Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “electron diffraction”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 469 records · Page 26

Investigation of KC-135 flight samples solidified in near-zero gravity

An analysis was conducted of three KC-135 flight samples that had been solidified in near-zero gravity. These samples had been generated during near-zero gravity testing of M553 experiment Skylab flight hardware. The samples evaluated were all Star-J Satellite, a cobalt base alloy. The analytical procedures (optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, electron microprobe, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and microhardness) to be use on the Skylab flight samples were optimized and the analytical results are presented.

Larson, D., Jr.↗

Effect of magnesium oxide content on oxidation behavior of some superalloy-base cermets

The effect of increasing magnesium oxide (MgO) content on the cyclic oxidation resistance of hot-pressed cermets of MgO in NiCrAlY, MgO in Hoskins-875, MgO in Inconel-702, and MgO in Hastelloy-X was investigated. The cermets with magnesium oxide levels of 5, 10, 20, and 40 vol percent were examined. The cyclic oxidation behavior of these cermets at 1100 and 1200 C in still air was determined by a thermogravimetric method supplemented by X-ray diffraction analysis and light and electron microscopy. In all instances, MgO prevented grain growth in the metallic phase. No evidence of oxidation along interphase boundaries was detected. Cermets of MgO in NiCrAlY and MgO in Hoskins-875 were superior to cermets of MgO in Inconel-702 and MgO in Hastelloy-X. Their oxidation resistance was degraded only when the MgO content was 40 vol percent. The oxidation behavior of MgO-in-Inconel-702 powder cermets containing 5- and 10-vol percent MgO was approximately similar to that of pure Inconel-702 compacts. The 20- and 40-vol percent MgO content reduced the oxidation resistance of MgO-in-Inconel-702 powder cermets relative to that of pure Inconel-702.

Zaplatynsky, I.↗

Interaction of hydrogen chloride with alumina

The influence of outgas conditions and temperature on the adsorptive properties of two aluminas Alon-c and Al6sG were studied using adsorption isotherm measurements. Alon-C and Al6SG were characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and BET nitrogen surface areas. Some of these techniques were applied to two other aluminas but no isotherm data was obtained. Isotherm data and techniques applied to each alumina are summarized in tabular form.

Bailey, R. R.↗

Consolidation of silicon nitride without additives

The feasibility of producing a sound, dense Si3N4 body without additives was explored, using conventional gas hot isostatic pressing techniques and an uncommon hydraulic hot isostatic pressing technique. These two techniques produce much higher pressure 275-413 MN/m sq (40,000 - 60,000 psi) than hot-pressing techniques. Evaluation was based on density measurement, microscopic examination, both optical and electron, and X-ray diffraction analysis. The results are summarized as follows: (1) Si3N4 can be densified to high density, greater than 95% of theoretical, without additions. (2) The higher density Si3N4 specimens appear to be associated with a greater amount of alpha to beta transformation. (3) Under high pressure, the alpha to beta transformation can occur at a temperature as low as 1150 C. (4) Grain deformation and subsequent recrystallization and grain refinement result from hot isostatic pressing of Si3N4.

Sikora, P. F.↗

Consolidation of Si3N4 by hot isostatic pressing

Silicon nitride (Si3N4) is being considered for gas turbine engine applications because present-day metallic alloys are rapidly approaching the limits of their temperature capabilities. The present investigation was undertaken to determine the feasibility of producing a sound, dense Si3N4 body without additives, using conventional gas hot-isostatic-pressing techniques and an uncommon hydraulic hot-isostatic-pressing technique. These two hot-isostatic-pressing (HIP) techniques produce much higher pressure (275-413 MN/sq m) than conventional hot-pressing techniques and have the potential of producing large bodies of desirable shapes. Evaluation was based on density measurement, microscopic examination, both optical and electron, and X-ray diffraction analysis.

Yeh, H. C.↗

Oxidation and emittance of superalloys in heat shield applications

Recently developed superalloys that form alumina coatings have a high potential for heat shield applications for advanced aerospace vehicles at temperatures above 1095C. Both INCOLOY alloy MA 956 (of the Inco Alloys International, Inc.), an iron-base oxide-dispersion-strengthened alloy, and CABOT alloy No. 214 (of the Cabot Corporation), an alumina-forming nickel-chromium alloy, have good oxidation resistance and good elevated temperature strength. The oxidation resistance of both alloys has been attributed to the formation of a thin alumina layer (alpha-Al2O3) at the surface. Emittance and oxidation data were obtained for simulated Space Shuttle reentry conditions using a hypersonic arc-heated wind tunnel. The surface oxides and substrate alloys were characterized using X-ray diffraction and scanning and transmission electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive X-ray analysis unit. The mass loss and emittance characteristics of the two alloys are discussed.

Wiedemann, K. E.↗

Ultrasonic determination of recrystallization

Ultrasonic attenuation was measured for cold worked Nickel 200 samples annealed at increasing temperatures. Localized dislocation density variations, crystalline order and colume percent of recrystallized phase were determined over the anneal temperature range using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and metallurgy. The exponent of the frequency dependence of the attenuation was found to be a key variable relating ultrasonic attenuation to the thermal kinetics of the recrystallization process. Identification of this key variable allows for the ultrasonic determination of onset, degree, and completion of recrystallization.

Generazio, E. R.↗

Synthesis and characterization of high-T(sub c) screen-printed Y-Ba-Cu-O films on alumina

Thick films of YBa2Cu3O(sub 7-x) have been deposited on highly polished alumina substrates by the screen printing technique. To optimize the post-printing heat treatment, the films were baked at various temperatures for different lengths of time and oxygen-annealed at a lower temperature. The resulting films were characterized by electrical resistivity measurements, x-ray diffraction, and optical and scanning electron microscopy. Properties of the films were found to be highly sensitive to the post-printing thermal treatment. Films baked for 15 min at 1000 C in oxygen were hard, adherent, near single phase, and superconducting with T(sub c)(onset) approx 96 K, T(sub c)(zero) approx 66 K and Delta T sub c (10 to 90 percent) approx 10 K.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

Ultrasonic attenuation measurements determine onset, degree, and completion of recrystallization

Ultrasonic attenuation was measured for cold worked Nickel 200 samples annealed at increasing temperatures. Localized dislocation density variations, crystalline order and volume percent of recrystallized phase were determined over the anneal temperature range using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and metallurgy. The exponent of the frequency dependence of the attenuation was found to be a key variable relating ultrasonic attenuation to the thermal kinetics of the recrystallization process. Identification of this key variable allows for the ultrasonic determination of onset, degree, and completion of recrystallization.

Generazio, E. R.↗

Development of sputter coatings for the gravity probe B gyroscope housings

Cu/Ti coatings have been applied by sputter deposition to fused quartz housings to serve as the electrodes and lands of electrostatically supported gyroscopes. Niobium-coated fused quartz gyro rotors have been successfully suspended and spun up in those housings. The Cu/Ti bilayer coating and alternative multilayer coatings (Cu/Mo, Mo/Cu/Ti and Mo/Cu/Mo) with 2-micron thickness produced by sputter deposition on flat, fused quartz substrates have been examined with scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and four-point resistivity measurement techniques. The multilayer coatings with a molybdenum bonding layer appear to produce smoother surfaces than those with a titanium bonding layer. All multilayer coatings survived thermal cycling to 77 K without adhesion failure.

Zhou, P.↗

Laser ablated high T(sub c) superconducting thin YBa2Cu3O(7-x) films on substrates suitable for microwave applications

The development of high temperature superconducting YBa2Cu3O(7-x) thin films on substrates suitable for microwave applications is of great interest for evaluating their applications for space radar, communication, and sensor systems. Thin films of YBa2Cu3O(7-x) were formed on SrTiO3, ZrO2, MgO, and LaAlO3 substrates by laser ablation. The wavelength used was 248 nm from a KrF excimer laser. During deposition the films were heated to 600 C in a flowing oxygen environment, and required no post annealing. The low substrate temperature during deposition with no post annealing gave films which were smooth, which had their c-axis aligned to the substrates, and which had grains ranging from 0.2 to 0.5 microns in size. The films being c-axis aligned gave excellent surface resistance at 35 GHz which was lower than that of copper at 77 K. At present, LaAlO3 substrates with a dielectric constant of 22, appears suitable as a substrate for microwave and electronic applications. The films were characterized by resistance-temperature measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and x ray diffraction. The highest critical transition temperatures (T sub c) are above 89 K for films on SrTiO3 and LaAlO3, above 88 K for ZrO2, and above 86 K for MgO. The critical current density (J sub c) of the films on SrTiO3 is above 2 x 10(exp 6) amperes/sq cm at 77 K. The T(sub c) and J(sub c) are reported as a function of laser power, composition of the substrate, and temperature of the substrate during deposition.

Warner, J. D.↗

Synthesis and characterization of high-T(c) screen-printed Y-Ba-Cu-O films on alumina

Thick films of YBa2Cu3O(sub 7-x) have been deposited on highly polished alumina substrates by the screen printing technique. To optimize the post-printing heat treatment, the films were baked at various temperatures for different lengths of time and oxygen-annealed at a lower temperature. The resulting films were characterized by electrical resistivity measurements, X-ray diffraction, and optical and scanning electron microscopy. Properties of the films were found to be highly sensitive to the post-printing thermal treatment. Films baked for 15 min at 1000 C in oxygen were hard, adherent, near single phase, and superconducting with T(sub c) (onset) approx 96 KK, T(sub c) (zero) approx 66 K and Delta T sub c (10 to 90 percent) approx 10 K.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

InAs/Ga(1-x)In(x)Sb superlattices for infrared detector applications

The successful growth of InAs/Ga(1-x)In(x)Sb superlattices and their optical and structural characterization is discussed. Samples were grown by molecular beam epitaxy at fairly low substrate temperatures (less than 400 C). Structural quality was assessed by reflection high energy electron difrraction, transmission electron microscopy, and x ray diffraction. Excellent structures were achieved for growth on thick, strain relaxed GaSb buffer layers on GaAs substrates, despite a residual threading dislocation density of 10(exp 9)cm(exp -2) originating at the GaSb/GaAs interface. Despite a lattice mismatch of 1.7 percent, InAs/Ga(0.75)In(0.25)Sb superlattices are observed to be free of misfit dislocations at the thicknesses examined here, owing to the close lattice match between the superlattice and GaSb, which evenly distributes compressive and tensile stresses between the InAs and Ga(0.75)In(0.25)Sb layers. Photoluminescence and photoconductivity measurements indicate that the energy gaps of the strain-layer superlattices are smaller than those of InAs/GaSb superlattices with the same layer thicknesses, and are in agreement with the theoretical predictions of Smith and Mailhiot. Energy gaps of 80 to 250 meV (15 to 5 microns) have been measured for InAs/Ga(0.75)In(0.25)Sb superlattices with 45 to 25 A/25 A layer thickness. Results demonstrate that far-infrared cutoff wavelengths are compatible with the thin superlattice layers required for strong optical absorption in type-II superlattices.

Miles, Richard H.↗

Development of graphite/copper composites utilizing engineered interfaces

In situ measurements of graphite/copper alloy contact angles were made using the sessile drop method. The interfacial energy values obtained from these measurements were then applied to a model for the fiber matrix interfacial debonding phenomenon found in graphite/copper composites. The formation obtained from the sessile drop tests led to the development of a copper alloy that suitably wets graphite. Characterization of graphite/copper alloy interfaces subjected to elevated temperatures was conducted using Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Auger Electron Spectroscopy, and X Ray Diffraction analyses. These analyses indicated that during sessile drop tests conducted at 1130 C for 1 hour, copper alloys containing greater than 0.98 at pct chromium form continuous reaction layers of approx. 10 microns in thickness. The reaction layers are adherent to the graphite surface. The copper wets the reaction layer to form a contact angle of 60 deg or less. X ray diffraction results indicate that the reaction layer is Cr3C2.

Devincent, Sandra M.↗

Faraday rotation measure variations in the Cygnus region and the spectrum of interstellar plasma turbulence

Linear polarization observations were made of eight double-lobed radio galaxies viewed through the galactic plane in the Cygnus region. These observations have been used to determine intra- and intersource rotation measure differences; in some cases, unambiguous rotation measures have been extracted. The rotation measures are dominated by foreground magnetoionic material. The differences in rotation measure between pairs of sources correlate with angular separation for separations from 10 arcsec to 1.5 deg. These rotation measure fluctuations are consistent with a model in which the electron density varies on roughly 0.1-200 pc scales. The amplitudes of these variations are, in turn, consistent with those electron density variations that cause diffractive interstellar scattering on scales less than 10 to the 11th cm.

Lazio, T. Joseph↗

Reaction layer formation at the graphite/copper-chromium alloy interface

Sessile drop tests were used to obtain information about copper chromium alloys that suitably wet graphite. Characterization of graphite/copper-chromium alloy interfaces subjected to elevated temperatures were conducted using scanning electron micrography, energy dispersive spectroscopy, auger electron spectroscopy, and x ray diffraction analyses. These analyses indicate that during sessile drop tests conducted at 1130 C for one hour, copper alloys containing greater than 0.98 percent chromium form continuous reaction layers of approximately 10 micron thickness. The reaction layers adhere to the graphite surface. The copper wets the reaction layer to form a contact angle of 60 degrees or less. X ray diffraction results indicate that the reaction layer is chromium carbide. The kinetics of reaction layer formation were modelled in terms of bulk diffusion mechanisms. Reaction layer thickness is controlled initially by the diffusion of Cr out of Cu alloy and later by the diffusion of C through chromium carbide.

Devincent, Sandra M.↗

Interaction of atomic oxygen with thin film and bulk copper: An XPS, AES, XRD, and profilometer study

The University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) experiment A-0114 was designed primarily to study degradation of material surfaces due to low earth orbital (LEO) atmospheric oxygen. The experiment contained 128 one inch circular samples: metals, polymers, carbons, and semiconductors. Among metal samples, copper has shown some interesting new results. Two types of copper samples, a film sputter coated on fused silica and a bulk piece of OFHC copper, were characterized employing a variety of techniques such as X-ray and Auger electron spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction, and high resolution profilometry. Cu 2p core level spectra were used to characterize the presence of Cu2O and CuO in addition to Cu Auger LMM lines. These results are supported by our recent X-ray diffraction studies which clearly establish the presence of Cu oxides which we were unable to prove in our earlier work. Profilometry showed an increase in thickness of the film sample where exposed to 106.7 +/- 0.5 nm from an initial thickness of 74.2 +/- 1.1 nm. Further studies with SEM and ellipsometry are underway.

Raikar, Genesh N.↗

Analysis of surfaces from the LDEF A0114, phase 2

During the reporting period, work continued on profilometry measurements of eroded and corroded sample surfaces, optical transmission measurements, analysis of the pinhole camera, and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of some samples. Among metal samples, copper showed some interesting new results. There were two forms of copper samples: a thin film sputter-coated on fused silica and a solid piece of OFHC copper. They were characterized by x-ray and Auger electron spectroscopies, x-ray diffraction, and high resolution profilometry. Cu 2p core level spectra were used to demonstrate the presence of Cu2O and CuO and to determine the oxidation states.

Gregory, John C.↗