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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 433 records · Page 24
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Ceramic matrix composites properties/microstresses with complete and partial interphase bond

A multilevel substructuring technique which includes a unique fiber substructuring concept is used for the analysis of continuous fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites. This technique has four levels of substructuring--from laminate to ply, to supply, and then to fiber. A stand-alone computer code CEMCAN (Ceramic Matrix Composites Analyzer), incorporating this technique and specifically for the simulation of ceramic matrix composites behavior, is currently under development at NASA Lewis Research Center in Cleveland, Ohio. The thermal and mechanical properties, along with the microstresses, for a SiC/RBSN (silicon carbide fiber and reaction bonded silicon nitride matrix) composite at different fiber volume ratios and varying degrees of interfacial bond around the fiber circumference are computed. Values predicted by CEMCAN computer code are shown to bound the experimentally measured values. Results also show that transverse tensile strength test can be a sensitive test method to assess interfacial conditions.

Mital, Subodh K.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Acousto-Ultrasonic analysis of failure in ceramic matrix composite tensile specimens

Three types of acousto-ultrasonic (AU) measurements, stress-wave factor (SWF), lowest antisymmetric plate mode group velocity (VS), and lowest symmetric plate mode group velocity (VL), were performed on specimens before and after tensile failure. Three different Nicalon fiber architectures with ceramic matrices were tested. These composites were categorized as 1D (unidirectional fiber orientation) SiC/CAS glass ceramic, and 2D and 3D woven SiC/SiC ceramic matrix materials. SWF was found to be degraded after tensile failure in all three material categories. VS was found to be degraded only in the 1D SiC/CAS. VL was difficult to determine on the irregular specimen surfaces but appeared unchanged on all failed specimens. 3D woven specimens with heat-treatment at high temperature exhibited degradation only in SWF.

Kautz, Harold E.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Ceramic matrix composites for rocket engine turbine applications

A program to establish the potential for introducing fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composites (FRCMC) in future rocket engine turbopumps was instituted in 1987. A brief summary of the overall program (both contract and in-house research) is presented. Tests at NASA Lewis include thermal upshocks in a hydrogen/oxygen test rig capable of generating heating rates up to 2500 C/sec. Post thermal upshock exposure evaluation includes the measurement of residual strength and failure analysis. Test results for monolithic ceramics and several FRCMC are presented. Hydrogen compatibility was assessed by isothermal exposure of monolithic ceramics in high temperature gaseous hydrogen plus water vapor.

Herbell, Thomas P.↗
NASA NTRS1948

Preliminary Investigation of a Ceramic Lining for a Combustion Chamber for Gas-turbine Use

Combustion chamber liners for gas turbines and experimental set-ups were tested for failure. A ceramic-lined test chamber was operated at fuel/air ratios up to 0.050. Thermal-shock evaluation indicated that a ceramic lining, which expands after firing, would crack but would not fall apart during operation. Refractoriness of the lining and the resistance to mechanical shock were adequate. In general, shell temperature reductions of approximately 400 deg F were effected by the use of this lining at fuel/air ratios of 0.016 and 0.050. The mechanism of failure of the ceramic lining was induced by sudden heating and cooling during operation.

Woodward, William H↗
NASA NTRS1953

Preliminary investigation of zirconium boride ceramals for gas-turbine blade applications

Zirconium boride ZrB2 ceramals were investigated for possible gas-turbine-blade application. Included in the study were thermal shock evaluations of disks, preliminary turbine-blade operation, and observations of oxidation resistance. Thermal shock disks of the following three compositions were studied: (a) 97.5 percent ZrB2 plus 2.5 percent B by weight; (b) 92.5 percent ZrB2 plus 7.5 percent B by weight; and (c) 100 percent ZrB2. Thermal shock disks were quenched from temperatures of 1800 degrees, 2000 degrees, 2200 degrees, and 2400 degrees F. The life of turbine blades containing 93 percent ZrB2 plus 7 percent B by weight was determined in gas-turbine tests. The blades were run at approximately 1600 degrees F and 15,000 to 26,000 rpm. The thermal shock resistance of the 97.5 percent ZrB2 plus 2.5 percent boron ceramals compares favorably with that of TiC plus Co and TiC plus Ni ceramals. Oxidation of the disks during the thermal shock evaluation was slight for the comparatively short time (8.3 hr) up through 2000 degrees F. Oxidation of a specimen was severe, however, after 100 hours at 2000 degrees F. The turbine blade performance evaluation of the 93 percent ZrB2 plus 7 percent B composition was preliminary in scope ; no conclusions can be drawn.

Hoffman, Charles A↗
NASA NTRS1994

Simple Creep Test For Ceramic Fibers

Simple bend-stress-relaxation test yields information on creep-related properties of polycrystalline ceramic fibers. Determination of these properties important part of efforts to develop ceramic composite materials that retain mechanical strength and resistance to creep at high temperatures. Present test measures effects of time, temperature, and applied strain on creep-related relaxation of bend stress in ceramic fiber of almost any diameter in almost any environment, without need for contact sensors. Degree of relaxation of bend stress determined from radii of curvature.

Dicarlo, James A.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Optimization of the Processing Parameters of High Temperature Superconducting Glass-Ceramics: Center Director's Discretionary Fund Final Report

A number of promising glass forming compositions of high Tc superconducting Ba-Sr-Ca-Cu-O (BSCCO) materials were evaluated for their glass-ceramic crystallization ability. The BSCCO ceramics belonging to the class of superconductors in the Ba-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system were the focus of this study. By first forming the superconducting material as a glass, subsequent devitrification into the crystalline (glass-ceramic) superconductor can be performed by thermal processing of the glass preform body. Glass formability and phase formation were determined by a variety of methods in another related study. This study focused on the nucleation and crystallization of the materials. Thermal analysis during rapid cooling aids in the evaluation of nucleation and crystallization behavior. Melt viscosity is used to predict glass formation ability.

Ethridge, E. C.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Nonaqueous slip casting of YBa2Cu3O(7-x) superconductive ceramics

This study investigates the slip casting of YBa2Cu3O(7-x) powders using nonaqueous carrier liquids and fired ceramic molds. The parameters of the process examined here include the rheological properties of YBa2Cu3O(7-x) powder dispersed in various solvent/dispersant systems, the combination of nonaqueous slips with fired ceramic molds to form the superconductive ceramics, the process-property relationships using a four-factor factorial experiment, and the applicability of magnetic fields to align the YBa2Cu3O(7-x) grains during the casting process.

Hooker, Matthew W.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Effects of Combined Stressing on the Electrical Properties of Film and Ceramic Capacitors

Advanced power systems which generate, control, and distribute electrical power to many large loads are a requirement for future space exploration missions. The development of high temperature insulating materials and power components constitute a key element in systems which are lightweight, efficient, and are capable of surviving the hostile space environment. In previous work, experiments were carried out to evaluate film and ceramic capacitors for potential use in high temperature applications. The effects of thermal stressing, in air and without electrical bias, on the electrical properties of the capacitors as a function of thermal aging up to 12 weeks were determined. In this work, the combined effects of thermal aging and electrical stresses on the properties of teflon film and ceramic power capacitors were examined. The ceramic capacitors were thermally aged for 35 weeks and the teflon capacitors for 15 weeks at 200 C under full electrical bias and were characterized, on a weekly basis, in terms of their capacitance stability and electrical loss in the frequency range of 50 Hz to 100 kHz. DC leakage current measurements were also obtained. The results obtained represent the influence that short-term thermal aging and electrical bias have on the electrical properties of the power capacitors characterized.

Overton, Eric↗
NASA NTRS1993

Combined mode I and mode II fracture of monolithic ceramics

The mode I, mode II, and combined mode I-mode II fracture behaviors of a coarse-grained silicon nitride, a fine-grained silicon nitride, and an alumina were investigated. These ceramics were fractured from two types of fracture initiating flaws: small surface flaws and large single edge precracks. The small surface flaws were introduced by Knoop indentation in flexural samples at various angles to the tensile stress direction and fractured in four-point bending. The samples with large precracks were fractured in the asymmetric four-point-bend geometry. The mixed-mode fracture toughness values obtained from the two flaw configurations were in good agreement with each other. All three ceramics displayed very similar mixed-mode fracture behavior, although their microstructures were not similar. Comparison of experimental data to mixed-mode fracture theories revealed that the minimum strain energy density theory best described the mixed-mode fracture behavior of all three ceramics.

Tikare, Veena↗
NASA NTRS1995

Low Cost Fabrication of Silicon Carbide Based Ceramics and Fiber Reinforced Composites

A low cost processing technique called reaction forming for the fabrication of near-net and complex shaped components of silicon carbide based ceramics and composites is presented. This process consists of the production of a microporous carbon preform and subsequent infiltration with liquid silicon or silicon-refractory metal alloys. The microporous preforms are made by the pyrolysis of a polymerized resin mixture with very good control of pore volume and pore size thereby yielding materials with tailorable microstructure and composition. Mechanical properties (elastic modulus, flexural strength, and fracture toughness) of reaction-formed silicon carbide ceramics are presented. This processing approach is suitable for various kinds of reinforcements such as whiskers, particulates, fibers (tows, weaves, and filaments), and 3-D architectures. This approach has also been used to fabricate continuous silicon carbide fiber reinforced ceramic composites (CFCC's) with silicon carbide based matrices. Strong and tough composites with tailorable matrix microstructure and composition have been obtained. Microstructure and thermomechanical properties of a silicon carbide (SCS-6) fiber reinforced reaction-formed silicon carbide matrix composites are discussed.

Singh, M.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Containerless liquid-phase processing of ceramic materials

Containerless melting and solidification provides a powerful tool for investigation and synthesis of ceramic and glass materials. The work described in this article explored and extended the limits of ground-based experimentation by using aero-acoustic and aerodynamic levitation in combination with laser beam heating and melting to investigate ceramic and glass processing. Results of liquid-phase processing experiments on calcia-gallia and calcia-gallia-silica glass-forming mixtures, aluminum oxide, and ceramic superconductors are summarized. The work is discussed in the context of low gravity experimental and materials synthesis requirements and opportunities.

Weber, J. K. R.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Evaluation of microcrack thermal shock damage in ceramics: Modeling and experiment

In this paper we present an experimental and theoretical study of the effect of microcrack damage on ceramic properties. For the experimental investigation, ceramic samples of aluminum oxide and reaction bonded silicon nitride (RBSN) are used. Thermal shock treatment from different temperatures up to 1000 C is applied to produce the microcracks. Both surface and bulk ultrasonic wave methods are used to correlate the change of elastic constants to microstructural degradation and to determine the change in elastic anisotropy induced by microcrack damage. For the theoretical investigation, damage mechanics, which relates microstructural damage to material service life and mechanical failure, is used. The change in elastic properties due to microcrack damage calculated from the theoretical model is compared with the experimental results for determination of the applicability of damage theory. It is shown that two independent experimental methods (bulk wave and surface wave) give the same results for shear moduli of damaged ceramics. The experimental results aagree reasonably well with the moduli predicted from the cracked solid model.

Chu, Y. C.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Ceramic Replaces Metal In High Performance Optomechanical Structures

Recently developed ceramic materials and fabrication techniques integrated by Langley Research Center workers to produce superior optomechanical structures for spacecraft and aircraft instrumentation. Basic features of these novel supports, such as dimensional stability, low cost, and ease of fabrication, also make them ideal for many commerical optical systems as well. Ceramic supports for optical components and benches offer important advantages over usual metal parts. Ceramic materials expand and contract only slightly with changes in temperature. Moreover, they are relatively inexpensive and lightweight.

Vasquez, Peter↗
NASA NTRS1996

Computational Simulation of Continuous Fiber-Reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composites Behavior

This report describes a methodology which predicts the behavior of ceramic matrix composites and has been incorporated in the computational tool CEMCAN (CEramic Matrix Composite ANalyzer). The approach combines micromechanics with a unique fiber substructuring concept. In this new concept, the conventional unit cell (the smallest representative volume element of the composite) of the micromechanics approach is modified by substructuring it into several slices and developing the micromechanics-based equations at the slice level. The methodology also takes into account nonlinear ceramic matrix composite (CMC) behavior due to temperature and the fracture initiation and progression. Important features of the approach and its effectiveness are described by using selected examples. Comparisons of predictions and limited experimental data are also provided.

Murthy, Pappu L. N.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Method to Produce Flexible Ceramic Thermal Protection System Resistant to High Aeroacoustic Noise

A method of producing a three dimensional angle interlock ceramic fiber which is stable to high aeroacoustic noise of about 170 decibels and to high temperatures of about 2500 F is disclosed. The method uses multiple separate strands of a ceramic fiber or ceramic tow suitable for weaving having multiple warp fibers and multiple fill fibers woven with a modified fly-shuttle loom or rapier shuttleless loom which has nip rolls, a modified fabric advancement mechanism and at least eight harnesses in connection with a Dobby pattern chain utilizing sufficient heddles for each warp fiber and a reed which accommodates at least 168 ends per inch. The method produces a multilayered top fabric, rib fabric and single-layered bottom fabric.

Sawko, Paul M.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Plasma-Sprayed Refractory Oxide Coatings on Silicon-Base Ceramics

Silicon-base ceramics are promising candidate materials for high temperature structural applications such as heat exchangers, gas turbines and advanced internal combustion engines. Composites based on these materials are leading candidates for combustor materials for HSCT gas turbine engines. These materials possess a combination of excellent physical and mechanical properties at high temperatures, for example, high strength, high toughness, high thermal shock resistance, high thermal conductivity, light weight and excellent oxidation resistance. However, environmental durability can be significantly reduced in certain conditions such as when molten salts, H2 or water vapor are present. The oxidation resistance of silicon-base materials is provided by SiO2 protective layer. Molten salt reacts with SiO2 and forms a mixture of SiO2 and liquid silicate at temperatures above 800C. Oxygen diffuses more easily through the chemically altered layer, resulting in a catastrophic degradation of the substrate. SiC and Si3N4 are not stable in pure H2 and decompose to silicon and gaseous species such as CH4, SiH, SiH4, N2, and NH3. Water vapor is known to slightly increase the oxidation rate of SiC and Si3N4. Refractory oxides such as alumina, yttria-stabilized zirconia, yttria and mullite (3Al2O3.2SiO2) possess excellent environmental durability in harsh conditions mentioned above. Therefore, refractory oxide coatings on silicon-base ceramics can substantially improve the environmental durability of these materials by acting as a chemical reaction barrier. These oxide coatings can also serve as a thermal barrier. The purpose of this research program has been to develop refractory oxide chemical/thermal barrier coatings on silicon-base ceramics to provide extended temperature range and lifetime to these materials in harsh environments.

Tewari, Surendra↗
NASA NTRS1959

Stability of Ceramics in Hydrogen between 4000 and 4500 F

The various reactions that are possible between hydrogen and certain ceramic materials are discussed as well as the means of measuring the extent of such reactions. Powdered carbides, nitrides, borides, and oxides were tested. These materials were heated inductively in a tungsten cup between 4000 and 4500 F for two 1-hour periods under a static hydrogen atmosphere. Weight, pressure, and diffraction pattern changes were observed, and these served to indicate the extent of reaction. Most of the ceramics, HfC, ZrC, TiC, TaC, NbC, WC, MO2C, HfN, ZrN, NbN, ZrB2, NbB2, and WB, showed less reaction than the minimum detectable value. However, the ceramics, TiN, TaN, HfB2, TiB2, ZrO2, and Cr2O3, apparently reacted to a measurable extent with hydrogen. Reactions of SiC, VC, and TaB2 with hydrogen were not determinable because of their incompatibility with the tungsten container.

May, Charles E.↗