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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1974

Thermal design of the IMP-I and H spacecraft

A description of the thermal subsystem of the IMP-I and H spacecraft is presented. These two spacecraft were of a larger and more advanced type in the Explorer series and were successfully launched in March 1971 and September 1972. The thermal requirements, analysis, and design of each spacecraft are described including several specific designs for individual experiments. Techniques for obtaining varying degrees of thermal isolation and contact are presented. The thermal control coatings including the spaceflight performance of silver-coated FEP Teflon are discussed. Predicted performance is compared to measured flight data. The good agreement between them verifies the validity of the thermal model and the selection of coatings.

Hoffman, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The effect of sunshine testing on terrestrial solar cell system components

Samples of FEP encapsulated silicon solar cells and various potential encapsulation or cover materials were subjected to accelerated and real time testing. By measuring changes in solar cell output or optical transmission as a function of exposure the durability of the samples was evaluated. Results are presented.

Forestieri, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Properties criteria for components and materials used in lightweight solar arrays

The present work describes the characteristics and design criteria for components and materials used in lightweight substrate solar arrays. This includes descriptions of wraparound-electrode solar cells, cell covers, and cell interconnects. Cell cover systems briefly discussed are fused silica, cerium stabilized glass, microsheet, FEP (tape, heat laminated, and spray on), and ESB 7070 glass integral covers. The majority of solar arrays orbited have used either silver, Kovar, copper, or molybdenum as interconnect metals. Data are presented comparing the Young's modulus E, ultimate tensile strength, coefficient of expansion, thermal conductivity, and percent elongation of these and other interconnect candidate materials. Guidelines for the use of end tab wraparound cells are listed.

Lott, D. R.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Combined environmental effects on polymers

A series of space simulation tests on FEP Teflon and other polymeric thermal control coatings was conducted using UV, electrons, protons and Lyman-alpha wavelength vacuum UV radiation. Interest was centered on simulating synchronous altitude radiation environment conditions. Physical changes in materials included loss of specularity and introduction of a high density of photographable tracking defects on a microscopic scale. An example shows the discharge of trapped electrons when dielectric strength is exceeded. This leaves a portion of the Teflon volume no longer clear, but diffusely transmitting and reflecting. Thermophysical changes included degradation of solar absorptance coefficients as much as five-fold. The situation that prevails for earth orbit contrasted with polymer performance in the solar wind. It is suggested that conductive overcoatings be developed for polymers and other flexible materials, comparable or superior to those available for fused silica SSMs.

Fogdall, L. B.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Photoconductivity of high-voltage space insulating materials

The dark and photoconductivities of four high voltage spacecraft insulators, Kapton-H, FEP Teflon, Parylene, and fused quartz, were studied under a variety of conditions intended to simulate a space environment. All measurements were made in a vacuum of less than .00001 torr while the temperature was varied from 22 C to 100 C. Some of the samples used employed conventional deposited metal electrodes--others employed electrodes composed either of an electron beam or a plasma formed by ionization of the residual gas in the test chamber. Test results show: (1) Kapton had unusual conduction properties; it conductivity decreased by more than an order of magnitude when heated at 100 C in a vacuum, but ultimately attained a stable and reproducible value. (2) Both Teflon and fused quartz had high dark resistivities but low photoresistivities when exposed to UV. Optical-density measurements revealed that both materials transmitted UV with little attenuation. (3) Parylene was found to have a low but relatively stable resistivity--comparatively minor changes occurred upon heating or illuminating the sample. Optical-density measurements showed that Parylene was absorbent in the UV and would prevent photoemission from the metal electrode on the back surface.

Coffey, H. T.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Conceptual approach study of a 200 watt per kilogram solar array

Solar array candidate configurations (flexible rollup, flexible flat-pact, semi-rigid panel, semi-rigid flat-pack) were analyzed with particular attention to the specific power (W/kg) requirement. Two of these configurations (flexible rollup and flexible flat-pack) are capable of delivering specific powers equal to or exceeding the baseline requirement of 200 W/kg. Only the flexible rollup is capable of in-flight retraction and subsequent redeployment. The wrap-around contact photovoltaic cell configuration has been chosen over the conventional cell. The demand for ultra high specific power forces the selection of ultra-thin cells and cover material. Based on density and mass range considerations, it was concluded that 13 micrometers of FEP Teflon is sufficient to protect the cell from a total proton fluency of 2(10 to the 12th power) particles/sq cm over a three-year interplanetary mission. The V-stiffened, lattice boom deployed, flexible substrate rollup array holds the greatest promise of meeting the baseline requirements set for this study.

Stanhouse, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Low-reflection silicon solar cells

Alteration of surface of silicon solar cell with chemical etchant prior to application of antireflection (AR) coating and encapsulant FEP Teflon, reduces surface reflectivity to 2%. Reduced reflection achieved occurs at all wavelengths resulting in improved short circuit current and spectral response. Improved collection efficiency is also expected.

Baraona, C. R.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Real time outdoor exposure testing of solar cell modules and component materials

Plastic samples, solar cell modules, and sub-modules were exposed at test sites in Florida, Arizona, Puerto Rico, and Cleveland, Ohio, in order to determine materials suitable for use in solar cell modules with a proposed 20-year lifetime. Various environments were encountered including subtropical, subtropical with a sea air atmosphere, desert, rain forest, normal urban, and urban-polluted. The samples were exposed for periods up to six months. Materials found not suitable were polyurethane, polyester, Kapton, Mylar, and UV-stabilized Lexan. Suitable materials were acrylic, FEP-A, and glass. The results of exposure of polyvinylidene fluoride were dependent on the specific formulation, but several types appear suitable. RTV silicone rubber (clear) appears to pick up and hold dirt both as a free film and as a potting medium for modules. The results indicate that dirt accumulation and cleanability are important factors in the selection of solar cell module covers and encapsulants.

Anagnostou, E.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Photoconductivity of high voltage space insulating materials: Measurements with metal electrodes

The electrical conductivities of high voltage insulating materials were measured in the dark and under various intensities of illumination. The materials investigated included FEP Teflon, Kapton-H, fused quartz, and parylene. Conductivities were determined as functions of temperature between 22 and 100 C and light intensity between 0 and 2.5 kW/m2. The thickness dependence of the conductivity was determined for Teflon and Kapton, and the influence of spectral wavelengths on the conductivity was determined in several cases. All measurements were made in a vacuum to simulate a space environment, and all samples had metallic electrodes. The conductivity of Kapton was permanently increased by exposure to light; changes as great as five orders of magnitude were observed after six hours of illumination.

Coffey, H. T.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Effects of illumination on the conductivity properties of spacecraft insulating materials

Experimental data on the dark and illuminated conductivities of Kapton V and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVF2) films are described as well as the changes in insulating properties produced in Kapton H, Kapton V, PVF2, and FEP Teflon films as result of prolonged exposure to solar illumination. An overall summary of the results of tests is presented. A general introduction and a description of the experimental apparatus and procedures used are also given.

Adamos, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Effects of space radiation on thin polymers and nonmetallics

Advanced materials for various spacecraft systems in the 1980s and 1990s have been evaluated in situ after exposure to space radiation. Emphasis has been placed on materials having little or no previous base of environmental effects data. Applications ranging from earth orbit to near-sun have been covered. High temperature polymers and composites have been included. Silica composites may offer improved reflectance stability compared with metallized fluorocarbons. Directional reflectance properties of FEP are a function of charged particle energy and flux as well as total exposure fluence and material characteristics. Data obtained on polyimides and polyxylylenes under high temperature radiation exposure conditions will be discussed in the context of near-sun solar sailing and rendezvousing.

Fogdall, L. B.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Charge distributions near metal-dielectric interfaces before and after dielectric surface flashover

A technique was developed for measuring surface charge distribution near interfaces without placing any measuring apparatus near the face of the samples. The results of measurements which were made on FEP Teflon and Kapton dielectrics, before and after are given flashover, with various types of interfaces. Also given are data showing mean time between flashovers for various configurations exposed to a variety of environmental conditions. Several charge transfer mechanisms are considered as a means by which stable charge distributions may be maintained near interfaces.

Robinson, J. W.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Materials and techniques for spacecraft static charge control

An overview of the design, development, fabrication, and testing of transparent conductive coatings and conductive lattices deposited or formed on high resistivity spacecraft dielectric materials to obtain control static charge buildup on spacecraft external surfaces is presented. Fabrication techniques for the deposition of indium/tin oxide coatings and copper grid networks on Kapton and FEP Teflon films and special frit coatings for OSR and solar cell cover glasses are discussed. The techniques include sputtering, photoetching, silkscreening, and mechanical processes. A facility designed and built to simulate the electron plasma at geosynchronous altitudes is described along with test procedures. The results of material characterizations as well as electron irradiation aging effects in this facility for spacecraft polymers treated to control static charge are presented. The data presents results for electron beam energies up to 30 kV and electron current densities of 30 nA/cm squared. Parameters measured include secondary emission, surface leakage, and through the sample currents as a function of primary beam energy and voltage.

Amore, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Secondary electron emission from a dielectric film subjected to an electric field

An electric field in the range of 0.3,3.3 kV/mm is created normal to a thin film FEP teflon sample which accumulates potential of up to 8.8, 13.7 or 18.3 kV when exposed to an electron beam having energy of 10.0, 15.0 or 20.0 kV, respectively. It is found that the secondary electron emission from the charged sample varies with field. The threshold voltage, at which the secondary electron emission coefficient sigma is unity, drops down from a low field value of 13.73 kV to a high field value of 13.11 kV for a 15.0 kV beam. A computational technique was developed that generates equipotential lines or contours and field vectors above a plane where potential is known. The utilization of conformal transformations allows the extension of the technique to configurations which map into a plane.

Quoc-Nguyen, N.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Project STOP (Spectral Thermal Optimization Program)

The spectral thermal optimization of solar cell configurations for various solar panel applications is considered. The method of optimization depends upon varying the solar cell configuration's optical characteristics to minimize panel temperatures, maximize power output and decrease the power delta from beginning of life to end of life. Four areas of primary investigation are: (1) testing and evaluation of ultraviolet resistant coverslide adhesives, primarily FEP as an adhesive; (2) examination of solar cell absolute spectral response and corresponding cell manufacturing processes that affect it; (3) experimental work with solar cell manufacturing processes that vary cell reflectance (solar absorptance); and (4) experimental and theoretical studies with various coverslide filter designs, mainly a red rejection filter. The Hughes' solar array prediction program has been modified to aid in evaluating the effect of each of the above four areas on the output of a solar panel in orbit.

Goldhammer, L. J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Real-time and accelerated outdoor endurance testing of solar cells

Real-time and accelerated outdoor endurance testing was performed on a variety of samples of interest to the National Photovoltaic Conversion Program. The real-time tests were performed at seven different sites and the accelerated tests were performed at one of those sites in the southwestern United States. The purpose of the tests were to help evaluate the lifetime of photovoltaic systems. Three types of samples were tested; transmission samples of possible cover materials, sub-modules constructed using these materials attached to solar cells, and solar cell modules produced by the manufacturers for the ERDA program. Results indicate that suitable cover materials are glass, FEP-A and PFA. Dirt accumulation and cleanability are important factors in the selection of solar cell module covers and encapsulants.

Forestieri, A. F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

A fixed tilt solar collector employing reversible vee-trough reflectors and vacuum tube receivers for solar heating and cooling systems

The usefulness of vee-trough concentrators in improving the efficiency and reducing the cost of collectors assembled from evacuated tube receivers was studied in the vee-trough/vacuum tube collector (VTVTC) project. The VTVTC was analyzed rigorously and various mathematical models were developed to calculate the optical performance of the vee-trough concentrator and the thermal performance of the evacuated tube receiver. A test bed was constructed to verify the mathematical analyses and compare reflectors made out of glass, Alzak and aluminized FEP Teflon. Tests were run at temperatures ranging from 95 to 180 C. Vee-trough collector efficiencies of 35 to 40% were observed at an operating temperature of about 175 C. Test results compared well with the calculated values. Predicted daily useful heat collection and efficiency values are presented for a year's duration of operation temperatures ranging from 65 to 230 C. Estimated collector costs and resulting thermal energy costs are presented. Analytical and experimental results are discussed along with a complete economic evaluation.

Selcuk, M. K.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Study of Improvement of Hydrogen Maser Frequency Standard

The research work dealt primarily with reducing the atom leakage rate using as storage surfaces the FEP Teflon surfaces conventionally used in contemporary hydrogen maser frequency standards. Some work was also done on a possible alternative to the conventional surfaces, but the results here and elsewhere suggest that the alternative surface is not promising enough to warrant much further work.

Crampton, S. B.↗