We describe the goals and research program leading to the Heavy Ion Integrated Research Experiment (IRE). We review the basic constraints which lead to a design and give examples of parameters and capabilities of an IRE. We also show design tradeoffs generated by the systems code IBEAM.

The electrochemical behavior of passive Fe and thin, sputter-deposited films of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} was studied in borate and phosphate buffer pH 8.4 solutions. Cyclic voltammograms and in situ light absorption measurements--which enable the monitoring of the oxide film thickness--indicate a similar behavior of the Fe electrode in both pH 8.4 solution, especially a presence of a oxide-free surface at low cathodic potentials. However, X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) studies--which allow a simultaneous monitoring of changes in the samples' average valency and thickness--reveal that the reactions taking place during reduction of the passive film on iron are completely different for the two electrolytes. In borate buffer (pH 8.4), reduction leads to a complete dissolution of the passive film and the end product of reduction is soluble Fe(2+). In phosphate buffer (pH 8.4), there is no dissolution in a direct step to low cathodic potentials, but the resulting reduction product is metallic iron. Hence, the formation of the bare oxide-free metal surface at cathodic potentials takes place by different mechanisms in the two pH 8.4 solutions, depending on the type of anion present in the solution.

The electrochemical behavior of passive Fe and thin, sputter-deposited films of Fe{sub 2}O{sub 3} was studied in borate and phosphate buffer pH 8.4 solutions. Cyclic voltammograms and in situ light absorption measurements--which enable the monitoring of the oxide film thickness--indicate a similar behavior of the Fe electrode in both pH 8.4 solution, especially a presence of a oxide-free surface at low cathodic potentials. However, X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) studies--which allow a simultaneous monitoring of changes in the samples' average valency and thickness - reveal that the reactions taking place during reduction of the passive film on iron are completely different for the two electrolytes. In borate buffer (pH 8.4), reduction leads to a complete dissolution of the passive film and the end product of reduction is soluble Fe(2+). In phosphate buffer (pH 8.4), there is no dissolution in a direct step to low cathodic potentials, but the resulting reduction product is metallic iron. Hence, the formation of the bare oxide-free metal surface at cathodic potentials takes place by different mechanisms in the two pH 8.4 solutions, depending on the type of anion present in the solution.

The benefits of using synchrotron-generated X-rays and X-ray fluorescence analysis in combination with other surface analysis techniques have been demonstrated. In studies of salt-induced corrosion, for example, the detection of Rb ions in the area of secondary spreading when salt-containing micro-droplets are placed on zinc surfaces, further supports a mechanism involving cation transport during the corrosion and spreading of corrosive salt on exposed metal surfaces. Specifically, the new analytical data shows that: (a) cations are transported radially from a primary drop formed from a salt deposit in a thin film of secondary spreading around the drop; (b) subsequently, micro-pools are formed in the area of secondary spreading, and it is likely that cations transported within the thin film accumulate in these micro-pools until the area is dehydrated; (c) the mechanism of cation transport into the area of secondary spreading does not include transport of the anions; and (d) hydroxide is the counter ion formed from oxygen reduction at the metal surface within the spreading layer. Data relevant to iron corrosion is also presented and the distinct differences relative to the zinc situation are discussed.

Applications of x-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) and the design of cells for in situ corrosion studies are reviewed. Passive films studies require very thin metal or alloy layers be used having a thickness of the order of the films formed because of penetration of the x-ray beam into the metal substrate. The depth of penetration in water also limits the thickness of solutions that can be used because of water reduces the x-ray intensity. Solution thickness must also be limited in studies of conversion layer formation studies because the masking of the Cr in solution. Illustrative examples are taken from the anodic behavior of Al-Cr alloys, the growth of passive films on Fe and stainless steels, and the formation of chromate conversion layers on Al.

The yield locus, tensile strength and fracture mechanisms of wet granular materials were studied. The yield locus of a wet material was shifted to the left of that of the dry specimen by a constant value equal to the compressive isostatic stress due to pendular bridges. for materials with straight yield loci, the shift was computed from the uniaxial tensile strength, either measured in a tensile strength tester or calculated from the correlation, and the angle of internal friction of the material. The predicted shift in the yield loci due to different moisture contents compare well with the measured shift in the yield loci of glass beads, crushed limestone, super D catalyst and Leslie coal. Measurement of the void fraction during the shear testing was critical to obtain the correct tensile strength theoretically or experimentally.