Technique Incorporating Cooling & Contraction / Expansion Analysis to Illustrate Shrinkage Tendency in Cast Irons

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stan, S.; Chisamera, M.; Riposan, I.; Neacsu, L.; Cojocaru, A. M.; Stan, I.

2017-06-01

With the more widespread adoption of thermal analysis testing, thermal analysis data have become an indicator of cast iron quality. The cooling curve and its first derivative display patterns that can be used to predict the characteristics of a cast iron. An experimental device was developed with a technique to simultaneously evaluate cooling curves and expansion or contraction of cast metals during solidification. Its application is illustrated with results on shrinkage tendency of ductile iron treated with FeSiMgRECa master alloy and inoculated with FeSi based alloys, as affected by mould rigidity (green sand and resin sand moulds). Undercooling at the end of solidification relative to the metastable (carbidic) equilibrium temperature and the expansion within the solidification sequence appear to have a strong influence on the susceptibility to macro - and micro - shrinkage in ductile iron castings. Green sand moulds, as less rigid moulds, encourage the formation of contraction defects, not only because of high initial expansion values, but also because of a higher cooling rate during solidification, and consequently, increased undercooling below the metastable equilibrium temperature up to the end of solidification.

A study of the effects of macrosegregation and buoyancy-driven flow in binary mixture solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sinha, S. K.; Sundararajan, T.; Garg, V. K.

1993-01-01

A generalized anisotropic porous medium approach is developed for modelling the flow, heat and mass transport processes during binary mixture solidification. Transient predictions are obtained using FEM, coupled with an implicit time-marching scheme, for solidification inside a two-dimensional rectangular enclosure. A parametric study focusing attention on the effects of solutal buoyancy and thermal buoyancy is presented. It is observed that three parameters, namely the thermal Rayleigh number, the solutal Rayleigh number, and the relative density change parameter, significantly alter the flow fields in the liquid and the mushy regions. Depending upon the nature of these flow fields, the solute enrichment caused by macrosegregation may occur in the top or the bottom region of the enclosure.

In Situ Study of Microstructure Evolution in Solidification of Hypereutectic Al-Si Alloys with Application of Thermal Analysis and Neutron Diffraction

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sediako, Dimitry G.; Kasprzak, Wojciech

2015-09-01

Understanding of the kinetics of solid-phase evolution in solidification of hypereutectic aluminum alloys is a key to control their as-cast microstructure and resultant mechanical properties, and in turn, to enhance the service characteristics of actual components. This study was performed to evaluate the solidification kinetics for three P-modified hypereutectic Al-19 pct Si alloys: namely, Al-Si binary alloy and with the subsequent addition of 2.8 pct Cu and 2.8 pct Cu + 0.7 pct Mg. Metallurgical evaluation included thermodynamic calculations of the solidification process using the FactSage™ 6.2 software package, as well as experimental thermal analysis, and in situ neutron diffraction. The study revealed kinetics of solid α-Al, solid Si, Al2Cu, and Mg2Si evolution, as well as the individual effects of Cu and Mg alloying additions on the solidification path of the Al-Si system. Various techniques applied in this study resulted in some discrepancies in the results. For example, the FactSage computations, in general, resulted in 281 K to 286 K (8 °C to 13 °C) higher Al-Si eutectic temperatures than the ones recorded in the thermal analysis, which are also ~278 K (~5 °C) higher than those observed in the in situ neutron diffraction. None of the techniques can provide a definite value for the solidus temperature, as this is affected by the chosen calculation path [283 K to 303 K (10 °C to 30 °C) higher for equilibrium solidification vs non-equilibrium] for the FactSage analysis; and further complicated by evolution of secondary Al-Cu and Mg-Si phases that commenced at the end of solidification. An explanation of the discrepancies observed and complications associated with every technique applied is offered in the paper.

Core solidification and dynamo evolution in a mantle-stripped planetesimal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scheinberg, A.; Elkins-Tanton, L. T.; Schubert, G.; Bercovici, D.

2016-01-01

The physical processes active during the crystallization of a low-pressure, low-gravity planetesimal core are poorly understood but have implications for asteroidal magnetic fields and large-scale asteroidal structure. We consider a core with only a thin silicate shell, which could be analogous to some M-type asteroids including Psyche, and use a parameterized thermal model to predict a solidification timeline and the resulting chemical profile upon complete solidification. We then explore the potential strength and longevity of a dynamo in the planetesimal's early history. We find that cumulate inner core solidification would be capable of sustaining a dynamo during solidification, but less power would be available for a dynamo in an inward dendritic solidification scenario. We also model and suggest limits on crystal settling and compaction of a possible cumulate inner core.

Solidification kinetics of a near eutectic Al-Si alloy, unmodified and modified with Sr

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aparicio, R.; Barrera, G.; Trapaga, G.; Ramirez-Argaez, M.; Gonzalez-Rivera, C.

2013-07-01

The purpose of this work was to explore the differences in solidification kinetics between unmodified and Sr modified eutectic Al-Si alloy as revealed by Fourier Thermal Analysis (FTA) and grain-growth kinetics characterization. Thermal analysis were performed in cylindrical stainless steel cups coated with a thin layer of boron nitride, using two type-K thermocouples connected to a data acquisition system. Grain growth kinetics characterization was carried out using solid fraction evolution and grain density data. FTA results for the non modified and modified alloys suggest that there are changes in the solidification rate during eutectic nucleation followed, during growth, by similar solidification rate evolutions, suggesting that this parameter is governed principally by the heat extraction conditions. On the other hand the change of the grain growth parameters estimated for the experimental probes suggest that the presence of Sr may modify the relationship between grain growth rate and undercooling in eutectic Al-Si.

Melting and solidification characteristics of a mixture of two types of latent heat storage material in a vessel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, JikSu; Horibe, Akihiko; Haruki, Naoto; Machida, Akito; Kato, Masashi

2016-11-01

In this study, we investigated the fundamental melting and solidification characteristics of mannitol, erythritol, and their mixture (70 % by mass mannitol: 30 % by mass erythritol) as potential phase-change materials (PCMs) for latent heat thermal energy storage systems, specifically those pertaining to industrial waste heat, having temperatures in the range of 100-250 °C. The melting point of erythritol and mannitol, the melting peak temperature of their mixture, and latent heat were measured using differential scanning calorimetry. The thermal performance of the mannitol mixture was determined during melting and solidification processes, using a heat storage vessel with a pipe heat exchanger. Our results indicated phase-change (fusion) temperatures of 160 °C for mannitol and 113 and 150 °C for the mannitol mixture. Nondimensional correlation equations of the average heat transfer during the solidification process, as well as the temperature and velocity efficiencies of flowing silicon oil in the pipe and the phase-change material (PCM), were derived using several nondimensional parameters.

Temperature Programmed Desorption of Quench-condensed Krypton and Acetone in Air; Selective Concentration of Ultra-trace Gas Components.

PubMed

Suzuki, Taku T; Sakaguchi, Isao

2016-01-01

Selective concentration of ultra-trace components in air-like gases has an important application in analyzing volatile organic compounds in the gas. In the present study, we examined quench-condensation of the sample gas on a ZnO substrate below 50 K followed by temperature programmed desorption (TPD) (low temperature TPD) as a selective gas concentration technique. We studied two specific gases in the normal air; krypton as an inert gas and acetone as a reactive gas. We evaluated the relationship between the operating condition of low temperature TPD and the lowest detection limit. In the case of krypton, we observed the selective concentration by exposing at 6 K followed by thermal desorption at about 60 K. On the other hand, no selectivity appeared for acetone although trace acetone was successfully concentrated. This is likely due to the solvent effect by a major component in the air, which is suggested to be water. We suggest that pre-condensation to remove the water component may improve the selectivity in the trace acetone analysis by low temperature TPD.

Phase-field simulation of weld solidification microstructure in an Al Cu alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farzadi, A.; Do-Quang, M.; Serajzadeh, S.; Kokabi, A. H.; Amberg, G.

2008-09-01

Since the mechanical properties and the integrity of the weld metal depend on the solidification behaviour and the resulting microstructural characteristics, understanding weld pool solidification is of importance to engineers and scientists. Thermal and fluid flow conditions affect the weld pool geometry and solidification parameters. During solidification of the weld pool, a columnar grain structure develops in the weld metal. Prediction of the formation of the microstructure during welding may be an important and supporting factor for technology optimization. Nowadays, increasing computing power allows direct simulations of the dendritic and cell morphology of columnar grains in the molten zone for specific temperature conditions. In this study, the solidification microstructures of the weld pool at different locations along the fusion boundary are simulated during gas tungsten arc welding of Al-3wt%Cu alloy using the phase-field model for the directional solidification of dilute binary alloys. A macroscopic heat transfer and fluid flow model was developed to assess the solidification parameters, notably the temperature gradient and solidification growth rate. The effect of the welding speed is investigated. Computer simulations of the solidification conditions and the formation of a cellular morphology during the directional solidification in gas tungsten arc welding are described. Moreover, the simulation results are compared with existing theoretical models and experimental findings.

Numerical Optimization of the Thermal Field in Bridgman Detached Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stelian, C.; Volz, M. P.; Derby, J. J.

2009-01-01

The global modeling of the thermal field in two vertical Bridgman-like crystal growth configurations, has been performed to get optimal thermal conditions for a successful detached growth of Ge and CdTe crystals. These computations are performed using the CrysMAS code and expand upon our previous analysis [1] that propose a new mechanism involving the thermal field and meniscus position to explain stable conditions for dewetted Bridgman growth. The analysis of the vertical Bridgman configuration with two heaters, used by Palosz et al. for the detached growth of Ge, shows, consistent with their results, that the large wetting angle of germanium on boron nitride surfaces was an important factor to promote a successful detached growth. Our computations predict that by initiating growth much higher into the hot zone of the furnace, the thermal conditions will be favorable for continued detachment even for systems that did not exhibit high contact angles. The computations performed for a vertical gradient freeze configuration with three heaters representative of that used for the detached growth of CdTe, show favorable thermal conditions for dewetting during the entirely growth run described. Improved thermal conditions are also predicted for coated silica crucibles when the solid-liquid interface advances higher into the hot zone during the solidification process. The second set of experiments on CdTe growth described elsewhere has shown the reattachment of the crystal to the crucible after few centimeters of dewetted growth. The thermal modeling of this configuration shows a second solidification front appearing at the top of the sample and approaching the middle line across the third heater. In these conditions, the crystal grows detached from the bottom, but will be attached to the crucible in the upper part because of the solidification without gap in this region. The solidification with two interfaces can be avoided when the top of the sample is positioned below the middle position of the third furnace.

Thermal control of low-pressure fractionation processes. [in basaltic magma solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Usselman, T. M.; Hodge, D. S.

1978-01-01

Thermal models detailing the solidification paths for shallow basaltic magma chambers (both open and closed systems) were calculated using finite-difference techniques. The total solidification time for closed chambers are comparable to previously published calculations; however, the temperature-time paths are not. These paths are dependent on the phase relations and the crystallinity of the system, because both affect the manner in which the latent heat of crystallization is distributed. In open systems, where a chamber would be periodically replenished with additional parental liquid, calculations indicate that the possibility is strong that a steady-state temperature interval is achieved near a major phase boundary. In these cases it is straightforward to analyze fractionation models of the basaltic liquid evolution and their corresponding cumulate sequences. This steady thermal fractionating state can be invoked to explain large amounts of erupted basalts of similar composition over long time periods from the same volcanic center and some rhythmically layered basic cumulate sequences.

Crystal growth and furnace analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dakhoul, Youssef M.

1986-01-01

A thermal analysis of Hg/Cd/Te solidification in a Bridgman cell is made using Continuum's VAST code. The energy equation is solved in an axisymmetric, quasi-steady domain for both the molten and solid alloy regions. Alloy composition is calculated by a simplified one-dimensional model to estimate its effect on melt thermal conductivity and, consequently, on the temperature field within the cell. Solidification is assumed to occur at a fixed temperature of 979 K. Simplified boundary conditions are included to model both the radiant and conductive heat exchange between the furnace walls and the alloy. Calculations are performed to show how the steady-state isotherms are affected by: the hot and cold furnace temperatures, boundary condition parameters, and the growth rate which affects the calculated alloy's composition. The Advanced Automatic Directional Solidification Furnace (AADSF), developed by NASA, is also thermally analyzed using the CINDA code. The objective is to determine the performance and the overall power requirements for different furnace designs.

Melt Flow Control in the Directional Solidification of Binary Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zabaras, Nicholas

2003-01-01

Our main project objectives are to develop computational techniques based on inverse problem theory that can be used to design directional solidification processes that lead to desired temperature gradient and growth conditions at the freezing front at various levels of gravity. It is known that control of these conditions plays a significant role in the selection of the form and scale of the obtained solidification microstructures. Emphasis is given on the control of the effects of various melt flow mechanisms on the local to the solidification front conditions. The thermal boundary conditions (furnace design) as well as the magnitude and direction of an externally applied magnetic field are the main design variables. We will highlight computational design models for sharp front solidification models and briefly discuss work in progress toward the development of design techniques for multi-phase volume-averaging based solidification models.

Direct chill casting of aluminium alloys under electromagnetic interaction by permanent magnet assembly

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bojarevičs, Andris; Kaldre, Imants; Milgrāvis, Mikus; Beinerts, Toms

2018-05-01

Direct chill casting is one of the methods used in industry to obtain good microstructure and properties of aluminium alloys. Nevertheless, for some alloys grain structure is not optimal. In this study, we offer the use of electromagnetic interaction to modify melt convection near the solidification interface. Solidification under various electromagnetic interactions has been widely studied, but usually at low solidification velocity and high thermal gradient. This type of interaction may succeed fragmentation of dendrite arms and transport of solidification nuclei thus leading to improved material structure and properties. Realization of experimental small-scale crystallizer and electromagnetic system has been described in this article.

Thermal analysis of HGFQ using FIDAP(trademark): Solidification front motion

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Woodbury, Keith A.

1996-01-01

The High Gradient Furnace with Quench (HGFQ) is being designed by NASA/MSFC for flight on the International Space Station. The furnace is being designed specifically for solidification experiments in metal and metallic alloy systems. The HGFQ Product development Team (PDT) has been active since January 1994 and their effort is now in early Phase B. Thermal models have been developed both by NASA and Sverdrup (support contractor) to assist in the HGFQ design effort. Both these models use SINDA as a solution engine, but the NASA model was developed using PATRAN and includes more detail than the Sverdrup model. These models have been used to guide design decisions and have been validated through experimentation on a prototypical 'Breadboard' furnace at MSFC. One facet of the furnace operation of interest to the designers is the sensitivity of the solidification interface location to changes in the furnace setpoint. Specifically of interest is the motion (position and velocity) of the solidification front due to a small perturbation in the furnace temperature. FIDAP(TM) is a commercially available finite element program for analysis of heat transfer and fluid flow processes. Its strength is in solution of the Navier-Stokes equations for incompressible flow, but among its capabilities is the analysis of transient processes involving radiation and solidification. The models presently available from NASA and Sverdrup are steady-state models and are incapable of computing the motion of the solidification front. The objective of this investigation is to use FIDAP(TM) to compute the motion of the solidification interface due to a perturbation in the furnace setpoint.

Macrosegregation Resulting from Directional Solidification Through an Abrupt Change in Cross-Sections

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lauer, M.; Poirier, D. R.; Ghods, M.; Tewari, S. N.; Grugel, R. N.

2017-01-01

Simulations of the directional solidification of two hypoeutectic alloys (Al-7Si alloy and Al-19Cu) and resulting macrosegregation patterns are presented. The casting geometries include abrupt changes in cross-section from a larger width of 9.5 mm to a narrower 3.2 mm width then through an expansion back to a width of 9.5 mm. The alloys were chosen as model alloys because they have similar solidification shrinkages, but the effect of Cu on changing the density of the liquid alloy is about an order of magnitude greater than that of Si. The simulations compare well with experimental castings that were directionally solidified in a graphite mold in a Bridgman furnace. In addition to the simulations of the directional solidification in graphite molds, some simulations were effected for solidification in an alumina mold. This study showed that the mold must be included in numerical simulations of directional solidification because of its effect on the temperature field and solidification. For the model alloys used for the study, the simulations clearly show the interaction of the convection field with the solidifying alloys to produce a macrosegregation pattern known as "steepling" in sections with a uniform width. Details of the complex convection- and segregation-patterns at both the contraction and expansion of the cross-sectional area are revealed by the computer simulations. The convection and solidification through the expansions suggest a possible mechanism for the formation of stray grains. The computer simulations and the experimental castings have been part of on-going ground-based research with the goal of providing necessary background for eventual experiments aboard the ISS. For casting practitioners, the results of the simulations demonstrate that computer simulations should be applied to reveal interactions between alloy solidification properties, solidification conditions, and mold geometries on macrosegregation. The simulations also presents the possibility of engineering the mold-material to avoid, or mitigate, the effects of thermosolutal convection and macrosegregation by selecting a mold material with suitable thermal properties, especially its thermal conductivity.

Novel synthesis and applications of Thiomer solidification for heavy metals immobilization in hazardous ASR/ISW thermal residue.

PubMed

Baek, Jin Woong; Mallampati, Srinivasa Reddy; Park, Hung Suck

2016-03-01

The present paper reports the novel synthesis and application of Thiomer solidification for heavy metal immobilization in hazardous automobile shredder residues and industrial solid waste (ASR/ISW) thermal residues. The word Thiomer is a combination of the prefix of a sulfur-containing compound "Thio" and the suffix of "Polymer" meaning a large molecule compound of many repeated subunits. To immobilize heavy metals, either ASR/ISW thermal residues (including bottom and fly ash) was mixed well with Thiomer and heated at 140°C. After Thiomer solidification, approximately 91-100% heavy metal immobilization was achieved. The morphology and mineral phases of the Thiomer-solidified ASR/ISW thermal residue were characterized by field emission-scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD), which indicated that the amounts of heavy metals detectable on the ASR/ISW thermal residue surface decreased and the sulfur mass percent increased. XRD indicated that the main fraction of the enclosed/bound materials on the ASR/ISW residue contained sulfur associated crystalline complexes. The Thiomer solidified process could convert the heavy metal compounds into highly insoluble metal sulfides and simultaneously encapsulate the ASR/ISW thermal residue. These results show that the proposed method can be applied to the immobilization of ASR/ISW hazardous ash involving heavy metals. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Ice Layer Spreading along a Solid Substrate during Solidification of Supercooled Water: Experiments and Modeling.

PubMed

Schremb, Markus; Campbell, James M; Christenson, Hugo K; Tropea, Cameron

2017-05-16

The thermal influence of a solid wall on the solidification of a sessile supercooled water drop is experimentally investigated. The velocity of the initial ice layer propagating along the solid substrate prior to dendritic solidification is determined from videos captured using a high-speed video system. Experiments are performed for varying substrate materials and liquid supercooling. In contrast to recent studies at moderate supercooling, in the case of metallic substrates only a weak influence of the substrate's thermal properties on the ice layer velocity is observed. Using the analytical solution of the two-phase Stefan problem, a semiempirical model for the ice layer velocity is developed. The experimental data are well described for all supercooling levels in the entire diffusion limited solidification regime. For higher supercooling, the model overestimates the freezing velocity due to kinetic effects during molecular attachment at the solid-liquid interface, which are not accounted for in the model. The experimental findings of the present work offer a new perspective on the design of anti-icing systems.

Numerical and experimental analysis for solidification and residual stress in the GMAW process for AISI 304 stainless steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Choi, J.; Mazumder, J.

1996-12-31

Networking three fields of welding--thermal, microstructure, and stress--was attempted and produced a reliable model using a numerical method with the finite element analysis technique. Model prediction was compared with experimental data in order to validate the model. The effects of welding process parameters on these welding fields were analyzed and reported. The effort to correlate the residual stress and solidification was initiated, with some valuable results. The solidification process was simulated using the formulation based on the Hunt-Trivedi model. Based on the temperature history, solidification speed and primary dendrite arm spacing were predicted at given nodes of interest. Results showmore » that the variation during solidification is usually within an order of magnitude. The temperature gradient was generally in the range of 10{sup 4}--10{sup 5} K/m for the given welding conditions (welding power = 6 kW and welding speed = 3.3867 to 7.62 mm/sec), while solidification speed appeared to slow down from an order of 10{sup {minus}1} to 10{sup {minus}2} m/sec during solidification. SEM images revealed that the primary dendrite arm spacing (PDAS) fell in the range of 10{sup 1}--10{sup 2} {micro}m. For grain growth at the heat affected zone (HAZ), Ashby`s model was employed. The prediction was in agreement with experimental results. For the residual stress calculation, the same mesh generation used in the heat transfer analysis was applied to make the simulation consistent. The analysis consisted of a transient heat analysis followed by a thermal stress analysis. An experimentally measured strain history was compared with the simulated result. The relationship between microstructure and the stress/strain field of welding was also obtained. 64 refs., 18 figs., 9 tabs.« less

Method and apparatus for filling thermal insulating systems

DOEpatents

Arasteh, Dariush K.

1992-01-01

A method for filling insulated glazing units is disclosed. The method utilizes a vacuum chamber in which the insulated glazing units are placed. The insulated glazing units and vacuum chamber are evacuated simultaneously. The units are then refilled with a low conductance gas such as Krypton while the chamber is simultaneously refilled with air.

Measurement of the hot spot electron temperature in NIF ICF implosions using Krypton x-ray emission spectroscopy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, T.; Chen, H.; Patel, P. K.; Schneider, M.; Barrios, M.; Berzak Hopkins, L.; Casey, D.; Chung, H.-K.; Hammel, B.; Jarrott, C.; Nora, R.; Pak, A.; Scott, H.; Spears, B.; Weber, C.

2015-11-01

The inference of ion temperature from neutron spectral measurements in indirect-drive ICF implosions is known to be sensitive to non-thermal velocity distributions in the fuel. The electron temperature (Te) inferred from dopant line ratios should not be sensitive to these bulk motions and hence may be a better measure of the thermal temperature of the hot spot. Here we describe a series of experiments to be conducted on the NIF where a small concentration of a mid-Z dopant (Krypton) is added to the fuel gas. The x-ray spectra is measured and the electron temperature is inferred from Kr line ratios. We also quantify the level of radiative cooling in the hot spot due to this mid-Z dopant. These experiments represent the first direct measurement of hot spot Te using spectroscopy, and we will describe the considerations for applying x-ray spectroscopy in such dense and non-uniform hot spots. This work performed under the auspices of U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Mechanism for Angular Deformation of L-shaped Specimens —Influence of Filling Material and Shrinkage Factor—

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Furuhashi, Hiroshi; Aoki, Takerou; Okabe, Sayaka; Arai, Tsuyoshi; Seto, Masahiro; Yamabe, Masashi

L-shape is the important and fundamental shape for injection molded parts. Therefore to reveal the corner angular deformation mechanism of this shape is also valuable for understanding the warpage mechanism of injection molded parts. In this study, we investigated the influence of the filling materials (fiber, talc and not filled) and two kinds of anisotropic shrinkage factors, solidification shrinkage and shrinkage caused by thermal expansion coefficient during cooling, to the angular deformation of L-shaped specimens and the following conclusions were obtained 1) The anisotropic solidification shrinkage of MD/TD and the anisotropic thermal expansion coefficient of MD/TD are considered to cause the angular deformation of L-shaped specimens. But the contribution ratios of these two anisotropies depend on the filling material for plastics. 2) The angular deformation of PP and PBT filled with glass fiber is mainly caused by the anisotropic thermal expansion coefficient and on the other hand, that of PP and PBT without filling material is caused by anisotropic solidification shrinkage. However both anisotropies cause the angular deformation of PP filled with talc. 3) The plate thickness dependence of the angular deformation of PP filled with talc is the singular peculiar phenomenon. The plate thickness dependence of anisotropic solidification shrinkage of this material (it is also singular) is considered to have an important influence on this phenomenon.

Acoustic emission from a solidifying aluminum-lithium alloy

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Henkel, D. P.; Wood, J. D.

1992-01-01

Physical phenomena associated with the solidification of an AA2090 Al-Li alloy have been characterized by AE methods. Repeatable patterns of AE activity as a function of solidification time are recorded and explained for ultrahigh-purity (UHP) aluminum and an Al-4.7 wt pct Cu binary alloy, in addition to the AA2090 Al-Li alloy, by the complementary utilization of thermal, AE, and metallographic methods. One result shows that the solidification of UHP aluminum produces one discrete period of high AE activity as the last 10 percent of solid forms.

Design of a High Thermal Gradient Bridgman Furnace

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

LeCroy, J. E.; Popok, D. P.

1994-01-01

The Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (AADSF) is a Bridgman-Stockbarger microgravity processing facility, designed and manifested to first fly aboard the second United States Microgravity Payload (USMP-2) Space Shuttle mission. The AADSF was principally designed to produce high axial thermal gradients, and is particularly suitable for metals solidification experiments, including non-dilute alloys. To accommodate a wider range of experimental conditions, the AADSF is equipped with a reconfigurable gradient zone. The overall design of the AADSF and the relationship between gradient zone design and furnace performance are described. Parametric thermal analysis was performed and used to select gradient zone design features that fulfill the high thermal gradient requirements of the USMP-2 experiment. The thermal model and analytical procedure, and parametric results leading to the first flight gradient zone configuration, are presented. Performance for the USMP-2 flight experiment is also predicted, and analysis results are compared to test data.

Experimental process investigation of a latent heat energy storage system with a staggered heat exchanger with different phase change materials for solar thermal energy storage applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tsolakoglou, Nikolas P.; Koukou, Maria K.; Vrachopoulos, Michalis Gr.; Tachos, Nikolaos; Lymberis, Kostas; Stathopoulos, Vassilis

2017-11-01

This work investigates melting and solidification processes of four different Phase Change Materials (PCM) used as latent heat thermal storage system. The experimental rig was consisted of an insulated tank, filled with the under investigation PCM, a staggered heat exchanger to supply or extract heat from the PCM cavity and a water pump to circulate Heat Transfer Fluid (HTF). Both charging (melting) and discharging (solidification) processes were conducted for two different HTF flow rates. The main scope of this work was to develop a first approach and to investigate the behaviour of PCM under various load conditions (different HTF flow rates). Results show that different HTF flow rates affect melting and solidification time periods; in both processes time was reduced while HTF flow rate was increased but in differentways due to the transition from conduction to convection heat transfer mechanisms.

Investigation on the solidification course of Al-Si alloys by using a numerical Newtonian thermal analysis method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tang, Peng; Hu, Zhiliu; Zhao, Yanjun; Huang, Qingbao

2017-12-01

A numerical Newtonian thermal analysis (NTA) method was carried out for online monitoring the solidification course of commercial Al-Si alloys. The solidification paths of different molten Al-Si alloys were characterized by the fraction solid curves. The variation of heat capacity of Al and Si were concerned in the determination of baseline evaluation of latent heat. In this experiment, the pure Al, Al-1Si, Al-5Si, Al-9Si, Al-13Si and Al-18Si alloys were molten at 800 °C and cooled at room temperature, respectively. The cooling curves of these alloys were measured by using K-type thermocouples. The liquidus temperatures of these alloys decreased with the increase of Si %. An obvious stage occurred at about 580 °C, which was closely related to Al-Si eutectic reaction. Different phase fractions of these alloys were supported by the microstructure observation.

Directional solidification of Bi-Mn alloys using an applied magnetic field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Decarlo, J. L.; Pirich, R. G.

1987-01-01

Off-eutectic compositions of Bi-Mn were directionally solidified in applied transverse magnetic fields up to 3 kG, to determine the effects on thermal and solutal convection. Plane front directional solidification of eutectic and near-eutectic Bi-Mn results in a two-phase rodlike morphology consisting of ferromagnetic MnBi rods in a Bi solid solution matrix. Compositions of either side of the eutectic were studied in growth orientations vertically up and down. Temperature gradient was monitored during growth by means of an in-situ thermocouple. For Bi-rich compositions, the magnetic field appeared to increase mixing as determined from thermal, morphological, chemical, and magnetic analyses. For Mn-rich compositions, morphological and chemical analyses suggest some reduction in mixing due to application of the magnetic force. The capability for carrying out directional solidification of Bi-Mn in high longitudinal magnetic fields was established.

Consequences of Part Temperature Variability in Electron Beam Melting of Ti-6Al-4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fisher, Brian A.; Mireles, Jorge; Ridwan, Shakerur; Wicker, Ryan B.; Beuth, Jack

2017-12-01

To facilitate adoption of Ti-6Al-4V (Ti64) parts produced via additive manufacturing (AM), the ability to ensure part quality is critical. Measuring temperatures is an important component of part quality monitoring in all direct metal AM processes. In this work, surface temperatures were monitored using a custom infrared camera system attached to an Arcam electron beam melting (EBM®) machine. These temperatures were analyzed to understand their possible effect on solidification microstructure based on solidification cooling rates extracted from finite element simulations. Complicated thermal histories were seen during part builds, and temperature changes occurring during typical Ti64 builds may be large enough to affect solidification microstructure. There is, however, enough time between fusion of individual layers for spatial temperature variations (i.e., hot spots) to dissipate. This means that an effective thermal control strategy for EBM® can be based on average measured surface temperatures, ignoring temperature variability.

The Effect of Bi Contamination on the Solidification Behavior of Sn-Pb Solders

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moon, Kil-Won; Kattner, Ursula R.; Handwerker, Carol A.

2007-06-01

This paper presents experimental results and theoretical calculations that evaluate the effects of Bi contamination on the solidification behavior of Sn-Pb alloys. The pasty (mushy) range, the type of solidification path, and the microstructure of the solidified alloys are described. The experimental results are obtained from thermal analysis and metallography, and the solidification calculations are performed using the lever rule and Scheil assumptions. The experimental results show that the solidification behavior of the contaminated solder at cooling rates of 5°C/min and 23°C/min is closer to the predictions of the lever rule calculations than those of the Scheil calculations. Although the freezing range of Bi-contaminated Sn-Pb solders is increased, formation of a ternary eutectic reaction at 95°C is not observed for contamination levels below the Bi mass fraction of 6%.

Microstructural development and segregation effects in directionally solidified nickel-based superalloy PWA 1484

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Lichun

2002-09-01

These studies were performed to investigate the effects of thermal gradient (G) and growth velocity (V) on the microstructure development and solidification behavior of directionally solidified nickel-based superalloy PWA 1484. Directional solidification (DS) experiments were conducted using a Bridgman crystal growth facility. The solidification velocity ranged from 0.00005 to 0.01 cm/sec and thermal gradients ranged from 12 to 108°C/cm. The as-cast microstructures of DS samples were characterized by using conventional metallography; chemical composition and segregation of directionally solidified samples were analyzed with energy dispersive spectroscopy in SEM. A range of aligned solidification microstructures is exhibited by the alloy when examined as-cast at room temperature: dendrites, flanged cells, cells. The microstructure transitions from cellular to dendritic as the growth velocity increases. The experimental data for PWA1484 exhibits excellent agreement with the well-known exponential equation (lambda1 ∝ G -1/2V-1/4). However, the constant of proportionality is different depending upon the solidification microstructure: (1) dendritic growth with secondary arms leads to a marked dependence of lambda1 on G-1/2 V-1/4; (2) flanged cellular growth with no secondary arms leads to much lower dependence of lambda 1 on G-1/2V -1/4. The primary dendritic arm spacing results were also compared to recent theoretical models. The model of Hunt and Lu and the model of Ma and Sahm provided excellent agreement at medium to high thermal gradients and a wide range of solidification velocities. The anomalous behavior of lambda 1 with high growth velocity V at low G is analyzed based on the samples' microstructures. Off-axis heat flows were shown to cause radial non-uniformity in the dendrite arm spacing data for low thermal gradients and large withdrawal velocities. Various precipitates including gamma', (gamma ' + gamma) eutectic pool or divorced eutectic gamma ', and metal carbides were characterized. Processing conditions (growth velocity V and thermal gradient G) exert significant influence on both morphology and size of precipitates present. Freckle defects were observed on the surface of nickel-based superalloy MM247 cylindrical samples but not on the surface of cylindrical PWA 1484 samples. The Rayleigh number (Ra) that represents liquid instability at the interface was evaluated for MM247 and PWA 1484 in terms of a recently proposed theoretical equation. The effects of segregation, sloped solid/liquid interface and the morphology of dendritic/cellular trunks on the mushy zone convective flow and freckle formation are also discussed.

State-of-the-art ab initio potential energy curve for the krypton atom pair and thermophysical properties of dilute krypton gas

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jäger, Benjamin, E-mail: benjamin.jaeger@uni-rostock.de; Hellmann, Robert, E-mail: robert.hellmann@uni-rostock.de; Bich, Eckard

2016-03-21

A new reference krypton-krypton interatomic potential energy curve was developed by means of quantum-chemical ab initio calculations for 36 interatomic separations. Highly accurate values for the interaction energies at the complete basis set limit were obtained using the coupled-cluster method with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations as well as t-aug-cc-pV5Z and t-aug-cc-pV6Z basis sets including mid-bond functions, with the 6Z basis set being newly constructed for this study. Higher orders of coupled-cluster terms were considered in a successive scheme up to full quadruple excitations. Core-core and core-valence correlation effects were included. Furthermore, relativistic effects were studied not only atmore » a scalar relativistic level using second-order direct perturbation theory, but also utilizing full four-component and Gaunt-effect computations. An analytical pair potential function was fitted to the interaction energies, which is characterized by a depth of 200.88 K with an estimated standard uncertainty of 0.51 K. Thermophysical properties of low-density krypton were calculated for temperatures up to 5000 K. Second and third virial coefficients were obtained from statistical thermodynamics. Viscosity and thermal conductivity as well as the self-diffusion coefficient were computed using the kinetic theory of gases. The theoretical results are compared with experimental data and with results for other pair potential functions from the literature, especially with those calculated from the recently developed ab initio potential of Waldrop et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 142, 204307 (2015)]. Highly accurate experimental viscosity data indicate that both the present ab initio pair potential and the one of Waldrop et al. can be regarded as reference potentials, even though the quantum-chemical methods and basis sets differ. However, the uncertainties of the present potential and of the derived properties are estimated to be considerably lower.« less

State-of-the-art ab initio potential energy curve for the krypton atom pair and thermophysical properties of dilute krypton gas.

PubMed

Jäger, Benjamin; Hellmann, Robert; Bich, Eckard; Vogel, Eckhard

2016-03-21

A new reference krypton-krypton interatomic potential energy curve was developed by means of quantum-chemical ab initio calculations for 36 interatomic separations. Highly accurate values for the interaction energies at the complete basis set limit were obtained using the coupled-cluster method with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations as well as t-aug-cc-pV5Z and t-aug-cc-pV6Z basis sets including mid-bond functions, with the 6Z basis set being newly constructed for this study. Higher orders of coupled-cluster terms were considered in a successive scheme up to full quadruple excitations. Core-core and core-valence correlation effects were included. Furthermore, relativistic effects were studied not only at a scalar relativistic level using second-order direct perturbation theory, but also utilizing full four-component and Gaunt-effect computations. An analytical pair potential function was fitted to the interaction energies, which is characterized by a depth of 200.88 K with an estimated standard uncertainty of 0.51 K. Thermophysical properties of low-density krypton were calculated for temperatures up to 5000 K. Second and third virial coefficients were obtained from statistical thermodynamics. Viscosity and thermal conductivity as well as the self-diffusion coefficient were computed using the kinetic theory of gases. The theoretical results are compared with experimental data and with results for other pair potential functions from the literature, especially with those calculated from the recently developed ab initio potential of Waldrop et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 142, 204307 (2015)]. Highly accurate experimental viscosity data indicate that both the present ab initio pair potential and the one of Waldrop et al. can be regarded as reference potentials, even though the quantum-chemical methods and basis sets differ. However, the uncertainties of the present potential and of the derived properties are estimated to be considerably lower.

Melting-solidification transition of Zn nanoparticles embedded in SiO2: Observation by synchrotron x-ray and ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared light

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amekura, H.; Tanaka, M.; Katsuya, Y.; Yoshikawa, H.; Ohnuma, M.; Matsushita, Y.; Kobayashi, K.; Kishimoto, N.

2010-11-01

Melting-solidification transition of Zn nanoparticles (NPs) with the mean diameter of 11.5 nm, embedded in silica glass, was investigated by glancing incident x-ray diffraction (GIXRD) at high temperatures using synchrotron radiation (SR). With increasing temperature, 101Zn diffraction peak gradually decreases up to ˜360 °C and then steeply decreases. This is due to the melting of Zn NPs, which completes around 420 °C. With decreasing temperature, the solidification of the NPs begins around ˜310 °C. The temperature hysteresis with a width of ˜110 °C was observed. With temperature, the diffraction angle shows a shift without hysteresis, which is ascribed to thermal expansion of Zn NP lattice. Thermal expansion coefficient of Zn NPs was determined as 24.4×10-6 K-1 along the ⟨101⟩ direction. Optical absorption spectroscopy shows a broad ultraviolet (UV) peak which was observed at even higher temperatures than the melting temperature but shifts to the low-energy side with the melting. The energy shift in the UV peak also shows the temperature hysteresis which resembles with the melting-solidification hysteresis recorded by SR-GIXRD. The melting-solidification transition is also detectable by the optical absorption spectroscopy in the UV-visible-near-infrared region.

Numerical investigation of thermal and residual stress of sapphire during c-axis vertical Bridgman growth process considering the solidification history effect

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hwang, Ji Hoon; Lee, Young Cheol; Lee, Wook Jin

2018-01-01

Sapphire single crystals have been highlighted for epitaxial of gallium nitride films in high-power laser and light emitting diode industries. In this study, the evolution of thermally induced stress in sapphire during the vertical Bridgman crystal growth process was investigated using a finite element model that simplified the real Bridgman process. A vertical Bridgman process of cylindrical sapphire crystal with a diameter of 50 mm was considered for the model. The solidification history effect during the growth was modeled by the quite element technique. The effects of temperature gradient, seeding interface shape and seeding position on the thermal stress during the process were discussed based on the finite element analysis results.

Thermoelectric and morphological effects of Peltier pulsing on directional solidification of eutectic Bi-Mn

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silberstein, R. P.; Larson, D. J., Jr.; Dressler, B.

1984-01-01

Extensive in situ thermal measurements using Peltier Interface Demarcation (PID) during directional solidification of eutectic Bi/MnBi were carried out. Observations indicate that significant thermal transients occur throughout the sample as a result of the Peltier pulsing. The contributions of the Peltier, Thomson, and Joule heats were separated and studied as a function of pulse intensity and polarity. The Joule and the combined Peltier and Thomson thermal contributions were determined as a function of time during and after the current pulses, close to the solid/liquid interface. Variations of the Bi/MnBi particle morphology clearly reveal the interface shape, changes in interface velocity, meltback, and temporary loss of cooperative growth, as a result of the pulsing.

Method and apparatus for filling thermal insulating systems

DOEpatents

Arasteh, D.K.

1992-01-14

A method for filling insulated glazing units is disclosed. The method utilizes a vacuum chamber in which the insulated glazing units are placed. The insulated glazing units and vacuum chamber are evacuated simultaneously. The units are then refilled with a low conductance gas such as Krypton while the chamber is simultaneously refilled with air. 3 figs.

Solidification Based Grain Refinement in Steels

DTIC Science & Technology

2009-07-24

pearlite (See Figure 1). No evidence of the as-cast austenite dendrite structure was observed. The gating system for this sample resides at the thermal...possible nucleating compounds. 3) Extend grain refinement theory and solidification knowledge through experimental data. 4) Determine structure ...refine the structure of a casting through heat treatment. The energy required for grain refining via thermomechanical processes or heat treatment

Coupled Heat Transfer and Fluid Dynamics Modeling of InSb Solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barvinschi, Paul; Barvinschi, Floricica

2011-10-01

A method for the directional solidification of melted InSb in a silica ampoule is presented and solved with COMSOL Multiphysics. The configuration and initial boundary settings of the model resemble those used in a de-wetting vertical Bridgman configuration [1]. A slightly modified version of the method presented by Voller and Prakash [2] is used to account for solidification of the liquid phase, including convection and conduction heat transfer with mushy region phase change. Axial-symmetric numerical simulations of temperature and velocity fields, under normal gravity, are carried out using different thermal conditions.

Simulating the Dynamics of Particles Interacting with Solidification Fronts (Preprint - Briefing Charts)

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-07-01

A π =Π )( lslpsp γγγγ +−=Δ A = Hamaker constant ~ Δγ Δγ > 0 repulsive Δγ < 0 attractive VSparticle solid liquid d Previous work on thermal effects of...Solidification velocity = 500 microns/sec, Rp = 1 micron, Hamaker = -8E-19 J, kp/kl = 1.0 (planar), no premelting Vs Vt Vp Velocity vs. t and d vs. t plots...premelting Solidification velocity = 500 microns/sec, Rp = 1 micron, Hamaker = -8E-19 J, kp/kl = 1.0 (planar), premelting kp/kl ≥ 1.0 ALWAYS ENGULFS

Interplay among Coating Thickness, Strip Size, and Thermal and Solidification Characteristics in A356 Lost Foam Casting Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shabestari, S. G.; Divandari, M.; Ghoncheh, M. H.; Jamali, V.

2017-10-01

The aim of this research was evaluation of the solidification parameters of A356 alloy, e.g., dendrite arm spacing (DAS), correlation between cooling rate (CR) and DAS, hot tearing, and microstructural analysis at different coating thicknesses and strip sizes during the lost foam casting process (LFC). To achieve this goal, the DAS was measured at six coating thicknesses and six different strip sizes. In addition, thermal characteristics, such as the CR, temperatures of start and finish points of solidification, recalescence undercooling, and hot tearing susceptibility (HCSC), at five coating thicknesses were recognized from the cooling curves and their first derivative and the solid fraction curves, which have been plotted through the thermal analysis technique. The pouring temperature and strip size were fixed at 1063 K (790 °C) and 12 mm, respectively. Besides, to derive a numerical equation to predict the CR by measuring the DAS in this alloy, a microstructural evaluation was carried out on samples cast through 12-mm strip size. The results showed that both coating thickness and strip size had similar influences on the DAS, in which, by retaining one parameter at a constant value and simultaneous enhancement in the other parameter, the DAS increased significantly. Furthermore, at thinner coating layer, the higher amount of the CR was observed, which caused reduction in the temperatures of both the start and finish points of solidification. Also, increasing the CR caused a nonlinear increase in both the recalescence undercooling and the HCSC.

[Solidification of volatile oil with graphene oxide].

PubMed

Yan, Hong-Mei; Jia, Xiao-Bin; Zhang, Zhen-Hai; Sun, E; Xu, Yi-Hao

2015-02-01

To evaluate the properties of solidifying volatile oil with graphene oxide, clove oil and zedoary turmeric oil were solidified by graphene oxide. The amount of graphene oxide was optimized with the eugenol yield and curcumol yield as criteria. Curing powder was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effects of graphene oxide on dissolution in vitro and thermal stability of active components were studied. The optimum solidification ratio of graphene oxide to volatile oil was 1:1. Dissolution rate of active components had rare influence while their thermal stability improved after volatile oil was solidified. Solidifying herbal volatile oil with graphene oxide deserves further study.

Low-Temperature Aging Characteristics of Type 316L Stainless Steel Welds: Dependence on Solidification Mode

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Abe, Hiroshi; Watanabe, Yutaka

2008-06-01

Thermal aging embrittlement of light water reactor (LWR) components made of stainless steel cast has been recognized as a potential degradation issue, and careful attention has been paid to it. Although welds of austenitic stainless steels have γ-δ duplex microstructure, which is similar to that of the stainless steel cast, examination of the thermal aging characteristics of the stainless steel welds is very limited. In this investigation, two types of type 316L stainless steel weld metal with different solidification modes were prepared using two kinds of filler metals having tailored Ni equivalent and Cr equivalent. Differences between the two weld metals in the morphology of microstructure, in the composition of δ-ferrite, and in hardening behaviors with isothermal aging at 335 °C have been investigated. The hardness of the ferrite phase has increased with aging time, while the hardness of austenite phase has stayed the same. The mottled aspect has been observed in δ-ferrite of aged samples by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. These characteristics suggest that spinodal decomposition has occurred in δ-ferrite by aging at 335 °C. The age-hardening rate of δ-ferrite was faster for the primary austenite solidification mode (AF mode) sample than the primary ferrite solidification mode (FA mode) sample in the initial stage of the aging up to 2000 hours. It has been suggested that the solidification mode can affect the kinetics of spinodal decomposition.

Thermal evolution of plutons: a parameterized approach.

PubMed

Spera, F

1980-01-18

A conservation-of-energy equation has been derived for the spatially averaged magma temperature in a spherical pluton undergoing simultaneous crystallization and both internal (magma) and external (hydrothermal fluid) thermal convection. The model accounts for the dependence of magma viscosity on crystallinity, temperature, and bulk composition; it includes latent heat effects and the effects of different initial water concentrations in the melt and quantitatively considers the role that large volumes of circulatory hydrothermal fluids play in dissipating heat. The nonlinear ordinary differential equation describing these processes has been solved for a variety of magma compositions, initial termperatures, initial crystallinities, volume ratios of hydrothermal fluid to magma, and pluton sizes. These calculations are graphically summarized in plots of the average magma temperature versus time after emplacement. Solidification times, defined as the time necessary for magma to cool from the initial emplacement temperature to the solidus temperature vary as R(1,3), where R is the pluton radius. The solidification time of a pluton with a radius of 1 kilometer is 5 x 10(4) years; for an otherwise identical pluton with a radius of 10 kilometers, the solidification time is approximately 10(6) years. The water content has a marked effect on the solidification time. A granodiorite pluton with a radius of 5 kilometers and either 0.5 or 4 percent (by weight) water cools in 3.3 x 10(5) or 5 x 10(4) years, respectively. Convection solidification times are usually but not always less than conduction cooling times.

Solid-liquid and liquid-solid transitions in metal nanoparticles.

PubMed

Hou, M

2017-02-22

The melting and solidification temperatures of nanosystems may differ by several hundred Kelvin. To understand the origin of this difference, transitions in small metallic nanoparticles on the atomic scale were analyzed using molecular dynamics (MD). Palladium was used as a case study, which was then extended to a range of other elemental metals. It was argued that in realistic environments, such as gases at low pressure (of the order of 1 mbar), heat transfers allow the microcanonical thermal equilibrium evolution of the nanoparticles between successive collisions with gas atoms. This is shown to have no significant influence on the mechanism of melting, whereas in an isolated nanoparticle, solidification triggers a huge and rapid increase in temperature. A simple relationship between the melting and solidification temperatures was found, indicating that the magnitude of the latent heat of melting governs undercooling. Whereas melting occurs via heterogeneous nucleation, solidification displays characteristics of spinodal decomposition. Consistently, the melting temperature scales with the surface-to-volume ratio, whereas the solidification temperature displays no significant dependence on the particle size.

A purity monitor for the KEDR liquid krypton calorimeter

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Evtushenko, P. N.; Kotov, K. Yu.; Maslennikov, A. L.

We present a purity monitor for the KEDR liquid krypton calorimeter. A new method is suggested based on the usage of a short pulse of a gas discharge as a source of ultraviolet radiation for the photoproduction of electrons in a drift cell of the monitor. This paper describes the design of the monitor, the results of experiments with gaseous and liquid krypton, as well as the experience of using the developed device in the process of krypton purification for the KEDR liquid krypton calorimeter.

The VUV dimer spectra excited in condensed krypton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerasimov, Gennady N.; Krylov, Boris E.; Hallin, Reinhold

2004-05-01

The vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) emission spectra of krypton homonuclear molecules (dimers) were observed in the wavelength range 120-200 nm. The krypton dimers were excited in a DC capillary discharge and the wall of tube could be cooled with liquid nitrogen. The homogeneous DC discharge was a straight channel in the middle of capillary tube. The gas krypton pressure in the discharge channel could be stabilized in the pressure range from 3 hPa to 1000 hPa. The DC discharge current density and the electron concentration were ~ 10 A/cm2 and ~ 2-4 1014 cm-3, respectively. The VUV krypton spectra excited in vicinity of solid krypton were compared with the spectra recorded without condensed krypton. The VUV spectral lines intensities were observed as nonlinear function of the discharge length. This nonlinear increase of intensity with the length of the tube has still to be explained.

Energy of the quasi-free electron in supercritical krypton near the critical point.

PubMed

Li, Luxi; Evans, C M; Findley, G L

2005-12-01

Field ionization measurements of high-n CH(3)I and C(2)H(5)I Rydberg states doped into krypton are presented as a function of krypton number density along the critical isotherm. These data exhibit a decrease in the krypton-induced shift of the dopant ionization energy near the critical point. This change in shift is modeled to within +/-0.2% of experiment using a theory that accounts for the polarization of krypton by the dopant ion, the polarization of krypton by the quasi-free electron that arises from field ionization of the dopant, and the zero point kinetic energy of the free electron. The overall decrease in the shift of the dopant ionization energy near the critical point of krypton, which is a factor of 2 larger than that observed in argon, is dominated by the increase in the zero point kinetic energy of the quasi-free electron.

Design documentation: Krypton encapsulation preconceptual design

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Knecht, D.A.

1994-10-01

US EPA regulations limit the release of Krypton-85 to the environment from commercial facilities after January 1, 1983. In order to comply with these regulations, Krypton-85, which would be released during reprocessing of commercial nuclear fuel, must be collected and stored. Technology currently exists for separation of krypton from other inert gases, and for its storage as a compressed gas in steel cylinders. The requirements, which would be imposed for 100-year storage of Krypton-85, have led to development of processes for encapsulation of krypton within a stable solid matrix. The objective of this effort was to provide preconceptual engineering designs,more » technical evaluations, and life cycle costing data for comparison of two alternate candidate processes for encapsulation of Krypton-85. This report has been prepared by The Ralph M. Parsons Company for the US Department of Energy.« less

Computational modeling of Krypton gas puffs with tailored mass density profiles on Z

DOE PAGES

Jennings, Christopher A.; Ampleford, David J.; Lamppa, Derek C.; ...

2015-05-18

Large diameter multi-shell gas puffs rapidly imploded by high current (~20 MA, ~100 ns) on the Z generator of Sandia National Laboratories are able to produce high-intensity Krypton K-shell emission at ~13 keV. Efficiently radiating at these high photon energies is a significant challenge which requires the careful design and optimization of the gas distribution. To facilitate this, we hydrodynamically model the gas flow out of the nozzle and then model its implosion using a 3-dimensional resistive, radiative MHD code (GORGON). This approach enables us to iterate between modeling the implosion and gas flow from the nozzle to optimize radiativemore » output from this combined system. Furthermore, guided by our implosion calculations, we have designed gas profiles that help mitigate disruption from Magneto-Rayleigh–Taylor implosion instabilities, while preserving sufficient kinetic energy to thermalize to the high temperatures required for K-shell emission.« less

Modeling of Rapid Solidification with Undercooling Effect During Droplet Flattening on a Substrate in Coating Formation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shukla, Rajesh Kumar; Patel, Virendra; Kumar, Arvind

2018-02-01

The coating deposit on the substrate in thermal spray coating process develops by solidification of individual molten particle which impacts, flattens and solidifies on the surface of the substrate. Droplet flattening and solidification typically involves rapid cooling. In this paper, a model for non-equilibrium rapid solidification of a molten droplet spreading onto a substrate is presented. Transient flow during droplet impact and its subsequent spreading is considered using the volume of fluid surface tracking method which was fully coupled with the rapid solidification model. The rapid solidification model includes undercooling, nucleation, interface tracking, non-equilibrium solidification kinetics and combined heat transfer and fluid flow as required to treat a non-stagnant splat formed from droplet flattening. The model is validated with the literature results on stagnant splats. Subsequently, using the model the characteristics of the rapidly solidifying interface for non-stagnant splat, such as interface velocity and interface temperature, are described and the effect of undercooling and interfacial heat transfer coefficient are highlighted. In contrast to the stagnant splat, the non-stagnant splat considered in this study displays interesting features in the rapidly solidifying interface. These are attributed to droplet thinning and droplet recoiling that occur during the droplet spreading process.

Solidification characteristics and segregation behavior of a P-containing Ni-Fe-Cr-based alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Changshuai; Su, Haijun; Guo, YongAn; Guo, Jianting; Zhou, Lanzhang

2017-09-01

Solidification characteristics and segregation behavior of a P-containing Ni-Fe-Cr-based alloy, considered as boiler and turbine materials in 700 °C advanced ultra-supercritical coal-fired power plants, have been investigated by differential thermal analysis and directional solidification quenching technique. Results reveal that P decreases the solidus temperature, but only has negligible influence on liquidus temperature. After P was added, the solidification sequence has no apparent change, but the width of the mushy zone increases and dendritic structures become coarser. Moreover, P increases the amount and changes the morphology of MC carbide. Energy-dispersive spectroscopy analysis reveals that P has obvious influence on the segregation behavior of the constitute elements with equilibrium partition coefficients (ki) far away from unity, whereas has negligible effect on the constituent elements with ki close to unity and has more influence on the final stage of solidification than at early stage. The distribution profiles reveal that P atoms pile up ahead of the solid/liquid (S/L) interface and strongly segregate to the interdendritic liquid region. The influence of P on solidification characteristics and segregation behavior of Ni-Fe-Cr-based alloy could be attributed to the accumulation of P ahead of the S/L interface during solidification.

Timing of mantle overturn during magma ocean solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boukaré, C.-E.; Parmentier, E. M.; Parman, S. W.

2018-06-01

Solidification of magma oceans (MOs) formed early in the evolution of planetary bodies sets the initial condition for their evolution on much longer time scales. Ideal fractional crystallization would generate an unstable chemical stratification that subsequently overturns to form a stably stratified mantle. The simplest model of overturn assumes that cumulates remain immobile until the end of MO solidification. However, overturning of cumulates and thermal convection during solidification may act to reduce this stratification and introduce chemical heterogeneity on scales smaller than the MO thickness. We explore overturning of cumulates before the end of MO crystallization and the possible consequences for mantle structure and composition. In this model, increasingly dense iron-rich layers, crystallized from the overlying residual liquid MO, are deposited on a thickening cumulate layer. Overturn during solidification occurs if the dimensionless parameter, Rc, measuring the ratio of the MO time of crystallization τMO to the timescale associated with compositional overturn τov = μ / ΔρgH exceeds a threshold value. If overturn did not occur until after solidification, this implies that the viscosity of the solidified mantle must have been sufficiently high (possibly requiring efficient melt extraction from the cumulate) for a given rate of solidification. For the lunar MO, possible implications for the generation of the Mg-suites and mare basalt are suggested.

Numerical Analysis of Temperature Gradients and Interface Shape During Directional Solidification of Al and Al-Cu Alloy Under Microgravity Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bune, Andris V.; Sen, Subhayu; Mukherjee, Sundeep; Catalina, Adrian; Stefanescu, Doru M.

1999-01-01

Numerical modeling was undertaken to analyze the influence of radial thermal gradient on solid/liquid (s/1) interface shape and convection patterns during solidification of pure Al and Al-4 wt% Cu alloy. The objective of the numerical task was to predict the influence of convective velocity on an insoluble particle near a s/l interface. These predictions would then be used to define the minimum gravity level (g) required to investigate the fundamental physics of interaction between a particle and a s/I interface. To satisfy this objective, steady state calculations were performed for different gravity levels and orientations with the gravity vector. ne furnace configuration used in this analysis is the proposed International Space Station Furnace, Quench Module Insert (QMI) 1. Results from a thermal model of the furnace core were used as initial boundary conditions for solidification modeling. General model of binary alloy solidification was based on the finite element code FIDAP. It was found that for the worst case orientation of 90 degrees with the gravity vector and a g level of 10(exp -4)g(sub o) (g(sub o) = 9.8 m/s(exp 2)) the dominant forces acting on the particle would be the fundamental drag and interfacial forces.

Transient Thermal State of an Active Braille Matrix with Incorporated Thermal Actuators by Means of Finite Element Method

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Alutei, Alexandra-Maria; Szelitzky, Emoke; Mandru, Dan

2013-01-01

In this article the authors present the transient thermal analysis for a developed thermal linear actuator based on wax paraffin used to drive the cells of a Braille device. A numerical investigation of transient heat transfer phenomenon during paraffin melting and solidification in an encapsulated recipient has been carried out using the ANSYS…

Defects in ion-implanted hcp-titanium: A first-principles study of electronic structures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raji, Abdulrafiu T.; Mazzarello, Riccardo; Scandolo, Sandro; Nsengiyumva, Schadrack; Härting, Margit; Britton, David T.

2011-12-01

The electronic structures of hexagonal closed-packed (h.c.p) titanium containing a vacancy and krypton impurity atoms at various insertion sites are calculated by first-principles methods in the framework of the density-functional theory (DFT). The density of states (DOS) for titanium containing a vacancy defect shows resonance-like features. Also, the bulk electron density decreases from ˜0.15/Å 3 to ˜0.05/Å 3 at the vacancy centre. Electronic structure calculations have been performed to investigate what underlies the krypton site preference in titanium. The DOS of the nearest-neighbour (NN) titanium atoms to the octahedral krypton appears to be less distorted (relative to pure titanium) when compared to the NN titanium atoms to the tetrahedral krypton. The electronic density deformation maps show that polarization of the titanium atoms is stronger when the krypton atom is located at the tetrahedral site. Since krypton is a closed-shell atom, thus precluding any bonding with the titanium atoms, we may conclude that the polarization of the electrons in the vicinity of the inserted krypton atoms and the distortion of the DOS of the NN titanium atoms to the krypton serve to indicate which defect site is preferred when a krypton atom is inserted into titanium. Based on these considerations, we conclude that the substitutional site is the most favourable one, and the octahedral is the preferred interstitial site, in agreement with recent DFT calculations of the energetics of krypton impurity sites.

Correlation between thermal parameters, structures, dendritic spacing and corrosion behavior of Zn Al alloys with columnar to equiaxed transition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ares, A. E.; Gassa, L. M.; Gueijman, S. F.; Schvezov, C. E.

2008-04-01

The columnar to equiaxed transition (CET) has been examined for many years and the significance of CET has been treated in several articles. Experimental observations in different alloy systems have shown that the position of the transition is dependent on parameters like cooling rate, velocity of the liquidus and solidus fronts, local solidification time, temperature gradients and recalescence. The dendritic structure in alloys results in microsegregation of solute species which affects significantly the mechanical properties of the material. The main parameters characterizing the microstructure and the length range of microsegregation is the spacing which is classified as primary, secondary and tertiary. Properties like mechanical resistance and ductility are influenced by the dimensions and continuity of the primary branches, while the secondary and tertiary branches permit the isolation of interdendritic phases which can deteriorate the mechanical behavior of the material. Since the morphology and dimensions of the dendritic structure is related to the solidification parameters mentioned above, for each type of alloy it is essential to correlate dimensions and solidification conditions in order to control the structure. The objective of the present research consists on studying the influence of solidification thermal parameters with the type of structure (columnar, equiaxial or with the CET); and with grain size and dendritic spacing (primary and secondary) in Zn-Al (ZA) alloys (Zn—4 wt%Al, Zn—16 wt%Al and Zn—27 wt%Al, weight percent). Also, correlate the thermal parameters, type of structure, grain size and dendritic spacing with the corrosion resistance of these alloys.

Thermal insulated glazing unit

DOEpatents

Selkowitz, Stephen E.; Arasteh, Dariush K.; Hartmann, John L.

1991-01-01

An improved insulated glazing unit is provided which can attain about R5 to about R10 thermal performance at the center of the glass while having dimensions about the same as those of a conventional double glazed insulated glazing unit. An outer glazing and inner glazing are sealed to a spacer to form a gas impermeable space. One or more rigid, non-structural glazings are attached to the inside of the spacer to divide the space between the inner and outer glazings to provide insulating gaps between glazings of from about 0.20 inches to about 0.40 inches. One or more glazing surfaces facing each thermal gap are coated with a low emissivity coating. Finally, the thermal gaps are filled with a low conductance gas such as krypton gas.

Indoor Solar Thermal Energy Saving Time with Phase Change Material in a Horizontal Shell and Finned-Tube Heat Exchanger

PubMed Central

Paria, S.; Sarhan, A. A. D.; Goodarzi, M. S.; Baradaran, S.; Rahmanian, B.; Yarmand, H.; Alavi, M. A.; Kazi, S. N.; Metselaar, H. S. C.

2015-01-01

An experimental as well as numerical investigation was conducted on the melting/solidification processes of a stationary phase change material (PCM) in a shell around a finned-tube heat exchanger system. The PCM was stored in the horizontal annular space between a shell and finned-tube where distilled water was employed as the heat transfer fluid (HTF). The focus of this study was on the behavior of PCM for storage (charging or melting) and removal (discharging or solidification), as well as the effect of flow rate on the charged and discharged solar thermal energy. The impact of the Reynolds number was determined and the results were compared with each other to reveal the changes in amount of stored thermal energy with the variation of heat transfer fluid flow rates. The results showed that, by increasing the Reynolds number from 1000 to 2000, the total melting time decreases by 58%. The process of solidification also will speed up with increasing Reynolds number in the discharging process. The results also indicated that the fluctuation of gradient temperature decreased and became smooth with increasing Reynolds number. As a result, by increasing the Reynolds number in the charging process, the theoretical efficiency rises. PMID:25879052

Indoor solar thermal energy saving time with phase change material in a horizontal shell and finned-tube heat exchanger.

PubMed

Paria, S; Sarhan, A A D; Goodarzi, M S; Baradaran, S; Rahmanian, B; Yarmand, H; Alavi, M A; Kazi, S N; Metselaar, H S C

2015-01-01

An experimental as well as numerical investigation was conducted on the melting/solidification processes of a stationary phase change material (PCM) in a shell around a finned-tube heat exchanger system. The PCM was stored in the horizontal annular space between a shell and finned-tube where distilled water was employed as the heat transfer fluid (HTF). The focus of this study was on the behavior of PCM for storage (charging or melting) and removal (discharging or solidification), as well as the effect of flow rate on the charged and discharged solar thermal energy. The impact of the Reynolds number was determined and the results were compared with each other to reveal the changes in amount of stored thermal energy with the variation of heat transfer fluid flow rates. The results showed that, by increasing the Reynolds number from 1000 to 2000, the total melting time decreases by 58%. The process of solidification also will speed up with increasing Reynolds number in the discharging process. The results also indicated that the fluctuation of gradient temperature decreased and became smooth with increasing Reynolds number. As a result, by increasing the Reynolds number in the charging process, the theoretical efficiency rises.

The atmosphere of Mars: detection of krypton and xenon.

PubMed

Owen, T; Biemann, K; Rushneck, D R; Biller, J E; Howarth, D W; Lafleur, A L

1976-12-11

Krypton and xenon have been discovered in the martian atmosphere with the mass spectrometer on the second Viking lander. Krypton is more abundant than xenon. The relative abundances of the krypton isotopes appear normal, but the ratio of xenon-129 to xenon-132 is enhanced on Mars relative to the terrestrial value for this ratio. Some possible implications of these findings are discussed.

Texturing of high T(sub c) superconducting polycrystalline fibers/wires by laser-driven directional solidification in an thermal gradient

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Varshney, Usha; Eichelberger, B. Davis, III

1995-01-01

This paper summarizes the technique of laser-driven directional solidification in a controlled thermal gradient of yttria stabilized zirconia core coated Y-Ba-Cu-O materials to produce textured high T(sub c) superconducting polycrystalline fibers/wires with improved critical current densities in the extended range of magnetic fields at temperatures greater than 77 K. The approach involves laser heating to minimize phase segregation by heating very rapidly through the two-phase incongruent melt region to the single phase melt region and directionally solidifying in a controlled thermal gradient to achieve highly textured grains in the fiber axis direction. The technique offers a higher grain growth rate and a lower thermal budget compared with a conventional thermal gradient and is amenable as a continuous process for improving the J(sub c) of high T(sub c) superconducting polycrystalline fibers/wires. The technique has the advantage of suppressing weak-link behavior by orientation of crystals, formation of dense structures with enhanced connectivity, formation of fewer and cleaner grain boundaries, and minimization of phase segregation in the incongruent melt region.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jo, J.C.; Shin, W.K.; Choi, C.Y.

Transient heat transfer problems with phase changes (Stefan problems) occur in many engineering situations, including potential core melting and solidification during pressurized-water-reactor severe accidents, ablation of thermal shields, melting and solidification of alloys, and many others. This article addresses the numerical analysis of nonlinear transient heat transfer with melting or solidification. An effective and simple procedure is presented for the simulation of the motion of the boundary and the transient temperature field during the phase change process. To accomplish this purpose, an iterative implicit solution algorithm has been developed by employing the dual-reciprocity boundary-element method. The dual-reciprocity boundary-element approach providedmore » in this article is much simpler than the usual boundary-element method in applying a reciprocity principle and an available technique for dealing with the domain integral of the boundary element formulation simultaneously. In this article, attention is focused on two-dimensional melting (ablation)/solidification problems for simplicity. The accuracy and effectiveness of the present analysis method have been illustrated through comparisons of the calculation results of some examples of one-phase ablation/solidification problems with their known semianalytical or numerical solutions where available.« less

Performance of a cylindrical phase-change thermal energy storage unit

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jacobson, D. L.; Ponnappan, R.

1983-05-01

The high-temperature performance of a eutectic salt Phase Change Material (PCM) in a cylindrical Thermal Energy Storage Container (TESC) sample is evaluated by means of an experimental apparatus with a water-circulated calorimeter. The phase change characteristics of the salt during melting and solidification were observed by monitoring the external axial temperature profile of the container, and the analysis of the phase change heat transfer in the cylindrical geometry was based on the modified heat balance integral method of Tien (1980), which provides the solidification rate and time. Melting point (983 K), freezing point (944 K), latent heat of fusion (782.26 J/gm) and thermal diffusivity (0.00799 sq cm/sec) results are in agreement with those found in the literature. The experimental and analytical results of the nondimensionalized heat transfer resistance as a function of the solidified or melted weight fraction are compared.

Optimization of heat transfer during the directional solidification process of 1600 kg silicon feedstock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, Chieh; Chen, Jyh Chen; Nguyen, Thi Hoai Thu; Hou, Zhi Zhong; Chen, Chun Hung; Huang, Yen Hao; Yang, Michael

2018-02-01

In this study, the power ratio between the top and side heaters and the moving velocity of the side insulation are designed to control the shape of the crystal-melt interface during the growth process of a 1600 kg multi-crystalline silicon ingot. The power ratio and insulation gap are adjusted to ensure solidification of the melt. To ensure that the crystal-melt interface is slightly convex in relation to the melt during the entire solidification process, the power ratio should be augmented gradually in the initial stages while being held to a constant value in the middle stages. Initially the gap between the side and the bottom insulation is kept small to reduce thermal stress inside the seed crystals. However, the growth rate will be slow in the early stages of the solidification process. Therefore, the movement of the side insulation is fast in the initial stages but slower in the middle stages. In the later stages, the side insulation gap is fixed. With these modifications, the convexity of the crystal-melt interface in relation to the melt can be maintained during the growth process with an approximately 41% reduction in the thermal stress inside the growing ingot and an 80% reduction in dislocation density along the center line of the ingot compared with the original case.

Hot cracking of Structural Steel during Laser Welding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pineda Huitron, Rosa M.; Vuorinen, Esa

2017-10-01

Laser welding is an important technique in many industries due to its high precision in operation, its local and fast processing, narrow welds and its good weld surface quality. However, the process can involve some complications due to the rapid heating and cooling of the material processed, resulting in physical and metallurgical effects as thermal contraction during solidification, giving as a result the presence of residual stresses in the narrow weld. Formation of defects during the process is an important topic to be evaluated in order to achieve better performance of the steels in use. In the present work, defects formed during laser welding of a structural steel have been investigated. The defects formed have been identified and the causes of the defects are discussed. Possible strategies for improvement of the welding procedure and final weld result are proposed. The defects were analysed by optical and scanning electron microscopy and hardness measurement. Cracks were located in the middle of the fusion zone and followed both inter-granular and trans-granular paths. Impurities as manganese sulphides were found along the welding direction, and could act as sites for crack formation. The cracks formed during solidification of the weld are identified as solidification cracks. This kind of cracks is usually caused by solidification shrinkage and thermal contractions during the process, which appear in the fusion zone and sometimes in the heat affected zone.

Thermomechanical Simulation of the Splashing of Ceramic Droplets on a Rigid Substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bertagnolli, Mauro; Marchese, Maurizio; Jacucci, Gianni; St. Doltsinis, Ioannis; Noelting, Swen

1997-05-01

Finite element simulation techniques have been applied to the spreading process of single ceramic liquid droplets impacting on a flat cold surface under plasma-spraying conditions. The goal of the present investigation is to predict the geometrical form of the splat as a function of technological process parameters, such as initial temperature and velocity, and to follow the thermal field developing in the droplet up to solidification. A non-linear finite element programming system has been utilized in order to model the complex physical phenomena involved in the present impact process. The Lagrangean description of the motion of the viscous melt in the drops, as constrained by surface tension and the developing contact with the target, has been coupled to an analysis of transient thermal phenomena accounting also for the solidification of the material. The present study refers to a parameter spectrum as from experimental data of technological relevance. The significance of process parameters for the most pronounced physical phenomena is discussed as are also the consequences of modelling. We consider the issue of solidification as well and touch on the effect of partially unmelted material.

Measurements of microhardness during transient horizontal directional solidification of Al-Rich Al-Cu alloys: Effect of thermal parameters, primary dendrite arm spacing and Al2Cu intermetallic phase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barros, André Santos; Magno, Igor Alexsander; Souza, Fabrício Andrade; Mota, Carlos Alberto; Moreira, Antonio Luciano; Silva, Maria Adrina; Rocha, Otávio Lima

2015-05-01

In this work, the effect of the growth rate (VL) and cooling rate (TR), primary dendritic arm spacing (λ1) and Al2Cu intermetallic phase on the microhardness was investigated during transient horizontal directional solidification of Al-3wt%Cu and Al-8wt%Cu alloys. Microstructural characterization of the investigated alloys was performed using traditional techniques of metallography, optical and SEM microscopy and X-Ray diffraction. The microhardness evolution as a function of the thermal and microstructural parameters (VL, TR, and λ1) was evaluated using power and Hall-Petch type experimental laws, which were compared with other laws in the literature. In order to examine the effect of the Al2Cu intermetallic phase, microhardness measurements were performed in interdendritic regions. Finally, a comparative analysis was performed between the experimental data of this work and theoretical models from the literature that have been proposed to predict primary dendrite arm spacing, which have been tested in numerous works considering upward directional solidification.

Thermal insulated glazing unit

DOEpatents

Selkowitz, S.E.; Arasteh, D.K.; Hartmann, J.L.

1988-04-05

An improved insulated glazing unit is provided which can attain about R5 to about R10 thermal performance at the center of the glass while having dimensions about the same as those of a conventional double glazed insulated glazing unit. An outer glazing and inner glazing are sealed to a spacer to form a gas impermeable space. One or more rigid, non-structural glazings are attached to the inside of the spacer to divide the space between the inner and outer glazings to provide insulating gaps between glazings of from about 0.20 inches to about 0.40 inches. One or more glazing surfaces facing each thermal gap are coated with a low emissivity coating. Finally, the thermal gaps are filled with a low conductance gas such as krypton gas. 2 figs.

Functional Nanoclay Suspension for Printing-Then-Solidification of Liquid Materials.

PubMed

Jin, Yifei; Compaan, Ashley; Chai, Wenxuan; Huang, Yong

2017-06-14

Additive manufacturing (AM) enables the freeform fabrication of complex structures from various build materials. The objective of this study is to develop a novel Laponite nanoclay-enabled "printing-then-solidification" additive manufacturing approach to extrude complex three-dimensional (3D) structures made of various liquid build materials. Laponite, a member of the smectite mineral family, is investigated to serve as a yield-stress support bath material for the extrusion printing of liquid build materials. Using the printing-then-solidification approach, the printed structure remains liquid and retains its shape with the help of the Laponite support bath. Then the completed liquid structures are solidified in situ by applying suitable cross-linking mechanisms. Finally, the solidified structures are harvested from the Laponite nanoclay support bath for any further processing as needed. Due to its chemical and physical stability, liquid build materials with different solidification/curing/gelation mechanisms can be fabricated in the Laponite bath using the printing-then-solidification approach. The feasibility of the proposed Laponite-enabled printing-then-solidification approach is demonstrated by fabricating several complicated structures made of various liquid build materials, including alginate with ionic cross-linking, gelatin with thermal cross-linking, and SU-8 with photo-cross-linking. During gelatin structure printing, living cells are included and the postfabrication cell viability is above 90%.

Thermal characteristics of oleochemical carbonate binary mixtures for potential latent heat storage

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

The present study examines the thermal properties of melting and solidification for binary mixtures between dodecyl carbonate (1a), tetradecyl carbonate (1b), hexadecyl carbonate (1c), and octadecyl carbonate (1d) by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) in order to gain further understanding of t...

[Recent advance in solidification/stabilization technology for the remediation of heavy metals-contaminated soil].

PubMed

Hao, Han-zhou; Chen, Tong-bin; Jin, Meng-gui; Lei, Mei; Liu, Cheng-wu; Zu, Wen-pu; Huang, Li-mi

2011-03-01

Remediation of heavy metals-contaminated soil is still a difficulty and a hotspot of international research projects. At present, the technologies commonly adopted for the remediation of contaminated sites mainly include excavation, solidification/stabilization (S/S), soil washing, soil vapor extraction (SVE), thermal treatment, and bioremediation. Based on the S/S technical guidelines of Unite State Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and United Kingdom Environment Agency (EA) and the domestic and foreign patents, this paper introduced the concepts of S/S and its development status at home and abroad, and discussed its future development directions. Solidification refers to a process that binds contaminated media with a reagent, changing the media's physical properties via increasing its compressive strength, decreasing its permeability, and encapsulating the contaminants to form a solid material. Stabilization refers to the process that involves a chemical reaction which reduces the leachability of a waste, chemically immobilizes the waste and reduces its solubility, making the waste become less harmful or less mobile. S/S technology includes cement solidification, lime pozzolanic solidification, plastic materials stabilization, vitrification, and regent-based stabilization. Stabilization (or immobilization) treatment processes convert contaminants to less mobile forms through chemical or thermal interactions. In stabilization technology, the aim of adding agents is to change the soil physical and chemical properties through pH control technology, redox potential technology, precipitation techniques, adsorption technology, and ion-exchange technology that change the existing forms of heavy metals in soil, and thus, reduce the heavy metals bioavailability and mobility. This review also discussed the S/S evaluation methods, highlighted the need to enhance S/S technology in the molecular bonding, soil polymers, and formulation of China's S/S technical guidelines.

Solidification and Microstructure of Ni-Containing Al-Si-Cu Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fang, Li; Ren, Luyang; Geng, Xinyu; Hu, Henry; Nie, Xueyuan; Tjong, Jimi

2018-01-01

2 wt. % nickel (Ni) addition was introduced into a conventional cast aluminum alloy A380. The influence of transition alloying element nickel on the solidification behavior of cast aluminum alloy A380 was investigated via thermal analyses based on temperature measurements recorded on cooling curves. The corresponding first and second derivatives of the cooling curves were derived to reveal the details of phase changes during solidification. The nucleation of the primary α-Al phase and eutectic phases were analyzed. The microstructure analyses by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) indicate that different types and amount of eutectic phases are present in the tested two alloys. The introduction of Ni forms the complex Ni-containing intermetallic phases with Cu and Al.

Analysis and calculation of macrosegregation in a casting ingot, exhibits C and E

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poirier, D. R.; Maples, A. L.

1984-01-01

A computer model which describes the solidification of a binary metal alloy in an insulated rectangular mold with a temperature gradient is presented. A numerical technique, applicable to a broad class of moving boundary problems, was implemented therein. The solidification model described is used to calculate the macrosegregation within the solidified casting by coupling the equations for liquid flow in the solid/liquid or mushy zone with the energy equation for heat flow throughout the ingot and thermal convection in the bulk liquid portion. The rate of development of the solid can be automatically calculated by the model. Numerical analysis of such solidification parameters as enthalpy and boundary layer flow is displayed. On-line user interface and software documentation are presented.

An evaluation of krypton propellant in Hall thrusters

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Linnell, Jesse Allen

Due to its high specific impulse and low price, krypton has long sparked interest as an alternate Hall thruster propellant. Unfortunately at the moment, krypton's relatively poor performance precludes it as a legitimate option. This thesis presents a detailed investigation into krypton operation in Hall thrusters. These findings suggest that the performance gap can be decreased to 4% and krypton can finally become a realistic propellant option. Although krypton has demonstrated superior specific impulse, the xenon-krypton absolute efficiency gap ranges between 2 and 15%. A phenomenological performance model indicates that the main contributors to the efficiency gap are propellant utilization and beam divergence. Propellant utilization and beam divergence have relative efficiency deficits of 5 and 8%, respectively. A detailed characterization of internal phenomena is conducted to better understand the xenon-krypton efficiency gap. Krypton's large beam divergence is found to be related to a defocusing equipotential structure and a weaker magnetic field topology. Ionization processes are shown to be linked to the Hall current, the magnetic mirror topology, and the perpendicular gradient of the magnetic field. Several thruster design and operational suggestions are made to optimize krypton efficiency. Krypton performance is optimized for discharge voltages above 500 V and flow rates corresponding to an a greater than 0.015 mg/(mm-s), where alpha is a function of flow rate and discharge channel dimensions (alpha = m˙alphab/Ach). Performance can be further improved by increasing channel length or decreasing channel width for a given flow rate. Also, several magnetic field design suggestions are made to enhance ionization and beam focusing. Several findings are presented that improve the understanding of general Hall thruster physics. Excellent agreement is shown between equipotential lines and magnetic field lines. The trim coil is shown to enhance beam focusing, ionization processes, and electron dynamics. Electron mobility and the Hall parameter are studied and compared to different mobility models. Azimuthal electron current is studied using a fluid and particle drift approach. Analyses of several magnetic field features are conducted and simple tools are suggested for the development of future Hall thrusters. These findings have strong implications for future Hall thruster design, lifetimes, and modeling.

Simulation of solidification in a Bridgman cell

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dakhoul, Y. M.; Farmer, R. C.

1984-01-01

Bridgman-type crystal growth techniques are attractive methods for producing homogeneous, high-quality infrared detector and junction device materials. However, crystal imperfections and interface shapes still must be controlled through modification of the temperature and concentration gradients created during solidification. The objective of this investigation was to study the temperature fields generated by various cell and heatpipe configurations and operating conditions. Continuum's numerical model of the temperature, species concentrations, and velocity fields was used to describe the thermal characteristics of Bridgman cell operation.

Densities of Pb-Sn alloys during solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poirier, D. R.

1988-01-01

Data for the densities and expansion coefficients of solid and liquid alloys of the Pb-Sn system are consolidated in this paper. More importantly, the data are analyzed with the purpose of expressing either the density of the solid or of the liquid as a function of its composition and temperature. In particular, the densities of the solid and of the liquid during dendritic solidification are derived. Finally, the solutal and thermal coefficients of volume expansion for the liquid are given as functions of temperature and composition.

Formation of Al15Mn3Si2 Phase During Solidification of a Novel Al-12%Si-4%Cu-1.2%Mn Heat-Resistant Alloy and Its Thermal Stability

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Suo, Xiaojing; Liao, Hengcheng; Hu, Yiyun; Dixit, Uday S.; Petrov, Pavel

2018-02-01

The formation of Al15Mn3Si2 phase in Al-12Si-4Cu-1.2Mn (wt.%) alloy during solidification was investigated by adopting CALPHAD method and microstructural observation by optical microscopy, SEM-EDS, TEM-EDS/SAD and XRD analysis; SEM fixed-point observation method was applied to evaluate its thermal stability. As-cast microstructural observation consistently demonstrates the solidification sequence of the studied alloy predicted by phase diagram calculation. Based on the phase diagram calculation, SEM-EDS, TEM-EDS/SAD and XRD analysis, as well as evidences on Al-Si-Mn-Fe compounds from the literature, the primary and eutectic Mn-rich phases with different morphologies in the studied alloy are identified to be Al15Mn3Si2 that has a body-centered cubic (BCC) structure with a lattice constant of a = 1.352 nm. SEM fixed-point observation and XRD analysis indicate that Al15Mn3Si2 phase has more excellent thermal stability at high temperature than that of CuAl2 phase and can serve as the major strengthening phase in heat-resistant aluminum alloy that has to face a high-temperature working environment. Results of tension test show that addition of Mn can improve the strength of Al-Si-Cu alloy, especially at elevated temperature.

Reduction in secondary dendrite arm spacing in cast eutectic Al-Si piston alloys by cerium addition

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, R.; Asmael, M. B. A.; Shahizan, N. R.; Gandouz, S.

2017-01-01

The effects of Ce on the secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) and mechanical behavior of Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys were investigated. The reduction of SDAS at different Ce concentrations was evaluated in a directional solidification experiment via computer-aided cooling curve thermal analysis (CA‒CCTA). The results showed that 0.1wt%-1.0wt% Ce addition resulted in a rapid solidification time, Δ t s, and low solidification temperature, Δ T S, whereas 0.1wt% Ce resulted in a fast solidification time, Δ t a-Al, of the α-Al phase. Furthermore, Ce addition refined the SDAS, which was reduced to approximately 36%. The mechanical properties of the alloys with and without Ce were investigated using tensile and hardness tests. The quality index ( Q) and ultimate tensile strength of (UTS) Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloys significantly improved with the addition of 0.1wt% Ce. Moreover, the base alloy hardness was improved with increasing Ce concentration.

SPAR X Technical Report for Experiment 76-22 Directional Solidification of Magnetic Composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bethin, J.

1984-01-01

The effects of gravity on Bridgman-Stockbarger directional solidification of off-eutectic Bi/MnBi were studied in reduced gravity aboard the SPAR X flight and compared to normal-gravity investigations and previous eutectic Bi/MnBi SPAR flight experiments. The directional solidification of off-eutectic Bi/MnBi results in either a dendritic structure connected with local cooperative growth or a coupled low volume fraction faceted/non faceted aligned rod eutectic whose Mn macrosegregation, MnBi rod size, interrod spacing, and thermal and magnetic properties are sensitive functions of the solidification processing conditions. Two hypoeutectic and two hypereutectic samples were solidified during 605 sec of furnace travel, with an initial 265 sec low-gravity interval. Comparison Earth-gravity samples were solidified in the same furance assembly under identical processing conditions. Macrosegregation in the low-g samples was consistent with a metastable increase in Mn solubility in the Bi matrix, in partial agreement with previous Bi/MnBi SPAR findings of MnBi volume reduction.

Enhanced thermal conductivity of form-stable phase change composite with single-walled carbon nanotubes for thermal energy storage.

PubMed

Qian, Tingting; Li, Jinhong; Feng, Wuwei; Nian, Hong'en

2017-03-16

A striking contrast in the thermal conductivities of polyethylene glycol (PEG)/diatomite form-stable phase change composite (fs-PCC) with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNs) as nano-additive has been reported in our present study. Compared to the pure PEG, the thermal conductivity of the prepared fs-PCC has increased from 0.24 W/mK to 0.87 W/Mk with a small SWCNs loading of 2 wt%. SWCNs are decorated on the inner surface of diatomite pores whilst retaining its porous structure. Compared to PEG/diatomite fs-PCC, the melting and solidification time of the PEG/diatomite/SWCNs fs-PCC are respectively decreased by 54.7% and 51.1%, and its thermal conductivity is 2.8 times higher. The composite can contain PEG as high as 60 wt% and maintain its original shape perfectly without any PEG leakage after subjected to 200 melt-freeze cycles. DSC results indicates that the melting point of the PEG/diatomite/SWCNs fs-PCC shifts to a lower temperature while the solidification point shifts to a higher temperature due to the presence of SWCNs. Importantly, the use of SWCNs is found to have clear beneficial effects for enhancing the thermal conductivity and thermal storage/release rates, without affecting thermal properties, chemical compatibility and thermal stability. The prepared PEG/diatomite/SWCNs fs-PCC exhibits excellent chemical and thermal durability and has potential application in solar thermal energy storage and solar heating.

Enhanced thermal conductivity of form-stable phase change composite with single-walled carbon nanotubes for thermal energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qian, Tingting; Li, Jinhong; Feng, Wuwei; Nian, Hong'En

2017-03-01

A striking contrast in the thermal conductivities of polyethylene glycol (PEG)/diatomite form-stable phase change composite (fs-PCC) with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNs) as nano-additive has been reported in our present study. Compared to the pure PEG, the thermal conductivity of the prepared fs-PCC has increased from 0.24 W/mK to 0.87 W/Mk with a small SWCNs loading of 2 wt%. SWCNs are decorated on the inner surface of diatomite pores whilst retaining its porous structure. Compared to PEG/diatomite fs-PCC, the melting and solidification time of the PEG/diatomite/SWCNs fs-PCC are respectively decreased by 54.7% and 51.1%, and its thermal conductivity is 2.8 times higher. The composite can contain PEG as high as 60 wt% and maintain its original shape perfectly without any PEG leakage after subjected to 200 melt-freeze cycles. DSC results indicates that the melting point of the PEG/diatomite/SWCNs fs-PCC shifts to a lower temperature while the solidification point shifts to a higher temperature due to the presence of SWCNs. Importantly, the use of SWCNs is found to have clear beneficial effects for enhancing the thermal conductivity and thermal storage/release rates, without affecting thermal properties, chemical compatibility and thermal stability. The prepared PEG/diatomite/SWCNs fs-PCC exhibits excellent chemical and thermal durability and has potential application in solar thermal energy storage and solar heating.

Enhanced thermal conductivity of form-stable phase change composite with single-walled carbon nanotubes for thermal energy storage

PubMed Central

Qian, Tingting; Li, Jinhong; Feng, Wuwei; Nian, Hong’en

2017-01-01

A striking contrast in the thermal conductivities of polyethylene glycol (PEG)/diatomite form-stable phase change composite (fs-PCC) with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNs) as nano-additive has been reported in our present study. Compared to the pure PEG, the thermal conductivity of the prepared fs-PCC has increased from 0.24 W/mK to 0.87 W/Mk with a small SWCNs loading of 2 wt%. SWCNs are decorated on the inner surface of diatomite pores whilst retaining its porous structure. Compared to PEG/diatomite fs-PCC, the melting and solidification time of the PEG/diatomite/SWCNs fs-PCC are respectively decreased by 54.7% and 51.1%, and its thermal conductivity is 2.8 times higher. The composite can contain PEG as high as 60 wt% and maintain its original shape perfectly without any PEG leakage after subjected to 200 melt-freeze cycles. DSC results indicates that the melting point of the PEG/diatomite/SWCNs fs-PCC shifts to a lower temperature while the solidification point shifts to a higher temperature due to the presence of SWCNs. Importantly, the use of SWCNs is found to have clear beneficial effects for enhancing the thermal conductivity and thermal storage/release rates, without affecting thermal properties, chemical compatibility and thermal stability. The prepared PEG/diatomite/SWCNs fs-PCC exhibits excellent chemical and thermal durability and has potential application in solar thermal energy storage and solar heating. PMID:28300191

The influence of buoyant forces and volume fraction of particles on the particle pushing/entrapment transition during directional solidification of Al/SiC and Al/graphite composites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stefanescu, Doru M.; Moitra, Avijit; Kacar, A. Sedat; Dhindaw, Brij K.

1990-01-01

Directional solidification experiments in a Bridgman-type furnace were used to study particle behavior at the liquid/solid interface in aluminum metal matrix composites. Graphite or silicon-carbide particles were first dispersed in aluminum-base alloys via a mechanically stirred vortex. Then, 100-mm-diameter and 120-mm-long samples were cast in steel dies and used for directional solidification. The processing variables controlled were the direction and velocity of solidification and the temperature gradient at the interface. The material variables monitored were the interface energy, the liquid/particle density difference, the particle/liquid thermal conductivity ratio, and the volume fraction of particles. These properties were changed by selecting combinations of particles (graphite or silicon carbide) and alloys (Al-Cu, Al-Mg, Al-Ni). A model which consideres process thermodynamics, process kinetics (including the role of buoyant forces), and thermophysical properties was developed. Based on solidification direction and velocity, and on materials properties, four types of behavior were predicted. Sessile drop experiments were also used to determine some of the interface energies required in calculation with the proposed model. Experimental results compared favorably with model predictions.

The influence of buoyant forces and volume fraction of particles on the particle pushing/entrapment transition during directional solidification of Al/SiC and Al/graphite composites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stefanescu, Doru M.; Moitra, Avijit; Kacar, A. Sedat; Dhindaw, Brij K.

1990-01-01

Directional solidification experiments in a Bridgman-type furnace were used to study particle behavior at the liquid/solid interface in aluminum metal matrix composites. Graphite or siliconcarbide particles were first dispersed in aluminum-base alloys via a mechanically stirred vortex. Then, 100-mm-diameter and 120-mm-long samples were cast in steel dies and used for directional solidification. The processing variables controlled were the direction and velocity of solidification and the temperature gradient at the interface. The material variables monitored were the interface energy, the liquid/particle density difference, the particle/liquid thermal conductivity ratio, and the volume fraction of particles. These properties were changed by selecting combinations of particles (graphite or silicon carbide) and alloys (Al-Cu, Al-Mg, Al-Ni). A model which considers process thermodynamics, process kinetics (including the role of buoyant forces), and thermophysical properties was developed. Based on solidification direction and velocity, and on materials properties, four types of behavior were predicted. Sessile drop experiments were also used to determine some of the interface energies required in calculation with the proposed model. Experimental results compared favorably with model predictions.

Bulk undercooling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kattamis, T. Z.

1984-01-01

Bulk undercooling methods and procedures will first be reviewed. Measurement of various parameters which are necessary to understand the solidification mechanism during and after recalescence will be discussed. During recalescence of levitated, glass-encased large droplets (5 to 8 mm diam) high speed temperature sensing devices coupled with a rapid response oscilloscope are now being used at MIT to measure local thermal behavior in hypoeutectic and eutectic binary Ni-Sn alloys. Dendrite tip velocities were measured by various investigators using thermal sensors or high speed cinematography. The confirmation of the validity of solidification models of bulk-undercooled melts is made difficult by the fineness of the final microstructure, the ultra-rapid evolution of the solidifying system which makes measurements very awkward, and the continuous modification of the microstructure which formed during recalescence because of precipitation, remelting and rapid coarsening.

Producibility improvements suggested by a validated process model of seeded CdZnTe vertical Bridgman growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Larson, David J., Jr.; Casagrande, Louis G.; Di Marzio, Don; Levy, Alan; Carlson, Frederick M.; Lee, Taipao; Black, David R.; Wu, Jun; Dudley, Michael

1994-07-01

We have successfully validated theoretical models of seeded vertical Bridgman-Stockbarger CdZnTe crystal growth and post-solidification processing, using in-situ thermal monitoring and innovative material characterization techniques. The models predict the thermal gradients, interface shape, fluid flow and solute redistribution during solidification, as well as the distributions of accumulated excess stress that causes defect generation and redistribution. Data from the furnace and ampoule wall have validated predictions from the thermal model. Results are compared to predictions of the thermal and thermo-solutal models. We explain the measured initial, change-of-rate, and terminal compositional transients as well as the macrosegregation. Macro and micro-defect distributions have been imaged on CdZnTe wafers from 40 mm diameter boules. Superposition of topographic defect images and predicted excess stress patterns suggests the origin of some frequently encountered defects, particularly on a macro scale, to result from the applied and accumulated stress fields and the anisotropic nature of the CdZnTe crystal. Implications of these findings with respect to producibility are discussed.

Noncontact temperature measurement: Requirements and applications for metals and alloys research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perepezko, J. H.

1988-01-01

Temperature measurement is an essential capability for almost all areas of metals and alloys research. In the microgravity environment many of the science priorities that have been identified for metals and alloys also require noncontact temperature measurement capability. For example, in order to exploit the full potential of containerless processing, it is critical to have available a suitable noncontact temperature measurement system. This system is needed to track continuously the thermal history, including melt undercooling and rapid recalescence, of relatively small metal spheres during free-fall motion in drop tube systems. During containerless processing with levitation-based equipment, accurate noncontact temperature measurement is required to monitor one or more quasi-static samples with sufficient spatial and thermal resolution to follow the progress of solidification fronts originating in undercooled melts. In crystal growth, thermal migration, coarsening and other experiments high resolution thermal maps would be a valuable asset in the understanding and modeling of solidification processes, fluid flows and microstructure development. The science and applications requirements place several constraints on the spatial resolution, response time and accuracy of suitable instrumentation.

Solidification effects on sill formation: An experimental approach

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chanceaux, L.; Menand, T.

2014-10-01

Sills represent a major mechanism for constructing continental Earth's crust because these intrusions can amalgamate and form magma reservoirs and plutons. As a result, numerous field, laboratory and numerical studies have investigated the conditions that lead to sill emplacement. However, all previous studies have neglected the potential effect magma solidification could have on sill formation. The effects of solidification on the formation of sills are studied and quantified with scaled analogue laboratory experiments. The experiments presented here involved the injection of hot vegetable oil (a magma analogue) which solidified during its propagation as a dyke in a colder and layered solid of gelatine (a host rock analogue). The gelatine solid had two layers of different stiffness, to create a priori favourable conditions to form sills. Several behaviours were observed depending on the injection temperature and the injection rate: no intrusions (extreme solidification effects), dykes stopping at the interface (high solidification effects), sills (moderate solidification effects), and dykes passing through the interface (low solidification effects). All these results can be explained quantitatively as a function of a dimensionless temperature θ, which describes the experimental thermal conditions, and a dimensionless flux ϕ, which describes their dynamical conditions. The experiments reveal that sills can only form within a restricted domain of the (θ , ϕ) parameter space. These experiments demonstrate that contrary to isothermal experiments where cooling could not affect sill formation, the presence of an interface that would be a priori mechanically favourable is not a sufficient condition for sill formation; solidification effects restrict sill formation. The results are consistent with field observations and provide a means to explain why some dykes form sills when others do not under seemingly similar geological conditions.

Coupled Growth in Hypermonotectics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrews, J. Barry; Coriell, Sam R.

2001-01-01

The overall objective of this project is to obtain a fundamental understanding of the physics controlling solidification processes in immiscible alloy systems. The investigation involves both experimentation and the development of a model describing solidification in monotectic systems. The experimental segment was designed to first demonstrate that it is possible to obtain interface stability and steady state coupled growth in hypermonotectic alloys through microgravity processing. Microgravity results obtained to date have verified this possibility. Future flights will permit experimental determination of the limits of interface stability and the influence of alloy composition and growth rate on microstructure. The objectives of the modeling segment of the investigation include prediction of the limits of interface stability, modeling of convective flow due to residual acceleration, and the influence of surface tension driven flows at the solidification interface. The study of solidification processes in immiscible alloy systems is hindered by the inherent convective flow that occurs on Earth and by the possibility of sedimentation of the higher density immiscible liquid phase. It has been shown that processing using a high thermal gradient and a low growth rate can lead to a stable macroscopically planar growth front even in hypermonotectic alloys. Processing under these growth conditions can avoid constitutional supercooling and prevent the formation of the minor immiscible liquid phase in advance of the solidification front. However, the solute depleted boundary layer that forms in advance of the solidification front is almost always less dense than the liquid away from the solidification front. As a result, convective instability is expected. Ground based testing has indicated that convection is a major problem in these alloy systems and leads to gross compositional variations along the sample and difficulties maintaining interface stability. Sustained low gravity processing conditions are necessary in order to minimize these problems and obtain solidification conditions which approach steady state.

Gravitational Acceleration Effects on Macrosegregation: Experiment and Computational Modeling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Leon-Torres, J.; Curreri, P. A.; Stefanescu, D. M.; Sen, S.

1999-01-01

Experiments were performed under terrestrial gravity (1g) and during parabolic flights (10-2 g) to study the solidification and macrosegregation patterns of Al-Cu alloys. Alloys having 2% and 5% Cu were solidified against a chill at two different cooling rates. Microscopic and Electron Microprobe characterization was used to produce microstructural and macrosegregation maps. In all cases positive segregation occurred next to the chill because shrinkage flow, as expected. This positive segregation was higher in the low-g samples, apparently because of the higher heat transfer coefficient. A 2-D computational model was used to explain the experimental results. The continuum formulation was employed to describe the macroscopic transports of mass, energy, and momentum, associated with the solidification phenomena, for a two-phase system. The model considers that liquid flow is driven by thermal and solutal buoyancy, and by solidification shrinkage. The solidification event was divided into two stages. In the first one, the liquid containing freely moving equiaxed grains was described through the relative viscosity concept. In the second stage, when a fixed dendritic network was formed after dendritic coherency, the mushy zone was treated as a porous medium. The macrosegregation maps and the cooling curves obtained during experiments were used for validation of the solidification and segregation model. The model can explain the solidification and macrosegregation patterns and the differences between low- and high-gravity results.

Solidification of a binary alloy: Finite-element, single-domain simulation and new benchmark solutions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Le Bars, Michael; Worster, M. Grae

2006-07-01

A finite-element simulation of binary alloy solidification based on a single-domain formulation is presented and tested. Resolution of phase change is first checked by comparison with the analytical results of Worster [M.G. Worster, Solidification of an alloy from a cooled boundary, J. Fluid Mech. 167 (1986) 481-501] for purely diffusive solidification. Fluid dynamical processes without phase change are then tested by comparison with previous numerical studies of thermal convection in a pure fluid [G. de Vahl Davis, Natural convection of air in a square cavity: a bench mark numerical solution, Int. J. Numer. Meth. Fluids 3 (1983) 249-264; D.A. Mayne, A.S. Usmani, M. Crapper, h-adaptive finite element solution of high Rayleigh number thermally driven cavity problem, Int. J. Numer. Meth. Heat Fluid Flow 10 (2000) 598-615; D.C. Wan, B.S.V. Patnaik, G.W. Wei, A new benchmark quality solution for the buoyancy driven cavity by discrete singular convolution, Numer. Heat Transf. 40 (2001) 199-228], in a porous medium with a constant porosity [G. Lauriat, V. Prasad, Non-darcian effects on natural convection in a vertical porous enclosure, Int. J. Heat Mass Transf. 32 (1989) 2135-2148; P. Nithiarasu, K.N. Seetharamu, T. Sundararajan, Natural convective heat transfer in an enclosure filled with fluid saturated variable porosity medium, Int. J. Heat Mass Transf. 40 (1997) 3955-3967] and in a mixed liquid-porous medium with a spatially variable porosity [P. Nithiarasu, K.N. Seetharamu, T. Sundararajan, Natural convective heat transfer in an enclosure filled with fluid saturated variable porosity medium, Int. J. Heat Mass Transf. 40 (1997) 3955-3967; N. Zabaras, D. Samanta, A stabilized volume-averaging finite element method for flow in porous media and binary alloy solidification processes, Int. J. Numer. Meth. Eng. 60 (2004) 1103-1138]. Finally, new benchmark solutions for simultaneous flow through both fluid and porous domains and for convective solidification processes are presented, based on the similarity solutions in corner-flow geometries recently obtained by Le Bars and Worster [M. Le Bars, M.G. Worster, Interfacial conditions between a pure fluid and a porous medium: implications for binary alloy solidification, J. Fluid Mech. (in press)]. Good agreement is found for all tests, hence validating our physical and numerical methods. More generally, the computations presented here could now be considered as standard and reliable analytical benchmarks for numerical simulations, specifically and independently testing the different processes underlying binary alloy solidification.

Cellular interface morphologies in directional solidification. III - The effects of heat transfer and solid diffusivity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ungar, Lyle H.; Bennett, Mark J.; Brown, Robert A.

1985-01-01

The shape and stability of two-dimensional finite-amplitude cellular interfaces arising during directional solidification are compared for several solidification models that account differently for latent heat released at the interface, unequal thermal conductivities of melt and solid, and solute diffusivity in the solid. Finite-element analysis and computer-implemented perturbation methods are used to analyze the families of steadily growing cellular forms that evolve from the planar state. In all models a secondary bifurcation between different families of finite-amplitude cells exists that halves the spatial wavelength of the stable interface. The quantitative location of this transition is very dependent on the details of the model. Large amounts of solute diffusion in the solid retard the growth of large-amplitude cells.

Modelling of the Thermo-Physical and Physical Properties for Solidification of Al-Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saunders, N.; Li, X.; Miodownik, A. P.; Schillé, J.-P.

The thermo-physical and physical properties of the liquid and solid phases are critical components in casting simulations. Such properties include the fraction solid transformed, enthalpy release, thermal conductivity, volume and density, all as a function of temperature. Due to the difficulty in experimentally determining such properties at solidification temperatures, little information exists for multi-component alloys. As part of the development of a new computer program for modelling of materials properties (JMatPro) extensive work has been carried out on the development of sound, physically based models for these properties. Wide ranging results will presented for Al-based alloys, which will include more detailed information concerning the density change of the liquid that intrinsically occurs during solidification due to its change in composition.

Additional thermal fatigue data on nickel- and cobalt-base superalloys, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howes, M. A. H.

1973-01-01

The fluidized bed technique was used to measure the relative thermal fatigue resistance of twenty-one superalloys. Among the thirty-six variations of composition, solidification method, and surface protection the cycles to cracking differed by two to three orders of magnitude. Some alloys suffered serious weight losses and oxidation. Thermal fatigue data, oxidation, and dimensional changes are reported. The types of superalloys are identified.

Dimensionless numbers in additive manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mukherjee, T.; Manvatkar, V.; De, A.; DebRoy, T.

2017-02-01

The effects of many process variables and alloy properties on the structure and properties of additively manufactured parts are examined using four dimensionless numbers. The structure and properties of components made from 316 Stainless steel, Ti-6Al-4V, and Inconel 718 powders for various dimensionless heat inputs, Peclet numbers, Marangoni numbers, and Fourier numbers are studied. Temperature fields, cooling rates, solidification parameters, lack of fusion defects, and thermal strains are examined using a well-tested three-dimensional transient heat transfer and fluid flow model. The results show that lack of fusion defects in the fabricated parts can be minimized by strengthening interlayer bonding using high values of dimensionless heat input. The formation of harmful intermetallics such as laves phases in Inconel 718 can be suppressed using low heat input that results in a small molten pool, a steep temperature gradient, and a fast cooling rate. Improved interlayer bonding can be achieved at high Marangoni numbers, which results in vigorous circulation of liquid metal, larger pool dimensions, and greater depth of penetration. A high Fourier number ensures rapid cooling, low thermal distortion, and a high ratio of temperature gradient to the solidification growth rate with a greater tendency of plane front solidification.

Comparison in the analytical performance between krypton and argon glow discharge plasmas as the excitation source for atomic emission spectrometry.

PubMed

Wagatsuma, Kazuaki

2009-04-01

The emission characteristics of ionic lines of nickel, cobalt, and vanadium were investigated when argon or krypton was employed as the plasma gas in glow discharge optical emission spectrometry. A dc Grimm-style lamp was employed as the excitation source. Detection limits of the ionic lines in each iron-matrix alloy sample were compared between the krypton and the argon plasmas. Particular intense ionic lines were observed in the emission spectra as a function of the discharge gas (krypton or argon), such as the Co II 258.033 nm for krypton and the Co II 231.707 nm for argon. The explanation for this is that collisions with the plasma gases dominantly populate particular excited levels of cobalt ion, which can receive the internal energy from each gas ion selectively, for example, the 3d(7)4p (3)G(5) (6.0201 eV) for krypton and the 3d(7)4p (3)G(4) (8.0779 eV) for argon. In the determination of nickel as well as cobalt in iron-matrix samples, more sensitive ionic lines could be found in the krypton plasma rather than the argon plasma. Detection limits in the krypton plasma were 0.0039 mass% Ni for the Ni II 230.299-nm line and 0.002 mass% Co for the Co II 258.033-nm line. However, in the determination of vanadium, the argon plasma had better analytical performance, giving a detection limit of 0.0023 mass% V for the V II 309.310-nm line.

A thermodynamic prediction for microporosity formation in aluminum-rich Al-Cu alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poirier, D. R.; Yeum, K.; Maples, A. L.

1987-01-01

A computer model is used to predict the formation and degree of microporosity in a directionally solidified Al-4.5 wt pct Cu alloy, considering the interplay between solidification shrinkage and gas porosity. Macrosegregation theory is used to determine the local pressure within the interdendritic liquid. Results show interdendritic porosity for initial hydrogen contents in the 0.03-1 ppm range, and none below contents of 0.03. An increase in either the thermal gradient or the solidification rate is show to decrease the amount of interdendritic porosity.

Mechanical Properties of Nb25Mo25Ta25W25 and V20Nb20Mo20Ta20W20 Refractory High Entropy Alloys (Postprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-05-01

Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and Cu. Since metallic alloys for high temperature load bearing structures and thermal protection systems remain in high demand for aer...condition. These results indicate that the BCC crystal structure formed in both alloys during solidification is stable upon heating at least up to 1400 C... solidification (Fig. 5b). Higher magnification images reveal a dendritic structure in both alloys (Fig. 5c and d). Uneven Z contrast inside the grains indicates

Solidification in direct metal deposition by LENS processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hofmeister, William; Griffith, Michelle

2001-09-01

Thermal imaging and metallographic analysis were used to study Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS™) processing of 316 stainless steel and H13 tool steel. The cooling rates at the solid-liquid interface were measured over a range of conduction conditions. The length scale of the molten zone controls cooling rates during solidification in direct metal deposition. In LENS processing, the molten zone ranges from 0.5 mm in length to 1.5 mm, resulting in cooling rates at the solid-liquid interface ranging from 200 6,000 Ks-1.

Form-Stable Phase Change Materials Based on Eutectic Mixture of Tetradecanol and Fatty Acids for Building Energy Storage: Preparation and Performance Analysis

PubMed Central

Huang, Jingyu; Lu, Shilei; Kong, Xiangfei; Liu, Shangbao; li, Yiran

2013-01-01

This paper is focused on preparation and performance analysis of a series of form-stable phase change materials (FSPCMs), based on eutectic mixtures as phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer as supporting materials. The PCMs were eutectic mixtures of tetradecanol (TD)–capric acid (CA), TD–lauric acid (LA), and TD–myristic acid (MA), which were rarely explored before. Thermal properties of eutectic mixtures and FSPCMs were measured by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The onset melting/solidification temperatures of form-stable PCMs were 19.13 °C/13.32 °C (FS TD–CA PCM), 24.53 °C/24.92 °C (FS TD–LA PCM), and 33.15 °C/30.72 °C (FS TD–MA PCM), respectively, and latent heats were almost greater than 90 J/g. The surface morphologies and chemical stability of form-stable PCM were surveyed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, respectively. The thermal cycling test revealed that the thermal reliability of these three form-stable PCMs was good. Thermal storage/release experiment indicated melting/solidification time was shortened by introducing 10 wt % aluminum powder (AP). It is concluded that these FSPCMs can act as potential building thermal storage materials in terms of their satisfactory thermal properties. PMID:28788358

Form-Stable Phase Change Materials Based on Eutectic Mixture of Tetradecanol and Fatty Acids for Building Energy Storage: Preparation and Performance Analysis.

PubMed

Huang, Jingyu; Lu, Shilei; Kong, Xiangfei; Liu, Shangbao; Li, Yiran

2013-10-22

This paper is focused on preparation and performance analysis of a series of form-stable phase change materials (FSPCMs), based on eutectic mixtures as phase change materials (PCMs) for thermal energy storage and high-density polyethylene (HDPE)-ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) polymer as supporting materials. The PCMs were eutectic mixtures of tetradecanol (TD)-capric acid (CA), TD-lauric acid (LA), and TD-myristic acid (MA), which were rarely explored before. Thermal properties of eutectic mixtures and FSPCMs were measured by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC). The onset melting/solidification temperatures of form-stable PCMs were 19.13 °C/13.32 °C (FS TD-CA PCM), 24.53 °C/24.92 °C (FS TD-LA PCM), and 33.15 °C/30.72 °C (FS TD-MA PCM), respectively, and latent heats were almost greater than 90 J/g. The surface morphologies and chemical stability of form-stable PCM were surveyed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, respectively. The thermal cycling test revealed that the thermal reliability of these three form-stable PCMs was good. Thermal storage/release experiment indicated melting/solidification time was shortened by introducing 10 wt % aluminum powder (AP). It is concluded that these FSPCMs can act as potential building thermal storage materials in terms of their satisfactory thermal properties.

Comparative thermal fatigue resistances of twenty-six nickel and cobalt base alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bizon, P. T.; Spera, D. A.

1975-01-01

Thermal fatigue resistances were determined from fluidized bed tests. Cycles to cracking differed by almost three orders of magnitude for these materials with directional solidification and surface protection of definite benefit. The alloy-coating combination with the highest thermal fatigue resistance was directionally solidified NASA TAZ-8A with an RT-XP coating. It oxidation resistance was excellent, showing almost no weight change after 15 000 fluidized bed cycles.

Improved Multiple-Species Cyclotron Ion Source

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soli, George A.; Nichols, Donald K.

1990-01-01

Use of pure isotope 86Kr instead of natural krypton in multiple-species ion source enables source to produce krypton ions separated from argon ions by tuning cylcotron with which source used. Addition of capability to produce and separate krypton ions at kinetic energies of 150 to 400 MeV necessary for simulation of worst-case ions occurring in outer space.

Thermophysical property sensitivity effects in steel solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Overfelt, Tony

1993-01-01

The simulation of advanced solidification processes via digital computer techniques has gained widespread acceptance during the last decade or so. Models today can predict transient temperature fields, fluid flow fields, important microstructural parameters, and potential defects in castings. However, the lack of accurate thermophysical property data on important industrial alloys threatens to limit the ability of manufacturers to fully capitalize on the technology's benefits. A study of the sensitivity of one such numerical model of a steel plate casting to imposed variations in the data utilized for the thermal conductivity, specific heat, density, and heat of fusion is described. The sensitivity of the data's variability is characterized by its effects on the net solidification time of various points along the centerline of the plate casting. Recommendations for property measurements are given and the implications of data uncertainty for modelers are discussed.

Numerical Simulation of Bulging Deformation for Wide-Thick Slab Under Uneven Cooling Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Chenhui; Ji, Cheng; Zhu, Miaoyong

2018-06-01

In the present work, the bulging deformation of a wide-thick slab under uneven cooling conditions was studied using finite element method. The non-uniform solidification was first calculated using a 2D heat transfer model. The thermal material properties were derived based on a microsegregation model, and the water flux distribution was measured and applied to calculate the cooling boundary conditions. Based on the solidification results, a 3D bulging model was established. The 2D heat transfer model was verified by the measured shell thickness and the slab surface temperature, and the 3D bulging model was verified by the calculated maximum bulging deflections using formulas. The bulging deformation behavior of the wide-thick slab under uneven cooling condition was then determined, and the effect of uneven solidification, casting speed, and roll misalignment were investigated.

Numerical Simulation of Bulging Deformation for Wide-Thick Slab Under Uneven Cooling Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Chenhui; Ji, Cheng; Zhu, Miaoyong

2018-02-01

In the present work, the bulging deformation of a wide-thick slab under uneven cooling conditions was studied using finite element method. The non-uniform solidification was first calculated using a 2D heat transfer model. The thermal material properties were derived based on a microsegregation model, and the water flux distribution was measured and applied to calculate the cooling boundary conditions. Based on the solidification results, a 3D bulging model was established. The 2D heat transfer model was verified by the measured shell thickness and the slab surface temperature, and the 3D bulging model was verified by the calculated maximum bulging deflections using formulas. The bulging deformation behavior of the wide-thick slab under uneven cooling condition was then determined, and the effect of uneven solidification, casting speed, and roll misalignment were investigated.

Sheath oscillation characteristics and effect on near-wall conduction in a krypton Hall thruster

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhang, Fengkui, E-mail: fengkuizhang@163.com; Kong, Lingyi; Li, Chenliang

2014-11-15

Despite its affordability, the krypton Hall-effect thruster in applications always had problems in regard to performance. The reason for this degradation is studied from the perspective of the near-wall conductivity of electrons. Using the particle-in-cell method, the sheath oscillation characteristics and its effect on near-wall conduction are compared in the krypton and xenon Hall-effect thrusters both with wall material composed of BNSiO{sub 2}. Comparing these two thrusters, the sheath in the krypton-plasma thruster will oscillate at low electron temperatures. The near-wall conduction current is only produced by collisions between electrons and wall, thereby causing a deficiency in the channel current.more » The sheath displays spatial oscillations only at high electron temperature; electrons are then reflected to produce the non-oscillation conduction current needed for the krypton-plasma thruster. However, it is accompanied with intensified oscillations.« less

Numerical Modeling of HgCdTe Solidification: Effects of Phase Diagram, Double-Diffusion Convection and Microgravity Level

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bune, Andris V.; Gillies, Donald C.; Lehoczky, Sandor L.

1997-01-01

Melt convection, along with species diffusion and segregation on the solidification interface are the primary factors responsible for species redistribution during HgCdTe crystal growth from the melt. As no direct information about convection velocity is available, numerical modeling is a logical approach to estimate convection. Furthermore influence of microgravity level, double-diffusion and material properties should be taken into account. In the present study, HgCdTe is considered as a binary alloy with melting temperature available from a phase diagram. The numerical model of convection and solidification of binary alloy is based on the general equations of heat and mass transfer in two-dimensional region. Mathematical modeling of binary alloy solidification is still a challenging numericial problem. A Rigorous mathematical approach to this problem is available only when convection is not considered at all. The proposed numerical model was developed using the finite element code FIDAP. In the present study, the numerical model is used to consider thermal, solutal convection and a double diffusion source of mass transport.

Thermoelectric magnetohydrodynamic effects on the crystal growth rate of undercooled Ni dendrites

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kao, A.; Gao, J.; Pericleous, K.

2018-01-01

In the undercooled solidification of pure metals, the dendrite tip velocity has been shown experimentally to have a strong dependence on the intensity of an external magnetic field, exhibiting several maxima and minima. In the experiments conducted in China, the undercooled solidification dynamics of pure Ni was studied using the glass fluxing method. Visual recordings of the progress of solidification are compared at different static fields up to 6 T. The introduction of microscopic convective transport through thermoelectric magnetohydrodynamics is a promising explanation for the observed changes of tip velocities. To address this problem, a purpose-built numerical code was used to solve the coupled equations representing the magnetohydrodynamic, thermal and solidification mechanisms. The underlying phenomena can be attributed to two competing flow fields, which were generated by orthogonal components of the magnetic field, parallel and transverse to the direction of growth. Their effects are either intensified or damped out with increasing magnetic field intensity, leading to the observed behaviour of the tip velocity. The results obtained reflect well the experimental findings. This article is part of the theme issue `From atomistic interfaces to dendritic patterns'.

Thermal Loading of Thin Metal Foils Used as Electron Beam Windows for a KRF Laser

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-06-01

the Inertial Fusion Energy (IFE) requirements for durability, efficiency, and cost. One of the challenging laser components is the pressure foil that...R. Welch, D. V. Rose, and S. Searles, "Electron beam pumped krypton fluoride lasers for fusion energy ," Proc. IEEE, vol. 92, pp. 1043-1056, July...D. Weidenheimer, and D. V. Rose, "Repetitively pulsed, high energy KrF lasers for inertial fusion energy ," Nucl. Fusion, vol. 44, pp. S247-S253

Interface Shape and Convection During Solidification and Melting of Succinonitrile

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Degroh, Henry C., III; Lindstrom, Tiffany

1994-01-01

An experimental study was conducted of the crystal growth of succinonitrile during solidification, melting, and no-growth conditions using a horizontal Bridgman furnace and square glass ampoule. For use as input boundary conditions to numerical codes, thermal profiles on the outside of the ampoule at five locations around its periphery were measured along the ampoule's length. Temperatures inside the ampoule were also measured. The shapes of the s/l interface in various two dimensional planes were quantitatively determined. Though interfaces were nondendritic and noncellular, they were not flat, but were highly curved and symmetric in only one unique longitudinal y-z plane (at x=O). The shapes of the interface were dominated by the primary longitudinal flow cell characteristic of shallow cavity flow in horizontal Bridgman; this flow cell was driven by the imposed furnace temperature gradient and caused a 'radical' thermal gradient such that the upper half of the ampoule was hotter than the bottom half. We believe that due to the strong convection, the release of latent heat does not significantly influence the thermal conditions near the interface. We hope that the interface shape and thermal data presented in this paper can be used to optimize crystal growth processes and validate numerical models.

Effects of Manganese Content on Solidification Structures, Thermal Properties, and Phase Transformation Characteristics in Fe-Mn-Al-C Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yang, Jian; Wang, Yu-Nan; Ruan, Xiao-Ming; Wang, Rui-Zhi; Zhu, Kai; Fan, Zheng-Jie; Wang, Ying-Chun; Li, Cheng-Bin; Jiang, Xiao-Fang

2015-04-01

To assist developments of the continuous-casting technology of Fe-Mn-Al-C steels, the solidification structures and the thermal properties of Fe-Mn-Al-C steel ingots with different manganese contents have been investigated and the phase transformation characteristics have been revealed by FactSage (CRCT-ThermFact Inc., Montréal, Canada). The results show that the thermal conductivity of the 0Mn steel is the highest, whereas the thermal conductivity of the 8Mn steel is slightly higher than that of the 17Mn steel. Increasing the manganese content promotes a columnar solidification structure and coarse grains in steel. With the increase of manganese content, the mass fraction of austenite phase is increased. Finally, a single austenite phase is formed in the 17Mn steel. The mean thermal expansion coefficients of the steels are in the range from 1.3 × 10-5 to 2.3 × 10-5 K-1, and these values increase with the increase of manganese content. The ductility of the 17Mn steel and the 8Mn steel are higher than 40 pct in the temperature range from 873 K to 1473 K (600 °C to 1200 °C), and the cracking during the straightening operation should be avoided. However, the ductility of the 0Mn steel is lower than 40 pct at 973 K and 1123 K (700 °C and 850 °C), which indicates that the temperature of the straightening operation during the continuous-casting process should be above 1173 K (900 °C). Manganese has the effect of enlarging the austenite phase region and reducing the δ-ferrite phase region and α-ferrite phase region. At the 2.1 mass pct aluminum level, the precipitate temperature of AlN is high. Thus, the formed AlN is too coarse to deteriorate the hot ductility of steel.

The effects of solidification on sill propagation dynamics and morphology

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chanceaux, L.; Menand, T.

2016-05-01

Sills are an integral part of the formation and development of larger plutons and magma reservoirs. Thus sills are essential for both the transport and the storage of magma in the Earth's crust. However, although cooling and solidification are central to magmatism, their effects on sills have been so far poorly studied. Here, the effects of solidification on sill propagation dynamics and morphology are studied by means of analogue laboratory experiments. Hot fluid vegetable oil (magma analogue), that solidifies during its propagation, is injected as a sill in a colder layered gelatine solid (elastic host rock analogue). The injection flux and temperature are maintained constant during an experiment and systematically varied between each experiment, in order to vary and quantify the amount of solidification between each experiments. The oil is injected directly at the interface between the two gelatine layers. When solidification effects are small (high injection temperatures and fluxes), the propagation is continuous and the sill has a regular and smooth surface. Inversely, when solidification effects are important (low injection temperatures and fluxes), sill propagation is discontinuous and occurs by steps of surface-area creation interspersed with periods of momentary arrest. The morphology of these sills displays folds, ropy structures on their surface, and lobes with imprints of the leading fronts that correspond to each step of area creation. These experiments show that for a given, constant injected volume, as solidification effects increase, the area of the sills decreases, their thickness increases, and the number of propagation steps increases. These results have various geological and geophysical implications. The morphology of sills, such as lobate structures (interpretation of 3D seismic studies in sedimentary basin) and ropy flow structures (field observations) can be related to solidification during emplacement. Moreover, a non-continuous morphology as observed in the field does not necessarily involve multiple injections, but could instead reflect a continuous, yet complex morphology induced by solidification effects during emplacement. Also, a discontinuous sill propagation induced by solidification effects should be associated with bursts of seismic activity. Finally, our study shows that once a sill has initiated, the dimensionless flux influences the sill thermal state, and in turn its propagation, and final extent and thickness. In restricting the lateral extent of sills, magma cooling and solidification are likely to impact directly the size of plutons constructed by amalgamated sills.

Solidification of undercooled liquids

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perepezko, J. H.; Shiohara, Y.; Paik, J. S.; Flemmings, M. C.

1982-01-01

During rapid solidification processing (RSP) the amount of liquid undercooling is an important factor in determining microstructural development by controlling phase selection during nucleation and morphological evolution during crystal growth. While undercooling is an inherent feature of many techniques of RSP, the deepest undercoolings and most controlled studies have been possible in carefully prepared fine droplet samples. From past work and recent advances in studies of nucleation kinetics it has become clear that the initiation of crystallization during RSP is governed usually by heterogeneous sites located at surfaces. With known nucleant sites, it has been possible to identify specific pathways of metastable phase formation and microstructural development in alloys. These advances have allowed for a clearer assessment of the interplay between undercooling, cooling rate and particle size statistics in structure formation. New approaches to the examination of growth processes have been developed to follow the thermal behavior and morphology in small samples in the period of rapid crystallization and recalescence. Based upon the new experimental information from these studies, useful models can be developed for the overall solidification process to include nucleation behavior, thermodynamic constraints, thermal history, growth kinetics, solute redistribution and resulting structures. From the refinement of knowledge concerning the underlying factors that govern RSP a basis is emerging for an effective alloy design and processing strategy.

Influence of Lanthanum on Solidification, Microstructure, and Mechanical Properties of Eutectic Al-Si Piston Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ahmad, R.; Asmael, M. B. A.

2016-07-01

The effects of Lanthanum (La) concentration on the solidification parameters of the α-Al, Al-Si, and Al-Cu phases and on the microstructure, tensile, and hardness properties of eutectic Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloy were systematically investigated. The solidification parameters were examined using computer-aided cooling curve thermal analysis (CA-CCTA). The cooling curve and microstructure analysis showed that La altered the Si structure. The nucleation and growth temperatures of eutectic Si decreased when 0.3 wt.% La was added, and a high depression temperature was obtained with 1.0 wt.% La. High amounts of La considerably modified the Si structure and decreased the area and aspect ratio by 69.9 and 51%, respectively. The thermal analysis result recorded a faster freezing time with the La addition and a 36% alteration in the secondary dendrite arm spacing. Two secondary or ternary La-rich intermetallic phases were formed with needle- and plate-like structures. Furthermore, the mechanical properties were investigated by hardness and tensile tests with different La concentrations. The addition of small amounts of La (0.1 wt.%) significantly improved the ultimate tensile strength and quality index of the Al-Si-Cu-Mg alloy. In addition, the hardness value of Al-11Si-Cu increased by 7-8% with the increasing amount of La added.

Experimental investigation of solidification in metal foam enhanced phase change material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Beyne, W.; Bağci, O.; Huisseune, H.; Canière, H.; Danneels, J.; Daenens, D.; De Paepe, M.

2017-10-01

A major challenge for the use of phase change materials (PCMs) in thermal energy storage (TES) is overcoming the low thermal conductivity of PCM’s. The low conductivity gives rise to limited power during charging and discharging TES. Impregnating metal foam with PCM, however, has been found to enhance the heat transfer. On the other hand, the effect of foam parameters such as porosity, pore size and material type has remained unclear. In this paper, the effect of these foam parameters on the solidification time is investigated. Different samples of PCM-impregnated metal foam were experimentally tested and compared to one without metal foam. The samples varied with respect to choice of material, porosity and pore size. They were placed in a rectangular cavity and cooled from one side using a coolant flowing through a cold plate. The other sides of the rectangular cavity were Polymethyl Methacrylate (PM) walls exposed to ambient. The temperature on the exterior walls of the cavity was monitored as well as the coolant flow rate and its temperature. The metal foam inserts reduced the solidification times by at least 25 %. However, the difference between the best performing and worst performing metal foam is about 28 %. This shows a large potential for future research.

Novel casting processes for single-crystal turbine blades of superalloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, Dexin

2018-03-01

This paper presents a brief review of the current casting techniques for single-crystal (SC) blades, as well as an analysis of the solidification process in complex turbine blades. A series of novel casting methods based on the Bridgman process were presented to illustrate the development in the production of SC blades from superalloys. The grain continuator and the heat conductor techniques were developed to remove geometry-related grain defects. In these techniques, the heat barrier that hinders lateral SC growth from the blade airfoil into the extremities of the platform is minimized. The parallel heating and cooling system was developed to achieve symmetric thermal conditions for SC solidification in blade clusters, thus considerably decreasing the negative shadow effect and its related defects in the current Bridgman process. The dipping and heaving technique, in which thinshell molds are utilized, was developed to enable the establishment of a high temperature gradient for SC growth and the freckle-free solidification of superalloy castings. Moreover, by applying the targeted cooling and heating technique, a novel concept for the three-dimensional and precise control of SC growth, a proper thermal arrangement may be dynamically established for the microscopic control of SC growth in the critical areas of large industrial gas turbine blades.

A laboratory model for solidification of Earth's core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bergman, Michael I.; Macleod-Silberstein, Marget; Haskel, Michael; Chandler, Benjamin; Akpan, Nsikan

2005-11-01

To better understand the influence of rotating convection in the outer core on the solidification of the inner core we have constructed a laboratory model for solidification of Earth's core. The model consists of a 15 cm radius hemispherical acrylic tank concentric with a 5 cm radius hemispherical aluminum heat exchanger that serves as the incipient inner core onto which we freeze ice from salt water. Long exposure photographs of neutrally buoyant particles in illuminated planes suggest reduction of flow parallel to the rotation axis. Thermistors in the tank near the heat exchanger show that in experiments with rotation the temperature near the pole is lower than near the equator, unlike for control experiments without rotation or with a polymer that increases the fluid viscosity. The photographs and thermistors suggest that our observation that ice grows faster near the pole than near the equator for experiments with rotation is a result of colder water not readily convecting away from the pole. Because of the reversal of the thermal gradient, we expect faster equatorial solidification in the Earth's core. Such anisotropy in solidification has been suggested as a cause of inner core elastic (and attenuation) anisotropy, though the plausibility of this suggestion will depend on the core Nusselt number and the slope of the liquidus, and the effects of post-solidification deformation. Previous experiments on hexagonal close-packed alloys such as sea ice and zinc-tin have shown that fluid flow in the melt can result in a solidification texture transverse to the solidification direction, with the texture depending on the nature of the flow. A comparison of the visualized flow and the texture of columnar ice crystals in thin sections from these experiments confirms flow-induced transverse textures. This suggests that the convective pattern at the base of the outer core is recorded in the texture of the inner core, and that outer core convection might contribute to the complexity in the seismically inferred pattern of anisotropy in the Earth's inner core.

Fabrication, properties, and applications of porous metals with directional pores

PubMed Central

NAKAJIMA, Hideo

2010-01-01

Lotus-type porous metals with aligned long cylindrical pores are fabricated by unidirectional solidification from the melt with a dissolved gas such as hydrogen, nitrogen, or oxygen. The gas atoms can be dissolved into the melt via a pressurized gas atmosphere or thermal decomposition of gaseous compounds. Three types of solidification techniques have been developed: mold casting, continuous zone melting, and continuous casting techniques. The last method is superior from the viewpoint of mass production of lotus metals. The observed anisotropic behaviors of the mechanical properties, sound absorption, and thermal conductivity are inherent to the anisotropic porous structure. In particular, the remarkable anisotropy in the mechanical strength is attributed to the stress concentration around the pores aligned perpendicular to the loading direction. Heat sinks are a promising application of lotus metals due to the high cooling performance with a large heat transfer. PMID:21084772

Dendritic solidification. I - Analysis of current theories and models. II - A model for dendritic growth under an imposed thermal gradient

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laxmanan, V.

1985-01-01

A critical review of the present dendritic growth theories and models is presented. Mathematically rigorous solutions to dendritic growth are found to rely on an ad hoc assumption that dendrites grow at the maximum possible growth rate. This hypothesis is found to be in error and is replaced by stability criteria which consider the conditions under which a dendrite tip advances in a stable fashion in a liquid. The important elements of a satisfactory model for dendritic solidification are summarized and a theoretically consistent model for dendritic growth under an imposed thermal gradient is proposed and described. The model is based on the modification of an analysis due to Burden and Hunt (1974) and predicts correctly in all respects, the transition from a dendritic to a planar interface at both very low and very large growth rates.

Fabrication, properties, and applications of porous metals with directional pores.

PubMed

Nakajima, Hideo

2010-01-01

Lotus-type porous metals with aligned long cylindrical pores are fabricated by unidirectional solidification from the melt with a dissolved gas such as hydrogen, nitrogen, or oxygen. The gas atoms can be dissolved into the melt via a pressurized gas atmosphere or thermal decomposition of gaseous compounds. Three types of solidification techniques have been developed: mold casting, continuous zone melting, and continuous casting techniques. The last method is superior from the viewpoint of mass production of lotus metals. The observed anisotropic behaviors of the mechanical properties, sound absorption, and thermal conductivity are inherent to the anisotropic porous structure. In particular, the remarkable anisotropy in the mechanical strength is attributed to the stress concentration around the pores aligned perpendicular to the loading direction. Heat sinks are a promising application of lotus metals due to the high cooling performance with a large heat transfer.

Numerical Simulation and Experimental Casting of Nickel-Based Single-Crystal Superalloys by HRS and LMC Directional Solidification Processes

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Xuewei; Wang, Run'nan; Xu, Qingyan; Liu, Baicheng

2017-04-01

Mathematical models for dynamic heat radiation and convection boundary in directional solidification processes are established to simulate the temperature fields. Cellular automaton (CA) method and Kurz-Giovanola-Trivedi (KGT) growth model are used to describe nucleation and growth. Primary dendritic arm spacing (PDAS) and secondary dendritic arm spacing (SDAS) are calculated by the Ma-Sham (MS) and Furer-Wunderlin (FW) models respectively. The mushy zone shape is investigated based on the temperature fields, for both high-rate solidification (HRS) and liquid metal cooling (LMC) processes. The evolution of the microstructure and crystallographic orientation are analyzed by simulation and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) technique, respectively. Comparison of the simulation results from PDAS and SDAS with experimental results reveals a good agreement with each other. The results show that LMC process can provide both dendritic refinement and superior performance for castings due to the increased cooling rate and thermal gradient.

Effect of sand and method of mixing on molten salt properties for an open direct absorption solar receiver/storage system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

AlQaydi, Muna; Delclos, Thomas; AlMheiri, Saif; Calvet, Nicolas

2017-06-01

The concept of CSPonD Demo project is based on a single and open molten salt tank as a thermal solar receiver and storage unit. Therefore, the effect of external environment such as sand and air on the thermophysical properties of nitrate salt (60 wt. % sodium nitrate, 40 wt. % potassium nitrate) has been investigated in this work. Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) was used to determine the melting, solidification temperatures while the thermal stability and mass loss measurements were carried on Thermal Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). Measurements under nitrogen indicate that the adding 2% (w/w) sand has negative impact by increasing the solidification temperature, mass loss percentage and decreasing the stability limit. While the melting temperature was not affected by the sand and by the preparation method. On the other hand, measurement under air showed an increase of the stability limit and decrease of the mass loss percentage. Furthermore, the measurements for the mass loss under air did not reach a stable value, which required further investigation.

Modeling of macrosegregation caused by volumetric deformation in a coherent mushy zone

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nicolli, Lilia C.; Mo, Asbjørn; M'hamdi, Mohammed

2005-02-01

A two-phase volume-averaged continuum model is presented that quantifies macrosegregation formation during solidification of metallic alloys caused by deformation of the dendritic network and associated melt flow in the coherent part of the mushy zone. Also, the macrosegregation formation associated with the solidification shrinkage (inverse segregation) is taken into account. Based on experimental evidence established elsewhere, volumetric viscoplastic deformation (densification/dilatation) of the coherent dendritic network is included in the model. While the thermomechanical model previously outlined (M. M’Hamdi, A. Mo, and C.L. Martin: Metall. Mater. Trans. A, 2002, vol. 33A, pp. 2081-93) has been used to calculate the temperature and velocity fields associated with the thermally induced deformations and shrinkage driven melt flow, the solute conservation equation including both the liquid and a solid volume-averaged velocity is solved in the present study. In modeling examples, the macrosegregation formation caused by mechanically imposed as well as by thermally induced deformations has been calculated. The modeling results for an Al-4 wt pct Cu alloy indicate that even quite small volumetric strains (≈2 pct), which can be associated with thermally induced deformations, can lead to a macroscopic composition variation in the final casting comparable to that resulting from the solidification shrinkage induced melt flow. These results can be explained by the relatively large volumetric viscoplastic deformation in the coherent mush resulting from the applied constitutive model, as well as the relatively large difference in composition for the studied Al-Cu alloy in the solid and liquid phases at high solid fractions at which the deformation takes place.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-04-01

The Equiaxed Dendritic Solidification Experiment (EDSE) is a material sciences investigation under the Formation of Microstructures/pattern formation discipline. The objective is to study the microstructural evolution of and thermal interactions between several quiaxed crystals growing dendritically in a supercooled melt of a pure and transparent substance under diffusion controlled conditions. George Myers, controls engineer, monitors the thermal environment of a ground test for the EDSE located in the Microgravity Development Laboratory (MDL).

Accurate virial coefficients of gaseous krypton from state-of-the-art ab initio potential and polarizability of the krypton dimer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Bo; Waldrop, Jonathan M.; Wang, Xiaopo; Patkowski, Konrad

2018-01-01

We have developed a new krypton-krypton interaction-induced isotropic dipole polarizability curve based on high-level ab initio methods. The determination was carried out using the coupled-cluster singles and doubles plus perturbative triples method with very large basis sets up to augmented correlation-consistent sextuple zeta as well as the corrections for core-core and core-valence correlation and relativistic effects. The analytical function of polarizability and our recently constructed reference interatomic potential [J. M. Waldrop et al., J. Chem. Phys. 142, 204307 (2015)] were used to predict the thermophysical and electromagnetic properties of krypton gas. The second pressure, acoustic, and dielectric virial coefficients were computed for the temperature range of 116 K-5000 K using classical statistical mechanics supplemented with high-order quantum corrections. The virial coefficients calculated were compared with the generally less precise available experimental data as well as with values computed from other potentials in the literature {in particular, the recent highly accurate potential of Jäger et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 144, 114304 (2016)]}. The detailed examination in this work suggests that the present theoretical prediction can be applied as reference values in disciplines involving thermophysical and electromagnetic properties of krypton gas.

Thermal-stress fatigue behavior of twenty-six superalloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bizon, P. T.; Spera, D. A.

1976-01-01

The comparative thermal-stress fatigue resistances of 26 nickeland cobalt-base alloys were determined by fluidized bed tests. Cycles to cracking differed by almost three orders of magnitude for these materials, with directional solidification and surface protection showing definite benefit. The alloy-coating combination with the highest thermal-stress fatigue resistance was directionally solidified NASA TAZ-8A with an RT-SP coating. Its oxidation resistance was also excellent, showing approximately a 1/2 percent weight loss after 14,000 fluidized bed cycles.

Dendritic growth and structure of undercooled nickel base alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flemings, M. C.; Shiohara, Y.

1988-01-01

The principal objectives of this overall investigation are to: study means for obtaining high undercooling in levitation melted droplets, and study structures produced upon the solidification of these undercooled specimens. Thermal measurements are made of the undercooling, and of the rapid recalescence, to develop an understanding of the solidification mechanism. Comparison of results is made with the modeling studies. Characterization and metallographic work is done to gain an understanding of the relationship between rapid solidification variables and the structures so produced. In ground based work to date, solidification of undercooled Ni-25 wt percent Sn alloy was observed by high-speed cinematography and the results compared with optical temperature measurements. Also in ground based work, high-speed optical temperature measurements were made of the solidification behavior of levitated metal samples within a transparent glass medium. Two undercooled Ni-Sn alloys were examined. Measurements were carried out on samples at undercoolings up to 330 K. Microstructures of samples produced in ground based work were determined by optical metallography and by SEM, and microsegregation by electron microprobe measurements. A series of flight tests were planned to conduct experiments similar to the ground based experiments. The Space Shuttle Columbia carried an alloy undercooled experiment in the STS 61-C mission in January 1986. A sample of Ni-32.5 wt percent Sn eutectic was melted and solidified under microgravity conditions.

Development of a High Chromium Ni-Base Filler Metal Resistant to Ductility Dip Cracking and Solidification Cracking

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hope, Adam T.

Many nuclear reactor components previously constructed with Ni-based alloys containing 20 wt% Cr have been found to be susceptible to stress corrosion cracking. The nuclear power industry now uses high chromium (˜30wt%) Ni-based filler metals to mitigate stress corrosion cracking. Current alloys are plagued with weldability issues, either solidification cracking or ductility dip cracking (DDC). Solidification cracking is related to solidification temperature range and the DDC is related to the fraction eutectic present in the microstructure. It was determined that an optimal alloy should have a solidification temperature range less than 150°C and at least 2% volume fraction eutectic. Due to the nature of the Nb rich eutectic that forms, it is difficult to avoid both cracking types simultaneously. Through computational modeling, alternative eutectic forming elements, Hf and Ta, have been identified as replacements for Nb in such alloys. Compositions have been optimized through a combination of computational and experimental techniques combined with a design of experiment methodology. Small buttons were melted using commercially pure materials in a copper hearth to obtain the desired compositions. These buttons were then subjected to a gas tungsten arc spot weld. A type C thermocouple was used to acquire the cooling history during the solidification process. The cooling curves were processed using Single Sensor Differential Thermal Analysis to determine the solidification temperature range, and indicator of solidification cracking susceptibility. Metallography was performed to determine the fraction eutectic present, an indicator of DDC resistance. The optimal level of Hf to resist cracking was found to be 0.25 wt%. The optimal level of Ta was found to be 4 wt%. gamma/MC type eutectics were found to form first in all Nb, Ta, and Hf-bearing compositions. Depending on Fe and Cr content, gamma/Laves eutectic was sometimes found in Nb and Ta-bearing compositions, while Hf-bearing compositions had gamma/Ni7Hf2 as the final eutectic to solidify. This study found that the extra Cr in the current generation alloys promotes the gamma/Laves phase eutectic, which expands the solidification temperature range and promotes solidification cracking. Both Ta-bearing and Hf-bearing eutectics were found to solidify at higher temperatures than Nb-bearing eutectics, leading to narrower solidification temperature ranges. Weldability testing on the optimized Ta-bearing compositions revealed good resistance to both DDC and solidification cracking. Unexpectedly, the optimized Hf-bearing compositions were quite susceptible to solidification cracking. This led to an investigation on the possible wetting effect of eutectics on solidification cracking susceptibly, and a theory on how wetting affects the solidification crack susceptibility and the volume fraction of eutectic needed for crack healing has been proposed. Alloys with eutectics that easily wet the grain boundaries have increased solidification crack susceptibility at low volume fraction eutectics, but as the fraction eutectic is increased, experience crack healing at relatively lower fraction eutectics than alloys with eutectics that don't wet as easily. Hf rich eutectics were found to wet grain boundaries significantly more than Nb rich eutectics. Additions of Mo were also found to increase the wetting of eutectics in Nb-bearing alloys.

Stability of Detached Solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazuruk, K.; Volz, M. P.; Croell, A.

2009-01-01

Bridgman crystal growth can be conducted in the so-called "detached" solidification regime, where the growing crystal is detached from the crucible wall. A small gap between the growing crystal and the crucible wall, of the order of 100 micrometers or less, can be maintained during the process. A meniscus is formed at the bottom of the melt between the crystal and crucible wall. Under proper conditions, growth can proceed without collapsing the meniscus. The meniscus shape plays a key role in stabilizing the process. Thermal and other process parameters can also affect the geometrical steady-state stability conditions of solidification. The dynamic stability theory of the shaped crystal growth process has been developed by Tatarchenko. It consists of finding a simplified autonomous set of differential equations for the radius, height, and possibly other process parameters. The problem then reduces to analyzing a system of first order linear differential equations for stability. Here we apply a modified version of this theory for a particular case of detached solidification. Approximate analytical formulas as well as accurate numerical values for the capillary stability coefficients are presented. They display an unexpected singularity as a function of pressure differential. A novel approach to study the thermal field effects on the crystal shape stability has been proposed. In essence, it rectifies the unphysical assumption of the model that utilizes a perturbation of the crystal radius along the axis as being instantaneous. It consists of introducing time delay effects into the mathematical description and leads, in general, to stability over a broader parameter range. We believe that this novel treatment can be advantageously implemented in stability analyses of other crystal growth techniques such as Czochralski and float zone methods.

Spatial considerations during cryopreservation of a large volume sample.

PubMed

Kilbride, Peter; Lamb, Stephen; Milne, Stuart; Gibbons, Stephanie; Erro, Eloy; Bundy, James; Selden, Clare; Fuller, Barry; Morris, John

2016-08-01

There have been relatively few studies on the implications of the physical conditions experienced by cells during large volume (litres) cryopreservation - most studies have focused on the problem of cryopreservation of smaller volumes, typically up to 2 ml. This study explores the effects of ice growth by progressive solidification, generally seen during larger scale cryopreservation, on encapsulated liver hepatocyte spheroids, and it develops a method to reliably sample different regions across the frozen cores of samples experiencing progressive solidification. These issues are examined in the context of a Bioartificial Liver Device which requires cryopreservation of a 2 L volume in a strict cylindrical geometry for optimal clinical delivery. Progressive solidification cannot be avoided in this arrangement. In such a system optimal cryoprotectant concentrations and cooling rates are known. However, applying these parameters to a large volume is challenging due to the thermal mass and subsequent thermal lag. The specific impact of this to the cryopreservation outcome is required. Under conditions of progressive solidification, the spatial location of Encapsulated Liver Spheroids had a strong impact on post-thaw recovery. Cells in areas first and last to solidify demonstrated significantly impaired post-thaw function, whereas areas solidifying through the majority of the process exhibited higher post-thaw outcome. It was also found that samples where the ice thawed more rapidly had greater post-thaw viability 24 h post-thaw (75.7 ± 3.9% and 62.0 ± 7.2% respectively). These findings have implications for the cryopreservation of large volumes with a rigid shape and for the cryopreservation of a Bioartificial Liver Device. Copyright © 2016 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Macrosegregation in Al-7Si alloy caused by abrupt cross-section change during directional solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghods, M.; Johnson, L.; Lauer, M.; Grugel, R. N.; Tewari, S. N.; Poirier, D. R.

2016-09-01

Hypoeutectic Al-7 wt .% Si alloys were directionally solidified vertically downward in cylindrical molds that incorporated an abrupt cross-section decrease (9.5 mm to 3.2 mm diameter) which, after 5 cm, reverted back to 9.5 mm diameter in a Bridgman furnace; two constant growth speeds and thermal gradients were investigated. Thermosolutal convection and cross-section-change-induced shrinkage flow effects on macrosegregation were investigated. Dendrite clustering and extensive radial macrosegregation was seen, particularly in the larger cross-sections, before contraction and after expansion, this more evident at the lower growth speed. This alloy shows positive longitudinal macrosegregation near cross-section decrease followed by negative macrosegregation right after it; the extent of macrosegregation, however, decreases with increasing growth speed. Primary dendrite steepling intensified as solidification proceeded into the narrower section and negative longitudinal macrosegregation was seen on the re-entrant shelves at expansion. A two-dimensional model accounting for both shrinkage and thermo-solutal convection was used to simulate solidification and the resulting mushy-zone steepling and macrosegregation. The experimentally observed longitudinal and radial macrosegregation associated with the cross-section changes during directional solidification of an Al-7Si alloy is well captured by the numerical simulations.

Numerical study of cold filling and tube deformation in the molten salt receiver

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Xu, Tingting; Zhang, Gongchen; Peniguel, Christophe; Liao, Zhirong; Li, Xin; Lu, Jiahui; Wang, Zhifeng

2017-06-01

Molten salt tube cold filling is one way to accelerate the startup of molten salt Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) plant. This practical operation may induce salt solidification and large thermal stress due to tube's large temperature difference. This paper presents the cold filling study and the induced thermal stress quantitatively through simulation approaches. Physical mechanisms and safe working criteria are identified under certain conditions.

A unified momentum equation approach for computing thermal residual stresses during melting and solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yeo, Haram; Ki, Hyungson

2018-03-01

In this article, we present a novel numerical method for computing thermal residual stresses from a viewpoint of fluid-structure interaction (FSI). In a thermal processing of a material, residual stresses are developed as the material undergoes melting and solidification, and liquid, solid, and a mixture of liquid and solid (or mushy state) coexist and interact with each other during the process. In order to accurately account for the stress development during phase changes, we derived a unified momentum equation from the momentum equations of incompressible fluids and elastoplastic solids. In this approach, the whole fluid-structure system is treated as a single continuum, and the interaction between fluid and solid phases across the mushy zone is naturally taken into account in a monolithic way. For thermal analysis, an enthalpy-based method was employed. As a numerical example, a two-dimensional laser heating problem was considered, where a carbon steel sheet was heated by a Gaussian laser beam. Momentum and energy equations were discretized on a uniform Cartesian grid in a finite volume framework, and temperature-dependent material properties were used. The austenite-martensite phase transformation of carbon steel was also considered. In this study, the effects of solid strains, fluid flow, mushy zone size, and laser heating time on residual stress formation were investigated.

Multi-Column Xe/Kr Separation with AgZ-PAN and HZ-PAN

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Greenhalgh, Mitchell Randy; Garn, Troy Gerry; Welty, Amy Keil

Previous multi-column xenon/krypton separation tests have demonstrated the capability of separating xenon from krypton in a mixed gas feed stream. The results of this initial testing with AgZ-PAN and HZ-PAN indicated that an excellent separation of xenon from krypton could be achieved. Building upon these initial results, a series of additional multi-column testing were performed in FY-16. The purpose of this testing was to scale up the sorbent beds, test a different composition of feed gas and attempt to improve the accuracy of the analysis of the individual capture columns’ compositions. Two Stirling coolers were installed in series to performmore » this testing. The use of the coolers instead of the cryostat provided two desired improvements, 1) removal of the large dilution due to the internal volume of the cryostat adsorption chamber, and 2) ability to increase the sorbent bed size for scale-up. The AgZ-PAN sorbent, due to its xenon selectivity, was loaded in the first column to capture the xenon while allowing the krypton to flow through and be routed to a second column containing the HZ-PAN for capture and analysis. The gases captured on both columns were sampled with evacuated sample bombs and subsequently analyzed via GC-MS for both krypton and xenon. The results of these tests can be used to develop the scope of future testing and analysis using this test bed for demonstrating the capture and separation of xenon and krypton using sorbents, for demonstrating desorption and regeneration of the sorbents, and for determining compositions of the desorbed gases. They indicate a need for future desorption studies in order to better quantify co-adsorbed species and final krypton purity.« less

Application of nonlocal plasma technology for controlling plasma conductivity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yuan, Chengxun; Demidov, V. I.; Kudryavtsev, A. A.; Kurlyandskaya, I. P.; Rudakova, T. V.; Zhou, Z. X.

2017-10-01

A promising approach for better control of the plasma parameters involves the exploitation of peculiarities of plasmas with a nonlocal electron energy distribution. Nonlocal plasma technology (NLP-technology) is based on the effect of energetic electrons in the plasma volume. In this work, an experimental study of influence of the chemo-ionization processes on non-stationary plasma conductivity has been conducted. Due to energetic, supra-thermal electrons, which appear in the chemo-ionization reactions, the highly non-equilibrium and time dependent nonlocal electron energy distribution function is formed. In such a plasma thermal electrons always have positive conductivity (mobility), while supra-thermal, energetic electrons may have negative conductivity in heavy (argon, krypton and xenon) noble gases dependently on conditions. Experiments demonstrate that this effect may lead to the non-monotonic temporal behavior of plasma conductivity and may potentially create the negative electron mobility.

A Performance Comparison of Xenon and Krypton Propellant on an SPT-100 Hall Thruster (Preprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-08-10

plume data from electrostatic probes. This paper presents the results of performance measurements made using an inverted pendulum thrust stand. Krypton...inverted pendulum thrust stand. Krypton operating conditions were tested over a large range of operating powers from 800 W to 3.9 kW. Analysis of how...advantages for missions where high thrust at reduced specific impulse is advantageous, primarily for orbit raising missions. Bismuth’s main drawback is

Krypton based adsorption type cryogenic refrigerator

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jones, Jack A. (Inventor); Schember, Helene R. (Inventor)

1989-01-01

Krypton and a monolithic porous carbon such as Saran carbon are used respectively as the sorbate and sorbent of an adsorption type refrigerator to improve refrigeration efficiency and operational longevity.

An evaluation of technologies for the heavy metal remediation of dredged sediments.

PubMed

Mulligan, C N; Yong, R N; Gibbs, B F

2001-07-30

Sediments dewatering is frequently necessary after dredging to remediate and treat contaminants. Methods include draining of the water in lagoons with or without coagulants and flocculants, or using presses or centrifuges. Treatment methods are similar to those used for soil and include pretreatment, physical separation, thermal processes, biological decontamination, stabilization/solidification and washing. However, compared to soil treatment, few remediation techniques have been commercially used for sediments. In this paper, a review of the methods that have been used and an evaluation of developed and developing technologies is made. Sequential extraction technique can be a useful tool for determining metal speciation before and after washing. Solidification/stabilization techniques are successful but significant monitoring is required, since the solidification process can be reversible. In addition, the presence of organics can reduce treatment efficiency. Vitrification is applicable for sediments but expensive. Only if a useful glass product can be sold will this process be economically viable. Thermal processes are only applicable for removal of volatile metals, such as mercury and costs are high. Biological processes are under development and have the potential to be low cost. Since few low cost metal treatment processes for sediments are available, there exists significant demand for further development. Pretreatment may be one of the methods that can reduce costs by reducing the volumes of sediments that need to be treated.

Application of Finite Element, Phase-field, and CALPHAD-based Methods to Additive Manufacturing of Ni-based Superalloys.

PubMed

Keller, Trevor; Lindwall, Greta; Ghosh, Supriyo; Ma, Li; Lane, Brandon M; Zhang, Fan; Kattner, Ursula R; Lass, Eric A; Heigel, Jarred C; Idell, Yaakov; Williams, Maureen E; Allen, Andrew J; Guyer, Jonathan E; Levine, Lyle E

2017-10-15

Numerical simulations are used in this work to investigate aspects of microstructure and microseg-regation during rapid solidification of a Ni-based superalloy in a laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing process. Thermal modeling by finite element analysis simulates the laser melt pool, with surface temperatures in agreement with in situ thermographic measurements on Inconel 625. Geometric and thermal features of the simulated melt pools are extracted and used in subsequent mesoscale simulations. Solidification in the melt pool is simulated on two length scales. For the multicomponent alloy Inconel 625, microsegregation between dendrite arms is calculated using the Scheil-Gulliver solidification model and DICTRA software. Phase-field simulations, using Ni-Nb as a binary analogue to Inconel 625, produced microstructures with primary cellular/dendritic arm spacings in agreement with measured spacings in experimentally observed microstructures and a lesser extent of microsegregation than predicted by DICTRA simulations. The composition profiles are used to compare thermodynamic driving forces for nucleation against experimentally observed precipitates identified by electron and X-ray diffraction analyses. Our analysis lists the precipitates that may form from FCC phase of enriched interdendritic compositions and compares these against experimentally observed phases from 1 h heat treatments at two temperatures: stress relief at 1143 K (870 °C) or homogenization at 1423 K (1150 °C).

Getting in shape: molten wax drop deformation and solidification at an immiscible liquid interface.

PubMed

Beesabathuni, Shilpa N; Lindberg, Seth E; Caggioni, Marco; Wesner, Chris; Shen, Amy Q

2015-05-01

The controlled production of non-spherical shaped particles is important for many applications such as food processing, consumer goods, adsorbents, drug delivery, and optical sensing. In this paper, we investigated the deformation and simultaneous solidification of millimeter size molten wax drops as they impacted an immiscible liquid interface of higher density. By varying initial temperature and viscoelasticity of the molten drop, drop size, impact velocity, viscosity and temperature of the bath fluid, and the interfacial tension between the molten wax and bath fluid, spherical molten wax drops impinged on a cooling water bath and were arrested into non-spherical solidified particles in the form of ellipsoid, mushroom, disc, and flake-like shapes. We constructed cursory phase diagrams for the various particle shapes generated over a range of Weber, Capillary, Reynolds, and Stefan numbers, governed by the interfacial, inertial, viscous, and thermal effects. We solved a simplified heat transfer problem to estimate the time required to initiate the solidification at the interface of a spherical molten wax droplet and cooling aqueous bath after impact. By correlating this time with the molten wax drop deformation history captured from high speed imaging experiments, we elucidate the delicate balance of interfacial, inertial, viscous, and thermal forces that determine the final morphology of wax particles. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

3-D Modeling of Double-Diffusive Convection During Directional Solidification of a Non-Dilute Alloy with Application to the HgCdTe Growth Under Microgravity Conditions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bune, Andris V.; Gillies, Donald C.; Lehoczky, Sandor L.

1998-01-01

A numerical calculation for a non-dilute alloy solidification was performed using the FIDAP finite element code. For low growth velocities plane front solidification occurs. The location and the shape of the interface was determined using melting temperatures from the HgCdTe liquidus curve. The low thermal conductivity of the solid HgCdTe causes thermal short circuit through the ampoule walls, resulting in curved isotherms in the vicinity of the interface. Double-diffusive convection in the melt is caused by radial temperature gradients and by material density inversion with temperature. Cooling from below and the rejection at the solid-melt interface of the heavier HgTe-rich solute each tend to reduce convection. Because of these complicating factors dimensional rather then non-dimensional modeling was performed. Estimates of convection contributions for various gravity conditions was performed parametrically. For gravity levels higher then 1 0 -7 of earth's gravity it was found that the maximum convection velocity is extremely sensitive to gravity vector orientation and can be reduced at least by factor of 50% for precise orientation of the ampoule in the microgravity environment. The predicted interface shape is in agreement with one obtained experimentally by quenching. The results of 3-D modeling are compared with previous 2-D finding. A video film featuring melt convection will be presented.

Transport processes in directional solidification and their effects on microstructure development

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mazumder, Prantik

The processing of materials with unique electronic, mechanical, optical and thermal properties plays a crucial role in modern technology. The quality of these materials depend strongly on the microstructures and the solute/dopant fields in the solid product, that are strongly influenced by the intricate coupling of heat and mass transfer and melt flow in the growth systems. An integrated research program is developed that include precisely characterized experiments and detailed physical and numerical modeling of the complex transport and dynamical processes. Direct numerical simulation of the solidification process is carried out that takes into account the unsteady thermo-solutal convection in the vertical Bridgman crystal growth system, and accurately models the thermal interaction between the furnace and the ampoule by appropriately using experimentally measured thermal profiles. The flow instabilities and transitions and the nonlinear evolution following the transitions are investigated by time series and flow pattern analysis. A range of complex dynamical behavior is predicted with increasing thermal Rayleigh number. The route to chaos appears as: steady convection --> transient mono-periodic --> transient bi-periodic --> transient quasiperiodic --> transient intermittent oscillation- relaxation --> stable intermittent oscillation-relaxation attractor. The spatio-temporal dynamics of the melt flow is found to be directly related to the spatial patterns observed experimentally in the solidified crystals. The application of the model to two phase Sn-Cd peritectic alloys showed that a new class of tree-like oscillating microstructure develops in the solid phase due to unsteady thermo-solutal convection in the liquid melt. These oscillating layered structures can give the illusion of band structures on a plane of polish. The model is applied to single phase solidification in the Al-Cu and Pb-Sn systems to characterize the effect of convection on the macroscopic shape and disorder in the primary arm spacing of the cellular/dendritic freezing front. The apparently puzzling experimental observation of higher disorder in the weakly convective Al-Cu system than that in the highly convective Pb-Sn system is explained by the numerical calculations.

Polymer composites and porous materials prepared by thermally induced phase separation and polymer-metal hybrid methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yoon, Joonsung

The primary objective of this research is to investigate the morphological and mechanical properties of composite materials and porous materials prepared by thermally induced phase separation. High melting crystallizable diluents were mixed with polymers so that the phase separation would be induced by the solidification of the diluents upon cooling. Theoretical phase diagrams were calculated using Flory-Huggins solution thermodynamics which show good agreement with the experimental results. Porous materials were prepared by the extraction of the crystallized diluents after cooling the mixtures (hexamethylbenzene/polyethylene and pyrene/polyethylene). Anisotropic structures show strong dependence on the identity of the diluents and the composition of the mixtures. Anisotropic crystal growth of the diluents was studied in terms of thermodynamics and kinetics using DSC, optical microscopy and SEM. Microstructures of the porous materials were explained in terms of supercooling and dendritic solidification. Dual functionality of the crystallizable diluents for composite materials was evaluated using isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and compatible diluents that crystallize upon cooling. The selected diluents form homogeneous mixtures with iPP at high temperature and lower the viscosity (improved processability), which undergo phase separation upon cooling to form solid particles that function as a toughening agent at room temperature. Tensile properties and morphology of the composites showed that organic crystalline particles have the similar effect as rigid particles to increase toughness; de-wetting between the particle and iPP matrix occurs at the early stage of deformation, followed by unhindered plastic flow that consumes significant amount of fracture energy. The effect of the diluents, however, strongly depends on the identity of the diluents that interact with the iPP during solidification step, which was demonstrated by comparing tetrabromobisphenol-A and phthalic anhydride. A simple method to prepare composite surfaces that can change the wettability in response to the temperature change was proposed and evaluated. Composite surfaces prepared by nanoporous alumina templates filled with polymers showed surface morphology and wettability that depend on temperature. This effect is attributed to the significant difference in thermal conductivity and the thermal expansion coefficient between the alumina and the polymers. The reversibility in thermal response depends on the properties of the polymers.

Real Time Characterization of Solid/Liquid Interfaces During Directional Solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sen, S.; Kaukler, W. K.; Curreri, P. A.; Peters, P.

1997-01-01

A X-Ray Transmission Microscope (XTM) has been developed to observe in real time and in-situ solidification phenomenon at the solid/liquid interface. Recent improvements in the horizontal Bridgman furnace design provides real-time magnification (during solidification) up to 12OX. The increased magnification has enabled for the first time the XTM imaging of real-time growth of fibers and particles with diameters of 3-6 micrometers. Further, morphological transitions from planar to cellular interfaces have also been imaged. Results from recent XTM studies on Al-Bi monotectic system, Al-Au eutectic system and interaction of insoluble particles with s/I interfaces in composite materials will be presented. An important parameter during directional solidification of molten metal is the interfacial undercooling. This parameter controls the morphology and composition at the s/I interface. Conventional probes such as thermocouples, due to their large bead size, do not have sufficient resolution for measuring undercooling at the s/I interface. Further, the intrusive nature of the thermocouples also distorts the thermal field at the s/I interface. To overcome these inherent problems we have recently developed a compact furnace which utilizes a non-intrusive technique (Seebeck) to measure undercooling at the S/I interface. Recent interfacial undercooling measurements obtained for the Pb-Sn system will be presented. The Seebeck measurement furnace in the future will be integrated with the XTM to provide the most comprehensive tool for real time characterization of s/I interfaces during solidification.

Numerical modeling of heat transfer in molten silicon during directional solidification process

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Srinivasan, M.; Ramasamy, P., E-mail: ramasamyp@ssn.edu.in

2015-06-24

Numerical investigation is performed for some of the thermal and fluid flow properties of silicon melt during directional solidification by numerical modeling. Dimensionless numbers are extremely useful to understand the heat and mass transfer of fluid flow on Si melt and control the flow patterns during crystal growth processes. The average grain size of whole crystal would increase when the melt flow is laminar. In the silicon growth process, the melt flow is mainly driven by the buoyancy force resulting from the horizontal temperature gradient. The thermal and flow pattern influences the quality of the crystal through the convective heatmore » and mass transport. The computations are carried out in a 2D axisymmetric model using the finite-element technique. The buoyancy effect is observed in the melt domain for a constant Rayleigh number and for different Prandtl numbers. The convective heat flux and Reynolds numbers are studied in the five parallel horizontal cross section of melt silicon region. And also, velocity field is simulated for whole melt domain with limited thermal boundaries. The results indicate that buoyancy forces have a dramatic effect on the most of melt region except central part.« less

Spurious Grain Formation at Cross-Sectional Expansion During Directional Solidification: Influence of Thermosolutal Convection

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ghods, M.; Lauer, M.; Upadhyay, S. R.; Grugel, R. N.; Tewari, S. N.; Poirier, D. R.

2018-04-01

Formation of spurious grains during directional solidification (DS) of Al-7 wt.% Si and Al-19 wt.% Cu alloys through an abrupt increase in cross-sectional area has been examined by experiments and by numerical simulations. Stray grains were observed in the Al-19 wt.% Cu samples and almost none in the Al-7 wt.% Si. The locations of the stray grains correlate well where numerical solutions indicate the solute-rich melt to be flowing up the thermal gradient faster than the isotherm velocity. It is proposed that the spurious grain formation occurred by fragmentation of slender tertiary dendrite arms was enhanced by thermosolutal convection. In Al-7 wt.% Si, the dendrite fragments sink in the surrounding melt and get trapped in the dendritic array growing around them, and therefore they do not grow further. In the Al-19 wt.% Cu alloy, on the other hand, the dendrite fragments float in the surrounding melt and some find conducive thermal conditions for further growth and become stray grains.

3D Printing Optical Engine for Controlling Material Microstructure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Huang, Wei-Chin; Chang, Kuang-Po; Wu, Ping-Han; Wu, Chih-Hsien; Lin, Ching-Chih; Chuang, Chuan-Sheng; Lin, De-Yau; Liu, Sung-Ho; Horng, Ji-Bin; Tsau, Fang-Hei

Controlling the cooling rate of alloy during melting and resolidification is the most commonly used method for varying the material microstructure and consequently the resuling property. However, the cooling rate of a selective laser melting (SLM) production is restricted by a preset optimal parameter of a good dense product. The head room for locally manipulating material property in a process is marginal. In this study, we invent an Optical Engine for locally controlling material microstructure in a SLM process. It develops an invovative method to control and adjust thermal history of the solidification process to gain desired material microstucture and consequently drastically improving the quality. Process parameters selected locally for specific materials requirement according to designed characteristics by using thermal dynamic principles of solidification process. It utilize a technique of complex laser beam shape of adaptive irradiation profile to permit local control of material characteristics as desired. This technology could be useful for industrial application of medical implant, aerospace and automobile industries.

Air pollution control residues from waste incineration: current UK situation and assessment of alternative technologies.

PubMed

Rani, D Amutha; Boccaccini, A R; Deegan, D; Cheeseman, C R

2008-11-01

Current disposal options for APC residues in the UK and alternative treatment technologies developed world-wide have been reviewed. APC residues are currently landfilled in the UK where they undergo in situ solidification, although the future acceptability of this option is uncertain because the EU waste acceptance criteria (WAC) introduce strict limits on leaching that are difficult to achieve. Other APC residue treatment processes have been developed which are reported to reduce leaching to below relevant regulatory limits. The Ferrox process, the VKI process, the WES-PHix process, stabilisation/solidification using cementitious binders and a range of thermal treatment processes are reviewed. Thermal treatment technologies convert APC residues combined with other wastes into inert glass or glass-ceramics that encapsulate heavy metals. The waste management industry will inevitably use the cheapest available option for treating APC residues and strict interpretation and enforcement of waste legislation is required if new, potentially more sustainable technologies are to become commercially viable.

Specific heat and related thermophysical properties of liquid Fe-Cu-Mo alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Haipeng; Luo, Bingchi; Chang, Jian; Wei, Bingbo

2007-08-01

The specific heat and related thermophysical properties of liquid Fe77.5Cu13Mo9.5 monotectic alloy were investigated by an electromagnetic levitation drop calorimeter over a wide temperature range from 1482 to 1818 K. A maximum undercooling of 221 K (0.13 T m) was achieved and the specific heat was determined as 44.71 J·mol-1·K-1. The excess specific heat, enthalpy change, entropy change and Gibbs free energy difference of this alloy were calculated on the basis of experimental results. It was found that the calculated results by traditional estimating methods can only describe the solidification process under low undercooling conditions. Only the experimental results can reflect the reality under high undercooling conditions. Meanwhile, the thermal diffusivity, thermal conductivity, and sound speed were derived from the present experimental results. Furthermore, the solidified microstructural morphology was examined, which consists of (Fe) and (Cu) phases. The calculated interface energy was applied to exploring the correlation between competitive nucleation and solidification microstructure within monotectic alloy.

Aluminum integral foams with tailored density profile by adapted blowing agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hartmann, Johannes; Fiegl, Tobias; Körner, Carolin

2014-05-01

The goal of the present work is the variation of the structure of aluminum integral foams regarding the thickness of the integral solid skin as well as the density profile. A modified die casting process, namely integral foam molding, is used in which an aluminum melt and blowing agent particles (magnesium hydride MgH2) are injected in a permanent steel mold. The high solidification rates at the cooled walls of the mold lead to the formation of a solid skin. In the inner region, hydrogen is released by thermal decomposition of MgH2 particles. Thus, the pore formation takes place parallel to the continuing solidification of the melt. The thickness of the solid skin and the density profile of the core strongly depend on the interplay between solidification velocity and kinetics of hydrogen release. By varying the melt and blowing agent properties, the structure of integral foams can be systematically changed to meet the requirements of the desired field of application of the produced component.

Convection Effects During Bulk Transparent Alloy Solidification in DECLIC-DSI and Phase-Field Simulations in Diffusive Conditions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mota, F. L.; Song, Y.; Pereda, J.; Billia, B.; Tourret, D.; Debierre, J.-M.; Trivedi, R.; Karma, A.; Bergeon, N.

2017-08-01

To study the dynamical formation and evolution of cellular and dendritic arrays under diffusive growth conditions, three-dimensional (3D) directional solidification experiments were conducted in microgravity on a model transparent alloy onboard the International Space Station using the Directional Solidification Insert in the DEvice for the study of Critical LIquids and Crystallization. Selected experiments were repeated on Earth under gravity-driven fluid flow to evidence convection effects. Both radial and axial macrosegregation resulting from convection are observed in ground experiments, and primary spacings measured on Earth and microgravity experiments are noticeably different. The microgravity experiments provide unique benchmark data for numerical simulations of spatially extended pattern formation under diffusive growth conditions. The results of 3D phase-field simulations highlight the importance of accurately modeling thermal conditions that strongly influence the front recoil of the interface and the selection of the primary spacing. The modeling predictions are in good quantitative agreements with the microgravity experiments.

Solidification and crystal growth of solid solution semiconducting alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lehoczky, S. L.; Szofran, F. R.

1984-01-01

Problems associated with the solidification and crytal growth of solid-solution semiconducting alloy crystals in a terrestrial environment are described. A detailed description is given of the results for the growth of mercury cadmium telluride (HgCdTe) alloy crystals by directional solidification, because of their considerable technological importance. A series of HgCdTe alloy crystals are grown from pseudobinary melts by a vertical Bridgman method using a wide range of growth rates and thermal conditions. Precision measurements are performed to establish compositional profiles for the crystals. The compositional variations are related to compositional variations in the melts that can result from two-dimensional diffusion or density gradient driven flow effects ahead of the growth interface. These effects are discussed in terms of the alloy phase equilibrium properties, the recent high temperature thermophysical data for the alloys and the highly unusual heat transfer characteristics of the alloy/ampule/furnace system that may readily lead to double diffusive convective flows in a gravitational environment.

Metal Matrix Composites Directionally Solidified

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ares, Alicia Esther; Schvezov, Carlos Enrique

The present work is focus on studying the dendritic solidification of metal matrix composites, MMCs, (using zinc-aluminum, ZA, alloys as matrix and the addition of SiC and Al2O3 particles). The compounds were obtained by as-cast solidification, under continuous stirring and in a second stage were directionally solidified in order to obtain different dendritic growth (columnar, equiaxed and columnar-to-equiaxed transition (CET)). The results in MMCs were compared with those obtained in directional solidification of ZA alloys, primarily with regard to structural parameters. The size and evolution of microstructure, according to the size of the MMCs particles and the variation of the thermal parameters was analyzing. In general it was found that the size of the microstructure (secondary dendritic spacing) decreases with the increase of particles in the matrix. When cooling rate increases, particle size decreases, and a higher cooling rate causes finer and more homogeneous dendrites Also, the segregation which was found in the matrix of the composites was significantly less than in the case of ZA alloys.

Rapid solidification of high-conductivity copper alloys. Ph.D. Thesis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bloom, Theodore Atlas

1989-01-01

The main objective was to develop improved copper alloys of high strength and high thermal and electric conductivity. Chill block melt spinning was used to produce binary alloys of Cu-Cr and Cu-Zr, and ternary alloys of Cu-Cr-Ag. By quenching from the liquid state, up to 5 atomic percent of Cr and Zr were retained in metastable extended solid solution during the rapid solidification process. Eutectic solidification was avoided and the full strengthening benefits of the large volume fraction of precipitates were realized by subsequent aging treatment. The very low solid solubility of Cr and Zr in Cu result in a high conductivity Cu matrix strengthened by second phase precipitates. Tensile properties on as-cast and aged ribbons were measured at room and elevated temperatures. Precipitate coarsening of Cr in Cu was studied by changes in electrical resistance during aging. X-ray diffraction was used to measure the lattice parameter and the degree of supersaturation of the matrix. The microstructures were characterized by optical and electron microscopy.

Spectroscopic diagnostics of NIF ICF implosions using line ratios of Kr dopant in the ignition capsule

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dasgupta, Arati; Ouart, Nicholas; Giuiani, John; Clark, Robert; Schneider, Marilyn; Scott, Howard; Chen, Hui; Ma, Tammy

2017-10-01

X ray spectroscopy is used on the NIF to diagnose the plasma conditions in the ignition target in indirect drive ICF implosions. A platform is being developed at NIF where small traces of krypton are used as a dopant to the fuel gas for spectroscopic diagnostics using krypton line emissions. The fraction of krypton dopant was varied in the experiments and was selected so as not to perturb the implosion. Our goal is to use X-ray spectroscopy of dopant line ratios produced by the hot core that can provide a precise measurement of electron temperature. Simulations of the krypton spectra using a 1 in 104 atomic fraction of krypton in direct-drive exploding pusher with a range of electron temperatures and densities show discrepancies when different atomic models are used. We use our non-LTE atomic model with a detailed fine-structure level atomic structure and collisional-radiative rates to investigate the krypton spectra at the same conditions. Synthetic spectra are generated with a detailed multi-frequency radiation transport scheme from the emission regions of interest to analyze the experimental data with 0.02% Kr concentration and compare and contrast with the existing simulations at LLNL. Work supported by DOE/NNSA; Part of this work was also done under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract No. DE-AC52-07NA27344.

Simultaneous detection of xenon and krypton in equine plasma by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for doping control.

PubMed

Kwok, Wai Him; Choi, Timmy L S; So, Pui-Kin; Yao, Zhong-Ping; Wan, Terence S M

2017-02-01

Xenon can activate the hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs). As such, it has been allegedly used in human sports for increasing erythropoiesis. Krypton, another noble gas with reported narcosis effect, can also be expected to be a potential and less expensive erythropoiesis stimulating agent. This has raised concern about the misuse of noble gases as doping agents in equine sports. The aim of the present study is to establish a method for the simultaneous detection of xenon and krypton in equine plasma for the purpose of doping control. Xenon- or krypton-fortified equine plasma samples were prepared according to reported protocols. The target noble gases were simultaneously detected by gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry using headspace injection. Three xenon isotopes at m/z 129, 131, and 132, and four krypton isotopes at m/z 82, 83, 84, and 86 were targeted in selected reaction monitoring mode (with the precursor ions and product ions at identical mass settings), allowing unambiguous identification of the target analytes. Limits of detection for xenon and krypton were about 19 pmol/mL and 98 pmol/mL, respectively. Precision for both analytes was less than 15%. The method has good specificity as background analyte signals were not observed in negative equine plasma samples (n = 73). Loss of analytes under different storage temperatures has also been evaluated. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Development of sputtering process to deposit stoichiometric zirconia coatings for the inside wall of regeneratively cooled rocket thrust chambers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Busch, R.

1978-01-01

Thermal barrier coatings of yttria stabilized zirconia and zirconia-ceria mixtures were deposited by RF reactive sputtering. Coatings were 1-2 mils thick, and were deposited on copper cylinders intended to simulate the inner wall of a regeneratively cooled thrust chamber. Coating stoichiometry and adherence were investigated as functions of deposition parameters. Modest deposition rates (approximately 0.15 mil/hr) and subambient sustrate temperatures (-80 C) resulted in nearly stoichiometric coatings which remained adherent through thermal cycles between -196 and 400 C. Coatings deposited at higher rates or substrates temperatures exhibited greater oxygen deficiences, while coatings deposited at lower temperatures were not adherent. Substrate bias resulted in structural changes in the coating and high krypton contents; no clear effect on stoichiometry was observed.

Experimental investigation of CO2 condensation process using cryogen

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lee, Cheonkyu; Yoo, Junghyun; Lee, Jisung; Park, Hana; Jeong, Sangkwon

2014-01-01

Carbon dioxide (CO2) is one of the dominant gas molecules that causes greenhouse effect, i.e. global warming. Numerous studies have been carried out to regulate the emission of CO2 to reduce greenhouse gas. The liquid CO2 is a convenient form of transportation compared to high-pressurized gaseous CO2. Therefore, the direct liquefaction mechanism of CO2 at low temperature draws technical attention recently. In particular, cold thermal energy of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) could be a candidate to condense gaseous CO2, especially in the LNG powered ship. In this paper, the detailed direct condensation process of CO2 using LN2 with intermittent solidification is investigated. Pressurized CO2 at 600 kPa is directly liquefied in a vessel by liquid nitrogen which is supplied into the coiled tube heat exchanger inside the CO2 vessel. The heat exchanger temperature is controlled from 130 K to 205 K to regulate the solidification and sublimation of CO2 by duty control with cryogenic solenoid valve. The characteristics of CO2 condensation process with cryogen are analyzed from the measurement results. The results show that the solidification causes the significant degradation of CO2 condensation heat transfer. Finally, the condensation rate with and without solidification is compared.

Microstructure formation in partially melted zone during gas tungsten arc welding of AZ91 Mg cast alloy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Zhu Tianping; Chen, Zhan W.; Gao Wei

2008-11-15

During gas tungsten arc (GTA) welding of AZ91 Mg cast alloy, constitutional liquid forms locally in the original interdendritic regions in the partially melted zone (PMZ). The PMZ re-solidification behaviour has not been well understood. In this study, the gradual change of the re-solidification microstructure within PMZ from base metal side to weld metal side was characterised. High cooling rate experiments using Gleeble thermal simulator were also conducted to understand the morphological change of the {alpha}-Mg/{beta}-Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} phase interface formed during re-solidification after partial melting. It was found that the original partially divorced eutectic structure has become a moremore » regular eutectic phase in most of the PMZ, although close to the fusion boundary the re-solidified eutectic is again a divorced one. Proceeding the eutectic re-solidification, if the degree of partial melting is sufficiently high, {alpha}-Mg re-solidified with a cellular growth, resulting in a serrated interface between {alpha}-Mg and {alpha}-Mg/{beta}-Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} in the weld sample and between {alpha}-Mg and {beta}-Mg{sub 17}Al{sub 12} (fully divorced eutectic) in Gleeble samples. The morphological changes affected by the peak temperature and cooling rate are also explained.« less

Development of a krypton-doped gas symmetry capsule platform for x-ray spectroscopy of implosion cores on the NIF

DOE PAGES

Ma, T.; Chen, H.; Patel, P. K.; ...

2016-08-18

The electron temperature at stagnation of an ICF implosion can be measured from the emission spectrum of high-energy x-rays that pass through the cold material surrounding the hot stagnating core. We describe a platform developed on the National Ignition Facility where trace levels of a mid-Z dopant (krypton) are added to the fuel gas of a symcap (symmetry surrogate) implosion to allow for the use of x-ray spectroscopy of the krypton line emission.Published by AIP Publishing

Development of a krypton-doped gas symmetry capsule platform for x-ray spectroscopy of implosion cores on the NIF.

PubMed

Ma, T; Chen, H; Patel, P K; Schneider, M B; Barrios, M A; Casey, D T; Chung, H-K; Hammel, B A; Berzak Hopkins, L F; Jarrott, L C; Khan, S F; Lahmann, B; Nora, R; Rosenberg, M J; Pak, A; Regan, S P; Scott, H A; Sio, H; Spears, B K; Weber, C R

2016-11-01

The electron temperature at stagnation of an ICF implosion can be measured from the emission spectrum of high-energy x-rays that pass through the cold material surrounding the hot stagnating core. Here we describe a platform developed on the National Ignition Facility where trace levels of a mid-Z dopant (krypton) are added to the fuel gas of a symcap (symmetry surrogate) implosion to allow for the use of x-ray spectroscopy of the krypton line emission.

Development of a krypton-doped gas symmetry capsule platform for x-ray spectroscopy of implosion cores on the NIF

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, T.; Chen, H.; Patel, P. K.; Schneider, M. B.; Barrios, M. A.; Casey, D. T.; Chung, H.-K.; Hammel, B. A.; Berzak Hopkins, L. F.; Jarrott, L. C.; Khan, S. F.; Lahmann, B.; Nora, R.; Rosenberg, M. J.; Pak, A.; Regan, S. P.; Scott, H. A.; Sio, H.; Spears, B. K.; Weber, C. R.

2016-11-01

The electron temperature at stagnation of an ICF implosion can be measured from the emission spectrum of high-energy x-rays that pass through the cold material surrounding the hot stagnating core. Here we describe a platform developed on the National Ignition Facility where trace levels of a mid-Z dopant (krypton) are added to the fuel gas of a symcap (symmetry surrogate) implosion to allow for the use of x-ray spectroscopy of the krypton line emission.

A model for the influence of pressure on the bulk modulus and the influence of temperature on the solidification pressure for liquid lubricants

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobson, B. O.; Vinet, P.

1986-01-01

Two pressure chambers, for compression experiments with liquids from zero to 2.2 GPa pressure, are described. The experimentally measured compressions are then compared to theoretical values given by an isothermal model of equation of state recently introduced for solids. The model describes the pressure and bulk modulus as a function of compression for different types of lubricants with a very high accuracy up to the pressure limit of the high pressure chamber used (2.2 GPa). In addition the influence of temperature on static solidification pressure was found to be a simple function of the thermal expansion of the fluid.

Crystallization dynamics in glass-forming systems

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cullinan, Timothy Edward

Crystallization under far-from-equilibrium conditions is investigated for two different scenarios: crystallization of the metallic glass alloy Cu 50Zr 50 and solidification of a transparent organic compound, o-terphenyl. For Cu 50Zr 50, crystallization kinetics are quanti ed through a new procedure that directly fits thermal analysis data to the commonly utilized JMAK model. The phase evolution during crystallization is quantified through in-situ measurements (HEXRD, DSC) and ex-situ microstructural analysis (TEM, HRTEM). The influence of chemical partitioning, diffusion, and crystallographic orientation on this sequence are examined. For o-terphenyl, the relationship between crystal growth velocity and interface undercooling is systematically studied via directionalmore » solidification.« less

Nb-Based Nb-Al-Fe Alloys: Solidification Behavior and High-Temperature Phase Equilibria

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stein, Frank; Philips, Noah

2018-03-01

High-melting Nb-based alloys hold significant promise for the development of novel high-temperature materials for structural applications. In order to understand the effect of alloying elements Al and Fe, the Nb-rich part of the ternary Nb-Al-Fe system was investigated. A series of Nb-rich ternary alloys were synthesized from high-purity Nb, Al, and Fe metals by arc melting. Solidification paths were identified and the liquidus surface of the Nb corner of the ternary system was established by analysis of the as-melted microstructures and thermal analysis. Complementary analysis of heat-treated samples yielded isothermal sections at 1723 K and 1873 K (1450 °C and 1600 °C).

Theoretical modeling of cellular and dendritic solidification microstructures

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Younggil

In this dissertation, we use three-dimensional (3D) phase-field (PF) modeling to investigate (i) 3D solid-liquid interface dynamics observed in microgravity experiments, and (ii) array patterns in a thin-sample geometry. In addition, using the two-dimensional (2D) dendritic-needle-network (DNN) model, we explore (iii) secondary sidebranching dynamics. Recently, solidification experiments are carried out in the DSI (Directional Solidification Insert) of the DECLIC (Device for the study of Critical LIquids and Crystallization) facility aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Thus, the directional solidification experiments are achieved under limited convective currents, and the experimental observations reveal unique dynamics of 3D microstructure in a purely diffusive growth regime. In this directional solidification setup, a temperature field between heat sources could evolve due to two main factors: (i) heat transfer within an adiabatic zone and (ii) latent heat rejection at the interface. These two thermal effects are phenomenologically characterized using a time-dependent thermal shift. In addition, we could quantitatively account for these thermal factors using a numerical calculation of the evolution of temperature field. We introduce these phenomenological and quantitative thermal representations into the PF model. The performed simulations using different thermal descriptions are compared to the experimental measurements from the initial planar interface dynamics to the final spacing selection. The DECLIC-DSI experimental observations exhibit complex grain boundary (GB) dynamics between large grains with a small misorientation. In the observations, several large grains with a small misorientation with respect to the temperature gradient are formed during solidification. Specifically, at a convergent GB, a localized group of misoriented cells penetrates into a nearby grain, which yields the morphological instability of grain boundaries. Remarkably, while the invasion process starts with a group of cells, the leader cell can detach itself from the group and grow continuously as a misoriented solitary cell in the other grain with a different misorientation. We use PF simulations to investigate the GB morphology and dynamics of a solitary cell. Solidification experiments on earth are typically performed in a thin-sample geometry to avoid fluid convection. Thus, we consider various influences on cellular and dendritic array patterns in thin samples. First, we explore the influence of crystal orientation. When a grain in a thin-sample geometry is misoriented with respect to the temperature gradient, primary cells and dendrites drift laterally in both experiments and simulations. At the same time, grain boundaries are systematically formed at the edges of the misoriented grain. The misoriented primary branches move away from the divergent grain boundary. At this boundary, cells/dendrites are generated continuously, and their spacings are larger than the dynamically selected spacings. Primary branches run into the other convergent GB, which leads to their elimination. Thus, at a stationary state, a spacing distribution is uniform with the spacing selected at the divergent GB until it decreases near the convergent GB. We perform simulations to illustrate the global evolutions of a primary spacing. In addition, we suggest a simple geometrical model and a nonlinear advection equation for the dynamics of the primary spacing evolution, which can predict the slow evolution of a primary spacing in a quasi-2D array. Experimental observations point out that the primary spacing selection could be affected by the sample thickness; however, the detailed description for the link between the primary spacing selection and a sample thickness is still missing. Here, we use PF simulations to investigate the primary cellular and dendritic spacing selection mechanisms under the influence of a sample thickness. A thin-sample geometry can limit thermal and solutal convective currents effectively. However, as the sample thickness increases, the convective currents can influence the solid- liquid interface dynamics. Then, the microstructure selection mechanisms can be different from the classical theories that are valid in a diffusive regime. We propose a simple approach for the PF model to demonstrate the microstructure selection when liquid convection is present. These simulations are compared to experimental results. Columnar microstructures with cells and dendrites typically form polycrystalline materials during directional solidification. Then, convergent and divergent grain boundaries form systematically between grains, which are misoriented with respect to the temperature gradient. Moreover, the GB is dynamically selected during the competition between two nearby misoriented grains. In order to investigate the GB orientation selection, we carry out 3D PF simulations in a thin-sample geometry. These simulations reveal the influence of the 3D GB bi-crystallography on grain competition. The results highlight the importance of considering the orientation of the orthogonal planes containing secondary branches in addition to the growth direction of primary branches. Finally, we propose three growth steps to demonstrate the secondary sidebranching growth dynamics under isothermal dendritic growth condition. (Abstract shortened by ProQuest.).

Relative efficacy of the argon green, argon blue-green, and krypton red lasers for 10-0 nylon subconjunctival laser suture lysis.

PubMed

Mudgil, A V; To, K W; Balachandran, R M; Janigian, R H; Tsiaras, W G

1999-01-01

To determine the optimal wavelength for subconjunctival laser suture lysis. 130 black monofilament 10-0 nylon sutures were sewn subconjunctivally into the bare sclera of enucleated rabbit globes. The lowest energy levels facilitating laser suture lysis were determined for the argon green (514.5 NM), argon blue-green (488.0 NM, 514.5 NM), and krypton red (647.1 NM) wavelengths. In addition, absorption spectroscopy was performed on the suture material and conjunctiva using the Perkin Elmer W/VIS Lambda 2 spectrometer. Krypton red produced the fewest buttonhole defects, and it was also the most efficient energy source for suture lysis (P = 0.0001) under nontenectomized conjunctiva. Absorbance spectra studies revealed peak absorbance at 628 NM for the 10-0 nylon suture material. Based on animal and absorption spectroscopy studies, krypton red may be a safer and more efficient wavelength for subconjunctival laser suture lysis.

Determination of the succinonitrile-benzene and succinonitrile-cyclohexanol phase diagrams by thermal and UV spectroscopic analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaukler, W. F.; Frazier, D. O.; Facemire, B.

1984-01-01

Equilibrium temperature-composition diagrams were determined for the two organic systems, succinonitrile-benzene and succinonitrile-cyclohexanol. Measurements were made using the common thermal analysis methods and UV spectrophotometry. Succinonitrile-benzene monotectic was chosen for its low affinity for water and because UV analysis would be simplified. Succinonitrile-cyclohexanol was chosen because both components are transparent models for metallic solidification, as opposed to the other known succinonitrile-based monotectics.

Radioisotopic energy conversion system (RECS): A new radioisotopic power cell, based on nuclear, atomic, and radiation transport principles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Steinfelds, Eric Victor

The topic of this thesis is the development of the Radioisotope Energy Conversion System (RECS) in a project which is utilizing analytical computational assisted design and some experimental Research in the investigation of fluorescers and effective transducers with the appropriate energy range choice for the conversion of energy. It is desirable to increase the efficiency in electrical power from the raw kinetic power available from the radioactive material within radioisotope power generators. A major step in this direction is the development and use of Radioisotope Energy Conversion Systems to supplement and ideally replace Radioactive Thermal Generators (RTG). It is possible to achieve electrical conversion efficiencies exceeding 25% for RECS power devices compared to only 9 percent efficiency for RTG's. The theoretical basis with existent materials for the potential achievability of efficiencies above 25% is documented within this thesis. The fundamental RECS consists of a radioisotope radiative source (C1), a mediating fluorescent gas (C2) which readily absorbs energy from the beta particles (or alpha's) and subsequently emits blue or UV photons, photovoltaic cells (C3) to convert the blue and UV photons into electrical energy [2], and electrical circuitry (C4). Solid State inspired component (C3), due to its theoretical (and attainable) high efficiency, is a large step ahead of the RTG design concept. The radioisotope flux source produces the beta(-) particles or alpha particles. Geometrically, presently, we prefer to have the ambient fluorescent gas surround the radioisotope flux source. Our fluorescer shall be a gas such as Krypton. Our specifically wide band-gap photovoltaic cells shall have gap energies which are slightly less than that of UV photons produced by the fluorescing gas. Diamond and Aluminum Nitride sample materials are good potential choices for photovoltaic cells, as is explained here in. Out of the material examples discussed, the highest electric power to mass ratio is found to be readily attainable with strontium-90 as the radiative source. Krypton-85 is indisputably the most efficient in RECS devices. In the conclusion in chapter VI, suggestions are given on acceptable ways of containing krypton-85 and providing sufficient shielding on deep space probes destined to use krypton-85 powered 'batteries'.

The use of a directional solidification technique to investigate the interrelationship of thermal parameters, microstructure and microhardness of Bi–Ag solder alloys

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Spinelli, José Eduardo, E-mail: spinelli@ufscar.br; Silva, Bismarck Luiz; Cheung, Noé

2014-10-15

Bi–Ag alloys have been stressed as possible alternatives to replace Pb-based solder alloys. Although acceptable melting temperatures and suitable mechanical properties may characterize such alloys, as referenced in literature, there is a lack of comprehension regarding their microstructures (morphologies and sizes of the phases) considering a composition range from 1.5 to 4.0 wt.%Ag. In order to better comprehend such aspects and their correlations with solidification thermal parameters (growth rate, v and cooling rate, T-dot), directional solidification experiments were carried out under transient heat flow conditions. The effects of Ag content on both cooling rate and growth rate during solidification aremore » examined. Microstructure parameters such as eutectic/dendritic spacing, interphase spacing and diameter of the Ag-rich phase were determined by optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The competition between eutectic cells and dendrites in the range from 1.5 to 4.0 wt.%Ag is explained by the coupled zone concept. Microhardness was determined for different microstructures and alloy Ag contents with a view to permitting correlations with microstructure parameters to be established. Hardness is shown to be directly affected by both solute macrosegregation and morphologies of the phases forming the Bi–Ag alloys, with higher hardness being associated with the cellular morphology of the Bi-2.5 and 4.0 wt.%Ag alloys. - Highlights: • Asymmetric zone of coupled growth for Bi–Ag is demonstrated. • Faceted Bi-rich dendrites have been characterized for Bi–1.5 wt.%Ag alloy. • Eutectic cells were shown for the Bi-2.5 and 4.0 wt.%Ag solder alloys. • Interphase spacing relations with G × v are able to represent the experimental scatters. • Hall-Petch type equations are proposed relating microstructural spacings to hardness.« less

Metal-halide mixtures for latent heat energy storage

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, K.; Manvi, R.

Some candidates for alkali metal and alkali halide mixtures suitable for thermal energy storage at temperatures 600 C are identified. A solar thermal system application which offer advantages such as precipitation of salt crystals away from heat transfer surfaces, increased thermal conductivity of phase change materials, corrosion inhibition, and a constant monotectic temperature, independent of mixture concentrations. By using the lighters, metal rich phase as a heat transfer medium and the denser, salt rich phase as a phase change material for latent heat storage, undesirable solidification on the heat transfer surface may be prevented, is presented.

Metal-halide mixtures for latent heat energy storage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, K.; Manvi, R.

1981-01-01

Some candidates for alkali metal and alkali halide mixtures suitable for thermal energy storage at temperatures 600 C are identified. A solar thermal system application which offer advantages such as precipitation of salt crystals away from heat transfer surfaces, increased thermal conductivity of phase change materials, corrosion inhibition, and a constant monotectic temperature, independent of mixture concentrations. By using the lighters, metal rich phase as a heat transfer medium and the denser, salt rich phase as a phase change material for latent heat storage, undesirable solidification on the heat transfer surface may be prevented, is presented.

Structures Self-Assembled Through Directional Solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dynys, Frederick W.; Sayir, Ali

2005-01-01

Nanotechnology has created a demand for new fabrication methods with an emphasis on simple, low-cost techniques. Directional solidification of eutectics (DSE) is an unconventional approach in comparison to low-temperature biomimetic approaches. A technical challenge for DSE is producing microstructural architectures on the nanometer scale. In both processes, the driving force is the minimization of Gibb's free energy. Selfassembly by biomimetic approaches depends on weak interaction forces between organic molecules to define the architectural structure. The architectural structure for solidification depends on strong chemical bonding between atoms. Constituents partition into atomic-level arrangements at the liquid-solid interface to form polyphase structures, and this atomic-level arrangement at the liquid-solid interface is controlled by atomic diffusion and total undercooling due to composition (diffusion), kinetics, and curvature of the boundary phases. Judicious selection of the materials system and control of the total undercooling are the keys to producing structures on the nanometer scale. The silicon-titanium silicide (Si-TiSi2) eutectic forms a rod structure under isothermal cooling conditions. At the NASA Glenn Research Center, directional solidification was employed along with a thermal gradient to promote uniform rods oriented with the thermal gradient. The preceding photomicrograph shows the typical transverse microstructure of a solidified Si-TiSi2 eutectic composition. The dark and light gray regions are Si and TiSi2, respectively. Preferred rod orientation along the thermal gradient was poor. The ordered TiSi2 rods have a narrow distribution in diameter of 2 to 3 m, as shown. The rod diameter showed a weak dependence on process conditions. Anisotropic etch behavior between different phases provides the opportunity to fabricate structures with high aspect ratios. The photomicrographs show the resulting microstructure after a wet chemical etch and a dry plasma etch. The wet chemical etches the silicon away, exposing the TiSi2 rods, whereas plasma etching preferentially etches the Si-TiSi2 interface to form a crater. The porous architectures are applicable to fabricating microdevices or creating templates for part fabrication. The porous rod structure can serve as a platform for fabricating microplasma devices for propulsion or microheat exchangers and for fabricating microfilters for miniatured chemical reactors. Although more work is required, self-assembly from DSE can have a role in microdevice fabrication.

Numerical solution of problems concerning the thermal convection of a variable-viscosity liquid

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zherebiatev, I. F.; Lukianov, A. T.; Podkopaev, Iu. L.

A stabilizing-correction scheme is constructed for integrating the fourth-order equation describing the dynamics of a viscous incompressible liquid. As an example, a solution is obtained to the problem of the solidification of a liquid in a rectangular region with allowance for convective energy transfer in the liquid phase as well as temperature-dependent changes of viscosity. It is noted that the proposed method can be used to study steady-state problems of thermal convection in ingots obtained through continuous casting.

Transient thermal state of an active Braille matrix with incorporated thermal actuators by means of finite element method.

PubMed

Aluţei, Alexandra-Maria; Szelitzky, Emoke; Mândru, Dan

2013-01-01

In this article the authors present the transient thermal analysis for a developed thermal linear actuator based on wax paraffin used to drive the cells of a Braille device. A numerical investigation of transient heat transfer phenomenon during paraffin melting and solidification in an encapsulated recipient has been carried out using the ANSYS v.12 software. The researchers offer data on the heat distribution in the proposed model of the actuator as well as on the material properties required for these applications and provide the opportunity to identify new problems specific to thermal actuation, such as the heater properties and the cooling process of the active material in the structure of the Braille cell.

Comparative evaluation of cast aluminum alloys for automotive cylinder heads: Part I Microstructure evolution

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Roy, Shibayan; Allard, Jr, Lawrence Frederick; Rodriguez, Andres

The present study stages a comparative evaluation of microstructure and associated mechanical and thermal response for common cast aluminum alloys that are used for manufacturing automotive cylinder heads. The systems considered are Al-Cu (206-T6), Al-Si-Cu (319-T7), and Al-Si (356-T6, A356-T6, and A356 + 0.5Cu-T6). The focus of the present manuscript is on the evaluation of microstructure at various length scales after aging, while the second manuscript will deal with the mechanical and thermal response of these alloys due to short-term (aging) and long-term (pre-conditioning) heat treatments. At the grain-scale, the Al-Cu alloy possessed an equiaxed microstructure as opposed to themore » dendritic structure for the Al-Si-Cu or Al-Si alloys which is related to the individual solidification conditions for these alloy systems. The composition and morphology of intermetallic precipitates within the grain and at the grain/dendritic boundary are dictated by the alloy chemistry, solidification, and heat treatment conditions. At the nanoscale, these alloys contain various metastable strengthening precipitates (GPI and θ''θ'' in Al-Cu alloy, θ'θ' in Al-Si-Cu alloy, and β'β' in Al-Si alloys) with varying size, morphology, coherency, and thermal stability.« less

Comparative evaluation of cast aluminum alloys for automotive cylinder heads: Part I Microstructure evolution

DOE PAGES

Roy, Shibayan; Allard, Jr, Lawrence Frederick; Rodriguez, Andres; ...

2017-03-06

The present study stages a comparative evaluation of microstructure and associated mechanical and thermal response for common cast aluminum alloys that are used for manufacturing automotive cylinder heads. The systems considered are Al-Cu (206-T6), Al-Si-Cu (319-T7), and Al-Si (356-T6, A356-T6, and A356 + 0.5Cu-T6). The focus of the present manuscript is on the evaluation of microstructure at various length scales after aging, while the second manuscript will deal with the mechanical and thermal response of these alloys due to short-term (aging) and long-term (pre-conditioning) heat treatments. At the grain-scale, the Al-Cu alloy possessed an equiaxed microstructure as opposed to themore » dendritic structure for the Al-Si-Cu or Al-Si alloys which is related to the individual solidification conditions for these alloy systems. The composition and morphology of intermetallic precipitates within the grain and at the grain/dendritic boundary are dictated by the alloy chemistry, solidification, and heat treatment conditions. At the nanoscale, these alloys contain various metastable strengthening precipitates (GPI and θ''θ'' in Al-Cu alloy, θ'θ' in Al-Si-Cu alloy, and β'β' in Al-Si alloys) with varying size, morphology, coherency, and thermal stability.« less

Influence of processing factors on the physical metallurgy of LENS deposited 316L stainless steel.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yang, Nancy Y. C.; Yee, Joshua Keng; Zheng, Baolong

2015-12-01

Directed energy deposition (DED) is a type of additive manufacturing (AM) process; Laser Engineered Net Shaping (LENS) is a commercial DED process. We are developing LENS technology for printing 316L stainless steel components for structural applications. It is widely known that material properties of AM components are process dependent, attributed to different molten metal incorporation and thermal transport mechanisms. This investigation focuses on process-structure-property relationships for LENS deposits for enabling the process development and optimization to control material property. We observed interactions among powder melting, directional molten metal flow, and the molten metal solidification. The resultant LENS induced microstructure foundmore » to be dictated by the process-related characteristics, i.e., interpass boundaries from multi-layer deposition, molten metal flow lines, and solidification dendrite cells. Each characteristic bears the signature of the unique localized thermal history during deposition. Correlation observed between localized thermal transport, resultant microstructure, and its subsequent impact on the mechanical behavior of the current 316L is discussed. We also discuss how the structures of interpass boundaries are susceptible to localized recrystallization, grain growth and/or defect formation, and therefore, heterogeneous mechanical properties due to the adverse presence of unmelted powder inclusions.« less

Comparative Evaluation of Cast Aluminum Alloys for Automotive Cylinder Heads: Part I—Microstructure Evolution

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roy, Shibayan; Allard, Lawrence F.; Rodriguez, Andres; Watkins, Thomas R.; Shyam, Amit

2017-05-01

The present study stages a comparative evaluation of microstructure and associated mechanical and thermal response for common cast aluminum alloys that are used for manufacturing automotive cylinder heads. The systems considered are Al-Cu (206-T6), Al-Si-Cu (319-T7), and Al-Si (356-T6, A356-T6, and A356 + 0.5Cu-T6). The focus of the present manuscript is on the evaluation of microstructure at various length scales after aging, while the second manuscript will deal with the mechanical and thermal response of these alloys due to short-term (aging) and long-term (pre-conditioning) heat treatments. At the grain-scale, the Al-Cu alloy possessed an equiaxed microstructure as opposed to the dendritic structure for the Al-Si-Cu or Al-Si alloys which is related to the individual solidification conditions for these alloy systems. The composition and morphology of intermetallic precipitates within the grain and at the grain/dendritic boundary are dictated by the alloy chemistry, solidification, and heat treatment conditions. At the nanoscale, these alloys contain various metastable strengthening precipitates (GPI and θ^'' in Al-Cu alloy, θ^' in Al-Si-Cu alloy, and β^' in Al-Si alloys) with varying size, morphology, coherency, and thermal stability.

Two-dimensional time-resolved x-ray diffraction study of dual phase rapid solidification in steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yonemura, Mitsuharu; Osuki, Takahiro; Terasaki, Hidenori; Komizo, Yuichi; Sato, Masugu; Toyokawa, Hidenori; Nozaki, Akiko

2010-01-01

The high intensity heat source used for fusion welding creates steep thermal gradients of 100 °C/s from 1800 °C. Further, the influence of preferred orientation is important for the observation of a directional solidification that follows the dendrite growth along the ⟨100⟩ direction toward the moving heat source. In the present study, we observed the rapid solidification of weld metal at a time resolution of 0.01-0.1 s by a two-dimensional time-resolved x-ray diffraction (2DTRXRD) system for real welding. The diffraction rings were dynamically observed by 2DTRXRD with synchrotron energy of 18 keV while the arc passes over the irradiation area of the x-rays. The arc power output was 10 V-150 A, and the scan speed of the arc was 1.0 mm/s. The temperature rise in instruments was suppressed by a water-cooled copper plate under the specimen. Further, the temperature distribution of the weld metal was measured by a thermocouple and correlated with the diffraction patterns. Consequently, solidification and solid phase transformation of low carbon steels and stainless steels were observed during rapid cooling by 2DTRXRD. In the low carbon steel, the microstructure is formed in a two step process, (i) formation of crystallites and (ii) increase of crystallinity. In stainless steel, the irregular interface layer of δ/γ in the quenched metal after solidification is expected to show the easy movement of dendrites at a lower temperature. In carbide precipitation stainless steel, it is easy for NbC to grow on δ phase with a little undercooling. Further, a mistlike pattern, which differs from the halo pattern, in the fusion zone gave some indication of the possibilities to observe the nucleation and the early solidification by 2DTRXRD.

Convective and interfacial instabilities during solidification of succinonitrile containing ethanol

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Schaefer, R. J.; Coriell, S. R.

1982-01-01

Even though slow convective flow is difficult to detect in solidifying metals, it can readily be observed in transparent materials by observing the motion of small neutrally buoyant particles. Succinonitrile, which solidifies with an unfaceted solid/liquid interface and has well characterized physical properties, is considered an excellent material for such studies. For studies of solute-induced convection, ethanol is a useful addition to succinonitrile since it has a lower density and a somewhat similar molecular structure. Samples of high purity and ethanol-doped succinonitrile are unidirectionally solidified in a vertical temperature gradient. Latex mimcrospheres 2 microns in diameter are suspended in the liquid to reveal the convective flow. Convective and morphological stability is observed as a function of solute concentration and growth velocity. These measurements are compared with theoretical calculations that predict the transition from stability to instability as a function of solidification conditions. The predicted transitions occur at low concentrations and solidification velocities; for this reason, extreme care must be taken in order to eliminate the effects of impurities or thermally induced convection.

Phase-field modelling of β(Ti) solidification in Ti-45at.%Al: columnar dendrite growth at various gravity levels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Viardin, A.; Berger, R.; Sturz, L.; Apel, M.; Hecht, U.

2016-03-01

The effect of solutal convection on the solidification of γ titanium aluminides, specifically on β(Ti) dendrite growth, is not well known. With the aim of supporting directional solidification experiments under hyper-gravity using a large diameter centrifuge, 2D-phase field simulations of β(Ti) dendrite growth have been performed for the binary alloy Ti-45at.%Al and various gravity scenarios. Both, the direction and magnitude of the gravity vector were varied systematically in order to reveal the subtle interplay between the convective flow pattern and mushy zone characteristics. In this presentation, gravity effects are discussed for early dendrite growth. For selected cases the evolution on longer timescales is also analyse of and oscillatory modes leading to dynamically stable steady state growth are outlined. In a dedicated simulation series forced flow is superimposed, as to mimic thermally driven fluid flow expected to establish on the macroscopic scale (sample size) in the centrifugal experiments. Above a certain threshold this flow turns dominant and precludes solutally driven convective effects.

Quantitative determination of zero-gravity effects on electronic materials processing germanium crystal growth with simultaneous interface demarcation. Experiment MA-060

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gatos, H. C.; Witt, A. F.

1977-01-01

Experiment MA-060 was designed to establish the crystal growth and segregation characteristics of a melt in a directional solidification configuration under near zero-g conditions. The interface demarcation technique was incorporated into the experiment since it constitutes a unique tool for recording the morphology of the growth rate throughout solidification, and for establishing an absolute time reference framework for all stages of the solidification process. An extensive study was performed of the germanium crystals grown during the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project mission. It was found that single crystal growth was achieved and that the interface demarcation functioned successfully. There was no indication that convection driven by thermal or surface tension gradients was present in the melt. The gallium segregation, in the absence of gravity, was found to be fundamentally different in its initial and its subsequent stages from that of the ground-based tests. None of the existing theoretical models for growth and segregation can account for the observed segregation behavior in the absence of gravity.

The dynamics of the rapid solidification of two successive aluminum particles in molten state

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zirari, M.; El-Hadj, A. Abdellah; Bacha, N.

2013-12-01

A finite element method is used to simulate coating deposition in the thermal spraying process. The model uses a method based on a fixed-grid Eulerian control volume to solve the fluid dynamics and energy conservation equations. A volume-of-fluid algorithm was used to track free surface deformation. The specific heat method (SHM) is used for the solidification phenomenon. This work deals mainly numerically, the problem related to solidification during impact of two identical aluminium drops, impacting successively on the same point and time-shifted, onto a smooth steel substrate. In the first part of this study, a completely melted particle, sprayed onto substrate tool steel H13 is considered in the objective of identification. Then, we examine four possible cases of successive impacts of two particles and their effects on the sprawl dynamics in different states (fully and/or partially melted). It was found that the internal energy in conjunction with the metallurgical state of the droplet play a key role in the final morphology of the coating.

Eutectic Experiment Development for Space Processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hopkins, R. H.

1972-01-01

A ground base test plan and a specimen evaluation scheme have been developed for the aluminum-copper eutectic solidification experiment to be run in the M518 multipurpose electric furnace during the Skylab mission. Besides thermal and solidification studies a detailed description is given of the quantitative metallographic technique which is appropriate for characterizing eutectic structures. This method should prove a key tool for evaluating specimen microstructure which is the most sensitive indicator of changes produced during solidification. It has been recommended that single grain pre-frozen eutectic specimens be used to simplify microstructural evaluation and to eliminate any porosity in the as-cast eutectic specimens. High purity (99.999%) materials from one supplier should be employed for all experiments. Laboratory studies indicate that porosity occurs in the MRC as-cast eutectic ingots but that this porosity can be eliminated by directional freezing. Chemical analysis shows that the MRC ingots are slightly Al rich and contain about .03% impurity. Because of the impurity content the lower cooldown rate (1.2 C/min) should be used for eutectic freezing if MRC material is used in the M518 furnace.

Directional Solidification of Mercury Cadmium Telluride During the Second United States Microgravity Payload Mission (USMP-2)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillies, D. C.; Lehoczky, S. L.; Szofran, F. R.; Watring, D. A.; Alexander, H. A.; Jerman, G. A.

1996-01-01

As a solid solution semiconductor having, a large separation between liquidus and solidus, mercury cadmium telluride (MCT) presents a formidable challenge to crystal growers desiring an alloy of high compositional uniformity. To avoid constitutional supercooling during Bridgman crystal growth it is necessary to solidify slowly in a high temperature gradient region. The necessary translation rate of less than 1 mm/hr results in a situation where fluid flow induced by gravity on earth is a significant factor in material transport. The Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (AADSF) is equipped to provide the stable thermal environment with a high gradient, and the required slow translation rate needed. Ground based experiments in AADSF show clearly the dominance of flow driven transport. The first flight of AADSF in low gravity on USMP-2 provided an opportunity to test theories of fluid flow in MCT and showed several solidification regimes which are very different from those observed on earth. Residual acceleration vectors in the orbiter during the mission were measured by the Orbital Acceleration Research Experiment (OARE), and correlated well with observed compositional differences in the samples.

Isotopic Clues to Mars Crust-Atmosphere Interactions

NASA Image and Video Library

2016-09-29

Chemistry that takes place in the surface material on Mars can explain why particular xenon (Xe) and krypton (Kr) isotopes are more abundant in the Martian atmosphere than expected. The isotopes -- variants that have different numbers of neutrons -- are formed in the loose rocks and material that make up the regolith -- the surface layer down to solid rock. The chemistry begins when cosmic rays penetrate into the surface material. If the cosmic rays strike an atom of barium (Ba), the barium can lose one or more of its neutrons (n0). Atoms of xenon can pick up some of those neutrons – a process called neutron capture – to form the isotopes xenon-124 and xenon-126. In the same way, atoms of bromine (Br) can lose some of their neutrons to krypton, leading to the formation of krypton-80 and krypton-82 isotopes. These isotopes can enter the atmosphere when the regolith is disturbed by impacts and abrasion, allowing gas to escape. http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA20847

Experimental investigation of CO{sub 2} condensation process using cryogen

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lee, Cheonkyu; Yoo, Junghyun; Lee, Jisung

2014-01-29

Carbon dioxide (CO{sub 2}) is one of the dominant gas molecules that causes greenhouse effect, i.e. global warming. Numerous studies have been carried out to regulate the emission of CO{sub 2} to reduce greenhouse gas. The liquid CO{sub 2} is a convenient form of transportation compared to high-pressurized gaseous CO{sub 2}. Therefore, the direct liquefaction mechanism of CO{sub 2} at low temperature draws technical attention recently. In particular, cold thermal energy of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) could be a candidate to condense gaseous CO{sub 2}, especially in the LNG powered ship. In this paper, the detailed direct condensation process ofmore » CO{sub 2} using LN{sub 2} with intermittent solidification is investigated. Pressurized CO{sub 2} at 600 kPa is directly liquefied in a vessel by liquid nitrogen which is supplied into the coiled tube heat exchanger inside the CO{sub 2} vessel. The heat exchanger temperature is controlled from 130 K to 205 K to regulate the solidification and sublimation of CO{sub 2} by duty control with cryogenic solenoid valve. The characteristics of CO{sub 2} condensation process with cryogen are analyzed from the measurement results. The results show that the solidification causes the significant degradation of CO{sub 2} condensation heat transfer. Finally, the condensation rate with and without solidification is compared.« less

Influence of convection on microstructure

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilcox, William R.; Caram, Rubens; Mohanty, A. P.; Seth, Jayshree

1990-01-01

In eutectic growth, as the solid phases grow they reject atoms to the liquid. This results in a variation of melt composition along the solid/liquid interface. In the past, mass transfer in eutectic solidification, in the absence of convection, was considered to be governed only by the diffusion induced by compositional gradients. However, mass transfer can also be generated by a temperature gradient. This is called thermotransport, thermomigration, thermal diffusion or the Soret effect. A theoretical model of the influence of the Soret effect on the growth of eutectic alloys is presented. A differential equation describing the compositional field near the interface during unidirectional solidification of a binary eutectic alloy was formulated by including the contributions of both compositional and thermal gradients in the liquid. A steady-state solution of the differential equation was obtained by applying appropriate boundary conditions and accounting for heat flow in the melt. Following that, the average interfacial composition was converted to a variation of undercooling at the interface, and consequently to microstructural parameters. The results obtained show that thermotransport can, under certain circumstances, be a parameter of paramount importance.

Analysis of Radial Segregation in Directionally Solidified Hg(0.89)Mn(0.11)Te

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Price, M. W.; Scripa, R. N.; Szofran, F. R.; Motakef, S.; Hanson, B.

2003-01-01

Bridgman growth experiments were performed on Hg(0.89)Mn(0.11)Te (MMT) to determine the extent of radial Manganese segregation during directional solidification. MMT crystals were directionally solidified at rates of 0.09 and 0.18 p d s and in axial thermal gradients of 83 and 68"C/cm. Wavelength Dispersive Spectroscopy (WDS) and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) analytical techniques were used to determine the radial homogeneity in all boules and the deflection of the solid-liquid interface (SLI) in two boules that were rapidly quenched after 5 to 6 cm of directional solidification. For all growth runs, the measured radial coinpositional variations were on the order of 0.01 molar percent MnTe in the steady state region of growth. Comparison of the measured radial compositional results of the crystals to predicted values in the diffusion-limited regime indicate a strong influence of convection near the solid-liquid interface. This conclusion is supported by the weak influence of the translation rates and axial thermal gradients utilized in this study upon radial compositional homogeneity.

Multi-Column Experimental Test Bed for Xe/Kr Separation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Greenhalgh, Mitchell Randy; Garn, Troy Gerry; Welty, Amy Keil

Previous research studies have shown that INL-developed engineered form sorbents are capable of capturing both Kr and Xe from various composite gas streams. The previous experimental test bed provided single column testing for capacity evaluations over a broad temperature range. To advance research capabilities, the employment of an additional column to study selective capture of target species to provide a defined final gas composition for waste storage was warranted. The second column addition also allows for compositional analyses of the final gas product to provide for final storage determinations. The INL krypton capture system was modified by adding an additionalmore » adsorption column in order to create a multi-column test bed. The purpose of this modification was to investigate the separation of xenon from krypton supplied as a mixed gas feed. The extra column was placed in a Stirling Ultra-low Temperature Cooler, capable of controlling temperatures between 190 and 253K. Additional piping and valves were incorporated into the system to allow for a variety of flow path configurations. The new column was filled with the AgZ-PAN sorbent which was utilized as the capture medium for xenon while allowing the krypton to pass through. The xenon-free gas stream was then routed to the cryostat filled with the HZ-PAN sorbent to capture the krypton at 191K. Selectivities of xenon over krypton were determined using the new column to verify the system performance and to establish the operating conditions required for multi-column testing. Results of these evaluations verified that the system was operating as designed and also demonstrated that AgZ-PAN exhibits excellent selectivity for xenon over krypton in air at or near room temperature. Two separation tests were performed utilizing a feed gas consisting of 1000 ppmv xenon and 150 ppmv krypton with the balance being made up of air. The AgZ-PAN temperature was held at 295 or 253K while the HZ-PAN was held at 191K for both tests. The effluent from the AgZ-PAN column was monitored via GC-TCD during the tests with no xenon being observed exiting the column during either test. Samples from each column were taken via evacuated sample bombs and were analyzed by GC-MS analysis. The results demonstrated the ability to separate xenon from krypton from a mixed gas feed utilizing the new multi-column system.« less

In situ measurement of atmospheric krypton and xenon on Mars with Mars Science Laboratory

DOE PAGES

Conrad, P. G.; Malespin, C. A.; Franz, H. B.; ...

2016-11-01

Mars Science Laboratory's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) investigation has measured all of the stable isotopes of the heavy noble gases krypton and xenon in the martian atmosphere, in situ, from the Curiosity Rover at Gale Crater, Mars. Previous knowledge of martian atmospheric krypton and xenon isotope ratios has been based upon a combination of the Viking mission's krypton and xenon detections and measurements of noble gas isotope ratios in martian meteorites. But, the meteorite measurements reveal an impure mixture of atmospheric, mantle, and spallation contributions. The xenon and krypton isotopic measurements reported here include the complete set of stablemore » isotopes, unmeasured by Viking. Our new results generally agree with Mars meteorite measurements but also provide a unique opportunity to identify various non-atmospheric heavy noble gas components in the meteorites. Kr isotopic measurements define a solar-like atmospheric composition, but deviating from the solar wind pattern at 80Kr and 82Kr in a manner consistent with contributions originating from neutron capture in Br. The Xe measurements suggest an intriguing possibility that isotopes lighter than 132Xe have been enriched to varying degrees by spallation and neutron capture products degassed to the atmosphere from the regolith, and a model is constructed to explore this possibility. Such a spallation component, but, is not apparent in atmospheric Xe trapped in the glassy phases of martian meteorites.« less

In situ measurement of atmospheric krypton and xenon on Mars with Mars Science Laboratory

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Conrad, P. G.; Malespin, C. A.; Franz, H. B.; Pepin, R. O.; Trainer, M. G.; Schwenzer, S. P.; Atreya, S. K.; Freissinet, C.; Jones, J. H.; Manning, H.; Owen, T.; Pavlov, A. A.; Wiens, R. C.; Wong, M. H.; Mahaffy, P. R.

2016-11-01

Mars Science Laboratory's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) investigation has measured all of the stable isotopes of the heavy noble gases krypton and xenon in the martian atmosphere, in situ, from the Curiosity Rover at Gale Crater, Mars. Previous knowledge of martian atmospheric krypton and xenon isotope ratios has been based upon a combination of the Viking mission's krypton and xenon detections and measurements of noble gas isotope ratios in martian meteorites. However, the meteorite measurements reveal an impure mixture of atmospheric, mantle, and spallation contributions. The xenon and krypton isotopic measurements reported here include the complete set of stable isotopes, unmeasured by Viking. The new results generally agree with Mars meteorite measurements but also provide a unique opportunity to identify various non-atmospheric heavy noble gas components in the meteorites. Kr isotopic measurements define a solar-like atmospheric composition, but deviating from the solar wind pattern at 80Kr and 82Kr in a manner consistent with contributions originating from neutron capture in Br. The Xe measurements suggest an intriguing possibility that isotopes lighter than 132Xe have been enriched to varying degrees by spallation and neutron capture products degassed to the atmosphere from the regolith, and a model is constructed to explore this possibility. Such a spallation component, however, is not apparent in atmospheric Xe trapped in the glassy phases of martian meteorites.

In Situ Measurement of Atmospheric Krypton and Xenon on Mars with Mars Science Laboratory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Conrad, P. G.; Malespin, C. A.; Franz, H. B.; Pepin, R. O.; Trainer, M. G.; Schwenzer, S. P.; Atreya, S. K.; Freissinet, C.; Jones, J. H.; Manning, H.;

In situ measurement of atmospheric krypton and xenon on Mars with Mars Science Laboratory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Conrad, P. G.; Malespin, C. A.; Franz, H. B.

Mars Science Laboratory's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) investigation has measured all of the stable isotopes of the heavy noble gases krypton and xenon in the martian atmosphere, in situ, from the Curiosity Rover at Gale Crater, Mars. Previous knowledge of martian atmospheric krypton and xenon isotope ratios has been based upon a combination of the Viking mission's krypton and xenon detections and measurements of noble gas isotope ratios in martian meteorites. But, the meteorite measurements reveal an impure mixture of atmospheric, mantle, and spallation contributions. The xenon and krypton isotopic measurements reported here include the complete set of stablemore » isotopes, unmeasured by Viking. Our new results generally agree with Mars meteorite measurements but also provide a unique opportunity to identify various non-atmospheric heavy noble gas components in the meteorites. Kr isotopic measurements define a solar-like atmospheric composition, but deviating from the solar wind pattern at 80Kr and 82Kr in a manner consistent with contributions originating from neutron capture in Br. The Xe measurements suggest an intriguing possibility that isotopes lighter than 132Xe have been enriched to varying degrees by spallation and neutron capture products degassed to the atmosphere from the regolith, and a model is constructed to explore this possibility. Such a spallation component, but, is not apparent in atmospheric Xe trapped in the glassy phases of martian meteorites.« less

Verification and validation of a rapid heat transfer calculation methodology for transient melt pool solidification conditions in powder bed metal additive manufacturing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Plotkowski, A.; Kirka, M. M.; Babu, S. S.

A fundamental understanding of spatial and temporal thermal distributions is crucial for predicting solidification and solid-state microstructural development in parts made by additive manufacturing. While sophisticated numerical techniques that are based on finite element or finite volume methods are useful for gaining insight into these phenomena at the length scale of the melt pool (100 - 500 µm), they are ill-suited for predicting engineering trends over full part cross-sections (> 10 x 10 cm) or many layers over long process times (> many days) due to the necessity of fully resolving the heat source characteristics. On the other hand, itmore » is extremely difficult to resolve the highly dynamic nature of the process using purely in-situ characterization techniques. This article proposes a pragmatic alternative based on a semi-analytical approach to predicting the transient heat conduction during powder bed metal additive manufacturing process. The model calculations were theoretically verified for selective laser melting of AlSi10Mg and electron beam melting of IN718 powders for simple cross-sectional geometries and the transient results are compared to steady state predictions from the Rosenthal equation. It is shown that the transient effects of the scan strategy create significant variations in the melt pool geometry and solid-liquid interface velocity, especially as the thermal diffusivity of the material decreases and the pre-heat of the process increases. With positive verification of the strategy, the model was then experimentally validated to simulate two point-melt scan strategies during electron beam melting of IN718, one intended to produce a columnar and one an equiaxed grain structure. Lastly, through comparison of the solidification conditions (i.e. transient and spatial variations of thermal gradient and liquid-solid interface velocity) predicted by the model to phenomenological CET theory, the model accurately predicted the experimental grain structures.« less

Verification and validation of a rapid heat transfer calculation methodology for transient melt pool solidification conditions in powder bed metal additive manufacturing

DOE PAGES

Plotkowski, A.; Kirka, M. M.; Babu, S. S.

2017-10-16

A fundamental understanding of spatial and temporal thermal distributions is crucial for predicting solidification and solid-state microstructural development in parts made by additive manufacturing. While sophisticated numerical techniques that are based on finite element or finite volume methods are useful for gaining insight into these phenomena at the length scale of the melt pool (100 - 500 µm), they are ill-suited for predicting engineering trends over full part cross-sections (> 10 x 10 cm) or many layers over long process times (> many days) due to the necessity of fully resolving the heat source characteristics. On the other hand, itmore » is extremely difficult to resolve the highly dynamic nature of the process using purely in-situ characterization techniques. This article proposes a pragmatic alternative based on a semi-analytical approach to predicting the transient heat conduction during powder bed metal additive manufacturing process. The model calculations were theoretically verified for selective laser melting of AlSi10Mg and electron beam melting of IN718 powders for simple cross-sectional geometries and the transient results are compared to steady state predictions from the Rosenthal equation. It is shown that the transient effects of the scan strategy create significant variations in the melt pool geometry and solid-liquid interface velocity, especially as the thermal diffusivity of the material decreases and the pre-heat of the process increases. With positive verification of the strategy, the model was then experimentally validated to simulate two point-melt scan strategies during electron beam melting of IN718, one intended to produce a columnar and one an equiaxed grain structure. Lastly, through comparison of the solidification conditions (i.e. transient and spatial variations of thermal gradient and liquid-solid interface velocity) predicted by the model to phenomenological CET theory, the model accurately predicted the experimental grain structures.« less

Optical pulse characteristics of sonoluminescence at low acoustic drive levels.

PubMed

Arakeri, V H; Giri, A

2001-06-01

From a nonaqueous alkali-metal salt solution, it is possible to observe sonoluminescence (SL) at low acoustic drive levels with the ratio of the acoustic pressure amplitude to the ambient pressure being about 1. In this case, the emission has a narrowband spectral content and consists of a few flashes of light from a levitated gas bubble going through an unstable motion. A systematic statistical study of the optical pulse characteristics of this form of SL is reported here. The results support our earlier findings [Phys. Rev. E 58, R2713 (1998)], but in addition we have clearly established a variation in the optical pulse duration with certain physical parameters such as the gas thermal conductivity. Quantitatively, the SL optical pulse width is observed to vary from 10 ns to 165 ns with the most probable value being 82 ns, for experiments with krypton-saturated sodium salt ethylene glycol solution. With argon, the variation is similar to that of krypton but the most probable value is reduced to 62 ns. The range is significantly smaller with helium, being from 22 ns to 65 ns with the most probable value also being reduced to 42 ns. The observed large variation, for example with krypton, under otherwise fixed controllable experimental parameters indicates that it is an inherent property of the observed SL process, which is transient in nature. It is this feature that necessitated our statistical study. Numerical simulations of the SL process using the bubble dynamics approach of Kamath, Prosperetti, and Egolfopoulos [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 94, 248 (1993)] suggest that a key uncontrolled parameter, namely the initial bubble radius, may be responsible for the observations. In spite of the fact that certain parameters in the numerical computations have to be fixed from a best fit to one set of experimental data, the observed overall experimental trends of optical pulse characteristics are predicted reasonably well.

Optical pulse characteristics of sonoluminescence at low acoustic drive levels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Arakeri, Vijay H.; Giri, Asis

2001-06-01

From a nonaqueous alkali-metal salt solution, it is possible to observe sonoluminescence (SL) at low acoustic drive levels with the ratio of the acoustic pressure amplitude to the ambient pressure being about 1. In this case, the emission has a narrowband spectral content and consists of a few flashes of light from a levitated gas bubble going through an unstable motion. A systematic statistical study of the optical pulse characteristics of this form of SL is reported here. The results support our earlier findings [Phys. Rev. E 58, R2713 (1998)], but in addition we have clearly established a variation in the optical pulse duration with certain physical parameters such as the gas thermal conductivity. Quantitatively, the SL optical pulse width is observed to vary from 10 ns to 165 ns with the most probable value being 82 ns, for experiments with krypton-saturated sodium salt ethylene glycol solution. With argon, the variation is similar to that of krypton but the most probable value is reduced to 62 ns. The range is significantly smaller with helium, being from 22 ns to 65 ns with the most probable value also being reduced to 42 ns. The observed large variation, for example with krypton, under otherwise fixed controllable experimental parameters indicates that it is an inherent property of the observed SL process, which is transient in nature. It is this feature that necessitated our statistical study. Numerical simulations of the SL process using the bubble dynamics approach of Kamath, Prosperetti, and Egolfopoulos [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 94, 248 (1993)] suggest that a key uncontrolled parameter, namely the initial bubble radius, may be responsible for the observations. In spite of the fact that certain parameters in the numerical computations have to be fixed from a best fit to one set of experimental data, the observed overall experimental trends of optical pulse characteristics are predicted reasonably well.

Phase-field modelling of microstructure formation during the solidification of continuously cast low carbon and HSLA steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Böttger, B.; Apel, M.; Santillana, B.; Eskin, D. G.

2012-07-01

Cracking in continuous casting of steels has been one of the main problems for decades. Many of the cracks that occur during solidification are hot tears. To better understand the factors leading to this defect, microstructure formation is simulated for a low carbon (LCAK) and two high strength low alloyed (HSLA) steel grades during the initial stage of the process where the first solidified shell is formed inside the mould and where breakouts typically occur. 2D simulation is performed using the multiphase-field software MICRESS [1], which is coupled to the thermodynamic database TCFE6 [2] and the mobility database MOB2 [2], taking into account all elements which may have a relevant effect on the mechanical properties and structure formation during or subsequent to solidification. The use of a moving-frame boundary condition allows travelling through the entire solidification history starting from the slab surface, and tracking the morphology changes during growth of the shell. A heterogeneous nucleation model is included to permit the description of morphological transitions between the initial solidification and the subsequent columnar growth region. Furthermore, a macroscopic one-dimensional temperature solver is integrated to account for the transient and nonlinear temperature field during the initial stage of continuous casting. The external heat flux boundary conditions for this process were derived from thermal process data of the industrial slab caster. The simulation results for the three steel grades have been validated by thickness measurements of breakout shells and microstructure observation of the corresponding grades. Furthermore, the primary dendrite spacing has been measured across the whole thickness of the shell and compared with the simulated microstructures. Significant microstructure differences between the steel grades are discussed and correlated with their hot-cracking behavior.

Undercooling-Induced macrosegregation in directional solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Groh, Henry C.

1994-11-01

The accepted primary mechanism for causing macrosegregation in directional solidification (DS) is thermal and solutal convection in the liquid. This article demonstrates the effects of under-cooling and nucleation on macrosegregation and shows that undercooling, in some cases, can be the cause of end-to-end macrosegregation. Alloy ingots of Pb-Sn were directionally solidified upward and downward, with and without undercooling. A thermal gradient of about 5.1 K/cm and a cooling rate of 7.7 K/h were used. Crucibles of borosilicate glass, stainless steel with Cu bottoms, and fused silica were used. High undercoolings were achieved in the glass crucibles, and very low undercoolings were achieved in the steel/Cu crucible. During under-cooling, large, coarse Pb dendrites were found to be present. Large amounts of macrosegregation developed in the undercooled eutectic and hypoeutectic alloys. This segre-gation was found to be due to the nucleation and growth of primary Pb-rich dendrites, continued coarsening of Pb dendrites during undercooling of the interdendritic liquid, Sn enrichment of the liquid, and dendritic fragmentation and settling during and after recalescence. Eutectic ingots that solidified with no undercooling had no macrosegregation, because both Pb and Sn phases were effectively nucleated at the start of solidification, thus initiating the growth of solid of eutectic composition. It is thus shown that undercooling and single-phase nucleation can cause significant macrosegregation by increasing the amount of solute rejected into the liquid and by the movement of unattached dendrites and dendrite fragments, and that macrosegregation in excess of what would be expected due to diffusion transport is not necessarily caused by convection in the liquid.

Metal-halide mixtures for latent heat energy storage

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chen, K.; Manvi, R.

1981-01-01

Alkali metal and alkali halide mixtures are identified which may be suitable for thermal energy storage at temperatures above 600 C. The use of metal-halides is appropriate because of their tendency to form two immiscible melts with a density difference, which reduces scale formation and solidification on heat transfer surfaces. Also, the accumulation of phase change material along the melt interface is avoided by the self-dispersing characteristic of some metal-halides, in particular Sr-SrCl2, Ba-BaCl2, and Ba-BaBr2 mixtures. Further advantages lie in their high thermal conductivities, ability to cope with thermal shock, corrosion inhibition, and possibly higher energy densities.

10 CFR 32.22 - Self-luminous products containing tritium, krypton-85 or promethium-147: Requirements for license...

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... promethium-147: Requirements for license to manufacture, process, produce, or initially transfer. 32.22 Section 32.22 Energy NUCLEAR REGULATORY COMMISSION SPECIFIC DOMESTIC LICENSES TO MANUFACTURE OR TRANSFER... containing tritium, krypton-85 or promethium-147: Requirements for license to manufacture, process, produce...

Driving lamps by induction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Laue, H. H.; Clough, L. G. (Inventor)

1973-01-01

An electrodeless lamp circuit with a coil surrounding a krypton lamp is driven by an RF input source. A coil surrounding a mercury lamp is tapped across the connection of the input central to the krypton-lamp coil. Each coil is connected in parallel with separate capacitors which form resonant circuits at the input frequency.

Enthalpy of sublimation as measured using a silicon oscillator

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shakeel, Hamza; Pomeroy, J. M.

In this study, we report the enthalpy of sublimation of common gases (nitrogen, oxygen, argon, carbon dioxide, neon, krypton, xenon, and water vapor) using a large area silicon oscillator with a sub-ng (~0.027 ng/cm2) mass sensitivity. The double paddle oscillator design enables high frequency stability (17 ppb) at cryogenic temperatures and provides a consistent technique for enthalpy measurements. The enthalpies of sublimation are derived from the rate of mass loss during programmed thermal desorption and are detected as a change in the resonance frequency of the self-tracking oscillator. These measured enthalpy values show excellent agreement with the accepted literature values.

Some possibilities of using gas mixtures other than air in aerodynamic research

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chapman, Dean R

1956-01-01

A study is made of the advantages that can be realized in compressible-flow research by employing a substitute heavy gas in place of air. The present report is based on the idea that by properly mixing a heavy monatomic gas with a suitable heavy polyatomic gas, it is possible to obtain a heavy gas mixture which has the correct ratio of specific heats and which is nontoxic, nonflammable, thermally stable, chemically inert, and comprised of commercially available components. Calculations were made of wind-tunnel characteristics for 63 gas pairs comprising 21 different polyatomic gases properly mixed with each of three monatomic gases (argon, krypton, and zenon).

Thermal Modeling of Bridgman Crystal Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cothran, E.

1983-01-01

Heat Flow modeled for moving or stationary rod shaped sample inside directional-solidification furnace. Program effectively models one-dimensional heat flow in translating or motionless rod-shaped sample inside of directionalsolidification furnace in which adiabatic zone separates hot zone and cold zone. Applicable to systems for which Biot numbers in hot and cold zones are less than unity.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-04-01

The Equiaxed Dendritic Solidification Experiment (EDSE) is a material sciences investigation under the Formation of Microstructures/pattern formation discipline. The objective is to study the microstructural evolution of and thermal interactions between several equiaxed crystals growing dendritically in a supercooled melt of a pure and transparent substance under diffusion controlled conditions. This image shows the overview for the EDSE in the Microgravity Development Lab (MDL).

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-04-01

The Equiaxed Dendritic Solidification Experiment (EDSE) is a material sciences investigation under the Formation of Microstructures/pattern formation discipline. The objective is to study the microstructural evolution of and thermal interactions between several equiaxed crystals growing dendritically in a supercooled melt of a pure and transparent substance under diffusion controlled conditions. Video and power rack for the EDSE in the Microgravity Development Lab (MDL).

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-04-01

The Equiaxed Dendritic Solidification Experiment (EDSE) is a material sciences investigation under the Formation of Microstructures/pattern formation discipline. The objective is to study the microstructural evolution of and thermal interactions between several equiaxed crystals growing dendritically in a supercooled melt of a pure and transparent substance under diffusion controlled conditions. Dendrite irritator control for the EDSE in the Microgravity Development Lab (MDL).

Studies of Thermophysical Properties of Metals and Semiconductors by Containerless Processing Under Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Seidel, A.; Soellner, W.; Stenzel, C.

2012-01-01

Electromagnetic levitation under microgravity provides unique opportunities for the investigation of liquid metals, alloys and semiconductors, both above and below their melting temperatures, with minimized disturbances of the sample under investigation. The opportunity to perform such experiments will soon be available on the ISS with the EML payload which is currently being integrated. With its high-performance diagnostics systems EML allows to measure various physical properties such as heat capacity, enthalpy of fusion, viscosity, surface tension, thermal expansion coefficient, and electrical conductivity. In studies of nucleation and solidification phenomena the nucleation kinetics, phase selection, and solidification velocity can be determined. Advanced measurement capabilities currently being studied include the measurement and control of the residual oxygen content of the process atmosphere and a complementary inductive technique to measure thermophysical properties.

The interaction of bubbles with solidification interfaces. [during coasting phase of sounding rocket flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Papazian, J. M.; Wilcox, W. R.

1977-01-01

The behavior of bubbles at a dendritic solidification interface was studied during the coasting phase of a sounding rocket flight. Sequential photographs of the gradient freeze experiment showed nucleation, growth and coalescence of bubbles at the moving interface during both the low-gravity and one-gravity tests. In the one-gravity test the bubbles were observed to detach from the interface and float to the top of the melt. However, in the low-gravity tests no bubble detachment from the interface or steady state bubble motion occurred and large voids were grown into the crystal. These observations are discussed in terms of the current theory of thermal migration of bubbles and in terms of their implications on the space processing of metals.

Distribution of molecular weight in glyceride polymerizates or aggregates of them after contact with lunar grains

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Asunmaa, S. K.; Haack, R.

1977-01-01

An attempt is made to report on experiments in which a molecular-weight increase was determined in thin layers of triglyceride-containing glycerides after thin-layer contact for two years with lunar topsoil grains at 25 C without any thermal activation. It is noted that solidification was observed on both dielectric grains and metal-rich areas and that changes in viscosity and molecular weights were first detected by solidification of surface layers. Gel permeation chromatography is described which detected a general shift of the Gaussian distribution of the molecular-weight data toward generally higher molecular weights as well as an increase in mean molecular weight. Reaction mechanisms are considered, and results of spectrographic analysis are cited which support the interpretations of the molecular-weight data.

Solidification of eutectic system alloys in space (M-19)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ohno, Atsumi

1993-01-01

It is well known that in the liquid state eutectic alloys are theoretically homogeneous under 1 g conditions. However, the homogeneous solidified structure of this alloy is not obtained because thermal convection and non-equilibrium solidification occur. The present investigators have clarified the solidification mechanisms of the eutectic system alloys under 1 g conditions by using the in situ observation method; in particular, the primary crystals of the eutectic system alloys never nucleated in the liquid, but instead did so on the mold wall, and the crystals separated from the mold wall by fluid motion caused by thermal convection. They also found that the equiaxed eutectic grains (eutectic cells) are formed on the primary crystals. In this case, the leading phase of the eutectic must agree with the phase of the primary crystals. In space, no thermal convection occurs so that primary crystals should not move from the mold wall and should not appear inside the solidified structure. Therefore no equiaxed eutectic grains will be formed under microgravity conditions. Past space experiments concerning eutectic alloys were classified into two types of experiments: one with respect to the solidification mechanisms of the eutectic alloys and the other to the unidirectional solidification of this alloy. The former type of experiment has the problem that the solidified structures between microgravity and 1 g conditions show little difference. This is why the flight samples were prepared by the ordinary cast techniques on Earth. Therefore it is impossible to ascertain whether or not the nucleation and growth of primary crystals in the melt occur and if primary crystals influence the formation of the equiaxed eutectic grains. In this experiment, hypo- and hyper-eutectic aluminum copper alloys which are near eutectic point are used. The chemical compositions of the samples are Al-32.4mass%Cu (Hypo-eutectic) and Al-33.5mass%Cu (hyper-eutectic). Long rods for the samples are cast by the Ohno Continuous Casting Process and they show the unidirectionally solidified structure. Each flight and ground sample was made of these same rods. The dimensions of all samples are 4.5 mm in diameter and 23.5 mm in length. Each sample is put in a graphite capsule and then vacuum sealed in a double silica ampoule. Then the ampoule is put in the tantalum cartridge and sealed by electron beam welding. For onbard experiments, a Continuous Heating Furnance (CHF) will be used for melting and solidifying samples under microgravity conditions. Six flight samples will be used. Four samples are hypo-eutectic and two are hyper-eutectic alloys. The surface of the two hypo-eutectic alloy samples are covered with aluminum oxide film to prevent Marangoni convection expected under microgravity conditions. Each sample will be heated to 700 C and held at that temperature for 5 min. After that the samples will be allowed to cool to 500 C in the furnace and they will be taken out of the furnace for He gas cooling. The heating and cooling diagrams for the flight experiments are shown. After collecting the flight samples, the solidified structures of the samples will be examined and the mechanisms of eutectic solidification under microgravity conditions will be determined. It is likely that successful flight experiment results will lead to production of high quality eutectic alloys and eutectic composite materials in space.

Solidification and solid-state transformation sciences in metals additive manufacturing

DOE PAGES

Kirka, Michael M.; Nandwana, Peeyush; Lee, Yousub; ...

2017-02-11

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metals is rapidly emerging as an established manufacturing process for metal components. Unlike traditional metals fabrication processes, metals fabricated via AM undergo localized thermal cycles during fabrication. As a result, AM presents the opportunity to control the liquid-solid phase transformation, i.e. material texture. But, thermal cycling presents challenges from the standpoint of solid-solid phase transformations. We will discuss the opportunities and challenges in metals AM in the context of texture control and associated solid-solid phase transformations in Ti-6Al-4V and Inconel 718.

Tests of Transport Theory and Reduced Impurity Influx with Highly Radiative Plasmas in TFTR

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hill, K. W.

1997-11-01

The electron and ion temperature profiles in beam-heated plasmas were observed to be remarkably invariant when radiative losses were increased significantly through gas puffing of high-Z impurities (argon, krypton, xenon) in the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor. Without impurity puffing, radiative losses accounted for typically only ~ 25\\char'45 of the input power and the radiation profile was strongly peaked at the plasma edge, where the dominant carbon impurity was not fully stripped. At central electron temperatures, T_eo, of ~ 6 keV, trace concentrations of krypton and xenon (n_z/ne ~ 10-3) generated flat and centrally peaked radiation profiles respectively, and a significant fraction of the input power (45-100\\char'45 ) was lost through radiation. This loss provided a nearly ideal technique for studying local heat transport in tokamaks because it perturbed the net heating profile strongly and in a measureable way, with little effect on the density and the beam deposition profiles. In supershot plasmas, Ti >> T_e, the ion temperature profile remained constant, or even increased modestly, as the radiated power fraction was increased to 75-90\\char'45 with krypton and xenon. This observation is surprising because ion-electron coupling is the dominant power loss term for the ions in the core of supershot plasmas, and the central Ti would have decreased a factor of two if the local ion thermal diffusivity had remained constant at its value without impurity puffing. In L-mode plasmas where ion-electron power coupling is a smaller term in the power balance, the electron temperature during impurity puffing also changed only ~ 10-15\\char'45 even as the net power flow through the electrons was decreased by a factor of ~ 3. The ``stiffness" of the temperature profiles to net input power is supportive of transport mechanisms which have a marginal-stability character. Preliminary comparisons of the temperature changes with predictions of the IFS/PPPL transport model,(M. Kotschenreuther, W. Dorland, M. A. Beer, and G. W. Hammett, Phys. Plasmas 2, 2381 (1995)) which has strong marginal-stability behavior, are reasonable; more detailed comparisons are in progress. Use of high-Z radiators did not impair fusion performance, confirming they can be used to reduce the heat flux to the plasma facing components with minimal ion dilution. At input power level s of 30-33 MW, enhanced radiation through krypton and xenon puffing eliminated serious carbon influx (carbon ``blooms") which occurred in comparable plasmas without impurity puffing.

Separation and purification of xenon

DOEpatents

Schlea, deceased, Carl Solomon

1978-03-14

Xenon is separated from a mixture of xenon and krypton by extractive distillation using carbon tetrafluoride as the partitioning agent. Krypton is flushed out of the distillation column with CF.sub.4 in the gaseous overhead stream while purified xenon is recovered from the liquid bottoms. The distillation is conducted at about atmospheric pressure or at subatmospheric pressure.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Rosendahl, S., E-mail: rosendahl@wwu.de; Brown, E.; Fieguth, A.

The separation of krypton and xenon is of particular importance for the field of direct dark matter search with liquid xenon detectors. The intrinsic contamination of the xenon with radioactive {sup 85}Kr makes a significant background for these kinds of low count-rate experiments and has to be removed beforehand. This can be achieved by cryogenic distillation, a technique widely used in industry, using the different vapor pressures of krypton and xenon. In this paper, we present an investigation on the separation performance of a single stage distillation system using a radioactive {sup 83m}Kr-tracer method. The separation characteristics under different operationmore » conditions are determined for very low concentrations of krypton in xenon at the level of {sup 83m}Kr/Xe = 1.9 ⋅ 10{sup −15}, demonstrating, that cryogenic distillation in this regime is working. The observed separation is in agreement with the expectation from the different volatilities of krypton and xenon. This cryogenic distillation station is the first step on the way to a multi-stage cryogenic distillation column for the next generation of direct dark matter experiment XENON1T.« less

New method of 85Kr reduction in a noble gas based low-background detector

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Akimov, D. Yu.; Bolozdynya, A. I.; Burenkov, A. A.; Hall, C.; Kovalenko, A. G.; Kuzminov, V. V.; Simakov, G. E.

2017-04-01

Krypton-85 is an anthropogenic beta-decaying isotope which produces low energy backgrounds in dark matter and neutrino experiments, especially those based upon liquid xenon. Several technologies have been developed to reduce the Kr concentration in such experiments. We propose to augment those separation technologies by first adding to the xenon an 85Kr-free sample of krypton in an amount much larger than the natural krypton that is already present. After the purification system reduces the total Kr concentration to the same level, the final 85Kr concentration will be reduced even further by the dilution factor. A test cell for measurement of the activity of various Kr samples has been assembled, and the activity of 25-year-old krypton has been measured. The measured activity agrees well with the expected activity accounting for the 85Kr abundance of the earth's atmosphere in 1990 and the half-life of the isotope. Additional tests with a Kr sample produced in the year 1944 (before the atomic era) have been done in order to demonstrate the sensitivity of the test cell.

An analogue study of the influence of solidification on the advance and surface thermal signature of lava flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garel, F.; Kaminski, E.; Tait, S.; Limare, A.

2014-06-01

The prediction of lava flow advance and velocity is crucial during an effusive volcanic crisis. The effusion rate is a key control of lava dynamics, and proxies have been developed to estimate it in near real-time. The thermal proxy in predominant use links the satellite-measured thermal radiated power to the effusion rate. It lacks however a robust physical basis to allow time-dependent modeling. We investigate here through analogue experiments the coupling between the spreading of a solidifying flow and its surface thermal signal. We extract a first order behavior from experimental results obtained using polyethylene glycol (PEG) wax, that solidifies abruptly during cooling. We find that the flow advance is discontinuous, with relatively low supply rates yielding long stagnation phases and compound flows. Flows with higher supply rates are less sensitive to solidification and display a spreading behavior closer to that of purely viscous currents. The total power radiated from the upper surface also grows by stages, but the signal radiated by the hottest and liquid part of the flow reaches a quasi-steady state after some time. This plateau value scales around half of the theoretical prediction of a model developed previously for the spreading and cooling of isoviscous gravity currents. The corrected scaling yields satisfying estimates of the effusion rate from the total radiated power measured on a range of basaltic lava flows. We conclude that a gross estimate of the supply rate of solidifying flows can be retrieved from thermal remote-sensing, but the predictions of lava advance as a function of effusion rate appears a more difficult task due to chaotic emplacement of solidifying flows.

Project Description and Publications List for UAH CMMR

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kaukler, William F.

1999-01-01

This research combines a state of the art X-ray Transmission Microscope, XTM, with a specially designed x-ray transparent horizontal Bridgman furnace to image (with resolutions up to 3 micrometers) the solidification of metal alloys in real-time. The objective is to obtain real-time dynamic data to provide direct measure of the solute profile in the liquid, phase coalescence and growth in the liquid, and the detailed interface morphology (e,g., dendrites and cells) during solidification. We are also enhancing the XTM data with precise solid-liquid interfacial temperature and the thermal gradient measurement techniques, and working on the application of this technology to the study of the fundamentals of solidification in microgravity. Over the last several years we have successfully imaged in real-time: interfacial-morphologies, phase growth, coalescence, incorporation of phases into the growing interface, and the solute boundary layer in the liquid at the solid-liquid interface. We have also measured true local growth rates and can evaluate segregation structures in the solid. Interfacial undercoolings are being measured either with a special Seebeck furnace or with micro-thermocouple arrays we are developing. These later techniques are presently being incorporated with the XTM furnace. This last year emphasized the investigation of the solute layer in the melt during solidification. Methods were developed to quantify the solute concentrations using x-ray absorption and to compare to predictions from simulations. In addition, work is being completed on a brass-board portable XTM that incorporates a vertical Bridgman furnace.

Thermographic process monitoring in powderbed based additive manufacturing

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Krauss, Harald, E-mail: harald.krauss@iwb.tum.de; Zaeh, Michael F.; Zeugner, Thomas

2015-03-31

Selective Laser Melting is utilized to build metallic parts directly from CAD-Data by solidification of thin powder layers through application of a fast scanning laser beam. In this study layerwise monitoring of the temperature distribution is used to gather information about the process stability and the resulting part quality. The heat distribution varies with different kinds of parameters including scan vector length, laser power, layer thickness and inter-part distance in the job layout which in turn influence the resulting part quality. By integration of an off-axis mounted uncooled thermal detector the solidification as well as the layer deposition are monitoredmore » and evaluated. Errors in the generation of new powder layers usually result in a locally varying layer thickness that may cause poor part quality. For effect quantification, the locally applied layer thickness is determined by evaluating the heat-up of the newly deposited powder. During the solidification process space and time-resolved data is used to characterize the zone of elevated temperatures and to derive locally varying heat dissipation properties. Potential quality indicators are evaluated and correlated to the resulting part quality: Thermal diffusivity is derived from a simplified heat dissipation model and evaluated for every pixel and cool-down phase of a layer. This allows the quantification of expected material homogeneity properties. Maximum temperature and time above certain temperatures are measured in order to detect hot spots or delamination issues that may cause a process breakdown. Furthermore, a method for quantification of sputter activity is presented. Since high sputter activity indicates unstable melt dynamics this can be used to identify parameter drifts, improper atmospheric conditions or material binding errors. The resulting surface structure after solidification complicates temperature determination on the one hand but enables the detection of potential surface defects on the other hand. These issues and proper key figures for thermographic monitoring of the Selective Laser Melting process are discussed in the paper. Even though microbolometric temperature measurement is limited to repetition rates in the Hz-regime and sub megapixel resolution, current results show the feasibility of process surveillance by thermography for a limited section of the building platform in a commercial system.« less

Thermographic process monitoring in powderbed based additive manufacturing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krauss, Harald; Zeugner, Thomas; Zaeh, Michael F.

2015-03-01

Selective Laser Melting is utilized to build metallic parts directly from CAD-Data by solidification of thin powder layers through application of a fast scanning laser beam. In this study layerwise monitoring of the temperature distribution is used to gather information about the process stability and the resulting part quality. The heat distribution varies with different kinds of parameters including scan vector length, laser power, layer thickness and inter-part distance in the job layout which in turn influence the resulting part quality. By integration of an off-axis mounted uncooled thermal detector the solidification as well as the layer deposition are monitored and evaluated. Errors in the generation of new powder layers usually result in a locally varying layer thickness that may cause poor part quality. For effect quantification, the locally applied layer thickness is determined by evaluating the heat-up of the newly deposited powder. During the solidification process space and time-resolved data is used to characterize the zone of elevated temperatures and to derive locally varying heat dissipation properties. Potential quality indicators are evaluated and correlated to the resulting part quality: Thermal diffusivity is derived from a simplified heat dissipation model and evaluated for every pixel and cool-down phase of a layer. This allows the quantification of expected material homogeneity properties. Maximum temperature and time above certain temperatures are measured in order to detect hot spots or delamination issues that may cause a process breakdown. Furthermore, a method for quantification of sputter activity is presented. Since high sputter activity indicates unstable melt dynamics this can be used to identify parameter drifts, improper atmospheric conditions or material binding errors. The resulting surface structure after solidification complicates temperature determination on the one hand but enables the detection of potential surface defects on the other hand. These issues and proper key figures for thermographic monitoring of the Selective Laser Melting process are discussed in the paper. Even though microbolometric temperature measurement is limited to repetition rates in the Hz-regime and sub megapixel resolution, current results show the feasibility of process surveillance by thermography for a limited section of the building platform in a commercial system.

Use of joint-growth directions and rock textures to infer thermal regimes during solidification of basaltic lava flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Degraff, James M.; Long, Philip E.; Aydin, Atilla

1989-09-01

Thermal contraction joints form in the upper and lower solidifying crusts of basaltic lava flows and grow toward the interior as the crusts thicken. Lava flows are thus divided by vertical joints that, by changes in joint spacing and form, define horizontal intraflow layers known as tiers. Entablatures are tiers with joint spacings less than about 40 cm, whereas colonnades have larger joint spacings. We use structural and petrographic methods to infer heat-transfer processes and to constrain environmental conditions that produce these contrasting tiers. Joint-surface morphology indicates overall joint-growth direction and thus identifies the level in a flow where the upper and lower crusts met. Rock texture provides information on relative cooling rates in the tiers of a flow. Lava flows without entablature have textures that develop by relatively slow cooling, and two joint sets that usually meet near their middles, which indicate mostly conductive cooling. Entablature-bearing flows have two main joint sets that meet well below their middles, and textures that indicate fast cooling of entablatures and slow cooling of colonnades. Entablatures always occur in the upper joint sets and sometimes alternate several times with colonnades. Solidification times of entablature-bearing flows, constrained by lower joint-set thicknesses, are much less than those predicted by a purely conductive cooling model. These results are best explained by a cooling model based on conductive heat transfer near a flow base and water-steam convection in the upper part of an entablature-bearing flow. Calculated solidification rates in the upper parts of such flows exceed that of the upper crust of Kilauea Iki lava lake, where water-steam convection is documented. Use of the solidification rates in an available model of water-steam convection yields permeability values that agree with measured values for fractured crystalline rock. We conclude, therefore, that an entablature forms when part of a flow cools very rapidly by water-steam convection. Flooding of the flow top by surface drainage most likely induces the convection. Colonnades form under conditions of slower cooling by conductive heat transfer in the absence of water.

Solidification of Magnesium (AM50A) / vol%. SiCp composite

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, X.; Hu, H.

2012-01-01

Magnesium matrix composite is one of the advanced lightweight materials with high potential to be used in automotive and aircraft industries due to its low density and high specific mechanical properties. The magnesium composites can be fabricated by adding the reinforcements of fibers or/and particles. In the previous literature, extensive studies have been performed on the development of matrix grain structure of aluminum-based metal matrix composites. However, there is limited information available on the development of grain structure during the solidification of particulate-reinforced magnesium. In this work, a 5 vol.% SiCp particulate-reinforced magnesium (AM50A) matrix composite (AM50A/SiCp) was prepared by stir casting. The solidification behavior of the cast AM50A/SiCp composite was investigated by computer-based thermal analysis. Optical and scanning electron microscopies (SEM) were employed to examine the occurrence of nucleation and grain refinement involved. The results indicate that the addition of SiCp particulates leads to a finer grain structure in the composite compared with the matrix alloy. The refinement of grain structure should be attributed to both the heterogeneous nucleation and the restricted primary crystal growth.

Confined in-fiber solidification and structural control of silicon and silicon−germanium microparticles

PubMed Central

Gumennik, Alexander; Levy, Etgar C.; Grena, Benjamin; Hou, Chong; Rein, Michael; Abouraddy, Ayman F.; Joannopoulos, John D.; Fink, Yoel

2017-01-01

Crystallization of microdroplets of molten alloys could, in principle, present a number of possible morphological outcomes, depending on the symmetry of the propagating solidification front and its velocity, such as axial or spherically symmetric species segregation. However, because of thermal or constitutional supercooling, resulting droplets often only display dendritic morphologies. Here we report on the crystallization of alloyed droplets of controlled micrometer dimensions comprising silicon and germanium, leading to a number of surprising outcomes. We first produce an array of silicon−germanium particles embedded in silica, through capillary breakup of an alloy-core silica-cladding fiber. Heating and subsequent controlled cooling of individual particles with a two-wavelength laser setup allows us to realize two different morphologies, the first being a silicon−germanium compositionally segregated Janus particle oriented with respect to the illumination axis and the second being a sphere made of dendrites of germanium in silicon. Gigapascal-level compressive stresses are measured within pure silicon solidified in silica as a direct consequence of volume-constrained solidification of a material undergoing anomalous expansion. The ability to generate microspheres with controlled morphology and unusual stresses could pave the way toward advanced integrated in-fiber electronic or optoelectronic devices. PMID:28642348

Confined in-fiber solidification and structural control of silicon and silicon-germanium microparticles.

PubMed

Gumennik, Alexander; Levy, Etgar C; Grena, Benjamin; Hou, Chong; Rein, Michael; Abouraddy, Ayman F; Joannopoulos, John D; Fink, Yoel

2017-07-11

Crystallization of microdroplets of molten alloys could, in principle, present a number of possible morphological outcomes, depending on the symmetry of the propagating solidification front and its velocity, such as axial or spherically symmetric species segregation. However, because of thermal or constitutional supercooling, resulting droplets often only display dendritic morphologies. Here we report on the crystallization of alloyed droplets of controlled micrometer dimensions comprising silicon and germanium, leading to a number of surprising outcomes. We first produce an array of silicon-germanium particles embedded in silica, through capillary breakup of an alloy-core silica-cladding fiber. Heating and subsequent controlled cooling of individual particles with a two-wavelength laser setup allows us to realize two different morphologies, the first being a silicon-germanium compositionally segregated Janus particle oriented with respect to the illumination axis and the second being a sphere made of dendrites of germanium in silicon. Gigapascal-level compressive stresses are measured within pure silicon solidified in silica as a direct consequence of volume-constrained solidification of a material undergoing anomalous expansion. The ability to generate microspheres with controlled morphology and unusual stresses could pave the way toward advanced integrated in-fiber electronic or optoelectronic devices.

A 205 Hour Krypton Propellant Life Test of the SPT-100 Operating at 3 kW

DTIC Science & Technology

2013-09-01

advantageous, such as orbit raising missions. Bismuth’s main drawback is that the metal must be vaporized to be ionized and accelerated within a Hall...the performance of the SPT-100 operating on krypton was characterized using an inverted pendulum thrust stand over a wide range of thruster operating

The refractive index of krypton for lambda in the closed interval 168-288 nm

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Smith, P. L.; Parkinson, W. H.; Huber, M. C. E.

1975-01-01

The index of refraction of krypton has been measured at 27 wavelengths between and including 168 and 288 nm. The probable error of each measurement is plus or minus 0.1%. Our results are compared with other measurements. Our data are about 3.8% smaller than those of Abjean et al.

The relationship between crustal tectonics and internal evolution in the moon and Mercury

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Solomon, S. C.

1977-01-01

The relationship between crustal tectonics and thermal evolution is discussed in terms of the moon and Mercury. Finite strain theory and depth and temperature-dependent thermal expansion are used to evaluate previous conclusions about early lunar history. Factors bringing about core differentiation in the first 0.6 b.y. of Mercurian evolution are described. The influence of concentrating radioactive heat sources located in Mercury's crust on the predicted contraction is outlined. The predicted planetary volume change is explored with regard to quantitative limits on the extent of Mercurian core solidification. Lunar and Mercurian thermal stresses involved in thermal evolution are reviewed, noting the history of surface volcanism. It is concluded that surface faulting and volcanism are closely associated with the thermal evolution of the whole planetary volume. As the planet cools or is heated, several types of tectonic and volcanic effects may be produced by thermal stress occurring in the lithosphere.

Interfacial free energy and stiffness of aluminum during rapid solidification

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, Nicholas T.; Martinez, Enrique; Qu, Jianmin

Using molecular dynamics simulations and the capillary fluctuation method, we have calculated the anisotropic crystal-melt interfacial free energy and stiffness of aluminum in a rapid solidification system where a temperature gradient is applied to enforce thermal non-equilibrium. To calculate these material properties, the standard capillary fluctuation method typically used for systems in equilibrium has been modified to incorporate a second-order Taylor expansion of the interfacial free energy term. The result is a robust method for calculating interfacial energy, stiffness and anisotropy as a function of temperature gradient using the fluctuations in the defined interface height. This work includes the calculationmore » of interface characteristics for temperature gradients ranging from 11 to 34 K/nm. The captured results are compared to a thermal equilibrium case using the same model and simulation technique with a zero gradient definition. We define the temperature gradient as the change in temperature over height perpendicular to the crystal-melt interface. The gradients are applied in MD simulations using defined thermostat regions on a stable solid-liquid interface initially in thermal equilibrium. The results of this work show that the interfacial stiffness and free energy for aluminum are dependent on the magnitude of the temperature gradient, however the anisotropic parameters remain independent of the non-equilibrium conditions applied in this analysis. As a result, the relationships of the interfacial free energy/stiffness are determined to be linearly related to the thermal gradient, and can be interpolated to find material characteristics at additional temperature gradients.« less

Interfacial free energy and stiffness of aluminum during rapid solidification

DOE PAGES

Brown, Nicholas T.; Martinez, Enrique; Qu, Jianmin

2017-05-01

Using molecular dynamics simulations and the capillary fluctuation method, we have calculated the anisotropic crystal-melt interfacial free energy and stiffness of aluminum in a rapid solidification system where a temperature gradient is applied to enforce thermal non-equilibrium. To calculate these material properties, the standard capillary fluctuation method typically used for systems in equilibrium has been modified to incorporate a second-order Taylor expansion of the interfacial free energy term. The result is a robust method for calculating interfacial energy, stiffness and anisotropy as a function of temperature gradient using the fluctuations in the defined interface height. This work includes the calculationmore » of interface characteristics for temperature gradients ranging from 11 to 34 K/nm. The captured results are compared to a thermal equilibrium case using the same model and simulation technique with a zero gradient definition. We define the temperature gradient as the change in temperature over height perpendicular to the crystal-melt interface. The gradients are applied in MD simulations using defined thermostat regions on a stable solid-liquid interface initially in thermal equilibrium. The results of this work show that the interfacial stiffness and free energy for aluminum are dependent on the magnitude of the temperature gradient, however the anisotropic parameters remain independent of the non-equilibrium conditions applied in this analysis. As a result, the relationships of the interfacial free energy/stiffness are determined to be linearly related to the thermal gradient, and can be interpolated to find material characteristics at additional temperature gradients.« less

Inverse Thermal Analysis of Titanium GTA Welds Using Multiple Constraints

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lambrakos, S. G.; Shabaev, A.; Huang, L.

2015-06-01

Inverse thermal analysis of titanium gas-tungsten-arc welds using multiple constraint conditions is presented. This analysis employs a methodology that is in terms of numerical-analytical basis functions for inverse thermal analysis of steady-state energy deposition in plate structures. The results of this type of analysis provide parametric representations of weld temperature histories that can be adopted as input data to various types of computational procedures, such as those for prediction of solid-state phase transformations. In addition, these temperature histories can be used to construct parametric function representations for inverse thermal analysis of welds corresponding to other process parameters or welding processes whose process conditions are within similar regimes. The present study applies an inverse thermal analysis procedure that provides for the inclusion of constraint conditions associated with both solidification and phase transformation boundaries.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-04-01

The Equiaxed Dendritic Solidification Experiment (EDSE) is a material sciences investigation under the Formation of Microstructures/pattern formation discipline. The objective is to study the microstructural evolution of and thermal interactions between several equiaxed crystals growing dendritically in a supercooled melt of a pure and transparent substance under diffusion controlled conditions. This image shows the isothermal bath and video system for the EDSE in the Microgravity Development Lab (MDL).

Ageless Aluminum-Cerium-Based Alloys in High-Volume Die Casting for Improved Energy Efficiency

DOE PAGES

Stromme, Eric T.; Henderson, Hunter B.; Sims, Zachary C.; ...

2018-04-25

Strong chemical reactions between Al and Ce lead to the formation of intermetallics with exceptional thermal stability. The rapid formation of intermetallics directly from the liquid phase during solidification of Al-Ce alloys leads to an ultrafine microconstituent structure that effectively strengthens as-cast alloys without further microstructural optimization via thermal processing. Die casting is a high-volume manufacturing technology that accounts for greater than 40% of all cast Al products, whereas Ce is highly overproduced as a waste product of other rare earth element (REE) mining. Reducing heat treatments would stimulate significant improvements in manufacturing energy efficiency, exceeding (megatonnes/year) per large-scale heat-treatmentmore » line. In this study, multiple compositions were evaluated with wedge mold castings to test the sensitivity of alloys to the variable solidification rate inherent in high-pressure die casting. Once a suitable composition was determined, it was successfully demonstrated at 800 lbs/h in a 600-ton die caster, after which the as-die cast parts performed similarly to ubiquitous A380 in the same geometry without requiring heat treatment. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the compatibility of Al REE alloys with high-volume die-casting applications with minimal heat treatments.« less

In situ Neutron Diffraction during Casting: Determination of Rigidity Point in Grain Refined Al-Cu Alloys

PubMed Central

Drezet, Jean-Marie; Mireux, Bastien; Szaraz, Zoltan; Pirling, Thilo

2014-01-01

The rigidity temperature of a solidifying alloy is the temperature at which the solid plus liquid phases are sufficiently coalesced to transmit long range tensile strains and stresses. It determines the point at which thermally induced deformations start to generate internal stresses in a casting. As such, it is a key parameter in numerical modelling of solidification processes and in studying casting defects such as solidification cracking. This temperature has been determined in Al-Cu alloys using in situ neutron diffraction during casting in a dog bone shaped mould. In such a setup, the thermal contraction of the solidifying material is constrained and stresses develop at a hot spot that is irradiated by neutrons. Diffraction peaks are recorded every 11 s using a large detector, and their evolution allows for the determination of the rigidity temperatures. We measured rigidity temperatures equal to 557 °C and 548 °C, depending on cooling rate, for a grain refined Al-13 wt% Cu alloy. At high cooling rate, rigidity is reached during the formation of the eutectic phase and the solid phase is not sufficiently coalesced, i.e., strong enough, to avoid hot tear formation. PMID:28788507

Ageless Aluminum-Cerium-Based Alloys in High-Volume Die Casting for Improved Energy Efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stromme, Eric T.; Henderson, Hunter B.; Sims, Zachary C.; Kesler, Michael S.; Weiss, David; Ott, Ryan T.; Meng, Fanqiang; Kassoumeh, Sam; Evangelista, James; Begley, Gerald; Rios, Orlando

2018-06-01

Strong chemical reactions between Al and Ce lead to the formation of intermetallics with exceptional thermal stability. The rapid formation of intermetallics directly from the liquid phase during solidification of Al-Ce alloys leads to an ultrafine microconstituent structure that effectively strengthens as-cast alloys without further microstructural optimization via thermal processing. Die casting is a high-volume manufacturing technology that accounts for greater than 40% of all cast Al products, whereas Ce is highly overproduced as a waste product of other rare earth element (REE) mining. Reducing heat treatments would stimulate significant improvements in manufacturing energy efficiency, exceeding (megatonnes/year) per large-scale heat-treatment line. In this study, multiple compositions were evaluated with wedge mold castings to test the sensitivity of alloys to the variable solidification rate inherent in high-pressure die casting. Once a suitable composition was determined, it was successfully demonstrated at 800 lbs/h in a 600-ton die caster, after which the as-die cast parts performed similarly to ubiquitous A380 in the same geometry without requiring heat treatment. This work demonstrates the compatibility of Al REE alloys with high-volume die-casting applications with minimal heat treatments.

Ageless Aluminum-Cerium-Based Alloys in High-Volume Die Casting for Improved Energy Efficiency

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stromme, Eric T.; Henderson, Hunter B.; Sims, Zachary C.; Kesler, Michael S.; Weiss, David; Ott, Ryan T.; Meng, Fanqiang; Kassoumeh, Sam; Evangelista, James; Begley, Gerald; Rios, Orlando

2018-04-01

Strong chemical reactions between Al and Ce lead to the formation of intermetallics with exceptional thermal stability. The rapid formation of intermetallics directly from the liquid phase during solidification of Al-Ce alloys leads to an ultrafine microconstituent structure that effectively strengthens as-cast alloys without further microstructural optimization via thermal processing. Die casting is a high-volume manufacturing technology that accounts for greater than 40% of all cast Al products, whereas Ce is highly overproduced as a waste product of other rare earth element (REE) mining. Reducing heat treatments would stimulate significant improvements in manufacturing energy efficiency, exceeding (megatonnes/year) per large-scale heat-treatment line. In this study, multiple compositions were evaluated with wedge mold castings to test the sensitivity of alloys to the variable solidification rate inherent in high-pressure die casting. Once a suitable composition was determined, it was successfully demonstrated at 800 lbs/h in a 600-ton die caster, after which the as-die cast parts performed similarly to ubiquitous A380 in the same geometry without requiring heat treatment. This work demonstrates the compatibility of Al REE alloys with high-volume die-casting applications with minimal heat treatments.

Ageless Aluminum-Cerium-Based Alloys in High-Volume Die Casting for Improved Energy Efficiency

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Stromme, Eric T.; Henderson, Hunter B.; Sims, Zachary C.

Strong chemical reactions between Al and Ce lead to the formation of intermetallics with exceptional thermal stability. The rapid formation of intermetallics directly from the liquid phase during solidification of Al-Ce alloys leads to an ultrafine microconstituent structure that effectively strengthens as-cast alloys without further microstructural optimization via thermal processing. Die casting is a high-volume manufacturing technology that accounts for greater than 40% of all cast Al products, whereas Ce is highly overproduced as a waste product of other rare earth element (REE) mining. Reducing heat treatments would stimulate significant improvements in manufacturing energy efficiency, exceeding (megatonnes/year) per large-scale heat-treatmentmore » line. In this study, multiple compositions were evaluated with wedge mold castings to test the sensitivity of alloys to the variable solidification rate inherent in high-pressure die casting. Once a suitable composition was determined, it was successfully demonstrated at 800 lbs/h in a 600-ton die caster, after which the as-die cast parts performed similarly to ubiquitous A380 in the same geometry without requiring heat treatment. Furthermore, this work demonstrates the compatibility of Al REE alloys with high-volume die-casting applications with minimal heat treatments.« less

Effect of Melt Convection and Solid Transport on Macrosegregation and Grain Structure in Equiaxed Al-Cu Alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rerko, Rodney S.; deGroh, Henry C., III; Beckermann, Christoph; Gray, Hugh R. (Technical Monitor)

2002-01-01

Macrosegregation in metal casting can be caused by thermal and solutal melt convection, and the transport of unattached solid crystals. These free grains can be a result of, for example, nucleation in the bulk liquid or dendrite fragmentation. In an effort to develop a comprehensive numerical model for the casting of alloys, an experimental study has been conducted to generate benchmark data with which such a solidification model could be tested. The specific goal of the experiments was to examine equiaxed solidification in situations where sinking of grains is (and is not) expected. The objectives were: 1) experimentally study the effects of solid transport and thermosolutal convection on macrosegregation and grain size distribution patterns; and 2) provide a complete set of controlled thermal boundary conditions, temperature data, segregation data, and grain size data, to validate numerical codes. The alloys used were Al-1 wt. pct. Cu, and Al-10 wt. pct. Cu with various amounts of the grain refiner TiB2 added. Cylindrical samples were either cooled from the top, or the bottom. Several trends in the data stand out. In attempting to model these experiments, concentrating on experiments that show clear trends or differences is recommended.

AMCC casting development. Volume 1: Executive Summary

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1995-01-01

The Advanced Combustion Chamber Casting (AMCC) has been a technically challenging part due to its size, configuration, and alloy type. The height and weight of the wax pattern assembly necessitated the development of a hollow gating system to ensure structural integrity of the shell throughout the investment process. The complexity in the jacket area of the casting required the development of an innovative casting technology that PCC has termed 'TGC' or Thermal Gradient Control. This method, of setting up thermal gradients in the casting during solidification, represents a significant process improvement for PCC and has been successfully implemented on other programs. Metallurgical integrity of the final four castings was very good. Only the areas of the parts that utilized 'TGC Shape & Location System #2' showed any significant areas of microshrinkage when evaluated by non-destructive tests. Alumina oxides detected by FPI on the 'float' surfaces (top sid surfaces of the casting during solidification) of the part were almost entirely less than the acceptance criteria of .032 inches in diameter. Destructive chem mill of the castings was required to determine the effect of the process variables used during the processing of these last four parts (with the exception of the 'Shape & Location of TGC' variable).

In situ Neutron Diffraction during Casting: Determination of Rigidity Point in Grain Refined Al-Cu Alloys.

PubMed

Drezet, Jean-Marie; Mireux, Bastien; Szaraz, Zoltan; Pirling, Thilo

2014-02-12

The rigidity temperature of a solidifying alloy is the temperature at which the solid plus liquid phases are sufficiently coalesced to transmit long range tensile strains and stresses. It determines the point at which thermally induced deformations start to generate internal stresses in a casting. As such, it is a key parameter in numerical modelling of solidification processes and in studying casting defects such as solidification cracking. This temperature has been determined in Al-Cu alloys using in situ neutron diffraction during casting in a dog bone shaped mould. In such a setup, the thermal contraction of the solidifying material is constrained and stresses develop at a hot spot that is irradiated by neutrons. Diffraction peaks are recorded every 11 s using a large detector, and their evolution allows for the determination of the rigidity temperatures. We measured rigidity temperatures equal to 557 °C and 548 °C, depending on cooling rate, for a grain refined Al-13 wt% Cu alloy. At high cooling rate, rigidity is reached during the formation of the eutectic phase and the solid phase is not sufficiently coalesced, i.e. , strong enough, to avoid hot tear formation.

Heat transfer analytical models for the rapid determination of cooling time in crystalline thermoplastic injection molding and experimental validation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Didier, Delaunay; Baptiste, Pignon; Nicolas, Boyard; Vincent, Sobotka

2018-05-01

Heat transfer during the cooling of a thermoplastic injected part directly affects the solidification of the polymer and consequently the quality of the part in term of mechanical properties, geometric tolerance and surface aspect. This paper proposes to mold designers a methodology based on analytical models to provide quickly the time to reach the ejection temperature depending of the temperature and the position of cooling channels. The obtained cooling time is the first step of the thermal conception of the mold. The presented methodology is dedicated to the determination of solidification time of a semi-crystalline polymer slab. It allows the calculation of the crystallization time of the part and is based on the analytical solution of the Stefan problem in a semi-infinite medium. The crystallization is then considered as a phase change with an effective crystallization temperature, which is obtained from Fast Scanning Calorimetry (FSC) results. The crystallization time is then corrected to take the finite thickness of the part into account. To check the accuracy of such approach, the solidification time is calculated by solving the heat conduction equation coupled to the crystallization kinetics of the polymer. The impact of the nature of the contact between the polymer and the mold is evaluated. The thermal contact resistance (TCR) appears as significant parameter that needs to be taken into account in the cooling time calculation. The results of the simplified model including or not TCR are compared in the case of a polypropylene (PP) with experiments carried out with an instrumented mold. Then, the methodology is applied for a part made with PolyEtherEtherKetone (PEEK).

Time-Resolved Records of Magnetic Activity on the Pallasite Parent Body and Psyche

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bryson, J. F. J.; Nichols, C. I. O.; Herrero-Albillos, J.; Kronast, F.; Kasama, T.; Alimadadi, H.; van der Laan, G.; Nimmo, F.; Harrison, R. J.

2014-12-01

Although many small bodies apparently generated dynamo fields in the early solar system, the nature and temporal evolution of these fields has remained enigmatic. Time-resolved records of the Earth's planetary field have been essential in understanding the dynamic history of our planet, and equivalent information from asteroids could provide a unique insight into the development of the solar system. Here we present time-resolved records of magnetic activity on the main-group pallasite parent body and (16) Psyche, obtained using newly-developed nanomagnetic imaging techniques. For the pallasite parent body, the inferred field direction remained relatively constant and the intensity was initially stable at ~100 μT before it decreased in two discrete steps down to 0 μT. We interpret this behaviour as due to vigorous dynamo activity driven by compositional convection in the core, ultimately transitioning from a dipolar to multipolar field as the inner core grew from the bottom-up. For Psyche (measured from IVA iron meteorites), the inferred field direction reversed, while the intensity remained stable at >50 μT. Psyche cooled rapidly as an unmantled core, although the resulting thermal convection alone cannot explain these observations. Instead, this behaviour required top-down core solidification, and is attributed either to compositional convection (if the core also solidified from the bottom-up) or convection generated directly by top-down solidification (e.g. Fe-snow). The mechanism governing convection in small body cores is an open question (due partly to uncertainties in the direction of core solidification), and these observations suggest that unconventional (i.e. not thermal) mechanisms acted in the early solar system. These mechanisms are very efficient at generating convection, implying a long-lasting and widespread epoch of dynamo activity among small bodies in the early solar system.

Novel method of realizing metal freezing points by induced solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ma, C. K.

1997-07-01

The freezing point of a pure metal, tf, is the temperature at which the solid and liquid phases are in equilibrium. The purest metal available is actually a dilute alloy. Normally, the liquidus point of a sample, tl, at which the amount of the solid phase in equilibrium with the liquid phase is minute, provides the closest approximation to tf. Thus the experimental realization of tf is a matter of realizing tl. The common method is to cool a molten sample continuously so that it supercools and recalesces. The highest temperature after recalescence is normally the best experimental value of tl. In the realization, supercooling of the sample at the sample container and the thermometer well is desirable for the formation of dual solid-liquid interfaces to thermally isolate the sample and the thermometer. However, the subsequent recalescence of the supercooled sample requires the formation of a certain amount of solid, which is not minute. Obviously, the plateau temperature is not the liquidus point. In this article we describe a method that minimizes supercooling. The condition that provides tl is closely approached so that the latter may be measured. As the temperature of the molten sample approaches the anticipated value of tl, a small solid of the same alloy is introduced into the sample to induce solidification. In general, solidification does not occur as long as the temperature is above or at tl, and occurs as soon as the sample supercools minutely. Thus tl can be obtained, in principle, by observing the temperature at which induced solidification begins. In case the solid is introduced after the sample has supercooled slightly, a slight recalescence results and the subsequent maximum temperature is a close approximation to tl. We demonstrate that the principle of induced solidification is indeed applicable to freezing point measurements by applying it to the design of a copper-freezing-point cell for industrial applications, in which a supercooled sample is reheated and then induced to solidify by the solidification of an auxiliary sample. Further experimental studies are necessary to assess the practical advantages and disadvantages of the induction method.

Steady state fractionation of heavy noble gas isotopes in a deep unsaturated zone

USGS Publications Warehouse

Seltzer, Alan M.; Severinghaus, Jeffrey P.; Andraski, Brian J.; Stonestrom, David A.

2017-01-01

To explore steady state fractionation processes in the unsaturated zone (UZ), we measured argon, krypton, and xenon isotope ratios throughout a ∼110 m deep UZ at the United States Geological Survey (USGS) Amargosa Desert Research Site (ADRS) in Nevada, USA. Prior work has suggested that gravitational settling should create a nearly linear increase in heavy-to-light isotope ratios toward the bottom of stagnant air columns in porous media. Our high-precision measurements revealed a binary mixture between (1) expected steady state isotopic compositions and (2) unfractionated atmospheric air. We hypothesize that the presence of an unsealed pipe connecting the surface to the water table allowed for direct inflow of surface air in response to extensive UZ gas sampling prior to our first (2015) measurements. Observed isotopic resettling in deep UZ samples collected a year later, after sealing the pipe, supports this interpretation. Data and modeling each suggest that the strong influence of gravitational settling and weaker influences of thermal diffusion and fluxes of CO2 and water vapor accurately describe steady state isotopic fractionation of argon, krypton, and xenon within the UZ. The data confirm that heavy noble gas isotopes are sensitive indicators of UZ depth. Based on this finding, we outline a potential inverse approach to quantify past water table depths from noble gas isotope measurements in paleogroundwater, after accounting for fractionation during dissolution of UZ air and bubbles.

Thermal Impacts in Vibration-assisted Laser Deep Penetration Welding of Aluminum

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Radel, T.

Mechanical vibrations affect the nucleation and grain growth conditions during welding. In order to understand the vibration-induced influences on the grain formation conditions in laser beam welding of aluminum the thermal impacts of simultaneously applied vibrations are analyzed in this study. Therefore, laser deep penetration welding at vibration frequencies between 0.5 kHz and 5 kHz is investigated. Besides full penetration, partial penetration experiments were carried out. The results show that the thermal and absorption efficiencies are not significantly affected by the applied excitation. The solidification time increases in case of applied excitation which is rather disadvantageous regarding grain refinement. Thus, mechanical-metallurgical and not thermal-metallurgical effects should be responsible for the change in grain nucleation and grain growth conditions in laser beam welding with simultaneously applied vibrations.

Convective instabilities in a ternary alloy mushy layer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anderson, Daniel; Guba, Peter

2014-11-01

We investigate a mathematical model of convection, thermal and solutal diffusion in a primary mushy layer during the solidification of a ternary alloy. In particular, we explore the influence of phase-change effects, such as solute rejection, latent heat and background solidification, in a linear stability analysis of a non-convecting base state solution. We identify how different rates of diffusion (e.g. double diffusion) as well as how different rates of solute rejection (double solute rejection) play a role in this system. Novel modes of instability that can be present under statically stable conditions are identified. Parcel arguments are proposed to explain the physical mechanisms that give rise to the instabilities. This work was supported in part by the U.S. National Science Foundation, DMS-1107848 (D.M.A.) and by the Slovak Scientific Grant Agency, VEGA 1/0711/12 (P.G.).

Experimental observation of the influence of furnace temperature profile on convection and segregation in the vertical Bridgman crystal growth technique

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Neugebauer, G. T.; Wilcox, W. R.

1990-01-01

Azulene-doped naphtalene was directionally solidified using the vertical Bridgman-Stockbarger technique. Doping homogeneity and convection are determined as a function of the temperature profile in the furnace and the freezing rate. Convective velocities are two orders of magnitude lower when the temperature increases with height. The cross sectional variation in azulene concentration tends to be asymmetric. Neither rotation of the ampoule nor deliberate introduction of thermal asymmetries during solidification had a significant influence on cross sectional variations in doping. It is predicted that slow directional solidification under microgravity conditions can produce greater inhomogeneities than on earth. Thus when low freezing rates are necessary in order to avoid constitutional supercooling, it may be necessary to combine microgravity and magnetic fields in order to achieve homogeneous crystals.

Numerical simulations of gas mixing effect in electron cyclotron resonance ion sources

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mironov, V.; Bogomolov, S.; Bondarchenko, A.; Efremov, A.; Loginov, V.

2017-01-01

The particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collisions code nam-ecris is used to simulate the electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) plasma sustained in a mixture of Kr with O2 , N2 , Ar, Ne, and He. The model assumes that ions are electrostatically confined in the ECR zone by a dip in the plasma potential. A gain in the extracted krypton ion currents is seen for the highest charge states; the gain is maximized when oxygen is used as a mixing gas. The special feature of oxygen is that most of the singly charged oxygen ions are produced after the dissociative ionization of oxygen molecules with a large kinetic energy release of around 5 eV per ion. The increased loss rate of energetic lowly charged ions of the mixing element requires a building up of the retarding potential barrier close to the ECR surface to equilibrate electron and ion losses out of the plasma. In the mixed plasmas, the barrier value is large (˜1 V ) compared to pure Kr plasma (˜0.01 V ), with longer confinement times of krypton ions and with much higher ion temperatures. The temperature of the krypton ions is increased because of extra heating by the energetic oxygen ions and a longer time of ion confinement. In calculations, a drop of the highly charged ion currents of lighter elements is observed when adding small fluxes of krypton into the source. This drop is caused by the accumulation of the krypton ions inside plasma, which decreases the electron and ion confinement times.

Thermophysical properties of krypton-helium gas mixtures from ab initio pair potentials

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

A new potential energy curve for the krypton-helium atom pair was developed using supermolecular ab initio computations for 34 interatomic distances. Values for the interaction energies at the complete basis set limit were obtained from calculations with the coupled-cluster method with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations and correlation consistent basis sets up to sextuple-zeta quality augmented with mid-bond functions. Higher-order coupled-cluster excitations up to the full quadruple level were accounted for in a scheme of successive correction terms. Core-core and core-valence correlation effects were included. Relativistic corrections were considered not only at the scalar relativistic level but also using full four-component Dirac–Coulomb and Dirac–Coulomb–Gaunt calculations. The fitted analytical pair potential function is characterized by a well depth of 31.42 K with an estimated standard uncertainty of 0.08 K. Statistical thermodynamics was applied to compute the krypton-helium cross second virial coefficients. The results show a very good agreement with the best experimental data. Kinetic theory calculations based on classical and quantum-mechanical approaches for the underlying collision dynamics were utilized to compute the transport properties of krypton-helium mixtures in the dilute-gas limit for a large temperature range. The results were analyzed with respect to the orders of approximation of kinetic theory and compared with experimental data. Especially the data for the binary diffusion coefficient confirm the predictive quality of the new potential. Furthermore, inconsistencies between two empirical pair potential functions for the krypton-helium system from the literature could be resolved. PMID:28595411

Thermophysical properties of krypton-helium gas mixtures from ab initio pair potentials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jäger, Benjamin; Bich, Eckard

2017-06-01

A new potential energy curve for the krypton-helium atom pair was developed using supermolecular ab initio computations for 34 interatomic distances. Values for the interaction energies at the complete basis set limit were obtained from calculations with the coupled-cluster method with single, double, and perturbative triple excitations and correlation consistent basis sets up to sextuple-zeta quality augmented with mid-bond functions. Higher-order coupled-cluster excitations up to the full quadruple level were accounted for in a scheme of successive correction terms. Core-core and core-valence correlation effects were included. Relativistic corrections were considered not only at the scalar relativistic level but also using full four-component Dirac-Coulomb and Dirac-Coulomb-Gaunt calculations. The fitted analytical pair potential function is characterized by a well depth of 31.42 K with an estimated standard uncertainty of 0.08 K. Statistical thermodynamics was applied to compute the krypton-helium cross second virial coefficients. The results show a very good agreement with the best experimental data. Kinetic theory calculations based on classical and quantum-mechanical approaches for the underlying collision dynamics were utilized to compute the transport properties of krypton-helium mixtures in the dilute-gas limit for a large temperature range. The results were analyzed with respect to the orders of approximation of kinetic theory and compared with experimental data. Especially the data for the binary diffusion coefficient confirm the predictive quality of the new potential. Furthermore, inconsistencies between two empirical pair potential functions for the krypton-helium system from the literature could be resolved.

High-Power Krypton Hall Thruster Technology Being Developed for Nuclear-Powered Applications

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jacobson, David T.; Manzella, David H.

2004-01-01

The NASA Glenn Research Center has been performing research and development of moderate specific impulse, xenon-fueled, high-power Hall thrusters for potential solar electric propulsion applications. These applications include Mars missions, reusable tugs for low-Earth-orbit to geosynchronous-Earth-orbit transportation, and missions that require transportation to libration points. This research and development effort resulted in the design and fabrication of the NASA-457M Hall thruster that has been tested at input powers up to 95 kW. During project year 2003, NASA established Project Prometheus to develop technology in the areas of nuclear power and propulsion, which are enabling for deep-space science missions. One of the Project-Prometheus-sponsored Nuclear Propulsion Research tasks is to investigate alternate propellants for high-power Hall thruster electric propulsion. The motivation for alternate propellants includes the disadvantageous cost and availability of xenon propellant for extremely large scale, xenon-fueled propulsion systems and the potential system performance benefits of using alternate propellants. The alternate propellant krypton was investigated because of its low cost relative to xenon. Krypton propellant also has potential performance benefits for deep-space missions because the theoretical specific impulse for a given voltage is 20 percent higher than for xenon because of krypton's lower molecular weight. During project year 2003, the performance of the high-power NASA-457M Hall thruster was measured using krypton as the propellant at power levels ranging from 6.4 to 72.5 kW. The thrust produced ranged from 0.3 to 2.5 N at a discharge specific impulse up to 4500 sec.

Optically-controlled long-term storage and release of thermal energy in phase-change materials.

PubMed

Han, Grace G D; Li, Huashan; Grossman, Jeffrey C

2017-11-13

Thermal energy storage offers enormous potential for a wide range of energy technologies. Phase-change materials offer state-of-the-art thermal storage due to high latent heat. However, spontaneous heat loss from thermally charged phase-change materials to cooler surroundings occurs due to the absence of a significant energy barrier for the liquid-solid transition. This prevents control over the thermal storage, and developing effective methods to address this problem has remained an elusive goal. Herein, we report a combination of photo-switching dopants and organic phase-change materials as a way to introduce an activation energy barrier for phase-change materials solidification and to conserve thermal energy in the materials, allowing them to be triggered optically to release their stored latent heat. This approach enables the retention of thermal energy (about 200 J g -1 ) in the materials for at least 10 h at temperatures lower than the original crystallization point, unlocking opportunities for portable thermal energy storage systems.

Thermal system design and modeling of meniscus controlled silicon growth process for solar applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Chenlei

The direct conversion of solar radiation to electricity by photovoltaics has a number of significant advantages as an electricity generator. That is, solar photovoltaic conversion systems tap an inexhaustible resource which is free of charge and available anywhere in the world. Roofing tile photovoltaic generation, for example, saves excess thermal heat and preserves the local heat balance. This means that a considerable reduction of thermal pollution in densely populated city areas can be attained. A semiconductor can only convert photons with the energy of the band gap with good efficiency. It is known that silicon is not at the maximum efficiency but relatively close to it. There are several main parts for the photovoltaic materials, which include, single- and poly-crystalline silicon, ribbon silicon, crystalline thin-film silicon, amorphous silicon, copper indium diselenide and related compounds, cadmium telluride, et al. In this dissertation, we focus on melt growth of the single- and poly-crystalline silicon manufactured by Czochralski (Cz) crystal growth process, and ribbon silicon produced by the edge-defined film-fed growth (EFG) process. These two methods are the most commonly used techniques for growing photovoltaic semiconductors. For each crystal growth process, we introduce the growth mechanism, growth system design, general application, and progress in the numerical simulation. Simulation results are shown for both Czochralski and EFG systems including temperature distribution of the growth system, velocity field inside the silicon melt and electromagnetic field for the EFG growth system. Magnetic field is applied on Cz system to reduce the melt convection inside crucible and this has been simulated in our numerical model. Parametric studies are performed through numerical and analytical models to investigate the relationship between heater power levels and solidification interface movement and shape. An inverse problem control scheme is developed to control the solidification interface of Cz system by adjusting heater powers. For the EFG system, parametric studies are performed to discuss the effect of several growth parameters including window opening size, argon gas flow rate and growth thermal environment on the temperature distribution, silicon tube thickness and pulling rate. Two local models are developed and integrated with the global model to investigate the detailed transport phenomena in a small region around the solidification interface including silicon crystal, silicon melt, free surface, liquid-solid interface and graphite die design. Different convection forms are taken into consideration.

Use of krypton laser stimulation in the treatment of dry eye syndrome

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kecik, Tadeusz; Switka-Wieclawska, Iwona; Ciszewska, Joanna; Portacha, Lidia

1991-08-01

We''d like to present the use of krypton laser stimulation in the treatment of dry eye syndrom. 10 patients with dry eye syndrom were treated with irradiation of the lacrimal gland. Schirmer test and break up time were performed before and after therapy. After 10 days of treatment we observed higher value of secreted tear amount.

Numerical study of influence of hydrogen backflow on krypton Hall effect thruster plasma focusing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yan, Shilin; Ding, Yongjie; Wei, Liqiu; Hu, Yanlin; Li, Jie; Ning, Zhongxi; Yu, Daren

2017-03-01

The influence of backflow hydrogen on plasma plume focusing of a krypton Hall effect thruster is studied via a numerical simulation method. Theoretical analysis indicates that hydrogen participates in the plasma discharge process, changes the potential and ionization distribution in the thruster discharge cavity, and finally affects the plume focusing within a vacuum vessel.

Toward compact and ultra-intense laser-based soft x-ray lasers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebban, S.; Depresseux, A.; Oliva, E.; Gautier, J.; Tissandier, F.; Nejdl, J.; Kozlova, M.; Maynard, G.; Goddet, J. P.; Tafzi, A.; Lifschitz, A.; Kim, H. T.; Jacquemot, S.; Rousseau, P.; Zeitoun, P.; Rousse, A.

2018-01-01

We report here recent work on an optical field ionized (OFI), high-order harmonic-seeded EUV laser. The amplifying medium is a plasma of nickel-like krypton obtained by OFI when focusing a 1 J, 30 fs, circularly-polarized, infrared pulse into a krypton-filled gas cell or krypton gas jet. The lasing transition is the 3d94d (J = 0) → 3d94p (J = 1) transition of Ni-like krypton ions at 32.8 nm and is pumped by collisions with hot electrons. The gain dynamics was probed by seeding the amplifier with a high-order harmonic pulse at different delays. The gain duration monotonically decreased from 7 ps to an unprecedented shortness of 450 fs full width at half-maximum as the amplification peak rose from 150 to 1200 with an increase of the plasma density from 3 × 1018 to 1.2 × 1020 cm-3. The integrated energy of the EUV laser pulse was also measured, and found to be around 2 μJ. It is to be noted that in the ASE mode, longer amplifiers were achieved (up to 2 cm), yielding EUV outputs up to 14 μJ.

A feasibility study of ion implantation techniques for mass spectrometer calibration

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Koslin, M. E.; Krycuk, G. A.; Schatz, J. G., Jr.; White, F. A.; Wood, G. M.

1978-01-01

An experimental study was undertaken to examine the feasibility of using ion-implanted filaments doped with either an alkali metal or noble gas for in situ recalibration of onboard mass spectrometers during extended space missions. Implants of rubidium and krypton in rhenium ribbon filaments were subsequently tested in a bakeable 60 deg sector mass spectrometer operating in the static mode. Surface ionization and electron impact ion sources were both used, each yielding satisfactory results. The metallic implant with subsequent ionization provided a means of mass scale calibration and determination of system operating parameters, whereas the noble gas thermally desorbed into the system was more suited for partial pressure and sensitivity determinations.

Role of fluttering dislocations in the thermal interface resistance between a silicon crystal and plastic solid 4He

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Amrit, Jay; Ramiere, Aymeric; Volz, Sebastian

2018-01-01

A quantum solid (solid 4He) in contact with a classical solid defines a new class of interfaces. In addition to its quantum nature, solid 4He is indeed a very plastic medium. We examine the thermal interface resistance upon solidification of superfluid 4He in contact with a silicon crystal surface (111) and show that dislocations play a crucial role in the thermal interface transport. The growth of solid 4He and the measurements are conducted at the minimum of the melting curve of helium (0.778 K and ˜25 bar ). The results display a first-order transition in the Kapitza resistance from a value of RK ,L=(80 ±8 ) c m2K /W at a pressure of 24.5 bar to a value of RK ,S=(41.7 ±8 ) c m2K /W after the formation of solid helium at ˜25.2 bar . The drop in RK ,S is only of a factor of ˜2 , although transverse phonon modes in solid 4He now participate in heat transmission at the interface. We provide an explanation for the measured RK ,S by considering the interaction of thermal phonons with vibrating dislocations in solid 4He. We demonstrate that this mechanism, also called fluttering, induces a thermal resistance RF l∝NdT-6 , where T is the temperature and Nd is the density of dislocations. We estimate that for dislocation densities on the order of ˜107c m-2 , RF l predominates over the boundary resistance RK ,S. These fundamental findings shed light on the role of dislocations and provide a quantitative explanation for previous experiments which showed no measurable change in the Kapitza resistance between Cu and superfluid 4He upon solidification of the latter. This demonstrates the possibility of using dislocations as an additional means to tailor thermal resistances at interfaces, formed especially with a plastic material.

A Brayton cycle solar dynamic heat receiver for space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sedgwick, L. M.; Nordwall, H. L.; Kaufmann, K. J.; Johnson, S. D.

1989-01-01

The detailed design of a heat receiver developed to meet the requirements of the Space Station Freedom, which will be assembled and operated in low earth orbit beginning in the mid-1990's, is described. The heat receiver supplies thermal energy to a nominal 25-kW closed-Brayton-cycle power conversion unit. The receiver employs an integral thermal energy storage system utilizing the latent heat of a eutectic-salt phase-change mixture to store energy for eclipse operation. The salt is contained within a felt metal matrix which enhances heat transfer and controls the salt void distribution during solidification.

Spatial profile of thermoelectric effects during Peltier pulsing in Bi and Bi/MnBi eutectic

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Silberstein, R. P.; Larson, D. J., Jr.

1987-01-01

The spatial profile of the thermal transients that occur during and following the current pulsing associated with Peltier Interface Demarcation during directional solidification is studied. Results for pure Bi are presented in detail and compared with corresponding results for the Bi/MnBi eutectic. Significant thermal transients occur throughout the sample that can be accounted for by the Peltier effect, the Thomson effect, and Joule heating. These effects are separated and their behavior is studied as a function of time, current density, and position with respect to the solid/liquid interface.

Krypton adsorption on rutile: State and cross-sectional area at 77 K

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Grillet, Y.; Rouquerol, F.; Rouquerol, J.

1985-10-01

A krypton adsorption study was carried out on a polycrystalline TiO 2 sample (98.5% rutile) presently considered as a potential reference material for surface areas. Both adsorption microcalorimetry and volumetry show evidence of a two-dimensional phase change (from 2D fluid to 2D solid) taking place at 77 K before the completion of the monolayer. No such phenomenon is observed neither with nitrogen (which we explain by a strong orientation and a close-packing of this molecule on a polar surface) neither with argon (which we explain by a large incompatibility factor between rutile and an argon crystal). On completion of the monolayer, the krypton molecular cross-sectional area is here around 0.15 nm 2 (instead of the usual 0.17 to 0.21 nm 2).

Red krypton and blue-green argon panretinal laser photocoagulation for proliferative diabetic retinopathy: a laboratory and clinical comparison.

PubMed

Blankenship, G W

1986-01-01

The effects of PRP with red krypton laser are essentially identical to those produced with blue-green argon laser. Burns of the rabbit retina produced with these two different lasers are almost the same. In a prospective and randomized clinical trial of proliferative diabetic retinopathy treatment there was no significant difference between PRP using these two different lasers. The characteristic changes of rabbit fundi 3, 7, and 30 days after PRP with red krypton laser were almost the same as those following blue-green argon laser. Both types of treatment frequently produced small vitreous hemorrhages and exudative retinal detachments, but choroidal thickening occurred more frequently with argon treatment. These changes were transient and had resolved within 30 days of treatment. The microscopic changes consisted of pigment epithelial disruption with pigment migration into the retina, heat coagulation of the photoreceptors, disruption of the outer and inner nuclear layers with atrophy of the nuclei, and temporary swelling of the nerve fiber layer. The untreated retina and choroid between burns was not involved and appeared normal at each period. Thirty days after treatment, the scarring produced by these two types of burns was identical. Seventy-one eyes with proliferative diabetic retinopathy having three or four retinopathy risk factors were treated with panretinal laser photocoagulation, and followed in a prospective study for 6 months. Thirty-six eyes were randomly selected for blue-green argon treatment, and 35 were randomly selected for red krypton treatment. The incidence of undesired side effects during the first 2 weeks following treatment was almost identical between the two groups. However, by 1 month the majority of eyes in both groups had visual acuities equal to or better than the pretreatment acuities and complete regression of NVD. Six months after treatment, the majority of eyes in both groups continued to have visual acuities equal to or better than the pretreatment acuities with fewer cases having larger losses of vision in the krypton treated group. Loss of peripheral visual field was equal with the two types of treatment having a minimal decrease with the IV-4e isopter, but substantial loss with the I-4e isopter. Additional vitreous hemorrhage rarely occurred in either group, but was slightly more frequent in those treated with krypton. Complete regression was accomplished in most eyes with pretreatment disc and/or NVE in both groups, but persistence of neovascularization was more frequent in those treated with krypton. Overall, the wavelength used seemingly had little effect on the result.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Linear morphological stability analysis of the solid-liquid interface in rapidsolidification of a binary system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galenko, P. K.; Danilov, D. A.

2004-05-01

The interface stability against small perturbations of the planar solid-liquid interface is considered analytically in linear approximation. Following the analytical procedure of Trivedi and Kurz [

Growth of Solid Solution Single Crystals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lehoczky, Sandor L.; Szofran, F. R.; Gillies, Donald C.

2001-01-01

The solidification of a solid solution semiconductor, having a wide separation between liquidus and solidus has been extensively studied in ground based, high magnetic field and Spacelab experiments. Two alloys of mercury cadmium telluride have been studied; with 80.0 mole percent of HgTe and 84.8 mole percent of HgTe respectively, the remainder being cadmium telluride. Such alloys are extremely difficult to grow by directional solidification on earth due to high solutal and thermal density differences that give rise to fluid flow and consequent loss of interface shape and composition. Diffusion controlled growth is therefore impossible to achieve in conventional directional solidification. The ground based experiments consisted of growing crystals in several different configurations of heat pipe furnaces, NASA's Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (AADSF), and a similar furnace incorporated in a superconducting magnet capable of operating at up to 5T. The first microgravity experiment took place during the flight of STS-62 in March 1994, with the AADSF installed on the second United States Microgravity Payload (USMP-2). The alloy was solidified at 3/4 inch per day over a 9 day period, and for the first time a detailed evaluation was performed correlating composition variations to measured residual acceleration. The second flight experiment took place in the fourth United States Microgravity Payload Mission (USMP-4) in November 1997. Due to contamination of the furnace system, analysis shows that the conditions prevailing during the experiment were quite different from the requirements requested prior to the mission. The results indicate that the sample did accomplish the desired objectives.

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-04-01

The Equiaxed Dendritic Solidification Experiment (EDSE) is a material sciences investigation under the Formation of Microstructures/pattern formation discipline. The objective is to study the microstructural evolution of and thermal interactions between several equiaxed crystals growing dendritically in a supercooled melt of a pure and transparent substance under diffusion controlled conditions. Dendrites growing at .4 supercooling from a 2 stinger growth chamber for the EDSE in the Microgravity Development Lab (MDL).

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1999-04-01

The Equiaxed Dendritic Solidification Experiment (EDSE) is a material sciences investigation under the Formation of Microstructures/pattern formation discipline. The objective is to study the microstructural evolution of and thermal interactions between several equiaxed crystals growing dendritically in a supercooled melt of a pure and transparent substance under diffusion controlled conditions. EDSE/TDSE project engineer, Zena Hester, monitors a test run of the EDSE located in the Microgravity Development Laboratory (MDL).

Processing eutectics in space

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Douglas, F. C.; Galasso, F. S.

1974-01-01

Experimental work is reported which was directed toward obtaining interface shape control while a numerical thermal analysis program was being made operational. An experimental system was developed in which the solid-liquid interface in a directionally solidified aluminum-nickel eutectic could be made either concave to the melt or convex to the melt. This experimental system provides control over the solid-liquid interface shape and can be used to study the effect of such control on the microstructure. The SINDA thermal analysis program, obtained from Marshall Space Flight Center, was used to evaluate experimental directional solidification systems for the aluminum-nickel and the aluminum-copper eutectics. This program was applied to a three-dimensional ingot, and was used to calculate the thermal profiles in axisymmetric heat flow. The results show that solid-liquid interface shape control can be attained with physically realizable thermal configurations and the magnitudes of the required thermal inputs were indicated.

Growth of Compound Semiconductors in a Low Gravity Environment: Microgravity Growth of PbSnTe

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fripp, A. L.; Debnam, W. J.; Rosch, W. R.; Baker, N. R.; Narayanan, R.

1999-01-01

The growth of the alloy compound semiconductor lead tin telluride (PbSnTe) was chosen for a microgravity flight experiment in the Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (AADSF), on the United States Microgravity Payload-3 (USNP-3) in February, 1996 and on USNW- 4 in November, 1997. The objective of these experiments was to determine the effect of the reduction in convection, during the growth process, brought about by the microgravity environment. The properties of devices made from PbSnTe, an alloy of PbTe and SnTe, are dependent on the ratio of the elemental components in the starting crystal. Compositional uniformity in the crystal is only obtained if there is no significant mixing in the liquid during growth. The technological importance of PbSnTe lies in its band gap versus composition diagram which has a zero energy crossing at approximately 40% SnTe. This facilitates the construction of long wavelength (greater than 6 gm) infrared detectors and lasers. The properties and utilization of PbSnTe are the subject of other papers. 1,2 PbSnTe is also interesting from a purely scientific point of view. It is, potentially, both solutally and thermally unstable due to the temperature and density gradients present during growth. Density gradients, through thermal expansion, are imposed in directional solidification because temperature gradients are required to extract heat. Solutal gradients occur in directional solidification of alloys due to segregation at the interface. Usually the gradients vary with both experiment design and inherent materials properties. In a simplified one dimensional analysis with the growth axis parallel to the gravity vector, only one of the two instabilities work at a time. During growth, the temperature in the liquid increases ahead of the interface. Therefore the density, due to thermal expansion, is decreasing in that direction. However, the phase diagram shows that the lighter SnTe is preferentially rejected at the interface. This causes the liquid density to increase with distance away from the interface.

Thermal Spray Applications in Electronics and Sensors: Past, Present, and Future

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sampath, Sanjay

2010-09-01

Thermal spray has enjoyed unprecedented growth and has emerged as an innovative and multifaceted deposition technology. Thermal spray coatings are crucial to the enhanced utilization of various engineering systems. Industries, in recognition of thermal spray's versatility and economics, have introduced it into manufacturing environments. The majority of modern thermal spray applications are "passive" protective coatings, and they rarely perform an electronic function. The ability to consolidate dissimilar material multilayers without substrate thermal loading has long been considered a virtue for thick-film electronics. However, the complexity of understanding/controlling materials functions especially those resulting from rapid solidification and layered assemblage has stymied expansion into electronics. That situation is changing: enhancements in process/material science are allowing reconsideration for novel electronic/sensor devices. This review critically examines past efforts in terms of materials functionality from a device perspective, along with ongoing/future concepts addressing the aforementioned deficiencies. The analysis points to intriguing future possibilities for thermal spray technology in the world of thick-film sensors.

Multi-component testing using HZ-PAN and AgZ-PAN Sorbents for OSPREY Model validation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garn, Troy G.; Greenhalgh, Mitchell; Lyon, Kevin L.

2015-04-01

In efforts to further develop the capability of the Off-gas SeParation and RecoverY (OSPREY) model, multi-component tests were completed using both HZ-PAN and AgZ-PAN sorbents. The primary purpose of this effort was to obtain multi-component xenon and krypton capacities for comparison to future OSPREY predicted multi-component capacities using previously acquired Langmuir equilibrium parameters determined from single component isotherms. Experimental capacities were determined for each sorbent using two feed gas compositions of 1000 ppmv xenon and 150 ppmv krypton in either a helium or air balance. Test temperatures were consistently held at 220 K and the gas flowrate was 50 sccm.more » Capacities were calculated from breakthrough curves using TableCurve® 2D software by Jandel Scientific. The HZ-PAN sorbent was tested in the custom designed cryostat while the AgZ-PAN was tested in a newly installed cooling apparatus. Previous modeling validation efforts indicated the OSPREY model can be used to effectively predict single component xenon and krypton capacities for both engineered form sorbents. Results indicated good agreement with the experimental and predicted capacity values for both krypton and xenon on the sorbents. Overall, the model predicted slightly elevated capacities for both gases which can be partially attributed to the estimation of the parameters and the uncertainty associated with the experimental measurements. Currently, OSPREY is configured such that one species adsorbs and one does not (i.e. krypton in helium). Modification of OSPREY code is currently being performed to incorporate multiple adsorbing species and non-ideal interactions of gas phase species with the sorbent and adsorbed phases. Once these modifications are complete, the sorbent capacities determined in the present work will be used to validate OSPREY multicomponent adsorption predictions.« less

California GAMA Special Study. Development of a Capability for the Analysis of Krypton-85 in Groundwater Samples

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Visser, Ate; Bibby, Richard K.; Moran, Jean E.

A capability for the analysis of krypton-85 ( 85Kr) in groundwater samples was developed at LLNL. Samples are collected by extracting gas from 2000-4000 L of groundwater at the well, yielding approximately 0.2 cm 3 STP krypton. Sample collection takes 1 to 4 hours. Krypton is purified in the laboratory using a combination of molecular sieve and activated charcoal traps, and transferred to a liquid scintillation vial. The 85Kr activity is measured by liquid scintillation on a Quantulus 1220 liquid scintillation counter from PerkinElmer. The detection limit for a typical 0.2 cm 3Kr sample size is 11% of the presentmore » day activity in air, corresponding to the decay corrected activity in air in 1987. The typical measurement uncertainty is below 10% for recently recharged samples. Six groundwater samples were collected, purified and counted. 85Kr was not detected in any of the samples counted at LLNL. 85Kr was detected by the low level counting laboratory of Bern University in all samples between 1.5 and 6.6 decays per minute per cm 3 krypton, corresponding to decay corrected activities in air between 1971 and 1985. The new capability is an excellent complement to tritium-helium, expanding the existing suite of age dating tools available to the GAMA program ( 35S, 3H/ 3He, 14C and radiogenic helium). 85Kr can replace 3H/ 3He in settings where 3H/ 3He ages are impossible to determine (for example where terrigenic helium overwhelms tritiogenic helium) and provides additional insight into travel time distributions in complex mixed groundwater systems.« less

Novel Shape-Stabilized Phase Change Materials Composed of Polyethylene Glycol/Nonsurfactant-Templated Mesoporous Silica: Preparation and Thermal Properties

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Yan; Zhu, Yingying; Wang, Jinbao; Lv, Mengjiao; Zhang, Xiongjie; Gao, Junkai; Zhang, Zijun; Lei, Hao

2017-12-01

A novel shape-stabilized phase change material (PEG/TAMS), fabricated using tannic acid-templated mesoporous silica (TAMS) as a support for polyethylene glycol, was developed for thermal energy storage. The method used to synthesize TAMS was simple, cost effective, environmentally friendly, and free of surfactant. The characterization results indicated that PEG was physically absorbed to TAMS and that TAMS had no influence on the crystal structure of PEG. According to the TGA thermograms, PEG/TAMS has excellent thermal stability and can be applied over a wide temperature range. Additionally, the differential scanning calorimetry results suggested that PEG/TAMS has good thermal properties and that its fusion and solidification enthalpies reached 114.7 J/g and 102.4 J/g, respectively. The results indicated that PEG/TAMS has great potential for practical applications.

Identification of the heat transfer coefficient in the two-dimensional model of binary alloy solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hetmaniok, Edyta; Hristov, Jordan; Słota, Damian; Zielonka, Adam

2017-05-01

The paper presents the procedure for solving the inverse problem for the binary alloy solidification in a two-dimensional space. This is a continuation of some previous works of the authors investigating a similar problem but in the one-dimensional domain. Goal of the problem consists in identification of the heat transfer coefficient on boundary of the region and in reconstruction of the temperature distribution inside the considered region in case when the temperature measurements in selected points of the alloy are known. Mathematical model of the problem is based on the heat conduction equation with the substitute thermal capacity and with the liquidus and solidus temperatures varying in dependance on the concentration of the alloy component. For describing this concentration the Scheil model is used. Investigated procedure involves also the parallelized Ant Colony Optimization algorithm applied for minimizing a functional expressing the error of approximate solution.

Advanced powder metallurgy aluminum alloys via rapid solidification technology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ray, R.

1984-01-01

Aluminum alloys containing 10 to 11.5 wt. pct. of iron and 1.5 to 3 wt. pct. of chromium using the technique of rapid solidification powder metallurgy were studied. Alloys were prepared as thin ribbons (.002 inch thick) rapidly solidified at uniform rate of 10(6) C/second by the melt spinning process. The melt spun ribbons were pulverized into powders (-60 to 400 mesh) by a rotating hammer mill. The powders were consolidated by hot extrusion at a high reduction ratio of 50:1. The powder extrusion temperature was varied to determine the range of desirable processing conditions necessary to yield useful properties. Powders and consolidated alloys were characterized by SEM and optical metallography. The consolidated alloys were evaluated for (1) thermal stability, (2) tensile properties in the range, room temperature to 450 F, and (3) notch toughness in the range, room temperature to 450 F.

Trends in Solidification Grain Size and Morphology for Additive Manufacturing of Ti-6Al-4V

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gockel, Joy; Sheridan, Luke; Narra, Sneha P.; Klingbeil, Nathan W.; Beuth, Jack

2017-12-01

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) is used for both prototyping and production of final parts. Therefore, there is a need to predict and control the microstructural size and morphology. Process mapping is an approach that represents AM process outcomes in terms of input variables. In this work, analytical, numerical, and experimental approaches are combined to provide a holistic view of trends in the solidification grain structure of Ti-6Al-4V across a wide range of AM process input variables. The thermal gradient is shown to vary significantly through the depth of the melt pool, which precludes development of fully equiaxed microstructure throughout the depth of the deposit within any practical range of AM process variables. A strategy for grain size control is demonstrated based on the relationship between melt pool size and grain size across multiple deposit geometries, and additional factors affecting grain size are discussed.

Effect of Surface Tension Anisotropy and Welding Parameters on Initial Instability Dynamics During Solidification: A Phase-Field Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yu, Fengyi; Wei, Yanhong

2018-05-01

The effects of surface tension anisotropy and welding parameters on initial instability dynamics during gas tungsten arc welding of an Al-alloy are investigated by a quantitative phase-field model. The results show that the surface tension anisotropy and welding parameters affect the initial instability dynamics in different ways during welding. The surface tension anisotropy does not influence the solute diffusion process but does affect the stability of the solid/liquid interface during solidification. The welding parameters affect the initial instability dynamics by varying the growth rate and thermal gradient. The incubation time decreases, and the initial wavelength remains stable as the welding speed increases. When welding power increases, the incubation time increases and the initial wavelength slightly increases. Experiments were performed for the same set of welding parameters used in modeling, and the results of the experiments and simulations were in good agreement.

The Nanometer-Sized Eutectic Structure of Si/CrSi2 Thermoelectric Materials Fabricated by Rapid Solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Norizan, Mohd Natashah; Miyazaki, Yoshinobu; Ohishi, Yuji; Muta, Hiroaki; Kurosaki, Ken; Yamanaka, Shinsuke

2018-04-01

Nanostructuring is known to be an effective method to improve thermoelectric performance but, generally, it requires complex procedures and much labor. In the present study, self-assembled nanometer-sized composite structures of silicon (Si) and chromium disilicide (CrSi2) were easily fabricated by the rapid solidification of a melt with a eutectic composition. Ribbon-like samples were obtained with a dominant nanostructure of fine aligned lamellae with a spacing range of 20-35 nm. The thermoelectric power factor of the ribbon was observed to be 1.2 mW/mK2 at room temperature and reached 3.0 mW/mK2 at 773 K. The thermal conductivity was 65% lower than that of a bulk eutectic sample. The results suggest that this method is promising for fabricating an effective nanostructure for thermoelectric performance.

Liquidus Projections of Bi-Se-Ga and Bi-Se-Te Ternary Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Po-han; Chen, Sinn-wen; Hwang, Jenn-dong; Chu, Hsu-shen

2016-12-01

This study determines the liquidus projections of both Bi-Se-Ga and Bi-Se-Te ternary systems which are constituent ternary systems of promising Bi-Se-Te-Ga thermoelectric materials. Ternary Bi-Se-Ga and Bi-Se-Te alloys are prepared. Their primary solidification phases are experimentally determined, and thermal analysis experiments are carried out. The liquidus projections are determined based on the ternary experimental results and phase diagrams of constituent binary systems. The Bi-Se-Ga system includes seven primary solidification phases, Bi, Ga, GaSe, Ga2Se3, Se, Bi2Se3, and (Bi2)n(Bi2Se3)m. In the Bi-Se-Te system, there are five primary solidification phases, Bi, (Bi2)n(Bi2Te3)m, Bi2(Se,Te)3, (Se,Te), and (Bi2)n(Bi2Se3)m. Both the (Bi2)n(Bi2Te3)m and (Bi2)n(Bi2Se3)m phases are not a single phase, but a collection of series undetermined phases. Large miscibility gaps are observed in the Bi-Se-Ga system. The temperatures of the invariant reactions, Liquid + Bi + GaSe = Ga and Liquid + Ga2Se3 = Bi + GaSe, are at 495 K (222 °C) and 533 K (260 °C), respectively.

Experimental investigation on in-situ microwave casting of copper

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Raman Mishra, Radha; Sharma, Apurbba Kumar

2018-04-01

The in-situ microwave casting of metallic materials is a recently developed casting process. The process works on the principles of hybrid microwave heating and is accomplished inside the applicator cavity. The process involves – melting of the charge, in-situ pouring and solidification of the melt. The electromagnetic and thermal properties of the charge affects microwave-material interaction and hence melting of the charge. On the other hand, cooling conditions inside the applicator controls solidification process. The present work reports on in-situ casting of copper developed inside a multimode cavity at 2.45 GHz using 1400 W. The molten metal was allowed to get poured in-situ inside a graphite mold and solidification was carried out in the same mold inside the applicator cavity. The interaction of microwave with the charge during exposure was studied and the role of oxide layer during meltingthe copper blocks has been presented. The developed in-situ cast was characterized to access the cast quality. Microstructural study revealed the homogeneous and dense structure of the cast. The X-ray diffraction pattern indicated presence of copper in different orientations with (1 1 1) as the dominant orientation. The average micro indentation hardness of the casts was found 93±20 HV.

Modelling of crater formation on anode surface by high-current vacuum arcs

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tian, Yunbo; Wang, Zhenxing; Jiang, Yanjun; Ma, Hui; Liu, Zhiyuan; Geng, Yingsan; Wang, Jianhua; Nordlund, Kai; Djurabekova, Flyura

2016-11-01

Anode melting and crater formation significantly affect interruption of high-current vacuum arcs. The primary objective of this paper is to theoretically investigate the mechanism of anode surface crater formation, caused by the combined effect of surface heating during the vacuum arc and pressure exerted on the molten surface by ions and electrons from the arc plasma. A model of fluid flow and heat transfer in the arc anode is developed and combined with a magnetohydrodynamics model of the vacuum arc plasma. Crater formation is observed in simulation for a peak arcing current higher than 15 kA on 40 mm diam. Cu electrodes spaced 10 mm apart. The flow of liquid metal starts after 4 or 5 ms of arcing, and the maximum velocities are 0.95 m/s and 1.39 m/s for 20 kA and 25 kA arcs, respectively. This flow redistributes thermal energy, and the maximum temperature of the anode surface does not remain in the center. Moreover, the condition for the liquid droplet formation on the anode surfaces is developed. The solidification process after current zero is also analyzed. The solidification time has been found to be more than 3 ms after 25 kA arcing. The long solidification time and sharp features on crater rims induce Taylor cone formation.

Volumetric direct nuclear pumped laser

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jalufka, N. W.; Hohl, F.; Deyoung, R. J.; Williams, M. D. (Inventor)

1978-01-01

A volumetric direct nuclear pumped laser was developed in which the gas is a mixture of He-3 and a minority gas from the group of argon, krypton, xenon, chlorine and fluorine. The mixture of He-3 and the minority gas produces lasing with a minority gas concentration of from 0.01 to 10 percent argon, 1 percent krypton, 0.01 to 5 percent xenon and small concentrations of chlorine or fluorine.

Xenon Fractionation and Archean Hydrogen Escape

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zahnle, K. J.

2015-01-01

Xenon is the heaviest gas found in significant quantities in natural planetary atmospheres. It would seem the least likely to escape. Yet there is more evidence for xenon escape from Earth than for any element other than helium and perhaps neon. The most straightforward evidence is that most of the radiogenic Xe from the decay of (129)I (half-life 15.7 Myr) and (244)Pu (half-life 81 Myr) that is Earth's birthright is missing. The missing xenon is often attributed to the impact erosion of early atmospheres of Earth and its ancestors. It is obvious that if most of the radiogenic xenon were driven off by impacts, most of the rest of the atmophiles fared the same fate. The other line of evidence is in the nonradiogenic isotopes of xenon and its silent partner, krypton. Atmospheric xenon is strongly mass fractionated (at about 4% per amu) compared to any known solar system source (Figure 1). This is in stark contrast to krypton, which may not be fractionated at all: atmospheric Kr is slightly heavier than solar Kr (at about 0.5% per amu), but it is the same as in carbonaceous chondrites. Nonradiogenic xenon is also under abundant relative to krypton (the so-called "missing xenon" problem). Together these observations imply that xenon has been subject to fractionating escape and krypton not.

Method for treating a nuclear process off-gas stream

DOEpatents

Pence, Dallas T.; Chou, Chun-Chao

1984-01-01

Disclosed is a method for selectively removing and recovering the noble gas and other gaseous components typically emitted during nuclear process operations. The method is adaptable and useful for treating dissolver off-gas effluents released during reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels whereby to permit radioactive contaminant recovery prior to releasing the remaining off-gases to the atmosphere. Briefly, the method sequentially comprises treating the off-gas stream to preliminarily remove NO.sub.x, hydrogen and carbon-containing organic compounds, and semivolatile fission product metal oxide components therefrom; adsorbing iodine components on silver-exchanged mordenite; removing water vapor carried by said stream by means of a molecular sieve; selectively removing the carbon dioxide components of said off-gas stream by means of a molecular sieve; selectively removing xenon in gas phase by passing said stream through a molecular sieve comprising silver-exchanged mordenite; selectively separating krypton from oxygen by means of a molecular sieve comprising silver-exchanged mordenite; selectively separating krypton from the bulk nitrogen stream using a molecular sieve comprising silver-exchanged mordenite cooled to about -140.degree. to -160.degree. C.; concentrating the desorbed krypton upon a molecular sieve comprising silver-exchange mordenite cooled to about -140.degree. to -160.degree. C.; and further cryogenically concentrating, and the recovering for storage, the desorbed krypton.

Thermal diffusivity of rhyolitic glasses and melts: effects of temperature, crystals and dissolved water

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romine, William L.; Whittington, Alan G.; Nabelek, Peter I.; Hofmeister, Anne M.

2012-12-01

Thermal diffusivity ( D) was measured using laser-flash analysis on pristine and remelted obsidian samples from Mono Craters, California. These high-silica rhyolites contain between 0.013 and 1.10 wt% H2O and 0 to 2 vol% crystallites. At room temperature, D glass varies from 0.63 to 0.68 mm2 s-1, with more crystalline samples having higher D. As T increases, D glass decreases, approaching a constant value of ˜0.55 mm2 s-1 near 700 K. The glass data are fit with a simple model as an exponential function of temperature and a linear function of crystallinity. Dissolved water contents up to 1.1 wt% have no statistically significant effect on the thermal diffusivity of the glass. Upon crossing the glass transition, D decreases rapidly near ˜1,000 K for the hydrous melts and ˜1,200 K for anhydrous melts. Rhyolitic melts have a D melt of ˜0.51 mm2 s-1. Thermal conductivity ( k = D· ρ· C P) of rhyolitic glass and melt increases slightly with T because heat capacity ( C P) increases with T more strongly than density ( ρ) and D decrease. The thermal conductivity of rhyolitic melts is ˜1.5 W m-1 K-1, and should vary little over the likely range of magmatic temperatures and water contents. These values of D and k are similar to those of major crustal rock types and granitic protoliths at magmatic temperatures, suggesting that changes in thermal properties accompanying partial melting of the crust should be relatively minor. Numerical models of shallow rhyolite intrusions indicate that the key difference in thermal history between bodies that quench to obsidian, and those that crystallize, results from the release of latent heat of crystallization. Latent heat release enables bodies that crystallize to remain at high temperatures for much longer times and cool more slowly than glassy bodies. The time to solidification is similar in both cases, however, because solidification requires cooling through the glass transition in the first case, and cooling only to the solidus in the second.

Low concentration graphene nanoplatelets for shape stabilization and thermal transfer reinforcement of Mannitol: a phase change material for a medium-temperature thermal energy system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Jing, Gu; Dehong, Xia; Li, Wang; Wenqing, Ao; Zhaodong, Qi

2018-03-01

We report herein a novel series of Mannitol/GNPs (graphene nanoplatelets) composites with incremental GNPs loadings from 1 wt% to 10 wt% for further applications in medium-temperature thermal energy system. The phase change behavior and thermal conductivity of Mannitol/GNPs composite, a nanostructured PCM, have been evaluated as a function of GNPs content. Compared to the pristine Mannitol, the resultant stabilized composite with 8 wt% of GNPs displays an extremely high 1054% enhancement in thermal conductivity, and inherits 92% of phase change enthalpy of bulk Mannitol PCM (phase change material). More importantly, 92%Mannitol/GNPs composite still preserves its initial shape without any leakage even when subjected to a 400 consecutive melting/re-solidification cycles. The resulting Mannitol composites exhibit excellent chemical compatibility, large phase change enthalpy and improved thermal reliability, as compared to base PCM, which stands distinct in its class of organic with reference to the past literatures.

Interaction of Porosity with a Planar Solid/Liquid Interface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Catalina, Adrian V.; Stefanescu, Doru M.; Sen, Subhayu; Kaukler, William F.

2004-01-01

In this article, an investigation of the interaction between gas porosity and a planar solid/liquid (SL) interface is reported. A two-dimensional numerical model able to accurately track sharp SL interfaces during solidification of pure metals and alloys is proposed. The finite-difference method and a rectangular undeformed grid are used for computation. The SL interface is described through the points of intersection with the grid lines. Its motion is determined by the thermal and solute gradients at each particular point. Changes of the interface temperature because of capillarity or solute redistribution as well as any perturbation of the thermal and solute field produced by the presence of non-metallic inclusions can be computed. To validate the model, the dynamics of the interaction between a gas pore and a solidification front in metal alloys was observed using a state of the art X-ray transmission microscope (XTM). The experiments included observation of the distortion of the SL interface near a pore, real-time measurements of the growth rate, and the change in shape of the porosity during interaction with the SL interface in pure Al and Al-0.25 wt pct Au alloy. In addition, porosity-induced solute segregation patterns surrounding a pore were also quantified.

Microstructure and Macrosegregation Study of Directionally Solidified Al-7Si Samples Processed Terrestrially and Aboard the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Angart, Samuel; Erdman, R. G.; Poirier, David R.; Tewari, S.N.; Grugel, R. N.

2014-01-01

This talk reports research that has been carried out under the aegis of NASA as part of a collaboration between ESA and NASA for solidification experiments on the International Space Station (ISS). The focus has been on the effect of convection on the microstructural evolution and macrosegregation in hypoeutectic Al-Si alloys during directional solidification (DS). The DS-experiments have been carried out under 1-g at Cleveland State University (CSU) and under low-g on the International Space Station (ISS). The thermal processing-history of the experiments is well defined for both the terrestrially-processed samples and the ISS-processed samples. We have observed that the primary dendrite arm spacings of two samples grown in the low-g environment of the ISS show good agreement with a dendrite-growth model based on diffusion controlled growth. The gravity-driven convection (i.e., thermosolutal convection) in terrestrially grown samples has the effect of decreasing the primary dendrite arm spacings and causes macrosgregation. In order to process DS-samples aboard the ISS, dendritic-seed crystals have to partially remelted in a stationary thermal gradient before the DS is carried out. Microstructural changes and macrosegregation effects during this period are described.

Stefan problem for a finite liquid phase and its application to laser or electron beam welding

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kasuya, T.; Shimoda, N.

1997-10-01

An exact solution of a heat conduction problem with the effect of latent heat of solidification (Stefan problem) is derived. The solution of the one dimensional Stefan problem for a finite liquid phase initially existing in a semi-infinite body is applied to evaluate temperature fields produced by laser or electron beam welding. The solution of the model has not been available before, as Carslaw and Jaeger [{ital Conduction of Heat in Solids}, 2nd ed. (Oxford University Press, New York, 1959)] pointed out. The heat conduction calculations are performed using thermal properties of carbon steel, and the comparison of the Stefanmore » problem with a simplified linear heat conduction model reveals that the solidification rate and cooling curve over 1273 K significantly depend on which model (Stefan or linear heat conduction problem) is applied, and that the type of the thermal model applied has little meaning for cooling curve below 1273 K. Since the heat conduction problems with a phase change arise in many important industrial fields, the solution derived in this study is ready to be used not only for welding but also for other industrial applications. {copyright} {ital 1997 American Institute of Physics.}« less

Constraints on the thermosteric component of Last Interglacial sea level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shackleton, S. A.; Severinghaus, J. P.; Petrenko, V. V.; Dyonisius, M.; Hmiel, B.

2016-12-01

With global temperatures 1 to 2°C above preindustrial, but sea level exceeding current levels by upwards of 8 meters, the Last Interglacial (LIG) period at 125 ka may provide valuable insight into Earth system constraints under future global warming. The relative contributions of thermal expansion and ice sheet loss to sea level rise over this period are of particular interest in seeking to improve sea level projections in the upcoming decades and beyond. Here we quantify this thermosteric component from a reconstruction of global ocean temperature over the LIG from atmospheric noble gases trapped in glacial ice. With no major sources or sinks outside of the ocean-atmosphere system, the relative changes in the atmospheric content of krypton, xenon, and nitrogen reflect changes in ocean gas storage. This storage is primarily governed by solubility and ocean temperature, making dKr/N2, dXe/N2­, and dXe/Kr unique tracers of globally integrated oceanic heat content. However, processes within the firn can fractionate these gases, and firn effects on these tracers must be removed to derive an ocean temperature. We present high precision measurements of these gas ratios along with isotopes of argon, krypton, and xenon in firn air withdrawn from the snowpack at Summit, Greenland. We use these isotopes to identify sources of fractionation within the firn and quantify their effects on the noble gas tracers, enabling a reconstruction of Last Interglacial ocean temperature.

Influence of temperature oscillations on the interface velocity during Bridgman crystal growth

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Stelian, Carmen; Duffar, Thierry; Santailler, Jean-Louis; Nicoara, Irina

2002-04-01

The objective of this work is the study of the effect of thermal oscillations on the interface velocity in the vertical Bridgman configuration. In order to study this effect, a transient numerical simulation of the heat transfer and melt convection is performed in a simplified geometrical model. The relation between the thermal signal amplitude and the amplitude of the velocity oscillations is investigated. When the oscillation period is varied, an asymptotic evolution of the velocity oscillation amplitude, with a cut-off period, is observed. It is shown that latent heat of solidification has a huge effect on the velocity amplitude, but not on the cut-off frequency.

Hot-crack test for aluminium alloys welds using TIG process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Niel, A.; Deschaux-Beaume, F.; Bordreuil, C.; Fras, G.

2010-06-01

Hot cracking is a critical defect frequently observed during welding of aluminium alloys. In order to better understand the interaction between cracking phenomenon, process parameters, mechanical factors and microstructures resulting from solidification after welding, an original hot-cracking test during welding is developed. According to in-situ observations and post mortem analyses, hot cracking mechanisms are investigated, taking into account the interaction between microstructural parameters, depending on the thermal cycles, and mechanical parameters, depending on geometry and clamping conditions of the samples and on the thermal field on the sample. Finally, a process map indicating the limit between cracking and non-cracking zones according to welding parameters is presented.

LLE review. Volume 61, Quarterly report, October--December 1994

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

NONE

1994-12-31

This volume of the LLE review, covering the period of October--December 1994, contains articles on a diagnostic method employing krypton spectroscopy for measurement of temperature and shell-fuel mixing in high-temperature implosions; the first direct assessment of the ion-acoustic decay instability in a large-scale length, hot plasma; measurements of polarization mode dispersion and group-velocity walkaway in birefringent media using a frequency domain interferometer; an evaluation of the magnetic flux dynamics occurring in an optically triggered, thin-film superconducting switch; the effect of slurry fluid chemistry on particle size distribution during aqueous polishing of optical glass; and the influence of thermal and mechanicalmore » processing history in the preparation of well-ordered liquid crystal elastomer systems.« less

The vacuum ultraviolet spectrum of krypton and xenon excimers excited in a cooled dc discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerasimov, G.; Krylov, B.; Loginov, A.; Zvereva, G.; Hallin, R.; Arnesen, A.; Heijkenskjöld, F.

1998-01-01

We present results of an experimental and theoretical study of the VUV spectra of krypton and xenon excimers excited by a dc discharge in a capillary tube cooled by liquid nitrogen. The studied spectral regions of 115-170 nm and 140-195 nm for krypton and xenon respectively correspond to transitions between the lowest excited dimer states 1u, 0u+ and the weakly bound ground state 0g+. A semiempirical method was suggested and applied to describe the experimental spectra and to estimate the temperature of the radiating plasma volume. Electron impact, transferring dimers from the ground state to the excited states, is shown to be an efficient excitation mechanism in the 100-850 hPa and the 10-50 mA pressure and discharge current ranges. The spectra obtained as well as the results of calculations corroborate the high rate of this mechanism.

Validating density-functional theory simulations at high energy-density conditions with liquid krypton shock experiments to 850 GPa on Sandia's Z machine

DOE PAGES

Mattsson, Thomas R.; Root, Seth; Mattsson, Ann E.; ...

2014-11-11

We use Sandia's Z machine and magnetically accelerated flyer plates to shock compress liquid krypton to 850 GPa and compare with results from density-functional theory (DFT) based simulations using the AM05 functional. We also employ quantum Monte Carlo calculations to motivate the choice of AM05. We conclude that the DFT results are sensitive to the quality of the pseudopotential in terms of scattering properties at high energy/temperature. A new Kr projector augmented wave potential was constructed with improved scattering properties which resulted in excellent agreement with the experimental results to 850 GPa and temperatures above 10 eV (110 kK). Inmore » conclusion, we present comparisons of our data from the Z experiments and DFT calculations to current equation of state models of krypton to determine the best model for high energy-density applications.« less

Measurement of Mechanical Coherency Temperature and Solid Volume Fraction in Al-Zn Alloys Using In Situ X-ray Diffraction During Casting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Drezet, Jean-Marie; Mireux, Bastien; Kurtuldu, Güven; Magdysyuk, Oxana; Drakopoulos, Michael

2015-09-01

During solidification of metallic alloys, coalescence leads to the formation of solid bridges between grains or grain clusters when both solid and liquid phases are percolated. As such, it represents a key transition with respect to the mechanical behavior of solidifying alloys and to the prediction of solidification cracking. Coalescence starts at the coherency point when the grains begin to touch each other, but are unable to sustain any tensile loads. It ends up at mechanical coherency when the solid phase is sufficiently coalesced to transmit macroscopic tensile strains and stresses. Temperature at mechanical coherency is a major input parameter in numerical modeling of solidification processes as it defines the point at which thermally induced deformations start to generate internal stresses in a casting. This temperature has been determined for Al-Zn alloys using in situ X-ray diffraction during casting in a dog-bone-shaped mold. This setup allows the sample to build up internal stress naturally as its contraction is prevented. The cooling on both extremities of the mold induces a hot spot at the middle of the sample which is irradiated by X-ray. Diffraction patterns were recorded every 0.5 seconds using a detector covering a 426 × 426 mm2 area. The change of diffraction angles allowed measuring the general decrease of the lattice parameter of the fcc aluminum phase. At high solid volume fraction, a succession of strain/stress build up and release is explained by the formation of hot tears. Mechanical coherency temperatures, 829 K to 866 K (556 °C to 593 °C), and solid volume fractions, ca. 98 pct, are shown to depend on solidification time for grain refined Al-6.2 wt pct Zn alloys.

Production, pathways and budgets of melts in mid-ocean ridges: An enthalpy based thermo-mechanical model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mandal, Nibir; Sarkar, Shamik; Baruah, Amiya; Dutta, Urmi

2018-04-01

Using an enthalpy based thermo-mechanical model we provide a theoretical evaluation of melt production beneath mid-ocean ridges (MORs), and demonstrate how the melts subsequently develop their pathways to sustain the major ridge processes. Our model employs a Darcy idealization of the two-phase (solid-melt) system, accounting enthalpy (ΔH) as a function of temperature dependent liquid fraction (ϕ). Random thermal perturbations imposed in this model set in local convection that drive melts to flow through porosity controlled pathways with a typical mushroom-like 3D structure. We present across- and along-MOR axis model profiles to show the mode of occurrence of melt-rich zones within mushy regions, connected to deeper sources by single or multiple feeders. The upwelling of melts experiences two synchronous processes: 1) solidification-accretion, and 2) eruption, retaining a large melt fraction in the framework of mantle dynamics. Using a bifurcation analysis we determine the threshold condition for melt eruption, and estimate the potential volumes of eruptible melts (∼3.7 × 106 m3/yr) and sub-crustal solidified masses (∼1-8.8 × 106 m3/yr) on an axis length of 500 km. The solidification process far dominates over the eruption process in the initial phase, but declines rapidly on a time scale (t) of 1 Myr. Consequently, the eruption rate takes over the solidification rate, but attains nearly a steady value as t > 1.5 Myr. We finally present a melt budget, where a maximum of ∼5% of the total upwelling melt volume is available for eruption, whereas ∼19% for deeper level solidification; the rest continue to participate in the sub-crustal processes.

Containerless processing of undercooled melts

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Perepezko, J. H.

1993-01-01

The investigation focused on the control of microstructural evolution in Mn-Al, Fe-Ni, Ni-V, and Au-Pb-Sb alloys through the high undercooling levels provided by containerless processing, and provided fundamental new information on the control of nucleation. Solidification analysis was conducted by means of thermal analysis, x-ray diffraction, and metallographic characterization on samples processed in a laboratory scale drop tube system. The Mn-Al alloy system offers a useful model system with the capability of phase separation on an individual particle basis, thus permitting a more complete understanding of the operative kinetics and the key containerless processing variables. This system provided the opportunity of analyzing the nucleation rate as a function of processing conditions and allowed for the quantitative assessment of the relevant processing parameters. These factors are essential in the development of a containerless processing model which has a predictive capability. Similarly, Ni-V is a model system that was used to study duplex partitionless solidification, which is a structure possible only in high under cooling solidification processes. Nucleation kinetics for the competing bcc and fcc phases were studied to determine how this structure can develop and the conditions under which it may occur. The Fe-Ni alloy system was studied to identify microstructural transitions with controlled variations in sample size and composition during containerless solidification. This work was forwarded to develop a microstructure map which delineates regimes of structural evolution and provides a unified analysis of experimental observations. The Au-Pb-Sb system was investigated to characterize the thermodynamic properties of the undercooled liquid phase and to characterize the glass transition under a variety of processing conditions. By analyzing key containerless processing parameters in a ground based drop tube study, a carefully designed flight experiment may be planned to utilize the extended duration microgravity conditions of orbiting spacecraft.

Epitaxial Growth and Cracking Mechanisms of Thermally Sprayed Ceramic Splats

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Lin; Yang, Guan-jun

2018-02-01

In the present study, the epitaxial growth and cracking mechanisms of thermally sprayed ceramic splats were explored. We report, for the first time, the epitaxial growth of various splat/substrate combinations at low substrate temperatures (100 °C) and large lattice mismatch (- 11.26%). Our results suggest that thermal spray deposition was essentially a liquid-phase epitaxy, readily forming chemical bonding. The interface temperature was also estimated. The results convincingly demonstrated that atoms only need to diffuse and rearrange over a sufficiently short range during extremely rapid solidification. Concurrently, severe cracking occurred in the epitaxial splat/substrate systems, which indicated high tensile stress was produced during splat deposition. The origin of the tensile stress was attributed to the strong constraint of the locally heated substrate by its cold surroundings.

Secondary orientation effects in a single crystal superalloy under mechanical and thermal loads

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kalluri, Sreeramesh; Abdul-Aziz, Ali; Mcgaw, Michael A.

1991-01-01

The nickel-base single crystal superalloy PWA 1480 is a candidate blading material for the advanced turbopump development program of the SSME. In order to improve thermal fatigue resistance of the turbine blades, the single crystal superalloy PWA 1480 is grown along the low modulus zone axes (001) crystal orientation by a directional solidification process. Since cubic single crystal materials such as PWA 1480 exhibit anisotropic elastic behavior, the stresses developed within the single crystal superalloy due to mechanical and thermal loads are likely to be affected by the exact orientation of the secondary crystallographic direction with respect to the geometry of the turbine blade. The effects of secondary crystal orientation on the elastic response of single crystal PWA 1480 superalloy were investigated.

Modelling of directional solidification of BSO

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lin, Chenting; Motakef, Shahryar

1993-03-01

A thermo-fluid model for vertical Bridgman growth of bismuth silicon oxide (BSO) as model material for semi-transparent, low thermal conductivity oxides is developed. Internal radiative heat transfer, together with convective and conductive heat transfer are considered in this model. Due to the strong internal thermal radiation within the grown crystal, the growth interface is highly convex into the melt, instead of being concave as is the case for opaque materials with the thermal conductivity of the melt larger than that of the solid. Reduction of the growth interface non-planarity through variations in the growth configuration is investigated. A furnace temperature profile consisting of a steep gradient on the melt side and shallow gradient on the solid side of the charge is found to be the most effective approach.

Numerical study on morphology and solidification characteristics of successive droplet depositions on a substrate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Adaikalanathan, Vimalan

Successive droplet impingement finds extensive applications in additive manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing, Liquid Metal Jetting and Net Form Manufacturing. Deposition, deformation and solidification of droplets are the constitutive stages in the process which determine the final outcome. Detailed knowledge about the flow behaviour, phase transformation and free surface deformation is required to have a complete understanding and optimization of the process parameters. Experimental research in this field is only limited to imaging techniques and post solidification analysis which only provide superficial information while overlooking most of the governing phenomenon. Knowledge of the physics governing the fluid and thermal behaviours can be applied to study the process with real time data pertaining to flow field, temperature profiles and solidification. However, free surface tracking, surface tension modelling, non-isothermal solidification and convection dominant heat transfer pose mathematical challenges in the solution of the governing equations. Moreover, deposition of droplets on pre-solidified splats or non-flat surfaces requires accurate special attention. The objective of the present work is to model the successive droplet impacts and simultaneous solidification and deformation. The highly non-linear flow field governed by the Navier Stokes equation is solved using a Two Step Projection method. The surface tension effects are accounted for through a Continuum Surface Force technique. One of the crucial elements in the study is the interface tracking algorithm. A Coupled Level Set Volume of Fluid (CLSVOF) method is formulated to give an accurate orientation of the drastically deforming interface and also facilitates generation of multiple droplets in a fixed domain at a user defined frequency, thereby conserving computational resources. The phase change is modelled using an enthalpy formulation of the energy equation with an implicit source term accounting for the latent heat. It is coupled with the flow solver through an Enthalpy-Porosity technique. A modified boundary condition which incorporates the contact resistance has also been implemented. The case of multiple eutectic solder droplet depositions has been simulated to study the various aspects of splat morphology and solidification characteristics. Effects of impact conditions on single as well as successive droplet depositions have been examined. The role of convection terms in the energy equation has been emphasized and quantitatively analysed. The effect of impact velocity is manifested as surface curvature of the pre-solidified splat and in turn, affects morphology of the subsequent droplets. Initial droplet temperature influences the solidification time of both single and multiple droplets. Under certain conditions, remelting of pre-solidified splat has been observed and its causes have been discussed. Contact resistance has been reported in the literature and has been found to have a strong influence not only on the heat transfer but also the spreading behaviour. Frequency of successive impingements is also an important factor affecting the metallurgical bonding properties.

The thermal evolution of Mercury's Fe-Si core

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Knibbe, Jurriën Sebastiaan; van Westrenen, Wim

2018-01-01

We have studied the thermal and magnetic field evolution of planet Mercury with a core of Fe-Si alloy to assess whether an Fe-Si core matches its present-day partially molten state, Mercury's magnetic field strength, and the observed ancient crustal magnetization. The main advantages of an Fe-Si core, opposed to a previously assumed Fe-S core, are that a Si-bearing core is consistent with the highly reduced nature of Mercury and that no compositional convection is generated upon core solidification, in agreement with magnetic field indications of a stable layer at the top of Mercury's core. This study also present the first implementation of a conductive temperature profile in the core where heat fluxes are sub-adiabatic in a global thermal evolution model. We show that heat migrates from the deep core to the outer part of the core as soon as heat fluxes at the outer core become sub-adiabatic. As a result, the deep core cools throughout Mercury's evolution independent of the temperature evolution at the core-mantle boundary, causing an early start of inner core solidification and magnetic field generation. The conductive layer at the outer core suppresses the rate of core growth after temperature differences between the deep and shallow core are relaxed, such that a magnetic field can be generated until the present. Also, the outer core and mantle operate at higher temperatures than previously thought, which prolongs mantle melting and mantle convection. The results indicate that S is not a necessary ingredient of Mercury's core, bringing bulk compositional models of Mercury more in line with reduced meteorite analogues.

Recrystallization Behavior in SAC305 and SAC305 + 3.0POSS Solder Joints Under Thermal Shock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Han, Jing; Gu, Penghao; Ma, Limin; Guo, Fu; Liu, Jianping

2018-04-01

Sn-3.0Ag-0.5Cu (SAC305) and SAC305 + 3.0 polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) ball grid array (BGA) assemblies have been prepared, observed, and subjected to thermal shock. The microstructure and grain orientation evolution of the solder joints located at the same position of the package were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and electron backscattering diffraction, respectively. The results showed that the microstructure of the solder joints was refined by addition of POSS particles. In addition, compared with the single-grained or tricrystal joints normally observed in SAC305 BGA solder joints, the frequency of single-grained as-reflowed SAC305 + 3.0POSS BGA joints was greatly reduced, and the solder joints were typically composed of multicrystals with orientations separated by high-angle grain boundaries. These multicrystal joints appear to be obtained by dominant tricrystals or double tricrystals with deviation of the preferred [110] and [1\\bar{1}0] growth directions of Sn dendrites in Sn-Ag-based solder alloys during solidification from the melt. After 928 thermal shock cycles, the SAC305 solder joint had large-area recrystallization and cracks in contrast to the SAC305 + 3.0POSS solder joint located at the same position of the package, indicating that addition of POSS to SAC305 solder joints may contribute to postponement of recrystallization and subsequent crack initiation and propagation along recrystallized grain boundaries by pinning grain boundaries and movement of dislocations. This finding also confirms the double tricrystal solidification twinning nucleation behavior in Pb-free solder joints.

Utilization of Phase Change Materials (PCM) to Reduce Energy Consumption in Buildings

DTIC Science & Technology

2011-09-14

incorporating PCM for use in building applications. Ongoing research in thermal storage in which the PCM were encapsulated in concrete, gypsum wallboard ... wallboards were made from commercial panels after a first attempt to use gypsum walls. Three types of wallboards were studied: (i) a polycarbonate panel...and compared with ordinary gypsum wallboard . Within this comparison, the PCM composite solidification temperature was 22 °C (i.e. 2 K higher than the

Casting fine grained, fully dense, strong inorganic materials

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Brown, Sam W.; Spencer, Larry S.; Phillips, Michael R.

2015-11-24

Methods and apparatuses for casting inorganic materials are provided. The inorganic materials include metals, metal alloys, metal hydrides and other materials. Thermal control zones may be established to control the propagation of a freeze front through the casting. Agitation from a mechanical blade or ultrasonic energy may be used to reduce porosity and shrinkage in the casting. After solidification of the casting, the casting apparatus may be used to anneal the cast part.

Microgravity research at the University of Mexico: Experiments in payload G-006

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Peralta-Fabi, Ricardo; Mendieta-Jimenez, Javier

1988-01-01

The experiments contained in the G-006 payload related to thin film vapor deposition, vacuum variations in a chamber vented to space, solidification of a Zn-Al-Cu alloy, and multiple location temperature monitoring for thermal model validation are described in detail. A discussion of the expected results is presented, together with the methods selected to conduct the postflight analysis, and finally, a overview of the future activities in this field.

Analysis of violet-excited fluorochromes by flow cytometry using a violet laser diode.

PubMed

Telford, William G; Hawley, Teresa S; Hawley, Robert G

2003-07-01

Low power violet laser diodes (VLDs) have been evaluated as potential replacements for water-cooled argon-ion and krypton-ion ultraviolet and violet lasers for DNA content analysis using the Hoechst dyes and 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (Shapiro HMN, Perlmutter NG: Cytometry 44:133-136, 2001). In this study, we used a VLD to excite a variety of violet-excited fluorescent molecules important in biomedical analysis, including the fluorochromes Cascade Blue and Pacific Blue, the expressible fluorescent protein cyan fluorescent protein (CFP), and the fluorogenic alkaline phosphatase (AP) substrate 2-(5'-chloro-2'-phosphoryloxyphenyl)-6-chloro-4-(3H)-quinazoline (ELF-97; for endogenous AP detection and cell surface labeling with AP-conjugated antibodies). Comparisons were made between VLD excitation and a krypton-ion laser emitting at 407 nm (both at higher power levels and with the beam attenuated at levels approximating the VLD) on the same FACSVantage SE stream-in-air flow cytometer. We evaluated a Power Technology 408-nm VLD (30 mW) equipped with circularization optics (18 mW maximum output, set to 15 mW) and a Coherent I-302C krypton-ion laser emitting at power levels ranging from 15 to 75 mW. Cascade Blue, Pacific Blue, and CFP showed comparable signal-to-noise ratios and levels of sensitivity with VLD excitation versus the krypton-ion laser at high and VLD-matched power outputs. Multicolor fluorescent protein analysis with 488-nm excitation of green fluorescent protein and DsRed and VLD excitation of CFP was therefore feasible and was demonstrated. Similar levels of excitation efficiency between krypton-ion and VLD sources also were observed for ELF-97 detection. These evaluations confirmed that VLDs may be cost- and maintenance-effective replacements for water-cooled gas lasers for applications requiring violet excitation in addition to DNA binding dyes. Published 2003 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

The Design of a Transparent Vertical Multizone Furnace: Application to Thermal Field Tuning and Crystal Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duvual, Walter M. B.; Batur, Celal; Bennett, Robert J.

1998-01-01

We present an innovative design of a vertical transparent multizone furnace which can operate in the temperature range of 25 C to 750 C and deliver thermal gradients of 2 C/cm to 45 C/cm for the commercial applications to crystal growth. The operation of the eight zone furnace is based on a self-tuning temperature control system with a DC power supply for optimal thermal stability. We show that the desired thermal profile over the entire length of the furnace consists of a functional combination of the fundamental thermal profiles for each individual zone obtained by setting the set-point temperature for that zone. The self-tuning system accounts for the zone to zone thermal interactions. The control system operates such that the thermal profile is maintained under thermal load, thus boundary conditions on crystal growth ampoules can be predetermined prior to crystal growth. Temperature profiles for the growth of crystals via directional solidification, vapor transport techniques, and multiple gradient applications are shown to be easily implemented. The unique feature of its transparency and ease of programming thermal profiles make the furnace useful in scientific and commercial applications for determining the optimized process parameters for crystal growth.

Effect of Melt Convection at Various Gravity Levels and Orientations on the Forces Acting on a Large Spherical Particle in the Vicinity of a Solidification Interface

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bune, Andris V.; Sen, Subhayu; Mukherjee, Sundeep; Catalina, Adrian; Stefanescu, Doru M.

2000-01-01

Numerical modeling was Undertaken to analyze the influence of both radial and axial thermal gradients on convection patterns and velocities claiming solidification of pure Al and an Al-4 wt% Cu alloy. The objective of the numerical task was to predict the influence of convective velocity on an insoluble particle near a solid/liquid (s/l) interface. These predictions were then be used to define the minimum gravity level (q) required to investigate the fundamental physics of interactions between a particle and a s/l interface. This is an ongoing NASA founded flight experiment entitled "particle engulfment and pushing by solidifying interfaces (PEP)". Steady-state calculations were performed for different gravity levels and orientations with respect to the gravity vector The furnace configuration used in this analysis is the quench module insert (QMI-1) proposed for the Material Science Research Facility (MSRF) on board the International Space Station (ISS). The general model of binary alloy solidification was based on the finite element code FIDAP. At a low g level of 10(exp -4) g(sub o) (g(sub o) = 9.8 m/square s) maximum melt convection was obtained for an orientation of 90 deg. Calculations showed that even for this worst case orientation the dominant forces acting on the particle are the fundamental drag and interfacial forces.

Mechanical Properties and Microstructural Characterization of Aged Nickel-based Alloy 625 Weld Metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Silva, Cleiton Carvalho; de Albuquerque, Victor Hugo C.; Miná, Emerson Mendonça; Moura, Elineudo P.; Tavares, João Manuel R. S.

2018-03-01

The aim of this work was to evaluate the different phases formed during solidification and after thermal aging of the as-welded 625 nickel-based alloy, as well as the influence of microstructural changes on the mechanical properties. The experiments addressed aging temperatures of 650 and 950 °C for 10, 100, and 200 hours. The samples were analyzed by electron microscopy, microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction in order to identify the secondary phases. Mechanical tests such as hardness, microhardness, and Charpy-V impact test were performed. Nondestructive ultrasonic inspection was also conducted to correlate the acquired signals with mechanical and microstructural properties. The results show that the alloy under study experienced microstructural changes when aged at 650 °C. The aging was responsible by the dissolution of the Laves phase formed during the solidification and the appearance of γ″ phase within interdendritic region and fine carbides along the solidification grain boundaries. However, when it was aged at 950 °C, the Laves phase was continuously dissolved and the excess Nb caused the precipitation of the δ-phase (Ni3Nb), which was intensified at 10 hours of aging, with subsequent dissolution for longer periods such as 200 hours. Even when subjected to significant microstructural changes, the mechanical properties, especially toughness, were not sensitive to the dissolution and/or precipitation of the secondary phases.

Multiscale modeling of interfacial flow in particle-solidification front dynamics

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Garvin, Justin

2005-11-01

Particle-solidification front interactions are important in many applications, such as metal-matrix composite manufacture, frost heaving in soils and cryopreservation. The typical length scale of the particles and the solidification fronts are of the order of microns. However, the force of interaction between the particle and the front typically arises when the gap between them is of the order of tens of nanometers. Thus, a multiscale approach is necessary to analyze particle-front interactions. Solving the Navier-Stokes equations to simulate the dynamics by including the nano-scale gap between the particle and the front would be impossible. Therefore, the microscale dynamics is solved using a level-set based Eulerian technique, while an embedded model is developed for solution in the nano-scale (but continuum) gap region. The embedded model takes the form of a lubrication equation with disjoining pressure acting as a body force and is coupled to the outer solution. A particle is pushed by the front when the disjoining pressure is balanced by the viscous drag. The results obtained show that this balance can only occur when the thermal conductivity ratio of the particle to the melt is less than 1.0. The velocity of the front at which the particle pushing/engulfment transition occurs is predicted. In addition, this novel method allows for an in-depth analysis of the flow physics that cause particle pushing/engulfment.

Effects of Rapid Solidification on Phase Formation and Microstructure Evolution of AgSbTe₂-Based Thermoelectric Compounds.

PubMed

Castellero, Alberto; Fiore, Gianluca; Evenstein, Eliran; Baricco, Marcello; Amouyal, Yaron

2017-03-01

We report on rapid solidification of an Ag(16.7)Sb(30.0)Te(53.3) compound using planar flow casting to stabilize the δ-AgSbTe₂ single phase and avoid precipitation of the interconnected Sb₂Te₃ phase, which leads to deterioration of thermoelectric properties. Rapidly solidified samples are in form of flakes with different thickness (60–400 μm). Precipitation of Sb2Te₃ phase is fully inhibited in thin flakes (thickness below 100 μm), which consist of an homogeneous δ-AgSbTe₂ matrix, whereas isolated Sb₂Te₃ precipitates, dispersed throughout the δ-AgSbTe₂ matrix, were found in thick flakes (thickness above 100 μm). The lattice parameter of the δ-AgSbTe₂ phase progressively increases with the cooling rate, indicating progressive supersaturation of the matrix for high degree of supercooling. Bulk specimens were prepared by hot pressing of the rapidly solidified flakes to evaluate thermoelectric properties. After sintering of the rapidly solidified flakes, the differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) traces indicates partial decomposition of the non equilibrium δ-AgSbTe₂ into the stable phases. Measurements of the thermoelectric transport properties indicate the positive effects of rapid solidification on thermal conductivity and Seebeck coefficient and its negative effect on electrical conductivity, suggesting an operative way to improve thermoelectric performance.

Microstructures and microhardness evolutions of melt-spun Al-8Ni-5Nd-4Si alloy

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Karakoese, Ercan, E-mail: ekarakose@karatekin.edu.tr; Keskin, Mustafa

2012-03-15

Al-Ni-Nd-Si alloy with nominal composition of Al-8 wt.%Ni-5 wt.%Nd-4 wt.%Si was rapidly solidified by using melt-spinning technique to examine the influence of the cooling rate/conditions on microstructure and mechanical properties. The resulting conventional cast (ingot) and melt-spun ribbons were characterized by X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy together with energy dispersive spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermal analysis and Vickers microhardness tester. The ingot alloys consists of four phases namely {alpha}-Al, intermetallic Al{sub 3}Ni, Al{sub 11}Nd{sub 3} and fcc Si. Melt-spun ribbons are completely composed of {alpha}-Al phase. The optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy results show that themore » microstructures of rapidly solidified ribbons are clearly different from their ingot alloy. The change in microhardness is discussed based on the microstructural observations. - Highlights: Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Rapid solidification allows a reduction in grain size, extended solid solution ranges. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer We observed the matrix lattice parameter increases with increasing wheel speed. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer Melt-spun ribbons consist of partly amorphous phases embedded in crystalline phases. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The solidification rate is high enough to retain most of alloying elements in the Al matrix. Black-Right-Pointing-Pointer The rapid solidification has effect on the phase constitution.« less

Application of Solidification Theory to Rapid Solidification Processing

DTIC Science & Technology

1984-07-01

solubility; _NiAl -Cr quasibinary alloys ; Rapid solidification ; Solidification theory I’.ASRACT ICfene an roerso aid it 000e..yV SON identify0 by Week...110100a) ~j ~apid solidification allows the production of alloys with new compositions and * uphases and also allows production of improved alloys by...control of microstructure;L and homogeneity. The effect of rapid solidification velocity on the micro- structure of Ag-Cu alloys is comprehensively

Ion Deposited Carbon Coatings.

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-07-01

levels correspondant i la transition entre les nivellux 2 piao and 5 d, of the kr-ypton-86 atom. 2 p,,, et 5 d5, de l’atow~e krypton 86. kilogram (kg...6gal A la [Mafsse (II prototype inItern ational du the kilogram. (The international prototype of kilogrananric. the kilogram is at particular cylinder...seconde (s) The second is the duration of 9 192 631 770 La seconde est IaI dur&e de 9 192 63 1 770 periods of the radiation corresponding to the perioiles

Use of a krypton isotope for rapid ion changeover at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory 88-inch cyclotron

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Soli, George A.; Nichols, Donald K.

1989-01-01

An isotope of krypton, Kr86, has been combined with a mix of Ar, Ne, and N ions at the electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) source, at the Lawrence Berkeley Laboratory cyclotron, to provide rapid ion changeover in Single Event Phenomena (SEP) testing. The new technique has been proved out successfully by a recent Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) test in which it was found that there was no measurable contamination from other isotopes.

Comparison of Medium Power Hall Effect Thruster Ion Acceleration for Krypton and Xenon Propellants

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-14

Concentration ppb 87 1000 Stable Isotopes 9 6 Odd Isotopes 2 1 Critical Pressure MPa 5.84 5.50 Critical Temperature K 290 209 Boiling Point (1 atm) K 161 120...The velocity profile in Fig. 6 shows the velocities slightly negative, nearest the anode (at approximately - 9 mm). This negative velocity near the...Krypton and Xenon Propellants 5b. GRANT NUMBER 5c. PROGRAM ELEMENT NUMBER 6 . AUTHOR(S) William A. Hargus, Jr.; Gregory M. Azarnia; Michael R

Dielectric Properties of Low-Level Liquid Waste

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

L. E. Lagos; M. A. Ebadian

1998-10-20

The purpose of this study was to develop a data collection containing values for the dielectric properties of various low-level liquid waste (LLLW) simulants measured as a function of frequency, temperature, and composition. The investigation was motivated by current interest in the use of microwave processing for the treatment of radioactive waste. A large volume of transuranic liquid and sludge produced by the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) during the production of nuclear fiel bars is stored at several U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sites around the United States. Waste storage and disposal space is scarce, expensive, and must bemore » minimized. Thus, several DOE sites are pursuing the use of microwave heating as a means of achieving volume reduction and solidification of low-level liquid wastes. It is important to know which microwave frequencies should be employed tc achieve the most efficient processing at a range of different temperatures. The dielectric properties of the LLLW simulants can be utilized to determine the optimum frequencies for use with a particular LLLW or with other LLLWS of similar composition. Furthermore, nonlinear thermal processes, such as thermal runaway, which occur in the material being treated cannot be modeled without a knowledge of the temperature dependence of the dielectric properties. Often, this data does not exist; however, when it does, only very limited data near room temperature are available. The data collection generated in this study can be used to predict the behavior of a variety of microwave thermal treatment technologies, which have the potential of substantially reducing the volume of the LLLWS that are currently stored at many DOE sites. This information should help the users of the microwave reduction and solidification technology to optimize microwave processes used in the treatment of LLLW. The microwave reduction and solidification technology has clear advantages over other methods of reducing LLLWS. These include the incineration of combustibles, the evaporation of combustibles, the evaporation of liquids, and the compaction of noncombustibles. The handling of radioactive liquid waste is generally carried out within closed systems consisting of highly corrosion-resistant, welded, leak-tight pipes, tanks, and other apparatus. High power microwave processing is a promising technology for reducing risks to the environment and human health, thereby supporting the DOE's decontamination and decommissioning (D&D) objectives.« less

Residual thermal stresses in a solid sphere cast from a thermosetting material

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levitsky, M.; Shaffer, B. W.

1975-01-01

Expressions are developed for the residual thermal stresses in a solid sphere cast from a chemically hardening thermosetting material in a rigid spherical mold. The description of the heat generation rate and temperature variation is derived from a first-order chemical reaction. Solidification is described by the continuous transformation of the material from an inviscid liquidlike state into an elastic solid, with intermediate properties determined by the degree of chemical reaction. Residual stress components are obtained as functions of the parameters of the hardening process and the properties of the hardening material. Variation of the residual stresses with a nondimensionalized reaction rate parameter and the relative compressibility of the hardened material is discussed in detail.

Implications of convection in the moon and the terrestrial planets

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Turcotte, Donald L.

1991-01-01

A comprehensive review is made of the thermal chemical evolution of the moon and the terrestrial planets. New results are presented which were obtained for Venus by the Magellan Mission the efforts were concentrated on this planet. Alternative models were examined for the thermal structure of the lithosphere of Venus. The statistical distribution was studied of the locations of the coronae on Venus. Models were examined for the patterns of faulting around the coronae on Venus. A series was considered of viscous models for the development and relaxation of elevation anomalies on Venus. And rates were studied of solidification of volcanic flows on Venus. Both radiative and convective heat transfer were considered.

Numerical analysis of partially molten splat during thermal spray process using the finite element method

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zirari, M.; Abdellah El-Hadj, A.; Bacha, N.

2010-03-01

A finite element method is used to simulate the deposition of the thermal spray coating process. A set of governing equations is solving by a volume of fluid method. For the solidification phenomenon, we use the specific heat method (SHM). We begin by comparing the present model with experimental and numerical model available in the literature. In this study, completely molten or semi-molten aluminum particle impacts a H13 tool steel substrate is considered. Next we investigate the effect of inclination of impact of a partially molten particle on flat substrate. It was found that the melting state of the particle has great effects on the morphologies of the splat.

Laser weldability of 21Cr-6Ni-9Mn stainless steel: Part I - Impurity effects and solidifcation mode

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tate, Stephen B.; Javernick, Daniel Anthony; Lienert, Thomas J.

For laser welded type 21Cr-6Ni-9Mn (21-6-9) stainless steels, the relationship between solidification cracking susceptibility and chemical composition was examined, and primary solidification mode (PSM) diagrams were developed to predict solidification mode. Sigmajig testing was used with experimental heats of type 21-6-9 to determine the effect of P and S on solidification cracking w hen primary austenite solidification occurred. Phosphorus showed a larger influence on solidification cracking relative to S, and a relationship of (P+0.2S ) was found for total impurity content. PSM diagrams to predict solidification mode were developed by analyzing welds made at three travel speeds for a widemore » range of 21-6-9 alloys and some other similar alloys. The minimum Cr eq/Ni eq required for primary ferrite solidification increased as travel speed increased, with more alloys showing primary austenite solidification at higher travel rates. Furthermore, as travel speed increased from 21 to 85 mm/s, the average solidification rate increased from 6 to 25 mm/s.« less

Laser weldability of 21Cr-6Ni-9Mn stainless steel: Part I - Impurity effects and solidifcation mode

DOE PAGES

Tate, Stephen B.; Javernick, Daniel Anthony; Lienert, Thomas J.; ...

2016-11-02

For laser welded type 21Cr-6Ni-9Mn (21-6-9) stainless steels, the relationship between solidification cracking susceptibility and chemical composition was examined, and primary solidification mode (PSM) diagrams were developed to predict solidification mode. Sigmajig testing was used with experimental heats of type 21-6-9 to determine the effect of P and S on solidification cracking w hen primary austenite solidification occurred. Phosphorus showed a larger influence on solidification cracking relative to S, and a relationship of (P+0.2S ) was found for total impurity content. PSM diagrams to predict solidification mode were developed by analyzing welds made at three travel speeds for a widemore » range of 21-6-9 alloys and some other similar alloys. The minimum Cr eq/Ni eq required for primary ferrite solidification increased as travel speed increased, with more alloys showing primary austenite solidification at higher travel rates. Furthermore, as travel speed increased from 21 to 85 mm/s, the average solidification rate increased from 6 to 25 mm/s.« less

A Distant Planet: Finding Superman's Krypton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ricca, B.

2016-01-01

In 2012, Neil deGrasse Tyson made headlines when he appeared in a Superman comic book and pinpointed a real planet (located in Corvus) that matched the description of Superman's homeworld, the fictional planet of Krypton. This story tracked all over the world. Why? I will look at the figure of Superman, whose backstory—orphan from an exploding planet—is somehow known by everyone from the age of eight on. I will look at how specific astronomical phenomena (in the sky and in the news) may have inspired Superman's young teenaged creators in the 1930s to create this iconic modern myth—a myth, like many, grounded in astronomy. My goal is to show that comics—which we normally think of as juvenile, throwaway entertainment— actually tried to base themselves (and certainly were inspired by) actual astronomical events in the thirties and forties, made more accessible to the public by new scientific explanations, including a real supernova that may have inspired the destruction of Krypton.

Production and decay of K -shell hollow krypton in collisions with 52-197-MeV/u bare xenon ions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shao, Caojie; Yu, Deyang; Cai, Xiaohong; Chen, Xi; Ma, Kun; Evslin, Jarah; Xue, Yingli; Wang, Wei; Kozhedub, Yury S.; Lu, Rongchun; Song, Zhangyong; Zhang, Mingwu; Liu, Junliang; Yang, Bian; Guo, Yipan; Zhang, Jianming; Ruan, Fangfang; Wu, Yehong; Zhang, Yuezhao; Dong, Chenzhong; Chen, Ximeng; Yang, Zhihu

2017-07-01

X-ray spectra of K -shell hollow krypton atoms produced in single collisions with 52-197-MeV/u X e54 + ions are measured in a heavy-ion storage ring equipped with an internal gas-jet target. Energy shifts of the K α1,2 s , K α1,2 h ,s , and K β1,3 s transitions are obtained. Thus the average number of the spectator L vacancies presented during the x-ray emission is deduced. From the relative intensities of the K α1,2 s and K α1,2 h ,s transitions, the ratio of K -shell hollow krypton to singly K -shell ionized atoms is determined to be 14 %-24 % . In the considered collisions, the K vacancies are mainly created by the direct ionization which cannot be calculated within the perturbation descriptions. The experimental results are compared with a relativistic coupled-channel calculation performed within the independent particle approximation.

Topologically Guided, Automated Construction of Metal–Organic Frameworks and Their Evaluation for Energy-Related Applications

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Colón, Yamil J.; Gómez-Gualdrón, Diego A.; Snurr, Randall Q.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are promising materials for a range of energy and environmental applications. Here we describe in detail a computational algorithm and code to generate MOFs based on edge-transitive topological nets for subsequent evaluation via molecular simulation. This algorithm has been previously used by us to construct and evaluate 13 512 MOFs of 41 different topologies for cryo-adsorbed hydrogen storage. Grand canonical Monte Carlo simulations are used here to evaluate the 13 512 structures for the storage of gaseous fuels such as hydrogen and methane and nondistillative separation of xenon/krypton mixtures at various operating conditions. MOF performance for bothmore » gaseous fuel storage and xenon/krypton separation is influenced by topology. Simulation data suggest that gaseous fuel storage performance is topology-dependent due to MOF properties such as void fraction and surface area combining differently in different topologies, whereas xenon/krypton separation performance is topology-dependent due to how topology constrains the pore size distribution.« less

L-shell spectroscopic diagnostics of radiation from krypton HED plasma sources.

PubMed

Petkov, E E; Safronova, A S; Kantsyrev, V L; Shlyaptseva, V V; Rawat, R S; Tan, K S; Beiersdorfer, P; Hell, N; Brown, G V

2016-11-01

X-ray spectroscopy is a useful tool for diagnosing plasma sources due to its non-invasive nature. One such source is the dense plasma focus (DPF). Recent interest has developed to demonstrate its potential application as a soft x-ray source. We present the first spectroscopic studies of krypton high energy density plasmas produced on a 3 kJ DPF device in Singapore. In order to diagnose spectral features, and to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of plasma parameters, a new non-local thermodynamic equilibrium L-shell kinetic model for krypton was developed. It has the capability of incorporating hot electrons, with different electron distribution functions, in order to examine the effects that they have on emission spectra. To further substantiate the validity of this model, it is also benchmarked with data gathered from experiments on the electron beam ion trap (EBIT) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where data were collected using the high resolution EBIT calorimeter spectrometer.

L-shell spectroscopic diagnostics of radiation from krypton HED plasma sources

DOE PAGES

Petkov, E. E.; Safronova, A. S.; Kantsyrev, V. L.; ...

2016-08-09

We report that X-ray spectroscopy is a useful tool for diagnosing plasma sources due to its non-invasive nature. One such source is the dense plasma focus (DPF). Recent interest has developed to demonstrate its potential application as a soft x-ray source. We present the first spectroscopic studies of krypton high energy density plasmas produced on a 3 kJ DPF device in Singapore. In order to diagnose spectral features, and to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of plasma parameters, a new non-local thermodynamic equilibrium L-shell kinetic model for krypton was developed. It has the capability of incorporating hot electrons, with differentmore » electron distribution functions, in order to examine the effects that they have on emission spectra. Finally, to further substantiate the validity of this model, it is also benchmarked with data gathered from experiments on the electron beam ion trap (EBIT) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where data were collected using the high resolution EBIT calorimeter spectrometer.« less

L-shell spectroscopic diagnostics of radiation from krypton HED plasma sources

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Petkov, E. E., E-mail: emilp@unr.edu; Safronova, A. S.; Kantsyrev, V. L.

2016-11-15

X-ray spectroscopy is a useful tool for diagnosing plasma sources due to its non-invasive nature. One such source is the dense plasma focus (DPF). Recent interest has developed to demonstrate its potential application as a soft x-ray source. We present the first spectroscopic studies of krypton high energy density plasmas produced on a 3 kJ DPF device in Singapore. In order to diagnose spectral features, and to obtain a more comprehensive understanding of plasma parameters, a new non-local thermodynamic equilibrium L-shell kinetic model for krypton was developed. It has the capability of incorporating hot electrons, with different electron distribution functions,more » in order to examine the effects that they have on emission spectra. To further substantiate the validity of this model, it is also benchmarked with data gathered from experiments on the electron beam ion trap (EBIT) at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, where data were collected using the high resolution EBIT calorimeter spectrometer.« less

Microgravity

NASA Image and Video Library

1998-12-01

Test engineers, TK Pedergrass and Dave McIntosh, are growing multiple dendrites in an undercooled melt of ultra pure succinonitrile (SCN). Images and temperature measurements will give Dr. Christoph Beckerman, the EDSE Principal Investigator, information on the microstructural evolution of and thermal interactions between several equiaxed crystals growing dendritically. This benchmark data will be used to test and develop equiaxed dendritic solidification models. The monitors show both the 4 stinger and 2 stinger chambers that are placed in the isothermal bath for testing.

Analytical and Experimental Investigations of Sodium Heat Pipes and Thermal Energy Storage Systems.

DTIC Science & Technology

1982-01-01

continued) Figure Page 5.1 Cylindrical container for eutectic salt (LiF-NgF -KF) . . . . . . 91 5.2 TESC sample . . . . . . ... . . 0...of fluorides of Mg, Li and K. Experimental results have been used to verify the melting point, and latent heat of fusion of the eutectic salt , in...a melting or solidification curve will provide experimental verification for the latent heat value and melting point of a given eutectic salt . In the

Modeling metal droplet sprays in spray forming

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Muoio, N.G.; Crowe, C.T.; Fritsching, U.

1995-12-31

Spray casting is a process whereby a molten metal stream is atomized and deposited on a substrate. The rapid solidification of the metal droplets gives rise to a fine grain structure and improved material properties. This paper presents a simulation for the fluid and thermal interaction of the fluid and droplets in the spray and the effect on the droplet spray pattern. Good agreement is obtained between the measured and predicted droplet mass flux distribution in the spray.

Real Time In Situ Observations of Equiaxed Dendrite Coherency in Al-Cu Alloys Using High-Brilliance, 3rd Generation Synchrotron Sources

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Murphy, Andrew G.; Browne, David J.; Mirihanage, Wajira U.; Mathiesen, Ragnvald H.

2012-01-01

In the last decade synchrotron X-ray sources have fast become the tool of choice for performing in-situ high resolution imaging during alloy solidification. This paper presents the results of an experimental campaign carried out at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, using a Bridgman furnace, to monitor phenomena during solidification of Al-Cu alloys - specifically the onset of equiaxed dendrite coherency. Conventional experimental methods for determining coherency involve measuring the change in viscosity or measuring the change in thermal conductivity across the solidifying melt Conflicts arise when comparing the results of these experimental techniques to find a relationship between cooling rate and coherency fraction. It has been shown that the ratio of average velocity to the average grain diameter has an inversely proportional relationship to coherency fraction. In-situ observation therefore makes it possible to measure these values directly from acquired images sequences and make comparisons with published results.

Contributions on Optimizing Approximations in the Study of Melting and Solidification Processes That Occur in Processing by Electro-Erosion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Potra, F. L.; Potra, T.; Soporan, V. F.

We propose two optimization methods of the processes which appear in EDM (Electrical Discharge Machining). First refers to the introduction of a new function approximating the thermal flux energy in EDM machine. Classical researches approximate this energy with the Gauss' function. In the case of unconventional technology the Gauss' bell became null only for r → +∞, where r is the radius of crater produced by EDM. We introduce a cubic spline regression which descends to zero at the crater's boundary. In the second optimization we propose modifications in technologies' work regarding the displacement of the tool electrode to the piece electrode such that the material melting to be realized in optimal time and the feeding speed with dielectric liquid regarding the solidification of the expulsed material. This we realize using the FAHP algorithm based on the theory of eigenvalues and eigenvectors, which lead to mean values of best approximation. [6

Layerwise Monitoring of the Selective Laser Melting Process by Thermography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Krauss, Harald; Zeugner, Thomas; Zaeh, Michael F.

Selective Laser Melting is utilized to build parts directly from CAD data. In this study layerwise monitoring of the temperature distribution is used to gather information about the process stability and the resulting part quality. The heat distribution varies with different kinds of parameters including scan vector length, laser power, layer thickness and inter-part distance in the job layout. By integration of an off-axis mounted uncooled thermal detector, the solidification as well as the layer deposition are monitored and evaluated. This enables the identification of hot spots in an early stage during the solidification process and helps to avoid process interrupts. Potential quality indicators are derived from spatially resolved measurement data and are correlated to the resulting part properties. A model of heat dissipation is presented based on the measurement of the material response for varying heat input. Current results show the feasibility of process surveillance by thermography for a limited section of the building platform in a commercial system.

Thrust chamber material technology program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrus, J. S.; Bordeau, R. G.

1989-01-01

This report covers work performed at Pratt & Whitney on development of copper-based materials for long-life, reusable, regeneratively cooled rocket engine thrust chambers. The program approached the goal of enhanced cyclic life through the application of rapid solidification to alloy development, to introduce fine dispersions to strengthen and stabilize the alloys at elevated temperatures. After screening of alloy systems, copper-based alloys containing Cr, Co, Hf, Ag, Ti, and Zr were processed by rapid-solidification atomization in bulk quantities. Those bulk alloys showing the most promise were characterized by tensile testing, thermal conductivity testing, and elevated-temperature, low-cycle fatigue (LFC) testing. Characterization indicated that Cu- 1.1 percent Hf exhibited the greatest potential as an improved-life thrust chamber material, exhibiting LCF life about four times that of NASA-Z. Other alloys (Cu- 0.6 percent Zr, and Cu- 0.6 percent Zr- 1.0 percent Cr) exhibited promise for use in this application, but needed more development work to balance properties.

Primary Dendrite Array Morphology: Observations from Ground-based and Space Station Processed Samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tewari, Surendra; Rajamure, Ravi; Grugel, Richard; Erdmann, Robert; Poirier, David

2012-01-01

Influence of natural convection on primary dendrite array morphology during directional solidification is being investigated under a collaborative European Space Agency-NASA joint research program, "Microstructure Formation in Castings of Technical Alloys under Diffusive and Magnetically Controlled Convective Conditions (MICAST)". Two Aluminum-7 wt pct Silicon alloy samples, MICAST6 and MICAST7, were directionally solidified in microgravity on the International Space Station. Terrestrially grown dendritic monocrystal cylindrical samples were remelted and directionally solidified at 18 K/cm (MICAST6) and 28 K/cm (MICAST7). Directional solidification involved a growth speed step increase (MICAST6-from 5 to 50 micron/s) and a speed decrease (MICAST7-from 20 to 10 micron/s). Distribution and morphology of primary dendrites is currently being characterized in these samples, and also in samples solidified on earth under nominally similar thermal gradients and growth speeds. Primary dendrite spacing and trunk diameter measurements from this investigation will be presented.

Primary Dendrite Array: Observations from Ground-Based and Space Station Processed Samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Tewari, Surendra N.; Grugel, Richard N.; Erdman, Robert G.; Poirier, David R.

2012-01-01

Influence of natural convection on primary dendrite array morphology during directional solidification is being investigated under a collaborative European Space Agency-NASA joint research program, Microstructure Formation in Castings of Technical Alloys under Diffusive and Magnetically Controlled Convective Conditions (MICAST). Two Aluminum-7 wt pct Silicon alloy samples, MICAST6 and MICAST7, were directionally solidified in microgravity on the International Space Station. Terrestrially grown dendritic monocrystal cylindrical samples were remelted and directionally solidified at 18 K per centimeter (MICAST6) and 28 K per centimeter (MICAST7). Directional solidification involved a growth speed step increase (MICAST6-from 5 to 50 millimeters per second) and a speed decrease (MICAST7-from 20 to 10 millimeters per second). Distribution and morphology of primary dendrites is currently being characterized in these samples, and also in samples solidified on earth under nominally similar thermal gradients and growth speeds. Primary dendrite spacing and trunk diameter measurements from this investigation will be presented.

Re-impacting Debris Facilitated Cooling of the Lunar Magma Ocean

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perera, Viranga; Jackson, Alan; Elkins-Tanton, Linda T.; Asphaug, Erik

2017-10-01

It is widely believed that the Moon formed from the debris of a giant impact between the proto-Earth and a roughly Mars-sized body. Concomitant to this formation scenario, and also inferred from geochemical analyses of Apollo samples, is the past existence of a Lunar Magma Ocean (LMO). After about 80% of the LMO solidified, it is believed that the mineral plagioclase would have become stable and crystallized out of the LMO. Rocks that formed principally of plagioclase would have been buoyant in the residual liquid and thus helped form a floatation crust that acted as a thermally conductive blanket over the LMO. Previous modelling work found that the LMO would have solidified in about 10 Myr. However, studies have shown that, during the giant impact event, a large quantity of debris (totaling over a Lunar mass) would have been released that was not immediately incorporated into the Earth and the Moon. This material would have subsequently re-impacted the Earth and the Moon. Particularly for the Moon, this debris would have punctured holes into the nascent lunar crust, attenuated its thermal blanketing effect, and thus facilitated the cooling of the LMO. We improve upon previous studies of the solidification of the LMO by incorporating this re-impacting debris, and find that the re-impacting debris may have reduced the LMO solidification time.

Comparison of Directionally Solidified Samples Solidified Terrestrially and Aboard the International Space Station

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Angart, S.; Lauer, M.; Tewari, S. N.; Grugel, R. N.; Poirier, D. R.

2014-01-01

This article reports research that has been carried out under the aegis of NASA as part of a collaboration between ESA and NASA for solidification experiments on the International Space Station (ISS). The focus has been on the effect of convection on the microstructural evolution and macrosegregation in hypoeutectic Al-Si alloys during directional solidification (DS). Terrestrial DS-experiments have been carried out at Cleveland State University (CSU) and under microgravity on the International Space Station (ISS). The thermal processing-history of the experiments is well defined for both the terrestrially processed samples and the ISS-processed samples. As of this writing, two dendritic metrics was measured: primary dendrite arm spacings and primary dendrite trunk diameters. We have observed that these dendrite-metrics of two samples grown in the microgravity environment show good agreements with models based on diffusion controlled growth and diffusion controlled ripening, respectively. The gravity-driven convection (i.e., thermosolutal convection) in terrestrially grown samples has the effect of decreasing the primary dendrite arm spacings and causes macrosegregation. Dendrite trunk diameters also show differences between the earth- and space-grown samples. In order to process DS-samples aboard the ISS, the dendritic seed crystals were partially remelted in a stationary thermal gradient before the DS was carried out. Microstructural changes and macrosegregation effects during this period are described and have modeled.

Thermal storage/discharge performances of Cu-Si alloy for solar thermochemical process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gokon, Nobuyuki; Yamaguchi, Tomoya; Cho, Hyun-seok; Bellan, Selvan; Hatamachi, Tsuyoshi; Kodama, Tatsuya

2017-06-01

The present authors (Niigata University, Japan) have developed a tubular reactor system using novel "double-walled" reactor/receiver tubes with carbonate molten-salt thermal storage as a phase change material (PCM) for solar reforming of natural gas and with Al-Si alloy thermal storage as a PCM for solar air receiver to produce high-temperature air. For both of the cases, the high heat capacity and large latent heat (heat of solidification) of the PCM phase circumvents the rapid temperature change of the reactor/receiver tubes at high temperatures under variable and uncontinuous characteristics of solar radiation. In this study, we examined cyclic properties of thermal storage/discharge for Cu-Si alloy in air stream in order to evaluate a potentiality of Cu-Si alloy as a PCM thermal storage material. Temperature-increasing performances of Cu-Si alloy are measured during thermal storage (or heat-charge) mode and during cooling (or heat-discharge) mode. A oxidation state of the Cu-Si alloy after the cyclic reaction was evaluated by using electron probe micro analyzer (EPMA).

Crystal Growth Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duval, Walter M. B.; Batur, Celal; Bennett, Robert J.

1997-01-01

We present an innovative design of a vertical transparent multizone furnace which can operate in the temperature range of 25 C to 750 C and deliver thermal gradients of 2 C/cm to 45 C/cm for the commercial applications to crystal growth. The operation of the eight zone furnace is based on a self-tuning temperature control system with a DC power supply for optimal thermal stability. We show that the desired thermal profile over the entire length of the furnace consists of a functional combination of the fundamental thermal profiles for each individual zone obtained by setting the set-point temperature for that zone. The self-tuning system accounts for the zone to zone thermal interactions. The control system operates such that the thermal profile is maintained under thermal load, thus boundary conditions on crystal growth ampoules can be predetermined prior to crystal growth. Temperature profiles for the growth of crystals via directional solidification, vapor transport techniques, and multiple gradient applications are shown to be easily implemented. The unique feature of its transparency and ease of programming thermal profiles make the furnace useful for scientific and commercial applications for the determination of process parameters to optimize crystal growth conditions.

Krypton gas cylinders as a source of radiation.

PubMed

Fischer, Helmut W; Bielefeld, Tom; Hettwig, Bernd

2010-07-01

A standard 40 foot shipping container with a cargo of pressurized krypton gas in 159 steel cylinders, which had triggered a radiation alarm, was investigated to address radiation safety and illicit nuclear trafficking concerns. The investigation included contamination and dose rate measurements as well as in situ high resolution gamma spectroscopy. The dose rate measurements gave a maximum value of 0.07 microSv h(-1) above background (0.08 to 0.11 microSv h(-1)) on the cylinder surface and no detectable increase above background at distances of 1 m and higher. Contamination monitor readings showed a similar relative increase (plus 8 cpm) above background (about 12 cpm) to the dose rate readings. Quantitative gamma spectroscopy revealed a contamination of the gas with 85Kr at a level of 3.5 x 10(5) Bq kg(-1). This value was found to be consistent with analytical and numerical estimates based on current data for atmospheric 85Kr, which is captured from ambient air together with stable krypton during the production process. This incident demonstrates an apparent lack of radiation-related knowledge by those who handle krypton gas, as well as by border control personnel and emergency responders. We therefore propose to improve labeling and documentation standards for such shipments. This effort may be facilitated by introducing the new category of "technically enhanced artificial radioactive material," or "TEARM" (similar to the existing "naturally occurring radioactive material" or "NORM" and "technically enhanced naturally occurring radioactive material" or "TENORM" categories).

The solidification velocity of nickel and titanium alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Altgilbers, Alex Sho

2002-09-01

The solidification velocity of several Ni-Ti, Ni-Sn, Ni-Si, Ti-Al and Ti-Ni alloys were measured as a function of undercooling. From these results, a model for alloy solidification was developed that can be used to predict the solidification velocity as a function of undercooling more accurately. During this investigation a phenomenon was observed in the solidification velocity that is a direct result of the addition of the various alloying elements to nickel and titanium. The additions of the alloying elements resulted in an additional solidification velocity plateau at intermediate undercoolings. Past work has shown a solidification velocity plateau at high undercoolings can be attributed to residual oxygen. It is shown that a logistic growth model is a more accurate model for predicting the solidification of alloys. Additionally, a numerical model is developed from simple description of the effect of solute on the solidification velocity, which utilizes a Boltzmann logistic function to predict the plateaus that occur at intermediate undercoolings.

Dynamics of the Molten Contact Line

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sonin, Ain A.; Duthaler, Gregg; Liu, Michael; Torresola, Javier; Qiu, Taiqing

1999-01-01

The purpose of this program is to develop a basic understanding of how a molten material front spreads over a solid that is below its melting point, arrests, and freezes. Our hope is that the work will contribute toward a scientific knowledge base for certain new applications involving molten droplet deposition, including the "printing" of arbitrary three-dimensional objects by precise deposition of individual molten microdrops that solidify after impact. Little information is available at this time on the capillarity-driven motion and arrest of molten contact line regions. Schiaffino and Sonin investigated the arrest of the contact line of a molten microcrystalline wax spreading over a subcooled solid "target" of the same material. They found that contact line arrest takes place at an apparent liquid contact angle that depends primarily on the Stefan number S=c(T(sub f) -T(sub t)/L based on the temperature difference between the fusion point and the target temperature, and proposed that contact line arrest occurs when the liquid's dynamic contact angle approaches the angle of attack of the solidification front just behind the contact line. They also showed, however, that the conventional continuum equations and boundary conditions have no meaningful solution for this angle. The solidification front angle is determined by the heat flux just behind the contact line, and the heat flux is singular at that point. By comparing experiments with numerical computations, Schiaffino and Sonin estimated that the conventional solidification model must break down within a distance of order 0.1 - 1 microns of the contact line. The physical mechanism for this breakdown is as yet undetermined, and no first-principles theory exists for the contact angle at arrest. Schiaffino and Sonin also presented a framework for understanding how to moderate Weber number molten droplet deposition in terms of similarity laws and experimentation. The study is based on experiments with three molten materials- molten wax on solid wax, water on ice, and mercury on frozen mercury- which between them span a considerable range of the deposition/solidification similarity parameters. Correlations are obtained for the spreading velocity, spreading time scales, the spreading factor (i.e. ratio of deposited drop's final footprint radius and the drop's initial radius), post-spreading liquid oscillation amplitudes and time scales, and bulk solidification time scales. Duthaler carried out an experimental and theoretical investigation of the relationship between the liquid's apparent contact angle and the Capillary number Ca=mu U/sigma based on contact line speed, for molten materials spreading over subcooled solids. This relationship is required for modeling of melt spreading. We have adapted Voinov's methodology to the molten contact line and formulated a theoretical model for the Ca vs. contact angle relationship, based Schiaffino and Sonin#s (1997a,b) wedge-like solidification front model. With the solidification front angle taken from Schiaffino and Sonin, the model is in good agreement with the experimental results for Ca vs. contact angle. Duthaler also extended the experimental investigation of droplet deposition and contact line freezing to more materials, including solder on glass, solder on solder, water on ice, and molten microcrystalline wax on wax. The latter also included tests on inclined targets. Deposition tests have also been done with molten octacosane (C28H58) on various targets. An important objective of our program has been the development of micron-scale sensors for measuring the transient temperature at a point on the substrate surface as a molten contact line moves over it. The expectation is that this temperature history will yield a better understanding of the thermal process in the contact line region. The sensors are of the thermistor type, either 2.5 microns or 1.5 microns square, microfabricated with silicon-based technology on either pure silicon or amorphous silicon dioxide chips. Each chip has 32 sensors distributed on its surface in arrays. The time response is better than 10 ms. At the time of writing, sensor calibration is in progress. Results on thermal transients during contact line passage will be discussed at the conference. While we expect that the data will provide information on the near-contact-line heat transfer process, we also foresee possible problems. First, the spatial resolution of the sensors may be insufficient to resolve the near-contact-line region. Second, the sensors protrude about 0.5 microns above the substrate surface, and may affect the contact line motion. Third, a sensor's temperature history depends on both the heat flux distribution into it from the fusion front and the thermal properties of the substrate below it and the solidified melt between it and the fusion front. The heat flux distribution in the contact line region must therefore be unfolded from computations of the overall system's transient thermal response.

An investigation of the elevated temperature cracking susceptibility of alloy C-22 weld-metal

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gallagher, Morgan Leo

Alloy C-22 is one of the most corrosion resistant Ni-Cr-Mo alloys available today, and is particularly versatile. As a result, Alloy C-22 is being considered for use in the construction of storage canisters for permanent disposal of radioactive waste in the Yucca Mountain Project. However, in such a critical application, weld related defects (such as these two forms of cracking) are simply unacceptable. Solidification cracking occurs when weld shrinkage strains are applied to liquid films that result from microsegregation during solidification. Many nickel-base alloys are susceptible to solidification cracking since they solidify as austenite and many of their alloying additions partition during solidification and form low melting eutectic constituents. The transvarestraint test was used to quantify the susceptibility of Alloy C-22 to solidification cracking. The solidification cracking temperature range (SCTR) was found to be approximately 50°C (90°F); this SCTR predicts that Alloy-C-22 will have only slightly higher susceptibility than known crack-resistant alloys, such as duplex stainless-steel 2205 and austenitic stainless-steel Type 304 (FN6). Ductility-dip cracking (DDC) is a solid-state cracking phenomenon that occurs below the effective solidus temperature in highly restrained austenitic alloys. Although this type of cracking is relatively uncommon, it can be costly in critical applications where there is a low tolerance for defects. This investigation used two separate tests to quantify the susceptibility of the alloy to DDC: the hot-ductility test and the strain-to-fracture (STF) test. The hot-ductility test revealed that Alloy C-22 weld-metal exhibits an intermediate temperature ductility-dip, with ductility recovery at the upper end of the testing temperature range. The ductility minimum in the hot-ductility tests occurred around 950°C (1742°F) in both the on-heating and on-cooling tests. The strain-to-fracture test also revealed Alloy C-22 to be susceptible to ductility-dip cracking. Alloy C-22 displayed a low threshold strain necessary to initiate cracking, a wide temperature range over which cracking occurred, and no recovery of ductility at the upper end of the testing temperature range. The recovery of ductility at the upper end of the testing temperature range in the hotductility test, and the absence of this recovery in the STF test, is explained by the recrystallization behavior of the metal. Alloy C-22 has a low stacking-fault-energy, as compared to other DDC susceptible nickel-base alloys, and accordingly requires higher levels of deformation before recrystallization begins. With the relatively low strains experienced by the samples in the STF test (less than ten-percent), cracking will occur before enough strain is accumulated to cause recrystallization. In the hot-ductility test, where the sample is pulled to failure, sufficient strain (forty-percent or greater) is applied such that recrystallization occurs. This recrystallization is responsible for the recovery of ductility at the high end of the testing temperature range in the hot-ductility test. The low threshold strain that is observed in the STF test is in part explained by the behavior of the metal during the thermal cycle of the test. Experimental observations indicate that tortuous (wavy) solidification grain boundaries (SGB) migrate, or straighten, during the temperature upslope and hold period of the STF test. This migration of the grain boundaries reduces the mechanical locking effect that tortuous grain boundaries provide, allowing cracking to occur at lower applied strains. Button-melting experiments were conducted to examine the effect of compositional variation on both solidification cracking and ductility-dip cracking susceptibility of the alloy. Molybdenum, tungsten, and iron were selected for variation, as previous research has shown these three elements to be significantly enriched or depleted in the terminal solidification products of Alloy C-22 weld-metal. The solidification temperature range and volume fraction of secondary phases were used as indicators of the susceptibility of the experimental alloys to solidification cracking and ductility-dip cracking, respectively. Previous research on nickel-base alloys has demonstrated that the solidification temperature range of an alloy is directly proportional to the susceptibility of the alloy to solidification cracking. Experiments conducted within this investigation indicate that increasing the volume fraction of secondary phases in Alloy C-22 acts to increase the elevated temperature cracking-resistance and ductility of the alloy. The solidification temperature ranges of the Alloy C-22 variants examined within the button-melting experiments did not significantly widen or narrow with increases in composition. These same compositional variations demonstrated that increasing amounts of molybdenum, tungsten, and iron increased the volume fraction of secondary phases, with each element having relatively the same potency. Based on the button melting experiments and thermodynamic simulations, it is expected that Alloy C-22 will have good resistance to weld solidification cracking over its entire composition range. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Visualization of solidification front phenomena

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Workman, Gary L.; Smith, Guy A.

1993-01-01

Directional solidification experiments have been utilized throughout the Materials Processing in Space Program to provide an experimental platform which minimizes variables in solidification experiments. Because of the wide-spread use of this experimental technique in space-based research, it has become apparent that a better understanding of all the phenomena occurring during solidification can be better understood if direct visualization of the solidification interface were possible.

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

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Silva, Bismarck L., E-mail: bismarck_luiz@yahoo.com.br; Garcia, Amauri; Spinelli, José E.

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

Multielectron transitions in x-ray absorption of krypton

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Ito, Yoshiaki; Nakamatsu, Hirohide; Mukoyama, Takeshi; Omote, Kazuhiko; Yoshikado, Shinzo; Takahashi, Masao; Emura, Shuichi

1992-11-01

The photoabsorption cross section near the K edge in krypton gas has been measured using synchro- tron radiation. Several features for simultaneous multielectron excitations were detected and analyzed by the use of the shakeup and shakeoff probabilities and their dependence on the photon energy. Previous observations of the [1s3p], [1s3d], and [1s4p] transitions have been confirmed. A transition is found between [1s3p] and [1s3d] multiple excitations and identified as a three-electron excitation [1s3d4p].

Directional solidification of Al2-Cu-Al and Al3-Ni-Al eutectics during TEXUS rocket flight

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Favier, J. J.; Degoer, J.

1984-01-01

One lamellar eutectic sample and one fiber-like eutectic sample were solidified directionally during the TEXUS-6 rocket flight. The microstructures and the results of the thermal analysis, obtained from the temperatures recorded on the cartridge skin, are compared. No appreciable modifications of the regularity of the eutectic structures were observed by passing from 1 g to 0.0001 g in these experiments. No steady state growth conditions were achieved in these experiments.

Process for preparing silicon carbide foam

DOEpatents

Whinnery, LeRoy Louis; Nichols, Monte Carl; Wheeler, David Roger; Loy, Douglas Anson

1997-01-01

A method of preparing near net shape, monolithic, porous SiC foams is disclosed. Organosilicon precursors are used to produce polymeric gels by thermally induced phase separation, wherein, a sufficiently concentrated solution of an organosilicon polymer is cooled below its solidification temperature to form a gel. Following solvent removal from the gel, the polymer foam is pretreated in an oxygen plasma in order to raise its glass transition temperature. The pretreated foam is then pyrolized in an inert atmosphere to form a SiC foam.

Process for preparing silicon carbide foam

DOEpatents

Whinnery, L.L.; Nichols, M.C.; Wheeler, D.R.; Loy, D.A.

1997-09-16

A method of preparing near net shape, monolithic, porous SiC foams is disclosed. Organosilicon precursors are used to produce polymeric gels by thermally induced phase separation, wherein, a sufficiently concentrated solution of an organosilicon polymer is cooled below its solidification temperature to form a gel. Following solvent removal from the gel, the polymer foam is pretreated in an oxygen plasma in order to raise its glass transition temperature. The pretreated foam is then pyrolyzed in an inert atmosphere to form a SiC foam. 9 figs.

Multiscale Modeling of Particle-Solidification Front Dynamics, Part 3: Theoretical Aspects and Parametric Study (Preprint)

DTIC Science & Technology

2007-09-01

are investigated, i.e. the Hamaker constant, the particle size, the thermal conductivity ratio of the particle to the melt, and the solid- liquid...36 d A π =Π (1) where A is the Hamaker constant and d is the distance between the two surfaces. In this work, the disjoining pressure is...defined such that a negative Hamaker constant results in a repulsive force between the two interfaces whereas a positive Hamaker constant results in an

Microstructure Evolution in the Presence of Constraints and Implications on the Properties of Mg - Li and Nb - Al Composites

DTIC Science & Technology

1991-05-30

alloys and composites Solidification experiments with Succinonitrile-acetone system Experimerts with Salol I Directional Solidification of Mg-Li alloys ...Directional Solidification of Mg-Li Composites Microstructural Analysis and Modeling Combustion Synthesis Principles ( theory ) Nb-AI alloys made by...Combustion Synthesis Nb-AI - NbB composites made by Combustion Synthesis Directional Solidification of Nb-AI Alloys Directional Solidification of Nb- Al

The influence of gravity level during directional solidification of immiscible alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrews, J. B.; Schmale, A. L.; Sandlin, A. C.

1992-01-01

During directional solidification of immiscible (hypermonotectic) alloys it is theoretically possible to establish a stable macroscopically-planar solidification front, and thus avoid sedimentation. Unfortunately, convective instabilities often occur which interfere with the directional solidification process. In this paper, stability conditions are discussed and results presented from directional solidification studies carried out aboard NASA's KC-135 zero-g aircraft. Samples were directionally solidified while the effective gravity level was varied from approximately 0.01 g for 25 s to 1.8 g for 45 s. Dramatic variations in microstructure were observed with gravity level during solidification.

Tranpsort phenomena in solidification processing of functionally graded materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Juwen

A combined numerical and experimental study of the transport phenomena during solidification processing of metal matrix composite functionally graded materials (FGMs) is conducted in this work. A multiphase transport model for the solidification of metal-matrix composite FGMs has been developed that accounts for macroscopic particle segregation due to liquid-particle flow and particle-solid interactions. An experimental study has also been conducted to gain physical insight as well as to validate the model. A novel method to in-situ measure the particle volume fraction using fiber optic probes is developed for transparent analogue solidification systems. The model is first applied to one-dimensional pure matrix FGM solidification under gravity or centrifugal field and is extensively validated against the experimental results. The mechanisms for the formation of particle concentration gradient are identified. Two-dimensional solidification of pure matrix FGM with convection is then studied using the model as well as experiments. The interaction among convection flow, solidification process and the particle transport is demonstrated. The results show the importance of convection in the particle concentration gradient formation. Then, simulations for alloy FGM solidification are carried out for unidirectional solidification as well as two-dimensional solidification with convection. The interplay among heat and species transport, convection and particle motion is investigated. Finally, future theoretical and experimental work is outlined.

Thermal Effects on Microstructural Heterogeneity of Inconel 718 Materials Fabricated by Electron Beam Melting

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sames, William J.; Unocic, Kinga A.; Dehoff, Ryan R.

2014-07-28

Additive manufacturing (AM) technologies, also known as 3D printing, have demonstrated the potential to fabricate complex geometrical components, but the resulting microstructures and mechanical properties of these materials are not well understood due to unique and complex thermal cycles observed during processing. The electron beam melting (EBM) process is unique because the powder bed temperature can be elevated and maintained at temperatures over 1000 °C for the duration of the process. This results in three specific stages of microstructural phase evolution: (a) rapid cool down from the melting temperature to the process temperature, (b) extended hold at the process temperature,more » and (c) slow cool down to the room temperature. In this work, the mechanisms for reported microstructural differences in EBM are rationalized for Inconel 718 based on measured thermal cycles, preliminary thermal modeling, and computational thermodynamics models. The relationship between processing parameters, solidification microstructure, interdendritic segregation, and phase precipitation (δ, γ´, and γ´´) are discussed.« less

The effects of composition and thermal path on hot ductility of forging steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Connolly, Brendan M.

This work examines the effects of composition and thermal path on the hot ductility of several forging steels with varied aluminum and nitrogen content. The primary mechanisms and controlling factors related to hot ductility are identified with a focus on the role of precipitates and segregation. The unique thermal paths and solidification structures of large cross-section forging ingots are discussed. Hot ductility testing is performed in a manner that approximates industrial conditions experienced by large cross-section forging ingots. A computer model for precipitation of aluminum nitride and vanadium nitride in austenite is presented. Industrial material is examined for comparison to experimental findings. It is found that increased aluminum and nitrogen content coarsens the as-solidified structure. The combined effects of microsegregation and uphill diffusion during deformation allow for carbide precipitation at prior austenite grain boundaries which reduces the hot ductility.

Experimental performances of a battery thermal management system using a phase change material

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hémery, Charles-Victor; Pra, Franck; Robin, Jean-François; Marty, Philippe

2014-12-01

Li-ion batteries are leading candidates for mobility because electric vehicles (EV) are an environmentally friendly mean of transport. With age, Li-ion cells show a more resistive behavior leading to extra heat generation. Another kind of problem called thermal runway arises when the cell is too hot, what happens in case of overcharge or short circuit. In order to evaluate the effect of these defects at the whole battery scale, an air-cooled battery module was built and tested, using electrical heaters instead of real cells for safety reasons. A battery thermal management system based on a phase change material is developed in that study. This passive system is coupled with an active liquid cooling system in order to initialize the battery temperature at the melting of the PCM. This initialization, or PCM solidification, can be performed during a charge for example, in other words when the energy from the network is available.

Phase Change Energy Storage Material Suitable for Solar Heating System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Xiaohui; Li, Haihua; Zhang, Lihui; Liu, Zhenfa

2018-01-01

Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to investigate the thermal properties of palmitic acid, myristic acid, laurel acid and the binary composite of palmitic/laurel acid and palmitic/myristic acid. The results showed that the phase transition temperatures of the three monomers were between 46.9-65.9°C, and the latent heats were above 190 J/g, which could be used as solar energy storage material. When the mass ratio of Palmitic acid and myristic was 1:1, the eutectic mixture could be formed. The latent heat of the eutectic mixture was 186.6 J/g, the melting temperature and the solidification temperature was 50.6°C and 43.8°C respectively. The latent heat of phase change and the melting temperature had not obvious variations after 400 thermal cycles, which proved that the binary composite had good thermal stability and was suitable for solar floor radiant heating system.

Micro and Macro Segregation in Alloys Solidifying with Equiaxed Morphology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stefanescu, Doru M.; Curreri, Peter A.; Leon-Torres, Jose; Sen, Subhayu

1996-01-01

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.

The Case for a Heat-Pipe Phase of Planet Evolution on the Moon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simon, J. I.; Moore, W. B.; Webb, A. A. G.

2015-01-01

The prevalence of anorthosite in the lunar highlands is generally attributed to the flotation of less dense plagioclase in the late stages of the solidification of the lunar magma ocean. It is not clear, however, that these models are capable of producing the extremely high plagioclase contents (near 100%) observed in both Apollo samples and remote sensing data, since a mostly solid lithosphere forms (at 60-70% solidification) before plagioclase feldspar reaches saturation (at approximately 80% solidification). Formation as a floating cumulate is made even more problematic by the near uniformity of the alkali composition of the plagioclase, even as the mafic phases record significant variations in Mg/(Mg+Fe) ratios. These problems can be resolved for the Moon if the plagioclase-rich crust is produced and refined through a widespread episode of heat-pipe magmatism rather than a process dominated by density-driven plagioclase flotation. Heat-pipes are an important feature of terrestrial planets at high heat flow, as illustrated by Io's present activity. Evidence for their operation early in Earth's history suggests that all terrestrial bodies should experience an early episode of heat-pipe cooling. As the Moon likely represents the most wellpreserved example of early planetary thermal evolution in our solar system, studies of the lunar surface and of lunar materials provide useful data to test the idea of a universal model of the way terrestrial bodies transition from a magma ocean state into subsequent single-plate, rigid-lid convection or plate tectonic phases.

On the Role of Mantle Overturn during Magma Ocean Solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Boukaré, C. E.; Parmentier, E.; Parman, S. W.

2017-12-01

Solidification of potential global magma ocean(s) (MO) early in the history of terrestrial planets may play a key role in the evolution of planetary interiors by setting initial conditions for their long-term evolution. Constraining this initial structure of solid mantles is thus crucial but remains poorly understood. MO fractional crystallization has been proposed to generate gravitationally unstable Fe-Mg chemical stratification capable of driving solid-state mantle overturn. Fractional solidification and overturn hypothesis, while only an ideal limiting case, can explain important geochemical features of both the Moon and Mars. Current overturn models consider generally post-MO overturn where the cumulate pile remains immobile until the end of MO solidification. However, if the cumulate pile overturns during MO solidification, the general picture of early planet evolution might differ significantly from the static crystallization models. We show that the timing of mantle overturn can be characterized with a dimensionless number measuring the ratio of the MO solidification time and the purely compositional overturn timescale. Syn-solidification overturn occurs if this dimensionless parameter, Rc, exceeds a critical value. Rc is mostly affected by the competition between the MO solidification time and mantle viscosity. Overturn that occurs during solidification can result in smaller scales of mantle chemical heterogeneity that could persist for long times thus influencing the whole evolution of a planetary body. We will discuss the effects of compaction/percolation on mantle viscosity. If partially molten cumulate do not have time to compact during MO solidification, viscosity of cumulates would be significantly lower as the interstitcial melt fraction would be large. Both solid mantle remelting during syn-solidification overturn and porous convection of melt retained with the cumulates are expected to reduce the degree of fractional crystallization. Syn-solidification overturn of a sluggish mantle can thus be an alternative to solid-state post-MO solidification overturn.

Modelling directional solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilcox, William R.

1991-01-01

The long range goal of this program is to develop an improved understanding of phenomena of importance to directional solidification and to enable explanation and prediction of differences in behavior between solidification on Earth and in space. Current emphasis is on determining the influence of perturbations on directional solidification.

Improved Crystal Quality By Detached Solidification in Microgravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Regel, Liya L.; Wilcox, William R.; Wang, Yaz-Hen; Wang, Jian-Bin

2003-01-01

Many microgravity directional solidification experiments yielded ingots with portions that grew without contacting the ampoule wall, leading to greatly improved crystallographic perfection. Our long term goals have been: (1) To develop a complete understanding of all of the phenomena of detached solidification.; (2) To make it possible to achieve detached solidification reproducibly; (3) To increase crystallographic perfection through detached solidification. We have three major achievements to report here: (1) We obtained a new material balance solution for the Moving Meniscus Model of detached solidification. This solution greatly clarifies the physics as well as the roles of the parameters in the system; (2) We achieved detached solidification of InSb growing on earth in BN-coated ampoules; (3) We performed an extensive series of experiments on freezing water that showed how to form multiple gas bubbles or tubes on the ampoule wall. However, these did not propagate around the wall and lead to fully detached solidification unless the ampoule wall was extremely rough and non-wetted.

Relationships Between Solidification Parameters in A319 Aluminum Alloy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Vandersluis, E.; Ravindran, C.

2018-03-01

The design of high-performance materials depends on a comprehensive understanding of the alloy-specific relationships between solidification and properties. However, the inconsistent use of a particular solidification parameter for presenting materials characterization in the literature impedes inter-study comparability and the interpretation of findings. Therefore, there is a need for accurate expressions relating the solidification parameters for each alloy. In this study, A319 aluminum alloy castings were produced in a permanent mold with various preheating temperatures in order to control metal cooling. Analysis of the cooling curve for each casting enabled the identification of its liquidus, Al-Si eutectic, and solidus temperatures and times. These values led to the calculation of the primary solidification rate, total solidification rate, primary solidification time, and local solidification time for each casting, which were related to each other as well as to the average casting SDAS and material hardness. Expressions for each of their correlations have been presented with high coefficients of determination, which will aid in microstructural prediction and casting design.

Molecular dynamics simulation of framework flexibility effects on noble gas diffusion in HKUST-1 and ZIF-8

DOE PAGES

Parkes, Marie V.; Demir, Hakan; Teich-McGoldrick, Stephanie L.; ...

2014-03-28

Molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate trends in noble gas (Ar, Kr, Xe) diffusion in the metal-organic frameworks HKUST-1 and ZIF-8. Diffusion occurs primarily through inter-cage jump events, with much greater diffusion of guest atoms in HKUST-1 compared to ZIF-8 due to the larger cage and window sizes in the former. We compare diffusion coefficients calculated for both rigid and flexible frameworks. For rigid framework simulations, in which the framework atoms were held at their crystallographic or geometry optimized coordinates, sometimes dramatic differences in guest diffusion were seen depending on the initial framework structure or the choice of frameworkmore » force field parameters. When framework flexibility effects were included, argon and krypton diffusion increased significantly compared to rigid-framework simulations using general force field parameters. Additionally, for argon and krypton in ZIF-8, guest diffusion increased with loading, demonstrating that guest-guest interactions between cages enhance inter-cage diffusion. No inter-cage jump events were seen for xenon atoms in ZIF-8 regardless of force field or initial structure, and the loading dependence of xenon diffusion in HKUST-1 is different for rigid and flexible frameworks. Diffusion of krypton and xenon in HKUST-1 depends on two competing effects: the steric effect that decreases diffusion as loading increases, and the “small cage effect” that increases diffusion as loading increases. Finally, a detailed analysis of the window size in ZIF-8 reveals that the window increases beyond its normal size to permit passage of a (nominally) larger krypton atom.« less

Toward compact and ultra-intense laser driven soft x-ray lasers (Conference Presentation)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sebban, Stéphane

2017-05-01

We report here recent work on an optical-field ionized (OFI), high-order harmonic-seeded EUV laser. The amplifying medium is a plasma of nickel-like krypton obtained by optical field ionization focusing a 1 J, 30 fs, circularly- polarized, infrared pulse into a krypton-filled gas cell or krypton gas jet. The lasing transition is the 3d94p (J=0) --> 3d94p (J=1) transition of Ni-like krypton ions at 32.8 nm and is pumped by collisions with hot electrons. The polarization of the HH-seeded EUV laser beam was studied using an analyzer composed of three grazing incidence EUV multilayer mirrors able to spin under vacuum. For linear polarization, the Malus law has been recovered while in the case of a circularly-polarized seed, the EUV signal is insensitive to the rotation of the analyzer, bearing testimony to circularly polarized. The gain dynamics was probed by seeding the amplifier with a high-order harmonic pulse at different delays. The gain duration monotonically decreased from 7 ps to an unprecedented shortness of 450 fs FWHM as the amplification peak rose from 150 to 1,200 with an increase of the plasma density from 3 × 1018 cm-3 up to 1.2 × 1020 cm-3. The integrated energy of the EUV laser pulse was also measured, and found to be around 2 μJ. It is to be noted that in the ASE mode, longer amplifiers were achieved (up to 3 cm), yielding EUV outputs up to 14 μJ.

Immiscible phase incorporation during directional solidification of hypermonotectics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andrews, J. Barry; Merrick, Roger A.

1993-01-01

Solidification processes in immiscible samples were investigated by directly observing the events taking place at the solid-liquid interface during directional solidification. Visualization of these events was made possible through the use of a transparent metal analog system and a temperature gradient stage assembly fitted to an optical microscope. The immiscible transparent analog system utilized was the succinonitrile-glycerol system. This system has been shown to exhibit the same morphological transitions as observed in metallic alloys of monotectic composition. Both monotectic and hypermonotectic composition samples were directionally solidified in order to gain an improved understanding of the manner in which the excess hypermonotectic liquid is incorporated into the solidifying structure. The processing conditions utilized prevented sedimentation of the excess hypermonotectic liquid by directionally solidifying the samples in very thin (13 microns), horizontally oriented cells. High thermal gradient to growth rate ratios (G/R) were used in an effort to prevent constitutional supercooling and the subsequent formation of L(sub 2) droplets in advance of the solidification front during the growth of fibrous composite structures. Results demonstrated that hypermonotectic composites could be produced in samples up to two weight percent off of the monotectic composition by using a G/R ratio greater than or equal to 4.6 x 10(exp 4) C(s)/mm(sup 2) to avoid constitutional supercooling. For hypermonotectic samples processed with G/R ratios below 4.6 x 10(exp 4) C(s)/mm(sup 2), constitutional supercooling occurred and resulted in slight interfacial instability. For these samples, two methods of incorporation of the hypermonotectic liquid were observed and are reported. The correlation between the phase spacing, lambda, and the growth rate, R, was examined and was found to obey a relationship generally associated with a diffusion controlled coupled growth process. For samples with compositions ranging from the monotectic composition up to 2 percent off of the monotectic composition, data indicated that the square of the phase spacing (lambda) varied linearly with the inverse of the growth rate (R).

Controlling microstructure and mechanical properties of the new microelectronic interconnect alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mutuku, Francis M.

An in-depth understanding of the physics of solidification could lead to the optimization of the properties of micro-electronic interconnects. Sn is the base material in the billions of interconnects in devices such as smart phones. These interconnects are formed by melting and solidifying a solder alloy (e.g. SnAgCu) in situ. But Sn has a low symmetry structure, Sn nucleation from the solder melt is complex and the morphology of the Sn and Sn alloys precipitates that form during solidification can vary tremendously (along with resultant mechanical properties). The effect of processing parameters on the solidification behavior, microstructure, and properties must be carefully addressed. Strong evidence adduced in this study shows that under many conditions, when cooling near eutectic SnAgCu from the melt, Ag3Sn nucleates before beta-Sn. The difficulty in the nucleation of beta-Sn provides a window of time between the nucleation of Ag3Sn precipitates and of beta-Sn solidification within which the Ag3Sn precipitate morphology can be manipulated. Thus distinct variations in precipitate number density, and inter-particle spacing were observed for different thermal histories, e.g. for different cooling rates. The average number density of Ag3Sn particles and the area of the pseudo-eutectic phase were observed to increase with increase in the Ag concentration, and with increase in the cooling rate. The shear strength and shear fatigue life increased with increase in the area fraction of the pseudo-eutectic phase. Upon aging of SnAgCu solder joints at an elevated temperature, the Ag3Sn particles coarsened, and became less effective in impeding dislocation motion. Consequently, the shear strength and shear fatigue performance degraded. On the other hand, alloys with constituents that formed solid solutions in Sn, such as small concentrations of Bi or Sb registered less degradation in both shear strength and shear fatigue life upon aging.

Thermal regulation in multiple-source arc welding involving material transformations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Doumanidis, C.C.

1995-06-01

This article addresses regulation of the thermal field generated during arc welding, as the cause of solidification, heat-affected zone and cooling rate related metallurgical transformations affecting the final microstructure and mechanical properties of various welded materials. This temperature field is described by a dynamic real-time process model, consisting of an analytical composite conduction expression for the solid region, and a lumped-state, double-stream circulation model in the weld pool, integrated with a Gaussian heat input and calibrated experimentally through butt joint GMAW tests on plain steel plates. This model serves as the basis of an in-process thermal control system employing feedbackmore » of part surface temperatures measured by infrared pyrometry; and real-time identification of the model parameters with a multivariable adaptive control strategy. Multiple heat inputs and continuous power distributions are implemented by a single time-multiplexed torch, scanning the weld surface to ensure independent, decoupled control of several thermal characteristics. Their regulation is experimentally obtained in longitudinal GTAW of stainless steel pipes, despite the presence of several geometrical, thermal and process condition disturbances of arc welding.« less

Modeling of multiphase flow with solidification and chemical reaction in materials processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wei, Jiuan

Understanding of multiphase flow and related heat transfer and chemical reactions are the keys to increase the productivity and efficiency in industrial processes. The objective of this thesis is to utilize the computational approaches to investigate the multiphase flow and its application in the materials processes, especially in the following two areas: directional solidification, and pyrolysis and synthesis. In this thesis, numerical simulations will be performed for crystal growth of several III-V and II-VI compounds. The effects of Prandtl and Grashof numbers on the axial temperature profile, the solidification interface shape, and melt flow are investigated. For the material with high Prandtl and Grashof numbers, temperature field and growth interface will be significantly influenced by melt flow, resulting in the complicated temperature distribution and curved interface shape, so it will encounter tremendous difficulty using a traditional Bridgman growth system. A new design is proposed to reduce the melt convection. The geometric configuration of top cold and bottom hot in the melt will dramatically reduce the melt convection. The new design has been employed to simulate the melt flow and heat transfer in crystal growth with large Prandtl and Grashof numbers and the design parameters have been adjusted. Over 90% of commercial solar cells are made from silicon and directional solidification system is the one of the most important method to produce multi-crystalline silicon ingots due to its tolerance to feedstock impurities and lower manufacturing cost. A numerical model is developed to simulate the silicon ingot directional solidification process. Temperature distribution and solidification interface location are presented. Heat transfer and solidification analysis are performed to determine the energy efficiency of the silicon production furnace. Possible improvements are identified. The silicon growth process is controlled by adjusting heating power and moving the side insulation layer upward. It is possible to produce high quality crystal with a good combination of heating and cooling. SiC based ceramic materials fabricated by polymer pyrolysis and synthesis becomes a promising candidate for nuclear applications. To obtain high uniformity of microstructure/concentration fuel without crack at high operating temperature, it is important to understand transport phenomena in material processing at different scale levels. In our prior work, a system level model based on reactive porous media theory was developed to account for the pyrolysis process in uranium-ceramic nuclear fabrication In this thesis, a particle level mesoscopic model based on the Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) is developed for modeling the synthesis of filler U3O8 particles and SiC matrix. The system-level model provides the thermal boundary conditions needed in the particle level simulation. The evolution of particle concentration and structure as well as composition of composite produced will be investigated. Since the process temperature and heat flux play the important roles in material quality and uniformity, the effects of heating rate at different directions, filler particle size and distribution on uniformity and microstructure of the final product are investigated. Uncertainty issue is also discussed. For the multiphase flow with directional solidification, a system level based on FVM is established. In this model, melt convection, temperature distribution, phase change and solidification interface can be investigated. For the multiphase flow with chemical reaction, a particle level model based on SPH method is developed to describe the pyrolysis and synthesis process of uranium-ceramic nuclear fuel. Due to its mesh-free nature, SPH can easily handle the problems with multi phases and components, large deformation, chemical reactions and even solidifications. A multi-scale meso-macroscopic approach, which combine a mesoscopic model based on SPH method and macroscopic model based on FVM, FEM and FDM, can be applied to even more complicated system. In the mesoscopic model by SPH method, some fundamental mesoscopic phenomena, such as the microstructure evolution, interface morphology represented by high resolution, particle entrapment in solidification can be studied. In the macroscopic model, the heat transfer, fluid flow, species transport can be modeled, and the simulation results provided the velocity, temperature and species boundary condition necessary for the mesoscopic model. This part falls into the region of future work. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)

Modeling of Detached Solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Regel, Liya L.; Wilcox, William R.; Popov, Dmitri

1997-01-01

Our long term goal is to develop techniques to achieve detached solidification reliably and reproducibly, in order to produce crystals with fewer defects. To achieve this goal it is necessary to understand thoroughly the physics of detached solidification. It was the primary objective of the current project to make progress toward this complete understanding. 'Me products of this grant are attached. These include 4 papers and a preliminary survey of the observations of detached solidification in space. We have successfully modeled steady state detached solidification, examined the stability of detachment, and determined the influence of buoyancy-driven convection under different conditions. Directional solidification in microgravity has often led to ingots that grew with little or no contact with the ampoule wall. When this occurred, crystallographic perfection was usually greatly improved -- often by several orders of magnitude. Indeed, under the Soviet microgravity program the major objective was to achieve detached solidification with its resulting improvement in perfection and properties. Unfortunately, until recently the true mechanisms underlying detached solidification were unknown. As a consequence, flight experiments yielded erratic results. Within the past three years, we have developed a new theoretical model that explains many of the flight results. This model gives rise to predictions of the conditions required to yield detached solidification.

Welding Behavior of Free Machining Stainless Steel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

BROOKS,JOHN A.; ROBINO,CHARLES V.; HEADLEY,THOMAS J.

2000-07-24

The weld solidification and cracking behavior of sulfur bearing free machining austenitic stainless steel was investigated for both gas-tungsten arc (GTA) and pulsed laser beam weld processes. The GTA weld solidification was consistent with those predicted with existing solidification diagrams and the cracking response was controlled primarily by solidification mode. The solidification behavior of the pulsed laser welds was complex, and often contained regions of primary ferrite and primary austenite solidification, although in all cases the welds were found to be completely austenite at room temperature. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) pattern analysis indicated that the nature of the base metalmore » at the time of solidification plays a primary role in initial solidification. The solid state transformation of austenite to ferrite at the fusion zone boundary, and ferrite to austenite on cooling may both be massive in nature. A range of alloy compositions that exhibited good resistance to solidification cracking and was compatible with both welding processes was identified. The compositional range is bounded by laser weldability at lower Cr{sub eq}/Ni{sub eq} ratios and by the GTA weldability at higher ratios. It was found with both processes that the limiting ratios were somewhat dependent upon sulfur content.« less

Modelling Directional Solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilcox, William R.; Regel, Liya L.; Zhou, Jian; Yuan, Weijun

1992-01-01

The long range goal of this program has been to develop an improved understanding of phenomena of importance to directional solidification, in order to enable explanation and prediction of differences in behavior between solidification on Earth and in space. Current emphasis is on determining the influence of perturbations on directional solidification.

Novel Sorbent Development and Evaluation for the Capture of Krypton and Xenon from Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Off-Gas Streams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Troy G. Garn; Mitchell R. Greenhalgh; Jack D. Law

2013-10-01

The release of volatile radionuclides generated during Used Nuclear Fuel reprocessing in the US will most certainly need to be controlled to meet US regulatory emission limits. A US DOE sponsored Off-Gas Sigma Team has been tasked with a multi-lab collaborative research and development effort to investigate and evaluate emissions and immobilization control technologies for the volatile radioactive species generated from commercial Used Nuclear Fuel (UNF) Reprocessing. Physical Adsorption technology is a simpler and potential economical alternative to cryogenic distillation processes that can be used for the capture of krypton and xenon and has resulted in a novel composite sorbentmore » development procedure using synthesized mordenite as the active material. Utilizing the sorbent development procedure, INL sigma team members have developed two composite sorbents that have been evaluated for krypton and xenon capacities at ambient and 191 K temperature using numerous test gas compositions. Adsorption isotherms have been generated to predict equilibration and maximum capacities enabling modeling to support process equipment scale-up.« less

Novel Sorbent Development and Evaluation for the Capture of Krypton and Xenon from Nuclear Fuel Reprocessing Off-Gas Streams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Troy G. Garn; Mitchell R. Greenhalgh; Jack D. Law

2013-09-01

The release of volatile radionuclides generated during Used Nuclear Fuel reprocessing in the US will most certainly need to be controlled to meet US regulatory emission limits. A US DOE sponsored Off-Gas Sigma Team has been tasked with a multi-lab collaborative research and development effort to investigate and evaluate emissions and immobilization control technologies for the volatile radioactive species generated from commercial Used Nuclear Fuel (UNF) Reprocessing. Physical Adsorption technology is a simpler and potential economical alternative to cryogenic distillation processes that can be used for the capture of krypton and xenon and has resulted in a novel composite sorbentmore » development procedure using synthesized mordenite as the active material. Utilizing the sorbent development procedure, INL sigma team members have developed two composite sorbents that have been evaluated for krypton and xenon capacities at ambient and 191 K temperature using numerous test gas compositions. Adsorption isotherms have been generated to predict equilibration and maximum capacities enabling modeling to support process equipment scale-up.« less

Removing krypton from xenon by cryogenic distillation to the ppq level

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aprile, E.; Aalbers, J.; Agostini, F.; Alfonsi, M.; Amaro, F. D.; Anthony, M.; Arneodo, F.; Barrow, P.; Baudis, L.; Bauermeister, B.; Benabderrahmane, M. L.; Berger, T.; Breur, P. A.; Brown, A.; Brown, E.; Bruenner, S.; Bruno, G.; Budnik, R.; Bütikofer, L.; Calvén, J.; Cardoso, J. M. R.; Cervantes, M.; Cichon, D.; Coderre, D.; Colijn, A. P.; Conrad, J.; Cussonneau, J. P.; Decowski, M. P.; de Perio, P.; Di Gangi, P.; Di Giovanni, A.; Diglio, S.; Duchovni, E.; Eurin, G.; Fei, J.; Ferella, A. D.; Fieguth, A.; Franco, D.; Fulgione, W.; Gallo Rosso, A.; Galloway, M.; Gao, F.; Garbini, M.; Geis, C.; Goetzke, L. W.; Grandi, L.; Greene, Z.; Grignon, C.; Hasterok, C.; Hogenbirk, E.; Huhmann, C.; Itay, R.; Kaminsky, B.; Kessler, G.; Kish, A.; Landsman, H.; Lang, R. F.; Lellouch, D.; Levinson, L.; Calloch, M. Le; Lin, Q.; Lindemann, S.; Lindner, M.; Lopes, J. A. M.; Manfredini, A.; Maris, I.; Undagoitia, T. Marrodán; Masbou, J.; Massoli, F. V.; Masson, D.; Mayani, D.; Meng, Y.; Messina, M.; Micheneau, K.; Miguez, B.; Molinario, A.; Murra, M.; Naganoma, J.; Ni, K.; Oberlack, U.; Orrigo, S. E. A.; Pakarha, P.; Pelssers, B.; Persiani, R.; Piastra, F.; Pienaar, J.; Piro, M.-C.; Pizzella, V.; Plante, G.; Priel, N.; Rauch, L.; Reichard, S.; Reuter, C.; Rizzo, A.; Rosendahl, S.; Rupp, N.; Saldanha, R.; Santos, J. M. F. dos; Sartorelli, G.; Scheibelhut, M.; Schindler, S.; Schreiner, J.; Schumann, M.; Lavina, L. Scotto; Selvi, M.; Shagin, P.; Shockley, E.; Silva, M.; Simgen, H.; Sivers, M. v.; Stein, A.; Thers, D.; Tiseni, A.; Trinchero, G.; Tunnell, C.; Upole, N.; Wang, H.; Wei, Y.; Weinheimer, C.; Wulf, J.; Ye, J.; Zhang, Y.; Cristescu, I.

2017-05-01

The XENON1T experiment aims for the direct detection of dark matter in a detector filled with 3.3 tons of liquid xenon. In order to achieve the desired sensitivity, the background induced by radioactive decays inside the detector has to be sufficiently low. One major contributor is the β -emitter ^{85}Kr which is present in the xenon. For XENON1T a concentration of natural krypton in xenon ^{nat}Kr/Xe < 200 ppq (parts per quadrillion, 1 ppq =10^{-15} mol/mol) is required. In this work, the design, construction and test of a novel cryogenic distillation column using the common McCabe-Thiele approach is described. The system demonstrated a krypton reduction factor of 6.4\\cdot 10^5 with thermodynamic stability at process speeds above 3 kg/h. The resulting concentration of ^{nat}Kr/Xe<26 ppq is the lowest ever achieved, almost one order of magnitude below the requirements for XENON1T and even sufficient for future dark matter experiments using liquid xenon, such as XENONnT and DARWIN.

Four-body interaction energy for compressed solid krypton from quantum theory.

PubMed

Tian, Chunling; Wu, Na; Liu, Fusheng; Saxena, Surendra K; Zheng, Xingrong

2012-07-28

The importance of the four-body contribution in compressed solid krypton was first evaluated using the many-body expansion method and the coupled cluster theory with full single and double excitations plus perturbative treatment of triples. All different four-atom clusters existing in the first- and second-nearest neighbor shells of face-centered cubic krypton were considered, and both self-consistent-field Hartree-Fock and correlation parts of the four-body interaction were accurately determined from the ambient conditions up to eightfold volume compression. We find that the four-body interaction energy is negative at compression ratio lower than 2, where the dispersive forces play a dominant role. With increasing the compression, the four-body contribution becomes repulsive and significantly cancels the over-softening effects of the three-body potential. The obtained equation of state (EOS) was compared with the experiments and the density-functional theory calculations. It shows that combination of the four-body effects with two- and three-body interactions leads to an excellent agreement with EOS measurements throughout the whole experimental range 0-130 GPa, and extends the prediction to 300 GPa.

Diagnosis of high-temperature implosions using low- and high-opacity Krypton lines

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yaakobi, B.; Epstein, R.; Hooper, C.F. Jr.

1996-04-01

High-temperature laser target implosions can be achieved by using relatively thin-shell targets, and they can be. diagnosed by doping the fuel with krypton and measuring K-shell and L-shell lines. Electron temperatures of up to 5 keV at modest compressed densities ({approximately}1-5g/cm{sup 3}) are predicted for such experiments, with ion temperatures peaking above 10 keV at the center. It is found that the profiles of low-opacity (optically thin) lines in the expected density range are dominated by the Doppler broadening and can provide a measurement of the ion temperature if spectrometers of spectral resolution {Delta}{lambda}/{lambda} {ge} 1000 are used. For high-opacitymore » lines, obtained with a higher krypton fill pressure, the measurement of the escape factor can yield the {rho}R of the compressed fuel. At higher densities, Stark broadening of low-opacity lines becomes important and can provide a density measurement, whereas lines of higher opacity can be used to estimate the extent of mixing.« less

Radio-Krypton Dating with 20kg of Water or Ice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hu, S. M.; Gu, J. Q.; Jiang, W.; Lu, Z. T.; Ritterbusch, F.; Yang, G. M.

2016-12-01

Long-lived noble-gas isotopes 85Kr (10.8 y), 39Ar (269 y) and 81Kr (229 ky) are ideal tracers for dating environmental samples such as groundwater and ice. Together with 14C, these nuclides can be used to cover the whole range of 100 - 106 y. To meet the increasing demands from the earth science community, a new, improved ATTA apparatus for radio-krypton analysis is being developed at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC). From 2017, this instrument will be capable to analyze several hundred samples per year and also reduce the sample requirement to 1-2.5 μL STP of krypton gas, which can be extracted from 20-50 kg of water or 8-20 kg of ice. In parallel, a new sampling machine for use in the field is under test at USTC, which weighs less than 20kg and can be carried by one person. With this new dating tool sharpened, we believe that many more interesting applications can be carried out in collaboration with the earth science communities. (http://atta.ustc.edu.cn)

Laser weldability of 21Cr-6Ni-9Mn stainless steel: Part II - Weldability diagrams

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Tate, Stephen B.; Javernick, Daniel Anthony; Lienert, Thomas J.

In this second part of the study, weldability diagrams developed to relate solidification crack susceptibility and chemical composition for laser welded type 21Cr-6Ni-9Mn (21-6-9) stainless steel are presented. Sigmajig testing on 14 commercial 21-6-9 alloys, 20 experimental 21-6-9 alloys, and 7 other high-N, high-Mn austenitic stainless steels was used to develop weldability diagrams for solidification crack susceptibility for laser welding of type 21-6-9. Three travel speeds were used to show the changes in minimum Cr eq/Ni eq for primary ferrite solidification as solidification rate increase d with travel speed . Primary austenite solidification was observed below 1.55 Cr eq/Ni eqmore » (Espy equivalents) at 21 mm/s travel speed. At 42 mm/s travel speed , a mix of solidification modes were displayed for alloys from 1.55-1.75 Cr eq/Ni eq. Primary ferrite solidification was observed above 1.75 Cr eq/Ni eq at both 42 and 85 mm/s travel speeds. No solidification cracking was observed for alloys with primary ferrite solidification. Lastly, variable cracking behavior was found in alloys with primary austenite solidification, but in general cracking was observed in alloys with greater than 0.02 wt-% combined impurity content according to (P+0.2S).« less

Laser weldability of 21Cr-6Ni-9Mn stainless steel: Part II - Weldability diagrams

DOE PAGES

Tate, Stephen B.; Javernick, Daniel Anthony; Lienert, Thomas J.; ...

2016-11-02

In this second part of the study, weldability diagrams developed to relate solidification crack susceptibility and chemical composition for laser welded type 21Cr-6Ni-9Mn (21-6-9) stainless steel are presented. Sigmajig testing on 14 commercial 21-6-9 alloys, 20 experimental 21-6-9 alloys, and 7 other high-N, high-Mn austenitic stainless steels was used to develop weldability diagrams for solidification crack susceptibility for laser welding of type 21-6-9. Three travel speeds were used to show the changes in minimum Cr eq/Ni eq for primary ferrite solidification as solidification rate increase d with travel speed . Primary austenite solidification was observed below 1.55 Cr eq/Ni eqmore » (Espy equivalents) at 21 mm/s travel speed. At 42 mm/s travel speed , a mix of solidification modes were displayed for alloys from 1.55-1.75 Cr eq/Ni eq. Primary ferrite solidification was observed above 1.75 Cr eq/Ni eq at both 42 and 85 mm/s travel speeds. No solidification cracking was observed for alloys with primary ferrite solidification. Lastly, variable cracking behavior was found in alloys with primary austenite solidification, but in general cracking was observed in alloys with greater than 0.02 wt-% combined impurity content according to (P+0.2S).« less

Solidification Sequence of Spray-Formed Steels

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zepon, Guilherme; Ellendt, Nils; Uhlenwinkel, Volker; Bolfarini, Claudemiro

2016-02-01

Solidification in spray-forming is still an open discussion in the atomization and deposition area. This paper proposes a solidification model based on the equilibrium solidification path of alloys. The main assumptions of the model are that the deposition zone temperature must be above the alloy's solidus temperature and that the equilibrium liquid fraction at this temperature is reached, which involves partial remelting and/or redissolution of completely solidified droplets. When the deposition zone is cooled, solidification of the remaining liquid takes place under near equilibrium conditions. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy (OM) were used to analyze the microstructures of two different spray-formed steel grades: (1) boron modified supermartensitic stainless steel (SMSS) and (2) D2 tool steel. The microstructures were analyzed to determine the sequence of phase formation during solidification. In both cases, the solidification model proposed was validated.

Tracing time scales of fluid residence and migration in the crust (Invited)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Yokochi, R.; Sturchio, N. C.; Purtschert, R.; Jiang, W.; Lu, Z.; Müller, P.; Yang, G.; Kennedy, B. M.

2013-12-01

Crustal fluids (water, gas and oil) mediate chemical reactions, and they may transport, concentrate or disperse elements in the crust; the fluids are often valuable resources in their own right. In this context, determining the time scales of fluid transport and residence time is essential for understanding geochemical cycle of elements, as well as risk and resource management. Crustal fluids contain stable and radioactive noble gases indigenous to the fluid, which may be of magmatic or atmospheric origin of various ages. In addition, radiogenic and nucleogenic noble gases (both stable and radioactive) are continuously produced by the decay of U, Th and K and related nuclear reactions in the crust at known rates and in known relative proportions. They may be released from their production sites and incorporated into the fluid, acting as natural spikes to trace fluid flow. The concentrations of a noble gas isotope in a crustal fluid in a system devoid of phase separation or mixing varies as a function of decay time and supply from the production sites into the fluids. The release rate of noble gases from the production sites in minerals to the fluid phase may be determined uniquely through the studies of noble gas radionuclides (Yokochi et al., 2012), which is fundamental to the behavior of volatile elements in geochemistry. A pilot study of noble gas radionuclides in an active geothermal system was performed at Yellowstone National Park (Yokochi et al., 2013). Prior studies of the Yellowstone system using stable noble gas isotopes show that the thermal fluids contain a mixture of atmospheric, mantle, and crustal components. Noble gas radionuclide measurements provide new chronometric constraints regarding the subsurface residence times of Yellowstone thermal fluids. Upper limits on deep thermal fluid mean residence times, estimated from 39Ar/40Ar* ratios, range from 118 to 137 kyr for features in the Gibbon and Norris Geyser Basin areas, and are about 16 kyr in Lower Geyser Basin, with the key assumption that the fluid acquires its crustal component of Ar in Quaternary volcanic rock of the Yellowstone caldera. Krypton-81 isotopic abundances in the gas samples yield upper limits on residence time that are consistent with those obtained from 39Ar/40Ar* ratios. Young fluid components can also be determined by krypton-85 concentrations in the extracted gases. Better understanding of the production mechanisms of noble-gas radionuclides in reservoir rocks would significantly decrease the uncertainties in modeling fluid residence times.

Processing of alnico permanent magnets by advanced directional solidification methods

DOE PAGES

Zou, Min; Johnson, Francis; Zhang, Wanming; ...

2016-07-05

Advanced directional solidification methods have been used to produce large (>15 cm length) castings of Alnico permanent magnets with highly oriented columnar microstructures. In combination with subsequent thermomagnetic and draw thermal treatment, this method was used to enable the high coercivity, high-Titanium Alnico composition of 39% Co, 29.5% Fe, 14% Ni, 7.5% Ti, 7% Al, 3% Cu (wt%) to have an intrinsic coercivity (H ci) of 2.0 kOe, a remanence (B r) of 10.2 kG, and an energy product (BH) max of 10.9 MGOe. These properties compare favorably to typical properties for the commercial Alnico 9. Directional solidification of highermore » Ti compositions yielded anisotropic columnar grained microstructures if high heat extraction rates through the mold surface of at least 200 kW/m 2 were attained. This was achieved through the use of a thin walled (5 mm thick) high thermal conductivity SiC shell mold extracted from a molten Sn bath at a withdrawal rate of at least 200 mm/h. However, higher Ti compositions did not result in further increases in magnet performance. Images of the microstructures collected by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) reveal a majority α phase with inclusions of secondary αγ phase. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) reveals that the α phase has a spinodally decomposed microstructure of FeCo-rich needles in a NiAl-rich matrix. In the 7.5% Ti composition the diameter distribution of the FeCo needles was bimodal with the majority having diameters of approximately 50 nm with a small fraction having diameters of approximately 10 nm. The needles formed a mosaic pattern and were elongated along one <001> crystal direction (parallel to the field used during magnetic annealing). Cu precipitates were observed between the needles. Regions of abnormal spinodal morphology appeared to correlate with secondary phase precipitates. The presence of these abnormalities did not prevent the material from displaying superior magnetic properties in the 7.5% Ti composition. As a result, higher Ti compositions did not display the preferred spinodal microstructure, explaining their inferior magnetic properties.« less

Numerical Modeling of Solidification in Space With MEPHISTO-4. Part 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Simpson, James E.; Yoa, Minwu; deGroh, Henry C., III; Garimella, V. Suresh

1998-01-01

A pre-flight analysis of the directional solidification of BiSn with MEPHISTO-4 is presented. Simplified Bridgman growth under microgravity conditions is simulated using a two dimensional finite element model. This numerical model is a single domain, pseudo-steady state model, and includes the effects of both thermal and solutal convection. The results show that for all orientations of the applied steady state gravity vector, of magnitude 1 micro-g, the directional solidification process remains diffusion controlled. The maximum convective velocity was found to be 4.424 x 10(exp -5) cm/s for the horizontal Bridgman growth configuration. This value is an order of magnitude lower than the growth velocity. The maximum and minimum values or solute concentration in the liquid at the crystal-melt interface were 13.867 at.% and 13.722 at.%, respectively. This gives a radial segregation value of xi = 1.046% at the interface. A secondary objective of this work was to compare the results obtained to those that consider thermal convection only (no solutal convection). It was found that the convective flow patterns in simulations which included solutal convection were significantly different from those which ignored solutal convection. The level of radial segregation predicted by the current simulations is an order of magnitude lower than that found in simulations which ignore solutal convection. The final aim was to investigate the effect of g-jitter on the crystal growth process. A simulation was performed to calculate the system response to a 1 second, 100 micro-g gravity impulse acting normal to the direction of growth. This pulse is consistent with that induced by Orbiter thruster firings. The results obtained indicate that such a gravity pulse causes an increase in the level of radial solute segregation at the interface from the steady state values. The maximum value of solute concentration in the liquid was found to be 13.888 at.%, the minimum value calculated was 13.706 at.%, yielding a radial segregation value of xi = 1.31% at the interface. These values occurred 126 seconds after the pulse terminated. Thus it is anticipated that the process will remain diffusion controlled even when subjected to such g-jitter.

Effects of Planetary Thermal Structure on the Ascent and Cooling of Magma on Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sakimoto, Susan E. H.; Zuber, Maria T.

1995-01-01

Magellan radar images of the surface of Venus show a spatially broad distribution of volcanic features. Models of magmatic ascent processes to planetary surfaces indicate that the thermal structure of the interior significantly influences the rate of magmatic cooling and thus the amount of magma that can be transported to the surface before solidification. In order to understand which aspects of planetary thermal structure have the greatest influence on the cooling of buoyantly ascending magma, we have constructed magma cooling profiles for a plutonic ascent mechanism, and evaluated the profiles for variations in the surface and mantle temperature, surface temperature gradient, and thermal gradient curvature. Results show that, for a wide variety of thermal conditions, smaller and slower magma bodies are capable of reaching the surface on Venus compared to Earth, primarily due to the higher surface temperature of Venus. Little to no effect on the cooling and transport of magma are found to result from elevated mantle temperatures, elevation-dependent surface temperature variations, or details of the thermal gradient curvature. The enhanced tendency of magma to reach the surface on Venus may provide at least a partial explanation for the extensive spatial distribution of observed volcanism on the surface.

Casting And Solidification Technology (CAST): Directional solidification phenomena in a metal model at reduced gravity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mccay, M. H.

1988-01-01

The Casting and Solidification Technology (CAST) experiment will study the phenomena that occur during directional solidification of an alloy, e.g., constitutional supercooling, freckling, and dendrite coarsening. The reduced gravity environment of space will permit the individual phenomena to be examined with minimum complication from buoyancy driven flows.

Simulation Computation of 430 Ferritic Stainless Steel Solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pang, Ruipeng; Li, Changrong; Wang, Fuming; Hu, Lifu

The solidification structure of 430 ferritic stainless steel has been calculated in the solidification process by using 3D-CAFE model under the condition of water cooling. The calculated results consistent with those obtained from experiment. Under watercooling condition, the solidification structure consists of chilled layer, columnar grain zone, transition zone and equiaxed grain zone.

Adsorptive Separation and Sequestration of Krypton, I and C14 on Diamond Nanoparticles

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ghosh, Tushar; Loyalka, Sudarsha; Prelas, Mark

The objective of this research proposal was to address the separation and sequestration of Kr and I from each other using nano-sized diamond particles and retaining these in diamond until they decay to the background level or can be used as a byproduct. Following removal of Kr and I, an adsorbent will be used to adsorb and store CO2 from the CO2 rich stream. A Field Enhanced Diffusion with Optical Activation (FEDOA-a large scale process that takes advantage of thermal, electrical, and optical activation to enhance the diffusion of an element into diamond structure) was used to load Kr andmore » I on micron or nano sized particles having a larger relative surface area. The diamond particles can be further increased by doping it with boron followed by irradiation in a neutron flux. Previous studies showed that the hydrogen storage capacity could be increased significantly by using boron-doped irradiated diamond particles. Diamond powders were irradiated for a longer time by placing them in a quartz tube. The surface area was measured using a Quantachrome Autosorb system. No significant increase in the surface area was observed. Total surface area was about 1.7 m2/g. This suggests the existence of very minimal pores. Interestingly it showed hysteresis upon desorption. A reason for this may be strong interaction between the surface and the nitrogen molecules. Adsorption runs at higher temperatures did not show any adsorption of krypton on diamond. Use of a GC with HID detector to determine the adsorption capacity from the breakthrough curves was attempted, but experimental difficulties were encountered.« less

Mushy zone modeling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Glicksman, Martin E.; Smith, Richard N.; Marsh, Steven P.; Kuklinski, Robert

A key element of mushy zone modeling is the description of the microscopic evolution of the lengthscales within the mushy zone and the influence of macroscopic transport processes. This paper describes some recent progress in developing a mean-field statistical theory of phase coarsening in adiabatic mushy zones. The main theoretical predictions are temporal scaling laws that indicate that average lengthscale increases as time 1/3, a self-similar distribution of mushy zone lengthscales based on spherical solid particle shapes, and kinetic rate constants which provide the dependences of the coarsening process on material parameters and the volume fraction of the solid phase. High precision thermal decay experiments are described which verify aspects of the theory in pure material mushy zones held under adiabatic conditions. The microscopic coarsening theory is then integrated within a macroscopic heat transfer model of one-dimensional alloy solidification, using the Double Integral Method. The method demonstrates an ability to predict the influence of macroscopic heat transfer on the evolution of primary and secondary dendrite arm spacings in Al-Cu alloys. Finally, some suggestions are made for future experimental and theoretical studies required in developing comprehensive solidification processing models.

Simulation of Gravity Effects on Bulk Crystal Growth with Effects on undercooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chuang, S.-H.; Lu, M.-F.

For the production of a perfect single crystal by Bridgman, it is important to acquire the correct information about the heat transfer mechanism and to control the heat transfer in the Bridgman furnace. Because the quality of the crystal is closely related to its thermal history and the transport phenomena in the furnace. Ma et al. (2004) presented that faceting simulation of bulk crystal growth with undercooling method. Lan et al. (2003) developed a new model to study heat flow and facet formation in Bridgman growth with the undercooling satisfied the given growth mechanism. Considering the gravity effects added kinetic undercooling is thus developed. Heat conduction, convection and radiation are considered and coupled with the two-dimensional transient undercooling simulation. The solidification interface temperature is related to the undercooling along the interface and the melting temperature. In this investigation, we are going to apply the developed model to simulate interface in vertical Bridgman crystal growth process for yttrium aluminum garnet subjected to the normal gravity to microgravity. Also, it discusses the effect upon the shape and the propagation of the solidification crystal front.

Simultaneous Synchrotron WAXD and Fast Scanning (Chip) Calorimetry: On the (Isothermal) Crystallization of HDPE and PA11 at High Supercoolings and Cooling Rates up to 200 °C s(-1).

PubMed

Baeten, Dorien; Mathot, Vincent B F; Pijpers, Thijs F J; Verkinderen, Olivier; Portale, Giuseppe; Van Puyvelde, Peter; Goderis, Bart

2015-06-01

An experimental setup, making use of a Flash DSC 1 prototype, is presented in which materials can be studied simultaneously by fast scanning calorimetry (FSC) and synchrotron wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD). Accumulation of multiple, identical measurements results in high quality, millisecond WAXD patterns. Patterns at every degree during the crystallization and melting of high density polyethylene at FSC typical scanning rates from 20 up to 200 °C s(-1) are discussed in terms of the temperature and scanning rate dependent material crystallinities and crystal densities. Interestingly, the combined approach reveals FSC thermal lag issues, for which can be corrected. For polyamide 11, isothermal solidification at high supercooling yields a mesomorphic phase in less than a second, whereas at very low supercooling crystals are obtained. At intermediate supercooling, mixtures of mesomorphic and crystalline material are generated at a ratio proportional to the supercooling. This ratio is constant over the isothermal solidification time. © 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

High-temperature calibration of a multi-anvil high pressure apparatus

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sokol, Alexander G.; Borzdov, Yury M.; Palyanov, Yury N.; Khokhryakov, Alexander F.

2015-04-01

Fusion and solidification of Al and Ag samples, as well as Fe93-Al3-C4, Fe56-Co37-Al3-C4, and Fe57.5-Co38-Al1-Pb0.5-C3 alloys (in wt%), have been investigated at 6.3 GPa. Heater power jumps due to heat consumption and release on metal fusion and solidification, respectively, were used to calibrate the thermal electromotive force of the thermocouple against the melting points (mp) for Ag and Al. Thus, obtained corrections are +100°C (for sample periphery) and +65°C (center) within the 1070-1320°C range. For small samples positioned randomly in the low-gradient zone of a high pressure cell, the corrections should be +80°C and +84°C at the temperatures 1070°C and 1320°C, respectively. The temperature contrast recorded in the low-gradient cell zone gives an error about ±17°C. The method has been applied to identify the mp of the systems, which is especially important for temperature-gradient growth of large type IIa synthetic diamonds.

Directional Solidification of Bi-Sn on USMP-4

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Abbaschian, Reza; deGroh, H., III; Leonardi, E.; Timchenko, V.; deVahlDavis, G.

1999-01-01

The experiments used MEPHISTO hardware to study the solidification and melting behavior of bismuth alloyed with 1 at% tin. Three samples, each approximately 900 mm long and 6mm in diameter, were used. A portion of each sample also included a 2 mm diameter growth capillary, to assist in the formation of a single grain. One sample provided the Seebeck voltage generated during melting and freezing processes. Another provided temperature data and Peltier pulsed demarcation of the interface shape for post flight analysis. The third sample provided resistance and growth velocity measurements, as well as additional thermal data. The third sample was also quenched at the end of the mission to preserve the composition of the liquid near the interface for post flight determination. A total of 450mm of directionally solidified samples were preserved for post mission structural and compositional characterization. Substantial differences were observed in the Seebeck signal between the ground-based experiments and the space-based experiments. The temperature gradient in the liquid for the ground-based experiments was significantly lower than the temperature gradient in the liquid for the space-based experiments.

Investigation into the artificial ageing effects on the microstructure of an industrial solid waste treated with cement.

PubMed

Choura, M; Keskes, M; Tayibi, H; Rouis, J

2011-04-01

Metal hydroxide sludges are classified as hazardous wastes in the European Hazardous Waste Catalogue (EHWC) because of their high heavy metal contents (Zn, Cr, Fe, Cu, etc.) and the release of these pollutants to the environment. Thereby, the disposal of this waste without any treatment is a substantial environmental problem. Stabilization/solidification technologies are widely used for the treatment of wastes and residues in order to obtain inert materials. This work aims to assess the effectiveness of the chemical fixation and solidification of a metal hydroxide sludge generated by the electrotyping surface treatment industry, using Portland Artificial Cement. In order to predict the medium- and long-term behaviour of the solidified waste, an artificial ageing by means of thermal shocks and humidity variation cycles was applied. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X-ray Diffraction studies revealed a considerable increase in calcite within the solid matrix after the artificial ageing, which can be attributed to the phenomenon of carbonation. It was also found that the mechanical properties of the solidified material, after ageing, were improved by up to 30%.

CSD Fans and Disjointed CSD Bundles: Recovery of The Spatial Sample Locations from CSD Ensembles

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marsh, B. D.; Zieg, M. J.

2001-05-01

Volcanic rock captures magmatic time through eruption and quenching, but its spatial connection to the parent magma has been scrambled. It is an aliquot of magma from an unknown position within the magmatic body, and its relation to other coeval and comagmatic samples is also unknown. P-T determinations, although invaluable are not precise enough to arrange successive samples with any real certainty within the magmatic regime. This is a severe limitation in using lavas to infer magma chamber processes. We have developed a technique that allows the relative spatial order of comagmatic samples in the magmatic environment to be recovered. The method rests on a recent advance in CSD analysis. We have been able to show that CSD slope (S) and intercept (I) are linked through a universal relation (Zieg and Marsh, 2001, sub. J. Pet.). The CSDs of all igneous rocks fall on this I-S curve. Moreover, it can also be shown that CSD slope is inversely related to mean crystal size (S=1/Lm) and also that mean crystal size is the product of mean growth rate (G) and solidification time (Dt). That is, Lm = GDt. (The exact form of this growth law is completely arbitrary.). Because the rate of solidification front (SF) advance decreases as it propagates inward, local solidification time increases and so does mean crystal size, but nucleation rate must, in accordance with the universal I-S relation, decrease. The CSD slope thus must decrease systematically inward in the body, and a series of spatially contiguous CSDs thus form a fan. (This solves the mystery of CSD pivot points and of the often noticed correlation between CSD slope and intercept (Marsh et al., 1995 EOS).) A series of fanning CSDs for the Sudbury norite melt sheet match exactly the CSD fan calculated from the I - S relation. CSD slope decreases inward from the margins of the body as Lm increases due to increasing solidification time. Given a set of blind samples from a pluton, the order of the CSDs in a fan determines the relative position of the samples. And the maximum crystal size in each CSD measures the local solidification time, which indicates - through a generalized thermal model (Zieg & Marsh, 2001) - the true position in the body. That similar CSD fans are also found in active magmatic systems can be seen from the CSDs through the active upper SF of Makaopuhi lava lake (Cashman & Marsh, 1988). Here, however, the order of the fan is reversed. The steepest slope (smallest crystals) is deepest in the body, closest to the liquidus. Maximum crystal size and crystallinity decrease inward (increasing depth), and the order of the CSDs in the fan thus give the sample order within the SF. The reverse orders of active SF and pluton CSD fans are reconciled by realizing that the pluton CSD is set at the solidus, which means that the CSD continues to decrease in slope with increasing crystallization until it reaches the limit set by the thermal regime at the exact spatial position of the present solidus. This is a fundamentally important realization. It means that, because SFs reflect a thermal gradient, CSD fans record the progress of SFs. Many comagmatic volcanic suites (e.g., OPD 504B, Atka, Dome Mtn.) also show similar CSD fans. CSDs in comagmatic lava sequences that do not fall into a fan or belong to another fan may represent separate batches of the same parent body or different magmas with different histories. These CSDs often fall into two groups: Those of similar slope and different intercept and those of the same intercept but different slope. We call these disjointed bundles and discuss their interpretation.

Effect of the fcc-hcp martensitic transition on the equation of state of solid krypton up to 140 GPa

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rosa, A. D.; Garbarino, G.; Briggs, R.; Svitlyk, V.; Morard, G.; Bouhifd, M. A.; Jacobs, J.; Irifune, T.; Mathon, O.; Pascarelli, S.

2018-03-01

Solid krypton (Kr) undergoes a pressure-induced martensitic phase transition from a face-centered cubic (fcc) to a hexagonal close-packed (hcp) structure. These two phases coexist in a very wide pressure domain inducing important modifications of the bulk properties of the resulting mixed phase system. Here, we report a detailed in situ x-ray diffraction and absorption study of the influence of the fcc-hcp phase transition on the compression behavior of solid krypton in an extended pressure domain up to 140 GPa. The onset of the hcp-fcc transformation was observed in this study at around 2.7 GPa and the coexistence of these two phases up to 140 GPa, the maximum investigated pressure. The appearance of the hcp phase is also evidenced by the pressure-induced broadening and splitting of the first peak in the XANES spectra. We demonstrate that the transition is driven by a continuous nucleation and intergrowth of nanometric hcp stacking faults that evolve in the fcc phase. These hcp stacking faults are unaffected by high-temperature annealing, suggesting that plastic deformation is not at their origin. The apparent small Gibbs free-energy differences between the two structures that decrease upon compression may explain the nucleation of hcp stacking faults and the large coexistence domain of fcc and hcp krypton. We observe a clear anomaly in the equation of state of the fcc solid at ˜20 GPa when the proportion of the hcp form reaches ˜20 % . We demonstrate that this anomaly is related to the difference in stiffness between the fcc and hcp phases and propose two distinct equation of states for the low and high-pressure regimes.

Development of Mullite Substrates and Containers

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sibold, J. D.

1979-01-01

The mullite-molten silicon interaction was evaluated through fabrication of a series of bodies made with variations in density, alumina-silica ratio, and glass-crystalline ratio. The materials were tested in a sessile drop technique. None of the variations stood up to extended exposure to molten silicon sufficiently to be recommended as a container material. However, directional solidification experiments suggest that, under proper conditions, contamination of the silicon by mullite containers can be minimized. To improve an already good thermal expansion match between mullite and silicon, compositional variations were studied. Altering of the alumina-silica ratio was determined to give a continuously varying thermal expansion. A standard mullite composition was selected and substrates 40 x 4 x .040 inches were fabricated. Slotted substrates of various configurations and various compositions were also fabricated.

Solidification/Stabilization Resource Guide

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

This Solidification/Stabilization Resource Guide is intended to inform site cleanup managers of recently-published materials such as field reports and guidance documents that address issues relevant to solidification/stabilization technologies.

The Solidification of Multicomponent Alloys

PubMed Central

Boettinger, William J.

2017-01-01

Various topics taken from the author’s research portfolio that involve multicomponent alloy solidification are reviewed. Topics include: ternary eutectic solidification and Scheil-Gulliver paths in ternary systems. A case study of the solidification of commercial 2219 aluminum alloy is described. Also described are modifications of the Scheil-Gulliver analysis to treat dendrite tip kinetics and solid diffusion for multicomponent alloys. PMID:28819348

X-ray imaging and controlled solidification of Al-Cu alloys toward microstructures by design

DOE PAGES

Clarke, Amy J.; Tourret, Damien; Imhoff, Seth D.; ...

2015-01-30

X-ray imaging, which permits the microscopic visualization of metal alloy solidification dynamics, can be coupled with controlled solidification to create microstructures by design. In this study, this x-ray image shows a process-derived composite microstructure being made from a eutectic Al-17.1 at.%Cu alloy by successive solidification and remelting steps.

Numerical models of the Earth’s thermal history: Effects of inner-core solidification and core potassium

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Butler, S. L.; Peltier, W. R.; Costin, S. O.

2005-09-01

Recently there has been renewed interest in the evolution of the inner core and in the possibility that radioactive potassium might be found in significant quantities in the core. The arguments for core potassium come from considerations of the age of the inner core and the energy required to sustain the geodynamo [Nimmo, F., Price, G.D., Brodholt, J., Gubbins, D., 2004. The influence of potassium on core and geodynamo evolution. Geophys. J. Int. 156, 363-376; Labrosse, S., Poirier, J.-P., Le Mouël, J.-L., 2001. The age of the inner core. Earth Planet Sci. Lett. 190, 111-123; Labrosse, S., 2003. Thermal and magnetic evolution of the Earth's core. Phys. Earth Planet Int. 140, 127-143; Buffett, B.A., 2003. The thermal state of Earth's core. Science 299, 1675-1677] and from new high pressure physics analyses [Lee, K., Jeanloz, R., 2003. High-pressure alloying of potassium and iron: radioactivity in the Earth's core? Geophys. Res. Lett. 30 (23); Murthy, V.M., van Westrenen, W., Fei, Y.W., 2003. Experimental evidence that potassium is a substantial radioactive heat source in planetary cores. Nature 423, 163-165; Gessmann, C.K., Wood, B.J., 2002. Potassium in the Earth's core? Earth Planet Sci. Lett. 200, 63-78]. The Earth's core is also located at the lower boundary of the convecting mantle and the presence of radioactive heat sources in the core will affect the flux of heat between these two regions and will, as a result, have a significant impact on the Earth's thermal history. In this paper, we present Earth thermal history simulations in which we calculate fluid flow in a spherical shell representing the mantle, coupled with a core of a given heat capacity with varying degrees of internal heating in the form of K40 and varying initial core temperatures. The mantle model includes the effects of the temperature dependence of viscosity, decaying radioactive heat sources, and mantle phase transitions. The core model includes the thermal effects of inner core solidification and we present models for which the final size of the inner core is the same that for the present-day Earth. We compare the results of simulations with and without the effects of inner core solidification and we compare the results of the numerical model with those of a parameterized model. Models with concentrations of potassium in the core of roughly 600 ppm best satisfy the present-day surface heat flow constraint; however, the core temperatures in these models are somewhat high. In addition, we find that models with lesser degrees of heating in the core can also satisfy the surface heat flow constraint provided that the mantle is in a particularly active state. Our models predict a relatively young inner core with the greatest age being 1756 Ma. We demonstrate that models with high core temperatures in the latter part of simulations result in high CMB heat flows which lead to predictions of young inner cores. For fixed initial core temperatures, this leads to a slight decrease in the predicted age of the inner core with increasing concentration of radioactive elements in the core.

Parabolic aircraft solidification experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Workman, Gary L. (Principal Investigator); Smith, Guy A.; OBrien, Susan

1996-01-01

A number of solidification experiments have been utilized throughout the Materials Processing in Space Program to provide an experimental environment which minimizes variables in solidification experiments. Two techniques of interest are directional solidification and isothermal casting. Because of the wide-spread use of these experimental techniques in space-based research, several MSAD experiments have been manifested for space flight. In addition to the microstructural analysis for interpretation of the experimental results from previous work with parabolic flights, it has become apparent that a better understanding of the phenomena occurring during solidification can be better understood if direct visualization of the solidification interface were possible. Our university has performed in several experimental studies such as this in recent years. The most recent was in visualizing the effect of convective flow phenomena on the KC-135 and prior to that were several successive contracts to perform directional solidification and isothermal casting experiments on the KC-135. Included in this work was the modification and utilization of the Convective Flow Analyzer (CFA), the Aircraft Isothermal Casting Furnace (ICF), and the Three-Zone Directional Solidification Furnace. These studies have contributed heavily to the mission of the Microgravity Science and Applications' Materials Science Program.

Thermal History and Crystallinity of Sheet Intrusions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Whittington, A. G.; Nabelek, P. I.; Hofmeister, A.

2011-12-01

Magma emplaced in a sheet intrusion has two potential fates: to crystallize, or quench to glass. Rapidly chilled sheet margins are typically glassy or microcrystalline, while interiors are coarser-grained. The actual textures result from a combination of thermal history and crystallization kinetics, which are related by various feedback mechanisms. The thermal history of cooling sheet intrusions is often approximated using the analytical solution for a semi-infinite half-space, which uses constant thermal properties such as heat capacity (CP), thermal diffusivity (D) and thermal conductivity (k = DρCP), where ρ is density. In reality, both CP and D are strongly T-dependent for glasses and crystals, and melts have higher CP and lower D than crystals or glasses. Another first-order feature ignored in the analytical solution is latent heat of crystallization (ΔHxt), which can be implemented numerically as extra heat capacity over the crystallization interval. For rhyolite melts, D is ~0.5 mm2s-1 and k is ~1.5 Wm-1K-1, which are similar to those of major crustal rock types and granitic protoliths at magmatic temperatures, suggesting that changes in thermal properties accompanying partial melting of the crust should be relatively minor. Numerical models of hot (~920°C liquidus for 0.5 wt.% H2O) shallow rhyolite intrusions indicate that the key difference in thermal history between bodies that quench to obsidian, and those that crystallize, results from the release of latent heat of crystallization, which enables bodies that crystallize to remain at high temperatures for much longer times. The time to solidification is similar in both cases, however, because solidification requires cooling through the glass transition (Tg ~620°C) in the first case, and cooling only to the solidus (~770°C) in the second. For basaltic melts, D is ~0.3 mm2s-1 and k is ~1.0 Wm-1K-1, compared to ~0.6 mm2s-1 and 2.5 Wm-1K-1 for crystalline basalt or peridotite at magmatic temperatures, suggesting that changes in thermal properties accompanying partial melting of the mantle or crystallization of basalt may be important. Numerical models of basaltic sheet intrusions indicate that they will almost always crystallize, even at sheet margins, because their emplacement temperature (~1220°C) is sufficiently high that the country rock adjacent to the sheet will be raised above the Tg of the melt (~650°C). The long period of time spent above Tg, combined with the rapid crystallization kinetics of basaltic melts, ensures that crystallization is near-complete, even if the crystal size is small, except where unusually rapid chilling occurs due to efficient convective or radiative losses (for example subaerial, subaqeous or subglacial lava flows).

Solidification kinetics of a Cu-Zr alloy: ground-based and microgravity experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galenko, P. K.; Hanke, R.; Paul, P.; Koch, S.; Rettenmayr, M.; Gegner, J.; Herlach, D. M.; Dreier, W.; Kharanzhevski, E. V.

2017-04-01

Experimental and theoretical results obtained in the MULTIPHAS-project (ESA-European Space Agency and DLR-German Aerospace Center) are critically discussed regarding solidification kinetics of congruently melting and glass forming Cu50Zr50 alloy samples. The samples are investigated during solidification using a containerless technique in the Electromagnetic Levitation Facility [1]. Applying elaborated methodologies for ground-based and microgravity experimental investigations [2], the kinetics of primary dendritic solidification is quantitatively evaluated. Electromagnetic Levitator in microgravity (parabolic flights and on board of the International Space Station) and Electrostatic Levitator on Ground are employed. The solidification kinetics is determined using a high-speed camera and applying two evaluation methods: “Frame by Frame” (FFM) and “First Frame - Last Frame” (FLM). In the theoretical interpretation of the solidification experiments, special attention is given to the behavior of the cluster structure in Cu50Zr50 samples with the increase of undercooling. Experimental results on solidification kinetics are interpreted using a theoretical model of diffusion controlled dendrite growth.

Cooling Curve Analysis of Micro- and Nanographite Particle-Embedded Salt-PCMs for Thermal Energy Storage Applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sudheer, R.; Prabhu, K. N.

2017-08-01

In recent years, the focus of phase change materials (PCM) research was on the development of salt mixtures with particle additives to improve their thermal energy storage (TES) functionalities. The effect of addition of microsized (50 μm) and nanosized (400 nm) graphite particles on TES parameters of potassium nitrate was analyzed in this work. A novel technique of computer-aided cooling curve analysis was employed here to study the suitability of large inhomogeneous PCM samples. The addition of graphite micro- and nanoparticles reduced the solidification time of the PCM significantly enhancing the heat removal rates, in the first thermal cycle. The benefits of dispersing nanoparticles diminished in successive 10 thermal cycles, and its performance was comparable to the microparticle-embedded PCM thereafter. The decay of TES functionalities on thermal cycling is attributed to the agglomeration of nanoparticles which was observed in SEM images. The thermal diffusivity property of the PCM decreased with addition of graphite particles. With no considerable change in the cooling rates and a simultaneous decrease in thermal diffusivity, it is concluded that the addition of graphite particles increased the specific heat capacity of the PCM. It is also suggested that the additive concentration should not be greater than 0.1% by weight of the PCM sample.

Materials Research in Microgravity 2012

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hyers, R. (Editor); Bojarevis, V. (Editor); Downey, J.; Henein, H. (Editor); Matson, D.; Seidel, A. (Editor); Voss, D. (Editor); SanSoucie, M. (Compiler)

2012-01-01

Reducing gravitational effects such as thermal and solutal buoyancy enables investigation of a large range of different phenomena in materials science. The Symposium on Materials Research in Microgravity involved 6 sessions composed of 39 presentations and 14 posters with contributions from more than 14 countries. The sessions concentrated on four different categories of topics related to ongoing reduced-gravity research. Highlights from this symposium will be featured in the September 2012 issue of JOM. The TMS Materials Processing and Manufacturing Division, Process Technology and Modeling Committee and Solidification Committee sponsored the symposium.

Study of Solidification Cracking in a Transformation-Induced Plasticity-Aided Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Agarwal, G.; Kumar, A.; Gao, H.; Amirthalingam, M.; Moon, S. C.; Dippenaar, R. J.; Richardson, I. M.; Hermans, M. J. M.

2018-04-01

In situ high-temperature laser scanning confocal microscopy is applied to study solidification cracking in a TRIP steel. Solidification cracking was observed in the interdendritic region during the last stage of solidification. Atom probe tomography revealed notable enrichment of phosphorus in the last remaining liquid. Phase field simulations also confirm phosphorus enrichment leading to severe undercooling of more than 160 K in the interdendritic region. In the presence of tensile stress, an opening at the interdendritic region is difficult to fill with the remaining liquid due to low permeability and high viscosity, resulting in solidification cracking.

Noise and Dynamical Pattern Selection in Solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurtze, Douglas A.

1997-01-01

The overall goal of this project was to understand in more detail how a pattern-forming system can adjust its spacing. "Pattern-forming systems," in this context, are nonequilibrium contina whose state is determined by experimentally adjustable control parameter. Below some critical value of the control system then has available to it a range of linearly stable, spatially periodic steady states, each characterized by a spacing which can lie anywhere within some band of values. These systems like directional solidification, where the solidification front is planar when the ratio of growth velocity to thermal gradient is below its critical value, but takes on a cellular shape above critical. They also include systems without interfaces, such as Benard convection, where it is the fluid velocity field which changes from zero to something spatially periodic as the control parameter is increased through its critical value. The basic question to be addressed was that of how the system chooses one of its myriad possible spacings when the control parameter is above critical, and in particular the role of noise in the selection process. Previous work on explosive crystallization had suggested that one spacing in the range should be preferred, in the sense that weak noise should eventually drive the system to that spacing. That work had also suggested a heuristic argument for identifying the preferred spacing. The project had three main objectives: to understand in more detail how a pattern-forming system can adjust its spacing; to investigate how noise drives a system to its preferred spacing; and to extend the heuristic argument for a preferred spacing in explosive crystallization to other pattern-forming systems.

Microstructural Quantification of Rapidly Solidified Undercooled D2 Tool Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Valloton, J.; Herlach, D. M.; Henein, H.; Sediako, D.

2017-10-01

Rapid solidification of D2 tool steel is investigated experimentally using electromagnetic levitation (EML) under terrestrial and reduced gravity conditions and impulse atomization (IA), a drop tube type of apparatus. IA produces powders 300 to 1400 μm in size. This allows the investigation of a large range of cooling rates ( 100 to 10,000 K/s) with a single experiment. On the other hand, EML allows direct measurements of the thermal history, including primary and eutectic nucleation undercoolings, for samples 6 to 7 mm in diameter. The final microstructures at room temperature consist of retained supersaturated austenite surrounded by eutectic of austenite and M7C3 carbides. Rapid solidification effectively suppresses the formation of ferrite in IA, while a small amount of ferrite is detected in EML samples. High primary phase undercoolings and high cooling rates tend to refine the microstructure, which results in a better dispersion of the eutectic carbides. Evaluation of the cell spacing in EML and IA samples shows that the scale of the final microstructure is mainly governed by coarsening. Electron backscattered diffraction (EBSD) analysis of IA samples reveals that IA powders are polycrystalline, regardless of the solidification conditions. EBSD on EML samples reveals strong differences between the microstructure of droplets solidified on the ground and in microgravity conditions. While the former ones are polycrystalline with many different grains, the EML sample solidified in microgravity shows a strong texture with few much larger grains having twinning relationships. This indicates that fluid flow has a strong influence on grain refinement in this system.

Calorimetric Investigation of Thermal Stability of 304H Cu (Fe-17.7Cr-9.3Ni-2.95Cu-0.91Mn-0.58Nb-0.24Si-0.1C-0.12N-Wt Pct) Austenitic Stainless Steel

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tripathy, Haraprasanna; Subramanian, Raju; Hajra, Raj Narayan; Rai, Arun Kumar; Rengachari, Mythili; Saibaba, Saroja; Jayakumar, Tammana

2016-12-01

The sequence of phase instabilities that take place in a Fe-17.7Cr-9.3Ni-0.58Nb-2.95Cu-0.12N (wt pct) austenitic stainless steel (304H Cu grade) as a function of temperature has been investigated using dynamic calorimetry. The results obtained from this investigation are supplemented by Thermocalc-based equilibrium and Scheil-Gulliver nonequilibrium solidification simulation. The following phase transformation sequence is found upon slow cooling from liquid: L → L + γ → L + γ + MX → γ + MX + δ → γ +MX + M23C6 → γ + MX + M23C6 + Cu. Under slow cooling, the solidification follows austenite + ferrite (AF) mode, which is in accordance with Thermocalc prediction and Scheil-Gulliver simulation. However, higher cooling rates result in skeletal δ-ferrite formation, due to increased segregation tendency of Nb and Cr to segregate to interdendritic liquid. The solidification mode is found to depend on combined Nb + Cu content. Experimental estimates of enthalpy change associated with melting and secondary phase precipitation are also obtained. In addition a semi-quantitative study on the dissolution kinetics of M23C6 type carbides has also been investigated. The standard solution treatment at 1413 K (1140 °C) is found to be adequate to dissolve both Cu and M23C6 into γ-austenite; but the complete dissolution of MX type carbonitrides occurs near the melting region.

Development of Graphene Nanoplatelet-Reinforced AZ91 Magnesium Alloy by Solidification Processing

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Kandemir, Sinan

2018-04-01

It is a challenging task to effectively incorporate graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) which have recently emerged as potential reinforcement for strengthening metals into magnesium-based matrices by conventional solidification processes due to their large surface areas and poor wettability. A solidification processing which combines mechanical stirring and ultrasonic dispersion of reinforcements in liquid matrix was employed to develop AZ91 magnesium alloy matrix composites reinforced with 0.25 and 0.5 wt.% GNPs. The microstructural studies conducted with scanning and transmission electron microscopes revealed that fairly uniform distribution and dispersion of GNPs through the matrix were achieved due to effective combination of mechanical and ultrasonic stirring. The GNPs embedded into the magnesium matrix led to significant enhancement in the hardness, tensile strength and ductility of the composites compared to those of unreinforced AZ91 alloy. The strength enhancement was predominantly attributed to the grain refinement by the GNP addition and dislocation generation strengthening due to the coefficient of thermal expansion mismatch between the matrix and reinforcement. The improved ductility was attributed to the refinement of β eutectics by transforming from lamellar to the divorced eutectics due to the GNP additions. In addition, the strengthening efficiency of the composite with 0.25 wt.% GNP was found to be higher than those of the composite with 0.5 wt.% GNP as the agglomeration tendency of GNPs is increased with increasing GNP content. These results were compared with those of the GNP-reinforced magnesium composites reported in the literature, indicating the potential of the process introduced in this study in terms of fabricating light and high-performance metal matrix composites.

Microstructural development during solidification of stainless steel alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Elmer, J. W.; Allen, S. M.; Eagar, T. W.

1989-10-01

The microstructures that develop during the solidification of stainless steel alloys are related to the solidification conditions and the specific alloy composition. The solidification conditions are determined by the processing method, i.e., casting, welding, or rapid solidification, and by parametric variations within each of these techniques. One variable that has been used to characterize the effects of different processing conditions is the cooling rate. This factor and the chemical composition of the alloy both influence (1) the primary mode of solidification, (2) solute redistribution and second-phase formation during solidification, and (3) the nucleation and growth behavior of the ferrite-to-austenite phase transformation during cooling. Consequently, the residual ferrite content and the microstructural morphology depend on the cooling rate and are governed by the solidification process. This paper investigates the influence of cooling rate on the microstructure of stainless steel alloys and describes the conditions that lead to the many microstructural morphologies that develop during solidification. Experiments were performed on a series of seven high-purity Fe-Ni-Cr alloys that spanned the line of twofold saturation along the 59 wt pct Fe isopleth of the ternary alloy system. High-speed electron-beam surface-glazing was used to melt and resolidify these alloys at scan speeds up to 5 m/s. The resulting cooling rates were shown to vary from 7°C/s to 7.5×106°C/s, and the resolidified melts were analyzed by optical metallographic methods. Five primary modes of solidification and 12 microstructural morphologies were characterized in the resolidified alloys, and these features appear to be a complete “set” of the possible microstructures for 300-series stainless steel alloys. The results of this study were used to create electron-beam scan speed vs composition diagrams, which can be used to predict the primary mode of solidification and the microstructural morphology for different processing conditions. Furthermore, changes in the primary solidification mode were observed in alloys that lie on the chromium-rich side of the line of twofold saturation when they are cooled at high rates. These changes were explained by the presence of metastable austenite, which grows epitaxially and can dominate the solidification microstructure throughout the resolidified zone at high cooling rates.

Anatomy of charge-exchange straggling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Sigmund, P.; Osmani, O.; Schinner, A.

2014-11-01

We have studied charge-exchange straggling theoretically for swift krypton and silicon ions and five target gases in the MeV/u energy regime. We find a pronounced two-peak structure for all ion-target combinations. The peak at the highest energy appears around the velocity where the bare ion and the one-electron ion are equally abundant in the equilibrium charge distribution. Correspondingly, the low-energy peak appears near the cross-over between the charge fractions of the two- and the three-electron ion. The possibility of further peaks at lower energies is discussed. Our findings are compared with recent experimental results on straggling of krypton beams.

Materials screening tests for the krypton-85 storage development program

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nagata, P. K.

1981-04-01

The results of a materials testing program for krypton-85 storage techniques are reported. Corrosion and stress corrosion tests were performed on a variety of materials including AISI 4130, Type 316 SS, Type 304 SS, Type 310 SS, Nitronic 50, and alloy A286. Test environments were high-purity liquid rubidium, liquid rubidium contaminated with oxygen, and rubidium hydroxide. Oxygen and water contaminations in liquid rubidium were found to greatly increase both general and localized corrosion of the materials tested. Alloy A286, Type 304 SS, and AISI 4130 were eliminated as candidate materials due to their susceptibility to general corrosion and stress corrosion cracking.

Empirical model for calculating vapor-liquid equilibrium and associated phase enthalpy for the CO$sub 2$--O$sub 2$--Kr--Xe system for application to the KALC process

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Glass, R. W.; Gilliam, T. M.; Fowler, V. L.

An empirical model is presented for vapor-liquid equilibria and enthalpy for the CO$sub 2$-O$sub 2$ system. In the model, krypton and xenon in very low concentrations are combined with the CO$sub 2$-O$sub 2$ system, thereby representing the total system of primary interest in the High-Temperature Gas- Cooled Reactor program for removing krypton from off-gas generated during the reprocessing of spent fuel. Selected properties of the individual and combined components being considered are presented in the form of tables and empirical equations. (auth)

Krypton-81m ventilation scanning: acute respiratory disease

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Lavender, J.P.; Irving, H.; Armstrong, J.D. II

1981-02-01

From experience with 700 patients undergoing ventilation and perfusion lung scanning with krypton-81m/technetium-99m technique, 34 patients suffering from nonembolic acute respiratory disease were selected for review. In 16 patients with pneumonia, all had defects of ventilation corresponding to, or larger than, the radiologic consolidation. In 13 patients there was some preservation of perfusion in the consolidated region. In two of the three patients with matched defects, the pneumonia was of long standing. In seven patients with collapse or atelectasis and in 11 patients with acute reversible bronchial obstruction and normal volume lungs, a similar pattern or ventillation and perfusion wasmore » observed.« less

Temperature Evolution of a 1 MA Triple-Nozzle Gas-Puff Z-Pinch

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

de Grouchy, Philip; Banasek, Jacob; Engelbrecht, Joey; Qi, Niansheng; Atoyan, Levon; Byvank, Tom; Cahill, Adam; Moore, Hannah; Potter, William; Ransohoff, Lauren; Hammer, David; Kusse, Bruce; Laboratory of Plasma Studies Team

2015-11-01

Mitigation of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability (RTI) plays a critical role in optimizing x-ray output at high-energy ~ 13 keV using the triple-nozzle Krypton gas-puff at Sandia National Laboratory. RTI mitigation by gas-puff density profiling using a triple-nozzle gas-puff valve has recently been recently demonstrated on the COBRA 1MA z-pinch at Cornell University. In support of this work we investigate the role of shell cooling in the growth of RTI during gas-puff implosions. Temperature measurements within the imploding plasma shell are recorded using a 527 nm, 10 GW Thomson scattering diagnostic for Neon, Argon and Krypton puffs. The mass-density profile is held constant at 22 microgram per centimeter for all three puffs and the temperature evolution of the imploding material is recorded. In the case of Argon puffs we find that the shell ion and electron effective temperatures remain in equilibrium at around 1keV for the majority of the implosion phase. In contrast scattered spectra from Krypton are dominated by of order 10 keV effective ion temperatures. Supported by the NNSA Stewardship Sciences Academic Programs.

The determination of accurate dipole polarizabilities alpha and gamma for the noble gases

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rice, Julia E.; Taylor, Peter R.; Lee, Timothy J.; Almloef, Jan

1989-01-01

The static dipole polarizabilities alpha and gamma for the noble gases helium through xenon were determined using large flexible one-particle basis sets in conjunction with high-level treatments of electron correlation. The electron correlation methods include single and double excitation coupled-cluster theory (CCSD), an extension of CCSD that includes a perturbational estimate of connected triple excitations, CCSD(T), and second order perturbation theory (MP2). The computed alpha and gamma values are estimated to be accurate to within a few percent. Agreement with experimental data for the static hyperpolarizability gamma is good for neon and xenon, but for argon and krypton the differences are larger than the combined theoretical and experimental uncertainties. Based on our calculations, we suggest that the experimental value of gamma for argon is too low; adjusting this value would bring the experimental value of gamma for krypton into better agreement with our computed result. The MP2 values for the polarizabilities of neon, argon, krypton and zenon are in reasonabe agreement with the CCSD and CCSD(T) values, suggesting that this less expensive method may be useful in studies of polarizabilities for larger systems.

Analysis and calculation of macrosegregation in a casting ingot. MPS solidification model. Volume 3: Operating manual

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maples, A. L.

1980-01-01

The operation of solidification model 1 is described. Model 1 calculates the macrosegregation in a rectangular ingot of a binary alloy as a result of horizontal axisymmetric bidirectional solidification. The calculation is restricted to steady-state solidification; there is no variation in final local average composition in the direction of isotherm movement. The physics of the model are given.

DEMONSTRATION BULLETIN: SOLIDIFICATION/STABILIZATION PROCESS, Hazcon, Inc.

EPA Science Inventory

The solidification/stabilization technology mixes hazardous wastes, cement, water and an additive called Chloranan. Chloranan, a nontoxic chemical, encapsulates organic molecules, rendering them ineffective in retarding or inhibiting solidification. This treatment technol...

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, Sun Ung, E-mail: sunung@umich.edu; Monroe, Charles W., E-mail: cwmonroe@umich.edu

The inverse problem of parameterizing intermolecular potentials given macroscopic transport and thermodynamic data is addressed. Procedures are developed to create arbitrary-precision algorithms for transport collision integrals, using the Lennard-Jones (12–6) potential as an example. Interpolation formulas are produced that compute these collision integrals to four-digit accuracy over the reduced-temperature range 0.3≤T{sup ⁎}≤400, allowing very fast computation. Lennard-Jones parameters for neon, argon, and krypton are determined by simultaneously fitting the observed temperature dependences of their viscosities and second virial coefficients—one of the first times that a thermodynamic and a dynamic property have been used simultaneously for Lennard-Jones parameterization. In addition tomore » matching viscosities and second virial coefficients within the bounds of experimental error, the determined Lennard-Jones parameters are also found to predict the thermal conductivity and self-diffusion coefficient accurately, supporting the value of the Lennard-Jones (12–6) potential for noble-gas transport-property correlation.« less

Design of a Day/Night Lunar Rover

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Berkelman, Peter; Easudes, Jesse; Martin, Martin C.; Rollins, Eric; Silberman, Jack; Chen, Mei; Hancock, John; Mor, Andrew B.; Sharf, Alex; Warren, Tom; Bapna, Deepak

1995-06-01

The pair of lunar rovers discussed in this report will return video and state data to various ventures, including theme park and marketing concerns, science agencies, and educational institutions. The greatest challenge accepted by the design team was to enable operations throughout the extremely cold and dark lunar night, an unprecedented goal in planetary exploration. This is achieved through the use of the emerging technology of Alkali Metal Thermal to Electric Converters (AMTEC), provided with heat from a innovative beta-decay heat source, Krypton-85 gas. Although previous space missions have returned still images, our design will convey panoramic video from a ring of cameras around the rover. A six-wheel rocker bogie mechanism is implemented to propel the rover. The rovers will also provide the ability to safeguard their operation to allow untrained members of the general public to drive the vehicle. Additionally, scientific exploration and educational outreach will be supported with a user operable, steerable and zoomable camera.

Extreme Confinement of Xenon by Cryptophane-111 in the Solid State

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Joseph, Akil I.; Lapidus, Saul H.; Kane, Christopher M.

2014-12-11

Solids that sorb, capture and/or store the heavier noble gases are of interest because of their potential for transformative rare gas separation/production, storage, or recovery technologies. Herein, we report the isolation, crystal structures, and thermal stabilities of a series of xenon and krypton clathrates of (±)-cryptophane-111 (111). One trigonal crystal form, Xe@111•y(solvent), is exceptionally stable, retaining xenon at temperatures of up to about 300 °C. The high kinetic stability is attributable not only to the high xenon affinity and cage-like nature of the host, but also to the crystal packing of the clathrate, wherein each window of the molecular containermore » is blocked by the bridges of adjacent containers, effectively imprisoning the noble gas in the solid state. The results highlight the potential of discrete molecule materials exhibiting intrinsic microcavities or zero-dimensional pores.« less

Additional thermal fatigue data on nickel and cobalt-base superalloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Howes, M. A. H.

1973-01-01

The fluidized bed technique was used to measure the relative thermal fatigue resistance of 21 superalloys: B1900, B1900 DID, IN-100, MAR-M 200, Udimet 700 wrought and cast, NX-188, WAZ-20, TAZ-8A, M22, IN 713C, IN 738, IN 162, MAR-M 509, Rene 80, RBH, NASA VI A, TD-NiCr, MAR-M 302, WI-52, and X-40. IN-100, MAR-M 200, NX-188, WAZ-20 and TAZ-8A were also tested in the directionally solidified form. B1900, B1900 DID, IN-100, MAR-M200, Udimet 700, NX-188, WAZ-20 and TAZ-8A were tested with surface protection. Among the 36 variations of composition, solidification method, and surface protection the cycles to cracking differed by 2 to 3 orders of magnitude. Some alloys suffered serious weight losses and oxidation. Previous fluidized bed thermal fatigue data on some of these alloys were reported in N71-10027. Thermal fatigue data, oxidation, and dimensional changes are reported in N73-30507. Metallographic and hardness data are given in this report.

Investigating gas-phase defect formation in late-stage solidification using a novel phase-field crystal alloy model

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wang, Nan; Smith, Nathan; Provatas, Nikolas

2017-09-01

We study late-stage solidification and the associated formation of defects in alloy materials using a novel model based on the phase-field-crystal technique. It is shown that our model successfully captures several important physical phenomena that occur in the late stages of solidification, including solidification shrinkage, liquid cavitation and microsegregation, all in a single framework. By examining the interplay of solidification shrinkage and solute segregation, this model reveals that the formation of gas pore defects at the late stage of solidification can lead to nucleation of second phase solid particles due to solute enrichment in the eutectic liquid driven by gas-phase nucleation and growth. We also predict a modification of the Gulliver-Scheil equation in the presence of gas pockets in confined liquid pools.

Size-dependent microstructures in rapidly solidified uranium-niobium powder particles

DOE PAGES

McKeown, Joseph T.; Hsiung, Luke L.; Park, Jong M.; ...

2016-06-14

The microstructures of rapidly solidified U-6wt%Nb powder particles synthesized by centrifugal atomization were characterized using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Observed variations in microstructure are related to particle sizes. All of the powder particles exhibited a two-zone microstructure. The formation of this two-zone microstructure is described by a transition from solidification controlled by internal heat flow and high solidification rate during recalescence (micro-segregation-free or partitionless growth) to solidification controlled by external heat flow with slower solidification rates (dendritic growth with solute redistribution). The extent of partitionless solidification increased with decreasing particle size due to larger undercoolings in smallermore » particles prior to solidification. The metastable phases that formed are related to variations in Nb concentration across the particles. Lastly, the microstructures of the powders were heavily twinned.« less

Effect of Material Inhomogeneity on Thermal Performance of a Rheocast Aluminum Heatsink for Electronics Cooling

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Payandeh, M.; Belov, I.; Jarfors, A. E. W.; Wessén, M.

2016-06-01

The relation between microstructural inhomogeneity and thermal conductivity of a rheocast component manufactured from two different aluminum alloys was investigated. The formation of two different primary α-Al particles was observed and related to multistage solidification process during slurry preparation and die cavity filling process. The microstructural inhomogeneity of the component was quantified as the fraction of α 1-Al particles in the primary Al phase. A high fraction of coarse solute-lean α 1-Al particles in the primary Al phase caused a higher thermal conductivity of the component in the near-to-gate region. A variation in thermal conductivity through the rheocast component of 10% was discovered. The effect of an inhomogeneous temperature-dependent thermal conductivity on the thermal performance of a large rheocast heatsink for electronics cooling in an operation environment was studied by means of simulation. Design guidelines were developed to account for the thermal performance of heatsinks with inhomogeneous thermal conductivity, as caused by the rheocasting process. Under the modeling assumptions, the simulation results showed over 2.5% improvement in heatsink thermal resistance when the higher conductivity near-to-gate region was located at the top of the heatsink. Assuming homogeneous thermo-physical properties in a rheocast heatsink may lead to greater than 3.5% error in the estimation of maximum thermal resistance of the heatsink. The variation in thermal conductivity within a large rheocast heatsink was found to be important for obtaining of a robust component design.

Directional Solidification and Liquidus Projection of the Sn-Co-Cu System

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chen, Sinn-Wen; Chang, Jui-Shen; Pan, Kevin; Hsu, Chia-Ming; Hsu, Che-Wei

2013-04-01

This study investigates the Sn-Co-Cu ternary system, which is of interest to the electronics industry. Ternary Sn-Co-Cu alloys were prepared, their as-solidified microstructures were examined, and their primary solidification phases were determined. The primary solidification phases observed were Cu, Co, Co3Sn2, CoSn, CoSn2, Cu6Sn5, Co3Sn2, γ, and β phases. Although there are ternary compounds reported in this ternary system, no ternary compound was found as the primary solidification phase. The directional solidification technique was applied when difficulties were encountered using the conventional quenching method to distinguish the primary solidification phases, such as Cu6Sn5, Cu3Sn, and γ phases. Of all the primary solidification phases, the Co3Sn2 and Co phases have the largest compositional regimes in which alloys display them as the primary solidification phases. There are four class II reactions and four class III reactions. The reactions with the highest and lowest reaction temperatures are both class III reactions, and are L + CoSn2 + Cu6Sn5 = CoSn3 at 621.5 K (348.3 °C) and L + Co3Sn2 + CoSn = Cu6Sn5 at 1157.8 K (884.6 °C), respectively.

Rapid Solidification in Bulk Ti-Nb Alloys by Single-Track Laser Melting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Roehling, John D.; Perron, Aurélien; Fattebert, Jean-Luc; Haxhimali, Tomorr; Guss, Gabe; Li, Tian T.; Bober, David; Stokes, Adam W.; Clarke, Amy J.; Turchi, Patrice E. A.; Matthews, Manyalibo J.; McKeown, Joseph T.

2018-05-01

Single-track laser melting experiments were performed on bulk Ti-Nb alloys to explore process parameters and the resultant macroscopic structure and microstructure. The microstructures in Ti-20Nb and Ti-50Nb (at.%) alloys exhibited cellular growth during rapid solidification, with average cell size of approximately 0.5 µm. Solidification velocities during cellular growth were calculated from images of melt tracks. Measurements of the composition in the cellular and intercellular regions revealed nonequilibrium partitioning and its dependence on velocity during rapid solidification. Experimental results were used to benchmark a phase-field model to describe rapid solidification under conditions relevant to additive manufacturing.

Evolutions of lamellar structure during melting and solidification of Fe9577 nanoparticle from molecular dynamics simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Yongquan; Shen, Tong; Lu, Xionggang

2013-03-01

A structural evolution during solidification and melting processes of nanoparticle Fe9577 was investigated from MD simulations. A perfect lamellar structure, consisting alternately of fcc and hcp layers, was obtained from solidification process. A structural heredity of early embryo is proposed to explain the structural preference of solidification. Defects were found inside the solid core and play the same role as surface premelting on melting. hcp was found more stable than fcc in high temperature. The difference between melting and solidification points can be deduced coming fully from the overcoming of thermodynamic energy barrier, instead of kinetic delay of structural relaxation.

The Solidification Velocity of Undercooled Nickel and Titanium Alloys with Dilute Solute

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Algoso, Paul R.; Altgilbers, A. S.; Hofmeister, William H.; Bayuzick, Robert J.

2003-01-01

The study of solidification velocity is important for two reasons. First, understanding the manner in which the degree of undercooling of the liquid and solidification velocity affect the microstructure of the solid is fundamental. Second, there is disagreement between theoretical predictions of the relationship between undercooling and solidification velocity and experimental results. Thus, the objective of this research is to accurately and systematically quantify the solidification velocity as a function of undercooling for dilute nickel-and titanium-based alloys. The alloys chosen for study cover a wide range of equilibrium partition coefficients, and the results are compared to current theory.

Extended Investigation on the Delicate Correlations Between Thermal Behavior and Physical Characteristics of Multi-component Blends

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shokoohi, Shirin

2015-11-01

Polypropylene (PP)/polyamide6 (PA6)/ethylene propylene diene rubber (EPDM) (70/15/15) ternary polymer blends compatibilized with maleic anhydride-grafted EPDM (EPDM-g-MA) were prepared under various processing parameters (barrel temperature, screw speed, and blending sequence). Thermal studies on the prepared blend samples were carried out using differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. According to the results, heterogeneous nucleation phenomenon was observed due to the solidification of the PA6 particles dispersed within the PP melt leading to a significant increase in the crystallinity degree and exotherm crystallization peak temperature of PP compared to the pure homopolymer. This was suppressed in the samples with core-shell morphology due to the reduced PP/PA6 interfacial contact. Fractionated crystallization was observed when PA6 droplets dispersed too fine within the matrix (in this case bar{d}_M˜ 0.3 \\upmu {m}). Scanning electron microscopy micrographs were consistent with the melting and crystallization behavior of the blend samples.

Modeling of convection, temperature distribution and dendritic growth in glass-fluxed nickel melts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gao, Jianrong; Kao, Andrew; Bojarevics, Valdis; Pericleous, Koulis; Galenko, Peter K.; Alexandrov, Dmitri V.

2017-08-01

Melt flow is often quoted as the reason for a discrepancy between experiment and theory on dendritic growth kinetics at low undercoolings. But this flow effect is not justified for glass-fluxed melts where the flow field is weaker. In the present work, we modeled the thermal history, flow pattern and dendritic structure of a glass-fluxed nickel sample by magnetohydrodynamics calculations. First, the temperature distribution and flow structure in the molten and undercooled melt were simulated by reproducing the observed thermal history of the sample prior to solidification. Then the dendritic structure and surface temperature of the recalescing sample were simulated. These simulations revealed a large thermal gradient crossing the sample, which led to an underestimation of the real undercooling for dendritic growth in the bulk volume of the sample. By accounting for this underestimation, we recalculated the dendritic tip velocities in the glass-fluxed nickel melt using a theory of three-dimensional dendritic growth with convection and concluded an improved agreement between experiment and theory.

The microstructural evolution, crystallography, and thermal processing of ultrahigh carbon Fe-1.85 pct C melt-spun ribbon

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Spanos, G.; Ayers, J. D.; Vold, C. L.; Locci, I. E.

1993-01-01

A study is presented to determine if fine microstructures could be achieved using rapid solidification to produce a fine-grained fully austenitic starting structure and then using thermal processing cycles to produce an even finer ferrite-cementite structure. The evolution, mechanisms of grain refinement, and crystallography of the resultant microstructures were examined by TEM. A thermal processing cycle consisted of quenching the ribbon in liquid nitrogen, tempering at 600 C for 10 sec, 'upquenching' to 750 C for 10 sec, and subsequently quenching again in liquid nitrogen. The heat-treatment resulted in martensite grains with sizes of about 1 micron or less in both length and thickness and cementite particles of 0.4 micron or less. It is concluded that these microstructures could be used for producing fine-grained ultrahigh carbon steels of very high strength without the brittleness associated with the formation of coarse carbide particles of the loss of strength due to graphite formation.

Io: Loki Patera as a Magma Sea

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Matson, Dennis L.; Davies, Ashley Gerard; Veeder, Glenn J.; Rathbun, Julie A.; Johnson, Torrence V.; Castillo, Julie C.

2006-01-01

We develop a physical model for Loki Patera as a magma sea. We calculate the total volume of magma moving through the Loki Patera volcanic system every resurfacing cycle (approx.540 days) and the resulting variation in thermal emission. The rate of magma solidification at times reaches 3 x 10(exp 6) kg per second, with a total solidified volume averaging 100 cu km per year. A simulation of gas physical chemistry evolution yields the crust porosity profile and the timescale when it will become dense enough to founder in a manner consistent with observations. The Loki Patera surface temperature distribution shows that different areas are at different life cycle stages. On a regional scale, however, there can be coordinated activity, indicated by the wave of thermal change which progresses from Loki Patera's SW quadrant toward the NE at a rate of approx.1 km per day. Using the observed surface temperature distribution, we test several mechanisms for resurfacing Loki Patera, finding that resurfacing with lava flows is not realistic. Only the crustal foundering process is consistent with observations. These tests also discovered that sinking crust has a 'heat deficit' which promotes the solidification of additional magma onto the sinking plate ("bulking up"). In the limiting case, the mass of sinking material can increase to a mass of approx.3 times that of the foundering plate. With all this solid matter sinking, there is a compensating upward motion in the liquid magma. This can be in excess of 2 m per year. In this manner, solid-liquid convection is occurring in the sea.

Thermal gelation and tissue adhesion of biomimetic hydrogels

PubMed Central

Burke, Sean A; Ritter-Jones, Marsha; Lee, Bruce P; Messersmith, Phillip B

2008-01-01

Marine and freshwater mussels are notorious foulers of natural and manmade surfaces, secreting specialized protein adhesives for rapid and durable attachment to wet substrates. Given the strong and water-resistant nature of mussel adhesive proteins, significant potential exists for mimicking their adhesive characteristics in bioinspired synthetic polymer materials. An important component of these proteins is L-3,4-dihydroxylphenylalanine (DOPA), an amino acid believed to contribute to mussel glue solidification through oxidation and crosslinking reactions. Synthetic polymers containing DOPA residues have previously been shown to crosslink into hydrogels upon the introduction of oxidizing reagents. Here we introduce a strategy for stimuli responsive gel formation of mussel adhesive protein mimetic polymers. Lipid vesicles with a bilayer melting transition of 37 °C were designed from a mixture of dipalmitoyl and dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholines and exploited for the release of a sequestered oxidizing reagent upon heating from ambient to physiologic temperature. Colorimetric studies indicated that sodium-periodate-loaded liposomes released their cargo at the phase transition temperature, and when used in conjunction with a DOPA-functionalized poly(ethylene glycol) polymer gave rise to rapid solidification of a crosslinked polymer hydrogel. The tissue adhesive properties of this biomimetic system were determined by in situ thermal gelation of liposome/polymer hydrogel between two porcine dermal tissue surfaces. Bond strength measurements showed that the bond formed by the adhesive hydrogel (mean = 35.1 kPa, SD = 12.5 kPa, n = 11) was several times stronger than a fibrin glue control tested under the same conditions. The results suggest a possible use of this biomimetic strategy for repair of soft tissues. PMID:18458476

Space Processing Applications Rocket (SPAR) project, SPAR 9

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Poorman, R. (Compiler)

1984-01-01

SPAR 9 (R-17) payload configuration, rocket performance, payload support, science payload instrumentation, and payload recovery are discussed. Directional solidification of magnetic composites, directional solidification of immiscible aluminum-indium alloys, and comparative alloy solidification experiments are reported.

Modelling direction solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilcox, W. R.

1986-01-01

The overall objective of this program is to develop an improved understanding of some phenomena of importance to directional solidification. The aim of this research is also to help predict differences in behavior between solidification on Earth and solidification in space. In this report, the validity of the Burton-Primslichter equation is explored. The influence of operating variables on grain and twin generation and propagation in single crystals of In sub (x) Ga sub (1-x) Sb is also investigated.

Optimization of Superaustenitic Stainless Steel Filler Metals for Welding Advanced Double Hull Combatant Ships

DTIC Science & Technology

2005-02-16

alloy is also given. The solidification mode of martensitic samples has been omitted and replaced with ’M’. Mo Ni +Cr Cr Ni ... alloys composed predominately of austenite. The four solidification modes present in the remaining 64 alloys , in order of increasing Cr/ Ni content, were...result in Fe- Ni -Cr-Mo alloys from the arc-melt condition. Solidification Solidification Primar- Secondar- Final microstrncture Mode

Application of Solidification Theory to Rapid Solidification Processing

DTIC Science & Technology

1983-08-01

1879 (1982). E 7] W. J. Boettinger, R. J. Schaefer, F. Biancaniello, and D. Shechtman, Met. Trans. A ., to be published. E 8] W. J. Bettinger , S. R...solidification velocity which produce a special "banded" microstructure in Ag-Cu alloys. Related lower bound to theoretical limits on solidification...partitionless rapid solidifi- cation of NiAl-Cr quasibinary eutectic alloy rather than a disordered structure incorporating Ni and Al into Cr randomly

Nanoparticle-induced unusual melting and solidification behaviours of metals

PubMed Central

Ma, Chao; Chen, Lianyi; Cao, Chezheng; Li, Xiaochun

2017-01-01

Effective control of melting and solidification behaviours of materials is significant for numerous applications. It has been a long-standing challenge to increase the melted zone (MZ) depth while shrinking the heat-affected zone (HAZ) size during local melting and solidification of materials. In this paper, nanoparticle-induced unusual melting and solidification behaviours of metals are reported that effectively solve this long-time dilemma. By introduction of Al2O3 nanoparticles, the MZ depth of Ni is increased by 68%, while the corresponding HAZ size is decreased by 67% in laser melting at a pulse energy of 0.18 mJ. The addition of SiC nanoparticles shows similar results. The discovery of the unusual melting and solidification of materials that contain nanoparticles will not only have impacts on existing melting and solidification manufacturing processes, such as laser welding and additive manufacturing, but also on other applications such as pharmaceutical processing and energy storage. PMID:28098147

Experimental Study on the Anisotropic Stress-Strain Behavior of Polycrystalline Ni-Mn-Ga in Directional Solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Teng, Yao; Shi, Tao; Zhu, Yuping; Li, Zongbin; Deng, Tao; Bai, Guonan

2016-03-01

A polycrystalline Ni-Mn-Ga ferromagnetic shape memory alloy produced by directional solidification is the subject of this research paper. The compressive stress-strain curves of the material for different cutting angles to the solidification direction are tested. The martensite Young's modulus, macroscopic reorientation strain, and phase transition critical stress are analyzed experimentally. The results show that mechanical behaviors in the loading-unloading cycle of the material present nonlinear and anisotropic characteristics, which are all closely related to the material's orientation to the solidification direction. The martensite Young's modulus, macroscopic reorientation strain, and phase transition critical stress achieve maximum values in the solidification direction. A 50° orientation to the solidification direction is the cut-off direction of the mechanical properties, where the martensite Young's modulus and reorientation start critical stress reach minimum values. The present study is expected to provide sound guidance for practical applications.

Cooling Rate Determination in Additively Manufactured Aluminum Alloy 2219

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Brice, Craig A.; Dennis, Noah

2015-05-01

Metallic additive manufacturing processes generally utilize a conduction mode, welding-type approach to create beads of deposited material that can be arranged into a three-dimensional structure. As with welding, the cooling rates in the molten pool are relatively rapid compared to traditional casting techniques. Determination of the cooling rate in the molten pool is critical for predicting the solidified microstructure and resultant properties. In this experiment, wire-fed electron beam additive manufacturing was used to melt aluminum alloy 2219 under different thermal boundary conditions. The dendrite arm spacing was measured in the remelted material, and this information was used to estimate cooling rates in the molten pool based on established empirical relationships. The results showed that the thermal boundary conditions have a significant effect on the resulting cooling rate in the molten pool. When thermal conduction is limited due to a small thermal sink, the dendrite arm spacing varies between 15 and 35 µm. When thermal conduction is active, the dendrite arm spacing varies between 6 and 12 µm. This range of dendrite arm spacing implies cooling rates ranging from 5 to 350 K/s. Cooling rates can vary greatly as thermal conditions change during deposition. A cooling rate at the higher end of the range could lead to significant deviation from microstructural equilibrium during solidification.

Premature melt solidification during mold filling and its influence on the as-cast structure

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, M.; Ahmadein, M.; Ludwig, A.

2018-03-01

Premature melt solidification is the solidification of a melt during mold filling. In this study, a numerical model is used to analyze the influence of the pouring process on the premature solidification. The numerical model considers three phases, namely, air, melt, and equiaxed crystals. The crystals are assumed to have originated from the heterogeneous nucleation in the undercooled melt resulting from the first contact of the melt with the cold mold during pouring. The transport of the crystals by the melt flow, in accordance with the socalled "big bang" theory, is considered. The crystals are assumed globular in morphology and capable of growing according to the local constitutional undercooling. These crystals can also be remelted by mixing with the superheated melt. As the modeling results, the evolutionary trends of the number density of the crystals and the volume fraction of the solid crystals in the melt during pouring are presented. The calculated number density of the crystals and the volume fraction of the solid crystals in the melt at the end of pouring are used as the initial conditions for the subsequent solidification simulation of the evolution of the as-cast structure. A five-phase volume-average model for mixed columnar-equiaxed solidification is used for the solidification simulation. An improved agreement between the simulation and experimental results is achieved by considering the effect of premature melt solidification during mold filling. Finally, the influences of pouring parameters, namely, pouring temperature, initial mold temperature, and pouring rate, on the premature melt solidification are discussed.

Convection and Solidification with Applications to Crystal Growth

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

DeVahl Davis, Graham

1994-01-01

An outline is given of research on the directional solidification of a liquid, and of the effects of natural convection thereon. Three problems which have been studied are described. Finally, current work on solidification in microgravity conditions is discussed.

Solidification of II-VI Compounds in a Rotating Magnetic Field

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gillies, D. C.; Volz, M. P.; Mazuruk, K.; Motakef, S.; Dudley, M.; Matyi, R.

1999-01-01

This project is aimed at using a rotating magnetic field (RMF) to control fluid flow and transport during directional solidification of elemental and compound melts. Microgravity experiments have demonstrated that small amounts of residual acceleration of less than a micro-g can initiate and prolong fluid flow, particularly when there is a static component of the field perpendicular to the liquid solid interface. Thus a true diffusion boundary layer is not formed, and it becomes difficult to verify theories of solidification or to achieve diffusion controlled solidification. The RMF superimposes a stirring effect on an electrically conducting liquid, and with appropriate field strengths and frequencies, controlled transport of material through a liquid column can be obtained. As diffusion conditions are precluded and complete mixing conditions prevail, the technique is appropriate for traveling solvent zone or float zone growth methods in which the overall composition of the liquid can be maintained throughout the growth experiment. Crystals grown by RMF techniques in microgravity in previous, unrelated missions have shown exceptional properties. The objective of the project is two-fold, namely (1) using numerical modeling to simulate the behavior of a solvent zone with applied thermal boundary conditions and demonstrate the effects of decreasing gravity levels, or an increasing applied RMF, or both, and (2) to grow elements and II-VI compounds from traveling solvent zones both with and without applied RMFs, and to determine objectively how well the modeling predicts solidification parameters. Numerical modeling has demonstrated that, in the growth of CdTe from a tellurium solution, a rotating magnetic field can advantageously modify the shape of the liquid solid interface such that the interface is convex as seen from the liquid. Under such circumstances, the defect structure is reduced as any defects which are formed tend to grow out and not propagate. The flow of liquid, however, is complex due to the competing flow induced by the rotating magnetic field and the buoyancy driven convection. When the acceleration forces are reduced to one thousandth of gravity, the flow pattern is much simplified and well controlled material transport through the solvent zone can be readily achieved. Triple axis diffractometry and x-ray synchrotron topography have demonstrated that there is no significant improvement in crystal quality for HgCdTe grown on earth from a tellurium solution when a rotating magnetic field is applied. However, modeling shows that the flow in microgravity with a rotating magnetic field would produce a superior product.

Use of rotation to suppress thermosolutal convection in directionally solidified binary alloys

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Pearlstein, Arne J.

1994-01-01

Effects of rotation on onset of convection during plane-front directional solidification of Pb-Sn and the pseudobinary system mercury cadmium telluride (Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te), and on dendritic solidification of Pb-Sn have been studied by means of linear stability analysis. Incorporating Coriolis and centrifugal accelerations into the momentum equation of Coriell et al., we find that under realistic processing conditions, a large degree of stabilization can be achieved using modest rotation rates for both Pb-Sn and mercury cadmium telluride. At a growth velocity of 5 micron/sec and nominal liquid-side temperature gradient of 200 K/cm in Pb-Sn, rotation at 500 rpm results in a hundredfold increase in the critical Sn concentration. Large increases in the maximum allowable growth velocity at fixed melt composition are also attainable with modest rotation rates. The effect is amplified under conditions of reduced gravitational acceleration. For Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te, we have also studied the nonrotating case. The key differences are due to the existence of a composition range for Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te in which the melt density has a local maximum as a function of temperature. When the melt solidifies by cooling from below, the liquid density may initially increase with distance above the interface, before ultimately decreasing as the melt temperature increases above the value at which the local density maximum occurs. In contrast to the Pb-Sn case where density depends monotonically on temperature and composition, for Hg(1-x)Cd(x)Te there exists a critical value of the growth velocity above which plane-front solidification is unstable for all bulk CdTe mole fractions. Again, rotation leads to significant inhibition of onset. We identify the predicted stabilization with the Taylor-Proudman mechanism by which rotation inhibits thermal convection in a single-component fluid heated from below. In a binary liquid undergoing solidification, rotation inhibits the onset of buoyancy-driven convection, and has no effect on the short-wavelength morphological instability. At large growth velocities, the plane-front interface between liquid and solid becomes unstable with respect to a morphological instability and solidification occurs dendritically, with a mushy zone of dendrites and interdendritic fluid separating the solid from the melt. For the Pb-Sn system, rotation substantially suppresses the onset of convection in the mushy zone and in the overlying liquid, holding open the promise that rotation can suppress freckling and other macrosegregation defects.

Investigation of the Relationship between Undercooling and Solidification Velocity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bayuzick, Robert J.; Hofmeister, William H.

2004-01-01

This work was aimed at reconciling the differences between experimental measurements of the theoretical predictions of the solidification velocity as a function of undercooling. The theory proposed by Boettinger, Coriell and Trivedi (the BCT theory) has been one of the most widely used models for describing the nature of the solidification of undercooled metals and alloys. However, for undercoolings greater than about 5% of the absolute melting temperature, there is considerable discrepancy between theory and experiment. At these large undercoolings, experimental results exhibit a much lessened dependency of solidification velocity on undercooling than is predicted by theory. Furthermore, unpredicted plateaus in the solidification velocity as a function of undercooling are observed.

MPS Solidification Model. Volume 2: Operating guide and software documentation for the unsteady model

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Maples, A. L.

1981-01-01

The operation of solidification Model 2 is described and documentation of the software associated with the model is provided. Model 2 calculates the macrosegregation in a rectangular ingot of a binary alloy as a result of unsteady horizontal axisymmetric bidirectional solidification. The solidification program allows interactive modification of calculation parameters as well as selection of graphical and tabular output. In batch mode, parameter values are input in card image form and output consists of printed tables of solidification functions. The operational aspects of Model 2 that differ substantially from Model 1 are described. The global flow diagrams and data structures of Model 2 are included. The primary program documentation is the code itself.

Modeling of Microstructure Evolution During Alloy Solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhu, Mingfang; Pan, Shiyan; Sun, Dongke

In recent years, considerable advances have been achieved in the numerical modeling of microstructure evolution during solidification. This paper presents the models based on the cellular automaton (CA) technique and lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), which can reproduce a wide variety of solidification microstructure features observed experimentally with an acceptable computational efficiency. The capabilities of the models are addressed by presenting representative examples encompassing a broad variety of issues, such as the evolution of dendritic structure and microsegregation in two and three dimensions, dendritic growth in the presence of convection, divorced eutectic solidification of spheroidal graphite irons, and gas porosity formation. The simulations offer insights into the underlying physics of microstructure formation during alloy solidification.

Towards wall functions for the prediction of solute segregation in plane front directional solidification

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chatelain, M.; Rhouzlane, S.; Botton, V.; Albaric, M.; Henry, D.; Millet, S.; Pelletier, D.; Garandet, J. P.

2017-10-01

The present paper focuses on solute segregation occurring in directional solidification processes with sharp solid/liquid interface, like silicon crystal growth. A major difficulty for the simulation of such processes is their inherently multi-scale nature: the impurity segregation problem is controlled at the solute boundary layer scale (micrometers) while the thermal problem is ruled at the crucible scale (meters). The thickness of the solute boundary layer is controlled by the convection regime and requires a specific refinement of the mesh of numerical models. In order to improve numerical simulations, wall functions describing solute boundary layers for convecto-diffusive regimes are derived from a scaling analysis. The aim of these wall functions is to obtain segregation profiles from purely thermo-hydrodynamic simulations, which do not require solute boundary layer refinement at the solid/liquid interface. Regarding industrial applications, various stirring techniques can be used to enhance segregation, leading to fully turbulent flows in the melt. In this context, the scaling analysis is further improved by taking into account the turbulent solute transport. The solute boundary layers predicted by the analytical model are compared to those obtained by transient segregation simulations in a canonical 2D lid driven cavity configuration for validation purposes. Convective regimes ranging from laminar to fully turbulent are considered. Growth rate and molecular diffusivity influences are also investigated. Then, a procedure to predict concentration fields in the solid phase from a hydrodynamic simulation of the solidification process is proposed. This procedure is based on the analytical wall functions and on solute mass conservation. It only uses wall shear-stress profiles at the solidification front as input data. The 2D analytical concentration fields are directly compared to the results of the complete simulation of segregation in the lid driven cavity configuration. Finally, an additional output from the analytical model is also presented. We put in light the correlation between different species convecto-diffusive behaviour; we use it to propose an estimation method for the segregation parameters of various chemical species knowing segregation parameters of one specific species.

Finite Element Models for Electron Beam Freeform Fabrication Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chandra, Umesh

2012-01-01

Electron beam freeform fabrication (EBF3) is a member of an emerging class of direct manufacturing processes known as solid freeform fabrication (SFF); another member of the class is the laser deposition process. Successful application of the EBF3 process requires precise control of a number of process parameters such as the EB power, speed, and metal feed rate in order to ensure thermal management; good fusion between the substrate and the first layer and between successive layers; minimize part distortion and residual stresses; and control the microstructure of the finished product. This is the only effort thus far that has addressed computer simulation of the EBF3 process. The models developed in this effort can assist in reducing the number of trials in the laboratory or on the shop floor while making high-quality parts. With some modifications, their use can be further extended to the simulation of laser, TIG (tungsten inert gas), and other deposition processes. A solid mechanics-based finite element code, ABAQUS, was chosen as the primary engine in developing these models whereas a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code, Fluent, was used in a support role. Several innovative concepts were developed, some of which are highlighted below. These concepts were implemented in a number of new computer models either in the form of stand-alone programs or as user subroutines for ABAQUS and Fluent codes. A database of thermo-physical, mechanical, fluid, and metallurgical properties of stainless steel 304 was developed. Computing models for Gaussian and raster modes of the electron beam heat input were developed. Also, new schemes were devised to account for the heat sink effect during the deposition process. These innovations, and others, lead to improved models for thermal management and prediction of transient/residual stresses and distortions. Two approaches for the prediction of microstructure were pursued. The first was an empirical approach involving the computation of thermal gradient, solidification rate, and velocity (G,R,V) coupled with the use of a solidification map that should be known a priori. The second approach relies completely on computer simulation. For this purpose a criterion for the prediction of morphology was proposed, which was combined with three alternative models for the prediction of microstructure; one based on solidification kinetics, the second on phase diagram, and the third on differential scanning calorimetry data. The last was found to be the simplest and the most versatile; it can be used with multicomponent alloys and rapid solidification without any additional difficulty. For the purpose of (limited) experimental validation, finite element models developed in this effort were applied to three different shapes made of stainless steel 304 material, designed expressly for this effort with an increasing level of complexity. These finite element models require large computation time, especially when applied to deposits with multiple adjacent beads and layers. This problem can be overcome, to some extent, by the use of fast, multi-core computers. Also, due to their numerical nature coupled with the fact that solid mechanics- based models are being used to represent the material behavior in liquid and vapor phases as well, the models have some inherent approximations that become more pronounced when dealing with multi-bead and multi-layer deposits.

Status of the atomized uranium silicide fuel development at KAERI

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Kim, C.K.; Kim, K.H.; Park, H.D.

1997-08-01

While developing KMRR fuel fabrication technology an atomizing technique has been applied in order to eliminate the difficulties relating to the tough property of U{sub 3}Si and to take advantage of the rapid solidification effect of atomization. The comparison between the conventionally comminuted powder dispersion fuel and the atomized powder dispersion fuel has been made. As the result, the processes, uranium silicide powdering and heat treatment for U{sub 3}Si transformation, become simplified. The workability, the thermal conductivity and the thermal compatibility of fuel meat have been investigated and found to be improved due to the spherical shape of atomized powder.more » In this presentation the overall developments of atomized U{sub 3}Si dispersion fuel and the planned activities for applying the atomizing technique to the real fuel fabrication are described.« less

Thermal analysis of void cavity for heat pipe receiver under microgravity

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gui, Xiaohong; Song, Xiange; Nie, Baisheng

2017-04-01

Based on theoretical analysis of PCM (Phase Change Material) solidification process, the model of improved void cavity distribution tending to high temperature region is established. Numerical results are compared with NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) results. Analysis results show that the outer wall temperature, the melting ratio of PCM and the temperature gradient of PCM canister, have great difference in different void cavity distribution. The form of void distribution has a great effect on the process of phase change. Based on simulation results under the model of improved void cavity distribution, phase change heat transfer process in thermal storage container is analyzed. The main goal of the improved designing for PCM canister is to take measures in reducing the concentration distribution of void cavity by adding some foam metal into phase change material.

Intrinsic backgrounds from Rn and Kr in the XENON100 experiment

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Aprile, E.; Aalbers, J.; Agostini, F.; Alfonsi, M.; Amaro, F. D.; Anthony, M.; Arneodo, F.; Barrow, P.; Baudis, L.; Bauermeister, B.; Benabderrahmane, M. L.; Berger, T.; Breur, P. A.; Brown, A.; Brown, E.; Bruenner, S.; Bruno, G.; Budnik, R.; Bütikofer, L.; Calvén, J.; Cardoso, J. M. R.; Cervantes, M.; Cichon, D.; Coderre, D.; Colijn, A. P.; Conrad, J.; Cussonneau, J. P.; Decowski, M. P.; de Perio, P.; Di Gangi, P.; Di Giovanni, A.; Diglio, S.; Eurin, G.; Fei, J.; Ferella, A. D.; Fieguth, A.; Fulgione, W.; Gallo Rosso, A.; Galloway, M.; Gao, F.; Garbini, M.; Geis, C.; Goetzke, L. W.; Greene, Z.; Grignon, C.; Hasterok, C.; Hogenbirk, E.; Itay, R.; Kaminsky, B.; Kazama, S.; Kessler, G.; Kish, A.; Landsman, H.; Lang, R. F.; Lellouch, D.; Levinson, L.; Lin, Q.; Lindemann, S.; Lindner, M.; Lombardi, F.; Lopes, J. A. M.; Manfredini, A.; Maris, I.; Marrodán Undagoitia, T.; Masbou, J.; Massoli, F. V.; Masson, D.; Mayani, D.; Messina, M.; Micheneau, K.; Molinario, A.; Morå, K.; Murra, M.; Naganoma, J.; Ni, K.; Oberlack, U.; Pakarha, P.; Pelssers, B.; Persiani, R.; Piastra, F.; Pienaar, J.; Piro, M.-C.; Pizzella, V.; Plante, G.; Priel, N.; Ramírez García, D.; Rauch, L.; Reichard, S.; Reuter, C.; Rizzo, A.; Rupp, N.; dos Santos, J. M. F.; Sartorelli, G.; Scheibelhut, M.; Schindler, S.; Schreiner, J.; Schumann, M.; Lavina, L. Scotto; Selvi, M.; Shagin, P.; Silva, M.; Simgen, H.; Sivers, M. Von; Stein, A.; Thers, D.; Tiseni, A.; Trinchero, G.; Tunnell, C.; Vargas, M.; Wang, H.; Wang, Z.; Weber, M.; Wei, Y.; Weinheimer, C.; Wittweg, C.; Wulf, J.; Ye, J.; Zhang, Y.

2018-02-01

In this paper, we describe the XENON100 data analyses used to assess the target-intrinsic background sources radon (?), thoron (?) and krypton (?). We detail the event selections of high-energy alpha particles and decay-specific delayed coincidences. We derive distributions of the individual radionuclides inside the detector and quantify their abundances during the main three science runs of the experiment over a period of ˜ 4 years, from January 2010 to January 2014. We compare our results to external measurements of radon emanation and krypton concentrations where we find good agreement. We report an observed reduction in concentrations of radon daughters that we attribute to the plating-out of charged ions on the negatively biased cathode.

Cryogenic system with GM cryocooler for krypton, xenon separation from hydrogen-helium purge gas

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, X. X.; Zhang, M. M.; Zhang, D. X.; Xu, D.; Qian, Y.; Liu, W.

2014-01-01

In the thorium molten salt reactor (TMSR), fission products such as krypton, xenon and tritium will be produced continuously in the process of nuclear fission reaction. A cryogenic system with a two stage GM cryocooler was designed to separate Kr, Xe, and H2 from helium purge gas. The temperatures of two stage heat exchanger condensation tanks were maintained at about 38 K and 4.5 K, respectively. The main fluid parameters of heat transfer were confirmed, and the structural heat exchanger equipment and cold box were designed. Designed concentrations after cryogenic separation of Kr, Xe and H2 in helium recycle gas are less than 1 ppb.

Excitation of vacuum ultraviolet spectra of krypton in a cooled gas discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gerasimov, Gennadii N.; Krylov, Boris E.; Hallin, Reinhold

1995-08-01

Results are presented on the experimental study of VUV spectra of krypton excited by a dc discharge in a capillary tube with the wall cooled to the temperature of liquid nitrogen. We studied the 120-200 nm spectral region corresponding to the transitions between the dimer lowest excited states and the weakly bound ground state, 1u, 0u+ yields 0g+. Electron impact, transferring dimers from the ground state into the excited state, is shown to be an efficient excitation mechanism in the 50-650 Torr and the 10-50 mA pressure and current ranges. The spectra obtained and the calculations made corroborate the high rate of this process.

Photolytic separation of isotopes in cryogenic solution

DOEpatents

Freund, S.M.; Maier, W.B. II; Holland, R.F.; Battie, W.H.

Separation of carbon isotopes by photolysis of CS/sub 2/ in cryogenic solutions of nitrogen, krypton and argon with 206 nm light from an iodine resonance lamp is reported. The spectral distributionn of the ultraviolet absorption depends on solvent. Thus, in liquid nitrogen the photolytic decomposition rate of /sup 13/CS/sub 2/ is greater than that of /sup 12/CS/sub 2/ (because the absorption of 206 nm radiation is greater for /sup 13/CS/sub 2/), whereas in liquid krypton and liquid argon the reverse is true. The shift in ultraviolet spectrum is a general phenomenon readily characterized as a function of solvent polarizability, and exhibits behavior similar to that for vibrational transitions occurring in the infrared.

Photolytic separation of isotopes in cryogenic solution

DOEpatents

Freund, Samuel M.; Maier, II, William B.; Holland, Redus F.; Beattie, Willard H.

1985-01-01

Separation of carbon isotopes by photolysis of CS.sub.2 in cryogenic solutions of nitrogen, krypton and argon with 206 nm light from an iodine resonance lamp is reported. The spectral distribution of the ultraviolet absorption depends on solvent. Thus, in liquid nitrogen the photolytic decomposition rate of .sup.13 CS.sub.2 is greater than that of .sup.12 CS.sub.2 (because the absorption of 206 nm radiation is greater for .sup.13 CS.sub.2), whereas in liquid krypton and liquid argon the reverse is true. The shift in ultraviolet spectrum is a general phenomenon readily characterized as a function of solvent polarizability, and exhibits behavior similar to that for vibrational transitions occurring in the infrared.

Quantifying multiscale porosity and fracture aperture distribution in granite cores using computed tomography

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wenning, Quinn; Madonna, Claudio; Joss, Lisa; Pini, Ronny

2017-04-01

Knowledge of porosity and fracture (aperture) distribution is key towards a sound description of fluid transport in low-permeability rocks. In the context of geothermal energy development, the ability to quantify the transport properties of fractures is needed to in turn quantify the rate of heat transfer, and, accordingly, to optimize the engineering design of the operation. In this context, core-flooding experiments coupled with non-invasive imaging techniques (e.g., X-Ray Computed Tomography - X-Ray CT) represent a powerful tool for making direct observations of these properties under representative geologic conditions. This study focuses on quantifying porosity and fracture aperture distribution in a fractured westerly granite core by using two recently developed experimental protocols. The latter include the use of a highly attenuating gas [Vega et al., 2014] and the application of the so-called missing CT attenuation method [Huo et al., 2016] to produce multidimensional maps of the pore space and of the fractures. Prior to the imaging experiments, the westerly granite core (diameter: 5 cm, length: 10 cm) was thermally shocked to induce micro-fractured pore space; this was followed by the application of the so-called Brazilian method to induce a macroscopic fracture along the length of the core. The sample was then mounted in a high-pressure aluminum core-holder, exposed to a confining pressure and placed inside a medical CT scanner for imaging. An initial compressive pressure cycle was performed to remove weak asperities and reduce the hysteretic behavior of the fracture with respect to effective pressure. The CT scans were acquired at room temperature and 0.5, 5, 7, and 10 MPa effective pressure under loading and unloading conditions. During scanning the pore fluid pressure was undrained and constant, and the confining pressure was regulated at the desired pressure with a high precision pump. Highly transmissible krypton and helium gases were used as saturating fluids to obtain a sufficiently high contrast in the acquired CT images (˜ 474 HU). 3D reconstructions of the sample have been prepared in terms of porosity at a maximum resolution of (0.24×0.24×1) mm3 . Porosity is estimated via the X-ray saturation technique, where porosity is a function of the difference between CT numbers of pure helium and krypton and the difference between the CT numbers of an individual voxel saturated with helium and krypton, respectively. Applying this method with krypton and helium is advantageous for low permeable samples where achieving complete water saturation is difficult. This allows for quantification of voxel-by-voxel-porosity distribution where the whole core porosity is less than 2%. The fracture aperture is assessed using the measured missing CT attenuation method. Use of the medical CT scanner to estimate intrinsic rock properties requires careful voxel-by-voxel consideration and appraisal of the uncertainty, which can be reduced by subtracting multiple slices taken at the exact same location. These results show that core-scale porosity and fracture distribution heterogeneity play an important role in fluid saturation and heat extraction potential in geothermal systems. Huo, D., Pini, R., and Benson, S.M., 2016, A calibration-free approach for measuring fracture aperture distributions using X-ray computed tomography: Geosphere, v. 12, no. 2, p. 558-571, doi:10.1130/GES01175.1. Vega, B., Dutta, A., and Kovscek, A.R., 2014, CT imaging of low-permeability, dual-porosity systems using high X-ray contrast gas: Transport in Porous Media, v. 101, p. 81-97, doi:10.1007/s11242-013-0232-0.

Effect of solidification rate on microstructure evolution in dual phase microalloyed steel

PubMed Central

Kostryzhev, A. G.; Slater, C. D.; Marenych, O. O.; Davis, C. L.

2016-01-01

In steels the dependence of ambient temperature microstructure and mechanical properties on solidification rate is not well reported. In this work we investigate the microstructure and hardness evolution for a low C low Mn NbTi-microalloyed steel solidified in the cooling rate range of 1–50 Cs−1. The maximum strength was obtained at the intermediate solidification rate of 30 Cs−1. This result has been correlated to the microstructure variation with solidification rate. PMID:27759109

Al and Mg Alloys for Aerospace Applications Using Rapid Solidification and Power Metallurgy Processing.

DTIC Science & Technology

1981-10-07

primary solidification phase in the alloy in this condition was identified by CBED as Mg 2 Si , which formed dendrites within the matrix. Each... solidification below the extended c-liquidus. Evolution of Microstructure in Melt-spun Mg- Si Alloys -, The microstructurcs observed in the alloys can...solidificaion pr(es .. in the cellular (dendritic) regime. Solidification of the 5.0 wt.% Si alloy occurs in the coupled eutectic region, and the 8.0 wt.% Si

Rapid solidification of levitation melted Ni-Sn alloy droplets with high undercooling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shiohara, Yuh; Flemings, Merton C.; Wu, Yanzhong; Piccone, Thomas J.

1985-01-01

Experimental results obtained by high-speed optical temperature sensing for the rapid solidification of highly undercooled, levitation-melted Ni-Sn alloy droplets are presented. These data suggest a solidification model proceeding according to overlapping steps: (1) dendritic growth within the bulk undercooled melt, (2) continued recalescence as supersaturation of the interdendritic liquid dissipates, (3) fine-scale remelting within the dendrites, (4) ripening of the fine structure, and (5) solidification of remaining liquid at the end of recalescence.

Fundamentals of rapid solidification processing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Flemings, Merton C.; Shiohara, Yuh

1985-01-01

An attempt is made to illustrate the continuous change that occurs in the solidification behavior of undercooled melts, as cooling rates increase from 0.0001 K/sec to about 1000 K/sec. At the higher cooling rates, more significant changes occur as the dendrite tip temperature begins to drop from the equilibrium liquidus. Discontinuous solidification behavior changes will occur if absolute stability is reached, or a metastable phase forms, or solidification proceeds to a glass rather than to a crystalline solid, or if there is significant undercooling prior to nucleation.

Effects of Traveling Magnetic Field on Dynamics of Solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mazuruk, Konstantin; Grugel, Richard; Motakef, Shariar

2001-01-01

TMF is based on imposing a controlled phase-shift in a train of electromagnets, forming a stack. Thus, the induced magnetic field can be considered to be travelling along the axis of the stack. The coupling of this traveling wave with an electrically conducting fluid results in a basic flow in a form of a single axisymmetric roll. The magnitude and direction of this flow can be remotely controlled. Furthermore, it is possible to localize the effect of this force field though activating only a number of the magnets. This force field generated in the fluid can, in principle, be used to control and modify convection in the molten material. For example, it can be used to enhance convective mixing in the melt, and thereby modify the interface shape, and macrosegregation. Alternatively, it can be used to counteract thermal and/or solutal buoyancy forces. High frequency TMF can be used in containerless processing techniques, such as float zoning, to affect the very edge of the fluid so that Marangoni flow can be counter balanced. The proposed program consists of basic fundamentals and applications. Our goal in conducting the following experiments and analyses is to establish the validity of TMF as a new tool for solidification processes. Due to its low power consumption and simplicity of design, this tool may find wide spread use in a variety of space experiments. The proposed ground based experiments are intended to establish the advantages and limitations of employing this technique. In the fundamentals component of the proposed program, we will use theoretical tools and experiments with mercury to establish the fundamental aspects of TMF-induced convection through a detailed comparison of theoretical predictions and experimental measurements of flow field. In this work, we will conduct a detailed parametric study involving the effects of magnetic field strength, frequency, wave vector, and the fluid geometry. The applications component of this work will be focused on investigating the effect of TMF on the following solidification and pre-directional solidification processes: (1) Bridgman growth of Ga:Ge with the goal of counteracting the buoyancy-driven convection; (2) Mixing of Pb-Ga and Pb-Sn alloys with the aim of initiating and maintaining a uniform melt prior to solidification processing; and (3) Float Zone growth with the aim of identifying, through simulations and model experiments, conditions needed to counteract Marangoni flow in a microgravity environment. The proposed research has strong relevance to microgravity research and the objectives of the NRA. TMF can provide a unique and accurate mechanism for generation and control of desirable flow patterns for microgravity research. These attributes have significant relevance to 1) Alloy mixing prior to solidification in a microgravity environment. TMF can provide this mixing with a low level of power consumption; (2) TMF can offset the deleterious effects of Marangoni convection in microgravity containerless processing. Thus, TMF can be instrumental in further understanding this phenomena; (3) Generation of controlled flows will allow the investigation of the effect of these flows on growth morphology and growth kinetics; and (4) On Earth, TMF has the potential to significantly counter-balance thermosolutal convection, thereby creating conditions similar to those obtained in microgravity. Once demonstrated, this new tool for use in solidification has the strong potential to find applications in a host of microgravity material research projects.

Measurement of the electron-impact transfer rate coefficients between the Kr(1s) states in an afterglow discharge

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Qiu, Jie; Cheng, Zhi-Wen; Zhu, Xi-Ming; Pu, Yi-Kang

2018-04-01

The rate coefficients for the electron-impact transfer from Kr(1s5) to Kr(1s4) and from Kr(1s3) to Kr(1s2) are measured in the electron temperature (T e) range between 0.07 eV and 1 eV. In the afterglow of a capacitive krypton discharge at a fixed pressure of 20 mTorr and a peak rf power ranging from 4 to 128 W, the densities of four krypton 1s states, the electron temperature and the electron density are measured by diode laser absorption, a Langmuir probe and a microwave interferometer, respectively. With these measured quantities, the rate coefficients are obtained from a population model for krypton metastable states. The measured rate coefficients are compared with those derived from the excitation cross sections of Kr metastable states calculated by different R-matrix models. It is found that our results agree best with that from Allan et al [1]. Moreover, we analyze the assumptions made in the population model and discuss their possible impact on the accuracy of the measured rate coefficients, especially for the low T e (0.1-0.2 eV) range and a higher T e (0.4-1 eV) range.

Low Temperature Thermodynamic Equilibrium of CO2 Dimer Anion Species in Cryogenic Argon and Krypton Matrices

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Goodrich, Michael E.; Moore, David T.

2016-06-01

The separated CO2 dimer anion, (CO2)(CO2-), is observed by FTIR spectroscopy in matrix isolation experiments at 1652 cm-1 upon deposition of high energy argon ions into an argon matrix doped with 0.5% CO2. It has previously been reported by Andrews that upon annealing the matrix to 25K, the separated species converts to an oxalate-like C2O4- species which appears at 1856 cm-1.a We have observed that subsequently holding the matrix at 10K caused the C2O4- species to fully convert back to (CO2)(CO2-). Upon further investigation, we determined that the two species reversibly interconvert between 19K and 23K, suggesting the species are in thermodynamic equilibrium. The associated van't Hoff plot has a linear trend and indicates an endothermic reaction driven by a large increase in entropy. An analogous experiment in a krypton matrix was performed, and the equilibrium was found to occur between 26K and 31K. Interestingly, analysis revealed the reaction in krypton is more endothermic, but has nearly the same entropy value as was observed in the argon experiment. aZhou, M.; Andrews, L.; J. Chem. Phys. 110, 2414 (1999).

Method for solidification of radioactive and other hazardous waste

DOEpatents

Anshits, Alexander G.; Vereshchagina, Tatiana A.; Voskresenskaya, Elena N.; Kostin, Eduard M.; Pavlov, Vyacheslav F.; Revenko, Yurii A.; Tretyakov, Alexander A.; Sharonova, Olga M.; Aloy, Albert S.; Sapozhnikova, Natalia V.; Knecht, Dieter A.; Tranter, Troy J.; Macheret, Yevgeny

2002-01-01

Solidification of liquid radioactive waste, and other hazardous wastes, is accomplished by the method of the invention by incorporating the waste into a porous glass crystalline molded block. The porous block is first loaded with the liquid waste and then dehydrated and exposed to thermal treatment at 50-1,000.degree. C. The porous glass crystalline molded block consists of glass crystalline hollow microspheres separated from fly ash (cenospheres), resulting from incineration of fossil plant coals. In a preferred embodiment, the porous glass crystalline blocks are formed from perforated cenospheres of grain size -400+50, wherein the selected cenospheres are consolidated into the porous molded block with a binder, such as liquid silicate glass. The porous blocks are then subjected to repeated cycles of saturating with liquid waste, and drying, and after the last cycle the blocks are subjected to calcination to transform the dried salts to more stable oxides. Radioactive liquid waste can be further stabilized in the porous blocks by coating the internal surface of the block with metal oxides prior to adding the liquid waste, and by coating the outside of the block with a low-melting glass or a ceramic after the waste is loaded into the block.

Finite element analysis of the effect of a non-planar solid-liquid interface on the lateral solute segregation during unidirectional solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Carlson, F. M.; Chin, L.-Y.; Fripp, A. L.; Crouch, R. K.

1982-01-01

The effect of solid-liquid interface shape on lateral solute segregation during steady-state unidirectional solidification of a binary mixture is calculated under the assumption of no convection in the liquid. A finite element technique is employed to compute the concentration field in the liquid and the lateral segregation in the solid with a curved boundary between the liquid and solid phases. The computational model is constructed assuming knowledge of the solid-liquid interface shape; no attempt is made to relate this shape to the thermal field. The influence of interface curvature on the lateral compositional variation is investigated over a range of system parameters including diffusivity, growth speed, distribution coefficient, and geometric factors of the system. In the limiting case of a slightly nonplanar interface, numerical results from the finite element technique are in good agreement with the analytical solutions of Coriell and Sekerka obtained by using linear theory. For the general case of highly non-planar interface shapes, the linear theory fails and the concentration field in the liquid as well as the lateral solute segregation in the solid can be calculated by using the finite element method.

Effect of Grain Refinement and Cooling Rate on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Secondary Al-Si-Cu Alloys

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Timelli, Giulio; Camicia, Giordano; Ferraro, Stefano

2014-02-01

The effect of AlTi5B1 grain refinement and different solidification rates on metallurgical and mechanical properties of a secondary AlSi7Cu3Mg alloy is reported. While the Ti content ranges from 0.04 up to 0.225 wt.%, the cooling rate varies between 0.1 and 5.5 °C/s. Metallographic and thermal analysis techniques have been used to quantitatively examine the macro- and microstructural changes occurring with grain refiner addition at various cooling rates. The results indicate that a small AlTi5B1 addition produces the greatest refinement, while no significant reduction of grain size is obtained with a great amount of grain refiner. On increasing the cooling rate, a lower amount of AlTi5B1 master alloy is necessary to produce a uniform grain size throughout the casting. The combined addition of AlTi5B1 and Sr does not produce any reciprocal interaction or effect on primary α-Al and eutectic solidification. The grain refinement improves the plastic behavior of the alloy and increases the reliability of castings, as evidenced by the Weibull statistics.

Pressure-jump induced rapid solidification of melt: a method of preparing amorphous materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Liu, Xiuru; Jia, Ru; Zhang, Doudou; Yuan, Chaosheng; Shao, Chunguang; Hong, Shiming

2018-04-01

By using a self-designed pressure-jump apparatus, we investigated the melt solidification behavior in rapid compression process for several kinds of materials, such as elementary sulfur, polymer polyether-ether-ketone (PEEK) and poly-ethylene-terephthalate, alloy La68Al10Cu20Co2 and Nd60Cu20Ni10Al10. Experimental results clearly show that their melts could be solidified to be amorphous states through the rapid compression process. Bulk amorphous PEEK with 24 mm in diameter and 12 mm in height was prepared, which exceeds the size obtained by melt quenching method. The bulk amorphous sulfur thus obtained exhibited extraordinarily high thermal stability, and an abnormal exothermic transition to liquid sulfur was observed at around 396 K for the first time. Furthermore, it is suggested that the glass transition pressure and critical compression rate exist to form the amorphous phase. This approach of rapid compression is very attractive not only because it is a new technique of make bulk amorphous materials, but also because novel properties are expected in the amorphous materials solidified by the pressure-jump within milliseconds or microseconds.

Interface Pattern Selection in Directional Solidification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Trivedi, Rohit; Tewari, Surendra N.

2001-01-01

The central focus of this research is to establish key scientific concepts that govern the selection of cellular and dendritic patterns during the directional solidification of alloys. Ground-based studies have established that the conditions under which cellular and dendritic microstructures form are precisely where convection effects are dominant in bulk samples. Thus, experimental data can not be obtained terrestrially under pure diffusive regime. Furthermore, reliable theoretical models are not yet possible which can quantitatively incorporate fluid flow in the pattern selection criterion. Consequently, microgravity experiments on cellular and dendritic growth are designed to obtain benchmark data under diffusive growth conditions that can be quantitatively analyzed and compared with the rigorous theoretical model to establish the fundamental principles that govern the selection of specific microstructure and its length scales. In the cellular structure, different cells in an array are strongly coupled so that the cellular pattern evolution is controlled by complex interactions between thermal diffusion, solute diffusion and interface effects. These interactions give infinity of solutions, and the system selects only a narrow band of solutions. The aim of this investigation is to obtain benchmark data and develop a rigorous theoretical model that will allow us to quantitatively establish the physics of this selection process.

Investigation of rapidly solidified aluminum by using diamond turning and a magnetorheological finishing process

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Cheng, Yuan-Chieh; Hsu, Wei-Yao; Kuo, Ching-Hsiang; Abou-El-Hossein, Khaled; Otieno, Timothy

2015-08-01

The metal mirror has been widely used in optical application for a longtime. Especially the aluminum 6061 is often considered the preferred material for manufacturing optical components for ground-based astronomical applications. One reason for using this material is its high specific stiffness and excellent thermal properties. However, a large amount of data exists for this material and commercially available aluminum 6061 using single point diamond turning (SPDT) and polishing process can achieve surface roughness values of approximately 2 to 4 nm, which is adequate for applications that involve the infrared spectral range, but not for the shorter spectral range. A novel aluminum material, fabricated using a rapid solidification process that is equivalent to the conventional aluminum 6061 alloy grade has been used in optical applications in recent years because of its smaller grain size. In this study, the surface quality of the rapid solidification aluminum after single point diamond turning and followed by magnetorheological finish (MRF) process is investigated and compared with conventional aluminum 6061. Both the surface roughness Ra was evaluated using white light interferometers. Finally, indicators such as optimal fabrication parameter combination and optical performance are discussed.

Molecular interactions in high conductive gel electrolytes based on low molecular weight gelator.

PubMed

Bielejewski, Michał; Łapiński, Andrzej; Demchuk, Oleg

2017-03-15

Organic ionic gel (OIG) electrolytes, also known as gel electrolytes or ionogels are one example of modern functional materials with the potential to use in wide range of electrochemical applications. The functionality of OIGs arises from the thermally reversible solidification of electrolytes or ionic liquids and their superior ionic conductivity. To understand and to predict the properties of these systems it is important to get the knowledge about the interactions on molecular level between the solid gelator matrix and the electrolyte solution. This paper reports the spectroscopic studies (FT-IR, UV-Vis and Raman) of the gel electrolyte based on low molecular weight gelator methyl-4,6-O-(p-nitrobenzylidene)-α-d-glucopyranoside and solution of quaternary ammonium salt, tetramethylammonium bromide. The solidification process was based on sol-gel technique. Below characteristic temperature, defined as gel to sol phase transition temperature, T gs , the samples were solid-like and showed high conductivity values of the same order as observed for pure liquid electrolytes. The investigations were performed for a OIGs in a wide range of molar concentrations of the electrolyte solution. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Space Station Furnace Facility. Volume 2: Summary of technical reports

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1992-01-01

The Space Station Furnace Facility (SSFF) is a modular facility for materials research in the microgravity environment of the Space Station Freedom (SSF). The SSFF is designed for crystal growth and solidification research in the fields of electronic and photonic materials, metals and alloys, and glasses and ceramics, and will allow for experimental determination of the role of gravitational forces in the solidification process. The facility will provide a capability for basic scientific research and will evaluate the commercial viability of low-gravity processing of selected technologically important materials. In order to accommodate the furnace modules with the resources required to operate, SSFF developed a design that meets the needs of the wide range of furnaces that are planned for the SSFF. The system design is divided into subsystems which provide the functions of interfacing to the SSF services, conditioning and control for furnace module use, providing the controlled services to the furnace modules, and interfacing to and acquiring data from the furnace modules. The subsystems, described in detail, are as follows: Power Conditioning and Distribution Subsystem; Data Management Subsystem; Software; Gas Distribution Subsystem; Thermal Control Subsystem; and Mechanical Structures Subsystem.