Hostname: page-component-76fb5796d-zzh7m Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-04-27T06:18:28.247Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Microfocus Radiographic Characterization of Materials and Components for High Performance Applications

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 February 2011

D J. Cotter
Affiliation:
GTE Laboratories Incorporated, 40 Sylvan Road, Waltham, MA 02254
W. D. Koenigsberg
Affiliation:
GTE Laboratories Incorporated, 40 Sylvan Road, Waltham, MA 02254
E. M. Dunn
Affiliation:
GTE Laboratories Incorporated, 40 Sylvan Road, Waltham, MA 02254
M. Abdollahian
Affiliation:
GTE Laboratories Incorporated, 40 Sylvan Road, Waltham, MA 02254
Get access

Abstract

Results are presented from several studies where microfocus radiography has been applied to provide feedback necessary to improve reliability and performance of materials and components. Improving the reliability of advanced silicon nitride ceramics through the use of NDE was studied by exploring the relationship between process-related defects, radiography results, and fracture of test samples. Research in the areas of structural and electronic ceramic joining has been aided by monitoring the effects of process modifications with real-time microfocus radiography and computer- based image processing.

Microfocus projection radiography was used to nondestructively examine a large quantity of silicon nitride modulus of rupture test bars for internal defects. Failure stress prediction was attempted using a fracture mechanics model and quantitative NDE data, and compared to actual failure stress.

In-process NDE of silicon nitride ceramic to Incoloy 909 metal brazed test samples was performed. Correlation between NDE results, optical microscopy, and destructive mechanical strength levels of samples is discussed.

Microfocus x-ray imaging was used to monitor the process of bonding microwave power transistors to metallized BeO ceramic substrates. Nonuniform distribution of the eutectic bond was readily detectable, thereby providing feedback for process improvement. Comparison is made between x-ray, optical, and infrared images.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1989

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

[1] Deming, W. Edward, Out of the Crisis, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Publishers, Cambridge, MA, p. 28 (1986).Google Scholar
[2] Parish, R.W., AGARD Lecture Series No. 103, pp. 3.13.29 (1979).Google Scholar
[3] Roberts, R.A., Ellingson, W.A., and Vannier, M.W., ”A Comparison of X-ray Computer Tomography Through Transmission Ultrasound and Low-kV X-ray Imaging for Characterization of Green-State Ceramics,” Proc. of the 15th Symp. on Nondestructive Evaluation, pp. 118–124 (1985).Google Scholar
[4] Richerson, D.W., Modern Ceramic Engineering, Marcel Dekker, New York, pp. 6996 (1982).Google Scholar
[5] Cotter, D.J. and Koenigsberg, W.D., “Microfocus Radiography of High Performance Silicon Nitride Ceramics,,” Proc. Conf. on Nondestructive Testing of High Performance Ceramics, Boston, MA, Am. Ceram. Soc., pp. 233253 (1987).Google Scholar
[6] Quackenbush, C.L., Neil, J.T., and Smith, J.T., “Sintering, Microstructure, and Properties of Si 3N4 and SiC Based Structural Ceramics,” ASME Paper 81-GT-220, pp. 1–9 (March 1981).CrossRefGoogle Scholar
[7] Pasto, A.E., Neil, J.T., and Quackenbush, C.L., “Microstructural Effects Influencing Strength of Silicon Nitride,” Proc. Int. Conf. on Ultrastructure Processing of Ceramics, Glasses and Composites, pp. 476479 (1983).Google Scholar
[8] Bandyopadhyay, G. and French, K.W., “Fabrication of Near Net Shape Silicon Nitride Parts for Engine Application,” ASME Paper No. 86-GT-11, 31st Int. Gas Turbine Conference and Exhibit, Dusseldorf, Fed. Repub. of Germany, pp. 1–4 (June 1986).Google Scholar
[9] Griffith, A.A., “The Phenomenon of Rupture and Flow in Solids,” Philos. Trans. R. Soc. London, Ser. A.221 [4], pp. 163198 (1920).Google Scholar
[10] Davidge, R.W. and Evans, A.G., Mater. Sci. Eng. 6, pp. 281298 (1970).Google Scholar
[11] Evans, A.G. and Tappin, G., Proc. Br. Ceram. Soc.. 20, pp. 275297 (1972).Google Scholar
[12] Cotter, D.J., Koenigsberg, W.D., Pasto, A.E., and Bowen, L.J., “Improving the Reliability of High-Performance Ceramics Using Nondestructive Evaluation,” 12th Conf. on Composites and Advanced Ceramics, Cocoa Beach, FL (January 1988).Google Scholar
[13] Davidge, R.W.,“Effects of Microstructure on the Mechanical Properties of Ceramics,” Fracture Mechanics of Ceramics, Vol.2, Plenum Press, New York, pp. 447468 (1974).Google Scholar
[14] Petrovic, J.J. and Mendiratta, M.G., “Fracture from Controlled Surface Flaws, Fracture Mechanics Applied to Brittle Materials,” ASTM STP 678, ed. Frieman, S.W. (American Society for Testing and Materials, Philadelphia, PA, pp. 83102 (1979).Google Scholar
[15] Munz, D. and Rosenfelder, O., “Assessment of Flaws in Ceramic Materials on the Basis of Nondestructive Evaluation,” Fracture Mechanics of Ceramics, Vol.7, Plenum Press, New York, pp. 265283 (1986).Google Scholar
[16] Loehman, R.E. and Tomsia, A.P., Ceram. Bull. 67 [2] (1988).Google Scholar
[17] McIntire, P. Nondestructive Testing Handbook, Am. Soc. for Nondestructive Testing Publishers, Columbus, OH, pp. 227232 (1985).Google Scholar
[18] Hoge, C.E. and Thomas, S., “Some Considerations of the Gold-Silicon Die Bond Based on Surface Chemical Analysis,” 18th Annual Proceedings of Reliability Physics, IEEE (1980).CrossRefGoogle Scholar