-entropy alloy (EHEA) Ni 40 Co 20 Fe 10 Cr 10 Al 18 W 2 consisting of nanolamellar BCC and FCC phases. The direct lattice imaging of 3D-printed samples shows the Kurdjumov–Sachs (K–S) orientation relation {111} FCC parallel to {110} BCC planes in the dual-phase lamellae. Unlike traditional iron and steels, this alloy shows an irreversible BCC-to-FCC phase transformation under high pressures. The nanolamellar morphology is maintained after pressure cycling to 30 GPa, and nano-diffraction studies show both layers to be in the FCC phase. The chemical compositions of the dual-phase lamellae after pressure recovery remain unchanged, suggesting a diffusion-less BCC–FCC transformation in this EHEA. The lattice imaging of the pressure-recovered sample does not show any specific orientation relation between the two resulting FCC phases, indicating that many grain orientations are produced during the BCC–FCC phase transformation. Molecular dynamics simulations on phase transformation in a nanolamellar BCC/FCC in K–S orientation show that phase transformation from BCC to FCC is completed under high pressures, and the FCC phase is retained on decompression aided by the stable interfaces. Our work elucidates the irreversible phase transformation under static compression, providing an understanding of the orientation relationships in 3-D printed EHEA under high pressures.

3-D Printing↗

Beyond the eutectic paradigm: nanolamellar patterns in a rapidly solidified peritectic alloy

Peritectic transformations are central to many structural alloys, yet pattern formation remains poorly understood due to complex growth dynamics and limited three-dimensional data. Here, we report an unusual two-phase microstructure in a Zn–Ag peritectic alloy subjected to rapid solidification by laser surface remelting. Synchrotron X-ray nanotomography reveals a lamellar structure of primary 𝜀-AgZn 3 and peritectic Zn with ∼700 nm spacing. Although resembling a eutectic morphology, this pattern forms without a eutectic reaction through non-steady coupled growth from the liquid. SEM and TEM-EDS confirm interface shapes and phase compositions. These findings expand the design space of peritectics for refined microstructural control.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The influence of isothermal annealing on the molybdenum fibers of a directed solid gamma/gamma prime - alpha alloy

The mechanical characteristics of the directed solid eutectic Ni-Al-Mo (gamma/gamma prime)-alpha alloy at high temperatures make it useful in the blades of gas turbines. Structural changes are observed for the alloy under isothermal annealing, particularly the formation of molybdenum plates at the grain boundary and an increase of the gamma phase in relation to the gamma prime phase. Molybdenum lamellas appear at the grain boundary above 1100 C which can have a negative influence on the mechanical properties. The change in the structure near the grain boundary with the increase in temperature is illustrated through a sequence of pictures.

Whittenberger, J. D.↗

Fraction eutectic measurements in slowly cooled Pb - 15 wt percent Sn alloys

A space shuttle experiment employing the General Purpose Furnace in its isothermal mode of operation is currently manifested for flight circa 1989. The aim of this experiment was to investigate the role of gravity in a slowly, and isothermally, cooled sample of a binary Pb - 15 wt percent Sn alloy. Ground based work in support of the microgravity experiment is discussed. In particular, it is shown that fraction eutectic measurements using an image analyzer, can be used to satisfactorily describe macrosegregation occurring in these slowly cooled ingots.

Studer, Anthony C.↗

The alloy undercooling experiment on the Columbia STA 61-C space shuttle mission

An Alloy Undercooling experiment was performed in an electromagnetic levitator during the Columbia STS 61-C mission in January 1986. One eutectic nickel-tin alloy specimen was partially processed before an equipment failure terminated the experiment. Examination of the specimen showed evidence of undercooling and some unusual microstructural features.

Harf, Fredric H.↗

The alloy undercooling experiment on the Columbia STS 61-C Space Shuttle mission

An Alloy Undercooling experiment was performed in an electromagnetic levitator during the Columbia STS 61-C mission in January 1986. One eutectic nickel-tin alloy specimen was partially processed before an equipment failure terminated the experiment. Examination of the specimen showed evidence of undercooling and some unusual microstructural features.

Harf, Fredric H.↗

Processing and Mechanical Properties of Directionally Solidified NiAl/NiAlTa Alloys

Promising creep strengths were found for a directionally solidified NiAl-NiAlTa alloy when compared to other NiAl based intermetallics. The directionally solidified alloy had an off-eutectic composition that resulted in microstructures consisting of NiAl dendrites surrounded by aligned eutectic regions. The room temperature toughness of the two phase alloy was similar to that of polycrystalline NiAl even with the presence of the brittle Laves phase NiAlTa. Alloying additions that may improve the room temperature toughness by producing multiphase alloys are discussed.

Johnson, D. R.↗

Hierarchical microstructural parameters governing electrical and thermal conductivity in Al-based eutectic systems

Enhancing conductivity properties of aluminum alloys can drive superior performance and efficiency across diverse engineering applications, yet currently commercially available Al casting alloys are severely limited in electrical and thermal conductivity. There is a general understanding that the presence of any defects and alloying elements within Al will inevitably lower conductivity properties. However, there is a lack of comparative studies evaluating the intricate interplay between the microstructural parameters and conductivity properties across cast Al-based eutectic systems. Therefore, this study bridges this gap by conducting a comparative study across hypoeutectic alloy compositions consisting of 50 % primary Al and 50 % eutectic region to elucidate the key parameters that dictate conductivity properties. This research contributes to advancing the understanding of alloy design opportunities for high conductivity, high strength castable Al alloys.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Influence of convection of eutectic morphology

Experimental data are given for BiMn/Bi rod eutectic and Fe3C/Fe lamellar eutectic solidified in low gravity. Eutectic spacing is summarized for various alloy systems solidified in low gravity. On-eutectic and off-eutectic models are evaluated with respect to the low-gravity solidification data. The models examined are inadequate for quantitative prediction of phase spacing for on-eutectic solidification in low gravity.

Curreri, P. A.↗

Materials review for improved automotive gas turbine engine

The potential role of superalloys, refractory alloys, and ceramics in the hottest sections of engines operating with turbine inlet temperatures as high as 1370 C is examined. The convential superalloys, directionally solidified eutectics, oxide dispersion strenghened alloys, and tungsten fiber reinforced superalloys are reviewed and compared on the basis of maximum turbine blade temperature capability. Improved high temperature protective coatings and special fabrication techniques for these advanced alloys are discussed. Chromium, columbium, molybdenum, tantalum, and tungsten alloys are also reviewed. Molbdenum alloys are found to be the most suitable for mass produced turbine wheels. Various forms and fabrication processes for silicon nitride, silicon carbide, and SIALON's are investigated for use in highstress and medium stress high temperature environments.

Belleau, C.↗

Heat storage in alloy transformations

The theory of eutectic transformation was examined to find guidelines to the best material combinations to examine. The heats of transformation were measured calorimetrically, and the volume changes of expanding solid mixtures and homogeneous liquid solutions, especially during the transformation between the two states at fixed temperature, were measured by changes in X-ray absorption. Heat flow models appropriate to storage in phase change materials were developed along with efficient calculating procedures so that the relative importance of the problems associated with energy storage density, heat conduction, and similar properties could be assessed.

Birchenall, C. E.↗

Braze alloy spreading on steel

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Auger electron microscopy (AEM) were employed to observe elemental surface decomposition resulting from the brazing of a copper-treated steel. Two types of steel were used for the study, stainless steel (treated with a eutectic silver-copper alloy), and low-carbon steel (treated with pure copper). Attention is given to oxygen partial pressure during the processes; a low enough pressure (8 x 10 to the -5th torr) was found to totally inhibit the spreading of the filler material at a fixed heating cycle. With both types of steel, copper treatment enhanced even spreading at a decreased temperature.

Siewert, T. A.↗