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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 145 records · Page 8

The effects of weld-repair and hot isostatic pressing on the fracture properties of Ti-5Al-2.5Sn ELI castings

The Ti-5Al-2.5Sn extremely low interstitial alloy employed in the large castings which form the critical attachment fittings of the Space Shuttle External Tank was selected because of its high fracture resistance at cryogenic temperatures. Casting was selected over alternative fabrication methods because of its lower cost and adaptability to design changes, although it was found necessary to weld-repair surface and subsurface casting defects in order to reduce the scrap rate and maintain the inherent cost advantage of the castings. Hot Isostatic Pressing was experimentally found to heal the surface and internal defects of the castings, but did not improve tensile or fracture properties and was therefore rejected as a production technique. Production castings are instead weld-repaired, without any mechanical property degradation.

Misra, M. S.↗

High-temperature tensile properties of fiber reinforced reaction bonded silicon nitride

Measurements of tensile properties of unidirectional silicon carbide fiber-reinforced reaction-bonded silicon nitride (SiC/RBSN) composite specimens were carried out in air at 25, 1300, and 1500 C, using a new testing technique and a specially designed gripping system that minimizes bending moment and assures that failure always occurred in the gage section. The material was found to display metallike stress-strain behavior at all temperatures tested, and a noncatastrophic failure beyond the matrix fracture. The tensile properties were found to be temperature dependent, with the values of the ultimate tensile strength decreasing with temperature, from 543 MPa at 25 C to 169 at 1500 C.

Jablonski, David A.↗

Using post-processing heat treatments to elucidate precipitate strengthening of additively manufactured superalloy 718

The poor machinability and extensive work hardening of Ni-based superalloys makes additive manufacturing an attractive option for producing geometrically complex components with distinct microstructures. Although previous studies show recovery of high strength at room temperature, very few studies demonstrate successful properties at elevated temperatures required for industrial applications. Here, the objectives of this study are to present a post-build heat treatment for high strength across a wide temperature range, determine the strength contribution of nanoscale precipitating phases to the overall mechanical properties of superalloy 718, and from these, provide a comprehensive microstructure-property relationship for wrought and AM 718 to guide efforts to simulate the properties of AM components. Laser powder bed fusion–produced superalloy 718 was characterized at multiple length scales using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy in the as-built condition and with multiple heat treatments designed to form combinations of γ', γ", and δ precipitates. Uniaxial tensile tests performed from room temperature to 600 °C on subsize specimens determined the yield strength, elastic modulus, ultimate tensile strength, fracture stress, and uniform elongation. Precipitates in this work proved to be weak barriers to dislocation motion through a dispersed barrier model, but they provided strength to the alloy through their consistent high density. The relative contribution to the yield strength from γ" remained consistent between 48% and 57% of the total strength up to 600 °C, the primary influence on the high temperature strength of superalloy 718. The strength factors for γ" and δ precipitates were found to trend inversely with tensile test temperature and may be attributable to the differences in precipitate coherency. A post-build heat treatment is recommended to maintain high strength at elevated temperatures. A quantitative microstructure-property relationship, dependent on precipitate size, density, and morphology, was derived and can estimate the yield strength across a wide temperature range applicable to the operational regimes for superalloy 718.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

High-Temperature Mechanical Tensile Testing of Unidirectional Sic/Sic Composites Using A Versatile Lamp Furnace

Silicon carbide (SiC) based ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are of interest for high-temperature structural applications, including use in turbine engine components. To understand damage mechanisms and predict durability of these systems, in-depth knowledge of their behavior at ambient and high temperatures is necessary. A method for high temperature testing of SiC/SiC minicomposite specimens up to 1500oC in both tensile fast fracture and creep conditions to investigate their thermomechanical behavior will be presented. This method utilizes a novel radiation heat furnace, equipped with infrared lamps with ellipsoidal reflectors, to heat the specimen at the furnace center in user-defined atmospheres. The housing structure of the lamps allows for observation of the specimen during testing using optical methods and for conducting other experimental studies. The goal is to employ nondestructive health monitoring techniques in-situ, including acoustic emission (AE), electrical resistance (ER), and digital image correlation (DIC) to evaluate damage initiation and evolution in the minicomposite specimens during tensile testing. Results from mechanical testing and nondestructive techniques will be presented. Electron microscopy and X-ray micro-computed tomography were used to further characterize specimen damage after testing.

Aeronautics↗

Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures (CARES). Users and programmers manual

This manual describes how to use the Ceramics Analysis and Reliability Evaluation of Structures (CARES) computer program. The primary function of the code is to calculate the fast fracture reliability or failure probability of macroscopically isotropic ceramic components. These components may be subjected to complex thermomechanical loadings, such as those found in heat engine applications. The program uses results from MSC/NASTRAN or ANSYS finite element analysis programs to evaluate component reliability due to inherent surface and/or volume type flaws. CARES utilizes the Batdorf model and the two-parameter Weibull cumulative distribution function to describe the effect of multiaxial stress states on material strength. The principle of independent action (PIA) and the Weibull normal stress averaging models are also included. Weibull material strength parameters, the Batdorf crack density coefficient, and other related statistical quantities are estimated from four-point bend bar or unifrom uniaxial tensile specimen fracture strength data. Parameter estimation can be performed for single or multiple failure modes by using the least-square analysis or the maximum likelihood method. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson-Darling goodness-of-fit tests, ninety percent confidence intervals on the Weibull parameters, and Kanofsky-Srinivasan ninety percent confidence band values are also provided. The probabilistic fast-fracture theories used in CARES, along with the input and output for CARES, are described. Example problems to demonstrate various feature of the program are also included. This manual describes the MSC/NASTRAN version of the CARES program.

Nemeth, Noel N.↗

Design of ceramic components with the NASA/CARES computer program

The ceramics analysis and reliability evaluation of structures (CARES) computer program is described. The primary function of the code is to calculate the fast-fracture reliability or failure probability of macro-scopically isotropic ceramic components. These components may be subjected to complex thermomechanical loadings, such as those found in heat engine applications. CARES uses results from MSC/NASTRAN or ANSYS finite-element analysis programs to evaluate how inherent surface and/or volume type flaws component reliability. CARES utilizes the Batdorf model and the two-parameter Weibull cumulative distribution function to describe the effects of multiaxial stress states on material strength. The principle of independent action (PIA) and the Weibull normal stress averaging models are also included. Weibull material strength parameters, the Batdorf crack density coefficient, and other related statistical quantities are estimated from four-point bend bar or uniform uniaxial tensile specimen fracture strength data. Parameter estimation can be performed for a single or multiple failure modes by using a least-squares analysis or a maximum likelihood method. Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Anderson-Darling goodness-to-fit-tests, 90 percent confidence intervals on the Weibull parameters, and Kanofsky-Srinivasan 90 percent confidence band values are also provided. Examples are provided to illustrate the various features of CARES.

Nemeth, Noel N.↗

Technological aspects in blanket design: Effects of micro-alloying and thermo-mechanical treatments of EUROFER97 type steels after neutron irradiation

Presently available data on neutron irradiation damage raise doubts on the feasibility of using EUROFER97 steel for a water-cooled starter blanket in a DEMO reactor, since the ductile-to-brittle transition temperature (DBTT) increases significantly for irradiation temperatures below 350°C. The additional DBTT shift caused by H and He transmutation can only be estimated based on very few results with isotopically tailored EUROFER97 steel. Conservative calculations show that the DBTT of EUROFER97 steel could exceed the operating temperature in water-cooled starter blankets within a relatively short time period. This paper presents results from a EUROfusion funded irradiation campaign that was performed in the High Flux Isotope Reactor at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The paper compares ten newly developed reduced activation ferritic-martensitic (RAFM) steels irradiated to a nominal dose of 2.5 dpa at 300°C. The post-irradiation experiments using Small Specimen Test Technology included hardness, tensile, and fracture mechanics tests combined with fractography and microstructure analysis are presented. Results show that micro-alloying EUROFER97-type steels influenced the mechanical properties but a dominating impact on irradiation damage resistance could not be identified. In contrast, specific thermo-mechanical treatments lead to better DBTT behavior. Discussion about irradiation response to heat treatment conditions is also given. Here, despite requiring data also at high dpa values, the results indicate that with these modified materials an increased lifetime and potentially also an increased operating temperature window can be achieved compared to EUROFER97.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

Status report on HFIR irradiation of optimized alumina forming alloys

Properties of FeCrAl alloys under neutron irradiation are of interest because of these materials’ potential application as accident-tolerant fuel cladding in nuclear systems. In parallel, alumina-forming austenitic (AFA) alloys are of interest for use as structural materials in advanced nuclear systems for their potential higher resistance to embrittlement and high-temperature steam oxidation resistance. An irradiation campaign for fiscal year 2024 has been developed under the Advanced Fuels Campaign to perform irradiation testing of various FeCrAl and AFA alloys in Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR). The goals of this irradiation campaign are to (1) study the impact of minor alloying elements on the neutron-irradiated mechanical properties of FeCrAl alloys and (2) collect neutron-irradiated mechanical properties on AFA alloys for comparison with those of FeCrAl alloys. This campaign will include both tensile and fracture toughness specimens tested following HFIR irradiation at temperatures representative of normal operating conditions in light-water reactors. The pre-irradiation characterization to date, the irradiation plan for the FeCrAl and AFA specimens, and the subsequent post-irradiation experimental test plan are presented in this report, along with the status of HFIR builds and scheduled insertion dates.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Characterization of Large Batch 14YWT Heat (NFA-2) for JOYO Irradiations (Rev.1)

The development and deployment of advanced cladding materials in advanced reactors requires the collection of relevant performance data for each cladding concept. Novel cladding concepts typically undergo significant innovation and iteration over the course of their development, and intention should be given to providing a snapshot of present performance. Thus, a modern heat of the nanostructured ferritic alloy (NFA) 14YWT is produced using state-of-the-art procedures for impurity minimization combined with thermomechanical processing methods designed to optimize fracture toughness, tensile strength, and ductility. This new heat of 14YWT, NFA-2, will provide the Advanced Fuels Campaign with adequate material for upcoming irradiation and mechanical testing campaigns. This report outlines procurement of new gas atomized 14YWT powder, production of four new bars of 14YWT, and subsequent mechanical and microstructural property characterization.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗

Microstructure & Mechanical Properties of Scaled Thermally Aged LPBF 316H SS Builds

As part of the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies program’s mission to accelerate qualification of advanced manufacturing pathways for nuclear applications, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) 316H stainless steel (SS) has been selected as a model system to develop a rapid code case framework. This effort directly addresses the grand challenges of (1)expanding the limited portfolio of materials currently codified for elevated-temperature nuclear structural service under Section III, Division 5of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; and (2) significantly reducing qualification timelines that traditionally exceed a decade. The strategic importance of LPBF 316H lies in its immediate industrial relevance, existing data foundation from wrought 316H, and alignment with ongoing code case development for LPBF 316L.Prior work revealed accelerated precipitation of deleterious secondary phases and reduced creep ductility in as-printed LPBF 316H. Building on that prior research, FY2025activities focused on establishing an understanding of the key failure mechanisms of crept 316H specimens to aid in code case development and on evaluating stress relief (SR) parameters on the high-temperature performance and thermal aging-induced degradation of tensile and fracture behavior in LPBF316H.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Scaled Thermally Aged LPBF 316H SS Builds

As part of the US Department of Energy’s Advanced Materials and Manufacturing Technologies program’s mission to accelerate qualification of advanced manufacturing pathways for nuclear applications, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) 316H stainless steel (SS) has been selected as a model system to develop a rapid code case framework. This effort directly addresses the grand challenges of (1) expanding the limited portfolio of materials currently codified for elevated-temperature nuclear structural service under Section III, Division 5 of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code; and (2) significantly reducing qualification timelines that traditionally exceed a decade. The strategic importance of LPBF 316H lies in its immediate industrial relevance, existing data foundation from wrought 316H, and alignment with ongoing code case development for LPBF 316L. Prior work revealed accelerated precipitation of deleterious secondary phases and reduced creep ductility in as-printed LPBF 316H. Building on that prior research, FY 2025 activities focused on establishing an understanding of the key failure mechanisms of crept 316H specimens to aid in code case development and on evaluating stress relief (SR) parameters on the high-temperature performance and thermal aging induced degradation of tensile and fracture behavior in LPBF 316H.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NERVA irradiation program. GTR 23, volume 1: Combined effects of reactor radiation and cryogenic temperature on NERVA structural materials

Specimens fabricated from structural materials that were candidates for certain NERVA applications were irradiated in liquid nitrogen (LN2), liquid hydrogen (LH2), water, and air. The specimens irradiated in LN2 were stored in LN2 and finally tested in LN2, or at some higher temperature in a few instances. The specimens irradiated in LH2 underwent an unplanned warmup while in storage so this portion of the test was lost; some specimens were tested in LN2 but none were tested in LH2. The Ground Test Reactor was the radiation source. The test specimens consisted mainly of tensile and fracture toughness specimens of several different materials, but other types of specimens such as tear, flexure, springs, and lubricant were also irradiated. Materials tested include Hastelloy X, Al, Ni steel, steel, Be, ZrC, Ti-6Al-4V, CuB, and Ti-5Al-2.5Sn.

Mcdaniel, R. H.↗

Quantitative Ultrasonic Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Engineering Materials

Progress in the application of ultrasonic techniques to nondestructive measurement of mechanical strength of engineering materials is reviewed. A dormant concept in nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is invoked. The availability of ultrasonic methods that can be applied to actual parts to assess their potential susceptibility to failure under design conditions is discussed. It was shown that ultrasonic methods yield measurements of elastic moduli, microstructure, hardness, fracture toughness, tensile strength, yield strength, and shear strength for a wide range of materials (including many types of metals, ceramics, and fiber composites). It was also indicated that although most of these methods were shown feasible in laboratory studies, more work is needed before they can be used on actual parts in processing, assembly, inspection, and maintenance lines.

Vary, A.↗

Time-temperature-stress capabilities of composite materials for advanced supersonic technology application, phase 1

Implementation of metal and resin matrix composites into supersonic vehicle usage is contingent upon accelerating the demonstration of service capacity and design technology. Because of the added material complexity and lack of extensive service data, laboratory replication of the flight service will provide the most rapid method of documenting the airworthiness of advanced composite systems. A program in progress to determine the time temperature stress capabilities of several high temperature composite materials includes thermal aging, environmental aging, fatigue, creep, fracture, and tensile tests as well as real time flight simulation exposure. The program has two parts. The first includes all the material property determinations and aging and simulation exposures up through 10,000 hours. The second continues these tests up to 50,000 cumulative hours. Results are presented of the 10,000 hour phase, which has now been completed.

Kerr, J. R.↗

The relative stress-corrosion-cracking susceptibility of candidate aluminum-lithium alloys for aerospace applications

Stress corrosion tests of Al-Li-Cu powder metallurgy alloys are described. Alloys investigated were Al-2.6% Li-1.4% and Al-2.6% Li-1.4% Cu-1.6% Mg. The base properties of the alloys were characterized. Process, heat treatment, and size/orientational effects on the tensile and fracture behavior were investigated. Metallurgical and electrochemical conditions are identified which provide reproducible and controlled parameters for stress corrosion evaluation. Preliminary stress corrosion test results are reported. Both Al-Li-Cu alloys appear more susceptible to stress corrosion crack initiation than 7075-T6 aluminum, with the magnesium bearing alloy being the most susceptible. Tests to determine the threshold stress intensity for the base and magnesium bearing alloys are underway. Twelve each, bolt loaded DCB type specimens are under test (120 days) and limited crack growth in these precracked specimens has been observed. General corrosion in the aqueous sodium chloride environment is thought to be obscuring results through crack tip blunting.

Pizzo, P. P.↗

Mechanics aspects of NDE by sound and ultrasound

Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) is considered as a means to detect the energy release mechanism of defects and the interaction of microstructures within materials with sound waves and/or ultrasonic waves. Ultrasonic inspection involves the frequency range 20 kHz-1 GHz with amplitudes depending on the sensitivity of the test instrumentation. Pulse echo systems are most frequently used in NDE. Information is extracted from the signals through measurements of the signal velocity, attenuation, the acoustic emission when stress is applied, and calculation of the acoustoelastic coefficients. Fracture properties, tensile and shear strengths, the interlaminar shear strength, the cohesive strength, yield and impact strengths, the hardness, and the residual stress can be assayed by ultrasonic methods. Finally, attention is given to analytical treatment of the derived data, with mention given to transition matrix, integral equation, and eigenstrain approaches.

Fu, L. S.↗