Ceramic Materials Commons^™

Ambient Temperature Strength Degradation Of A Ceramic Matrix Composite Due To Solid Particle Erosion, Jonathan Clawson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Solid particle erosion (SPE) is an issue for aircraft exposed to hard, fine particles, such as sand or dust, that can be ingested into the engine at a high velocity without reaching their melting point, resulting in material removal. SPE can be attributed to the intake of particulate debris from the runway or from airborne particulates. The cumulative mass loss from SPE damage affects the structural integrity and performance of the engine; however, its effects on ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), that are being employed in the aerospace industry, are not well understood in literature. The limited SPE research studies that …

Development And Characterization Of Ceramic Devices For Capillary Action In Microgravity For The Purpose Of Growing Vegetables In Space, Lucas S. Mougeot

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The future of humanity is often rendered in spectacular visions of a multiplanetary civilization with a booming space economy. Reaching this reality requires addressing one of the core needs of survival: food. Porous ceramics used for Passive Porous Tube Nutrient Delivery Systems (PPTNDS) offer a promising solution. In microgravity environments such as the International Space Station (ISS), fluid dynamics and liquid coagulation do not support conventional agricultural practices. Porous ceramic materials present a solution that enables nutrient solution diffusion via capillary action.

In this research, it was determined that extruding a wadding ceramic tube and sintering it at 1900 °F …

Femtosecond Laser–Inscribed Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors: Enabling Distributed High- Temperature Measurements And Strain Monitoring In Steelmaking And Foundry Applications, Ogbole Collins Inalegwu, Yeshwanth Reddy Mekala, Rony Kumer Saha, Farhan Mumtaz, Dinesh Reddy Alla, Deva Prasaad Neelakandan, Jeffrey D. Smith, Ronald J. O'Malley, Rex Gerald, Jie Huang

PSMRC Faculty Research

This study demonstrates the use of fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors for distributed temperature and strain monitoring in steelmaking and foundry applications. Integrated into inexpensive optical fibers, FBGs offer accurate and real-time remote sensing, detecting shifts in wavelength due to temperature (up to 1,800 °C), strain, or structural wear and tear. Furthermore, the intrinsic features of FBG sensors: compact size, immunity to electromagnetic interference and corrosion, robustness to vibration, ease of integration into existing composite structures, and non-intrusive measurement capacity in harsh environments make them ideal for steelmaking. FBGs optimize production, ensure quality, and enhance safety within the steel industry.

Enhanced Bottom Anode Monitoring In Dc Electric Arc Furnaces Using Fiber Optic Sensors, Yeshwanth Reddy Mekala, Rony Kumer Saha, Ogbole Collins Inalegwu, Muhammad Roman, Farhan Mumtaz, Rex Gerald, Jeffrey D. Smith, Jie Huang, Ronald J. O'Malley

PSMRC Faculty Research

A pin style bottom anode employs conductive steel rods that serve as the pathway for the high electrical power through rammed refractory at the bottom of a DC Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). Anode wear during operation is important to monitor, as anode replacement is expensive and impacts EAF productivity. Liquid steel penetration into the un-sintered refractory layer can result from rapid electrical power ramp-up, dips in furnace temperature, or operating the anode for too long between EAF campaigns. In extreme cases, the liquid steel may penetrate the bottom of the furnace when anode wear progresses too close to the bottom …

Fiber-Optic Raman Probe For On-Line Eaf Slag Analysis, Bohong Zhang, Hanok Tekle, Jeffrey D. Smith, Todd Sander, Ronald J. O'Malley, Jie Huang

PSMRC Faculty Research

In Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) steelmaking, the push for improved efficiency requires accurate analysis of the chemical composition of its slag system to control slag foaming, provide refractory protection, and maintain high furnace iron yield. Therefore, the ability to obtain real-time slag chemistry data would provide a useful tool to improve the control and efficiency of the process. The work reported here aims to assess the structure and chemistry of EAF slags at high temperatures using a portable fiber-optic Raman probe. The ability to relate Raman spectra peaks to chemistry and structure is demonstrated in experimental result with EAF slags …

Electrostatic Sorting Of Lunar Regolith Simulants For Sustainable Resource Utilization: Modeling And Characterization Of Particle Size Distribution, Abdullah Al Moinee, Peter Bachle, Kyle Newport, William Schonberg, David Bayless, Jeffrey Smith, Daoru Han, Fateme Rezaei

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In pursuit of sustainable resource utilization on the Moon, this paper delves into modeling and characterization of particle size distribution (PSD) of lunar regolith simulants in an electrostatic system. A prototype electrostatic sieve was built and tested with four sample simulants mirroring properties of lunar mare and highland regolith. An alternating four-phase (90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, 360 degrees) traveling square-wave was utilized for particle-directed transport to model the diverse trajectories of the particles. Numerically, we scrutinized how the distribution functions of the particles are manifested as the electrostatic field propagates, with a focus on three distinct particle ranges …

Electrostatic Sorting Of Lunar Regolith Simulants For Sustainable Resource Utilization: Modeling And Characterization Of Particle Size Distribution, Abdullah Al Moinee, Peter Bachle, Kyle Newport, William Schonberg, David Bayless, Jeffrey Smith, Daoru Han, Fateme Rezaei

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In pursuit of sustainable resource utilization on the Moon, this paper delves into modeling and characterization of particle size distribution (PSD) of lunar regolith simulants in an electrostatic system. a prototype electrostatic sieve was built and tested with four sample simulants mirroring properties of lunar mare and highland regolith. an alternating four-phase (90 degrees, 180 degrees, 270 degrees, 360 degrees) traveling square-wave was utilized for particle-directed transport to model the diverse trajectories of the particles. Numerically, we scrutinized how the distribution functions of the particles are manifested as the electrostatic field propagates, with a focus on three distinct particle ranges …

Investigation Of Mechanically Fatigue Low-Frequency Energy Harvesting Effects On Isotropic Materials, Daniel J. Meade

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This research project reports an exploratory investigation of energy harvesting effect on isotropic material that goes through low frequency mechanical fatigue. Energy harvesting is a growing field of study that can recycle ambient energy back into a system that would otherwise be lost. This is a significantly useful method for the ongoing energy crisis and provides an alternate route to design and upgrade systems to be more efficient and last longer than current system designs. However, it is time to investigate if there is any effect vibration-based energy harvesting has on the structure from which energy is being harvested. To …

Processing & Properties Of Zirconium Carbide Manufactured By Ceramic On-Demand Extrusion, Clare Sabata

Masters Theses

"This research focuses on the development of a zirconium carbide (ZrC) paste for use in material extrusion direct ink write additive manufacturing (AM) followed by the pressure less densification of ZrC and the mechanical and thermal characterization of the resulting ceramics. A highly loaded, aqueous paste was developed using commercial ZrC powder ball milled to ~1 μm. Optimal dispersant, binder, and solids loading were found by rheological characterization. The paste composition consisted of 46-47 vol% ZrC, 43.5 vol% distilled water, 8.1 vol% dispersant, and 1.6 vol% binder. A yield stress of ~8 Pa allowed for shape retention upon removal of …

Sic Addition To A Dual Phase High Entropy Ultra-High Temperature Ceramic, Rubia Hassan, William G. Fahrenholtz, Kantesh Balani, Gregory E. Hilmas, Jeremy Watts

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Dual phase (Hf,Ta,Ti,W,Zr)B2-(Hf,Ta,Ti,W,Zr)C high entropy ultra-high temperature ceramics were processed from commercial diboride and carbide powders with and without SiC additions. A 30-min hold at a maximum temperature of 1850 °C in spark plasma sintering resulted in a relative density of ∼95 %, which increased to ∼100 % with the addition of 7.5 wt.% SiC. The compositions did not reach chemical equilibrium under the given sintering conditions resulting in an inhomogeneous distribution of transition metals in both the boride and carbide phases. The addition of SiC improved densification by inhibiting grain growth, which reduced the grain size from 9.0 ± …

Magnetic Separation Of Lunar Regolith Simulants With Applications To In Situ Resource Utilization On The Moon, Peter Bachle, Jeffrey Smith, Fateme Rezaei, David Bayless, William Schonberg, Daoru Han

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The development of in situ resource utilization (ISRU) for metal extraction is imperative as a steppingstone for habitation construction in lunar and non-terrestrial environments. Separation of minerals by chemical composition is important to optimize metal and oxygen liberation from lunar ore. to this effect, devices capable of separating aluminum bearing minerals from iron-bearing minerals from the lunar regolith simulants have been developed. Twenty-eight different simulants have been used in this study. a dual-belt separator was designed to reduce middlings. Para-magnetic minerals were reliably separated using a neodymium N52-magnet-separator system. Effective separation of aluminum-bearing minerals from iron-bearing minerals was greater than …

Kinetic Modeling Of Electrostatic Sieving For Lunar Regolith Beneficiation: Case Studies, Easton Ingram, Emmanuela Amen Eze, Jeffrey Smith, Fateme Rezaei, David Bayless, William Schonberg, Daoru Han

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A new kinetic particle modeling framework was developed to investigate electrostatic transport of lunar regolith particles with applications to the concept of electrostatic sieving. the new approach is based on kinetic particle dynamics and includes major modules of sampling the particle size distribution, solving electric fields, and tracking motion of charged dust grains. Case studies for a concept of electrostatic sieving were chosen to validate the new model. the simulation achieved similar yields reported in previous works, which served as validation of the model. the new model is computationally efficient and could serve as a design, analysis, and optimization tool.

Beneficiation Of Lunar Regolith Simulants Through Electrostatic Sieving And Magnetic Separation, Peter Bachle, Jeffrey Smith, Fateme Rezaei, David Bayless, William Schonberg, Daoru Han

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In the light of future development of lunar structures, in-situ feldspar beneficiation is imperative for metal extraction. This research incorporates the tandem use of electrostatic sieving and magnetic separation for collecting a specific size range and mineral composition from lunar soil that optimizes subsequent chemical processing. While earlier works focused on silt-sized particles, this work expands that range up to medium-grained sand with a greater variety of potential lunar regolith compositions. This work shows that a 2.5 kV, 7 Hz to 30Hz frequency, single-phase square wave can lift silt and fine sand for collection. This lifting is successful directly from …

Strength Comparison For Fully Dense Zirconium Diboride Ceramics Tested By Different Methods, Darko Kosanović, Suzana Filipović, Isaak Trajković, Nina Obradović, Paul M. Brune, Gregory E. Hilmas, William G. Fahrenholtz

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The strength of zirconium diboride ceramics was tested by three different methods, 3-point flexure, 4-point flexure, and compression. Nearly full-density ceramics were obtained by hot pressing commercial ZrB₂ powder with the addition of.5 wt.% carbon as a sintering aid. The thermal properties and hardness were studied for ZrB₂ milled with ZrB₂ and WC media. Based on phase purity and higher thermal conductivity, ZrB₂ ceramics prepared from powders milled with ZrB₂ media were selected for mechanical property studies. The strength in 3-point flexure was 546 ± 55 MPa. The flexure strength was 476 ± 41 MPa …

Kinetic Modeling Of Electrostatic Sieving For Lunar Regolith Beneficiation: Case Studies, Easton Ingram, Emmanuela Amen Eze, Jeffrey Smith, Fateme Rezaei, David Bayless, William Schonberg, Daoru Han

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A new kinetic particle modeling framework was developed to investigate electrostatic transport of lunar regolith particles with applications to the concept of electrostatic sieving. The new approach is based on kinetic particle dynamics and includes major modules of sampling the particle size distribution, solving electric fields, and tracking motion of charged dust grains. Case studies for a concept of electrostatic sieving were chosen to validate the new model. The simulation achieved similar yields reported in previous works, which served as validation of the model. The new model is computationally efficient and could serve as a design, analysis, and optimization tool.

Experimental Investigation Of A Viscoelastic Liner To Reduce Under Helmet Overpressures And Shock Wave Reflections, Cody J.H. Thomas, Fatih Dogan, Catherine E. Johnson

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Introduction: Shock wave overpressure exposures can result in blast-induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI) in warfighters. Although combat helmets provide protection against blunt impacts, the protection against blast waves is limited due to the observed high overpressures occurring underneath the helmet. One route to enhance these helmets is by incorporating viscoelastic materials into the helmet designs, reducing pressures imposed on the head. This study aims to further investigate this mitigation technique against under-helmet overpressures by adding a viscoelastic liner to the inside of a combat helmet. Methods: The liner's effectiveness was evaluated by exposing it to free-field blasts of Composition C-4 …

Development Of A Highly Loaded Zirconium Carbide Paste For Material Extrusion Additive Manufacturing, Clare Sabata, Austin J. Martin, Jeremy L. Watts, Gregory E. Hilmas

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A highly loaded, aqueous-based zirconium carbide (ZrC) paste was developed for ceramic on-demand extrusion (CODE). Commercial ZrC powder was ball milled to reduce the particle size to ∼1 μm. Paste composition was determined by rheological characterization and observation of printing behavior; the final paste consisted of 46–47 vol% ZrC, 43.5 vol% distilled water, 8.1 vol% dispersant, and 1.6 vol% binder. Rheological characterization of the paste showed a yield stress of ∼8 Pa and shear thinning behavior (ΔG′/Δσ* = −55). The paste was printed using a 610 μm nozzle; a test print showed shape fidelity using the developed paste. A pressureless …

Ultra-Fast Annealing Improves Snr And Long-Term Stability Of A Highly Multiplexed Line-By-Line Fbg Array Inscribed By Femtosecond Laser In A Coreless Fiber For Extreme-Temperature Applications, Farhan Mumtaz, Bohong Zhang, Jeffrey D. Smith, Ronald J. O'Malley, Rex E. Gerald, Jie Huang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study reports the fabrication of an 4th-order line-by-line Fiber Bragg Gratings (FBG) array using femtosecond laser inscription within a highly multimode coreless optical fiber, with a particular focus on achieving substantial multiplexing capabilities. An ultra-fast annealing procedure is employed, resulting in an impressive enhancement of the FBG sensor's fringe visibility by approximately 13 dB, signifying a notable improvement of approximately ~4 dB. This substantial enhancement contributes to the long-term stability and performance of the multiplexed FBG array in extreme temperature conditions. The systematic fabrication approach employed for the multiplexed FBG array guarantees a high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for each …

Phenolic Polymer Infiltration And Pyrolysis Process For Additively Manufactured Carbon/Peek Composites To Produce Carbon–Carbon Composites, S. Weiler, H. A. Haffner, K. Chandrashekhara, J. Watts, G. E. Hilmas, J. Bayldon, L. M. Rueschhoff

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Carbon–carbon composites are carbon fibers reinforced with carbon matrix and are classified as advanced materials well suited for high-temperature structural applications. Carbon–carbon composites are characterized by maintaining excellent mechanical properties and structural stability at high temperatures and have been used in aerospace application as nozzles, heatshields, and leading edge. However, conventional methods to manufacture carbon–carbon composites are costly and time-consuming. the aim of this work is to develop a method for creating additively manufactured (AM) carbon–carbon composites using a high-pressure re-infiltration process. in doing so, less infiltration cycles are required compared to a low-pressure re-infiltration, reducing the total manufacture time. …

Thermodynamic Analysis Of Metal Segregation In Dual Phase High Entropy Ceramics, Steven M. Smith, William G. Fahrenholtz, Gregory E. Hilmas, Stefano Curtarolo

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Equilibrium Gibbs' free energy calculations were used to determine metal segregation trends between boride and carbide solid solutions containing two metals that are relevant to dual phase high entropy ceramics. The model predicted that Ti had the strongest tendency to segregate to the boride phase followed by Zr, Nb, Mo, V, Hf, and Ta, which matches experimental results of measured compositions. The ratio of a metal in the carbide phase to the content of the same metal in the corresponding metal boride had a linear trend with the change in standard Gibbs' free energy of reaction for a metal carbide …