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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

Sikorsky interactive graphics surface design/manufacturing system

An interactive graphics system conceived to be used in the design, analysis, and manufacturing of aircraft components with free form surfaces was described. In addition to the basic surface definition and viewing capabilities inherent in such a system, numerous other features are present: surface editing, automated smoothing of control curves, variable milling patch boundary definitions, surface intersection definition and viewing, automatic creation of true offset surfaces, digitizer and drafting machine interfaces, and cutter path optimization. Documented costs and time savings of better than six to one are being realized with this system. The system was written in FORTRAN and GSP for use on IBM 2250 CRT's in conjunction with an IBM 370/158 computer.

Robbins, R.↗

Interstellar abundances in dense, moderately reddened lines of sight. I - Observational evidence for density-dependent depletion

The nature of dust-gas interactions, which are capable of modifying the size distribution of interstellar grains and thus causing changes in the selective extinction curve, are investigated through depletion studies. The gaseous abundances of 15 elements have been determined for several lines of sight toward moderately reddened stars, each having an anomalous extinction curve and a large abundance of cyanogen (CN). The basic result of this study is that certain elements appear to deplete preferentially in interstellar clouds having a large abundance of CN. Since CN is a sensitive indicator of the interstellar spatial density, the data might suggest that the unique pattern of enhanced depletion observed here represents the best observational evidence of accretion.

Joseph, Charles L.↗

Computation of flows in a turn-around duct and a turbine cascade using advanced turbulence models

Numerical investigation has been carried out to evaluate the capability of the Algebraic Reynolds Stress Model (ARSM) and the Nonlinear Stress Model (NLSM) to predict strongly curved turbulent flow in a turn-around duct (TAD). The ARSM includes the near-wall damping term of pressure-strain correlation phi(sub ij,w), which enables accurate prediction of individual Reynolds stress components in wall flows. The TAD mean flow quantities are reasonably well predicted by various turbulence models. The ARSM yields better predictions for both the mean flow and the turbulence quantities than the NLSM and the k-epsilon (k = turbulent kinetic energy, epsilon = dissipation rate of k) model. The NLSM also shows slight improvement over the k-epsilon model. However, all the models fail to capture the recovery of the flow from strong curvature effects. The formulation for phi(sub ij,w) appears to be incorrect near the concave surface. The hybrid k-epsilon/ARSM, Chien's k-epsilon model, and Coakley's q-omega (q = the square root of k, omega = epsilon/k) model have also been employed to compute the aerodynamics and heat transfer of a transonic turbine cascade. The surface pressure distributions and the wake profiles are predicted well by all the models. The k-epsilon model and the k-epsilon/ARSM model provide better predictions of heat transfer than the q-omega model. The k-epsilon/ARSM solutions show significant differences in the predicted skin friction coefficients, heat transfer rates and the cascade performance parameters, as compared to the k-epsilon model. The k-epsilon/ARSM model appears to capture, qualitatively, the anisotropy associated with by-pass transition.

Lakshminarayana, B.↗

Buckling analysis of curved composite sandwich panels subjected to inplane loadings

Composite sandwich structures are being considered for primary structure in aircraft such as subsonic and high speed civil transports. The response of sandwich structures must be understood and predictable to use such structures effectively. Buckling is one of the most important response mechanisms of sandwich structures. A simple buckling analysis is derived for sandwich structures. This analysis is limited to flat, rectangular sandwich panels loaded by uniaxial compression (N(sub x)) and having simply supported edges. In most aerospace applications, however, the structure's geometry, boundary conditions, and loading are usually very complex. Thus, a general capability for analyzing the buckling behavior of sandwich structures is needed. The present paper describes and evaluates an improved buckling analysis for cylindrically curved composite sandwich panels. This analysis includes orthotropic facesheets and first-order transverse shearing effects. Both simple support and clamped boundary conditions are also included in the analysis. The panels can be subjected to linearly varying normal loads N(sub x) and N(sub y) in addition to a constant shear load N(sub xy). The analysis is based on the modified Donnell's equations for shallow shells. The governing equations are solved by direct application of Galerkin's method. The accuracy of the present analysis is verified by comparing results with those obtained from finite element analysis for a variety of geometries, loads, and boundary conditions. The limitations of the present analysis are investigated, in particular those related to the shallow shell assumptions in the governing equations. Finally, the computational efficiency of the present analysis is considered.

Cruz, Juan R.↗

Modal testing with Asher's method using a Fourier analyzer and curve fitting

An unusual application of the method proposed by Asher (1958) for structural dynamic and modal testing is discussed. Asher's method has the capability, using the admittance matrix and multiple-shaker sinusoidal excitation, of separating structural modes having indefinitely close natural frequencies. The present application uses Asher's method in conjunction with a modern Fourier analyzer system but eliminates the necessity of exciting the test structure simultaneously with several shakers. Evaluation of this approach with numerically simulated data demonstrated its effectiveness; the parameters of two modes having almost identical natural frequencies were accurately identified. Laboratory evaluation of this approach was inconclusive because of poor experimental input data.

Gold, R. R.↗

A three-dimensional potential-flow program with a geometry package for input data generation

Information needed to run a computer program for the calculation of the potential flow about arbitrary three dimensional lifting configurations is presented. The program contains a geometry package which greatly reduces the task of preparing the input data. Starting from a very sparse set of coordinate data, the program automatically augments and redistributes the coordinates, calculates curves of intersection between components, and redistributes coordinates in the regions adjacent to the intersection curves in a suitable manner for use in the potential flow calculations. A brief summary of the program capabilities and options is given, as well as detailed instructions for the data input, a suggested structure for the program overlay, and the output for two test cases.

Halsey, N. D.↗

A review of the Thermoelectronic Laser Energy Converter /TELEC/ Program at Lewis Research Center

The investigation of the Thermoelectronic Laser Energy Converter (TELEC) concept at the Lewis Research Center (LeRC) began with a feasibility study of a 1 megawatt sized TELEC system. The TELEC was to use either cesium vapor or hydrogen as the plasma medium. The cesium vapor TELEC appears to be the more practical device studied with an overall calculated conversion efficiency of greater than 48%. Following this study, a small TELEC cell was fabricated which demonstrated the conversion of a small amount of laser power to electrical power. The cell developed a short circuit current of 0.7 amperes and an open circuit voltage, as extrapolated from volt-ampere curves, of about 1.5 volts. Work is now in progress to construct and test a cesium vapor TELEC capable of absorbing 20% of an incident 10 kW, 10.6 micrometer beam, and converting 35% of this power to electrical power.

Alger, D. L.↗

Design Optimization of Stiffened Panels with Postbuckling Constraints

The funding provided by the grant is used to complete the final stages of the development of a geometrically nonlinear analysis and design capability for the static response of compressively loaded prismatic plate structures. The analysis is based on the nonlinear finite strip method and is applicable for structures, such as stiffened panels or box columns, that can be modeled as assemblages of finite length plate strips. In an effort to reduce the computational cost of the nonlinear finite strip method, thus making it suitable for use in the design optimization environment, reduced basis techniques as described in various references by Noor are used in conjunction with the finite strip method. In addition, an efficient scheme for tracing the nonlinear equilibrium paths through highly nonlinear response curves was implemented. The new scheme, which is referred to as the normal flow algorithm, is based on homotopy methods, and is capable of negotiating highly nonlinear limit point instabilities with a reduced computational cost compared to the popular Ricks/Wempner and Chrisfield algorithms.

Guerdal, Zafer↗

Long-term predictive capability of erosion models

A brief overview of long-term cavitation and liquid impingement erosion and modeling methods proposed by different investigators, including the curve-fit approach is presented. A table was prepared to highlight the number of variables necessary for each model in order to compute the erosion-versus-time curves. A power law relation based on the average erosion rate is suggested which may solve several modeling problems.

Veerabhadra, P.↗

Apparent temperatures of neutron-poor and neutron-rich compound nuclei

The possibility of the dependence of the nuclear caloric curve on neutron excess sets a limit on the accuracy of our knowledge of the nuclear equation of state, and thus impacts predictive capabilities of nuclear reaction and nuclear astrophysics models. To date, theoretical models have not reached consensus on the magnitude or sign on the asymmetry dependence. To provide constraints, we have measured evaporated particles and heavy residues for complete and incomplete fusion-evaporation reactions in inverse kinematics. The temperatures extracted from the observed light charged particles tend to favor higher temperatures for the neutron-rich fused systems, though they are near the limits of the systematic uncertainty. The present measurement may be used as an upper limit to constrain the asymmetry dependence of the nuclear caloric curve.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

T3tris: AI-Driven Inverse Design of Cellular Materials

Los Alamos National Laboratory has developed T3tris, a generative AI platform that enables real-time inverse design of architected cellular materials. This capability transforms how mechanical metamaterials are designed by generating microstructural topologies that conform to target nonlinear stress-strain curves, even at high compressive strain (up to 50%).

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Inflatable Microstrip Reflectarray Antennas At X and Ka-Band Frequencies

Introduction: Inflatable antenna technology is being developed by JPL/NASA to enable the capabilities of low mass, high packaging efficiency, and low-cost deployment for future spacecraft high-gain and large aperture antennas. One of the technologies being considered [11 is the inflatable microstrip reflectarray. A conventional inflatable parabolic reflector antenna will offer similar advantages with the added capability of wide electrical bandwidth. However, it suffers from the difficulty of maintaining its required large, thin, and curved-parabolic surface in the space environment. Since the microstrip reflectarray has the "natural" flat reflecting surface, it is much easier to maintain the required surface tolerance using an inflatable structure. This is the primary reason, despite its narrow bandwidth characteristic, that the inflatable microstrip reflectarray is being studied. This article discusses an already-developed one-meter X-band inflatable microstrip reflectarray and a three-meter Ka-band inflatable microstrip reflectarray which is currently under development. Both antennas' RF structures are designed at JPL and their mechanical inflatable structures are designed and manufactured at ILC Dover, Inc.

Huang, John↗

Inflatable Microstrip Reflectarray Antennas at X and Ka-band Frequencies

Inflatable antenna technology is being developed by JPL/NASA to enable the capabilities of low mass, high packaging efficiency, and low-cost deployment for future spacecraft high-gain and large aperture antennas. One of the technologies being considered is the inflatable microstrip reflectarray. A conventional inflatable parabolic reflector antenna will offer similar advantages with the added capability of wide electrical bandwidth. However, it suffers from the difficulty of maintaining its required large, thin, and curved-parabolic surface in the space environment. Since the microstrip reflectarray has the "natural" flat reflecting surface, it is much easier to maintain the required surface tolerance using an inflatable structure. This is the primary reason, despite its narrow bandwidth characteristic, that the inflatable microstrip reflectarray is being studied. This article discusses an already-developed one-meter X-band inflatable microstrip reflectarray and a three-meter Ka-band inflatable microstrip reflectarray which is currently under development. Both antennas' RF structures are designed at JPL and their mechanical inflatable structures are designed and manufactured at ILC Dover, Inc.

Huang, John↗

TPSAS-NF1676L-32227-DND

The ability of a recently proposed cohesive fatigue model to predict the initiation and propagation of skin/stiffener separation was evaluated using a three-point bend (3PB) configuration. The 3PB specimen consists of a quasi-isotropic laminate representing the skin of a fuselage. A shorter doubler representing the flange of a stiffener is co-cured at the center of the specimen. A simplified modeling technique was applied, in which the complex damage mechanisms involved in the separation, such as delamination migration, matrix cracking, bridging, and crack delving are represented by a mixed-mode trilinear cohesive law at the interface between the skin and the doubler. The quasi-static properties of the trilinear law were characterized. The main advantage of the proposed fatigue model is that it relies on quasi-static properties as well as engineering assumptions to compose the shape of the S-N diagram. The model does not require Paris law data, and it is capable of predicting the initiation of separation, the rate of propagation, as well as the effects of crack resistance curves and the stress ratio.

Carlos G Davila↗

Electrochemically in situ formed rocksalt phase in titanium dioxide determines pseudocapacitive sodium-ion storage

Earth-abundant TiO 2 is a promising negative electrode for low-cost sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) owing to its high capacity, rapid (dis)charging capability, safe operation potential and nonflammability. Crystalline anatase TiO 2 is not suitable for reversible Na + (de)intercalation, but it displays pseudocapacitive response after repeated cycles. Herein, we find and demonstrate that ordered rocksalt (RS) NaTiO 2 nanograins are in situ formed by electrochemically cycling with Na + ions in anatase and amorphous TiO 2 . The in situ formed RS-NaTiO 2 follows a solid-solution reaction with small volume changes of only 2.0%, that determines the pseudocapacitive “mirror-like” cyclic voltammetry curve with a couple of broad redox peaks at 0.75 V vs. Na + /Na, a high capacity of 253 mAh g −1 , high-rate capability and thousands of stable cycles. The multistep crystalline-to-amorphous-to-RS transformations are able to be electrochemically activated during the aging process of assembled full cells. Our finding provides a direction for developing unconventional Ti-based high-performance active materials for SIBs with both high energy and power densities.

Tang, Dafu [Xiamen University (China); Innovation ↗

Antennas for 20/30 GHz and beyond

Antennas of 20/30 GHz and higher frequency, due to the small wavelength, offer capabilities for many space applications. With the government-sponsored space programs (such as ACTS) in recent years, the industry has gone through the learning curve of designing and developing high-performance, multi-function antennas in this frequency range. Design and analysis tools (such as the computer modelling used in feedhorn design and reflector surface and thermal distortion analysis) are available. The components/devices (such as BFN's, weight modules, feedhorns and etc.) are space-qualified. The manufacturing procedures (such as reflector surface control) are refined to meet the stringent tolerance accompanying high frequencies. The integration and testing facilities (such as Near-Field range) also advance to facilitate precision assembling and performance verification. These capabilities, essential to the successful design and development of high-frequency spaceborne antennas, shall find more space applications (such as ESGP) than just communications.

Chen, C. Harry↗

Chiral Recognition: A Spin-Driven Process in Chiral Oligothiophene. A Chiral-Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS) Effect Manifestation

In this paper it is experimentally demonstrated that the electron-spin/molecular-handedness interaction plays a fundamental role in the chiral recognition process. This conclusion is inferred comparing current versus potential (I-V) curves recorded using chiral electrode surfaces, which are obtained via chemisorption of an enantiopure thiophene derivative: 3,3'-bibenzothiophene core functionalized with 2,2'-bithiophene wings (BT 2 T 4 ). The chiral recognition capability of these chiral-electrodes is probed via cyclic voltammetry measurements, where, Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs) capped with enantiopure (BT 2 T 4 ) (BT 2 T 4 )@AgNP) are used as the chiral redox probe. Then, the interface handedness is explored by recording spin-polarized (I-V) curves in spin-dependent electrochemistry (SDE) and magnetic-conductive atomic force microscopy (mc-AFM) experiments. The quality of the interfaces is thoroughly cross-checked using X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, Raman, electrodesorption measurements, which further substantiate the metal(electrode)-sulfur(thiophene) central role in the chemisorption process. Spin-polarization values of about 15% and 30% are obtained in the case of SDE and mc-AFM experiments, respectively.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Damage Tolerance Behavior of Friction Stir Welds in Aluminum Alloys

Friction stir welding is a solid state welding process used in the fabrication of various aerospace structures. Self-reacting and conventional friction stir welding are variations of the friction stir weld process employed in the fabrication of cryogenic propellant tanks which are classified as pressurized structure in many spaceflight vehicle architectures. In order to address damage tolerance behavior associated with friction stir welds in these safety critical structures, nondestructive inspection and proof testing may be required to screen hardware for mission critical defects. The efficacy of the nondestructive evaluation or the proof test is based on an assessment of the critical flaw size. Test data describing fracture behavior, residual strength capability, and cyclic mission life capability of friction stir welds at ambient and cryogenic temperatures have been generated and will be presented in this paper. Fracture behavior will include fracture toughness and tearing (R-curve) response of the friction stir welds. Residual strength behavior will include an evaluation of the effects of lack of penetration on conventional friction stir welds, the effects of internal defects (wormholes) on self-reacting friction stir welds, and an evaluation of the effects of fatigue cycled surface cracks on both conventional and selfreacting welds. Cyclic mission life capability will demonstrate the effects of surface crack defects on service load cycle capability. The fracture data will be used to evaluate nondestructive inspection and proof test requirements for the welds.

McGill, Preston↗