Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “Materials and Processes Laboratory”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 181 records · Page 10
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2005

MSFC Materials and Processes Core Capabilities Overview

World class facilities are: 1. National center for advanced manufacturing (NCAM). Composite development facility. Weld development laboratories. Rapid prototyping laboratory. Thermal spray facility. Thermal protection system development facility. Non-destructive evaluation laboratories. 2. SEM and failure analysis. 3. Hydrogen test facility. 4. Surface science diagnostic laboratory. 5. Space environmental effect facility. 6. Material combustion research facility.

Vickers, John↗
DOE OSTI2020

Getting things done onsite: Heat Source production never ramps down

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed many norms in the world and at LANL. During the rapid transition of sending many to work from home in March, some programs were deemed mission critical, with the expectation to continue driving their missions forward. One of those essential programs is Heat Source Technologies, a group within the Actinide Material Power & Processing (AMPP) Division at TA-55. Within the Associate Laboratory Directorate of Weapons Production (ALDWP), the group responsible for the Pu-238 heat sources continued their work nearly uninterrupted as many others made the mandatory transition to work remotely. This group, known as AMPP-1, Heat Source Technologies, works on the production line producing heat sources from Plutonium (Pu)-238, which is an essential mission for National Security. This group is comprised of nearly 90 employees and operates out of the TA-55 Plutonium Facility (PF-4 and PF-5) producing heat sources. Heat source production includes the operations that purify, process, and weld Pu-238 oxide into encapsulated heat sources that are essential for space and defense missions.

45 MILITARY TECHNOLOGY, WEAPONRY, AND NATIONAL DEF↗
NASA NTRS1984

From Mars to man - Biomedical research at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory

In the course of the unmanned exploration of the solar system, which the California Institute of Technology's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has managed for NASA, major advances in computerized image processing, materials research, and miniature electronics design have been accomplished. This presentation shows some of the imaging results from space exploration missions, as well as biomedical research tasks based in these technologies. Among other topics, the use of polymeric microspheres in cancer therapy is discussed. Also included are ceramic applications to prosthesis development, laser applications in the treatment of coronary artery disease, multispectral imaging as used in the diagnosis of thermal burn injury, and some examples of telemetry systems as they can be involved in biological systems.

Beckenbach, E. S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Oxygen diffusion barrier coating

A method for coating a titanium panel or foil with aluminum and amorphous silicon to provide an oxygen barrier abrogating oxidation of the substrate metal is developed. The process is accomplished with known inexpensive procedures common in materials research laboratories, i.e., electron beam deposition and sputtering. The procedures are conductive to treating foil gage titanium and result in submicron layers which virtually add no weight to the titanium. There are no costly heating steps. The coatings blend with the substrate titanium until separate mechanical properties are subsumed by those of the substrate without cracking or spallation. This method appreciably increases the ability of titanium to mechanically perform in high thermal environments such as those witnessed on structures of space vehicles during re-entry

Unnam, Jalaiah↗
NASA NTRS1990

Review of drop tube and drop tower facilities and research

Drop tubes and drop towers providing the capability for performing low-gravity materials experiments in an earth-based laboratory are described. Although processing times are short, the experiments can be reproduced easily and economically. These facilities can be used as precursors to space flight programs or can be self-sufficient, without the need for more advanced processing.

Robinson, Michael B.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Possible biomedical applications and limitations of a variable-force centrifuge on the lunar surface: A research tool and an enabling resource

Centrifuges will continue to serve as a valuable research tool in gaining an understanding of the biological significance of the inertial acceleration due to gravity. Space- and possibly lunar-based centrifuges will play a significant and enabling role with regard to the human component of future lunar and martian exploration, both as a means of accessing potential health and performance risks and as a means of alleviating these risks. Lunar-based centrifuges could be particularly useful as part of a program of physiologic countermeasures designed to alleviate the physical deconditioning that may result from prolonged exposure to a 1/6-g environment. Centrifuges on the lunar surface could also be used as part of a high-fidelity simulation of a trip to Mars. Other uses could include crew readaptation to 1 g, waste separation, materials processing, optical mirror production in situ on the Moon, and laboratory specimen separation.

Cowing, Keith L.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Materials Science Research Rack Onboard the International Space Station

The Materials Science Research Rack (MSRR) is a highly automated facility developed in a joint venture/partnership between NASA and ESA center dot Allows for the study of a variety of materials including metals, ceramics, semiconductor crystals, and glasses onboard the International Space Station (ISS) center dot Multi-user facility for high temperature materials science research center dot Launched on STS-128 in August 2009, and is currently installed in the U.S. Destiny Laboratory Module Research goals center dot Provide means of studying materials processing in space to develop a better understanding of the chemical and physical mechanisms involved center dot Benefit materials science research via the microgravity environment of space where the researcher can better isolate the effects of gravity during solidification on the properties of materials center dot Use the knowledge gained from experiments to make reliable predictions about conditions required on Earth to achieve improved materials

Reagan, Shawn E.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Coordinated Analysis of an Ion Irradiated Carbonaceous Chondrite Suggests Complex Space Weathering Effects

Surfaces of airless planetary bodies are exposed to micrometeorite bombardment and solar wind irradiation which alter the microstructural, compositional, and optical properties of regoliths over time. These processes are collectively known as space weathering, and they complicate the interpretation of remote sensing data and the subsequent characterization of airless surfaces. Within the next 5 years, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer) and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency)’s Hayabusa2 missions will return samples from C-type asteroids Bennu and Ryugu, respectively. Compared to the Moon and S-type asteroids, our understanding of the space weathering of C-complex asteroids is limited. In order to maximize scientific return from remote sensing data and to prepare for the analysis of returned samples from these missions, we must better understand the effects of space weathering on hydrated, organic-rich materials. We can do so by simulating these processes in the laboratory. In this study, we simulate solar wind exposure through ion irradiation of the CM2 carbonaceous chondrite Murchison - a suitable analog for C-complex asteroids. Here, we present coordinated analyses of a sample before and after ion irradiation.

Laczniak, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Evaluation of the airborne visible-infrared imaging spectrometer for mapping subtle lithological variation

The Airborne Visible/Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS), flown aboard the NASA ER-2 aircraft in 1987 and 1989, used four linear arrays and four individual spectrometers to collect data simultaneously from the 224 bands in a scanned 614 pixel-wide swath perpendicular to the aircraft direction. The research had two goals. One was to evaluate the AVIRIS data. The other was to look at the subtle lithological variation at the two test sites to develop a better understanding of the regional geology and surficial processes. The geometric characteristics of the data, adequacy of the spatial resolution, and adequacy of the spectral sampling interval are evaluated. Geologic differences at the test sites were mapped. They included lithological variation caused by primary sedimentary layering, facies variation, and weathering; and subtle mineralogical differences caused by hydrothermal alterations of igneous and sedimentary rocks. The investigation used laboratory, field, and aircraft spectral measurements; known properties of geological materials; digital image processing and spectrum processing techniques; and field geologic data to evaluate the selected characteristics of the AVIRIS data.

Kruse, Fred A.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Machine Learning for Automated Weld Quality Monitoring and Control

Resistance Spot Welding (RSW) is a critical process in the automotive industry, valued for its cost-effectiveness, short cycle time, and robustness. However, achieving consistent high-quality joints remains challenging due to the complex interplay of various factors, like materials, processes, and manufacturing uncertainties, etc. Under the collaborative project between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and General Motors (GM), we have developed a robust and expansible machine learning (ML) framework aimed at enhancing quality control in RSW. By harnessing the power of machine learning, we have developed the ability to ensure every aspect of the welding process, from the initial process design stage to the final weld joint quality. The framework operates by analyzing a variety of data streams, including in-line process signals, process parameters, materials, and postprocessed weld joint data. Through this analysis, the models have been trained to detect deviations from optimal quality standards, leveraging their ability to identify signature data patterns and anomalies within in-line signals and construct complex correlations between these signals and weld quality parameters. Meanwhile, the machine learning framework is designed to adapt to a variety of materials, including high strength steels and aluminum alloys, etc. Its flexible architecture facilitates the incorporation of diverse data sources and features, enabling precise modeling and prediction across a broad range of material properties and weld quality variables. The expansible ML frameworks represent a promising transformation in weld quality monitoring and control, empowering industry to achieve high levels of efficiency, consistency, and reliability in manufacturing.

99 GENERAL AND MISCELLANEOUS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Machine Learning for Automated Weld Quality Monitoring and Control

Resistance Spot Welding (RSW) is a critical process in the automotive industry, valued for its cost-effectiveness, short cycle time, and robustness. However, achieving consistent high-quality joints remains challenging due to the complex interplay of various factors, like materials, processes, and manufacturing uncertainties, etc. Under the collaborative project between Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and General Motors (GM), we have developed a robust and expansible machine learning (ML) framework aimed at enhancing quality control in RSW. By harnessing the power of machine learning, we have developed the ability to ensure every aspect of the welding process, from the initial process design stage to the final weld joint quality. The framework operates by analyzing a variety of data streams, including in-line process signals, process parameters, materials, and postprocessed weld joint data. Through this analysis, the models have been trained to detect deviations from optimal quality standards, leveraging their ability to identify signature data patterns and anomalies within in-line signals and construct complex correlations between these signals and weld quality parameters. Meanwhile, the machine learning framework is designed to adapt to a variety of materials, including high strength steels and aluminum alloys, etc. Its flexible architecture facilitates the incorporation of diverse data sources and features, enabling precise modeling and prediction across a broad range of material properties and weld quality variables. The expansible ML frameworks represent a promising transformation in weld quality monitoring and control, empowering industry to achieve high levels of efficiency, consistency, and reliability in manufacturing.

42 ENGINEERING↗
DOE OSTI2024

History of Pu-238 Production Restart Efforts at Idaho National Laboratory and Oak Ridge National Laboratory

In the early 2010s, efforts to restart production in the U.S. of plutonium-238 heat source (HSPu) material for NASA deep space missions were initiated. Processes, procedures, hardware, and chemical separations were developed and implemented to enable the production of heat source material at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Here, this review provides an overview of the timeline and efforts associated with the restart of production, as well as upcoming efforts to increase production.

07 ISOTOPE AND RADIATION SOURCES↗
DOE OSTI2022

Development of a Multi-Sensor Data Science System Used for Signature Development on Solvent Extraction Processes in support of safeguards- an overview

A new nuclear fuel cycle test bed is being built at Idaho National Laboratory to support the purification of special nuclear material recovered from used fuel. The test bed provides an opportunity to research process flow and the application of computational tools in solvent extraction processes. A deeper understanding of process and equipment behavior coupled with real time data collection can indicate whether a process failure is accidental or purposeful. The goal of this project is to develop a system that utilizes non-traditional measurement sources such as vibration, acoustics, current, light, flow, and temperature in conjunction with data-based, machine learning techniques that will allow for signal discovery. This multi-sensor data can support the development of safeguards by design and security by design measures for such a facility. Additionally, it can aid in early detection and identification of removed materials indicating diversion, which is essential for initiating material recovery and actor identification. This overview encompasses the current research and testing of sensors to develop a spectrum of process signatures. To be followed by planned experiments aimed to characterize said signatures and study potential feature extraction techniques to identify a fault in the system (i.e. flow diversion).

98 NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT, SAFEGUARDS, AND PHYSICAL P↗
DOE OSTI2022

In vitro investigation of protein assembly by combined microscopy and infrared spectroscopy at the nanometer scale

The nanoscale structure and dynamics of proteins on surfaces has been extensively studied using various imaging techniques, such as transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy (AFM) in liquid environments. These powerful imaging techniques, however, can potentially damage or perturb delicate biological material and do not provide chemical information, which prevents a fundamental understanding of the dynamic processes underlying their evolution under physiological conditions. Here, we use a platform developed in our laboratory that enables acquisition of infrared (IR) spectroscopy and AFM images of biological material in physiological liquids with nanometer resolution in a cell closed by atomically thin graphene membranes transparent to IR photons. In this work, we studied the self-assembly process of S-layer proteins at the graphene-aqueous solution interface. The graphene acts also as the membrane separating the solution containing the proteins and Ca 2+ ions from the AFM tip, thus eliminating sample damage and contamination effects. The formation of S-layer protein lattices and their structural evolution was monitored by AFM and by recording the amide I and II IR absorption bands, which reveal the noncovalent interaction between proteins and their response to the environment, including ionic strength and solvation. Our measurement platform opens unique opportunities to study biological material and soft materials in general.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1999

Chemical Hygiene Program

The Chemical Management Team is responsible for ensuring compliance with the OSHA Laboratory Standard. The program at Lewis Research Center (LeRC) evolved over many years to include training, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPS) for each laboratory process, coordinating with other safety and health organizations and teams at the Center, and issuing an SOP binder. The Chemical Hygiene Policy was first established for the Center. The Chemical Hygiene Plan was established and reviewed by technical, laboratory and management for viability and applicability to the Center. A risk assessment was conducted for each laboratory. The laboratories were prioritized by order of risk, higher risk taking priority. A Chemical Management Team staff member interviewed the lead researcher for each laboratory process to gather the information needed to develop the SOP for the process. A binder containing the Chemical Hygiene Plan, the SOP, a map of the laboratory identifying the personal protective equipment and best egress, and glove guides, as well as other guides for safety and health. Each laboratory process has been captured in the form of an SOP. The chemicals used in the procedure have been identified and the information is used to reduce the number of chemicals in the lab. The Chemical Hygiene Plan binder is used as a training tool for new employees. LeRC is in compliance with the OSHA Standard. The program was designed to comply with the OSHA standard. In the process, we have been able to assess the usage of chemicals in the laboratories, as well as reduce or relocate the chemicals being stored in the laboratory. Our researchers are trained on the hazards of the materials they work with and have a better understanding of the hazards of the process and what is needed to prevent any incident. From the SOP process, we have been able to reduce our chemical inventory, determine and implement better hygiene procedures and equipment in the laboratories, and provide specific training to our employees. As a result of this program, we are adding labeling to the laboratories for emergency responders and initiating a certified chemical user program.

Mayor, Antoinette C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Flight 20 (STS-45) polysulfide gas path investigation

This report documents the results of the investigation into causes of gas paths on the 20A and 20B case-to-nozzle joints on STS-42. The investigation was conducted by the Investigation Board appointed by the senior vice president and general manager of Space Operations, Mr. R. E. Lindstrom, on 7 Feb. 1992. The probability of gas path occurrence in the nozzle-to-case-joint polysulfide had been identified during joint redesign. However, actual flight gas path incidence has been limited to RSRM-11 and the 20A and 20B segments. The blow-by condition on the 20A segment was a first time occurrence which was a special concern. The investigation covered all technical aspects associated with the gas path and blow-by conditions: materials and processing history, design requirements and as-built compliance to the design, thermal and structural analyses, computer modeling, and laboratory experimentation with the materials involved. The investigation was coordinated with Mr. Ken Jones at NASA Marshall in bi-weekly teleconferences. The Board also supported Dr. James C. Blair's independent NASA investigation team by providing copies of collected data, conducting requested analyses, and supporting several all-day teleconferences to provide understanding and resolve issues. The Dr. Blair support requirement was successfully concluded on 4 Mar. 1992.

Bjorkman, Rey C.↗