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At least 1,585 records · Page 88

Interactions between Coronal Mass Ejections Viewed in Coordinated Imaging and In Situ Observations

The successive coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from 2010 July 30 - August 1 present us the first opportunity to study CME-CME interactions with unprecedented heliospheric imaging and in situ observations from multiple vantage points. We describe two cases of CME interactions: merging of two CMEs launched close in time and overtaking of a preceding CME by a shock wave. The first two CMEs on August 1 interact close to the Sun and form a merged front, which then overtakes the July 30 CME near 1 AU, as revealed by wide-angle imaging observations. Connections between imaging observations and in situ signatures at 1 AU suggest that the merged front is a shock wave, followed by two ejecta observed at Wind which seem to have already merged. In situ measurements show that the CME from July 30 is being overtaken by the shock at 1 AU and is significantly compressed, accelerated and heated. The interaction between the preceding ejecta and shock also results in variations in the shock strength and structure on a global scale, as shown by widely separated in situ measurements from Wind and STEREO B. These results indicate important implications of CME-CME interactions for shock propagation, particle acceleration and space weather forecasting.

Liu, Ying D.↗

The role of pre-existing heterogeneities in materials under shock and spall

There has been a challenge for many decades to understand how heterogeneities influence the behavior of materials under shock loading, eventually leading to spall formation and failure. Experimental, analytical, and computational techniques have matured to the point where systematic studies of materials with complex microstructures under shock loading and the associated failure mechanisms are feasible. This is enabled by more accurate diagnostics as well as characterization methods. As interest in complex materials grows, understanding and predicting the role of heterogeneities in determining the dynamic behavior becomes crucial. Early computational studies, hydrocodes, in particular, historically preclude any irregularities in the form of defects and impurities in the material microstructure for the sake of simplification and to retain the hydrodynamic conservation equations. Contemporary computational methods, notably molecular dynamics simulations, can overcome this limitation by incorporating inhomogeneities albeit at a much lower length and time scale. This review discusses literature that has focused on investigating the role of various imperfections in the shock and spall behavior, emphasizing mainly heterogeneities such as second-phase particles, inclusions, and voids under both shock compression and release. Pre-existing defects are found in most engineering materials, ranging from thermodynamically necessary vacancies, to interstitial and dislocation, to microstructural features such as inclusions, second phase particles, voids, grain boundaries, and triple junctions. This literature review explores the interaction of these heterogeneities under shock loading during compression and release. Systematic characterization of material heterogeneities before and after shock loading, along with direct measurements of Hugoniot elastic limit and spall strength, allows for more generalized theories to be formulated. Further, continuous improvement toward time-resolved, in situ experimental data strengthens the ability to elucidate upon results gathered from simulations and analytical models, thus improving the overall ability to understand and predict how materials behave under dynamic loading.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

The Effects of Shockwave Pressures on Ultrafast Vibrational Energy Transfer in BNFF, a Hydrogen-Free Energetic Material

Energy conversion in energetic materials from shock-wave-induced lattice compression to bond breaking critically depends on vibrational coupling and energy transfer between intra- and intermolecular vibrations, though the details of the mechanisms remain unknown. Herein, we indirectly tune the strength of intermolecular interactions in 3,4-bis(3-nitrofurazan-4-yl)furoxan (BNFF), a hydrogen-free energetic material characterized by van der Waals interactions, by applying high static pressure using a diamond anvil cell and monitoring vibrational energy transfer (VET) with ultrafast broadband infrared pump–probe spectroscopy. As BNFF is compressed from ambient pressure to 9 GPa, we find that VET accelerates by ∼ 0.9 ps/GPa. Density functional theory is applied in tandem with experiments to assign mode character and elucidate VET pathways. In conclusion, we find that furazan ring O–N–O vibrations, which are high-frequency detonation-relevant vibrational modes, experience increased sensitivity to lattice compression under shockwave pressures. These findings provide new mechanistic insight into how intermolecular interactions govern the rate and selectivity of VET.

Energy transfer↗

Effect of whisker breakage on the forgeability and the tensile properties of the forged 2024Al/Al18B4O33w composite

Highlights: • The rotation and breakage of whiskers and microcracks contribute to strain softening during compression. • The whiskers with orientation angle of about 45° to the applied axial stress are serious broken. • The microcracks between the broken whiskers connecting with others result in major surface crack. • The composite forged at 450 °C and at strain rate of 0.1 s{sup − 1} shows no major surface cracks and the increase in the elongation, yield strength and tensile strength. - Abstract: The effect of the whisker breakage on the forgeability of 2024Al/Al{sub 18}B{sub 4}O{sub 33}w composite is investigated. The 2024Al/Al{sub 18}B{sub 4}O{sub 33}w composite is forged according to the forgeability at the different temperatures. The tensile properties of the as-cast and forged composites are also studied. The results shows that the rotation and breakage of the whiskers and the microcracks contribute to the strain softening during compression. The whiskers with the orientation angle of about 45° to the applied axial stress are serious broken resulting in the lower average aspect ratio of the whiskers. Due to the lower flow ability of the matrix at the lower temperature than 400 °C, the microcracks between the broken whiskers connecting with others result in the major surface crack oriented to approximately 45° with respect to the compression direction. The composite forged at the temperature of 450 °C and at the strain rate of 0.1 s{sup − 1} shows the no major surface cracks and the increase in the elongation, yield strength and tensile strength.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Buckling Testing and Analysis of Honeycomb Sandwich Panel Arc Segments of a Full-Scale Fairing Barrel Part 1: 8-Ply In-Autoclave Facesheets: 8-Ply In-Autoclave Facesheets - Part 1

Four honeycomb sandwich panels, representing 1/16th arc segments of a 10-m diameter barrel section of the heavy lift launch vehicle, were manufactured under the NASA Composites for Exploration program and the NASA Space Launch Systems program. Two configurations were chosen for the panels: 6-ply facesheets with 1.125 in. honeycomb core and 8-ply facesheets with 1.000 in. honeycomb core. Additionally, two separate carbon fiber/epoxy material systems were chosen for the facesheets: inautoclave IM7/977-3 and out-of-autoclave T40-800b/5320-1. Smaller 3.00- by 5.00-ft panels were cut from the 1/16th barrel sections. These panels were tested under compressive loading at the NASA Langley Research Center. Furthermore, linear eigenvalue and geometrically nonlinear finite element analysis was performed to predict the compressive response of the 3.00- by 5.00-ft panels. This manuscript summarizes the experimental and analytical modeling efforts pertaining to the panel composed of 8-ply, IM7/977-3 facesheets (referred to Panel A). To improve the robustness of the geometrically nonlinear finite element model, measured surface imperfections were included in the geometry of the model. Both the linear and nonlinear models yield good qualitative and quantitative predictions. Additionally, it was predicted correctly that the panel would fail in buckling prior to failing in strength. Furthermore, several imperfection studies were performed to investigate the influence of geometric imperfections, fiber misalignments, and three-dimensional (3 D) effects on the compressive response of the panel.

Myers, David E.↗

Formation of H I clouds in shock-compressed interstellar medium: physical origin of angular correlation between filamentary structure and magnetic field

Recent observations of the neutral Galactic interstellar medium showed that filamentary structures of H i clouds are aligned with the interstellar magnetic field. Many interesting applications are proposed based on the alignment, such as measurement of magnetic field strength through the Chandrasekhar–Fermi method and removal of foreground dust emissions for the detection of inflationary polarized emission in the cosmic microwave background radiation. However, the physical origin of the alignment remains to be explained. To understand the mechanism, we examine the formation of H i clouds triggered by shock compression of the diffuse warm neutral medium using three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations. We show that the shock-compressed medium of density n∼1 cm{sup −3} evolves into H i clouds with n∼50 cm{sup −3} via thermal instability consistent with previous studies. We apply a machine vision transformation developed by Clark et al. to the simulated column density structures to measure angle correlation between filamentary structures of H i clouds and magnetic field. We find that the orientation of H i filaments depends on the environmental turbulent velocity field, particularly on the strength of shear strain in the direction of the magnetic field, which is controlled by the angle between the shock propagation direction and upstream magnetic field. When the strain along the magnetic field is weak, filamentary components of H i clouds lie perpendicular to the magnetic field. However, the filaments have come to align with the magnetic field, if we enhance the turbulent strain along the magnetic field or if we set turbulence in the preshock medium.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Effect of PBX prill size on the compressive properties of PBX 9502

Plastic-Bonded Explosive (PBX) prills are agglomerates a few millimeters in diameter composed of High Explosive crystals non-uniformly distributed in and surrounded by a polymer binder. When pressed at elevated temperatures at or above the binder melt temperature the polymer flows to uniformly coat the HE crystals to create a well-consolidated compaction. In reality it does so imperfectly, such that x-ray tomographic scans often look like a collection of prills mashed together. It is speculated that the larger the prill, the more non-uniform the binder distribution, but this has never been proven. Even if that were not so, the larger the prill the farther binder must flow toward the middle to homogenize during pressing. Thus, the degree of homogenization depends in part on prill size. The degree to which binder flows during pressing in turn affects the void distribution within pressed charges, which one suspects will affect shock sensitivity and material strength. In this paper we explore, for ~30 PBX 9502 formulation batches using the same TATB powder lot, how prill size affects the compressive mechanical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Effect of PBX Prill Size on the Compressive Properties of PBX 9502

Plastic-Bonded Explosive (PBX) prills are agglomerates a few millimeters in diameter composed of High Explosive crystals non-uniformly distributed in and surrounded by a polymer binder. When pressed at elevated temperatures at or above the binder melt temperature the polymer flows to uniformly coat the HE crystals to create a well-consolidated compaction. In reality it does so imperfectly, such that x-ray tomographic scans often look like a collection of prills mashed together. It is speculated that the larger the prill, the more non-uniform the binder distribution, but this has never been proven. Even if that were not so, the larger the prill the farther binder must flow toward the middle to homogenize during pressing. Thus, the degree of homogenization depends in part on prill size. The degree to which binder flows during pressing in turn affects the void distribution within pressed charges, which one suspects will affect shock sensitivity and material strength. In this paper we explore, for ~30 PBX 9502 formulation batches using the same TATB powder lot, how prill size effects the compressive mechanical properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Computational Modeling Demonstrates the Joint Clearance Effect on the Tensile Strength of Solder Joints.

Soldered joints can be made with a wide range of base materials and filler metals that allow the assembly to meet its performance and reliability requirements. Structural solder joints have, as their foremost requirement, to provide mechanical attachment between base material structures. The joint is typically subjected to one, or a combination of, three loading configurations: (a) tensile or compressive force, (b) shear force, or (c) peel force. Solder filler metals and in particular, the so-called “soft solders” based on tin (Sn), lead (Pb), and indium (In), generally have a bulk strength that is less than that of the base materials. Finally, deformation occurs largely in the solder when the joint is subjected to an applied force.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Electroform/Plasma-Spray Laminates for X-Ray Optics

Electroform/plasma-spray laminates have shown promise as lightweight, strong, low-thermal-expansion components for xray optics. The basic idea is to exploit both (1) the well-established art of fabrication of optical components by replication and (2) plasma spraying as a means of reinforcing a thin replica optic with one or more backing layer(s) having tailorable thermomechanical properties. In x-ray optics as in other applications, replication reduces the time and cost of fabrication because grinding and polishing can be limited to a few thick masters, from which many lightweight replicas can thereafter be made. The first step in the fabrication of a component of the type in question is to make a replica optic by electroforming a thin layer of nickel on a master. Through proper control of the electroforming process conditions, it is possible to minimize residual stress and, hence, to minimize distortion in the replica. Next, a powder comprising ceramic particles coated with a metal compatible with the electroformed nickel is plasma-sprayed onto the backside of the nickel replica. Then through several repetitions and variations of the preceding steps or perhaps a small compressive stress, alternating layers of electroformed nickel and plasma-sprayed metal-coated ceramic powder are deposited. The thicknesses of the layers and the composition of the metal-coated ceramic powder are chosen to optimize the strength, areal mass density, and toughness of the finished component. An important benefit of using both electroforming and plasma spraying is the possibility of balancing stresses to a minimum level, which could be zero or perhaps a small net compressive stress designed to enhance the function of the component in its intended application.

Ulmer, Melville P.↗

Microstructure and mechanical behavior of laser remelted amorphous Al-Ni-La welds

To explore the feasibility of using laser powder bed fusion systems to print bulk amorphous Al alloys, a single autogenous weld produced by laser remelting on a cast Al-5La-9Ni (at.%) alloy was studied for its microstructure and mechanical behavior. The solidification rates experienced by material within the welds were high enough to produce entirely amorphous regions within the welds. Welds were characterized using SEM, STEM, and APT and were found to contain Ni-rich amorphous clusters. Micropillar compression tests were used to assess mechanical properties of the welds and found that all of the amorphous regions exhibited yield strengths around 1 GPa. In conclusion, these results are discussed in the context of diffusivity of Ni and rare earth elements in liquid, glass forming ability, thermodynamic driving force for phase formation during solidification, free volume concentrations in bulk metallic glasses, and cluster-related softening.

APT↗

Modeling of High-Strain-Rate Deformation, Fracture, and Impact Behavior of Advanced Gas Turbine Engine Materials at Low and Elevated Temperatures

Gamma titanium aluminides have received considerable attention over the last decade. These alloys are known to have low density, good high temperature strength retention, and good oxidation and corrosion resistance. However, poor ductility and low fracture toughness have been the key limiting factors in the full utilization of these alloys. More recently, Gamma-met PX has been developed by GKSS, Germany. These alloys have been observed to have superior strengths at elevated temperatures and quasi-static deformation rates and good oxidation resistance at elevated temperatures when compared with other gamma titanium aluminides. The present paper discusses results of a study to understand dynamic response of gamma-met PX in uniaxial compression. The experiments were conducted by using a modified split Hopkinson pressure bar between room temperature and 900 C and strain rates of up to 3500 per second. The Gamma met PX alloy showed superior strength when compared to nickel based superalloys and other gamma titanium aluminides at all test temperatures. It also showed strain and strain-rate hardening at all levels of strain rates and temperatures and without yield anomaly up to 900 C. After approximately 600 C, thermal softening is observed at all strain rates with the rate of thermal softening increasing dramatically between 800 and 900 C. However, these flow stress levels are comparatively higher in Gamma met PX than those observed for other TiAl alloys.

Shazly, Mostafa↗

Comparative Mechanical Properties Analysis of Triple Ion-Beam Irradiated and Neutron Irradiated Potential Plasma Facing Components

Abstract Several classes of materials are being proposed for use in fusion reactors including oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) and reduced activation ferritic-martensitic (RAF/M) steels to withstand the severe and harsh conditions. In this work, the mechanical properties of a Fe-16Cr-4Al-2W-0.3Ti-0.3Y 2 O 3 (K3) (ODS) ferritic steel and a Fe-8.9Cr-1.1W-0.47Mn-0.2V-0.14Ta-0.11C (Eurofer 97) (RAF/M) steel) after triple ion beam irradiation were locally evaluated utilizing in-situ micro-pillar compression tests, and continuous stiffness/quasi-static nanoindentation. No change in mechanical properties was observed in the K3 ODS steel. However, the Eurofer 97 RAF/M steel exhibited radiation-induced effects via increases in yield strength. Micro-pillar techniques were expanded to neutron-irradiated materials via an in-situ testing technique employing lift-out methods on Fe-14Cr-0.9Ti-0.3Mo-0.25Y 2 O 3 (MA957) ODS ferritic steel. Both the non-irradiated and irradiated compressive yield stresses of the MA 957 micro-pillars were in good agreement with bulk yield stress values reported in the literature, suggesting that the lift-out micro-pillar compression testing technique is a promising method. The demonstration of these techniques on ion beam and neutron irradiated ODS steels and ion beam RAF/M steels gives information to inform models of the material degradation during use in a fusion device.

alloys↗

Low-Density High-Strength Foamed Materials

Molten bubbles of metal or plastic coalesce into strong, lightweight materials that look like solidified foam. Bubbles formed in compartment that receives molten material and compressed gas that fills bubbles. Compartment has matrix of nozzles. Leaving nozzles, bubbles fall into acoustic chamber and coalesce; then drop through funnel and are cast into desired shape by extrusion or molding. Materials used for construction, extruded into molds, sawed, nailed, and generally handled as wood.

Wang, T.↗

Experiment Verification of the Analytical Methodology to Predict the Residual Strength of Metallic Shell Structure

Experimental and analysis results for a curved, stiffened aluminum fuselage panel tested in a combined loads test machine with combined internal pressure, axial compression, and torsional shear loads are described. The experimental and analytical strain results for the panel with and without discrete source damage are presented. The effect of notch tip geometry on crack growth predictions is addressed. The crack growth trajectory predictions for the panel are presented for the applied loading conditions at failure.

Starnes, James H., Jr.↗

Block rotations, fault domains and crustal deformation in the western US

The aim of the project was to develop a 3D model of crustal deformation by distributed fault sets and to test the model results in the field. In the first part of the project, Nur's 2D model (1986) was generalized to 3D. In Nur's model the frictional strength of rocks and faults of a domain provides a tight constraint on the amount of rotation that a fault set can undergo during block rotation. Domains of fault sets are commonly found in regions where the deformation is distributed across a region. The interaction of each fault set causes the fault bounded blocks to rotate. The work that has been done towards quantifying the rotation of fault sets in a 3D stress field is briefly summarized. In the second part of the project, field studies were carried out in Israel, Nevada and China. These studies combined both paleomagnetic and structural information necessary to test the block rotation model results. In accordance with the model, field studies demonstrate that faults and attending fault bounded blocks slip and rotate away from the direction of maximum compression when deformation is distributed across fault sets. Slip and rotation of fault sets may continue as long as the earth's crustal strength is not exceeded. More optimally oriented faults must form, for subsequent deformation to occur. Eventually the block rotation mechanism may create a complex pattern of intersecting generations of faults.

Nur, Amos↗

Melt-Spun PAN Precursor for Cost-Effective Carbon Fibers in High Pressure Compressed Gas Tankage

The objective of this program was to synthesize melt-spinnable polyacrylonitrile (PAN) precursor that will lead to carbon fiber 25% less expensive than carbon fiber produced from conventional PAN precursor when produced in large volumes. The carbon fiber produced from this precursor needs to achieve ≥ 700 ksi tensile strength with this cost reduction to replace the incumbent fiber. In this program, the technology for producing precursor and then converted carbon fiber (CF) capable of meeting the 700 ksi target was to be demonstrated at a small scale in tows, containing ≥ 100 filaments. If this program moved on to a “Phase 2”, the processes would be scaled up to produce and test Type IV compressed gas storage tanks capable of meeting the 700-bar ultimate targeted FOA performance level. Precursor fiber production typically contributes a large fraction (~50%) to finished CF manufactured cost. Presently, all high strength CFs are manufactured from solution spun PAN precursor, accomplished at low temperatures using large amounts of environmentally unfriendly solvents that impart major impact to line speed and costs involved with handling and reclaiming the solvents and associated “waste streams” required in spinning and extracting those solvents. PAN melt spinning was demonstrated by the company BASF in CF precursor production and used in production of some other acrylic fibers, but significant production challenges remain for meeting the established CF metrics. Melt spinning requires use of plasticizers to suppress the melt temperature of the predominantly PAN formulation to a point sufficiently below the temperature of significant cross-linking. Fortunately, BASF and this team’s earlier work had demonstrated acrylic formulations melt spun with combinations of plasticizing solvents at much lower solvent levels. This project team made significant progress in understanding technical issues and identifying formulation pathways in earlier work in this area where >250ksi strength was achieved. The goal of this program was to pursue a more comprehensive approach with a larger, more diverse team having greater equipment design and overall production capabilities to push rapidly beyond the science to resolve remaining “engineering” issues associated with establishing stable, continuous processes for precursor fiber leading to enhanced, cost-effective CF and composite tank production.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Elevated temperature compressive properties of reaction milled NiAl-AlN and Zr-doped NiAl-AlN composites

Previous studies of a single lot of NiAl powder which had been ground under high intensity conditions in liquid nitrogen (cryomilling) indicated that this processing leads to a high strength, elevated temperature NiAl-AlN composite. Because this was the first known example of the use of the reaction milling process to produce a high temperature composite, the reproducibility of this technique was unknown. Two additional lots of NIAl powder and a lot of a Zr-doped NiAl powder have been cryomilled, and analyses indicate that AlN was formed within a NiAl matrix in all three cases. Compression testing between 1200 K and 1400 K has shown that the deformation resistance of these heats is similar to that of the first lot of NiAl-AlN; thus cryomilling can improve the creep resistance of NiAl by a factor of six. Based on this work, it is concluded that cryomilling of NiAl powder to form high temperature, high strength NiAl-AlN composites is a reproducible process.

Whittenberger, J. D.↗