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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 523 records · Page 29
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2018

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Three-Layer TIG-Welded 2219 Aluminum Alloys with Dissimilar Heat Treatments

2219-C10S and 2219-CYS aluminum alloys are 2219 aluminum alloys with different heat treatment processes, and they have been widely used in the aerospace industry. In the present study, 2219-C10S and 2219-CYS aluminum alloys were butt-welded by three-layer tungsten inert gas arc welding (with the welding center of the third layer shifted toward the CYS side), and the microstructure characteristics and mechanical properties of the welded joint were investigated. The lamellar θ′ phases, the bulk or rod θ phases, and the coarse rod-shaped or pancake-shaped Al-Cu-Fe-Mn phases coexisted in the two aluminum alloys. The Cu content of the α-Al matrix and the distribution of eutectic structures of different welding layers in the weld zone (WZ) were varied, implying that the segregation degrees of the Cu element were different due to the different welding thermal cycles in different welding layers. The microhardness values of the CYS side were much higher than those of the C10S side in each region on both sides of the joint. The tensile test deformation was concentrated mainly in the regions of WZ and the over aged zone (OAZ), where the microhardness values were relatively low. The main deformation concentrated region was transferred from the CYS side to the C10S side with the increase in the tensile load during the tensile test. The fracture behavior of the tensile test showed that the macroscopic crack initiated near the front weld toe had gone through the crack blunt region, the shear fracture region of the partially melted zone (PMZ), and the shear fracture region of OAZ. Meanwhile, the fracture characteristics gradually evolved from brittle to ductile. The concentrated stress and the dense eutectic structure in the region near the front weld toe of the C10S side contributed to the fracture of the joint. The shift of the welding center of the third layer to the CYS side resulted in two effects: (i) the microhardness values from the middle layer to the top layer in the PMZ of the CYS side were the most significantly increased and (ii) the distance between the front weld toe and the fusion line of the CYS side was significantly larger.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2018

Effects of In Situ Intermetallics on the Microstructural Array and Saline Corrosion Performance of Cast Al/WCp Composites

Al-matrix composites, ex situ reinforced with WC nanoparticles and in situ reinforced with Al{sub 3}(Ti,W), Al{sub 12}W, Al{sub 5}W and Al{sub 4}W, have been fabricated by casting assisted by K{sub 2}TiF{sub 6} wetting agent addition and mechanical stirring. A satisfactory particle incorporation and distribution accompanied by a high reactivity have been attained. The presence, topography, chemical composition of all included phases and their occurrence as clusters or single particles are clarified and justified. Al{sub 12}W is the predominant aluminide phase at WC ≤ 1.5 vol.%. Al{sub 4}W (primarily) and Al{sub 5}W (secondarily) are the predominant aluminide phases at WC ≥ 2.0 vol.%. WC nanoparticles have acted as heterogeneous nucleation sites to Al{sub 3}Ti particles. Reverse polarization tests in 3.5 wt.% NaCl show that the governing form of corrosion is intergranular corrosion of Al around Al{sub 3}FeSi{sub 2} eutectic, fine plates. The corrosion steps/mechanisms are identified. Clusters of aluminides and carbide nanoparticles, as well as intergranular WC nano-dispersoids and their Al-matrix have remained corrosion-free. The role of the aluminides combined with WC remaining nano-cores as inhibitors of the eutectic Al{sub 3}FeSi{sub 2} cathodic activity is highlighted.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding Dissimilar Al/Mg Alloys

Dissimilar Al/Mg alloys were joined by refill friction stir spot welding (RFSSW) in this work. The effect of sleeve plunge depth on microstructure and mechanical properties of the joints was studied. The results showed that sound joint can be obtained at sleeve plunge depth of 2.4 mm. Intermetallic compounds (IMCs) layer, formed by the liquid eutectic phase, were observed at both the sleeve-affected zone and joint center. The IMC at the pin-affected zone was thicker than that at the sleeve-affected zone because of its flow characteristic. Less liquid eutectic phase formed during RFSSW when joint using Mg as the upper sheet because the oxide layer on the Al sheet was hard to break, resulting to thinner IMC layer. The maximum load of 3.6 kN was obtained at 2.6 mm when the Al alloys served as the upper sheet, and the maximum failure of 3.6 kN was also obtained at 2.4 mm when the Mg alloys served as the upper sheet. The RFSSW joint presented shear fracture mode. The XRD patterns showed that the IMC of Al{sub 3}Mg{sub 2} and Al{sub 12}Mg{sub 17} formed inside the joint.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Combining solution-, precipitation- and load-transfer strengthening in a cast Al-Ce-Mn- Sc -Zr alloy

Here, a cast Al-9Ce-0.75Mn-0.18Sc-0.12Zr (wt%) alloy is designed to combine three strengthening phases: (i) micron-scale Al 11 Ce 3 platelets formed during eutectic solidification, (ii) nano-scale L1 2 -Al 3 (Sc,Zr) precipitates formed during aging, and (iii) Mn in solid solution in the α-Al matrix. Microstructural analyses by SEM, TEM, and atom-probe tomography reveal that Mn remains in solid solution in the as-cast alloy, providing solution strengthening with no influence on the eutectic Al-Al 11 Ce 3 microstructure, which provides precipitation- and load-transfer strengthening. During long-term over-aging at 400 °C, Mn-rich precipitates grow at the Al-Al 11 Ce 3 interface, with no effect on the microhardness. However, after short aging at 350 °C, a high number density of fine L1 2 -Al 3 (Sc,Zr) nanoprecipitates form in the Al matrix (with a coarser size at the Al-Al 11 Ce 3 interface), providing precipitation strengthening. The synergistic combination of the three strengthening mechanisms (solution, precipitation, and load transfer) in our Al-Ce-Mn-Sc-Zr alloy results in higher microhardness after aging at 350 and 400 °C, and higher creep resistance at 300 °C, as compared to alloys with two strengthening mechanisms: an Al-10Ce-0.93Mn control alloy (without precipitation strengthening from Sc and Zr), Al-Ce-Sc-Zr (without solution strengthening from Mn), and Al-Mn-Zr-Er (without load-transfer strengthening from Ce). Furthermore, these dual-strengthened alloys are more creep resistant than alloys with a single strengthening mechanism (Al-Ce, Al-Mn, and Al-Sc-Zr), confirming that the three mechanisms can be combined in pairs or all together.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Solute- and solvent-based electromotive force cells for activity measurements of electroactive species in molten salts

A novel combination of solute- and solvent-based electrodes was used to determine the activities of NdCl 3 and GdCl 3 in molten LiCI-KCI eutectic using electromotive force measurements across a broad concentration range of dissolved electroactive species. First, an electrochemical cell using solute-based electrodes was used to define the relative activity of each species as a function of concentration and the concentration region in which Henry's law was applicable. Next, the electromotive force between a solute-based electrode with a known NdCl 3 or GdCl 3 concentration and a solvent-based electrode with a known electromotive force was measured. The solvent-based electrode potential was converted to the Lithium Eutectic Electrode (LEE) potential, which allowed the activity of dissolved NdCl 3 and GdCl 3 to be calculated at the concentrations measured using the solute-based electrodes. The described two-cell method uses electromotive force measurements to accurately determine the activity of electroactive species over a wide concentration range and provides a simple approach to closing the knowledge gap of thermochemical properties of molten salts.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Oxygen trapped by rare earth tetrahedral clusters in Nd{sub 4}FeOS{sub 6}: Crystal structure, electronic structure, and magnetic properties

Single crystals of Nd{sub 4}FeOS{sub 6} were grown from an Fe–S eutectic solution. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a Nd{sub 4}MnOSe{sub 6}-type structure (P6{sub 3}mc, a=9.2693(1) Å, c=6.6650(1)Å, V=495.94(1) Å{sup 3}, Z=2), featuring parallel chains of face-sharing [FeS{sub 6×1/2}]{sup 4−} trigonal antiprisms and interlinked [Nd{sub 4}OS{sub 3}]{sup 4+} cubane-like clusters. Oxygen atoms were found to be trapped by Nd{sub 4} clusters in the [Nd{sub 4}OS{sub 3}]{sup 4{sub +}} chains. Structural differences among Nd{sub 4}MnOSe{sub 6}-type Nd{sub 4}FeOS{sub 6} and the related La{sub 3}CuSiS{sub 7}− and Pr{sub 8}CoGa{sub 3}-type structures have been described. Magnetic susceptibility measurements on Nd{sub 4}FeOS{sub 6} suggested the dominance of antiferromagnetic interactions at low temperature, but no magnetic ordering down to 2 K was observed. Spin-polarized electronic structure calculations revealed magnetic frustration with dominant antiferromagnetic interactions. - Graphical abstract: Trapping of oxygen in Nd{sub 4} tetrahedral clusters results in the formation of the Nd{sub 4}MnOSe{sub 6}-type Nd{sub 4}FeOS{sub 6}, in contrast to the La{sub 3}CuSiS{sub 7}-type oxygen-free Nd{sub 4}FeS{sub 7} and related Pr{sub 8}CoGa{sub 3}-type structures. Complex magnetic frustration inhibits magnetic ordering at low temperature. - Highlights: • Single crystals of Nd{sub 4}FeOS{sub 6} were grown using self-flux method. • Oxygen was found trapped by Nd{sub 4} tetrahedral clusters. • Comparison with two closely related structural types were discussed. • Magnetic measurements revealed antiferromagnetic (AFM) interaction. • VASP calculations confirmed strong magnetic frustration in AFM model.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Nd{sub 8}Co{sub 4−x}Al{sub x}Ge{sub 2}C{sub 3}: A case study in flux growth of lanthanide-rich intermetallics

The intermetallic Nd{sub 8}Co{sub 4−x}Al{sub x}Ge{sub 2}C{sub 3} (x≈0.65) was prepared from reaction of germanium and carbon in Nd/Co eutectic flux in an alumina crucible. This phase exhibits a new structure type in orthorhombic space group Pbcm, with unit cell parameters a=8.001(1) Å, b=11.696(2) Å, c=15.020(3) Å (Z=4; R{sub 1}=0.0234). The structure features germanium-centered neodymium clusters Ge@Nd{sub 9} which share faces to form layers separated by zigzag chains of cobalt atoms capped by carbon. Density of states calculations confirm that this compound is metallic, and indicate that the cobalt should not have a magnetic moment. This is supported by magnetic susceptibility measurements which show a low temperature ferromagnetic ordering at T{sub C}=50 K due to the Nd{sup 3+} ions. Magnetization field dependence studies on single crystals indicate this compound is a strong ferromagnet with large anisotropy; the Nd{sup 3+} magnetic moments align along the a-axis. - Graphical abstract: Nd{sub 8}Co{sub 4−x}Al{sub x}Ge{sub 2}C{sub 3} (x≈0.65) contains germanium-centered neodymium clusters Ge@Nd{sub 9} which share faces to form layers separated by zigzag chains of cobalt atoms capped by carbon. - Highlights: • Nd{sub 8}Ge{sub 2}Co{sub 3.35}Al{sub 0.65}C{sub 3} grows as large crystals from reactions in Nd/Co eutectic flux. • Structure features Ge@Nd{sub 9} clusters and zigzag cobalt chains capped by carbon. • Cobalt has no magnetic moment; Nd{sup 3+} ion moments order ferromagnetically. • Hard ferromagnet with strong anisotropy below T{sub C} of 50 K. • Flux growth and structural trends of lanthanide-rich intermetallics are reviewed.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2016

Single crystal growth and characterization of Na{sub x}Ln{sub 1−x}MoO{sub 4}, Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, and Eu (x=0.397–0.499)

Single crystals of La{sub 0.516(3)}Na{sub 0.484(3)}MoO{sub 4}, Ce{sub 0.512(2)}Na{sub 0.488(2)}MoO{sub 4}, Pr{sub 0.502(2)}Na{sub 0.498(2)}MoO{sub 4,} Nd{sub 0.501(2)}Na{sub 0.499(2)}MoO{sub 4}, Sm{sub 0.509(2)}Na{sub 0.491(2)}MoO{sub 4}, and Eu{sub 0.603(2)}Na{sub 0.397(2)}MoO{sub 4} were grown for the first time out of an alkali metal halide eutectic flux. All compounds crystallize in the tetragonal space group I4{sub 1}/a. UV/Vis measurements show the presence of an absorption edge for all compounds except Eu{sub 0.603(2)}Na{sub 0.397(2)}MoO{sub 4}. The temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility was measured for all compounds and found to be paramagnetic across the entire 2–300 K temperature range measured. - Graphical abstract: Single crystals of La{sub 0.516(3)}Na{sub 0.484(3)}MoO{sub 4}, Ce{sub 0.512(2)}Na{sub 0.488(2)}MoO{sub 4}, Pr{sub 0.502(2)}Na{sub 0.498(2)}MoO{sub 4,} Nd{sub 0.501(2)}Na{sub 0.499(2)}MoO{sub 4}, Sm{sub 0.509(2)}Na{sub 0.491(2)}MoO{sub 4}, and Eu{sub 0.603(2)}Na{sub 0.397(2)}MoO{sub 4} were grown for the first time out of an alkali metal halide eutectic flux. All compounds crystallize in the tetragonal space group I4{sub 1}/a. Eu{sub 0.603(2)}Na{sub 0.397(2)}MoO{sub 4} was found to possess the highest Mo{sup 5+} content at 20.6%. UV/Vis, magnetic susceptibility, and a bond valence sum analysis were performed on all samples. Display Omitted - Highlights: • Six lanthanide sodium molybdates have been synthesized and characterized. • An in situ reduction was carried out using Mo as a metal reducing agent. • UV/Vis and magnetic susceptibility data were collected. • Eu{sub 0.603(2)}Na{sub 0.397(2)}MoO{sub 4} was found to possess the highest Mo{sup 5+} content at 20.6%.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2015

Precipitates in a quasicrystal-strengthened Al–Mn–Be–Cu alloy

In this work, an Al–Mn–Be–Cu alloy was studied containing a primary and eutectic icosahedral quasicrystalline phase in the as-cast microstructure. Special attention was given to a transmission electron microscopy investigation of precipitates formed within the aluminium solid solution (Al{sub ss}) at different temperatures. At 200 °C, only binary Al–Cu precipitates (θ′) were formed. At 300 °C, icosahedral quasicrystalline (IQC) precipitates prevailed with a crystallographic orientation relationship with the Al{sub ss.} The rods of the T-phase (Al{sub 20}Mn{sub 3}Cu{sub 2}) which were precipitated above 400 °C, also had a specific orientation relationship with the Al{sub ss}. The primary and eutectic IQC microstructural constituent started to transform rapidly to the T-phase and Be{sub 4}Al(Mn,Cu) at 500 °C. - Highlights: • In a quasicrystal-strengthened Al-alloy several types of precipitates can form. • At 200 °C, only binary Al–Cu precipitates formed (Al{sub 2}Cu-θ′). • The icosahedral quasicrystalline (IQC) precipitates prevailed at 300 °C. • T-phase (Al{sub 20}Mn{sub 3}Cu{sub 2}) precipitated at temperatures above 400 °C. • The precipitation of different phases did not have a strong effect on hardness.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2015

Study of formation mechanism of incipient melting in thixo-cast Al–Si–Cu–Mg alloys

Mechanical properties of thixo-cast Al–Si–Cu–Mg alloys can be enhanced by T61 heat treatment. Copper and magnesium atoms in aluminum matrix can form homogeneously distributed precipitations after solution and aging treatment which harden the alloys. However, microsegregation of these alloying elements could form numerous tiny multi-compound phases during solidification. These phases could cause incipient melting defects in subsequent heat treatment process and degrade the macro-mechanical properties of productions. This study is to present heterogeneous distribution of Cu, Si, and Mg elements and formation of incipient melting defects (pores). In this study, incipient melting pores that occurred during solution treatment at various temperatures, even lower than common melting points of various intermetallic phases, were identified, in terms of a method of investigating the same surface area in the samples before and after solution treatment in a vacuum environment. The results also show that the incipient melting mostly originates at the clusters with fine intermetallic particles while also some at the edge of block-like Al{sub 2}Cu. The fine particles were determined being Al{sub 2}Cu, Al{sub 5}Cu{sub 2}Mg{sub 8}Si{sub 6} and Al{sub 8}Mg{sub 3}FeSi{sub 2}. Tendency of the incipient melting decreases with decreases of the width of the clusters. The formation mechanism of incipient melting pores in solution treatment process was discussed using both the Fick law and the LSW theory. Finally, a criterion of solution treatment to avoid incipient melting pores for the thixo-cast alloys is proposed. - Highlights: • In-situ comparison technique was used to analysis the change of eutectic phases. • The ralationship between eutectic phase size and incipient melting was studied. • Teat treatment criterion for higher incipient melting resistance was proposed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

3D study of intermetallics and their effect on the corrosion morphology of rheocast aluminium alloy

In the present study, the effect of heat treatment T6.1 on the microstructure and corrosion behaviour of rheocast aluminium alloy A356 is investigated on the basis of 2D/3D characterization techniques and electrochemical and SKPFM measurements. Heat treatment strengthens the α-Al matrix, modifies the intermetallic particles and spheroidizes eutectic Si. These changes do not modify significantly the corrosion behaviour of the alloy. 3D SEM-Tomography clearly shows that the corrosion advances in the shape of narrow paths between closely spaced intermetallics without a major influence of eutectic Si. - Highlights: • T6.1 spheroidizes Si, strengthens the matrix and modifies the intermetallics. • Electrochemical behaviour of untreated and heat-treated alloys is similar. • 3D SEM-Tomography provides additional information on the corrosion morphology. • Corrosion advances as paths between intermetallics with little influence of Si.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Cooling thermal parameters and microstructure features of directionally solidified ternary Sn–Bi–(Cu,Ag) solder alloys

Low temperature soldering technology encompasses Sn–Bi based alloys as reference materials for joints since such alloys may be molten at temperatures less than 180 °C. Despite the relatively high strength of these alloys, segregation problems and low ductility are recognized as potential disadvantages. Thus, for low-temperature applications, Bi–Sn eutectic or near-eutectic compositions with or without additions of alloying elements are considered interesting possibilities. In this context, additions of third elements such as Cu and Ag may be an alternative in order to reach sounder solder joints. The length scale of the phases and their proportions are known to be the most important factors affecting the final wear, mechanical and corrosions properties of ternary Sn–Bi–(Cu,Ag) alloys. In spite of this promising outlook, studies emphasizing interrelations of microstructure features and solidification thermal parameters regarding these multicomponent alloys are rare in the literature. In the present investigation Sn–Bi–(Cu,Ag) alloys were directionally solidified (DS) under transient heat flow conditions. A complete characterization is performed including experimental cooling thermal parameters, segregation (XRF), optical and scanning electron microscopies, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and length scale of the microstructural phases. Experimental growth laws relating dendritic spacings to solidification thermal parameters have been proposed with emphasis on the effects of Ag and Cu. The theoretical predictions of the Rappaz-Boettinger model are shown to be slightly above the experimental scatter of secondary dendritic arm spacings for both ternary Sn–Bi–Cu and Sn–Bi–Ag alloys examined. - Highlights: • Dendritic growth prevailed for the ternary Sn–Bi–Cu and Sn–Bi–Ag solder alloys. • Bi precipitates within Sn-rich dendrites were shown to be unevenly distributed. • Morphology and preferential region for the Ag{sub 3}Sn growth depend on Ag content and Ṫ{sub L}. • Rappaz-Boettinger model reasonably estimated the experimental scatter of λ{sub 2}.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Influence of phase composition on microstructure and properties of Mg-5Al-0.4Mn-xRE (x = 0, 3 and 5 wt.%) alloys

The microstructure and mechanical properties investigations of two AME503 and AME505 experimental alloys in as-cast conditions were presented. The investigated materials were fabricated on the basis of the AM50 commercial magnesium alloy with 3 and 5 wt.% cerium rich mischmetal. In the as-cast condition, both experimental alloys were mainly composed of α-Mg, Al{sub 11}RE{sub 3} and Al{sub 10}RE{sub 2}Mn{sub 7} intermetallic phases. Additionally, due to non-equilibrium solidification conditions, a small amount of α + γ divorced eutectic and Al{sub 2}RE intermetallic phase were revealed. The obtained results also show a significant influence of rare earth elements on Brinell hardness, tensile and compression properties at ambient temperature and especially on creep properties at 473 K. Improved alloy properties with a rise in rare earth elements mass fraction results from an increase in Al{sub 11}RE{sub 3} phase volume fraction and suppression of α + γ eutectic volume fraction in the alloy microstructure. Additionally, the influence of rare earth elements on the dendrite arm space value was discussed. The presented results also proved the thermal stability of the intermetallic phases during creep testing. - Highlights: • Two different Mg-5Al-0.4Mn alloys containing 3 and 5 wt.% of rare earth elements were fabricated. • Addition of rare earth elements leads to a reduction of dendrite arm spaces. • Mechanical properties depend on the phase composition of the alloys. • The increase of the rare earth elements content causes rise of the creep resistance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Improved the microstructures and properties of M3:2 high-speed steel by spray forming and niobium alloying

The microstructures and properties of spray formed (SF) high-speed steels (HSSs) with or without niobium (Nb) addition were studied. Particular emphasis was placed on the effect of Nb on the solidification microstructures, decomposition of M{sub 2}C carbides, thermal stability and mechanical properties. The results show that spray forming can refine the cell size of eutectic carbides due to the rapid cooling effect during atomization. With Nb addition, further refinement of the eutectic carbides and primary austenite grains are obtained. Moreover, the Nb addition can accelerate the decomposition of M{sub 2}C carbides and increase the thermal stability of high-speed steel, and also can improve the hardness and bending strength with slightly decrease the impact toughness. The high-speed steel made by spray forming and Nb alloying can give a better tool performance compared with powder metallurgy M3:2 and commercial AISI M2 high-speed steels. - Highlights: • Spray forming can effectively refine the microstructure of M3:2 steel. • Niobium accelerates the decomposition of M{sub 2}C carbides. • Niobium increases the hardness and bending strength of spray formed M3:2 steel. • Spray-formed niobium-containing M3:2 steel has the best tool performance.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Influence of severe plastic deformation on intermetallic particles in Mg-12 wt.%Zn alloy investigated using transmission electron microscopy

The in-depth microstructural characterization of intermetallic particles in an Mg-12 wt.%Zn binary alloy subjected to a severe plastic deformation is presented. The alloy was processed by four passes via equal channel angular pressing with an applied back pressure at a gradually decreasing temperature and analyzed using transmission electron microscopy techniques to observe the influence of processing on intermetallic particles. The results are compared with the initial state of the material prior to severe plastic deformation. The microstructural evolution of the α-Mg matrix and the Mg{sub 21}Zn{sub 25}, Mg{sub 51}Zn{sub 20} and MgZn{sub 2} was analyzed using bright field imaging, selected area electron diffraction, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy and high-angle annular dark field imaging in scanning mode. The plastic deformation process influenced the α-Mg matrix and each type of intermetallic particle. The α-Mg matrix consisted of two types of areas. The first type of area had a highly deformed structure, and the second type of area had a partially recrystallized structure with an average grain size of approximately 250 nm. The Mg{sub 21}Zn{sub 25} microparticles exhibited distinct forms in the α-Mg matrix that were characterized as a single-crystalline form, a nano-crystalline form and a broken up form. No evidence of Mg{sub 51}Zn{sub 20} nanoparticles within the α-Mg matrix was found in the microstructure, which indicates their dissolution or phase transformation during the deformation process. MgZn{sub 2} nanoparticles exhibited different behavior in both types of α-Mg matrix. Two orientation relationships toward the highly deformed α-Mg matrix were observed; however, there was no relationship toward the partially recrystallized α-Mg matrix. Additionally, the growth of the MgZn{sub 2} nanoparticles was different in the two types of α-Mg matrix. The Mg{sub 51}Zn{sub 20} nanoparticles inside Mg{sub 21}Zn{sub 25} microparticles exhibited a distinct behavior within the single-crystalline or nano-crystalline form of the parent Mg{sub 21}Zn{sub 25} microparticles. The Mg{sub 21}Zn{sub 25} + Mg{sub 51}Zn{sub 20} eutectic compound was confirmed for both forms of the parent Mg{sub 21}Zn{sub 25} microparticles, and the growth of Mg{sub 51}Zn{sub 20} nanoparticles is discussed. - Highlights: •Comprehensive microstructure characterization of Mg-12 wt.%Zn alloy after ECAP-BP •TEM analysis of changes of intermetallic phases caused by SPD •Mg{sub 21}Zn{sub 25} particles exhibit nano-crystalline regions with grain size below 100 nm. •MgZn{sub 2} preserved its orientation relationship toward highly deformed α-Mg after SPD. •Existence of Mg{sub 21}Zn{sub 25} + Mg{sub 51}Zn{sub 20} eutectic remained for each Mg{sub 21}Zn{sub 25} particle form.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

Effects of Si on microstructure and phase transformation at elevated temperatures in ferritic white cast irons

The effects of Si on microstructure and phase transformation at elevated temperature of ferritic 31wt.%Cr-1.1wt.%C white cast irons with up to 3wt.%Si have been studied. Applications of these irons include parts requiring heat resistance at elevated temperature. The irons were produced by sand casting. The microstructure in as-cast condition and after being subjected to high temperature (700 to 1000 °C) was investigated by light microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and electron microscopy. The results revealed that the as-cast microstructure consisted mainly of primary ferrite dendrites and eutectic (ferrite + M{sub 7}C{sub 3}). Si promotes M{sub 7}C{sub 3}-to-M{sub 23}C{sub 6} transformation in the irons subjected to transformation at elevated temperature, but no sigma phase was found. The extent of M{sub 7}C{sub 3}-to-M{sub 23}C{sub 6} transformation increases proportional to the increasing transformation temperature, holding time and Si content in the irons. For the iron with 1.0wt.%Si content after holding at elevated temperatures, martensite was also found, which could be attributed to carbon accretion effects in eutectic ferrite. Si was incorporated in M{sub 23}C{sub 6} such that M{sub 23}C{sub 6} containing Si can show darker contrast under SEM-BEI as compared to M{sub 7}C{sub 3}; this is the opposite to what has been observed for the cases of typical M{sub 23}C{sub 6} and M{sub 23}C{sub 6} containing Mo or W. The results obtained are important to understand the change in properties of ferritic, high chromium irons containing Si subjected to elevated temperature.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2017

Experimental studies on metallic fuel relocation in a single-pin core structure of a sodium-cooled fast reactor

Experiments dropping molten uranium into test sections of single fuel pin geometry filled with sodium were conducted to investigate relocation behavior of metallic fuel in the core structures of sodium-cooled fast reactors during a hypothetical core disruptive accident. Metallic uranium was used as a fuel material and HT-9M was used as a fuel cladding material in the experiment in order to accurately mock-up the thermo-physical behavior of the relocation. The fuel cladding failed due to eutectic formation between the uranium and HT-9M for all experiments. The extent of the eutectic formation increased with increasing molten uranium temperature. Voids in the relocated fuel were observed for all experiments and were likely formed by sodium boiling in contact with the fuel. In one experiment, numerous fragments of the relocated fuel were found. In conclusion, it could be concluded that the injected metallic uranium fuel was fragmented and dispersed in the narrow coolant channel by sodium boiling

21 SPECIFIC NUCLEAR REACTORS AND ASSOCIATED PLANTS↗