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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2014

Elimination of columnar microstructure in N-face InAlN, lattice-matched to GaN, grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy in the N-rich regime

The microstructure of N-face InAlN layers, lattice-matched to GaN, was investigated by scanning transmission electron microscopy and atom probe tomography. These layers were grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE) in the N-rich regime. Microstructural analysis shows an absence of the lateral composition modulation that was previously observed in InAlN films grown by PAMBE. A room temperature two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) mobility of 1100 cm{sup 2}/V s and 2DEG sheet charge density of 1.9 × 10{sup 13} cm{sup −2} was measured for N-face GaN/AlN/GaN/InAlN high-electron-mobility transistors with lattice-matched InAlN back barriers.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗
DOE OSTI2018

Comparison of microstructural and mechanical properties of friction stir spot welded ultra-high strength dual phase and complex phase steels

Highlights: • The microstructure and mechanical properties of FSSW of ultra high strength DP and CP steels are compared. • The stir zone (SZ) of CP steel mainly consists of bainite and martensite; no bainite is identified in the SZ of DP steel. • The cooling was not fast enough for the CP steel to suppress the effect of chemical composition on phase transformation. - Abstract: The microstructure and mechanical properties of friction stir spot welding of ultrahigh strength dual phase (DP) and complex phase (DP) steels are compared based on the experimental results. For both DP and CP steels, FSSW joints are successfully fabricated using the same process parameter set. While the microstructure of joints are characterized in detail using scanning electron microscopy, electron back scattered diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy, the mechanical property of joints are evaluated by shear tensile tests. The result of the microstructural analysis shows that the stir zone (SZ) of CP steel mainly consists of bainite and martensite, while no bainite is identified in the SZ of DP steel. The existence of bainite in the SZ of CP steel suggests that the cooling rate, which is nearly identical for both CP and DP steels, was not fast enough to suppress the effect of the alloying composition, particularly that of Mn, on the phase transformation. The result of the present study contributes to the development of solid state joining process of the ultrahigh strength steels.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties of M50 ultra-high strength steel via quenching-partitioning-tempering process

Highlights: • The impact energy of M50 steels treated by QPT process increases by 35–93% than QT. • Cracks distribution inside impact fracture specimens is studied by 3D X-ray tomography. • The work indicates that QPT process can be applied to high-C steel with little Si. Novel quenching-partitioning-tempering (Q-P-T) and traditional quenching-tempering (Q-T) processes are conducted for M50 ultra-high strength steel. An excellent combination of strength and toughness is obtained via the Q-P-T process. The highest impact absorption energy of the Q-P-T specimen increases by 93% compared to the Q-T specimen. However, the yield and ultimate tensile strength of Q-P-T specimens are almost the same as those of Q-T specimens. Microstructure analysis indicates that the maximum fraction of retained austenite in the Q-P-T specimen is 7.5%, which is much higher than that in the Q-T (2.0%) specimen. Meanwhile, more fine cracks appear in the fracture Q-P-T specimen. The precipitation of fine and diffuse ω phase, Fe{sub 3}C and Cr{sub 23}C{sub 6} is observed during the partitioning process. The present work also reveals that the Q-P-T/Q-P process can be applied to high‑carbon steel with little Si or Al.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Microstructure and composition analysis of low-Z/low-Z multilayers by combining hard and resonant soft X-ray reflectivity

Microstructure and composition analysis of periodic multilayer structure consisting of a low electron density contrast (EDC) material combination by grazing incidence hard X-ray reflectivity (GIXR), resonant soft X-ray reflectivity (RSXR), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are presented. Measurements of reflectivity at different energies allow combining the sensitivity of GIXR data to microstructural parameters like layer thicknesses and interfacing roughness, with the layer composition sensitivity of RSXR. These aspects are shown with an example of 10-period C/B{sub 4}C multilayer. TEM observation reveals that interfaces C on B{sub 4}C and B{sub 4}C on C are symmetric. Although GIXR provides limited structural information when EDC between layers is low, measurements using a scattering technique like GIXR with a microscopic technique like TEM improve the microstructural information of low EDC combination. The optical constants of buried layers have been derived by RSXR. The derived optical constants from the measured RSXR data suggested the presence of excess carbon into the boron carbide layer.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2012

Joining aluminum to titanium alloy by friction stir lap welding with cutting pin

Aluminum 1060 and titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V plates were lap joined by friction stir welding. A cutting pin of rotary burr made of tungsten carbide was employed. The microstructures of the joining interface were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Joint strength was evaluated by a tensile shear test. During the welding process, the surface layer of the titanium plate was cut off by the pin, and intensively mixed with aluminum situated on the titanium plate. The microstructures analysis showed that a visible swirl-like mixed region existed at the interface. In this region, the Al metal, Ti metal and the mixed layer of them were all presented. The ultimate tensile shear strength of joint reached 100% of 1060Al that underwent thermal cycle provided by the shoulder. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer FSW with cutting pin was successfully employed to form Al/Ti lap joint. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Swirl-like structures formed due to mechanical mixing were found at the interface. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer High-strength joints fractured at Al suffered thermal cycle were produced.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

On Development and Wear Behavior of Microwave-Processed Functionally Graded Ni-SiC Clads on SS-304 Substrate

In this study, the functionally graded Ni-SiC claddings with gradual change in SiC contents were deposited on SS-304 substrate using microwave hybrid heating technique. Experimental trials were carried out inside a multimode domestic microwave device at 2.45 GHz and 900 W. The optimal exposure time of 900 W microwave power was varied with compositional gradient, and it was from 300 to 360 s. The developed functionally graded clad (FGC) was characterized by SEM/EDS, XRD and Vicker’s micro-hardness. Microstructural analysis results revealed that the FGC of approximately 2 mm thickness was developed and was free from any type of interfacial cracks and visible porosity. The maximum micro-hardness was at the top FGC layer, and its value was 1025 ± 30 HV. Three types of single-layer claddings were also developed to compare the tribological behavior of FGC. FGC exhibited 32 and 1.2 times more wear resistance than SS-304 substrate and Ni + 30% SiC layer, respectively. In the case of FGC, wear mainly occurs due to debonding of carbide particles from the matrix, while plastic deformation and strong abrasion are responsible for material loss in the case of the SS-304 substrate.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Growth, microstructure, structural and optical properties of PVP-capped CdS nanoflowers for efficient photocatalytic activity of Rhodamine B

Highlights: • Synthesis of un-capped and PVP-capped CdS microstructures by Hydrothermal. • Growth of both the flower and dendrite microstructures controlled by the growth time. • Phase transition of CdS from cubic zinc blend to hexagonal by the growth time. • CdS flowers enhanced the photocatalytic performance of RhB under visible light. • PVP-capped CdS showed the highest degradation of 95% of RhB within 120 min. - Abstract: Size and structure tunability of polyvinyl pyrolidone (PVP) capped cadmium sulfide (PVP-capped CdS) flowers were synthesized by controlling the reaction time. XRD pattern indicated a phase transition from the cubic zinc blend to the hexagonal phase of CdS powder as the reaction time increased. As per the microstructure analysis with respect to the reaction time, the spherical nanoparticles were transformed in to the flower like morphology consisting of sword like nanorods and confirmed by the bright field images of TEM, while, HR-TEM images showed the uniform lattice spacing. UV-spectra exhibited a red shift due to the excitations of CdS nanoparticles. The near band edge (NBE) peak of PVP-capped CdS was completely diminished which indicated to sulphur vacancies on the surface of flowers. The photocatalytic activity of PVP-capped CdS flowers was detected the fast degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) dye (95% for 120 min) by irradiation of visible light.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Temperature-dependent cyclic response and microstructure of AlSi10Mg(Cu) alloy

Highlights: • The cyclic behavior of AlSi10Mg(Cu) alloy in LCF regime is temperature-dependent. • The transition temperature of the cyclic behavior is about 180 °C. • Microstructure transitions were observed with increasing temperature. - Abstract: In the present work, the cyclic stress response and microstructure evolution of AlSi10Mg(Cu) alloy at high temperature were investigated. Samples were tested at high temperature, under total strain control and tensile-compression loading (R = −1) until failure. The cyclic stress response was analyzed, as well as the microstructures were examined by TEM. The results demonstrated that the cycle stress response of the studied alloy is experimental temperature dependence. Microstructure analysis indicated the precipitated phase was disruptive changed by high temperature compared to the as-received alloy. A lot of coherent β″-Mg{sub 2}Si precipitates and GP zones were observed in the as-received alloy, resulting in sustaining cyclic hardening by pinning effect. At high temperature, the vast majority of the tiny coherency precipitates and clusters transformed to the large semi-coherency Q′ and β′-Mg{sub 2}Si precipitates, leading to the sharp decrease of pinning number and the change of dislocation interaction mechanism, which is believed to be one of the reasons for softening. Another reason is that high temperatures can promote dislocations movement.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

Evaluating transient fission gas release in high burnup light water reactor fuel during loss of coolant accident conditions via new capabilities

In this work, the role of transient fission gas release (tFGR) in the cladding burst behavior of high burnup fuel during a loss-of-coolant accident (LOCA) in commercial light water reactors was further investigated via the use of a new apparatus. During the LOCA-related temperature ramps of high burnup fuel, the release of fission gases exceeds the steady-state release observed under normal operating conditions. An enhancement was made to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Severe Accident Test Station (SATS) to probe the various factors influencing tFGR. Experiments were performed on commercially irradiated, zirconium-clad uranium dioxide fuel, and this paper details the design of the experimental setup, the initial test results, and the subsequent post-test analyses. Notably, the first test on high burnup fuel demonstrated a LOCA-relevant tFGR of 5.3% from an unpressurized fuel segment. The ultimate tFGR was 10.7% for beyond LOCA conditions. A follow-up test on similar fuel revealed a tFGR of 12.6% under comparable conditions. Microstructural analysis and an analysis of the released gas provide some insight regarding the source of tFGR in the fuel. Finally, a grain boundary bubble model may aid in the interpretation of the results and offer a guide for future work.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Mechanistic Insights Into Fatigue Life Enhancement of High‐Strength Steel via Ultrasonic Impact Treatment

In this work we explore the impact of Ultrasonic Impact Treatment (UIT) on the fatigue performance of high‐strength microalloyed steel commonly used in crankshaft applications. Building on prior observations of fatigue life improvement with UIT, this work focuses on unraveling the process–structure–performance relationships underpinning these enhancements. Microstructural analysis revealed significant grain refinement in the near‐surface layers, with deformation depth increasing at higher impact energies. This led to increased surface hardness and the development of deeper compressive residual stresses, particularly in samples treated with higher impact energy. Rotating bending fatigue testing showed a substantial improvement in fatigue life for UIT‐treated samples, with the endurance limit nearly doubling compared with untreated specimens. Fractographic analysis revealed a transition in crack initiation from surface defects in untreated samples to interior regions in UIT‐treated samples, characterized by the formation of noninclusion‐induced granular bright facets (GBFs). The observed fatigue enhancement is attributed to the synergistic effects of strain hardening and compressive residual stresses, which increase the surface crack threshold and promote interior crack initiation. This study provides new mechanistic insight into UIT‐induced fatigue resistance and interior failure behavior in high‐strength steels.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Changes in the microstructure and mechanical properties of additively manufactured AlSi10Mg alloy after exposure to elevated temperatures

Highlights: • Elevated temperatures above 120 °C brought changes to the AM AlSi10Mg alloy. • A maximum hardness state obtained at 160 °C/5 h was thoroughly tested. • Hardness increased by 15% and TYS by 5%, but elongation dropped by 60%. • Pure Si precipitates were responsible for the observed changes. - Abstract: The additive manufacture (AM) of the AlSi10Mg alloy has become the subject of considerable attention, especially for production of complex parts in engines. Because such parts can be exposed to elevated temperatures during operation, material stability is very important, but as yet little is known about it in relation to AM. Here, we studied changes of the AlSi10Mg alloy produced by selective laser melting (SLM) after its exposure to temperatures between 120 and 180 °C. At each temperature, hardness evolution was measured, with hardness increasing over time. The maximum hardness state obtained at 160 °C was selected for further studies comprising microstructural analysis by scanning and transmission electron microscopy, chemical composition analysis and mechanical properties assessment. Transmission microscopy revealed nano-scale acicular precipitates that caused a slight increase in the yield strength of the alloy together with a significant drop in elongation. Electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) showed that the precipitates surprisingly consisted of pure Si. To provide a comparison, conventional regimes of heat treatment (stress-relief and T6) were applied. Despite a considerable loss in mechanical performance, thermal instability was no longer observed. Overall, our results indicate that operating temperatures are a key factor in ensuring the smooth operation of AM parts of the AlSi10Mg alloy. In respect to that, we offer recommendations for their industrial use.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Effects of Nb on the Microstructure and Properties of Ti-Added Hypereutectic High-Cr Cast Iron

Effects of Nb on the microstructure and properties of Ti-added hypereutectic high-Cr cast iron were studied. With the addition of Nb, a new phase (Nb,Ti)C was formed. The microstructure analysis revealed that the amount of primary carbides was decreased from 18.6 to 8.8% and the primary and eutectic carbides were greatly refined. The decrease in the amount of primary carbides was attributed with the shrinking of primary M{sub 7}C{sub 3} phase zone in the phase diagram, while the refinement of primary carbides was attributed to the heterogeneous nucleus of (Nb,Ti)C phase for the primary M{sub 7}C{sub 3} carbides. The macrohardness of the alloy increased from 60.8 to 63.5HRC, and the impact toughness increased from 3.8 to 5.2 J cm{sup −2}. Furthermore, the wear resistance was enhanced with the addition of Nb due to the formation of hard (Nb,Ti)C carbides.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Effect of Solution Treatment on the Microstructure, Micromechanical Properties, and Kinetic Parameters of the β → α Phase Transformation during Continuous Cooling of Ti-6Al-4V Titanium Alloy

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of solution treatment temperature (STT) on the microstructure, the micromechanical properties, and the kinetic parameters of the β → α phase transformation during continuous cooling of the dual phase titanium alloy Ti-6Al-4V. Increasing the STT from 1050 to 1200 °C delays the formation of the α phase during cooling and increases the value of its activation energy. The microstructural analysis reveals the emergence of α{sub W} platelets from protuberances on the α{sub GB}/α{sub W} interface. The investigation of the morphology of the α{sub W} platelets reveals the presence of ledges on their longest side showing a sharp extremity. The micromechanical properties determined by nanoindentation and microhardness tests are almost insensitive to the cooling rate but are strongly affected by the STT; the higher the STT, the lower the overall microhardness of the Ti-6Al-4V alloy. In addition, the STT affects the microhardness and the Young’s modulus of both α and β phases differently; when the STT increases, the microhardness and the Young’s modulus of the α phase decrease, whereas those of the β phase increases.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Visible-active photocatalytic behaviors observed in nanostructured lead chalcogenides PbX (X = S, Se, Te)

Nanostructured lead chalcogenides (PbX, X = Te, Se, S) were prepared via a simple hydrothermal method. The powder samples were characterized by XRD, SEM, SAED and DRS. Phase composition and microstructure analysis indicate that these samples are pure lead chalcogenides phases and have similar morphologies. These lead chalcogenides display efficient absorption in the UV-visible light range. The photocatalytic properties of lead chalcogenides nanoparticles were evaluated by the photodegradation of Congo red under UV-visible light irradiation in air atmosphere. The Congo red solution can be efficiently degraded under visible light in the presence of lead chalcogenides nanoparticles. The photocatalytic activities of lead chalcogenides generally increase with increasing their band gaps and shows no appreciable loss after repeated cycles. Our results may be useful for developing new photocatalyst systems responsive to visible light among narrow band gap semiconductors.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

Hybrid fiber metal composite laminate interlaminar reinforcement through metal interlocks

Aircraft and automobile industries are continually seeking high-performance and lightweight solutions. Fiber-reinforced composites in conjunction with metals are being considered in the form of hybrid materials. There is a continuous need for improvement of interfacial bonding between composite layers and metal constituents. In this study, an innovative hybrid fiber interlocking metal hooks laminate (FIMHL) system was developed in which fiber-reinforced thermoset composite, and metal sheets are mechanically bonded together using out of plane hooks stamped in the metal. Process optimization was performed to gain the full benefit of the through-thickness reinforcement. Microstructural analysis showed improved interaction between the metal hooks and the fiber layers which reduced porosity and resin richness. This was reflected in mechanical properties, as tensile and flexural strength of FIMHL was enhanced by 38.5 and 18.8%, respectively, after process optimization. Furthermore, normalized weight fraction (76.4%) properties of FIMHL also confirmed that the increase in mechanical properties of optimized panel were not only due to increased reinforcement (glass fiber + aluminum) volume fraction but also because of improved metal hooks and fibers interaction. There was no significant effect on lap shear and fracture toughness, as they depend on bend back behavior of the hooks. A bilinear traction-separation model was used to characterize mode-I interlaminar fracture toughness properties, and 4.5% variation was recorded when modeling and experimental values were compared.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Improvement of circumferential ductility by reducing discontinuities in a high-Mn TWIP steel weldment

Highlights: • This study focused on two key ways to improve expandability of TWIP steel pipe. • The amount of penetrator is remarkably reduced at low PO{sub 2} welding atmosphere. • The effect of PWHT on the morphological change in the bond line was characterized. - Abstract: Recently, high-frequency electrical resistance welded (HF-ERW) pipes have been introduced as an application of high-Mn twinning induced plasticity (TWIP) steels. However, the excellent ductility of the TWIP steels has been underutilized in expandable pipe applications due to discontinuities in the weldment. This work presents two key ways to improve the pipe expandability or circumferential ductility. In-depth microstructural analysis and flaring tests were conducted to identify bond line discontinuities and to evaluate the circumferential ductility. These results indicate that ductility formed to be strongly related to the welding atmosphere and post-weld heat treatment (PWHT) conditions. The welding atmosphere was related to oxide defects, while the PWHT conditions were related to intrinsic discontinuities. The distribution and amount of penetrator defects along the bond line are the main factors related to the deterioration of the circumferential ductility, which is affected by the sheet metal compositions and decreased remarkably at low PO{sub 2} content. We also suggest that PWHT is necessary for improving the ductility by inducing changes in the bond line texture and hardness distribution. The results were verified based on changes in the crack path propagation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Development of Stretch Flangeable Grade Steels by Inclusion Engineering Approach

The demand for good stretch flangeability in high-strength automotive steels has necessitated due attention on steel cleanliness and processes. The presence of elongated MnS stringers and centerline segregation of nonmetallic inclusions adversely affects the transverse mechanical property. In the present investigation, stretch flangeability of industrially produced steel, with and without Ca treatment, has been compared with Ti-added steel, produced at 40 kg scale without Ca treatment. The study brings out the influence of centerline segregation and modification of nonmetallic inclusions on HER performance. The microstructural analysis of industrial steel revealed that the method of hole formation (punching/drilling) determines crack initiation mechanism. The inclusions, along with the second phase present in the centerline, drive the crack propagation. An addition of Ti in liquid steel promotes formation of Al-Ti-O-based oxide, prior to MnS precipitation, during solidification and acts as nucleation site for MnS inclusion. This obviates the elongated stringer-type MnS inclusions. The centerline segregation-free Ti-modified steel, prepared at the laboratory scale, showed consistent HER property compared with industrial steel. It is also concluded that calcium treatment can be circumvented by modifying the sulfide stringer with the addition of Ti in the steel for further improvement in HER property.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2013

Characterization of 430L porous supports obtained by powder extrusion moulding for their application in solid oxide fuel cells

The characterization of 430L stainless steel planar porous supports obtained by powder extrusion moulding was performed in this work. A thermoplastic multicomponent binder based on high density polyethylene and paraffin wax was selected for the process. Green supports were shaped by extrusion moulding, and subsequently the binder was removed by a thermal cycle previously optimized. Sintering was carried out at different temperatures in low vacuum. Density of sintered parts was measured by Archimedes' method and porosity was also evaluated through a microstructural analysis by optical microscopy. The porosity degree of samples sintered at low temperature was close to 35% which is a very suitable value for their application in SOFCs. Tensile tests were carried out in order to determine mechanical strength as a function of porosity degree. Based on these results, the best feedstock composition and processing parameters were selected. The oxidation behaviour in static air at high temperature was studied, and formed oxides were characterized in a scanning electron microscope equipped with energy dispersive analysis of X-rays. X-ray diffraction experiments were performed in order to identify the formed oxides based on formula Fe{sub 2−x}Cr{sub x}O{sub 3}. The results of these studies showed that this kind of ferritic stainless steel would be more suitable to be used as anodic supports where a rich hydrogen atmosphere is employed. Preliminary deposition tests allowed obtaining a homogeneous Ni–YSZ anode layer with a thickness of 10 μm on the porous metallic substrates. - Highlights: • 430L stainless steel porous supports were obtained by powder extrusion moulding. • Porosity degree was controlled sintering at different temperatures in low vacuum. • Tensile tests allowed determining mechanical strength of porous supports. • A study about its oxidation behaviour in static air at high temperature was realized. • After oxidation, formed oxides were characterized by EDS–SEM and XRD.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗