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At least 235 records · Page 13

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NASA NTRS1989

Effect of the theta-alpha-Al2O3 transformation on the oxidation behavior of beta-NiAl+Zr

Isothermal oxidation of NiAl+Zr has been performed over the temperature range of 800-1200 C and studied by TGA, XRD, and SEM. A discontinuous decrease in growth rate of two orders of magnitude was observed at 1000 C due to the formation of alpha-Al2O3 from theta-Al2O3. This transformation also resulted in a dramatic change in the surface morphology of the scales, as a whisker topography was changed into a weblike network of oxide ridges and radial transformation cracks. It is believed that the ridges are evidence for a short-circuit outward aluminum diffusion growth mechanism that has been documented in a number of O-18 tracer studies.

Rybicki, George C.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Strength and toughness of monolithic and composite silicon nitrides

The strength and toughness of two composite and two monolithic silicon nitrides were measured from 25 to 1400 C. The monolithic and composite materials were made from similar starting powders. Both of the composite materials contained 30 vol percent silicon carbide whiskers. All measurements were made by four point flexure in surrounding air and humidity. The composite and monolithic materials exhibited similar fast fracture properties as a function of temperature.

Salem, Jonathan A.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Recent advances in nondestructive evaluation made possible by novel uses of video systems

Complex materials are being developed for use in future advanced aerospace systems. High temperature materials have been targeted as a major area of materials development. The development of composites consisting of ceramic matrix and ceramic fibers or whiskers is currently being aggressively pursued internationally. These new advanced materials are difficult and costly to produce; however, their low density and high operating temperature range are needed for the next generation of advanced aerospace systems. These materials represent a challenge to the nondestructive evaluation community. Video imaging techniques not only enhance the nondestructive evaluation, but they are also required for proper evaluation of these advanced materials. Specific research examples are given, highlighting the impact that video systems have had on the nondestructive evaluation of ceramics. An image processing technique for computerized determination of grain and pore size distribution functions from microstructural images is discussed. The uses of video and computer systems for displaying, evaluating, and interpreting ultrasonic image data are presented.

Generazio, Edward R.↗

NASA NTRS1990

The 30-kW ammonia arcjet technology

The technical results are summarized of a 30 kW class ammonia propellant arcjet technology program. Evaluation of previous arcjet thruster performance, including materials analysis of used thruster components, led to the design of an arcjet with improved performance and thermal characteristics. Tests of the new engine demonstrated that engine performance is relatively insensitive to cathode tip geometry. Other data suggested a maximum sustainable arc length for a given thruster configuration, beyond which the arc may reconfigure in a destructive manner. A flow controller calibration error was identified. This error caused previously reported values of specific impulse and thrust efficiency to be 20 percent higher than the real values. Corrected arcjet performance data are given. Duration tests of 413 and 252 hours, and several tests 100 hours in duration, were performed. The cathode tip erosion rate increased with increasing arc current. Elimination of power source ripple did not affect cathode tip whisker growth. Results of arcjet modeling, diagnostic development and mission analyses are also discussed. The 30 kW ammonia arcjet may now be considered ready for development for a flight demonstration, but widespread application of 30 kW class arcjet will require improved efficiency and lifetime.

Deininger, W. D.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Techniques for measurement of the thermal expansion of advanced composite materials

Techniques available to measure small thermal displacements in flat laminates and structural tubular elements of advanced composite materials are described. Emphasis is placed on laser interferometry and the laser interferometric dilatometer system used at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Langley Research Center. Thermal expansion data are presented for graphite-fiber reinforced 6061 and 2024 aluminum laminates and for graphite fiber reinforced AZ91 C and QH21 A magnesium laminates before and after processing to minimize or eliminate thermal strain hysteresis. Data are also presented on the effects of reinforcement volume content on thermal expansion of silicon-carbide whisker and particulate reinforced aluminum.

Tompkins, Stephen S.↗

NASA NTRS1989

A hybrid procedure for dynamic characterization of ceramics at elevated temperature

A hybrid experimental-numerical procedure to characterize the dynamic fracture response of ceramics and ceramic composites at temperatures in excess of 1400 C is described. This hybrid methodology was developed to characterize dynamic fracture responses and to study the effect of temperature on dynamic fracture responses of ceramics and ceramic matrix composites. The hybrid methodology was used to determine the dynamic stress intensity factors (SIF) associated with a running crack in a three-point bend specimen at elevated temperature. This procedure was utilized to determine the dynamic SIF versus crack velocity relations of alumina, TiB2-particulate/SiC-matrix composite, and SiC-whisker/Al2O3-matrix composite. Minor differences in the dynamic SIF versus crack velocity relations at room and elevated temperature were seen, and significant differences under impact and static loadings were observed in the dynamic SIF versus crack velocity relations.

Yang, K. H.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Dynamic fracture responses of alumina and two ceramic composites

A hybrid experimental-numerical procedure was used to characterize the dynamic fracture response of Al2O3 and TiB2-particulate/SiC-matrix and SiC-whisker/Al2O3-matrix composites. Unlike metals and polymers, dynamic arrest stress intensity factors (SIFs) did not exist in the monolithic ceramics and the two ceramic composites considered. Thus a running crack in these materials cannot be arrested by lowering the driving force, i.e., the dynamic SIF. Fractography study of the alumina specimens showed that the area of transgranular failure varied from about 3 percent to about 16 percent for rapid crack extensions in statically and impact loaded specimens, respectively. The influence of kinematic constraints which enforces transgranular flat crack extension, despite the higher fracture energy of transgranular fracture, is discussed.

Yang, Kwan-Ho↗

NASA NTRS1991

A simple test for thermomechanical evaluation of ceramic fibers

A simple bend stress relaxation (BSR) test was developed to measure the creep related properties of ceramic fibers and whiskers. The test was applied to a variety of commercial and developmental Si based fibers to demonstrate capabilities and to evaluate the relative creep resistance of the fibers at 1200 to 1400 C. The implications of these results and the advantages of the BSR test over typical tensile creep tests are discussed.

Morscher, Gregory N.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Structural design methodologies for ceramic-based material systems

One of the primary pacing items for realizing the full potential of ceramic-based structural components is the development of new design methods and protocols. The focus here is on low temperature, fast-fracture analysis of monolithic, whisker-toughened, laminated, and woven ceramic composites. A number of design models and criteria are highlighted. Public domain computer algorithms, which aid engineers in predicting the fast-fracture reliability of structural components, are mentioned. Emphasis is not placed on evaluating the models, but instead is focused on the issues relevant to the current state of the art.

Duffy, Stephen F.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Universal behavior in ideal slip

The slip energies and stresses are computed for defect-free crystals of Ni, Cu, Ag, and Al using the many-atom approach. A simple analytical expression for the slip energies is obtained, leading to a universal form for slip, with the energy scaled by the surface energy and displacement scaled by the lattice constant. Maximum stresses are found to be somewhat larger than but comparable with experimentally determined maximum whisker strengths.

Bozzolo, Guillermo↗

NASA NTRS1990

Characterization of the tensile and microstructural properties of an aluminum metal matrix composite

This study examines a powder metallurgy aluminum alloy in the unreinforced state and with a discontinuous reinforcement of 15 v/o or 30 v/o SiC whisker or 15 v/o SiC particulate. The materials were extruded and then hot-rolled to three plate thicknesses of 6.35, 3.18 and 1.8 mm and were investigated in the as-fabricated and peak aged conditions. The influence of mechanical working on the reinforcement morphology and distribution were examined. A comparison of the mechanical properties was made and the elastic moduli of the reinforced materials were predicted using a micromechanics model. Fractography of tensile specimens revealed that the fracture process was dominated by the presence of microstructural inhomogeneities which were related to both the matrix alloy and to the reinforcement type. An analysis of these microstructural features and a description of the micromechanics model are presented in the paper.

Birt, M. J.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Measurement of mechanical and thermophysical properties of dimensionally stable materials for space applications

Mechanical, thermal, and physical property test data was generated for as-fabricated advanced composite materials at room temperature (RT), -150 and 250 F. The results are documented of mechanical and thermophysical property tests of IM7/PEEK and discontinuous SiC/Al (particulate (p) and whisker (w) reinforced) composites which were tested at three different temperatures to determine the effect of temperature on material properties. The specific material systems tested were IM7/PEEK (0)8, (0, + or - 45, 90)s, (+ or - 30, 04)s, 25 vol. pct. (v/o) SiCp/Al, and 25 v/o SiCw/Al. RT material property results of IM7/PEEK were in good agreement with the predicted values, providing a measure of consolidation integrity attained during fabrication. Results of mechanical property tests indicated that modulus values at each test temperature were identical, whereas the strength (e.g., tensile, compressive, flexural, and shear) values were the same at -150 F, and RT, and gradually decreased as the test temperature was increased to 250 F. Similar trends in the strength values was also observed in discontinuous SiC/Al composites. These results indicate that the effect of temperature was more pronounced on the strength values than modulus values.

Rawal, Suraj P.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Plasma etching a ceramic composite

Plasma etching is found to be a superior metallographic technique for evaluating the microstructure of a ceramic matrix composite. The ceramic composite studied is composed of silicon carbide whiskers (SiC(sub W)) in a matrix of silicon nitride (Si3N4), glass, and pores. All four constituents are important in evaluating the microstructure of the composite. Conventionally prepared samples, both as-polished or polished and etched with molten salt, do not allow all four constituents to be observed in one specimen. As-polished specimens allow examination of the glass phase and porosity, while molten salt etching reveals the Si3N4 grain size by removing the glass phase. However, the latter obscures the porosity. Neither technique allows the SiC(sub W) to be distinguished from the Si3N4. Plasma etching with CF4 + 4 percent O2 selectively attacks the Si3N4 grains, leaving SiC(sub W) and glass in relief, while not disturbing the pores. An artifact of the plasma etching reaction is the deposition of a thin layer of carbon on Si3N4, allowing Si3N4 grains to be distinguished from SiC(sub W) by back scattered electron imaging.

Hull, David R.↗

NASA NTRS1992

A simple test for thermomechanical evaluation of ceramic fibers

Morscher, Gregory N.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Flight-vehicle materials, structures, and dynamics - Assessment and future directions. Vol. 3 - Ceramics and ceramic-matrix composites

The present volume discusses ceramics and ceramic-matrix composites in prospective aerospace systems, monolithic ceramics, transformation-toughened and whisker-reinforced ceramic composites, glass-ceramic matrix composites, reaction-bonded Si3N4 and SiC composites, and chemical vapor-infiltrated composites. Also discussed are the sol-gel-processing of ceramic composites, the fabrication and properties of fiber-reinforced ceramic composites with directed metal oxidation, the fracture behavior of ceramic-matrix composites (CMCs), the fatigue of fiber-reinforced CMCs, creep and rupture of CMCs, structural design methodologies for ceramic-based materials systems, the joining of ceramics and CMCs, and carbon-carbon composites.

Levine, Stanley R.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Structural design methodologies for ceramic-based material systems

Duffy, Stephen F.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Anomalous capacitance of quantum well double-barrier diodes

The S-parameters of several different quantum well double barrier diodes have been measured. A technique has been developed for measuring whisker contacted diodes with an HP 8510B automatic network analyzer. Special coaxial mounts using K-connectors were designed to enable measurements up to 20 GHz. The voltage-dependent conductance and capacitance were derived from the measured reflection coefficient of each device. The C/V characteristics were observed to exhibit an anomalous increase at voltages corresponding to the negative differential resistance region (NDR). These are the first reported S-parameter measurements in the negative differential resistance region of quantum well double barrier diodes. A theory is presented that explains, in part, the observed results.

Boric, Olga↗

NASA NTRS1992

Analysis of precracking parameters and fracture toughness for ceramic single-edge-precracked-beam specimens

The single-edge-precracked-beam (SEPB) method involves creation of a straight-through crack from an indentation crack. The straight-through crack is developed by applying a controlled bending load to a specimen via a precracking fixture. The fixture induces the following sequence: (1) stable growth of the indentation crack; (2) pop-in; and finally, (3) arrest-thereby forming a straight-through precrack. The effects of indentation load on precracking load as well as precrack size were studied for experimental variables such as specimen width, fixture span, and material. Finite element analysis was used to obtain the stress distribution and stress intensity factor, thus providing a quantitative prediction of the precracking load and precrack size for silicon nitride, alumina, silicon cabide, and two SiC whisker-reinforced silicon nitrides. Fracture toughness values obtained from the SEPB method were compared with those obtained from other methods.

Choi, Sung R.↗