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At least 199 records · Page 11

Combustion of PTFE: The Effects of Gravity and Pigmentation on Ultrafine Particle Generation

Ultrafine particles generated during polymer thermodegradation are a major health hazard, owing to their unique pathway of processing in the lung. This hazard in manned spacecraft is poorly understood, because the particulate products of polymer thermodegradation are generated under low gravity conditions. Particulate generated from the degradation of PolyTetraFluoroEthylene (PTFE), insulation coating for 20 AWG copper wire (representative of spacecraft application) under intense ohmic heating were studied in terrestrial gravity and microgravity. Microgravity tests were done in a 1.2-second drop tower at the Colorado School of Mines (CSM). Thermophoretic sampling was used for particulate collection. Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) were used to examine the smoke particulates. Image software was used to calculate particle size distribution. In addition to gravity, the color of PTFE insulation has an overwhelming effect on size, shape and morphology of the particulate. Nanometer-sized primary particles were found in all cases, and aggregation and size distribution was dependent on both color and gravity; higher aggregation occurred in low gravity. Particulates from white, black, red and yellow colored PTFE insulations were studied. Elemental analysis of the particulates shows the presence of inorganic pigments.

McKinnon, J. Thomas↗

Simulated Space Environment Effects on Tether Materials with Protective Coatings

Atomic oxygen (AO) erodes most organic materials. and ultraviolet radiation embrittles polymers. A previous study indicated untreated polymers such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are severely degraded when exposed to AO. This test series was performed to determine the effect of AO and UV on the mechanical integrity of tether materials that were treated with AO-protective coatings. Three coating systems were evaluated for their ability to protect the underlying material from AO erosion. The first coating system is the Photosil surface modification process which incorporates silicon-containing functional groups into the top micron of an organic material. The Photosil process has had favorable results with polyurethane- and epoxy-based thermal control coatings . The second coating system is metallization, in this case nickel. The third coating system is silsesquioxane. The Marshall Space Flight Center Atomic Oxygen Beam Facility (AOBF) was used to simulate low Earth orbit AO of 5 eV energy. In addition, some tether samples were exposed to ultraviolet radiation then evaluated for any changes in mechanical strength. Tether missions, such as a momentum-exchange/electrodynamic reboost (MXER) tether, may benefit from this research.

Finckenor, Miria M.↗

Approaches to polymer-derived CMC matrices

The use of polymeric precursors to ceramics permits the fabrication of large, complex-shaped ceramic matrix composites (CMC's) at temperatures which do not degrade the fiber. Processing equipment and techniques readily available in the resin matrix composite industry can be adapted for CMC fabrication using this approach. Criteria which influence the choice of candidate precursor polymers, the use of fillers, and the role of fiber architecture and ply layup are discussed. Three polymer systems, polycarbosilanes, polysilazanes, and polysilsesquioxanes, are compared as candidate ceramic matrix precursors.

Hurwitz, Frances I.↗

Approaches to polymer-derived CMC matrices

The use of polymeric precursors to ceramics permits the fabrication of large, complex-shaped ceramic matrix composites (CMC's) at temperatures which do not degrade the fiber. Processing equipment and techniques readily available in the resin matrix composite industry can be adapted for CMC fabrication using this approach. Criteria which influence the choice of candidate precursor polymers, the use of fillers, and the role of fiber architecture and ply layup are discussed. Three polymer systems, polycarbosilanes, polysilazanes, and polysilsesquioxanes, are compared as candidate ceramic matrix precursors.

Hurwitz, Frances I.↗

Viscoelastic Characterization of Polymers for Deployable Composite Booms

Deployable space structures have been built from thin-walled fiber-reinforced polymer composite materials due to their high specific strength, high specific stiffness, and bistability. However, the inherent viscoelastic behavior of the resin matrix can cause dimensional instability when parts are stored under strain. The extended time of stowage between assembly and deployment in space can result in performance degradation and in the worst case, mission failure. In this study, the viscoelastic properties of candidate commercial polymers for deployable boom structures of solar sails were evaluated. Stress relaxation master curves of the candidate polymers were used to predict the relaxation that would occur in 1 year at room temperature under relatively low strains of ~0.1%. A bismaleimide (BMI) showed less stress relaxation (about 20%) than the baseline Novolac epoxy (about 50%). Carbon fiber composites fabricated with the BMI resin showed a 44% improvement in relaxation compared to the baseline epoxy composite. Other difunctional and tetrafunctional epoxies, thermoplastic, and thermosetting polyimides were also evaluated.

Kang, Jin Ho↗

Evaluation of 10V Chip Polymer Tantalum Capacitors for Space Applications

Due to low ESR and safe failure mode, new technology chip polymer tantalum capacitors (CPTC) have gained popularity in the electronics design community, first in commercial applications, and now in hi-rel and space systems. The major drawbacks of these parts are high leakage currents, degradation under environmental stresses, and a relatively narrow temperature range of operating and storage conditions. Several studies have shown that a certain amount of moisture in polymer cathodes is necessary for a normal operation of the parts. This might limit applications of CPTCs in space systems and requires analysis of long-term exposure to deep vacuum conditions on their performance and reliability. High leakage currents and limited maximum operational temperature complicate accelerated testing that is necessary to assess long-term reliability and require new screening and qualification procedures for quality assurance. A better understanding of behavior of CPTCs as compared to traditional, MnO2, capacitors is necessary to develop adequate approaches for QA system for space applications. A specific of CPTCs is that different materials and processes might be used for low-voltage (10 V and less) and high-voltage (above 10 V) capacitors, so performance and degradation processes in these groups require separate analysis. In this work, that is a part of the NASA Electronic Parts and Packaging (NEPP) program, degradation of AC and DC characteristics under environmental stresses at different temperatures and voltages have been studied in nine lots of commercial and automotive grade capacitors rated to 10 V. Results of analysis of leakage currents, high temperature storage (HTS) up to 5000 hrs in vacuum and air at different temperatures, and Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) in the range from 85 C to 145 C are presented. Temperature and voltage acceleration factors were calculated based on approximation of distributions of degradation rates with a general log-linear Weibull model. Mechanisms of degradation and failures, and requirements for screening and qualification testing are discussed.

Tantalum Capacitors↗

MISSE-Flight Facility Polymers and Composites Experiment 1-4 (PCE 1-4)

Spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) are subjected to harsh environmental conditions, including radiation (cosmic rays, ultraviolet (UV), x-ray and charged particle radiation), micrometeoroids and orbital debris, temperature extremes, thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen (AO). These environmental exposures can result in erosion, embrittlement and optical property degradation of susceptible materials threatening spacecraft performance and durability. To increase our understanding of effects such as AO erosion and radiation induced embrittlement of spacecraft materials, NASA Glenn Research Center has developed a series of experiments that are flown as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) missions on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). These experiments have provided critical space environmental durability data such as AO erosion data of polymers and composites, and radiation induced mechanical property degradation of spacecraft insulation materials, after long term space exposure. In continuing these studies, four Glenn experiments have been flown on ISS’s MISSE-Flight Facility (MISSE-FF). These experiments are the Polymers and Composites Experiment-1 (PCE-1) flown as part of the inaugural MISSE-9 mission, the PCE-2 flown as part of the MISSE-10 mission, the PCE-3 being flown as part of the MISSE-12 mission, and the PCE-4 being flown as part of the MISSE-13 mission. This paper provides an overview of space environmental effects on spacecraft materials and Glenn’s PCE 1-4 MISSE-FF experiments.

Atomic oxygen↗

Space Environmental Exposure of the MISSE 9-15 Polymers and Composites Experiment 1-4 (PCE 1-4)

Spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) are subjected to harsh environmental conditions, including radiation (cosmic rays, ultraviolet (UV), x-ray and charged particle radiation), micrometeoroids and orbital debris, temperature extremes, thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen (AO). These environmental exposures can result in erosion, embrittlement and optical property degradation of susceptible materials threatening spacecraft performance and durability. To increase our understanding of effects such as AO erosion and radiation induced embrittlement of spacecraft materials, NASA Glenn Research Center has developed a series of experiments that were flown as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) missions on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). These experiments have provided critical space environmental durability data such as AO erosion data of polymers and composites, and radiation induced mechanical property degradation of spacecraft insulation materials, after long term space exposure. Recently, four Glenn experiments with 365 flight samples were flown on ISS’s MISSE-Flight Facility (MISSE-FF). These experiments are the Polymers and Composites Experiment-1 (PCE-1) flown as part of the MISSE-9 mission, the PCE-2 flown as part of the MISSE-10 mission, the PCE-3 flown as part of the MISSE-12 and MISSE-15 missions, and the PCE-4 flown as part of the MISSE-13 mission. This paper provides details on the space environment exposure of Glenn’s PCE 1-4 flight samples. Passive samples were flown in each flight orientation for post-flight AO fluence determination and on-orbit contamination analyses. Solar exposure estimates were computed by Aegis Aerospace, Inc. The environment exposure details include the total space vacuum duration, time on the MISSE-FF, the direct space exposure duration, the AO fluence and the computed mission Equivalent Sun Hours (ESH) solar exposure. Typical on-orbit temperatures are also provided along with a summary of analyses of PCE 1-4 contamination witness samples. Knowledge of the space environmental exposure of the PCE 1-4 flight samples is crucial for flight data interpretation.

Atomic oxygen↗

Comments on the interaction of materials with atomic oxygen

An explanation of the relative resistance of various materials to attack by atomic oxygen is presented. Data from both ground based and on-orbit experiments is interpreted. The results indicate the importance of bond strengths, size and structure of pendant groups, and fluorination to the resistance of certain polymers to atomic oxygen. A theory which provides a partial explanation of the degradation of materials in low Earth orbit due to surface recombination of oxygen atoms is also included. Finally, a section commenting on mechanisms of material degradation is provided.

Torre, Larry P.↗

Acousto-ultrasonics to Assess Material and Structural Properties

This report was created to serve as a manual for applying the Acousto-Ultrasonic NDE method, as practiced at NASA Glenn, to the study of materials and structures for a wide range of applications. Three state of the art acousto-ultrasonic (A-U) analysis parameters, ultrasonic decay (UD) rate, mean time (or skewing factor, "s"), and the centroid of the power spectrum, "f(sub c)," have been studied and applied at GRC for NDE interrogation of various materials and structures of aerospace interest. In addition to this, a unique application of Lamb wave analysis is shown. An appendix gives a brief overview of Lamb Wave analysis. This paper presents the analysis employed to calculate these parameters and the development and reasoning behind their use. It also discusses the planning of A-U measurements for materials and structures to be studied. Types of transducer coupling are discussed including contact and non-contact via laser and air. Experimental planning includes matching transducer frequency range to material and geometry of the specimen to be studied. The effect on results of initially zeroing the DC component of the ultrasonic waveform is compared with not doing so. A wide range of interrogation problems are addressed via the application of these analysis parameters to real specimens is shown for five cases: Case 1: Differences in density in [0] SiC/RBSN ceramic matrix composite. Case 2: Effect of tensile fatigue cycling in [+/-45] SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite. Case 3: Detecting creep life, and failure, in Udimet 520 Nickel-Based Super Alloy. Case 4: Detecting Surface Layer Formation in T-650-35/PMR-15 Polymer Matrix Composites Panels due to Thermal Aging. Case 5: Detecting Spin Test Degradation in PMC Flywheels. Among these cases a wide range of materials and geometries are studied.

Kautz, Harold E.↗

Long-Term Durability of a Matrix for High-Temperature Composites Predicted

Polymer matrix composites (PMC's) are being increasingly used in applications where they are exposed for long durations to harsh environments such as elevated temperatures, moisture, oils and solvents, and thermal cycling. The exposure to these environments leads to the degradation of structures made from these materials. This also affects the useful lifetimes of these structures. Some of the more prominent aerospace applications of polymer matrix composites include engine supports and cowlings, reusable launch vehicle parts, radomes, thrust-vectoring flaps, and the thermal insulation of rocket motors. This demand has led to efforts to develop lightweight, high-strength, high-modulus materials that have upper-use temperatures over 316 C. A cooperative program involving two grants to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and in-house work at the NASA Glenn Research Center was conducted to identify the mechanisms and the measurement of mechanical and physical properties that are necessary to formulate a mechanism-based model for predicting the lifetime of high-temperature polymer matrix composites. The polymer that was studied was PMR-15 polyimide, a leading matrix resin for use in high-temperature-resistant aerospace composite structures such as propulsion systems. The temperature range that was studied was from 125 to 316 C. The diffusion behavior of PMR-15 neat resin was characterized and modeled. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) was also conducted in nitrogen, oxygen, and air to provide quantitative information on thermal and oxidative degradation reactions. A new low-cost technique was developed to collect chemical degradation data for isothermal tests lasting up to 4000 hr in duration. In the temperature range studied, results indicate complex behavior that was not observed by previous TGA tests, including the presence of weight-gain reactions. These were found to be significant in the initial periods of aging from 125 to 225 C. Two types of weight loss reactions dominated at aging temperatures above 225 C. One was concentrated at the surface of the polymer and was very active at temperatures above 225 C. The second was observed to dominate in the latter stages of aging at temperatures below 260 C. This three-reaction model satisfactorily explains past findings that the degradation mechanism of PMR-15 appears to change around 316 C. It also indicates that the second weight gain mechanism is a significant factor at temperatures below 204 C. On the basis of these results, a predictive model was developed for the thermal degradation of PMR-15 at 316 C. A comparison of data generated by this model with actual experimental data is shown in the following figure.

Bowles, Kenneth J.↗

Effect of Ram and Zenith Exposure on the Optical Properties of Polymers in Space

The temperature of spacecraft is influenced by the solar absorptance and thermal emittance of the external spacecraft materials in addition to heat generated within the spacecraft. Optical and thermal properties can degrade in the low Earth orbital (LEO) space environment where spacecraft external materials are exposed to various forms of radiation, thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen. One objective of the Polymers and Zenith Polymers Experiments was to determine the effect of LEO space exposure on the optical properties of various spacecraft polymers. These experiments were flown as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment 7 (MISSE 7) mission on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS) for 1.5 years. Samples were flown in ram, wake and zenith directions, receiving varying amounts of atomic oxygen and solar radiation. Total and diffuse reflectance, and transmittance, of flight and corresponding control samples were obtained using a Cary 5000 UV-Vis-NIR Spectrophotometer. Integrated air mass zero solar absorptance (as) of the flight and control ram and zenith samples were computed and compared. Optical and atomic oxygen erosion data are compared with similar MISSE 2 polymers exposed to space for four years. Results show that prolonged space exposure increases the solar absorptance of some materials. Knowing which polymers remain stable will benefit future spacecraft design.

Atomic oxygen, erosion, space radiation, optical p↗

Ceramic fibers from Si-B-C polymer precursors

Non-oxide ceramics such as silicon carbide (SiC), silicon nitride (Si3N4), and silicon borides (SiB4, SiB6) have thermal stability, oxidation resistance, hardness, and varied electrical properties. All these materials can be prepared in a fiber form from a suitable polymer precursor. The above mentioned fibers, when tested over a temperature range from 25 to 1400 C, experience degradation at elevated temperatures. Past work in ceramic materials has shown that the strength of ceramics containing both carbides and borides is sustained at elevated temperatures, with minimum oxidation. The work presented here describes the formation of ceramic fibers containing both elements, boron and silicon, prepared via the polymer precursor route previously reported by the authors, and discusses the fiber mechanical properties that are retained over the temperature range studied.

Riccitiello, S. R.↗

Initial Results of the MISSE-Flight Facility Polymers and Composites Experiment 1-4 (PCE 1-4)

Spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) are subjected to harsh environmental conditions, including radiation (cosmic rays, ultraviolet (UV), x-ray and charged particle radiation), micrometeoroids and orbital debris, temperature extremes, thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen (AO). These environmental exposures can result in erosion, embrittlement and optical property degradation of susceptible materials threatening spacecraft performance and durability. To increase our understanding of effects such as AO erosion and radiation induced embrittlement of spacecraft materials, NASA Glenn Research Center has developed a series of experiments that are flown as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) missions on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). These experiments have provided critical space environmental durability data such as AO erosion data of polymers and composites, and radiation induced mechanical property degradation of spacecraft insulation materials, after long term space exposure. In continuing these studies, four Glenn experiments with 365 flight samples have been flown on ISS’s external MISSE-Flight Facility (MISSE-FF). These experiments are the Polymers and Composites Experiment-1 (PCE-1) flown as part of the inaugural MISSE-9 mission, the PCE-2 flown as part of the MISSE-10 mission, the PCE-3 flown as part of the MISSE-12 and MISSE-15 missions, and the PCE-4 flown as part of the MISSE-13 mission. The primary objective of the PCE 1-4 experiments is to determine the AO and radiation durability of spacecraft polymers and composites. In addition, each experiment has a wide variety of spacecraft materials and hence they each have numerous additional sample objectives. Each of the PCE 1-4 is designed to examine the consequences of AO interactions including AO erosion yield (Ey) and optical and thermal property characterization. Several polymers were flown in both ram and zenith flight orientations to determine the effect of varying solar to AO ratios on Ey. Common spacecraft materials including Teflon FEP, white Tedlar and Upilex-S were included on multiple MISSE missions so erosion dependence on environment exposure can be determined. The PCE-1 includes epoxy composite samples with varying ZnO levels to determine the effect of inorganic filler level on AO durability. And, a variety of samples were flown to characterize AO scattering and AO undercutting processes. All four PCE experiments include samples to provide better insight into radiation durability of polymers and composites. The MISSE-9 PCE-1 includes Teflon FEP tensile samples flown in the wake and zenith direction so variations in radiation exposure from the different flight directions can provide insight into radiation induced embrittlement of Teflon FEP. Teflon FEP tensile samples were also flown in the wake direction as part of the MISSE-13 PCE-4. In addition, shape memory alloys, shape memory composites, melanin based composites, stressed and unstressed gossamer sun shield materials, coated and uncoated docking seal samples, and new solar cell cover slides were flown for space radiation durability and/or shielding assessment. This paper provides an overview of Glenn’s PCE 1-4 MISSE-FF experiments and provides initial post-flight observations and results.

atomic oxygen↗

Durability of Polymers in the Space Environment

Spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) are subjected to harsh environmental conditions, including radiation (cosmic rays, ultraviolet, x-ray, and charged particle radiation), micrometeoroids and orbital debris, temperature extremes, thermal cycling, and atomic oxygen (AO). These environmental exposures can result in erosion, embrittlement and optical property degradation, threatening spacecraft performance and durability. While all of these environmental exposures can cause degradation to spacecraft components, AO is a particularly serious structural, thermal, and optical threat, to exterior oxidizable spacecraft materials, such as polymers. To further our understanding of AO erosion and radiation embrittlement of spacecraft materials, NASA Glenn Research Center has developed and flown a series of experiments as part of the Materials International Space Station Experiment (MISSE) missions on the exterior of the International Space Station (ISS). In continuing these studies, three new Glenn experiments have accepted for flight on the new ISS MISSE-Flight Facility (MISSE-FF). The Polymers and Composites Experiment (PCE) is being flown as part of the MISSE-9 inaugural mission of MISSE-FF. The Polymers and Composites Experiment-2 (PCE-2) and Polymers and Composites-3 Experiment (PCE-3) are being flown as part of the MISSE-10 and MISSE-12 missions, respectively. This presentation provides an overview of the Glenn's three MISSE-FF flight experiments including the objectives and initial spaceflight results.

spaceflight↗

Effect of Soldering on Polymer and MnO2 Tantalum Capacitors

Soldering might have a strong effect on performance and reliability of most surface mount technology components, including tantalum capacitors. High quality tantalum capacitors are likely the only type of components where soldering simulation is the first step during screening. Nevertheless, post-soldering failures of tantalum capacitors happen and require additional analysis. Popcorning is a well-known effect in plastic encapsulated microcircuits (PEM) and it occurs also in chip tantalum capacitors. The sensitivity of parts to the presence of moisture during soldering is characterized by the moisture sensitivity level (MSL); however, contrary to PEMs, there is no standard procedure for establishing MSL for tantalum capacitors. The effect of absorbed moisture on soldering related degradation and failures in tantalum capacitors have not been studied properly yet, and there is no sufficient information regarding the difference in the sensitivity to soldering between polymer and MnO2 tantalum capacitors. In this work, 16 types of polymer and 9 types of MnO2 cathodes tantalum capacitors with different moisture content have been tested before and after reflow soldering. The level of moisture release after soldering has been estimated and thermo-mechanical analysis used to assess deformation of capacitors during soldering simulations. Results show that moisture uptake in similar parts is approximately two times greater in polymer than in MnO2 capacitors. Cracking of the case and degradation of parameters can occur in both types of parts, but MnO2 capacitors are much more likely to fail catastrophically with a short circuit and possible ignition during the first power-on cycle. This type of failure in MnO2 capacitors is lot-related, can occur even at derated voltages and relatively low levels of moisture sorption corresponding to room conditions. Baking before soldering is an effective measure to prevent failures even in lots susceptible to popcorning damage. Recommendations for baking and testing to establish MSL are suggested.

Alexander Teverovsky↗

Ultraviolet and thermally stable polymer compositions

Copolymers, produced from aromatic substituted aromatic azine-siloxane compositions, are thermally stable, solar ultraviolet light non-degradable by wavelengths shorter than those reaching earth surface.

Adamson, M. J.↗

The intact capture of hypervelocity dust particles using underdense foams

The impact of a hypervelocity projectile (greater than 3 km/s) is a process that subjects both the impactor and the impacted material to a large transient pressure distribution. The resultant stresses cause a large degree of fragmentation, melting, vaporization, and ionization (for normal densities). The pressure regime magnitude, however, is directly related to the density relationship between the projectile and target materials. As a consequence, a high-density impactor on a low-density target will experience the lowest level of damage. Historically, there have been three different approaches toward achieving the lowest possible target density. The first employs a projectile impinging on a foil or film of moderate density, but whose thickness is much less than the particle diameter. This results in the particle experiencing a pressure transient with both a short duration and a greatly reduced destructive effect. A succession of these films, spaced to allow nondestructive energy dissipation between impacts, will reduce the impactor's kinetic energy without allowing its internal energy to rise to the point where destruction of the projectile mass will occur. An added advantage to this method is that it yields the possibility of regions within the captured particle where a minimum of thermal modification has taken place. Polymer foams have been employed as the primary method of capturing particles with minimum degradation. The manufacture of extremely low bulk density materials is usually achieved by the introduction of voids into the material base. It must be noted, however, that a foam structure only has a true bulk density of the mixture at sizes much larger than the cell size, since for impact processes this is of paramount importance. The scale at which the bulk density must still be close to that of the mixture is approximately equal to the impactor. When this density criterion is met, shock pressures during impact are minimized, which in turn maximizes the probability of survival for the impacting particle. The primary objectives of the experiment are to (1) Examine the morphology of primary and secondary hypervelocity impact craters. Primary attention will be paid to craters caused by ejecta during hypervelocity impacts of different substrates. (2) Determine the size distribution of ejecta by means of witness plates and collect fragments of ejecta from craters by means of momentum-sensitive mcropore foam. (3) Assess the directionality of the flux by means of penetration-hole alignment of thin films placed above the cells. (4) Capture intact the particles that perforated the thin film and entered the cell. Capture media consisted of both previously flight-tested micropore foams and aerogel. The foams had different latent heats of fusion and, accordingly, will capture particles over a range of momenta. Aerogel was incorporated into the cells to determine the minimum diameter than can be captured intact.

Maag, Carl R.↗