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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 325 records · Page 18

Updated ASME design correlations and qualification plan for powder bed fusion 316H stainless steel

This report provides an update on the Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies (AMMT) program effort to qualify Laser-Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) 316H stainless steel for use with the ASME Boiler & Pressure Vessel Code Section III, Division 5 rules. The report summarizes progress in testing and characterizing L-PBF material at elevated temperatures by providing preliminary design data for L-PBF 316H and by comparing the elevated temperature performance of the L-PBF material to wrought and conventional fusion welded 316H. The report then updates the initial AMMT qualification plan for L-PBF 316H, originally developed in 2023, to update the accelerated qualification strategy adopted in that plan to account for the new high temperature test data. The report also explores a few methods for further accelerating the qualification process using machine learning techniques to supplement the more conventional, empirical analysis methods typically used by ASME to correlate and extrapolate time-dependent material test data.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Tensile Properties of 17-7 PH and 12 MoV Stainless-Steel Sheet under Rapid-Heating and Constant-Temperature Conditions

Results are presented of rapid-heating tests of 17-7 PH and 12 MoV stainless-steel sheet heated to failure at temperature rates from about 1 F to 170 F per second under constant-load conditions. Yield and rupture strengths obtained from rapid-heating tests are compared with yield and tensile strengths obtained from short-time elevated-temperature tensile tests (30-minute exposure). A rate-temperature parameter was used to construct master curves from which yield and rupture stresses or temperatures can be predicted. A method for measuring strain by optical means is described.

Manning, Charles R., Jr.↗

Failure Maps for Rectangular 17-4PH Stainless Steel Sandwiched Foam Panels

A new and innovative concept is proposed for designing lightweight fan blades for aircraft engines using commercially available 17-4PH precipitation hardened stainless steel. Rotating fan blades in aircraft engines experience a complex loading state consisting of combinations of centrifugal, distributed pressure and torsional loads. Theoretical failure plastic collapse maps, showing plots of the foam relative density versus face sheet thickness, t, normalized by the fan blade span length, L, have been generated for rectangular 17-4PH sandwiched foam panels under these three loading modes assuming three failure plastic collapse modes. These maps show that the 17-4PH sandwiched foam panels can fail by either the yielding of the face sheets, yielding of the foam core or wrinkling of the face sheets depending on foam relative density, the magnitude of t/L and the loading mode. The design envelop of a generic fan blade is superimposed on the maps to provide valuable insights on the probable failure modes in a sandwiched foam fan blade.

Raj, S. V.↗

Extended continuous cooling transformation diagram for 410 stainless steel encompassing δ → γ and γ → αʹ transformations determined by dilatometry

In this study, we use dilatometry to construct an extended Continuous Cooling Transformation (CCT) diagram for 410 stainless steel, capturing both δ → γ and γ → αʹ transformations specifically for directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing (AM) applications. To ensure that the findings are representative of AM specific microstructures and compositions, dilatometry coupons were extracted from a wire arc DED wall, thereby preserving the inherent microstructural and compositional variability within the material. The on-heating phase transformations, including A c1 , A c3 , and γ → δ, were found to be essentially location independent, despite the typical heterogeneity associated with AM. Conversely, increasing cooling rates were observed to shift the start and finish temperatures of both δ → γ and γ → αʹ transformations to lower values. The resulting extended CCT diagram offers a more complete depiction of phase transformation behavior in the system, enabling accurate microstructure evolution modeling and residual stress predictions specifically for directed energy deposition additive manufacturing applications.

Additive manufacturing↗

In Situ Measurement of Stress Corrosion Crack Tip Properties During Environmentally Induced Cracking in Stainless Steel 304L

The influence of the external cathodic area, stress intensity, and electrochemical polarization level on the resultant crack growth rate and crack tip pH and potential was studied for stainless steel 304L in a sodium chloride environment. Before testing, the validity of in situ crack tip property measurements using microprobes and drilled holes was supported through modeling efforts and confirmed with experimental observations. Here, it was found that increasing the R-ratio during corrosion fatigue increased the crack growth rate and decreased the measured crack tip pH of the 304L sample. Decreasing the electrochemical potential (i.e., cathodic polarization) of the bulk sample increased the crack tip pH and stopped measured crack extension under constant K conditions. Conversely, increasing the potential of the bulk sample decreased the crack tip pH and induced cracking under constant K conditions. Decreasing the cathodic area external to the crack increased the measured pH at the crack tip and decreased the crack growth rate under fatigue conditions. For the given configuration, environment, and alloy studied, fatigue crack growth is not sustained by cathodic reactions solely occurring in the crack wake and notch. These results have implications for the ability to predict atmospheric crack growth rates from laboratory, full immersion experiments.

corrosion fatigue↗

Stainless-Steel-Foam Structures Evaluated for Fan and Rotor Blades

The goal of this project is to use a sandwich structure design, consisting of two stainlesssteel face sheets and a stainless-steel-foam core, to fabricate engine fan and propeller blades. Current fan blades are constructed either of polymer matrix composites (PMCs) or hollow titanium alloys. The PMC blades are expensive and have poor impact resistance on their leading edges, thereby requiring a metallic leading edge to satisfy the Federal Aviation Administration s impact requirements relating to bird strikes. Hollow titanium blades cost more to fabricate because of the intrinsically difficult fabrication issues associated with titanium alloys. However, both these current concepts produce acceptable lightweight fan blades.

Lerch, Bradley A.↗

Application of strainrange partitioning to the prediction of creep-fatigue lives of AISI types 304 and 316 stainless steel

As a demonstration of the predictive capabilities of the method of Strainrange Partitioning, published high-temperature, low cycle, creep-fatigue test results on AISI Types 304 and 316 stainless steel were analyzed and calculated, cyclic lives compared with observed lives. Predicted lives agreed with observed lives within factors of two for 76 percent, factors of three for 93 percent, and factors of four for 98 percent of the laboratory tests analyzed. Agreement between observed and predicted lives is judged satisfactory considering that the data are associated with a number of variables (two alloys, several heats and heat treatments, a range of temperatures, different testing techniques, etc.) that are not directly accounted for in the calculations.

Saltsman, J. F.↗

Application of Strainrange Partitioning to the prediction of creep-fatigue lives of AISI Types 304 and 316 stainless steel

As a demonstration of the predictive capabilities of the method of Strainrange Partitioning, published high-temperature, low cycle, creep-fatigue test results on AISI Types 304 and 316 stainless steel were analyzed and calculated cyclic lives compared with observed lives. Predicted lives agreed with observed lives within factors of two for 76 percent, factors of three for 93 percent, and factors of four for 98 percent of the laboratory tests analyzed. Agreement between observed and predicted lives is judged satisfactory considering that the data are associated with a number of variables (two alloys, several heats and heat treatments, a range of temperatures, different testing techniques, etc.) that are not directly accounted for in the calculations.

Saltsman, J. F.↗

Ultrasonic characterization of material heterogeneities in stainless steel components produced by laser powder bed fusion

We introduce pulse-echo ultrasound as a method for characterizing the impact of powder bed fusion parameters on the properties of additively manufactured stainless-steel components, their material anisotropy, and location-dependent heterogeneity. Our results indicate that accurate characterization requires careful selection of ultrasonic propagation paths, which must consider the direction of additive layering, variations in processing parameters, and the component's geometry. We employed two distinct methods to estimate material properties from ultrasonic data: One assumes isotropy, while the other accounts for anisotropic interactions during the propagation of elastic waves. When applied to samples fabricated with laser energy densities ranging from 24 to 42 J/mm³ , these methods revealed transverse isotropy and weak anisotropy (quantified by small Thomsen parameters, ε = 0.0651 and γ = 0.0092) and less than a ∼6 % change in acoustic impedance. The assumption of isotropy, in this case, leads to small errors (less than 4 % or 1 % for Young's modulus in the build or transverse directions) when estimating orthotropic material properties using ultrasonic data measured along just two orthogonal directions, one of which must align with the build direction. By comparing ultrasonic measurements — which aggregate the spatial variability in material properties along the length of elastic wave propagation into a single value — with localized measurements obtained from surface nanoindentation, we uncovered and spatially profiled significant differences between the surface and interior properties. Specifically, the surface Young's modulus decreased from approximately 210 GPa to 180 GPa within a depth of about 3 mm. We attribute this surface-localized heterogeneity in PBF-fabricated components to distinct thermal histories experienced by the surface and interior regions. Collectively, the results of this study establish a framework for the ultrasonic characterization of material heterogeneity and anisotropy in material properties and demonstrate its application in additively manufactured metal components.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Process–Property–Performance Mapping of Additively Manufactured 316H Stainless Steel Components

The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Program is focused on accelerating the development of advanced materials and components fabricated via additive manufacturing, and is using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of 316H stainless steel as an initial case study. In the previous fiscal year, miniature high-throughput specimens were printed on multiple LPBF systems to provide initial processing windows to minimize porosity and limit epitaxial grain growth during prints. This fiscal year, scaled builds were completed on three different LPBF systems at ORNL: a GE Concept Laser M2, a Renishaw AM400, and an EOS M290. Builds on the Concept Laser were conducted on multiple powder lots and processing parameter ranges to provide microstructure effects on time-independent and time-dependent mechanical properties. Builds on the Renishaw were produced using Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)-optimized printing parameters and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)-optimized printing parameters to compare outcomes of parallel process optimization efforts at different national laboratories on the same LPBF system. Similarly, the build completed on the EOS M290 replicated the processing parameters of builds completed at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction characterization was completed on all builds. In addition to the general round robin characterization, this work-package generated time-independent data, including tensile and fracture toughness test data on scaled Concept Laser builds as a function of processing parameters and post-build heat treatment. This analysis is complimentary to work in parallel work packages aiming to establish heat treatment and processing effects on time-dependent properties. It was found that although the stress-relief heat treatment provides the highest strength at lower-temperatures, tensile strength begins to converge at higher temperatures regardless of heat treatment condition. In addition, the more rigorous solution annealing and hot-isostatic pressing post-build heat treatments result in higher fracture toughness than the stress-relieved condition. The root-causes of the lower fracture toughness of the stress-relieved LPBF 316H material was informed via a stress-relief optimization study on a scaled concept laser print, where it was found that although dislocation recovery was largely complete after only a couple hours at 650°C, the extended hold of the current 24h heat treatment employed on scaled builds likely caused increased carbide volume fractions along the LPBF 316H grain boundaries, thereby deteriorating crack propagation resistance. This trend was seen to become more deleterious with additional increases of stress-relief temperature to 750°C or 850°C. These results have helped inform a new optimal stress-relief annealing condition for LPBF 316H for future campaign testing (650°C for 2h).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Process–Property–Performance Mapping of Additively Manufactured 316H Stainless Steel Components

The Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies Program is focused on accelerating the development of advanced materials and components fabricated via additive manufacturing, and is using laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of 316H stainless steel as an initial case study. In the previous fiscal year, miniature high-throughput specimens were printed on multiple LPBF systems to provide initial processing windows to minimize porosity and limit epitaxial grain growth during prints. This fiscal year, scaled builds were completed on three different LPBF systems at ORNL: a GE Concept Laser M2, a Renishaw AM400, and an EOS M290. Builds on the Concept Laser were conducted on multiple powder lots and processing parameter ranges to provide microstructure effects on time-independent and time-dependent mechanical properties. Builds on the Renishaw were produced using Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)-optimized printing parameters and Argonne National Laboratory (ANL)-optimized printing parameters to compare outcomes of parallel process optimization efforts at different national laboratories on the same LPBF system. Similarly, the build completed on the EOS M290 replicated the processing parameters of builds completed at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). Optical microscopy and electron backscatter diffraction characterization was completed on all builds. In addition to the general round robin characterization, this work-package generated time-independent data, including tensile and fracture toughness test data on scaled Concept Laser builds as a function of processing parameters and post-build heat treatment. This analysis is complimentary to work in parallel work packages aiming to establish heat treatment and processing effects on time-dependent properties. It was found that although the stress-relief heat treatment provides the highest strength at lower-temperatures, tensile strength begins to converge at higher temperatures regardless of heat treatment condition. In addition, the more rigorous solution annealing and hot-isostatic pressing post-build heat treatments result in higher fracture toughness than the stress-relieved condition. The root-causes of the lower fracture toughness of the stress-relieved LPBF 316H material was informed via a stress-relief optimization study on a scaled concept laser print, where it was found that although dislocation recovery was largely complete after only a couple hours at 650°C, the extended hold of the current 24h heat treatment employed on scaled builds likely caused increased carbide volume fractions along the LPBF 316H grain boundaries, thereby deteriorating crack propagation resistance. This trend was seen to become more deleterious with additional increases of stress-relief temperature to 750°C or 850°C. These results have helped inform a new optimal stress-relief annealing condition for LPBF 316H for future campaign testing (650°C for 2h).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microbiological test results using three urine pretreatment regimes with 316L stainless steel

Three urine pretreatments, (1) Oxone (Dupont) and sulfuric acid, (2) sodium hypochlorite and sulfuric acid, (3) and ozone, were studied for their ability to reduce microbial levels in urine and minimize surface attachment to 316L stainless steel coupons. Urine samples inoculated with Bacillus insolitus and a filamentous mold, organisms previously recovered from the vapor compression distillation subsystem of NASA Space Station Freedom water recovery test were tested in glass corrosion cells containing base or weld metal coupons. Microbial levels, changes in pH, color, turbidity, and odor of the fluid were monitored over the course of the 21-day test. Specimen surfaces were examined by scanning electron microscopy at completion of the test for microbial attachment. Ozonated urine samples were less turbid and had lower microbial levels than controls or samples receiving other pretreatments. Base metal coupons receiving pretreatment were relatively free of attached bacteria. However, well-developed biofilms were found in the heat-affected regions of welded coupons receiving Oxone and hypochlorite pretreatments. Few bacteria were observed in the same regions of the ozone pretreatment sample.

Huff, Timothy L.↗

Failure Assessment Diagram for Brazed 304 Stainless Steel Joints

Interaction equations were proposed earlier to predict failure in Albemet 162 brazed joints. Present study demonstrates that the same interaction equations can be used for lower bound estimate of the failure criterion in 304 stainless steel joints brazed with silver-based filler metals as well as for construction of the Failure Assessment Diagrams (FAD).

Flom, Yory↗

Fatigue crack growth at elevated temperature 316 stainless steel and H-13 steel

Crack growths were measured at elevated temperatures under four types of loading: pp, pc, cp, and cc. In H-13 steel, all these four types of loading gave nearly the same crack growth rates, and the length of hold time had negligible effects. In AISI 316 stainless steel, the hold time effects on crack growth rate were negligible if the loading was tension-tension type; however, these effects were significant in reversed bending load, and the crack growth rates under these four types of loading varied considerably. Both tensile and compressive hold times caused increased crack growth rate, but the compressive hold period was more deleterious than the tensile one. Metallographic examination showed that all the crack paths under different types of loading were largely transgranular for both CTS tension-tension specimens and SEN reversed cantilever bending specimens. In addition, an electric potential technique was used to monitor crack growth at elevated temperature.

Chen, W. C.↗