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Updated: Aug 20, 2026

Methods of Ex Situ and In Situ Investigations of Structural Transformations: The Case of Crystallization of Metallic Glasses
Published on: June 7, 2018
Effects of Gravity on ZBLAN Glass Crystallization
Dennis S Tucker1, Edwin C Ethridge, Guy A Smith
1SD71, NASA/NSSTC, 320 Sparkman Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805-1912, USA. dr.dennis.tucker@nasa.gov
Abstract:
The effects of gravity on the crystallization of ZrF(4)-BaF(2)-LaF(3)-AlF(3)-NaF glasses have been studied using the NASA KC-135 and a sounding rocket. Fibers and cylinders of ZBLAN glass were heated to the crystallization temperature in unit and reduced gravity. When processed in unit gravity the glass crystallized, but when processed in reduced gravity, crystallization was suppressed. A possible explanation involving shear thinning is presented to explain these results.
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