Materials Science and Engineering Commons^™

Thermal And Mechanical Properties Of Novel Carbide Materials, Evan Charles Schwind

Doctoral Dissertations

"This research focuses on studying the thermal and mechanical properties of novel carbide materials at room and elevated temperatures. The novel carbide materials investigated include zeta phase tantalum carbide (ζ-Ta₄C_3-x) and a high entropy (Ta,Hf,Nb,Zr)C carbide. The electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity of zeta phase tantalum carbide (~96 wt.%) were measured as 160 ± 4.2 μΩ-cm and 9.6 W/m•K. These are higher and lower (respectively) than for cubic tantalum carbide, most likely due to planes of carbon vacancies present in the ζ-Ta₄C_3-x crystal structure. The thermal conductivity of (Ta,Hf,Nb,Zr)C was lower than any …

The Effects Of Rigid Polyurethane Foam As A Confinement Material On Breaching Charge Detonations, Nathan Franz Paerschke-O'Brien

Masters Theses

"The effects of a rigid polyurethane foam used as a confinement material on four types of breaching explosives were tested, focusing on the changes in shockwave peak pressures, detonation load compression forces, and brisance cratering abilities. The Plate Dent testing procedure was modified to incorporate a load cell force sensor, and two air overpressure sensors were included adjacent to the blast to quantify each test result. The testing variables focused on the polyurethane foam cure times and thickness volumes around the breaching explosives to determine the breaching charges' optimal energy output capabilities when confined by the foam material. The rigid …

Relating Detonation Parameters To The Detonation Synthesis Of Nanomaterials, Martin Langenderfer

Doctoral Dissertations

“This research investigates the physical and chemical processes that contribute to the detonation synthesis of silicon carbide nanoparticles. Bulk production of SiC nanoparticles through detonation is possible due to pressures achieved over 20 GPa and temperatures over 2000 K as well as quenching rates in excess of 13 billion K/second. These conditions catalyze reaction and bottom-up molecular growth while retaining particles < 100 nm in diameter. In this work, detonation synthesis of SiC was demonstrated by incorporation of polycarbosilane, an SiC precursor material, into an RDX/TNT explosive matrix prior to detonation. Detonation Synthesis of SiC was also accomplished by reacting elemental silicon with carbon liberated by the detonation of negatively oxygen balanced TNT. Hydrodynamic simulation of a 60:40 mass ratio RDX/TNT detonation created conditions thermodynamically suitable to produce cubic silicon carbide within the first 500 nanoseconds after the passage of the detonation wave while carbon remains chemically reactive for molecular formation. Simulations and experimental tests indicated that loading configuration and impedance mismatch of the precursor additives used in detonation synthesis results in conditions in the additives that exceed the accepted detonation pressure of the explosive by greater than three times. Finally, a full factorial experimental design showed increasing silicon concentration, reducing silicon size, and reducing oxygen balance by adjusting the ratio of RDX to TNT decreased the explosives detonation pressure by 20% and increased the soot yield and concentration of SiC observed in the detonation products by 82% and 442% respectively”--Abstract, page iv.

Experimental And Numerical Studies Of Novel Thermal Energy Storage Materials For Applications In Concrete And Energy Storage Systems, Wenyu Liao

Doctoral Dissertations

In this work, several types of novel thermal energy storage (TES) materials and composites are explored, and a series of numerical simulation models and experimental protocols are developed to evaluate the potentials of these materials to be applied in concrete, pavement, and thermal energy storage systems.

The first two types of novel TES materials/composites are at the micro-scale, which use micro diatomite (DE) and cenosphere (Ceno) as carriers of phase change material (PCM), respectively. The third type of novel TES material is at the macro-scale, utilizing lightweight sand (LWS) and lightweight coarse aggregate as carriers to load PCM. The last …

Manipulating Air-Gap Electrospinning To Create Aligned Polymer Nanofiber-Wrapped Glass Microfibers For Cortical Bone Tissue Engineering, Houston R. Linder, Austin A. Glass, Delbert E. Day, Scott A. Sell

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Osteons are the repeating unit throughout cortical bone, consisting of canals filled with blood and nerve vessels surrounded by concentric lamella of hydroxyapatite-containing collagen fibers, providing mechanical strength. Creating a biodegradable scaffold that mimics the osteon structure is crucial for optimizing cellular infiltration and ultimately the replacement of the scaffold with native cortical bone. In this study, a modified air-gap electrospinning setup was exploited to continuously wrap highly aligned polycaprolactone polymer nanofibers around individual 1393 bioactive glass microfibers, resulting in a synthetic structure similar to osteons. By varying the parameters of the device, scaffolds with polymer fibers wrapped at angles …

An Overview Of Ceramic Molds For Investment Casting Of Nickel Superalloys, Janos E. Kanyo, Stefan Schafföner, R. Sharon Uwanyuze, Kaitlynn S. Leary

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Accelerating advancements in technological systems have demonstrated a need for alloys with drastically improved thermomechanical and chemical properties, called superalloys. Ceramic molds are typically used in near-net shape investment casting processes of superalloy components due to their chemical inertness and high-temperature capabilities. Ceramic molds, however, often suffer from shortcomings in vital properties including flexural strength, thermal shock resistance, permeability, dimensional stability, corrosion resistance, and leachability, which have restricted their ability to adequately process modern alloy castings. This study analyses these limitations and illustrates how to address them, particularly regarding ceramic mold and slurry design, processing of shells and cores, material …

Optimization And Characterization Of Novel Injection Molding Process For Metal Matrix Syntactic Foams, Myranda Spratt, Joseph William Newkirk

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Metal matrix syntactic foams are particulate composites comprised of hollow or porous particles embedded in a metal matrix. These composites are difficult to manufacture due primarily to the lightweight, relatively fragile filler material. In this work, an injection molding process was developed for metal matrix syntactic foams. First, an aqueous binder was optimized for low-pressure injection molding. A mixture model was used to optimize the composition of the binder to achieve the highest relative density. The model predicted the maximum relative density was at a binder composition (in vol.%) of 7% agar, 4% glycerin, and 89% water. Second, this binder …

Effects Of Inert Additives On Cyclotrimethylene-Trinitramine (Rdx)/Trinitrotoluene (Tnt) Detonation Parameters To Predict Detonation Synthesis Phase Production, Martin Langenderfer, William Fahrenholtz, Catherine E. Johnson

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A methodology was developed to predict pressure and temperature regimes achieved during detonation of RDX/TNT compositions with inert granular inclusions. The predicted pressures and temperatures are used as inputs for thermochemical simulations to design detonation synthesis experiments that utilize shock-induced chemical reactions to produce ceramic nanomaterials. This study computationally assessed the effects of inert spherical sand inclusions and porosity produced by inert additives on the sensitivity of the explosive composition during the shock-to-detonation transition using a limited scope approach through Lee-Tarver ignition and growth modeling. On the continuum scale, the effects of inert additives on pressure generation behind the detonation …

Framing Energy And Minerals For Future Pathways, Michelle Michot Foss, Michael S. Moats, Kwame Awuah-Offei

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We present a challenge for Group of Twenty (G20) discussions that entails (1) greater awareness of the role of non-fuel minerals in the global economy overall, but specifically in the energy sector; and (2) the introduction and acceleration of alternative energy sources and technologies. We focus on chemical battery energy storage, given its prominence in all views and outlooks of energy futures, especially for mobility. We present recommendations for G20 discussions and actions on battery materials, and the crucial underlying supply chains for mineral commodities.

Microstructural Influence On Mechanical Properties Of A Lightweight Ultrahigh Strength Fe-18mn-10al-0.9c-5ni (Wt%) Steel, Michael Piston, Laura Bartlett, Krista R. Limmer, Daniel M. Field

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study evaluates the role of thermomechanical processing and heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of a hot rolled, annealed, and aged Fe-18Mn-10Al-0.9C-5Ni (wt%) steel. The steel exhibited rapid age hardening kinetics when aged in the temperature range of 500-600 ⁰C for up to 50 h, which has been shown in other work to be the result of B2 ordering in the ferrite and K-carbide precipitation within the austenite matrix. The ultimate tensile strength increased from 1120 MPa in the annealed condition to 1230 MPa after 2 h of aging at 570 ⁰C. Charpy V-notch toughness was evaluated …

Interactions Between Dry Vibratable Tundish Linings And Steel Melts, Tyler M. Richards, Ronald J. O'Malley, Jeffrey D. Smith, Todd P. Sander

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Interactions between two tundish working linings and molten steel were investigated using industrial samples and laboratory testing. Periclase-based dry vibe linings from two production facilities were sampled and examined after casting: one containing 30 wt.% olivine and one without olivine. Cathodoluminescence imaging, secondary electron microscopy, energydispersive spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction analysis were performed to characterize the interactions. An experiment was developed to replicate the conditions found in a production tundish on the laboratory scale. Results comparing interactions observed in laboratory lining tests and commercial lining samples for the two lining materials are presented and discussed.

The Influence Of Ti, Nb And V On The Hot Ductility Of As-Cast Microalloyed Steels, Madhuri Varadarajan, Laura Bartlett, Ronald J. O'Malley, Semen Naumovich Lekakh

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Microalloying with Ti, Nb and V, both individually and in combination, is a common method for producing steels with high strength and toughness. However, interaction with other elements and impurities can lead to cracking during continuous casting and rolling. The hot ductility of commercially cast V, Nb and Nb-V-Ti steels has been investigated using two experimental methods: tensile testing utilizing a servo-hydraulic load frame with a resistance furnace and thermomechanical testing using rapid joule heating. The temperature-dependent ductility of these steels is compared for both test methods. Factors that influence the ductility of these steels are discussed.

New Experimental Apparatus To Investigate Hot Tearing Behavior In Steel, Yanru Lu, Laura Bartlett, Ronald J. O'Malley, Semen Naumovich Lekakh, Mario F. Buchely

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Hot tearing is a complex thermomechanical phenomenon occurring in the semi-solid region. Strain in this region can induce cracking and localized alloying element segregation. An apparatus for investigating hot tearing was developed utilizing a servo-motor controlled cylinder to apply a pre-determined amount of strain to the solidifying shell. A special mold was developed using filling and solidification modeling to ensure that dendrite growth was perpendicular to applied strain. A computer-automated system was utilized to control the strain and strain rate and measure the force and displacement. Solidification experiments utilizing AISI 1020 steel validated the apparatus capabilities and optimized testing parameters.

Peritectic Behavior Detection In The Fe-C-Mn-Al-Si Steel System Using Fiber Optic Temperature Mapping, Muhammad Roman, Damilola Balogun, Rex E. Gerald Ii, Laura Bartlett, Jie Huang, Ronald J. O'Malley

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Peritectic reactions can cause surface defects and breakouts in continuous casting and the peritectic region is often avoided by adjusting the chemical composition of the steel to cast outside of the peritectic sensitivity range. However, the combined effects of C, Mn, Al, and Si on the boundaries that map peritectic region are still disputed for many advanced high strength steel grades. An apparatus for performing controlled solidification experiments is being developed to characterize the effects of chemical composition on the uniformity of shell growth during solidification using a copper chill mold with an embedded fiber-optic temperature sensor that enables high …

Scale Formation On 430 Stainless Steel In A Simulated Slab Combustion Reheat Furnace Atmosphere, Richard Osei, Semen Naumovich Lekakh, Ronald J. O'Malley

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Scale formed during slab reheating can be difficult to remove by high-pressure descaling, having a negative impact hot roll surface quality. A large-capacity thermogravimetric apparatus that replicates the combustion atmosphere and temperature in a slab reheat furnace was used to investigate scale formation on 430 stainless steel. Effects of reheating parameters (temperature, time and atmosphere) on oxidation kinetics were investigated. Oxidized samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction to document the microstructure and morphology of scale. Mechanisms for the formation of multi-layered oxide structures that complicate oxidation kinetics and scale removal are discussed.

A Modified Johnson-Cook Model Incorporating The Effect Of Grain Size On Flow Stress, S. Ganguly, Mario F. Buchely, K. Chandrashekhara, Semen Naumovich Lekakh, Ronald J. O'Malley

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The mechanical properties of steel are influenced by grain size, which can change through mechanisms such as nucleation and growth at elevated temperatures. However, the classic Johnson-Cook model that is widely used in hot deformation simulations does not consider the effect of grain size on flow stress. In this study, the Johnson-Cook model was modified to incorporate the effects of austenite grain size on flow stress. A finite element model was employed to characterize the effects of grain size on the flow stress for different steel grades over a range of temperatures (900⁰ to 1300⁰). Simulation results show good agreement …

A Data-Driven Approach For Predicting Nepheline Crystallization In High-Level Waste Glasses, Irmak Sargin, Charmayne E. Lonergan, John D. Vienna, John S. Mccloy, Scott P. Beckman

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

High-level waste (HLW) glasses with high alumina content are prone to nepheline crystallization during the slow canister cooling that is experienced during large-scale production. Because of its detrimental effects on glass durability, nepheline (NaAlSiO₄) precipitation must be avoided; however, developing robust, predictive models for nepheline crystallization behavior in compositionally complex HLW glasses is difficult. Using overly conservative constraints to predict nepheline formation can limit the waste loading to lower than the achievable capacity. In this study, a robust data-driven model using five compositional features has been developed to predict nepheline formation. A new descriptor is introduced called the …

Processing And Properties Of Medium-Mn Trip Steel To Obtain A Two-Stage Trip Behavior, D. M. Field, L. G. Garza-Martinez, D. C. Van Aken

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Two medium-Mn steels of nominal composition 0.15C-2.0Si-10.5Mn-(0.75, 1.5) Al-0.04Nb-balFe (wt pct) were processed to produce sub-micron grain sizes of 0.65 and 0.80 μm. Mechanical testing was performed in three successive conditions: hot rolled, intercritically annealed, and cold rolled with subsequent intercritical annealing. Intercritical annealing was performed at 923 K for 20 hours. Electron-backscattered diffraction and X-ray diffraction were utilized to characterize the microstructure, consisting of α-ferrite, α-martensite, ε-martensite, and γ-austenite. Microstructural constituents were tracked during tensile deformation, and it was found that both steels exhibited two-stage TRIP with γ-austenite martensitically transforming first to ε-martensite and as strain increased ε-martensite transformed …

A Spatially Distributed Fiber-Optic Temperature Sensor For Applications In The Steel Industry, Muhammad Roman, Damilola Balogun, Yiyang Zuang, Rex E. Gerald Ii, Laura Bartlett, Ronald J. O'Malley, Jie Huang

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents a spatially distributed fiber-optic sensor system designed for demanding applications, like temperature measurements in the steel industry. The sensor system employed optical frequency domain reflectometry (OFDR) to interrogate Rayleigh backscattering signals in single-mode optical fibers. Temperature measurements employing the OFDR system were compared with conventional thermocouple measurements, accentuating the spatially distributed sensing capability of the fiber-optic system. Experiments were designed and conducted to test the spatial thermal mapping capability of the fiber-optic temperature measurement system. Experimental simulations provided evidence that the optical fiber system could resolve closely spaced temperature features, due to the high spatial resolution and …

International Year Of Glass, Bill Fahrenholtz

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Predicting Effective Fracture Toughness Of Zrb₂-Based Ultra-High Temperature Ceramics By Phase-Field Modeling, Arezoo Emdadi, Jeremy Lee Watts, William Fahrenholtz, Greg Hilmas, Mohsen Asle Zaeem

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The effective fracture toughness (EFT) of ZrB₂-C ceramics with different engineered microarchitectures was numerically evaluated by phase-field modeling. To verify the model, fibrous monoliths (elongated hexagonal ZrB₂-rich cells in a continuous C-rich matrix) with different volume fractions of a C-rich phase were considered. Architectures containing 10 and 30 vol% of C-rich phase showed EFT values about 42% more than that of pure ZrB₂. Increasing the C-rich phase to 50 vol%, dropped toughness significantly, which is in agreement with the experimental results. Replacing hexagonal cells with cylindrical, triangular, or square cells of the same cross-sectional …

Resistive Switching In Atomic Layer Deposited Hfo2/Zro2 Nanolayer Stacks, Lin Tang, Hiraku Maruyama, Taihao Han, Juan C. Nino, Yonghong Chen, Dou Zhang

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The resistive switching properties of HfO₂/ZrO₂ nanolayers with the total thickness of 16 nm prepared using atomic layer deposition (ALD) were investigated. Current-voltage behavior, pulse time mode measurement, retention and endurance tests were carried out to characterize the memristive (memory-resistive) properties. Resistive switching was observed in all nanolayer stacks, and the set voltage (Vset) decreased with increasing the number of layers (i.e., increasing number of hafnia-zirconia interfaces). Grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (GI-XRD) results demonstrate that the hafnia transforms from monoclinic to orthorhombic crystal structure during the post metallization annealing. Shifts in the binding energy of the x-ray …

Prediction Of Flotation Efficiency Of Metal Sulfides Using An Original Hybrid Machine Learning Model, Rachel Cook, Keitumetse Cathrine Monyake, Muhammad Badar Hayat, Aditya Kumar, Lana Alagha

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Froth flotation process is extensively used for selective separation of base metal sulfides from uneconomic mineral resources. Reliable prediction of process outcomes (metal recovery and grade) is vital to ensure peak performance. This work employs an innovative hybrid machine learning (ML) model—constructed by combining the random forest model and the firefly algorithm—to predict froth flotation efficiency of galena and chalcopyrite in relation to various experimental process parameters. The hybrid model's prediction performance was rigorously evaluated and compared against four different standalone ML models. The outcomes of this study illustrate that the hybrid ML model has the prediction ability to process …

Thermal Properties Of Sodium Borosilicate Glasses As A Function Of Sulfur Content, Jason M. Lonergan, Charmayne Lonergan, Joshua Silverstein, Pornsinee Cholsaipant, John Mccloy

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Sulfur trioxide (SO₃) additions, up to 3.0 mass%, were systematically investigated for effects on the physical properties of sodium borosilicate glass melted in air, with a sulfur-free composition of 50SiO₂–10Al₂O₃–12B₂O₃–21Na₂O–7CaO (mass%). Solubility measurements, using electron microscopy chemical analysis, determined the maximum loading to be ~1.2 mass% SO₃. It was found that measured sulfur (here as sulfate) additions up to 1.18 mass% increased the glass transition temperature by 3%, thermal diffusivity by 11%, heat capacity by 10%, and thermal conductivity by 20%, and decreased the …

Monolithic Chalcogenide Optical Nanocomposites Enable Infrared System Innovation: Gradient Refractive Index Optics, Myungkoo Kang, Laura Sisken, Charmayne Lonergan, Andrew Buff, Anupama Yadav, Claudia Goncalves, Cesar Blanco, Peter Wachtel, J. David Musgraves, Alexej V. Pogrebnyakov, Erwan Baleine, Clara Rivero-Baleine, Theresa S. Mayer, Carlo G. Pantano, Kathleen A. Richardson

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The size and weight of conventional imaging systems is defined by costly non-planar lenses and the complex lens assemblies required to minimize optical aberrations. The ability to engineer gradient refractive index (GRIN) optics has the potential to overcome constraints of traditional homogeneous lenses by reducing the number of components in optical systems. Here, an innovative strategy to realize this goal based on monolithic GRIN media created in Ge-As-Se-Pb chalcogenide infrared nanocomposites is presented. A gradient heat treatment to spatially modulate the volume fraction of high refractive index Pb-rich nanocrystals within a glass matrix is utilized, providing a GRIN profile while …

Spherical Cavity Expansion Approach For The Study Of Rigid-Penetrator’S Impact Problems, Mario Buchely, Alejandro Marañon

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In recent years, Spherical Cavity Expansion (SCE) theory has been extensively utilized to model dynamic deformation processes related to indentation and penetration problems in many fields. In this review, the SCE theory is introduced by explaining the different mathematical features of this theory, its solution, and a potential application to model the penetration of a rigid penetrator into a deformable target. First, a chronologically literature review of the most common models used to study this kind of penetration problems is introduced, focusing on the SCE theory. Then, the engineering model of penetration is presented using the SCE approach. The model …

Estimation Of Lubrication Layer Thickness And Composition Through Reverse Engineering Of Interface Rheometry Tests, Alexis Salinas, Dimitri Feys

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

During concrete pumping, a lubrication layer is formed near the pipe wall. Extensive research has been performed on measuring and modeling the properties of this layer and using these values to predict pumping pressures. However, there are numerous discussions in the literature about the composition and thickness of this layer: can it be considered mortar, a micromortar, or is it cement paste? In this paper, possible solutions for the thickness and composition of the lubrication layer are derived from interface rheometry tests. It is assumed that the lubrication layer is composed of one or more concentric layers of paste or …

Correction To: Recommendations Of Rilem Tc 260-Rsc For Using Superabsorbent Polymers (Sap) For Improving Freeze–Thaw Resistance Of Cement-Based Materials (Materials And Structures, (2019), 52, 4, (75), 10.1617/S11527-019-1375-4), Viktor Mechtcherine, Christof Schröfl, Michaela Reichardt, Agnieszka J. Klemm, Kamal Khayat

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Agnieszka J. Klemm is affiliated to Glasgow Caledonian University, Glasgow, UK.

Cyclic Regeneration Of Nanostructured Composites For Catalytic Applications, Fatih Dogan

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A cermet catalyst material, defining a matrix having interconnected open pores, the matrix selected from the group consisting of YSZ and CGO and defining a substrate, a ceramic coating having a general formula A_yB_nO_x at least partially coating the pores, and a plurality of metal particles A at least partially embedded in the ceramic coating. A is selected from the group consisting of Co, Cu, Ce, Ni, Ti, and combinations thereof and B is selected from the group consisting of Mo, W, Ce, and combinations thereof. When the coating is in a first oxidizing atmosphere …

Development Of Lightweight Materials By Meso- And Microstructure Control, Myranda Shea Spratt

Doctoral Dissertations

”In this work, two lightweight structures – lattice structures and metal matrix syntactic foams (MMSF) – were studied. Honeycomb lattices were manufactured by powder bed selective laser melting (SLM) from 304L stainless steel. The wall thicknesses of these structures ranged from 0.2 to 0.5 mm. Surface roughness was the primary cause of dimensional mismatch between the expected and as-built structures with an average wall thickness increase of 0.12 mm. The strength of the honeycombs increased with increasing wall thickness. A feature of the SLM microstructure, the melt pool boundary, was also studied as a part of this work. 3D models …