A report describes a study of the relationships between (1) the viscosities and specific volumes of Ni/Zr melts and (2) the formability of Ni/Zr-alloy metallic glasses. Experiments were performed on electrostatically levitated, radiantly heated molten specimens of two compound-forming and two eutectic Ni/Zr alloys, using noncontact diagnostic instrumentation.
This work was done by Won-Kyu Rhim, Kenichi Ohsaka, and Sang K. Chung of Caltech for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. NPO-20368
This Brief includes a Technical Support Package (TSP).

Properties of Ni/Zr melts related to formability of glasses
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Overview
The document is a technical support package from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), detailing research on the properties of nickel-zirconium (Ni/Zr) melts and their implications for the formability of metallic glasses. Conducted under contract with NASA, the study aims to enhance the understanding of how these materials behave under various conditions, which is crucial for their application in advanced technologies.
The research focuses on the specific volume and viscosity of different Ni/Zr alloy compositions at varying temperatures. Key findings include the measurement of specific volumes at temperatures ranging from 1200 K to 1700 K, with values reported between 0.117 cm³/g and 0.123 cm³/g. The viscosity of these alloys is also examined, with results indicating significant variations based on composition and temperature. For instance, the viscosity of Ni24Zr76, Ni36Zr64, NiZr2, and NiZr alloys is plotted against temperature, revealing trends that are essential for understanding the flow behavior of these melts.
The document emphasizes the importance of controlling the atomic motion within these alloys to achieve desired properties for glass formation. The research highlights that certain compositions, particularly those with higher zirconium content, exhibit lower viscosities, which can facilitate the glass-forming process. This is critical for applications where metallic glasses are preferred due to their superior mechanical properties and resistance to crystallization.
Additionally, the document includes disclaimers regarding the information presented, clarifying that references to specific commercial products or processes do not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government or NASA. The work is positioned within the broader context of materials science, aiming to contribute to advancements in the development of new materials with tailored properties for various applications.
Overall, this technical report serves as a valuable resource for researchers and engineers interested in the properties of Ni/Zr melts, providing insights that could lead to improved manufacturing processes and the development of innovative materials in the field of metallic glasses.

