SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Microstructural evolution”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

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

At least 1,333 records · Page 74

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2017

Adhesion measurement of highly-ordered TiO 2 nanotubes on Ti-6Al-4V alloy

Self-assembled nanotubular arrays on Ti alloys could be used for more effective implantable devices in various medical approaches. In the present work, the adhesion of TiO 2 nanotubes (TiO 2 NTs) on Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) was investigated by laser spallation and scratch test techniques. At first, electrochemical anodization was performed in an ammonium fluoride solution dissolved in a 90:10 ethane-1,2-diol (ethylene glycol) and water solvent mixture. This process was performed at room temperature (23 °C) at a steady potential of 60 V for 1 h. Next, the TiO 2 nanotubes layer was heat-treated to improve the adhesion of the coating. The formation of self-organized TiO 2 nanotubes as well as the microstructural evolution, are strongly dependent on the processing parameters and subsequent annealing. From microscopic analysis, highly oriented arrays of TiO 2 nanotubes were grown by thermal treatment for 90 min at 500 °C. Further heat treatment above 500 °C led to the detachment of the nanotubes and the complete destruction of the nanotubes occurred at temperature above 700 °C. Scratch test analysis over a constant scratch length (1000 μm) indicated that the failure point was shifted from 247.4 to 557.9 μm while the adhesion strength was increased from ~862 to ~1814 mN after annealing at 500 °C. Finally, the adhesion measurement determined by laser spallation technique provided an intrinsic adhesion strength of 51.4 MPa for the TiO 2 nanotubes on the Ti64 substrate.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

A Percolating Path to Green Iron

About 1.9 gigatonnes of steel is produced every year emitting 7% (2.7 gigatonnes) of global CO 2 in the process. More than 50% of the CO 2 emissions come from a single step of steelmaking, known as ironmaking. Hydrogen based direct reduction (HyDR) of iron oxide to iron has emerged as an emissions free ironmaking alternative. However multi-scale phenomena ranging from nanometers to meters inside HyDR reactors exhibit detrimental microstructure evolution which resists gaseous transport of H 2 /H 2 O, slows reaction rates and disrupts continuous reactor operation. To resolve the conundrum between atomic and reactor scales, we devise a percolation-theory model to reconcile nanoscale porosity with macroscopic properties relevant to reactor design models. Using synchrotron nano X-ray computed-tomography, we quantify the evolution of pores in iron oxide pellets, and demonstrate how nano-scale pore networks influence micro and macro-scale flow properties such as permeability, diffusivity and tortuosity. Our new modeling framework bridges the gap between scales and offers the criteria to accelerate HyDR by at least 5x via feedstock-reactor synergies based on percolation.

Paul, Subhechchha↗

DOE OSTI2021

Determination of Thermal Expansion, Defect Formation Energy, and Defect-Induced Strain of α-U Via ab Initio Molecular Dynamics

Uranium (U) is often alloyed with molybdenum (Mo) or zirconium (Zr) in order to stabilize its high-temperature body-centered cubic phase for use in nuclear reactors. However, in all metallic fuel forms, the α phase of U remains in some fraction. This phase decomposition due to temperature or compositional variance can play an outsized role on fuel performance and microstructural evolution. Relatively little is known about fundamental point defect properties in α -U at non-zero temperatures, from either computational or experimental studies. This work performs the first thorough evaluation of the α phase of U via ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD). A number of thermophysical properties are calculated as a function of temperature, including equilibrium lattice parameters, thermal expansion, and heat capacity. These results indicate a two-region behavior, with the transition at 400 K. The thermal expansion/contraction in the a / b direction occurs rapidly from 100 up to 400 K, after which a more linear and gradual change in the lattice constant takes place. The volumetric expansion matches experiments quantitatively, but the individual lattice constant expansion only matches experiments qualitatively. Point defect formation energies and induced lattice strains are also determined as a function of temperature, providing insight on defect populations and the fundamentals of irradiation growth in α -U. Interstitials induce significantly more strain than vacancies, and the nature of that strain is highly dependent on the individual lattice directions. The direction of point defect-induced lattice strain is contrary to the irradiation growth behavior of α -U. This work shows that isolated point defects cannot be the primary driving force responsible for the significant irradiation-induced growth of α -U observed experimentally.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

DOE OSTI2022

Transient Phase-Driven Cyclic Deformation in Additively Manufactured 15-5 PH Steel

The present work extends the examination of selective laser melting (SLM)-fabricated 15-5 PH steel with the 8%-transient-austenite-phase towards fully-reversed strain-controlled low-cycle fatigue (LCF) test. The cyclic-deformation response and microstructural evolution were investigated via in-situ neutron-diffraction measurements. The transient-austenite-phase rapidly transformed into the martensite phase in the initial cyclic-hardening stage, followed by an almost complete martensitic transformation in the cyclic-softening and steady stage. The compressive stress was much greater than the tensile stress at the same strain amplitude. The enhanced martensitic transformation associated with lower dislocation densities under compression predominantly governed such a striking tension-compression asymmetry in the SLM-built 15-5 PH.

15-5 PH stainless steel↗

DOE OSTI2024

A Brief Review of the Impact of Neutron Irradiation Damage in Tungsten and Its Alloys

Neutron irradiation poses a substantial challenge in the development and application of tungsten (W) and its alloys, predominantly in the framework of nuclear fusion and fission environments. Although W is well-acknowledged for its unique properties like its high melting temperature and higher resistance to sputtering, transmutation products, such as Re and Os, form and impact the alloy properties as a result of neutron irradiation. This transmutation effect accompanied by significant microstructure damage due to neutron irradiation can lead to the significant degradation of mechanical properties. This review surveys the literature focusing on the microstructural modifications post-irradiation and its impacts on the irradiation hardening. This review provides insights into the elaborative understanding on the neutron radiation damage on W and W alloys by exploring the microstructural evolution and hardness changes post-irradiation. The gaps and future opportunities for understanding neutron radiation damage in W are briefly summarized.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2019

High Resolution Mapping of Orientation and Strain Gradients in Metals by Synchrotron 3D X-ray Laue Microdiffraction

Synchrotron 3D X-ray Laue microdiffraction, available at beamline 34-ID-E at Advanced Photon Source in Argonne National Laboratory, is a powerful tool for 3D non-destructive mapping of local orientations and strains at sub-micron scale in the bulk. With this technique, it is possible to study local residual stresses developed during manufacturing or while in service due to interactions between, for example, different phases and/or grains with different orientations in materials containing multiple or single phase(s). Such information is essential for understanding mechanical properties and designing advanced materials, but is largely non-existent in the current generation of materials models. In the present paper, the principle and experimental set-up of the 3D microdiffraction are introduced, followed by a description of a method for quantification of the local plastic deformation based on high-angular-resolution orientation maps. The quantification of local residual stresses in two model materials, ductile cast iron (two phases) and partially recrystallized pure nickel (single phase), using 3D microdiffraction will then be presented. The results show that 3D microdiffraction is important for understanding the origin of local residual stresses and to relate them to the microstructural evolution. Finally, the limitations of the 3D microdiffraction on the current generation synchrotron source and new possibilities after the synchrotron upgrade are discussed.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2018

Transmission electron microscopy of ion irradiated ODS MA956 samples

Oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys are promising candidate materials for the next generation advanced nuclear reactors due to their superior irradiation resistance and mechanical properties. To better understand the effect of irradiation on MA956, it is essential to study higher dose (50-100 dpa) samples, so that the general trend of microstructural evolution and the resulting radiation-hardening can be deduced. Currently, ion irradiations are considered the only way to achieve doses beyond ~50 dpa in a practical time frame relevant to alloy and welding development programs. This dataset contains TEM characterization results of ODS MA956 samples that were ion irradiated under different conditions: Sample #5 (1.25 dpa at 190℃); Sample #9 (50 dpa at 190℃); Sample #15 (1.25dpa under 320℃); and Sample 17 (25 dpa at 320℃). TEM characterization focused on the irradiation induced defects (dislocation lines and loops) using the on-zone axis bright field STEM technique. These data were collected using a FEI Tecnai G2 F30 S/TEM at Microscopy and Characterization Suite (MaCS) at Center for Advanced Energy Studies (CAES), Idaho Falls, ID. This project (ion irradiation and TEM studies) was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Office of Nuclear Energy under DOE Idaho Operations Office Contract DE-AC07-05ID14517 as part of Nuclear Science User Facilities award #18-14784 (PI: Ramprashad Prabhakaran, PNNL).

Prabhakaran, Ramprashad↗

DOE OSTI2024

Transmission electron microscopy of ion irradiated ODS MA956 samples

Prabhakaran, Ramprashad↗

NASA NTRS1985

Rapid Solidification of Magnetic Oxides

The enhanced control over microstructural evolution inherent in rapid solidification processing techniques are exploited to create novel ceramic magnetic materials. The great sensitivity of magnetic properties to local structure provides a powerful probe both for the study of structure and of microscopic solidification mechanisms. The first system studied is the SrO-Fe2O3 binary, which contains the commercially important hard magnetic compound strontium hexaferrite. The products were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, Mossbauer spectroscopy, magnetic measurements, and differential thermal analysis. As-quenched ribbons contain high concentrations of super-paramagnetic particles, 80 to 250 Angstroms in diameter, in a glassy matrix. This suggests the possibility of crystallizing monodomain strontium hexaferrite during subsequent heat treatment, with a resulting increase in coercivity over conventionally processed ferrite magnets. That magnetic properties can be controlled in solidification processing by varying the quench rate is demonstrated.

Kalonji, G.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Interfaces in polymer, ceramic, and metal matrix composites; Proceedings of the Second International Conference on Composite Interfaces (ICCI-II), Cleveland, OH, June 13-17, 1988

The present conference on interfacial factors in advanced composite materials discusses such topics in their development status and properties as silane coupling, the electrochemical and plasma-surface treatment of carbon fibers, fiber surface-analytical techniques, polymer molecular scale characterization by atom-probe field-ion microscopy, the study of carbon fiber-epoxy resin interface interactions by means of labeling techniques, and the surface tailoring of SiC by ion implantation. Also discussed are developments in laser light-scattered photoelasticity, microstructural evolutions under heat treatment and radiation damage, TEM for composites, the interfaces of carbon fiber-reinforced Al composites, the influence of the interface on macroscopic composite properties, and the status of the theoretical understanding of composite interfaces.

Ishida, Hatsuo↗

NASA NTRS1989

Intermediate temperature thermomechanical processing of Al 2090 for superplasticity

The Al-Cu-Li phase diagram indicates that during thermomechanical processing of Al 2090 at 300 C both T(1) and T(2) phases will precipitate. Following work on Al-Mg-X alloys, it is possible that TMP at such temperatures might promote intragranular formation of these phases and promote microstructural refinement during recrystallization. Microstructural analyses reveal that the T(2) phase in Al 2090 may play a similar role to the beta-phase in Al-Mg-X alloys during microstructural evolution. Mechanical property data indicate that Al 2090 can be moderately (215-245 percent) superplastic at 370 C following processing at 300 C.

Hales, S. J.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Program Predicts Microstructural Changes In Materials

MCFET computer program, named for combined Monte Carlo Finite Element Technique, implements specialized microstructural-lattice simulation technique. Developed to simulate microstructural evolution in material systems in which modulated phases occur and directionality of modulation influenced by internal and external stresses. Written in FORTRAN.

Gayda, J.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Micro and Macro Segregation in Alloys Solidifying with Equiaxed Morphology

To understand macro segregation formation in Al-Cu alloys, experiments were run under terrestrial gravity (1g) and under low gravity during parabolic flights (10(exp -2) g). Alloys of two different compositions (2% and 5% Cu) were solidified at two different cooling rates. Systematic microscopic and SEM observations produced microstructural and segregation maps for all samples. These maps may be used as benchmark experiments for validation of microstructure evolution and segregation models. As expected, the macro segregation maps are very complex. When segregation was measured along the central axis of the sample, the highest macro segregation for samples solidified at 1g was obtained for the lowest cooling rate. This behavior is attributed to the longer time available for natural convection and shrinkage flow to affect solute redistribution. In samples solidified under low-g, the highest macro-segregation was obtained at the highest cooling rate. In general, low-gravity solidification resulted in less segregation. To explain the experimental findings, an analytical (Flemings-Nereo) and a numerical model were used. For the numerical model, the continuum formulation was employed to describe the macroscopic transports of mass, energy, and momentum, associated with the microscopic transport phenomena, for a two-phase system. The model proposed considers that liquid flow is driven by thermal and solutal buoyancy, and by solidification shrinkage. The Flemings-Nereo model explains well macro segregation in the initial stages of low-gravity segregation. The numerical model can describe the complex macro segregation pattern and the differences between low- and high-gravity solidification.

Stefanescu, Doru M.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Equiaxed Dendritic Solidification Experiment (EDSE)

The objective of the research is to quantitatively determine and understand the fundamental mechanisms that control the microstructural evolution during solidification of an assemblage of equiaxed dendritic crystals. A microgravity experiment will be conducted to obtain benchmark data on the transient growth and interaction of up to four equiaxed crystals of a pure and transparent metal analog (succinonitrile, SCN) under strictly diffusion dominated conditions. Of interest in the experiment are the transient evolution of the primary and secondary dendrite tip speeds, the dendrite morphology (i.e., tip radii, branch spacings, etc.) and solid fraction, the tip selection criterion, and the temperature field in the melt for a range of initial supercoolings and, thus, interaction "strengths" between the crystals. The experiment thus extends the microgravity measurements of Glicksman and coworkers for steady growth of a single dendrite [Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE), first flown on USMP-2] to a case where growth transients are introduced due to thermal interactions between neighboring dendrites - a situation more close to actual casting conditions. Corresponding earth-based experiments will be conducted to ascertain the influence of melt convection. The experiments are supported by a variety of analytical models and numerical simulations. The data will primarily be used to develop and test theories of transient dendritic growth and the solidification of multiple interacting equiaxed crystals in a supercooled melt.

Beckermann, C.↗

NASA NTRS1995

Modeling the Role of Dislocation Substructure During Class M and Exponential Creep

The different substructures that form in the power-law and exponential creep regimes for single phase crystalline materials under various conditions of stress, temperature and strain are reviewed. The microstructure is correlated both qualitatively and quantitatively with power-law and exponential creep as well as with steady state and non-steady state deformation behavior. These observations suggest that creep is influenced by a complex interaction between several elements of the microstructure, such as dislocations, cells and subgrains. The stability of the creep substructure is examined in both of these creep regimes during stress and temperature change experiments. These observations are rationalized on the basis of a phenomenological model, where normal primary creep is interpreted as a series of constant structure exponential creep rate-stress relationships. The implications of this viewpoint on the magnitude of the stress exponent and steady state behavior are discussed. A theory is developed to predict the macroscopic creep behavior of a single phase material using quantitative microstructural data. In this technique the thermally activated deformation mechanisms proposed by dislocation physics are interlinked with a previously developed multiphase, three-dimensional. dislocation substructure creep model. This procedure leads to several coupled differential equations interrelating macroscopic creep plasticity with microstructural evolution.

Raj, S. V.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Flight Computer Processing Avionics for Space Station Microgravity Experiments: A Risk Assessment of Commercial Off-the-Shelf Utilization

NASA/Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) is continually looking for ways to reduce the costs and schedule and minimize the technical risks during the development of microgravity programs. One of the more prominent ways to minimize the cost and schedule is to use off-the-shelf hardware (OTS). However, the use of OTS often increases the risk. This paper addresses relevant factors considered during the selection and utilization of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) flight computer processing equipment for the control of space station microgravity experiments. The paper will also discuss how to minimize the technical risks when using COTS processing hardware. Two microgravity experiments for which the COTS processing equipment is being evaluated for are the Equiaxed Dendritic Solidification Experiment (EDSE) and the Self-diffusion in Liquid Elements (SDLE) experiment. Since MSFC is the lead center for Microgravity research, EDSE and SDLE processor selection will be closely watched by other experiments that are being designed to meet payload carrier requirements. This includes the payload carriers planned for the International Space Station (ISS). The purpose of EDSE is to continue to investigate microstructural evolution of, and thermal interactions between multiple dendrites growing under diffusion controlled conditions. The purpose of SDLE is to determine accurate self-diffusivity data as a function of temperature for liquid elements selected as representative of class-like structures. In 1999 MSFC initiated a Center Director's Discretionary Fund (CDDF) effort to investigate and determine the optimal commercial data bus architecture that could lead to faster, better, and lower cost data acquisition systems for the control of microgravity experiments. As part of this effort various commercial data acquisition systems were acquired and evaluated. This included equipment with various form factors, (3U, 6U, others) and equipment that utilized various bus structures, (VME, PC104, STD bus). This evaluation of hardware was performed in conjunction with a trade study that considered over twenty (20) different factors relevant to the selection of an optimum design approach. These factors included; safety, sizing and timing, radiation hardness and single event upset, power consumption, heat dissipation, size and volume, expected service life, maintainability, heritage, operating systems, requirements for software reuse, availability of compatible interface boards, relative cost, schedule, reliability, EMI/EMC factors, "hot swap" capability, standards for conduction cooling, I/O capabilities, unique carrier requirements and operating system considerations. The approach to evaluate Safety as part of this study included a review of the Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA) for each of the experiment designs and a determination of how each hazard could be addressed and eliminated when different processors were selected. This included evaluating various design approaches and trade-offs between fault tolerant designs and fail-safe designs in accordance with NSTS 1700.7B. This will include the results of radiation testing where available. Various operating systems, such as VxWorks, Linux, QNX, and Embedded NT are evaluated and the advantages and disadvantages of their utilization are also addressed. Design implementation strategies for the various operating systems are considered and discussed. This paper presents the results and recommendations from this trade study. Preliminary conclusions from this study are that safety concerns from lack or radiation testing on COTS equipment can be addressed by additional testing and design considerations, the PC104 bus provided adequate I/O for the SDLE and EDSE microgravity experiments, and PC104 bus components offered significant advantages over VME and cPCI for weight and space reductions.

Estes, Howard↗

NASA NTRS2001

Equiaxed Dendritic Solidification Experiment (EDSE)

The objective of the research is to quantitatively determine and understand the fundamental mechanisms that control the microstructural evolution during equiaxed dendritic solidification. A microgravity experiment will be conducted to obtain benchmark data on the transient growth and interaction of up to four equiaxed crystals of a pure and transparent metal analog (succinonitrile, SCN) under strictly diffusion-dominated conditions. Of interest in the experiment are the transient evolution of the primary and secondary dendrite tip speeds, the dendrite morphology and solid fraction, the tip selection criterion, and the temperature field in the melt for a range of interaction "strengths" between the crystals. The experiment extends the microgravity measurements of Glicksman and co-workers isothermal dendritic growth experiment (IDGE) for steady growth of a single dendrite to a case where growth transients are introduced due to thermal interactions between neighboring dendrites - a situation closer to actual casting conditions. Corresponding Earth-based experiments will be conducted to ascertain the influence of melt convection. The experiments are supported by a variety of analytical models and numerical simulations. The data will be used to develop and test theories of transient dendritic growth and the solidification of multiple interacting equiaxed crystals in a supercooled melt.

Beckermann, C.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Dendritic Alloy Solidification Experiment (DASE)

A space experiment, and supporting ground-based research, is proposed to study the microstructural evolution in free dendritic growth from a supercooled melt of the transparent model alloy succinonitrile-acetone (SCN-ACE). The research is relevant to equiaxed solidification of metal alloy castings. The microgravity experiment will establish a benchmark for testing of equiaxed dendritic growth theories, scaling laws, and models in the presence of purely diffusive, coupled heat and solute transport, without the complicating influences of melt convection. The specific objectives are to: determine the selection of the dendrite tip operating state, i.e. the growth velocity and tip radius, for free dendritic growth of succinonitrile-acetone alloys; determine the growth morphology and sidebranching behavior for freely grown alloy dendrites; determine the effects of the thermal/solutal interactions in the growth of an assemblage of equiaxed alloy crystals; determine the effects of melt convection on the free growth of alloy dendrites; measure the surface tension anisotropy strength of succinon itrile -acetone alloys establish a theoretical and modeling framework for the experiments. Microgravity experiments on equiaxed dendritic growth of alloy dendrites have not been performed in the past. The proposed experiment builds on the Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment (IDGE) of Glicksman and coworkers, which focused on the steady growth of a single crystal from pure supercooled melts (succinonitrile and pivalic acid). It also extends the Equiaxed Dendritic Solidification Experiment (EDSE) of the present investigators, which is concerned with the interactions and transients arising in the growth of an assemblage of equiaxed crystals (succinonitrile). However, these experiments with pure substances are not able to address the issues related to coupled heat and solute transport in growth of alloy dendrites.

Beckermann, C.↗