Testing analytical and numerical models in phase coarsening using NASA physical sciences informatics system a quantitative understanding of microstructure evolution by phase coarsening is crucial to…

This is a $199,661 grant awarded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to the Florida Institute of Technology (Florida TECH), a private university and non-profit located in Melbourne, Florida. The grant is for a research project to test analytical and numerical models of phase coarsening using data from NASA's Physical Sciences Informatics System. The goals include validating diffusion screening theory, testing numerical phase-field simulations, and conducting a three-way comparison of theory, simulation, and microgravity experiments. There is no set-aside designation, indicating this was a full and open competition. As a leading research institution, Florida TECH has extensive experience collaborating with NASA and other federal agencies on scientific research and technology development projects.

Testing analytical and numerical models in phase coarsening using NASA physical sciences informatics system a quantitative understanding of microstructure evolution by phase coarsening is crucial to the optimization of processing procedures for controlling the final structure and properties of multiphase materials. The volume fraction of the coarsening phase plays an integral role in the kinetics. The existing theoretical work has been limited to some volume fractions. The most ground-based experimental study of phase coarsening has been limited in model alloy systems. There were four microgravity experimental work for phase coarsening in SN-PB mixtures. The microgravity experiments greatly reduced the rate of sedimentation and allowed the dynamics of the phase coarsening to be investigated carefully and accurately. The specific thrusts of this project therefore LIE in advancing the state of the art of understanding phase coarsening using NASA physical sciences informatics system. The proposed research project is to test existing analytical and numerical models for phase coarsening using data in NASA physicalsciences informatics system. The primary goals of this project are: (1) we will test the diffusion screening theory of phase coarsening by virtue of the microgravity experiments in NASA physical sciences informatics system; (2) we will test numerical modeling such as phase-field simulation; (3) large-scale three-dimensional phase-field simulations will be conducted utilizing the microgravity experiments in NASA physical sciences informatics system; (4) we will carry out a three-way comparison among theory, simulation, and microgravity experiments; (5) after the testing, an improved theory and a more accurate numerical modeling may be developed if needed.