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Title: Mo-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} cermet research and development

Technical Report ·
DOI:https://doi.org/10.2172/552782· OSTI ID:552782

This report describes the results to date of a program that was initiated to predict and measure residual stresses in Mo-Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} cermet-containing components and to develop new materials and processes that would lead to the reduction or elimination of the thermal mismatch stresses. The period of performance includes work performed CY95-97. Excessive thermal mismatch stresses had produced cracking in some cermet-containing neutron tube components. This cracking could lead to a loss of hermeticity or decreased tube reliability. Stress predictions were conducted using finite element models of the various components, along with the thermal coefficient of expansion (CTE), Young`s modulus, and strength properties. A significant portion of the program focused on the property measurements for the existing cermet materials, processing conditions, and the measurement technique. The effects of differences in the properties on the predicted residual stresses were calculated for existing designs. Several potential approaches were evaluated for reducing the residual stresses and cracking in cermet-containing parts including reducing the Mo content of the cermet, substituting a ternary alloy with a better CTE match with alumina, and substituting Nb for Mo. Processing modifications were also investigated for minimizing warpage that occurs during sintering due to differential sintering. These modifications include changing the pressing of the 94ND2 alumina and changing to a 96% alumina powder from AlSiMag.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
552782
Report Number(s):
SAND-97-1894; ON: DE98001095; TRN: 97:005931
Resource Relation:
Other Information: PBD: Aug 1997
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English