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At least 109 records · Page 6

Surface property modification of silicon

The main emphasis of this work has been to determine the wear rate of silicon in fluid environments and the parameters that influence wear. Three tests were carried out on single crystal Czochralski silicon wafers: circular and linear multiple-scratch tests in fluids by a pyramidal diamond simulated fixed-particle abrasion; microhardness and three-point bend tests were used to determine the hardness and fracture toughness of abraded silicon and the extent of damage induced by abrasion. The wear rate of (100) and (111) n and p-type single crystal Cz silicon abraded by a pyramidal diamond in ethanol, methanol, acetone and de-ionized water was determined by measuring the cross-sectional areas of grooves of the circular and linear multiple-scratch tests. The wear rate depends on the loads on the diamond and is highest for ethanol and lowest for de-ionized water. The surface morphology of the grooves showed lateral and median cracks as well as a plastically deformed region. The hardness and fracture toughness are critical parameters that influence the wear rate. Microhardness tests were conducted to determine the hardness as influenced by fluids. Median cracks and the damage zone surrounding the indentations were also related to the fluid properties.

Danyluk, S.↗

Chemical Fracturing of Refractory-Metal Vessels

Localized reactions cause refractory-metal vessels to break up at predetermined temperatures. Device following concept designed to break up along predetermined lines into smaller pieces at temperature significantly below melting point of metal from which made. Possible applications include fire extinguishers that breakup to release extinguishing gas in enclosed areas, pressure vessels that could otherwise burst dangerously in fire, and self-destroying devices. Technique particularly suitable modification to already existing structures.

Campana, R. J.↗

Large-Scale Assessment of Polygon-Edge Boulder Clustering in the Martian Northern Lowlands

Two features evident in many images of the martian northern low-lands are polygonal fractures (especially northwards of 60°N) and meter-scale surface boulders. Since their first observation, several attempts have been made to classify and study these polygons as well as how the forces that form these polygons may modify the surface. Surface boulders have been used as a potential indicator of such modification, though current studies find evidence both for and against their association with the underlying polygons. Both these investigations are limited by the same fundamental challenge: map-ping the location of surface boulders manually is not practical at large scales. Here, we use the Martian Boulder Automatic Recognition System (MBARS) to provide image-wide assessments of boulder location and size, enabling large-scale assessment of boulder populations. To compare these boulder locations with the underlying polygons, we modified the 2-D Fourier analysis described by Orloff in 2013 to analyze boulder locations. When compared with Orloff’s observations of polygon scales, this provides an avenue for large-scale comparison of boulder-cluster scale and polygon scale.

Hood, Don R.↗

Lunar rock splitter/can sealer

A manually powered and operated force generating device fractures lunar material as received from the moon and seals cans containing lunar samples. The rock splitting and can sealing operations are carried out in a vacuum environment. Can sealing is a cold welding process that requires a pressure of 125,000 psi (generating 32,000 lb for the largest can used). The design and modification of the device and the operating experience are described.

Johnson, K. G.↗

Plasma Surface Functionalization of AFP Manufactured Composites for Improved Adhesive Bond Performance

Application of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) as a high-performance structural material has widespread application in the present aerospace industry. However, as-processed composite materials require a comprehensive surface treatment prior to bonding to remove contaminants and impart surface functionality and topography to overcome their poor adhesion properties. Atmospheric pressure plasma jet treatment (APPJT) has been increasingly garnering attention as an alternate method for surface preparation of CFRP. This method has been reported to achieve success in imparting favorable polar functional groups into the composite surfaces enhancing wettability and surface energy of the bonded surfaces. In some cases, APPJT has been demonstrated to remove contaminants or, in the case of silicones, convert them to silica. In this study, an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) system was used for surface activation of a composite laid-up by an automated fiber placement (AFP) machine. Surface modifications prior to and after treatment were characterized using water contact angle (WCA) measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Double cantilever beam (DCB) tests were performed to quantify the bonding performance of the composites. The results show a marked enhancement of the mode I interlaminar fracture toughness with the application of APPJT.

Sarikaya, Ibrahim↗

Tantalum Addition to Zirconium Diboride for Improved Oxidation Resistance

Ultrahigh temperature ceramics have performed unreliably due to material flaws and attachment design. These deficiencies are brought to the fore by the low fracture toughness and thermal shock resistance of UHTCs. If these deficiencies are overcome, we are still faced with poor oxidation resistance as a limitation on UHTC applicability to reusable launch vehicles. We have been addressing the deficiencies of UHTCs with our focus on composite constructions and functional grading to address the mechanical issues, and on composition modification to address the oxidation issue. The approaches and progress toward the latter are reported.

Levine, Stanley R.↗

Results of analyses performed on basalt adjacent to penetrators emplaced into volcanic rock at Amboy, California, April 1976

The physical and chemical modifications found in the basalt after impact of four penetrators were studied. Laboratory analyses show that mineralogical and elemental changes are produced in the powdered and crushed basalt immediately surrounding the penetrator. Optical microscopy studies of material next to the skin of the penetrator revealed a layer, 0-2 mm thick, of glass and abraded iron alloy mixed with fractured mineral grains of basalt. Elemental analysis of the 0-2 mm layer revealed increased concentrations of Fe, Cr, Ni, No, and Mn, and reduced concentrations of Mg, Al, Si, and Ca. The Fe, Cr, Ni, and Mo were in fragments abraded from the penetrator. Mineralogical changes occurring in the basalt sediment next to the penetrator include the introduction of micron-size grains of alpha-iron, magnetite, and hematite. The newly formed silicate minerals include metastable phases of silica (tridymite and cristobalite). An increased concentration of Fe, Cr, Ni, and Mo occurred in the 2-mm to 1-cm layer of penetrator no. 1, which impacted at the highest velocity. No elemental concentration increase was noted for penetrators nos. 2 and 3 in the 2-mm to 1-cm layer. Contaminants introduced by the penetrator occur up to 1 cm away from the penetrator's skin. Although volatile elements do migrate and new minerals are formed during the destruction of host minerals in the crushed rock, no changes were observed beyond the 1-cm distance.

Blanchard, M.↗

Testing methods and techniques: Strength of materials and components. A compilation

The methods, techniques, and devices used in testing the mechanical properties of various materials are presented. Although metals and metal alloys are featured prominently, some of the items describe tests on a variety of other materials, from concrete to plastics. Many of the tests described are modifications of standard testing procedures, intended either to adapt them to different materials and conditions, or to make them more rapid and accurate. In either case, the approaches presented can result in considerable cost savings and improved quality control. The compilation is presented in two sections. The first deals specifically with material strength testing; the second treats the special category of fracture and fatigue testing.

Source record↗

Photogeology of the multi-ringed crater Haldane in Mare Smythii

Haldane is a 40 km multi-ringed crater that occurs along with similar structures in a belt within the Smythii Basin. It is the best developed structurally of all craters in this belt and displays examples of all materials units of Mare Smythii. In addition to the outer rim, the crater displays a sharp-crested, nearly complete inner ring, and a complex central peak of round hills that are 300-600 m higher than the floor. There are two fracture systems associated with Haldane, one annular and the other radial. The annular fractures seem to control the deposition of mare basalts and dark mantle units in and around the crater. Topographic evidence and flow scarps indicate that the crater was the source of mare basalts and associated dark mantle, rather than its being flooded by such deposits. There are numerous indications that most of the features in and around Haldane are attributable to volcano-tectonic modifications of an original crater-form.

Wolfe, R. W.↗

Significant results from Apollo 14 lunar orbital photography.

Apollo 14 obtained 950 photographs from lunar orbit using the Hasselblad and Hycon cameras. The photographs reveal a number of new geologic features as well as previously unrecognized details of the morphology, structure, and stratigraphy of lunar surface units. The primary result is the verification of the extensive role of volcanism in the formation and modification of the lunar highlands, especially on the far side. Terra volcanism appears to be manifest in the formation of (1) constructional units of hilly and furrowed materials of regional extent as in the Kant Plateau in the central near-side highlands and northwest of the crater Pasteur near the eastern limb of the moon; (2) somewhat viscous lava flows and pools associated with fracture systems and/or what appear to be volcanic craters; (3) craters, crater chains, and irregular depressions, particularly on the lunar far side. The first photographs of a flow channel, a leveed sinuous rille that apparently originated by lava flowage on the surface, were obtained by Apollo 14. Another first is a high-resolution photograph of the interior of what appears to be the youngest lunar crater yet photographed in the 20- 40-km size range.

El-Baz, F.↗

Metallurgical Design and Development of NASA Crawler/Transporter Tread Belt Shoe Castings

The NASA Crawler/Transporters (CT-1 and CT-2) used to transport the Space Shuffles are one of the largest tracked vehicles in existence today. Two of these machines have been used to move space flight vehicles at Kennedy Space Center since the Apollo missions of the 1960's and relatively few modifications have been made to keep them operational. In September of 2003 during normal Crawler/Transporter operations cracks were observed along the roller pad surfaces of several tread belt shoes. Further examination showed 20 cracked shoes on CT-1 and 40 cracked shoes on CT-2 and a formal failure analysis investigation was undertaken while the cracked shoes were replaced. Six shoes were cross-sectioned with the fracture surfaces exposed and it was determined that the cracks were due to fatigue that initiated on the internal casting web channels at pre-existing casting defects and propagated through thickness both transgranularly and intergranularly between internal shrinkage cavities, porosity, and along austenitic and ferritic grain boundaries. The original shoes were cast during the 1960's using a modified 861330 steel with slightly higher levels of chromium, nickel and molybdenum followed by heat treatment to achieve a minimum tensile strength of 11 Oksi. Subsequent metallurgical analysis of the tread belt shoes after multiple failures showed excessive internal defects, alloy segregation, a nonuniform ferritic/ bainitic/martensitic microstructure, and low average tensile properties indicative of poor casting and poor heat-treatment. As a result, NASA funded an initiative to replace all of the tread belt shoes on both crawler/transporters along with a redesign of the alloy, manufacturing, and heat-treatment to create a homogeneous cast structure with uniform mechanical and metallurgical properties. ME Global, a wholly owned subsidiary of ME Elecmetal based in Minneapolis, MN was selected as manufacturing and design partner to develop the new shoes and this paper describes the research, development, and manufacturing that resulted in the successful delivery of 1044 new Crawler/Transporter tread belt shoes all meeting rigid metallurgical and mechanical design criteria derived from finite element modeling of the stress loads required for safe space shuttle transport.

Parker, Donald S.↗

The effect of trapping on hydrogen-induced plasticity and fracture in structural alloys

It has previously been noted that, for a given alloy system, microstructural manipulation may result in large variations in hydrogen susceptibility at a given strength level; it may even be possible to obtain inversions of susceptibility in which higher strengths may be associated with greater embrittlement resistance. An examination is presently conducted of the consequences of hydrogen-heterogeneity interactions, or 'trapping', in several alloy systems; these will include both conventional ferrous and nonferrous ones, and novel alloy systems. Deleterious trapping dominates behavior in the presence of large local concentrations of hydrogen; plasticity modifications due to hydrogen exercise a dominant influence on embrittlement susceptibility when relatively weak traps are present, as well as when a more uniform distribution of hydrogen is present.

Bernstein, I. M.↗

Mode-II-Fracture Specimen And Holder

Test specimen and loading frame developed for fatigue and fracture testing of materials under mode-II (sliding-mode) loading. Assembly placed in compression-testing machine. Loads directed oppositely along centerline cause self-similar crack to propagate. Enables consistently accurate alignment of specimens before insertion of specimen/frame assemblies into compression-testing machine. Makes design attractive for testing in hostile environments in which access to machine or furnace limited. Additional feature, with little or no modification, placed horizontally into impact testing machine and subjected to loading at high speeds.

Buzzard, Robert J.↗

UHTC Composites for Leading Edges

Ultrahigh temperature ceramics (UHTC) have performed unreliably due to material flaws and attachment design. These deficiencies are brought tot he fore by the low fracture tougness and thermal shock resistance of UHTC. In addition, poor oxidation resistance is a limitation on UHTC applicability to reusable launch vehicles. We have been addressing these deficiencies for the past two years via a small task at GRC that is in the Airframe part of the Next Generation Launch Technology Program. Our focus is on UHTC composite (UHTCC) constructions and functional grading to address the mechanical issues and on composition modification to address the oxidation issue. Processing, mechanical property, and oxidation resutls will be reported.

Levine, Stanley R.↗

Robust UHTC for Sharp Leading Edge Applications

Ultrahigh temperature ceramics have performed unreliably due to material flaws and attachment design. These deficiencies are brought to the fore by the low fracture toughness and thermal shock resistance of UHTCs. If these deficiencies are overcome, we are still faced with poor oxidation resistance as a limitation on UHTC applicability to reusable launch vehicles. We have been addressing the deficiencies of UHTCs for the past year via a small task at GRC that is part of the 3rd Gen TPS effort. Our focus is on composite constructions and functional grading to address the mechanical issues and on composition modification to address the oxidation issue. The approaches and progress will be reported.

Levine, Stanley R.↗

UHTC for Sharp Leading Edges

Ultrahigh temperature ceramics have performed unreliably due to material flaws and attachment design. These deficiencies are brought to the fore by the low fracture toughness and thermal shock resistance of UHTCs. If these deficiencies are overcome, we are still faced with poor oxidation resistance as a limitation on UHTC applicability to reusable launch vehicles. We have been addressing the deficiencies of UHTCs for the past year via a small task at GRC that is part of the 3rd Gen TPS effort. Our focus is on composite constructions and functional grading to address the mechanical issues and on composition modification to address the oxidation issue. The approaches and progress will be reported.

Levine, Stanley R.↗

Ultra-high Temperature Ceramic Composites for Leading Edges

Ultra-high temperature ceramics (UHTC) have performed unreliably due to material flaws and attachment design. These deficiencies are brought to the fore by the low fracture toughness and thermal shock resistance of UHTC. If these deficiencies are overcome, we are still faced with poor oxidation resistance as a limitation on UHT applicability to reusable launch vehicles. We have been addressing the deficiencies of UHTC for the past two years via a small task at GRC that is in the Airframe part of the Next Generation Launch Technology Program. Our focus is on composite constructions and functional grading to address the mechanical issues and on composition modification to address the oxidation issue. The progress on approaches to improving oxidation resistance by alloying and functional grading will be reported. In particular, initial tests of tantalum additions have shown potential for major improvement. Less promising results of additional tests at higher temperatures will be presented. Two fabrication approaches are being pursued to produce carbon fiber reinforced UHTC composites: prepregging and rigid perform infiltration. Fabrication procedures and microstructures for composites will be reported.

Levine, Stanley R.↗