Theoretical Study of the Heat of Transport in a Liquid Ni50Al50 Alloy: Green-Kubo Approach

We analyse the formalism of transport in a binary system especially focussing on a detailed consideration of the heat of transport parameter characterizing diffusion driven by a temperature gradient. We introduce the reduced heat of transport parameter Qc*' which characterizes part of the interdiffusion flux that is proportional to the temperature gradient. In an isothermal system Qc*' represents the reduced heat flow (pure heat conduction) consequent upon unit interdiffusion flux. We demonstrate that Qc*' is independent of reference frame and is practically useful for direct comparison of simulation and experimental data from different sources obtained in different reference frames. Then, we use equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations in conjunction with the Green-Kubo formalism to study the heat transport properties of a model of the liquid Ni50Al50alloy at three state points within the temperature range 1500 – 4000 K. Our results predict that in the liquid Ni50Al50alloy in the presence of a temperature gradient Ni tends to diffuse from the cold end to the hot end whilst Al tends to diffuse from the hot end to the cold end.

Interface Movement and Microstructure Evolution of Interdiffusion in the Binary Alloy Diffusion Couples

The phase field simulation of interface movement and interdiffusion microstructure in a binary diffusion couples was developed. The diffusion couples with nonequilibrium concentration for single phase or single phase and two-phase including the temperature and mobility effects were studied. It’s shown that the interface movement and the atoms diffusion direction were determined by the magnitude of relative concentration difference between the initial concentration and the equilibrium concentration, the distance of interface movement and interdiffusion flux increases as the temperature or the mobility increasing, and the large mobility makes the particles coarsening faster.

Determination of Average Ternary Interdiffusion Coefficients Using Moments of Interdiffusion Flux and Concentration Profiles

We developed a method of rigorous solution of the Onsager’s flow equations using moments of the interdiffusion-parameter integrands for the determination of average ternary interdiffusion coefficients. The analysis developed by Dayananda and Sohn [1] is the basis for this refined approach. Average main and cross interdiffusion coefficients are determined over selected regions in the diffusion zone using the diffusion-distance moments of the interdiffusion flux flow equations. Thermodynamic stability of solid solutions in the light of interdiffusion phenomenon is taken as validation criteria to identify accurate and reliable values of the ternary interdiffusion coefficients. Regulations are proposed for successful application of the analysis method to various ternary diffusion couples in Ni- and Fe-based intermetallics.

Ternary and Quaternary Interdiffusion in γ (fcc) Fe-Ni-Cr-X (X = Si, Ge) Alloys at 900°C

Interdiffusion in Fe-Ni-Cr (fcc γ phase) alloys with small additions of Si and Ge at 900°C was studied using solid-to-solid diffusion couples. Alloy rods of Fe-24 at.%Ni, Fe-24 at.%Ni- 22at.%Cr, Fe-24 at.%Ni-22at.%Cr-4at.%Si and Fe-24 at.%Ni-22at.%Cr-1.7at.%Ge were cast using arc-melt, and homogenized at 900°C for 168 hours. Sectioned alloy disks from the rods were polished, and diffusion couples were assembled with in Invar steel jig, encapsulated in Argon after several hydrogen flushes, and annealed atz 900°C for 168 hours. Polished cross-sections of the diffusion couples were characterized to determine experimental concentration profiles using electron probe microanalysis with pure elemental standards. Interdiffusion fluxes of individual components were calculated directly from the experimental concentration profiles, and the moments of interdiffusion flux profiles were examined to determine the average ternary and quaternary interdiffusion coefficients. Effects of alloying additions on the interdiffusional behavior of Fe-Ni- Cr-X alloys at 900°C are presented with due consideration for the formation of protective Cr2O3 scale.

Ternary Interdiffusion in L12-Ni3Al with Ir Alloying Addition

Average ternary interdiffusion coefficients in Ni3Al with Ir additions have been determined using solid-to-solid diffusion couples annealed at 1200°C for 5 hours. Disc shaped alloy specimens were prepared by the vacuum arc melting at compositions of Ni-24Al, Ni-25Al, Ni-26Al, Ni-23.5Al-1Ir, Ni-24.5Al-1Ir, Ni-23Al-2Ir, Ni-23Al-2Ir, Ni-24Al-2Ir, Ni-23Al-3Ir (at.%). Surfaces of alloys were polished down to 1200 grit and diffusion couples were assembled in Si3N4 jig for initial bonding heat treatment at 1200°C for 0.5 hours. Additional diffusion anneal was carried out at 1200°C for 4.5 hours outside of Si3N4 jig so that diffusion couples can be water quenched. Concentration profiles of individual components were measured by electron probe microanalysis using pure standard of Ni, Al and Ir. Interdiffusion flux of individual component was determined directly from the experimental concentration profiles, and the moments of interdiffusion flux were examined to calculate the average ternary interdiffusion coefficients, D˜ ij k either with Al or Ni as dependent component. Calculated interdiffusion coefficients suggest that Ir-alloyed Al2O3-forming oxidation resistant coatings would be beneficial to reduce the interdiffusion flux of Ni from superalloy substrates to the coating, and reduce the interdiffusion flux of Al from the coating to the superalloy substrate.

Cation Interdiffusion in Squid Giant Axons

Radiotracer techniques were used to study the influxes and effluxes of various univalent cations in internally perfused squid giant axons. Membrane currents and conductances were determined by the voltage-clamp technique under analogous internal and external conditions. Both sodium-containing and sodium-free internal and external media were studied. Membrane impedance was measured with an ac impedance bridge to determine the general magnitude and time course of the impedance loss which accompanied the excitation process in both varieties of external media. Maximum transmembrane currents were found to be of comparable magnitude to the charge transfer associated with the peak interdiffusion flux measured under the same conditions. The product of the membrane resistance and the interdiffusion flux remained constant over a wide range of resistance and flux values, both at rest and during activity, both in sodium-containing and sodium-free media. The implications of these findings for excitation theory are discussed.