Abstract: A wear-resistant electrode tip for a spark plug, and a spark plug which incorporates the wear-resistant tip. The wear-resistant tip includes an alloy of platinum, iridium, and tungsten. Surprisingly, by addition of a small amount of tungsten to platinum-iridium alloy, the wear-resistance of a resultant spark plug is greatly improved. The spark plug electrode tip according to the invention is either spherical or rivet-shaped. During manufacture, the spark plug electrode tip is annealed in an annealing furnace. The annealing furnace is preferably either charged with an inert gas such as argon or nitrogen, or is subjected to a vacuum. The electrode tip is, optionally, further externally coated with platinum or a compatible bonding metal alloy before attachment to the electrode. Subsequent to annealing and, where used, to external coating, the spark plug electrode tip is placed in a welding fixture. The tip is then aligned with a spark plug electrode and is resistance welded thereto.

Abstract: A spark plug and method of making same, wherein the spark plug includes a platinum alloy tip portion which takes the form of a rivet or a sphere. The tip portion is annealed in an annealing furnace at a temperature between about 700.degree.-1400.degree. C. for a time between about 5-30 minutes. The annealed tip portion is then resistance welded to an electrode of the spark plug. The annealing provides the tip portion with added resistance to corrosion and attack by lead. Preferred embodiments of the spark plug tip material comprise 80% platinum--20% rhodium; 80% platinum--20% iridium; 96% platinum--4% tungsten; and Pt (bal)-Ir(a)%-W(b)%, where "a" ranges from about 15 to 19 percent by weight, "b" ranges from about 1 to 4 percent by weight, and the balance is comprised of platinum and incident impurities, and wherein the sum of iridium and tungsten present ranges from about 16 to 19.

Abstract: A spark plug and method of making same, wherein the spark plug includes an iridium alloy tip portion which may take the form of a rivet or a sphere. The tip portion is coated with platinum, annealed and then resistance welded to a nickel-based electrode of the spark plug. The platinum coating helps to prevent cracks at the welding joint which might otherwise occur due to the differing coefficients of thermal expansion of the iridium-based alloy tip portion and the nickel-based alloy electrode. The iridium alloy tip portion is further not susceptible to attack by lead or combustive gases and therefore increases the life of the spark plug significantly.

Abstract: A spark plug electrode wire composed of an iridium-rhodium alloy exhibits improved erosion resistance and enhanced durability in leaded and unleaded fuel environments. The alloy is formed into a wire having high thermal conductivity, low electrical resistivity, good oxidation resistance, good corrosion resistance, good wear resistance. It exhibits desirable work function in pure metals and alloys such as iridium and iridium-rhodium. The wire is inserted into the center electrode of the spark plug and brazed to an Inconel base metal and copper core thereof using a silver-based brazing alloy. After electrical engine dynamometer testing for 200 hours, an improvement in erosion resistance as high as eight fold was observed with an 60% iridium-40% rhodium alloy, when compared to a conventional 90% platinum-10% nickel alloy. The iridium-rhodium spark plug electrode wire can be used to minimize erosion and wear resistance in leaded and unleaded fuel environments.

Abstract: A casting wheel quench surface rapidly solidifies molten alloy into strip having a microcrystalline or amorphous structure. The surface is composed of a thermally conducting alloy having a homogeneous microstructure consisting of fine equiaxed recrystallized grains. The grains exhibit a tight Gaussian grain size distribution.

Abstract: A rapidly solidified brazing alloy consists essentially of about 14 to 45 weight percent magnesium and 0 to 10 weight percent of at least one element selected from the group consisting of silicon, bismuth, strontium, lithium, copper, calcium, zinc and tin, the balance being aluminum and incidental impurities. The alloy has a microcrystalline structure containing uniformly distributed intermetallic particles. It has the form of a foil (liquidus temperature <570.degree. C.) and can be used to braze non-heat-treatable rapidly solidified Al-Fe-V-Si alloy foil, sheet, plate, and tubing to produce components such as deicing duct, overduct, radiator, heat exchanger, evaporator, honeycomb panel for elevated temperature applications.

Abstract: Magnesium base metal alloy sheet is produced by rolling the rolling stock extruded or forged from a billet at a temperature ranging from 200.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. The billet is consolidated from rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy powder that consists essentially of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, and yttrium, "a" ranges from about 0 to 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from about 0 to 4 atom percent, "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. The alloy has a uniform microstructure comprised of fine grain size ranging from 0.2-1.0 .mu.m together with precipitates of magnesium and aluminum containing intermetallic phases of a size less than 0.1 .mu.m.

Abstract: A low melting (liquidus temperature <570.degree. C.) rapidly solidified brazing alloy consists essentially of about 14 to 52 weight percent germanium, 0 to 10 weight percent of at least one element selected from the group consisting of silicon, magnesium, bismuth, strontium, lithium, copper, calcium, zinc and tin, the balance being aluminum and incidental impurities. The alloy has the form of a foil and can be used to braze non-heat-treatable rapidly solidified Al-Fe-Si-V alloy foil, sheet plate and tubing to components such as deicing duct, overduct, radiator, heat exchanger, evaporator, honeycomb panel for elevated temperature applications.

Abstract: A low melting (liquidus temperature<570.degree. C.) rapidly solidified brazing alloy consists essentially of about 14 to 52 weight percent germanium, 0 to 10 weight percent of at least one element selected from the group consisting of silicon, magnesium, bismuth, strontium, lithium, copper, calcium, zinc and tin, the balance being aluminum and incidental impurities. The alloy has the form of a foil and can be used to braze non-heat-treatable rapidly solidified Al-Fe-Si-V alloy foil, sheet plate and tubing to components such as deicing duct, overduct, radiator, heat exchanger, evaporator, honeycomb panel for elevated temperature applications.

Abstract: A magnesium based metal matrix composite is made from rapidly solidified magnesium alloy powder and SiC particulate using liquid suspension coprocessing or mechanical alloying. The composite is suitable for consolidation into bulk shapes having, in combination, high strength, high stiffness, low density, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and high hardness. The composite is suited for uses in such applications as space and missile guidance and navigation and control system precision components where low density, very high specific stiffness and long term dimensional and environmental stability are principal performance criteria.

Abstract: A magnesium based metal matrix composite is made from rapidly solidified magnesium alloy powder and SiC particulate using liquid suspension coprocessing or mechanical alloying. The composite is suitable for consolidation into bulk shapes having, in combination, high strength, high stiffness, low density, low coefficient of thermal expansion, and high hardness. The composite is suited for uses in such applications as space and missile guidance and navigation and control system precision components where low density, very high specific stiffness and long term dimensional and environmental stability are principal performance criteria.

Abstract: A magnesium alloy consists essentially of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, and yttrium, "a" ranges from about 0 to 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from about 0 to 4 atom percent, and "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. Second phase particles contained by the alloy are less susceptible to corrosion attack. Articles produced from the alloy have superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties comparable to those made from commercial magnesium alloys. Such articles are suitable for application as structural members in helicopters, air frames, such as gear box housings, where good corrosion resistance in combination with low density and good strength are required.

Abstract: Magnesium base metal alloy sheet is produced by rolling the rolling stock extruded or forged from a billet at a temperature ranging from 200.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. The billet is consolidated from rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy powder that consists essentially of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, and yttrium, "a" ranges from about 0 to 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from about 0 to 4 atom percent, "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. The alloy has a uniform microstructure comprised of fine grain size ranging from 0.2-1.0 .mu.m together with precipitates of magnesium and aluminum containing intermetallic phases of a size less than 0.1 .mu.m.

Abstract: Magnesium base metal alloy sheet is produced by rolling the rolling stock extruded or forged from a billet at a temperature ranging from 200.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. The billet is consolidated from rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy powder that consists of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, and yttrium, "a" ranges from about 0 to 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from about 0 to 4 atom percent, "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. The alloy has a uniform microstructure comprised of fine grain size ranging from 0.2-1.0 .mu.m together with precipitates of magnesium and aluminum containing intermetallic phases of a size less than 0.1 .mu.m.

Abstract: A complex part composed of rapidly solidified magnesium base metal alloy is produced by superplastic forming at a temperature ranging from 160.degree. C. to 275.degree. C. and at a rate ranging from 0.00021 m/sec to 0.00001 mm/sec, to improve the formability thereof and allow forming to be conducted at lower temperature. The rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy has a composition consisting essentially of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium and yttrium, "a" ranges from 0 to about 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from 0 to about 4 atom percent and "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. Such an alloy contains fine grain size and finely dispersed magnesium-, aluminum- rare earth intermetallic phases.

Abstract: Magnesium base metal alloy sheet is produced by rolling the rolling stock extruded or forged from a billet at a temperature ranging from 200.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. The billet is consolidated from rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy powder that consists of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, and yttrium, "a" ranges from about 0 to 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from about 0 to 4 atom percent, "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. The alloy has a uniform microstructure comprised of fine grain size ranging from 0.2-1.0 .mu.m together with precipitates of magnesium and aluminum containing intermetallic phases of a size less than 0.1 .mu.m.

Abstract: A magnesium base metal component is forged from a billet by subjecting the billet to a forging process using multiple steps in a closed-die or an open-die forging and a forging temperature ranging from 200.degree. C. to 300.degree. C. The billet is compacted from a rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy defined by the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, and yttrium, "a" ranges from about 0 to 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from about 0 to 4 atom percent, "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. The alloy has a uniform microstructure comprised of a fine grain size ranging from 0.2-1.0 .mu.m together with precipitates of magnesium and aluminum containing intermetallic phases of a size less than 0.1 .mu.m.

Abstract: A rapidly quenched Fe-Si Alloy containing 6 to 7 wt % is heat treated to promote and control an order-disorder reaction, thereby improving its ac core loss and exciting power at induction levels about B=1.2 T. The alloy has a substantially <100> texture, a grain size of about 1 to 2 mm, a R2 domain size of 100 to 850 nm, a DO3 domain size of about 5 to 25 nm, an ac core loss of about 1.2 to 1.6 W/kg and an exciting power of about 15 to 46 VA/kg, the core loss and exciting power being measured at an induction level of B=1.4 T and a frequency of f=60 Hz.

Abstract: A complex part composed of rapidly solidified magnesium base metal alloy is produced by superplastic forming at a temperature ranging from 160.degree. C. to 275.degree. C. and at a rate ranging from 0.00021 m/sec. to 0.00001 m/sec., to improve the formability thereof and allow forming to be conducted at lower temperatures. The rapidly solidified magnesium based alloy has a composition consisting essentially of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium and yttrium, "a" range from 0 to about 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from 0 to about 4 atom percent and "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. Such an alloy contains fine grain size and finely dispersed magnesium-, aluminum- rare earth intermetallic phases.

Abstract: A magnesium alloy consists essentially of the formula Mg.sub.bal Al.sub.a Zn.sub.b X.sub.c, wherein X is at least one element selected from the group consisting of manganese, cerium, neodymium, praseodymium, and yttrium, "a" ranges from about 0 to 15 atom percent, "b" ranges from about 0 to 4 atom percent, and "c" ranges from about 0.2 to 3 atom percent, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities, with the proviso that the sum of aluminum and zinc present ranges from about 2 to 15 atom percent. Second phase particles contained by the alloy are less susceptible to corrosion attack. Articles produced from the alloy have superior corrosion resistance and mechanical properties comparable to those made from commercial magnesium alloys. Such articles are suitable for application as structural members in helicopters, air frames, such as gear box housings, where good corrosion resistance in combination with low density and good strength are required.