Date of Award

Spring 1999

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Mechanical Engineering

First Advisor

Fournelle, Raymond A.

Second Advisor

Blumenthal, Robert N.

Third Advisor

Domblesky, Joseph P.

Abstract

This thesis presents an evaluation of the effects of alumina blasting on the transient high temperature oxidation of AISl 50B44 alloy steel. Oxidation nucleation and growth mechanisms are known to be sensitive to surface conditions and cold working. Oxide dispersions in dispersion strengthened alloys have also been shown to result in reduced oxidation and improved scale adherence characteristics. In this work, results of thermogravimetric analyses and oxide thickness measurements from induction heated samples are presented. Scanning electron microscopy and optical microscopy were used to characterize the high temperature oxide surfaces, interfaces and layers. Electropolished, surface ground, steel grit blasted and alumina blasted surfaces are compared. Microgravimetric test results and thickness measurements from induction heating trials show a distinct reduction in oxide growth, lower oxidation rates and improved oxide adherence characteristics for alumina blasted surfaces. Results from thermogravimetric analyses, in the temperature range of 927°C to 1093°C, show 73% to 42% reduced oxidation with AI203 surface blasting. Oxidation rates are reduced by surface alumina blasting by an order of magnitude in the 927°c and IO10°C temperature range.

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