Recently --January 15, 2926-- the AARO (All-Domain Anomalous Resolution Office) submitted to the Oak Ridge National Laboratory a metallic sample to be analyzed.
Here is the report of the AARO with the results obtained:
The All-Domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) sponsored a series of measurements on drill shavings and a small sectioned piece from a metallic specimen. Oak Ridge National Laboratory
(ORNL) independently performed multiple, cross‑validated measurements showing that the material is a conventional, near‑eutectic aluminum–silicon alloy (i.e., an ordinary aluminum
alloy made for common applications). Its chemistry,microstructure, internal porosity, and lack
of radiological signature are consistent with decades of known industrial practice, specifically falling within the profile of standard 300/400-series casting alloys that have been widely producedsince at least the 1970s.
AARO requested a technical analysis of a metallic specimen with claimed association to an unidentified phenomenon occurring over central Ohio in the mid-1990s. ORNL was charged with evaluating specific assertions of unusual sample composition. ORNL received three bags of drill shavings and one small bulk piece of the specimen—integrating chemical assays, multiscale imaging, x‑ray spectroscopy, and
gamma spectroscopy to perform this evaluation.
ORNL found the sample exhibits the following qualities: (1) aluminum composition with approximately
12% silicon by weight;
(2) standard second phases and casting pores;
(3) features indicating slow-cooling, consistent with conventional large casting in a mold; and
(4) no abnormal gamma emission. Nothing
in the data suggests novel physics or exotic origin.
Specifically, microscopy revealed silicon plates/needles, iron- and manganese-bearing intermetallic second phases, and shrinkage porosity—features that are typical of slow‑cooled castings. The sample’s chemical composition shows no evidence of elements outside those expected for conventional aluminum metallurgical engineering, and gamma spectroscopy showed no unexpected emission.
In conclusion, none of these data support claims of unusual characteristics. The evidence points to ordinary, terrestrial industrial metallurgy consistent with parts used in (late 20th century) automotive, aerospace, and consumer applications. These conclusions are robust for the samples provided and for
the methods described herein.
=========
All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office
Supplement to Oak Ridge National Laboratory’s Analysis of an Aluminum Specimen
January 2026
Overview
In 2024, the All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office (AARO) contracted Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to evaluate a metallic specimen. This specimen, reportedly recovered from a
private property near Flint Ridge State Park, Ohio, in the mid-1990s, allegedly possessed anomalous compositional and structural characteristics. The property owner reported observing a large unidentified airborne object before discovering the material.
ORNL assessed that the specimen, as received, is consistent with “an ordinary aluminum alloy made for common applications.” As a standard handling precaution, ORNL tested the specimen for radioactive emissions and found none. ORNL produced a summary of findings documenting the laboratory’s methodology, available on AARO’s website. AARO concurs with ORNL’s findings and provides this supplementary material to add historical context to account for the specimen’s probable origins.
Historical Context and Probable Origins
ORNL’s testing revealed large grain sizes, interconnected pores up to 1 millimeter in diameter, and needle-like silicon precipitates. These features align with casting defects and failure patterns commonly documented in industrial settings,1 all of which compromise the specimen’s
mechanical strength.
2 The specimen also lacks strengthening additives, such as strontium or sodium, which would be expected features in a high-performance alloy.
3, 4 The specimen’s overall form factor does not exhibit any geometry suggesting a functional design or particular
intended application. Taken together, these features are inconsistent with those of a component
designed for an advanced application.
AARO cannot definitively attribute the specimen to a specific source or manufacturing process.
However, its composition is comparable to well-documented, conventionally manufactured aluminum-silicon alloys, most closely matching Aluminum Association reference materials for
alloys 369.1 and A413.1.
5 Cast aluminum alloys in the 300- and 400-series are highly suitable for applications that require hardness, impact resistance, and ease of processing into complex form factors, such as engine components.
6 300-series aluminum alloys began widespread industrial
production in the 1970s and now comprise over 90% of all shaped aluminum castings.
7 These finding are consistent with several plausible historical origins, including: a commercial casting;
an industrial by-product; a recycled alloy from a non-industrial casting; or a slow-cooling melt
resulting from a catastrophic failure of an original component, e.g., an automotive fire. Given its26-P-02182
consistency with contemporary alloys and incompatibility with high-performance applications, AARO assesses that the specimen is most likely an ordinary, conventionally manufacturedaluminum alloy.
1 Jolly, M., & Katgerman, L. (2022). Modeling defects in aluminum cast products. Progress in Materials Science.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmatsci.2021.100824
2 Davis, J.R. (2001). Alloying: Understanding the Basics (1st ed., p. 378). ASM Intl. Available online: Aluminum
and Aluminum Alloys
3 Ibid. (pp. 392-395)
4 Ganesh, M.R.S., Reghunath, N., J.Levin, M. et al. Strontium in Al–Si–Mg Alloy: A Review. Met. Mater. Int. 28, 1–
40 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12540-021-01054-y
5 Davis, J.R. (2001). Alloying: Understanding the Basics (1st ed., pp. 365-366, 404). ASM Intl. Available online:
Aluminum and Aluminum Alloys
6 Ibid. (pp. 365-366) Ibid. (p. 354)
No comments:
Post a Comment