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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

Evaluation of nonmetallic thermal protection materials for the manned space shuttle. Volume 1, task 1: Assessment of technical risks associated with utilization of nonmetallic thermal protection system

Technical problems of design and flight qualification of the proposed classes of surface insulation materials and leading edge materials were reviewed. A screening test plan, a preliminary design data test plan and a design data test plan were outlined. This program defined the apparent critical differences between the surface insulators and the leading edge materials, structuring specialized screening test plans for each of these two classes of materials. Unique testing techniques were shown to be important in evaluating the structural interaction aspects of the surface insulators and a separate task was defined to validate the test plan. In addition, a compilation was made of available information on proposed material (including metallic TPS), previous shuttle programs, pertinent test procedures, and other national programs of merit. This material was collected and summarized in an informally structured workbook.

Wilkinson, W. H.↗

Advanced Cryogenic Insulation Systems

New materials in recent decades have enabled advances in thermal insulation systems for storage and transfer of cryogens. To preserve the cold and achieve efficient cryogenic systems, a combination of materials, testing, and engineering is required. The total heat leak into any cryogenic assembly is comprised of three main parts: 1) heat leak through the insulation, 2) heat leak through the support structures, and 3) heat leak attributed to piping penetrations and feedthroughs (and their negative effects on the insulation). This "cold triangle" approach provides a basis for evaluating performance benefits of new materials and analyzing the cost effectiveness in overall system design. Provided are thermophysical data for aerogels, aerogel composites, novel multilayered composites, and glass bubbles for standard test conditions of 293 K and 78 K under conditions from high vacuum to ambient pressure. Examples of cryogenic storage tanks show the relative importance of both insulation and structural materials for achieving designs of highest energy efficiency.

Multilayer Insulation↗

Summary of the nondestructive evaluation session

Advanced material systems and designs require improved nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques for quality control, failure analysis and properties monitoring. Some advanced NDE techniques such as infrared scanning systems, laser holographic applications and the use of the Mossbauer effect are outlined. Applications of these techniques are discussed for evaluating the new space shuttle external insulation materials, aircraft structures and engine components, and precursors to crack initiation and growth.

Stinebring, R. C.↗

Boron Arsenide and Boron Phosphide for High Temperature and Luminescent Devices

The crystal growth of boron arsenide and boron phosphide in the form of bulk crystals and epitaxial layers on suitable substrates is discussed. The physical, chemical, and electrical properties of the crystals and epitaxial layers are examined. Bulk crystals of boron arsenide were prepared by the chemical transport technique, and their carrier concentration and Hall mobility were measured. The growth of boron arsenide crystals from high temperature solutions was attempted without success. Bulk crystals of boron phosphide were also prepared by chemical transport and solution growth techniques. Techniques required for the fabrication of boron phosphide devices such as junction shaping, diffusion, and contact formation were investigated. Alloying techniques were developed for the formation of low-resistance ohmic contacts to boron phosphide. Four types of boron phosphide devices were fabricated: (1) metal-insulator-boron phosphide structures, (2) Schottky barriers; (3) boron phosphide-silicon carbide heterojunctions; and (4) p-n homojunctions. Easily visible red electroluminescence was observed from both epitaxial and solution grown p-n junctions.

Chu, T. L.↗

Study of fuel systems for LH2-fueled subsonic transport aircraft, volume 1

Several engine concepts examined to determine a preferred design which most effectively exploits the characteristics of hydrogen fuel in aircraft tanks received major emphasis. Many candidate designs of tank structure and cryogenic insulation systems were evaluated. Designs of all major elements of the aircraft fuel system including pumps, lines, valves, regulators, and heat exchangers received attention. Selected designs of boost pumps to be mounted in the LH2 tanks, and of a high pressure pump to be mounted on the engine were defined. A final design of LH2-fueled transport aircraft was established which incorporates a preferred design of fuel system. That aircraft was then compared with a conventionally fueled counterpart designed to equivalent technology standards.

Brewer, G. D.↗

An assessment of the impact of transition on advanced winged entry vehicle thermal protection system mass

This study examines the impact of turbulent heating on thermal protection system (TPS) mass for advanced winged entry vehicles. Four basic systems are considered: insulative, metallic hot structures, metallic standoff, and hybrid systems. TPS sizings are performed using entry trajectories tailored specifically to the characteristics of each TPS concept under consideration. Comparisons are made between systems previously sized under the assumption of all laminar heating and those sized using a baseline estimate of transition and turbulent heating. The relative effect of different transition criteria on TPS mass requirements is also examined. Also investigated are entry trajectories tailored to alleviate turbulent heating. Results indicate the significant impact of turbulent heating on TPS mass and demonstrate the importance of both accurate transition criteria and entry trajectory tailoring.

Wurster, K. E.↗

Collaborative research in tunneling and field emission pumped surface wave local oscillators and amplifiers for infrared and submillimeter wavelengths under director's discretionary fund

Progress is reported in work towards the development of surface wave sources for the infrared and sub-millimeter portion of the spectrum to be based upon electron pumping by tunneling electrons in metal-barrier-metal or metal-barrier-semiconductor devices. Tunneling phenomena and the coupling of radiation to tunnel junctions were studied. The propagation characteristics of surface electro-magnetic modes in metal-insulator-p(++) semiconductor structures as a function of frequency were calculated. A model for the gain process based upon Tucker's formalism was developed and used to estimate what low frequency gain might be expected from such structures. The question of gain was addressed from a more fundamental viewpoint using the method of Lasher and Stern.

Gustafson, T. K.↗

The electrical behavior of GaAs-insulator interfaces - A discrete energy interface state model

The relationship between the electrical behavior of GaAs Metal Insulator Semiconductor (MIS) structures and the high density discrete energy interface states (0.7 and 0.9 eV below the conduction band) was investigated utilizing photo- and thermal emission from the interface states in conjunction with capacitance measurements. It was found that all essential features of the anomalous behavior of GaAs MIS structures, such as the frequency dispersion and the C-V hysteresis, can be explained on the basis of nonequilibrium charging and discharging of the high density discrete energy interface states.

Kazior, T. E.↗

Techniques for improving the Si-SiO2 interface characterization

The two techniques which have provided most of the information on interface states in MIS-C (metal-insulator-semiconductor-capacitor) structures are the 'quasi-static method' and the 'conductance method'. Sher et al. (1979) and Su et al. (1980) have suggested a number of improvements concerning these methods. The present investigation has the objective to extend the earlier results and to offer a new tentative interpretation of the data. A critical review is conducted of the data collection and reduction techniques for the quasi-static method, taking into account the sample, the quasi-static capacitance, and the surface potential. In connection with a discussion of the conductance method, attention is given to parallel conductance and capacitance measurements, interface-state densities, time constants, and measurements on a (110) surface orientation.

Sher, A.↗

Aerospace vehicle

A dual structure aerospace vehicle is described which has an aeroshell structure and an internally disposed separable and reusable integral tank/thrust structure. The tank/thrust structure is inuslated for cryogenic fuels and the cavity within aeroshell is insulated from the tank/thrust structure. An internal support ring within the cavity serves as an attachment for lugs on the tank/thrust structure via double hinges. The aft end of tank/thrust structure is provided with rocket engines and exit nozzles with a trunnion supporting the tank/thrust structure within the aeroshell.

Jackson, L. R.↗

Analysis of micrometeorite material captured by the solar max satellite

A Solar Maximum satellite was retrieved and repaired after being subjected for four years and 55 days to impacts by micrometeorites and Earth-orbiting space debris. The chemical variety and physical condition of particles associated with two particular impact structures in the insulation blanket of the main electronics box are studied. A scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive X ray analyzer was used to determine morphology and chemistry of impacted areas and associated particles. Some details are discussed.

Schramm, L. S.↗

Adiabatic diesel engine component development: Reference engine for on-highway applications

The main objectives were to select an advanced low heat rejection diesel reference engine (ADRE) and to carry out systems analysis and design. The ADRE concept selection consisted of: (1) rated point performance optimization; (2) study of various exhaust energy recovery scenarios; (3) components, systems and engine configuration studies; and (4) life cycle cost estimates of the ADRE economic worth. The resulting ADRE design proposed a reciprocator with many advanced features for the 1995 technology demonstration time frame. These included ceramic air gap insulated hot section structural components, high temperature tribology treatments, nonmechanical (camless) valve actuation systems, and elimination of the cylinder head gasket. ADRE system analysis and design resulted in more definition of the engine systems. These systems include: (1) electro-hydraulic valve actuation, (2) electronic common rail injection system; (3) engine electronic control; (4) power transfer for accessory drives and exhaust energy recovery systems; and (5) truck installation. Tribology and performance assessments were also carried out. Finite element and probability of survival analyses were undertaken for the ceramic low heat rejection component.

Hakim, Nabil S.↗

Advanced heavy lift launch vehicles

The performance requirements of advanced technology-incorporating, next-generation heavy lift launch vehicles (HLLVs) for LEO missions are discussed, and the configurational features facilitated by those technologies are evaluated. These 1990s 'cargo' vehicles will capitalize on advanced avionics, software and automation, novel hot structure and thermal insulation materials, and more powerful liquid-fuel rockets employing either hydrogen or hydrocarbons. The configurations considered include a winged booster. The use of Space Shuttle components is a major cost-minimization strategy in many of these HLLV design efforts.

Shelton, Billy W.↗

Thermal Protection System of the Space Shuttle

The Thermal Protection System (TPS), introduced by NASA, continues to incorporate many of the advances in materials over the past two decades. A comprehensive, single-volume summary of the TPS, including system design rationales, key design features, and broad descriptions of the subsystems of TPS (E.g., reusable surface insulation, leading edge structural, and penetration subsystems) is provided. Details of all elements of TPS development and application are covered (materials properties, manufacturing, modeling, testing, installation, and inspection). Disclosures and inventions are listed and potential commercial application of TPS-related technology is discussed.

Cleland, John↗

Thermal protection materials: Thermophysical property data

This publication presents a thermophysical property survey on materials that could potentially be used for future spacecraft thermal protection systems (TPS). This includes data that was reported in the 1960's as well as more current information reported through the 1980's. An attempt was made to cite the manufacturers as well as the data source in the bibliography. This volume represents an attempt to provide in a single source a complete set of thermophysical data on a large variety of materials used in spacecraft TPS analysis. The property data is divided into two categories: ablative and reusable. The ablative materials have been compiled into twelve categories that are descriptive of the material composition. An attempt was made to define the Arrhenius equation for each material although this data may not be available for some materials. In a similar manner, char data may not be available for some of the ablative materials. The reusable materials have been divided into three basic categories: thermal protection materials (such as insulators), adhesives, and structural materials.

Williams, S. D.↗

Electronic passivation of n- and p-type GaAs using chemical vapor deposited GaS

We report on the electronic passivation of n- and p-type GaAs using CVD cubic GaS. Au/GaS/GaAs-fabricated metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) structures exhibit classical high-frequency capacitor vs voltage (C-V) behavior with well-defined accumulation and inversion regions. Using high- and low-frequency C-V, the interface trap densities of about 10 exp 11/eV per sq cm on both n- and p-type GaAs are determined. The electronic condition of GaS/GaAs interface did not show any deterioration after a six week time period.

Tabib-Azar, Massood↗