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High temperature ceramics for automobile gas turbines. Part 2: Development of ceramic components

The development of ceramic components for automobile gas turbine engines is described with attention given to the steady and unsteady thermal conditions the ceramics will experience, and their anti-corrosion and strain-resistant properties. The ceramics considered for use in the automobile turbines include hot-pressed Si3N4, reaction-sintered, isostatically pressed Si3N4, hot-pressed SiC, reaction-bonded SiC, and glass ceramics. Attention is given to the stress analysis of ceramic structures and the state of the art of ceramic structural technology is reviewed, emphasizing the use of ceramics for combustion chambers and ceramic shrouded turbomachinery (a fully ceramic impeller).

Walzer, P.↗

Pressureless sintered beta prime-Si3N4 solid solution: Fabrication, microstructure, and strength

Si3N4, AlN, and Al2O3 were used as basic constituents in a study of the pressureless sintering of beta prime-Si3N4 solid solution as a function of temperature. Y2O3-SiO2 additions were used to promote liquid-phase sintering. The sintered specimens were characterized with respect to density, microstructure, strength, oxidation, and thermal shock resistance. Density greater than 98 percent of theoretical was achieved by pressureless sintering at 1750 C. The microstructure consisted essentially of fine-grained beta prime-Si3N4 solid solution as the major phase. Modulus of rupture strengths up to 483 MPa were achieved at moderate temperature (1000 C), but decreased to 228 MPa at 1380 C. This substantial strength loss was attributed to a glassy grain boundary phase formed during cooling from the sintering temperature. The best oxidation resistance was exhibited by a composition containing 3 mol % Y2O3-SiO2 additives. Water quench thermal shock resistance was equivalent to that of reaction sintered silicon nitride but lower than hot-pressed silicon nitride.

Dutta, S.↗

Pressureless sintered beta-prime-Si3N4 solid solution - Fabrication, microstructure, and strength

Pressureless sintering of beta-prime-Si3N4 solid solution was studied as a function of temperature using Si3N4, A1N, and Al2O3 as basic constituents. Y2O3-SiO2 additions were used to promote liquid-phase sintering. The sintered specimens were characterized with respect to density, microstructure, strength, oxidation, and thermal shock resistance. Density greater than 98 percent of theoretical was achieved by pressureless sintering at 1750 C. The microstructure consisted essentially of fine-grained beta-prime-Si3N4 solid solution as the major phase. Modulus of rupture strengths up to 483 M Pa were achieved at moderate temperature (1000 C), but decreased to 228 M Pa at 1380 C. This substantial strength loss was attributed to a 'glassy' grain boundary phase formed during cooling from the sintering temperature. The best oxidation resistance was exhibited by a composition containing 3 mol % Y2O3-SiO2 additives. Water quench thermal shock resistance was equivalent to that of reaction sintered silicon nitride but lower than hot-pressed silicon nitride.

Dutta, S.↗

High gas velocity burner tests on silicon carbide and silicon nitride at 1200 C

Specimens of silicon carbide and silicon nitride were exposed to a Mach one gas velocity burner simulating a turbine engine environment. Cyclic tests up to 100 hour duration were conducted at specimen temperatures of 1200 C. A specimen geometry was used that develops thermal stresses during thermal cycling in a manner similar to blades and vanes of a gas turbine engine. Materials were compared on a basis of weight change, dimensional reductions, metallography, fluorescent penetrant inspection, X-ray diffraction analyses, failure mode, and general appearance. One hot pressed SiC, one reaction sintered SiC, and three hot pressed Si3N4 specimens survived the program goal of 100 one-hour cycle exposures. Of the materials that failed to meet the program goal, thermal fatigue was identified as the exclusive failure mode.

Sanders, W. A.↗

Behavior of ceramics at 1200 C in a simulated gas turbine environment

This report summarizes programs at the NASA Lewis Research Center evaluating several classes of commercial ceramics, in a high gas velocity burner rig simulating a gas turbine engine environment. Testing of 23 ceramics in rod geometry identified SiC and Si3N4 as outstanding in resistance to oxidation and thermal stress and identified the failure modes of other ceramics. Further testing of a group of 15 types of SiC and Si3N4 in simulated vane shape geometry has identified a hot pressed SiC, a reaction sintered SiC, and hot pressed Si3N4 as the best of that group. SiC and Si3N4 test specimens were compared on the basis of weight change, dimensional reductions, metallography, fluorescent penetrant inspection, X-ray diffraction analyses, and failure mode.

Sanders, W. A.↗

High gas velocity burner tests on silicon carbide and silicon nitride at 1200 C

Ten SiC materials and five Si3N4 materials were exposed in a Mach 1-gas-velocity burner simulating a gas-turbine engine environment. All materials studied are commercially available. Cyclic tests up to 100 hours' duration were conducted at specimen temperatures of 1200 C. A specimen geometry was used that develops thermal stresses during thermal cycling in a manner similar to blades and vanes of a gas turbine engine. Materials were compared on a basis of weight change, dimensional reductions, metallography, fluorescent-penetrant inspection, X-ray diffraction analyses, failure mode, and general appearance. One hot-pressed SiC, one reaction-sintered SiC, and three hot-pressed Si3N4 materials survived the program goal of 100 one-hour cycles of exposures. Of the materials that failed to meet the program goal, thermal fatigue was identified as the exclusive failure mode.

Sanders, W. A.↗

Improved performance of silicon nitride-based high temperature ceramics

Results are presented regarding experiments intended for improving the strength and toughness of hot-pressed Si3N4 (HPSN), improving the strength and oxidation resistance of reaction-sintered Si3N4 (RSSN), and improving the strength and oxidation resistance of sinterable Si-Al-O-N compositions. It is shown that the use of ZrO2 instead of MgO as a sintering aid improved the room-temperature and high-temperature flexural strength of HPSN, in addition to enhancing the rupture strength and Charpy impact resistance. The use of crushable energy absorbing layers increased the impact resistance of HPSN. Impregnation of RSSN with solutions that oxidize to Al2O3 or ZrO2 resulted in increased bending strength at room temperature. Beta-prime Si-Al-O-N sintered to full density by means of the sintering aids CeO2, Y2O3, and ZrO2 yielded the greatest strength with Y2O3 and the greatest oxidation resistance with ZrO2.

Ashbrook, R. L.↗

Consolidation of silicon nitride without additives

The use of ceramics for gas turbine engine construction might make it possible to increase engine efficiency by raising operational temperatures to values beyond those which can be tolerated by metallic alloys. The most promising ceramics being investigated in this connection are Si3N4 and SiC. A description is presented of a study which had the objective to produce dense Si3N4. The two most common methods of consolidating Si3N4 currently being used include hot pressing and reaction sintering. The feasibility was explored of producing a sound, dense Si3N4 body without additives by means of conventional gas hot isostatic pressing techniques and an uncommon hydraulic hot isostatic pressing technique. It was found that Si3N4 can be densified without additions to a density which exceeds 95% of the theoretical value

Sikora, P. F.↗

Development and evaluation of die materials for use in the growth of silicon ribbons by the inverted ribbon growth process, task 2. LSSA project

The results of emission spectroscopic analysis indicate that molten silicon can remain in contact with hot-pressed Si3N4 (99.2 percent theoretical density) for prolonged periods without attaining the impurity content level of the nitride. Although MgO was used as binder, Mg was not found present in the silicon sessile drop in quantities much above the level initially present in the silicon source material. Preliminary experiments with EFG-type dies coated with CVD Si3N4 or CVD SiOxNy indicate that capillary rise does not occur readily in these dies. The same was found to be true of hot-pressed and reaction-sintered Si3N4 obtained commercially. However, when dies were formed by depositing CVD layers on shaped silicon slabs, a column of molten silicon was maintained in each CVD die while being heated in contact with a crucible of molten silicon. Preliminary wetting of dies appears necessary for EFG growth. Several ribbon growth experiments were performed from V-shaped dies.

Duffy, M. T.↗

High Velocity Burner Rig Oxidation and Thermal Fatigue Behavior of Si3N4- and SiC Base Ceramics to 1370 Deg C

One SiC material and three Si3N4 materials including hot-pressed Si3N4 as a baseline were exposed in a Mach-1-gas-velocity burner rig simulating a turbine engine environment. Criteria for the materials selection were: potential for gas-turbine usage, near-net-shape fabricability and commercial/domestic availability. Cyclic exposures of test vanes up to 250 cycles (50 hr at temperature) were at leading-edge temperatures to 1370 C. Materials and batches were compared as to weight change, surface change, fluorescent penetrant inspection, and thermal fatigue behavior. Hot-pressed Si3N4 survived the test to 1370 C with slight weight losses. Two types of reaction-sintered Si3N4 displayed high weight gains and considerable weight-change variability, with one material exhibiting superior thermal fatigue behavior. A siliconized SiC showed slight weight gains, but considerable batch variability in thermal fatigue.

Sanders, W. A.↗

Development of improved coating for advanced carbon-carbon components

Reaction sintered silicon nitride (RSSN) was studied as a substitute coating material on the carbon-carbon material (RCC) presently used as a heat shield on the space shuttle, and on advanced carbon-carbon (ACC), a later development. On RCC, RSSN showed potential in a 538 C (1000 F) screening test in which silicon carbide coated material exhibits its highest oxidation rate; RSSN afforded less protection to ACC because of a larger thermal expansion mismatch. Organosilicon densification and metallic silicon sealing methods were studied as means of further increasing the oxidation resistance of the coating, and some improvement was noted when these methods were employed.

Yamaki, Y. R.↗

Breakway friction and dynamic friction/wear measurements of various ceramic materials from 25 C (75 F) to 650 C (1200 F)

This report describes the results of a program designed to evaluate the breakaway friction and dynamic friction/wear characteristics of materials having potential for use as load bearing components in a high-performance high-temperature heavy duty diesel engine. Ten candidate materials were selected, six of which were evaluated under all possible material combinations as both stationary as well as moving breakaway specimens. The remaining materials were evaluated either in the static mode against themselves and all other materials, or against themselves only. Experiments were performed at five temperatures up to 650 C (1200 F) and unit pressures of 700 kPa (100 lb/sq in.), 3500 kPa (500 lb/sq in.), and 7000 kPa (1000 lb/sq in.). Experimental results indicate that under dynamic conditions, four of the ten materials exhibited good to excellent friction/wear characteristics in various material combinations. These materials were: titanium carbide, silicon nitride, silicon carbide (reaction sintered), and Refel (SiC).

Boes, D. J.↗

Melt-Infiltration Process For SiC Ceramics And Composites

Reactive melt infiltration produces silicon carbide-based ceramics and composites faster and more economically than do such processes as chemical vapor infiltration (CVI), reaction sintering, pressureless sintering, hot pressing, and hot isostatic pressing. Process yields dense, strong materials at relatively low cost. Silicon carbide ceramics and composites made by reactive melt infiltration used in combustor liners of jet engines and in nose cones and leading edges of high-speed aircraft and returning spacecraft. In energy industry, materials used in radiant-heater tubes, heat exchangers, heat recuperators, and turbine parts. Materials also well suited to demands of advanced automobile engines.

Behrendt, Donald R.↗

Stacking Defects in Synthetic and Meteoritic Hibonites: Implications for High-Temperature Processes in the Solar Nebula

Hibonite (CaAl12O19) is a primary, highly refractory phase occurring in many Ca-Al-rich inclusions (CAIs) from different chondrite groups, except CI chondrites. Hibonite is predicted to be one of the earliest minerals to condense during cooling of the solar nebula at higher temperatures than any other major CAI mineral. Therefore, hibonite has great potential to reveal the processes and conditions of the very early, high-temperature stages of the solar nebular evolution. Previous microstructural studies of hibonite in CAIs and their Wark-Lovering (WL) rims showed the presence of numerous stacking defects in hibonite. These defects are interpreted as the modification of the stacking sequences of spinel and Ca-containing blocks within the ideal hexagonal hibonite structure, as shown by experimental studies of reaction-sintered ceramic CaO-Al2O3 compounds. We performed preliminary experiments in the CaO-Al2O3-MgO system to understand the formation processes and conditions of defect-structured hibonite found in meteorites.

Han, J.↗

Experimental Insights into the Origin of Defect-Structured Hibonites Found in Meteorites

Hibonite (CaAl12O19) is a primary, highly refractory phase occurring in many Ca-Al-rich inclusions (CAIs). Previous microstructural studies of hibonite in CAIs and their Wark-Lovering (WL) rims showed the presence of numerous stacking defects in hibonites. These defects are interpreted as the modification of the stacking sequences of spinel and Ca-containing blocks within the ideal hexagonal hibonite structure due to the presence of wider spinel blocks [3], as shown by experimental studies of reaction-sintered compounds in the CaO-Al2O3 system. We performed a series of experiments in the CaO-Al2O3-MgO system in order to provide additional in-sights into the formation processes and conditions of defect-structured hibonites found in meteorites.

Han. J.↗

Microstructural Constraints on the Formation History of Hibonite in Refractory Inclusions

Hibonite is a primary refractory phase occurring in many Ca-Al-rich inclusions (CAIs), typically with spinel and perovskite [1]. Previous mi-crostructural studies of hibonite in CAIs revealed the presence of numerous stacking defects along the (001) plane and correlated non-stoichiometry in hibonite [2,3]. These features are interpreted as complex inter-growths of stoichiometric and Ca-deficient hibonites, as shown by experimental studies of reaction-sintered CaO-Al2O3 compounds [4]. Here, we extend our transmission electron microscope (TEM) studies to hibonite-bearing CAIs in CM chondrites that have been well characterized isotopically [5-7]. In addition, we have undertaken a series of anneal-ing experiments to explore the effect of minor elements (Mg and Ti) on the microstucure of hibonite [8,9,this study]. The results of these experiments are being applied to hibonite in CAIs in order to better understand its formation conditions.

Han, J.↗

Sintering behavior of ultrafine silicon carbide powders obtained by vapor phase reaction

The sintering behavior of ultrafine SiC powder with average particle size of about 0.01-0.06 microns produced by a vapor phase reaction of the Me4Si-H2 system was studied at the temperature range of 1400-2050 deg. It was found that the homogeneous dispersion of C on SiC particles is important to remove the surface oxide layer effectively. B and C and inhibitive effect on SiC grain growth.

Okabe, Y.↗

Durability characterization of ceramic materials for gas turbines

The strength retention of ceramic materials during extended high-temperature cyclic exposure is critical to their widespread application in gas turbine engines. During a continuing NASA funded program initated in 1979, reaction bonded silicon nitride (RBSN), sintered silicon carbide (SSC), reaction sintered silicon carbide (RSSC), and sintered silicon nitride (SSN) materials were evaluated following simulated gas turbine engine exposures. Exposures were performed by cycling specimens five times per hour between a high velocity burner discharge and a rapid air quench. The retained flexural strengths were determined following up to 3500 hours of exposure at temperatures up to 1370 C. Post-exposure strengths have been correlated with fractography and surface examination using SEM. Results illustrate excellent strength retention of SSC materials after 3500 hours of exposure to 1370 C. At 1200 C, RBSN and RSSC also demonstrate significant strength retention. Although SSN materials typically suffer significant strength losses during exposures at 1200 C, a new composition, which has improved high-temperature strength, also shows improved durability. In the majority of the materials, strength loss is typically associated with flaw formation in the protective SiO2 layer.

Carruthers, W. D.↗