Project Description
The objective of this project is to study the high-temperature oxidation performance of a set of Ni-based alloys. Some of these alloys are experimental materials being provided to use from NASA and others are commercially available superalloys. We are testing the ability of the alloys to resist oxidation damage in air and air/steam environments between 800C and 1200C. The methods we use are a combination of thermogravimetric analysis, customized steam/air oxidation furnaces, and analysis of data in Excel. Additionally, we use various material characterization methods to document how the microstructures of the various alloys change as they are oxidized at high temperatures. These data, in combination, help us and our collaborators at NASA alter the alloy design in ways that increase performance and will enable the use of these alloys in next-generation rocket applications.
Tasks and Responsibilites
Students will focus on sample preparation with metallographic lab equipment for samples before and after oxidation tests. Additionally, students will use various microscopes (optical, digital, electron) and x-ray diffraction to help characterize and analyze samples.
Desired Qualifications
None listed.