CMAS challenges to CMC-T/EBC systems

Gas turbine technology is undergoing a major transition with the recent implementation of SiC based ceramic composites (CMCs) in aircraft engines. While the potential improvement in temperature capability (≥1500°C) is unprecedented, there are a number of issues that limit the full exploitation of such potential. In addition to the longstanding concern for low temperature oxidative embrittlement and the limited temperature capability of current bond coats and matrices, the susceptibility of the protective SiO2 to volatilization in the combustion environment requires the use of environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) to achieve durability targets. Most EBC concepts, however, are based on silicates and are thus susceptible to degradation by molten silicate deposits generically known as CMAS originating from mineral debris ingested into engines with the intake air. This presentation will discuss the thermodynamic and mechanistic foundation of the degradation of EBCs by CMAS, recent progress in establishing the relevant phase equilibria for these systems, and the role of the CMAS composition on the extent of degradation, as well as perspective on mitigation. (Research supported by ONR, AFOSR and the P&W Center of Excellence in Composites at UCSB.

Ductile-Phase Toughening of Brazed Joints

A heat treatment is presented that uses ductile-phase toughening to mitigate the effect of brittle intermetallics in a Ni-based braze alloy. The fracture resistance has been enhanced by creating a microstructure containing elongated ductile γ-(Ni) domains that align, preferentially, across the joint. The development of this beneficial microstructure is based on an understanding of the transient dissolution, isothermal solidification, and coarsening phenomena. Due to slow kinetics, the elimination of intermetallics by diffusion is avoided in favor of ductile domain formation through solidification control. The toughening has been attributed to a combination of bridging and process zone dissipation, enabled by the ductile phase

Ordered Incidence geometry and the geometric foundations of convexity theory

An Ordered Incidence Geometry, that is a geometry with certain axioms of incidence and order, is proposed as a minimal setting for the fundamental convexity theorems, which usually appear in the context of a linear vector space, but require only incidence, order (and for separation, completeness), and none of the linear structure of a vector space.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/42995/1/22_2005_Article_BF01227810.pd

Extended Theories of Gravity and their Cosmological and Astrophysical Applications

We review Extended Theories of Gravity in metric and Palatini formalism pointing out their cosmological and astrophysical application. The aim is to propose an alternative approach to solve the puzzles connected to dark components.Comment: 44 pages, 11 figure

Metal-Matrix Composites and Thermal Spray Coatings for Earth Moving Machines

In the fifth quarter, tooling for the steel MMC effort was redesigned based on the findings from the pressure casting trials of the previous quarter. While awaiting the arrival of that tooling, gravity casting trials were performed to assess modified performing technology and new hard particle systems. Steel-boride composite systems demonstrated good wetting and infiltration behavior, and fully infiltrated steel-boride composites were obtained under certain conditions. However, preform floating and particle dissolution are challenges which must be overcome. Ceramic oxide composites successfully pressure cast in a hot isostatic press at UC Santa Barbara were characterized and subject to fracture toughness testing. Resulting differences in fracture toughness are believed to be due to differences in matrix hardness, potentially imparted through reaction of the molten steel with the particles. Some evidence of bonding between the steel and oxide particles was noted on fracture surfaces. Arc lamp processing trials at Oak Ridge National Laboratory demonstrated that thermal spray coatings were successfully designed to facilitate fusion. All coatings investigated developed some degree of metallurgical bond after lamp fusion and for most coatings lamp fusion also further increased coating hardness. An overview of the progress during the 1st quarter of this project is given below. Research details are provided in the limited rights appendix to this report

Incidence of invasive cervical cancer in the Swiss canton of Vaud, and a note on screening.

Age adjusted incidence rates (World standard) from invasive cervical cancer in the Swiss canton of Vaud decreased from 17.7/100,000 in 1968-70 to 9.9/100,000 in 1983-85. The decline was substantial in younger middle age, but no appreciable trend was observed in women over 70. This is consistent with available interview based information on the pattern of cervical screening in the Swiss population. Although there was no organised screening programme in Switzerland, over 80% of women aged 20-44 and 65% of those aged 45-64 reported one or more screening smears over the previous 3 years, compared to only 22% of women aged 65 or over. In the last calendar period, there was an apparent increase in the incidence of invasive cervical cancer (from 2.5 to 6.1/100,000) in women aged 25-29. Although based on small absolute numbers, this is in agreement with incidence and mortality data from other countries, and may therefore confirm a change in risk factor exposure in younger women

An efficient polynomial-time approximation scheme for the joint replenishment problem

We give an efficient polynomial-time approximation scheme (EPTAS) for the Joint Replenishment Problem (JRP) with stationary demand. Moreover, using a similar technique, we give a PTAS for the capacitated JRP with non-stationary demand but constant size capacities