Date of Defense

4-16-2002

First Advisor

Dr. Philip Guichelaar

Second Advisor

Dr. Molly Williams

Third Advisor

Kenneth Kakabaker

Abstract

Previous testing of ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) coated silicon carbide seals suggested that delamination occurs at the substrate/coating interface in the form of small bubbles that may cause the diamond coating to flake off the surface. A method and concept apparatus to test for delamination of UNCD-coated mechanical seals were developed. The method consisted of the application of high compressive loads and thermal stresses to a rotating seal with the purpose of enhancing defects present at the interface and/or induce delamination. A delamination-enhancing machine (DEM) was designed for this purpose. The test was designed to monitor various factors such as temperature, load, and torque that were thought to influence the delamination process. It was also suggested that a non-intrusive initial interface characterization by means of a scanning acoustic microscope be conducted to detect imperfections prior to running the seal on the DEM. The combination of the test method and apparatus was thought to reliably distinguish between delamination prone seals.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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