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At least 325 records · Page 18

Microgravity Processing of Oxide Superconductors

Considerable effort has been concentrated on the synthesis and characterization of high T(sub c) oxide superconducting materials. The YBaCuO system has received the most intense study, as this material has shown promise for the application of both thin film and bulk materials. There are many problems with the application of bulk materials- weak links, poor connectivity, small coherence length, oxygen content and control, environmental reactivity, phase stability, incongruent melting behavior, grain boundary contamination, brittle mechanical behavior, and flux creep. The extent to which these problems are intrinsic or associated with processing is the subject of controversy. This study seeks to understand solidification processing of these materials, and to use this knowledge for alternative processing strategies, which, at the very least, will improve the understanding of bulk material properties and deficiencies. In general, the phase diagram studies of the YBaCuO system have concentrated on solid state reactions and on the Y2BaCuO(x) + liquid yields YBa2Cu3O(7-delta) peritectic reaction. Little information is available on the complete melting relations, undercooling, and solidification behavior of these materials. In addition, rare earth substitutions such as Nd and Gd affect the liquidus and phase relations. These materials have promising applications, but lack of information on the high temperature phase relations has hampered research. In general, the understanding of undercooling and solidification of high temperature oxide systems lags behind the science of these phenomena in metallic systems. Therefore, this research investigates the fundamental melting relations, undercooling, and solidification behavior of oxide superconductors with an emphasis on improving ground based synthesis of these materials.

Olive, James R.↗

Chemical vapor deposition modeling: An assessment of current status

The shortcomings of earlier approaches that assumed thermochemical equilibrium and used chemical vapor deposition (CVD) phase diagrams are pointed out. Significant advancements in predictive capabilities due to recent computational developments, especially those for deposition rates controlled by gas phase mass transport, are demonstrated. The importance of using the proper boundary conditions is stressed, and the availability and reliability of gas phase and surface chemical kinetic information are emphasized as the most limiting factors. Future directions for CVD are proposed on the basis of current needs for efficient and effective progress in CVD process design and optimization.

Gokoglu, Suleyman A.↗

Feasibility study of optical boundary layer transition detection method

A high sensitivity differential interferometer was developed to locate the region where the boundary layer flow undergoes transition from laminar to turbulent. Two laboratory experimental configurations were used to evaluate the performance of the interferometer: open shear layer, and low speed wind tunnel turbulent spot configuration. In each experiment, small temperature fluctuations were introduced as the signal source. Simultaneous cold wire measurements were compared with the interferometer data. The comparison shows that the interferometer is sensitive to very weak phase variations in the order of 0.001 the laser wavelength. An attempt to detect boundary layer transition over a flat plate at NASA-Langley Unitary Supersonic Wind Tunnel using the interferometer system was performed. The phase variations during boundary layer transition in the supersonic wind tunnel were beyond the minimum signal-to-noise level of the instrument.

Azzazy, M.↗

The impact of data boundaries upon a successive corrections objective analysis of limited-area datasets

The effects of data boundaries on objective analysis are examined. Data from limited-area networks are studied using the objective analysis technique of Barnes (1964). The impact of the data boundaries on the amplitudes of long waves and phases of short waves is described. The relation between the weight function shape parameter and the distance that boundary effects intrude into the interior of the grid is investigated. Examples displaying the influence of data field boundaries on the analyses of limited-area data sets are presented.

Achtemeier, G. L.↗

High-pressure experiments on magnesian eucrite compositions - Constraints on magmatic processes in the eucrite parent body

Melting experiments were conducted on synthetic analogs of two magnesian eucrite clasts from howardites, Kapoeta clast rho and Yamato 7308 pigeonite-eucrite clast 1, at 1 atm and 1-kbar pressure at oxygen fugacities in the range of iron-wuestite (IW) to iron-quartz-fayalite (IQF). The compositions of liquids and coexisting minerals (olivine-low-Ca pyroxene-plagioclase spinel) were used to constrain possible melting and crystallization processes in the parent bodies of eucrite basalts. In agreement with previous studies, the experimental results at 1 atm indicate that the olivine-low-Ca pyroxene-plagioclase-spinel-liquid and olivine-low Ca pyroxene-spinel-liquid boundaries are reaction boundaries involving olivine. At 1 kbar, however, the olivine primary-phase volume shrinks, and the reaction relationship involving olivine disappears for both boundaries. The maximum pressure attained in a Vesta-sized eucrite parent body (EPB) is about 1 kbar, and these results provide important constraints on models relating the howardite-eucrite-diogenite (HED) meteorite association through melting and differentiation processes.

Bartels, K. S.↗

Time-Temperature-Precipitation Behavior in Al-Li Alloy 2195

Transmission electron microscopy was used to study time-temperature-precipitation (TTP) behavior in aluminum-lithium (Al-Li) 2195 alloy. Al-Li 2195 (nominally Al + 4 percent Cu + 1 percent Li + 0.3 percent Ag + 0.3 percent Mg + 0.1 percent Zr) was initially solutionized for 1 hr at 950 F and then stretched 3 percent. Heat treatments were conducted for up to 100 hr at temperatures ranging from 200 to 1,000 F. TTP diagrams were determined for both matrix and subgrain boundaries. Depending upon heat treatment conditions, precipitate phases (such as GP zone, theta'', theta', theta, delta', T1, TB, and T2) were found in the alloy. The TTP diagrams were applied as a guide to avoid T1 precipitation at subgrain boundaries, as part of an effort to improve the alloy's cryogenic fracture toughness (CFT). New understanding of TTP behavior was instrumental in the development of a two-step artificial aging treatment that significantly enhanced CFT in Al-Li 2195.

Chen, P. S.↗

Preliminary Work for Modeling the Propellers of an Aircraft as a Noise Source in an Acoustic Boundary Element Analysis

An algorithm for generating appropriate velocity boundary conditions for an acoustic boundary element analysis from the kinematics of an operating propeller is presented. It constitutes the initial phase of Integrating sophisticated rotorcraft models into a conventional boundary element analysis. Currently, the pressure field is computed by a linear approximation. An initial validation of the developed process was performed by comparing numerical results to test data for the external acoustic pressure on the surface of a tilt-rotor aircraft for one flight condition.

Vlahopoulos, Nickolas↗

The response of ionospheric convection in the polar cap to substorm activity

We report multi-instrument observations during an isolated substorm on 17 October 1989. The European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) radar operated in the SP-UK-POLI mode measuring ionospheric convection at latitudes 71 deg Lambda - 78 deg Lambda. Sub-Auroral Magnetometer Network (SAMNET) and the EISCAT Magnetometer Cross provide information on the timing of substorm expansion phase onset and subsequent intensifications, as well as the location of the field aligned and ionospheric currents associated with the substorm current wedge. Interplanetary Monitoring Platform-8 (IMP-8) magnetic field data are also included. Evidence of a substorm growth phase is provided by the equatorward motion of a flow reversal boundary across the EISCAT radar field of view at 2130 MLT, following a southward turning of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). We infer that the polar cap expanded as a result of the addition of open magnetic flux in the tail lobes during this interval. The flow reversal boundary, which is a lower limit to the polar cap boundary, reached an invariant latitude equatorward of 71 deg Lambda by the time of the expansion phase onset. We conclude that the substorm onset region in the ionosphere, defined by the westward electrojet, mapped to a part of the tail radially earthward of the boundary between open and closed magnetic flux, the distant neutral line. Thus the substorm was not initiated at the distant neutral line, although there is evidence that it remained active during the expansion phase.

Lester, M.↗

An Isolated Circular Synthetic Jet in Cross-Flow at Low Momentum-Flux Ratio

A joint experimental and computational investigation was carried out for a round synthetic jet issuing normal to a turbulent boundary layer at a momentum-flux ratio of one. Distributions of velocity and turbulence intensity were measured by hot-wire anemometry. Numerical results were obtained using unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (URANS) computations. Time and phase-averaged flow properties were compared on the cross sectional plane at x/D = 0.53, 5 and 10 as well as on the axial plane of symmetry. Overall, the numerical results agreed well with the experimental data. CFD predicted a somewhat larger velocity deficit in regions of low-momentum fluid pulled up from the boundary layer. Phase- averaged velocity contours at the plane of symmetry indicated good match between experiments and CFD regarding the size and the position of the periodic flow structure. However, some differences occurred in details such as the shape and inclination of the low-speed flow structure.

Milanovic, Ivana M.↗

Grain boundary mobility in anion doped MgO

Certain anions OH(-), F(-) and Gl(-) are shown to enhance grain growth in MgO. The magnitude of their effect decreases in the order in which the anions are listed and depends on their location (solid-solution, second phase) in the MgO lattice. As most anions exhibit relatively high vapor pressures at sintering temperatures, they retard densification and invariably promote residual porosity. The role of anions on grain growth rates was studied in relation to their effect on pore mobility and pore removal; the atomic process controlling the actual rates was determined from observed kinetics in conjunction with the microstructural features. With respect to controlling mechanisms, the effects of all anions are not the same. OH(-) and F(-) control behavior through creation of a defect structure and a grain boundary liquid phase while Cl(-) promotes matter transport within pores by evaporation-condensation. Studies on an additional anion, S to the minus 2nd power gave results which were no different from undoped MgO, possibly because of evaporative losses during hot pressing. Hence, the effect of sulphur is negligible or undetermined.

Kapadia, C. M.↗

Strains and tilts on crustal blocks

Geodetic work done over the past century is examined to investigate block motion in areas of intense tectonic deformation, with special attention to geodetic releveling data obtained for Japan. Problems in interpreting strainmeter and tiltmeter to study the behavior of crustal blocks and block boundaries are discussed. Block dimensions of 5 to 50 km seem to occur frequently in regions of intense tectonic activity. Block boundaries are often considerably weaker than contiguous crustal blocks, resulting in a concentration of strains at boundaries and decrease of strains within blocks. Block to block variations in tilt phase and magnitude are observed. There is some evidence that block boundaries may exhibit strain-dependent elastic properties or respond viscoelastically, possibly accounting for the slow transmission of tectonic deformation reported in Japan. If nonlinear behavior is characteristic of regions fragmented by crustal blocks, it will generally not be possible to apply a site correction factor based on the observed distortion of tidal or seismic strains in interpreting secular strains.

Bilham, R. G.↗

Observations on pulsating auroras.

Pulsating auroras observed near equatorward boundary of auroral displays during postbreakup phase with image orthicon TV and photometers

AURORAL ACTIVITY↗

The phase discrepancy between temperature and density in the thermosphere

The observations of thermospheric densities by satellite drag analysis and the thermospheric temperatures by back scatter radar measurements show a phase difference. The dependence of this phase difference on various factors is briefly reviewed. It is shown that by choosing certain boundary conditions at 120 km the observations of both temperature and densities become consistent. The possible range of boundary conditions is analysed. Furthermore it is shown that the phase discrepancy is largely due to the higher harmonic components of both the temperature and the density variation in the thermosphere.

Blum, P. W.↗

Electron precipitation patterns and substorm morphology.

Statistical analysis of data from the auroral particles experiment aboard OGO 4, performed in a statistical framework interpretable in terms of magnetospheric substorm morphology, both spatial and temporal. Patterns of low-energy electron precipitation observed by polar satellites are examined as functions of substorm phase. The implications of the precipitation boundaries identifiable at the low-latitude edge of polar cusp electron precipitation and at the poleward edge of precipitation in the premidnight sector are discussed.

Hoffman, R. A.↗

Creep and rupture of an ODS alloy with high stress rupture ductility

The creep and stress rupture properties of an oxide (Y2O3) dispersion strengthened nickel-base alloy, which also is strengthened by gamma-prime precipitates, was studied at 760 and 1093 C. At both temperatures, the alloy YDNiCrAl exhibits unusually high stress rupture ductility as measured by both elongation and reduction in area. Failure was transgranular, and different modes of failure were observed including crystallographic fracture at intermediate temperatures and tearing or necking almost to a chisel point at higher temperatures. While the rupture ductility was high, the creep strength of the alloy was low relative to conventional gamma prime strengthened superalloys in the intermediate temperature range and to ODS alloys in the higher temperature range. These findings are discussed with respect to the alloy composition; the strengthening oxide phases, which are inhomogeneously dispersed; the grain morphology, which is coarse and elongated and exhibits many included grains; and the second phase inclusion particles occurring at grain boundaries and in the matrix. The creep properties, in particular the high stress dependencies and high creep activation energies measured, are discussed with respect to the resisting stress model of creep in particle strengthened alloys.

Mcalarney, M. E.↗

Finite element analysis of the effect of a non-planar solid-liquid interface on the lateral solute segregation during unidirectional solidification

The effect of solid-liquid interface shape on lateral solute segregation during steady-state unidirectional solidification of a binary mixture is calculated under the assumption of no convection in the liquid. A finite element technique is employed to compute the concentration field in the liquid and the lateral segregation in the solid with a curved boundary between the liquid and solid phases. The computational model is constructed assuming knowledge of the solid-liquid interface shape; no attempt is made to relate this shape to the thermal field. The influence of interface curvature on the lateral compositional variation is investigated over a range of system parameters including diffusivity, growth speed, distribution coefficient, and geometric factors of the system. In the limiting case of a slightly nonplanar interface, numerical results from the finite element technique are in good agreement with the analytical solutions of Coriell and Sekerka obtained by using linear theory. For the general case of highly non-planar interface shapes, the linear theory fails and the concentration field in the liquid as well as the lateral solute segregation in the solid can be calculated by using the finite element method.

Carlson, F. M.↗

Microstructural changes in beta-silicon nitride grains upon crystallizing the grain-boundary glass

Crystallizing the grain-boundary glass of a liquid-phase-sintered Si3N4 ceramic for 2 h or less at 1500 C led to formation of delta-Y2Si2O7. After 5 h at 1500 C, the delta-Y2Si2O7 had transformed to beta-Y2Si2O7 with a concurrent dramatic increase in dislocation density within beta-Si3N4 grains. Reasons for the increased dislocation density are discussed. Annealing for 20 h at 1500 C reduced dislocation densities to the levels found in as-sintered material.

Lee, William E.↗

Real-Time X-Ray Transmission Microscopy of Solidifying Al-In Alloys

Real-time observations of transparent analog materials have provided insight, yet the results of these observations are not necessarily representative of opaque metallic systems. In order to study the detailed dynamics of the solidification process, we develop the technologies needed for real-time X ray microscopy of solidifying metallic systems, which has not previously been feasible with the necessary resolution, speed, and contrast. In initial studies of Al-In monotectic alloys unidirectionally solidified in an X-ray transparent furnace, in situ records of the evolution of interface morphologies, interfacial solute accumulation, and formation of the monotectic droplets were obtained for the first time: A radiomicrograph of Al-30In grown during aircraft parabolic maneuvers is presented, showing the volumetric phase distribution in this specimen. The benefits of using X-ray microscopy for postsolidification metallography include ease of specimen preparation, increased sensitivity, and three-dimensional analysis of phase distribution. Imaging of the solute boundary layer revealed that the isoconcentration lines are not parallel (as is often assumed) to the growth interface. Striations in the solidified crystal did not accurately decorate the interface position and shape. The monotectic composition alloy under some conditions grew in an uncoupled manner.

Curreri, Peter A.↗