Abstract: A component includes an outer wall that includes an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface. The component also includes at least one internal void defined adjacent the interior surface and configured to receive a cooling fluid therein. The component further includes a plurality of openings defined in and extending through the outer wall such that the outer wall defines an edge of each of the plurality of openings. Additionally, the component includes a plurality of separable plugs each positioned in a corresponding opening. Each of the separable plugs is sized to fit within the corresponding opening such that a clearance gap is defined between the separable plug and the edge of the corresponding opening. Each of the separable plugs is coupled to the outer wall by at least one tab that extends across the clearance gap from the each separable plug to the edge of the corresponding opening.

Abstract: A component includes an outer wall that includes an exterior surface and an opposite interior surface. The component also includes at least one internal void defined adjacent the interior surface and configured to receive a cooling fluid therein. The component further includes a plurality of openings defined in and extending through the outer wall such that the outer wall defines an edge of each of the plurality of openings. Additionally, the component includes a plurality of separable plugs each positioned in a corresponding opening. Each of the separable plugs is sized to fit within the corresponding opening such that a clearance gap is defined between the separable plug and the edge of the corresponding opening. Each of the separable plugs is coupled to the outer wall by at least one tab that extends across the clearance gap from the each separable plug to the edge of the corresponding opening.

Abstract: Methods for making a reinforced refractory crucible for melting titanium alloys including providing a form, applying a facecoat to the form, the facecoat having at least one facecoat layer, applying a backing about the facecoat, the backing having at least one backing layer, applying at least one reinforcing element to at least a portion of the facecoat layer, the backing layer, or a combination thereof where the reinforcing element includes at least one composition selected from ceramic compositions, metallic compositions, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Reinforced crucibles for melting titanium alloys having a facecoat including at least one facecoat layer, a backing including at least one backing layer, and at least one reinforcing element applied to at least a portion of one or more of the facecoat layer, the backing layer, or a combination thereof where the reinforcing element includes at least one composition selected from ceramic compositions, metallic compositions, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides high-throughput systems and methods for the fabrication and evaluation of electrode and electrolyte materials for solid oxide fuel cells. The present invention includes systems and methods for synthesizing and optimizing the performance of electrodes and electrode-electrolyte combinations and utilizes small-scale techniques to perform such optimization based on chemical composition and variable processing. Advantageously, rapid device performance systems and methods coupled with structural and surface systems and methods allow for an increased discovery rate of new materials for solid oxide fuel cells.

Abstract: Methods for making a reinforced refractory crucible for melting titanium alloys including providing a form, applying a facecoat to the form, the facecoat having at least one facecoat layer, applying a backing about the facecoat, the backing having at least one backing layer, applying at least one reinforcing element to at least a portion of the facecoat layer, the backing layer, or a combination thereof where the reinforcing element includes at least one composition selected from ceramic compositions, metallic compositions, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Reinforced crucibles for melting titanium alloys having a facecoat including at least one facecoat layer, a backing including at least one backing layer, and at least one reinforcing element applied to at least a portion of one or more of the facecoat layer, the backing layer, or a combination thereof where the reinforcing element includes at least one composition selected from ceramic compositions, metallic compositions, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: Multi-layer sensors are made using a direct write deposition technology. The sensors are formed on the surface of an object having a system characteristic to be monitored, such as temperature and strain. A first layer is deposited onto the substrate of the object to be monitored, a second layer is deposited onto the first layer, and a third layer is deposited onto the second layer. An optional protective layer may be deposited between the first layer and the substrate to prevent chemical interaction and lack of adhesion therebetween. A glazing or glassing layer may also be deposited to protect the thermistor from the operating environment to keep its electrical properties constant. These layers are sintered together, then electrical leads are attached to the sensor and to a monitoring controller. The monitoring controller may be hardwired to the sensor or remote therefrom.

Abstract: A slurry coating composition is described, which is very useful for enriching the surface region of a metal-based substrate with aluminum. The composition includes colloidal silica and particles of an aluminum-based powder, and is substantially free of hexavalent chromium. The slurry may include colloidal silica and an alloy of aluminum and silicon. Alternatively, the slurry includes colloidal silica, aluminum or aluminum-silicon, and an organic stabilizer such as glycerol. The slurry exhibits good thermal and chemical stability for extended periods of time, making it very useful for industrial applications. Related methods and articles are also described.

Abstract: A process for chemically stripping a metallic coating on an external surface of a substrate without attacking an internal surface defined by an internal passage within the substrate. Processing steps include depositing within the internal passage a thermally-decomposable wax having a melting temperature above 75° C. so as to mask the internal surface of the substrate, and then treating the substrate with an aqueous solution containing an acid having the formula HxAF6 where A is silicon, germanium, titanium, zirconium, aluminum, or gallium, and x has a value of one to six. The aqueous solution is at a temperature below the melting temperature of the wax and substantially removes the metallic coating from the external surface of the substrate, while the wax is substantially unreactive with the aqueous solution and prevents the aqueous solution from contacting the internal surface of the substrate. Thereafter, the substrate is heated to thermally decompose the wax without producing hazardous byproducts.

Abstract: A system is provided for contaminant removal. The system includes an inlet for transmitting a contaminated solution and a reverse osmosis membrane having at least one flow modifier. The reverse osmosis membrane is configured to separate condensate and permeate from the contaminated solution. The system also includes a porous central tube for carrying the permeate and an outlet for the condensate. A method is also provided for removing contaminants from a solution.

Abstract: A shell mold for casting molten material to form an article is described. The mold includes a shell for containing the molten material, formed from at least one of yttrium silicates, zirconium silicates, hafnium silicates, and rare earth silicates. The mold also includes a facecoat disposed on an inner surface of the shell that contacts the molten material. The facecoat can be made from the materials described above. A method of casting a niobium-silicide article is also described, using the shell mold described herein. A method of making the ceramic shell mold is described as well, along with a slurry composition used in the manufacture of the shell mold.

Abstract: Multi-layer sensors are made using a direct write deposition technology. The sensors are formed on the surface of an object having a system characteristic to be monitored, such as temperature and strain. A first layer is deposited onto the substrate of the object to be monitored, a second layer is deposited onto the first layer, and a third layer is deposited onto the second layer. An optional protective layer may be deposited between the first layer and the substrate to prevent chemical interaction and lack of adhesion therebetween. A glazing or glassing layer may also be deposited to protect the thermistor from the operating environment to keep its electrical properties constant. These layers are sintered together, then electrical leads are attached to the sensor and to a monitoring controller. The monitoring controller may be hardwired to the sensor or remote therefrom.

Abstract: Multi-layer sensors are made using a direct write deposition technology. The sensors are formed on the surface of an object having a system characteristic to be monitored, such as temperature and strain. A first layer is deposited onto the substrate of the object to be monitored, a second layer is deposited onto the first layer, and a third layer is deposited onto the second layer. An optional protective layer may be deposited between the first layer and the substrate to prevent chemical interaction and lack of adhesion therebetween. A glazing or glassing layer may also be deposited to protect the thermistor from the operating environment to keep its electrical properties constant. These layers are sintered together, then electrical leads are attached to the sensor and to a monitoring controller. The monitoring controller may be hardwired to the sensor or remote therefrom.

Abstract: A mold is provided for enabling casting of single crystal metallic articles including a part-defining cavity, a sorter passage positioned vertically beneath and in fluid communication with the part-defining cavity, and a seed cavity positioned vertically beneath and in fluid communication with the sorter passage. The sorter passage includes a shape suitable for encouraging a single crystal structure in solidifying molten metal. Additionally, a portion of the mold between the sorter passage and the part-defining cavity includes a notch for facilitating breakage of a cast article proximate the notch during thermal stress build-up, so as to prevent mold breakage or the inclusion of part defects.

Abstract: A slurry coating composition is described, which is very useful for enriching the surface region of a metal-based substrate with aluminum. The composition includes colloidal silica and particles of an aluminum-based powder, and is substantially free of hexavalent chromium. The slurry may include colloidal silica and an alloy of aluminum and silicon. Alternatively, the slurry includes colloidal silica, aluminum or aluminum-silicon, and an organic stabilizer such as glycerol. The slurry exhibits good thermal and chemical stability for extended periods of time, making it very useful for industrial applications. Related methods and articles are also described.

Abstract: A robotic pen includes a computer numerically controlled machine having a multiaxis stage for mounting a workpiece, and a cooperating elevator which translates relative thereto. A pen tip is rotatably mounted to the elevator. And, a dispenser is joined in flow communication with the pen tip for ejecting a stream of material atop the workpiece as the workpiece moves relative thereto for maintaining a substantially constant gap between said pen tip and the workpiece during relative movement therebetween.