| About this Abstract |
| Meeting |
MS&T24: Materials Science & Technology
|
| Symposium
|
2024 Graduate Student Poster Contest
|
| Presentation Title |
SPG-29: Sintering Aid Migration in Si₃N₄-Based, Ceramic Glow Plugs: Impact of Temperature and Electric Fields |
| Author(s) |
Prapassorn Numkiatsakul, Cory Philippe, Weihao Cheng, Tonghun Lee, Kenneth Kim, Chol-Bum Kweon, Waltraud Kriven |
| On-Site Speaker (Planned) |
Prapassorn Numkiatsakul |
| Abstract Scope |
SPG-29: Silicon-nitride-based composites are widely used as ceramic heaters for combustion engines due to their excellent mechanical properties. However, with recent engine designs utilizing alternative jet fuels, the demand for prolonged operation has pushed commercial glow plugs beyond their limits. Si₃N₄ materials contain sintering aids at the grain boundaries, which under high temperatures and electric fields, migrate along chemical and electrical gradients during operation. This migration alters the device structure, leading to failure. This study investigates sintering aid migration in two glow plug designs—co-annular and U-shape—under various temperatures and electrical loads. SEM/EDS analysis was used to examine migration to the surface and microstructural changes. Migration of sintering aids was observed in both designs, with temperature and electrical field having a combined effect on the degree of migration. Reducing either factor significantly lessens the migration. |