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At least 235 records · Page 13

The interface in tungsten fiber reinforced niobium metal-matrix composites

The creep resistance of tungsten fiber reinforced niobium metal-matrix composites was evaluated. The interface region between the fiber and matrix was characterized by microhardness and electron probe microanalysis measurements which indicated that its properties were between those of fiber and matrix. However, the measured properties of the composite exceeded those calculated by the rule of mixtures even when the interface zone was assumed to retain all the strength of the fiber. The composite structure appeared to enhance the strengths of both the fibers and the matrix above what they exhibited in stand-alone tests. The effect of fiber orientation and matrix alloy composition on the fiber/matrix interface were also evaluated. Small alloying additions of zirconium and tungsten to the niobium matrix affected the creep resistance of the composites only slightly. A decrease in the creep resistance of the composite with increasing zirconium content in the matrix was ascribed to an increase in the diffusion rate of the fiber/matrix interdiffusion reaction, and a slight increase in the creep resistance of the composite was observed with an addition of 9 w percent tungsten to the matrix. In addition, Kirkendall void formation was observed at the fiber/matrix interface; the void distribution differed depending on the fiber orientation relative to the stress axis.

Grobstein, Toni L.↗

Net Shaped Component Fabrication of Refractory Metal Alloys using Vacuum Plasma Spraying

The vacuum plasma spraying (VPS) technique was employed to produce dense and net shaped components of a new tungsten-rhenium (W-Re) refractory metal alloy. The fine grain size obtained using this technique enhanced the mechanical properties of the alloy at elevated temperatures. The alloy development also included incorporation of thermodynamically stable dispersion phases to pin down grain boundaries at elevated temperatures and thereby circumventing the inherent problem of recrystallization of refractory alloys at elevated temperatures. Requirements for such alloys as related to high temperature space propulsion components will be discussed. Grain size distribution as a function of cooling rate and dispersion phase loading will be presented. Mechanical testing and grain growth results as a function of temperature will also be discussed.

Sen, S.↗

An evaluation of GTAW-P versus GTA welding of alloy 718

Mechanical properties were evaluated to determine statistically whether the pulsed current gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW-P) process produces welds in alloy 718 with room temperature structural performance equivalent to current Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) welds manufactured by the constant current GTAW-P process. Evaluations were conducted on two base metal lots, two filler metal lots, two heat input levels, and two welding processes. The material form was 0.125-inch (3.175-mm) alloy 718 sheet. Prior to welding, sheets were treated to either the ST or STA-1 condition. After welding, panels were left as welded or heat treated to the STA-1 condition, and weld beads were left intact or machined flush. Statistical analyses were performed on yield strength, ultimate tensile strength (UTS), and high cycle fatigue (HCF) properties for all the post welded material conditions. Analyses of variance were performed on the data to determine if there were any significant effects on UTS or HCF life due to variations in base metal, filler metal, heat input level, or welding process. Statistical analyses showed that the GTAW-P process does produce welds with room temperature structural performance equivalent to current SSME welds manufactured by the GTAW process, regardless of prior material condition or post welding condition.

Gamwell, W. R.↗

Materials engineering

Thermal diffusivity measurement, thermoelectric properties of graphite alloys and compounds, superconductivity in tungsten films, and gas pump based on thermal transpiration

Altman, M.↗

Ceramic-metal seals for advanced battery systems

The search for materials which are electrochemically compatible with the lithium sulfur and sodium sulfur systems is discussed. The use liquid or braze alloys, titanium hydrite coatings, and tungsten yttria for bonding beryllium with ceramic is examined.

Reed, L.↗

Atomic Oxygen Effects on Materials

One objective of this investigation has been to offer recommendations on the selection of metal samples to be exposed to ambient atomic oxygen on the STS-8 flight presently scheduled for August 30, 1983. (These samples constitute a small subgroup of a very large group of test specimens prepared by A. Whitaker and other members of the Physical Sciences Branch for this mission.) The metals selected and prepared for STS-8 are silver, lead, copper, nickel, tungsten, molybdenum, magnesium, platinum, and alloys of FeCrAl and NiCr. Literature data are reviewed concerning the oxidation properties of these materials with a view towards understanding which oxides might be formed, the state of the oxide (surface film or volatile form), and the reaction rate. In addition, various techniques for characterizing the parent metals and the surface oxides are reviewed.

Fromhold, A. T.↗

High-Resolution Autoradiography

This investigation was made to adapt wet-process autoradiography to metallurgical samples to obtain high resolution of segregated radioactive elements in microstructures. Results are confined to development of the technique, which was perfected to a resolution of less than 10 microns. The radioactive samples included carbon-14 carburized iron and steel, nickel-63 electroplated samples, a powder product containing nickel-63, and tungsten-185 in N-155 alloy.

Towe, George C↗

Coarsening in Solid-Liquid Mixtures Studied on the Space Shuttle

Ostwald ripening, or coarsening, is a process in which large particles in a two-phase mixture grow at the expense of small particles. It is a ubiquitous natural phenomena occurring in the late stages of virtually all phase separation processes. In addition, a large number of commercially important alloys undergo coarsening because they are composed of particles embedded in a matrix. Many of them, such as high-temperature superalloys used for turbine blade materials and low-temperature aluminum alloys, coarsen in the solid state. In addition, many alloys, such as the tungsten-heavy metal systems, coarsen in the solid-liquid state during liquid phase sintering. Numerous theories have been proposed that predict the rate at which the coarsening process occurs and the shape of the particle size distribution. Unfortunately, these theories have never been tested using a system that satisfies all the assumptions of the theory. In an effort to test these theories, NASA studied the coarsening process in a solid-liquid mixture composed of solid tin particles in a liquid lead-tin matrix. On Earth, the solid tin particles float to the surface of the sample, like ice in water. In contrast, in a microgravity environment this does not occur. The microstructures in the ground- and space-processed samples (see the photos) show clearly the effects of gravity on the coarsening process. The STS-83-processed sample (right image) shows nearly spherical uniformly dispersed solid tin particles. In contrast, the identically processed, ground-based sample (left image) shows significant density-driven, nonspherical particles, and because of the higher effective solid volume fraction, a larger particle size after the same coarsening time. The "Coarsening in Solid-Liquid Mixtures" (CSLM) experiment was conducted in the Middeck Glovebox facility (MGBX) flown aboard the shuttle in the Microgravity Science Laboratory (MSL-1/1R) on STS-83/94. The primary objective of CSLM is to measure the temporal evolution of the solid particles during coarsening.

Caruso, John J.↗

Tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix composites: A review

Tungsten fiber reinforced copper matrix (W/Cu) composites have served as an ideal model system with which to analyze the properties of metal matrix composites. A series of research programs were conducted to investigate the stress-strain behavior of W/Cu composites; the effect of fiber content on the strength, modulus, and conductivity of W/Cu composites; and the effect of alloying elements on the behavior of tungsten wire and of W/Cu composites. Later programs investigated the stress-rupture, creep, and impact behavior of these composites at elevated temperatures. Analysis of the results of these programs as allows prediction of the effects of fiber properties, matrix properties, and fiber content on the properties of W/Cu composites. These analyses form the basis for the rule-of-mixtures prediction of composite properties which was universally adopted as the criteria for measuring composite efficiency. In addition, the analyses allows extrapolation of potential properties of other metal matrix composites and are used to select candidate fibers and matrices for development of tungsten fiber reinforced superalloy composite materials for high temperature aircraft and rocket engine turbine applications. The W/Cu composite efforts are summarized, some of the results obtained are described, and an update is provided on more recent work using W/Cu composites as high strength, high thermal conductivity composite materials for high heat flux, elevated temperature applications.

Mcdanels, David L.↗

Thermal aging effects in refractory metal alloys

The alloys of niobium and tantalum are attractive from a strength and compatibility viewpoint for high operating temperatures required in materials for fuel cladding, liquid metal transfer, and heat pipe applications in space power systems that will supply from 100 kWe to multi-megawatts for advanced space systems. To meet the system requirements, operating temperatures ranging from 1100 to 1600 K have been proposed. Expected lives of these space power systems are from 7 to 10 yr. A program is conducted at NASA Lewis to determine the effects of long-term, high-temperature exposure on the microstructural stability of several commercial tantalum and niobium alloys. Variables studied in the investigation include alloy composition, pre-age annealing temperature, aging time, temperature, and environment (lithium or vacuum), welding, and hydrogen doping. Alloys are investigated by means of cryogenic bend tests and tensile tests. Results show that the combination of tungsten and hafnium or zirconium found in commercial alloys such as T-111 and Cb-752 can lead to aging embrittlement and increased susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement of ternary and more complex alloys. Modification of alloy composition helps to eliminate the embrittlement problem.

Stephens, J. R.↗

Thermal aging effects in refractory metal alloys

The alloys of niobium and tantalum are attractive from a strength and compatibility viewpoint for high operating temperatures required in materials for fuel cladding, liquid metal transfer, and heat pipe applications in space power systems that will supply from 100 kWe to multi-megawatts for advanced space systems. To meet the system requirements, operating temperatures ranging from 1100 to 1600 K have been proposed. Expected lives of these space power systems are from 7 to 10 yr. A program is conducted at NASA Lewis to determine the effects of long-term, high-temperature exposure on the microstructural stability of several commercial tantalum and niobium alloys. Variables studied in the investigation include alloy composition, pre-age annealing temperature, aging time, temperature, and environment (lithium or vacuum), welding, and hydrogen doping. Alloys are investigated by means of cryogenic bend tests and tensile tests. Results show that the combination of tungsten and hafnium or zirconium found in commercial alloys such as T-111 and Cb-752 can lead to aging embrittlement and increased susceptibility to hydrogen embrittlement of ternary and more complex alloys. Modification of alloy composition helps to eliminate the embrittlement problem.

Stephens, Joseph R.↗

Study of the effects of gaseous environmental on the hot corrosion of superalloy materials

Studies have been conducted to examine the effect of low concentrations of NaCl(g) on the high temperature oxidation behavior of complex superalloys and potential coating formulations modified by silicon and reactive element (i.e., yttrium and hafnium) additions. Depending on alloy composition, a variety of effects were thermogravimetrically produced. Aluminum free alloys such as MAR-M509 and Hastelloy X with molybdenum and tungsten in solid solution showed accelerated (or breakaway) kinetics similar to that observed for Ni-Cr alloys. For IN-792, an alloy high in chromium and low in aluminum, molybdenum and tungsten present in solid solution does not adversely affect oxidation kinetics in the presence of NaCl(g). On the other hand, nickel-base alloys high in aluminum and molybdenum are catastrophically attacked by NaCl-bearing atmospheres. Silicon additions were, in general, observed to slightly improve the oxidation resistance of Ni, Ni-40Cr and CoCrAlY compositions in NaCl(g)-bearing atmospheres. To the degree that processes responsible for Al2O3 whisker formation deleteriously affect protective scale adherence, the addition of yttrium or hafnium can inhibit such whisker growth.

Smeggil, J. G.↗

Thermogravimetric study of reduction of oxides present in oxidized nickel-base alloy powders

Carbon, hydrogen, and hydrogen plus carbon reduction of three oxidized nickel-base alloy powders (a solid solution strengthened alloy both with and without the gamma prime formers aluminum and titanium and the solid solution strengthened alloy NiCrAlY) were evaluated by thermogravimetry. Hydrogen and hydrogen plus carbon were completely effective in reducing an alloy containing chromium, columbium, tantalum, molybdenum, and tungsten. However, with aluminum and titanium present the reduction was limited to a weight loss of about 81 percent. Carbon alone was not effective in reducing any of the alloys, and none of the reducing conditions were effective for use with NiCrAlY.

Herbell, T. P.↗

Selection And Evaluation Of An Alloy For Nozzle Application

The present work includes results on material characterization conducted under COBRA Hydrogen Cooled Nozzle Program and was funded by NASA MSFC. The nozzle requires a material that has high strength at ambient and high (up to l200 F) temperatures in air and hydrogen. Presently, a precipitation hardened steel; A-286 is used in nozzles for Space Shuttle Engines. The A-286 alloy has limited hydrogen compatibility and weldability. The present work focused on selection and characterization of JBK-75 alloy that has significantly higher capability in hydrogen and weldability in addition to other attributes. The alloy was evaluated at different temperatures and environments. Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) and Electron Beam welding techniques were used to evaluate the weldability of material. Brazing was also conducted on the alloy and evaluated. The characterization of base JBK-75 alloy, welded and brazed alloy included tensile properties, low cycle fatigue and crack growth resistance at different temperatures in air and hydrogen environments. The results indicated that JBK-75 has excellent tensile and fatigue properties in air and hydrogen. The welded and brazed alloy also showed very good properties.

Pandey, A. B.↗

A feasibility study of a diffusion barrier between Ni-Cr-Al coatings and nickel-based eutectic alloys

Coating systems have been proposed for potential use on eutectic alloy components in high-temperature gas turbine engines. In a study to prevent the deterioration of such systems by diffusion, a tungsten sheet 25 microns thick was placed between eutectic alloys and an Ni-Cr-Al layer. Layered test specimens were aged at 1100 C for as long as 500 h. Without the tungsten barrier the delta phase of the eutectic deteriorated by diffusion of niobium into the Ni-Cr-Al. Insertion of the tungsten barrier stopped the diffusion of niobium from the delta phase. Chromium diffusion from the Ni-Cr-Al into the gamma/gamma-prime phase of the eutectic was greatly reduced by the barrier. However, the barrier thickness decreased with time, and tungsten diffused into both the Ni-Cr-Al and the eutectic. When the delta platelets were aligned parallel rather than perpendicular to the Ni-Cr-Al layer, diffusion into the eutectic was reduced.

Young, S. G.↗