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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 217 records · Page 12

Development of the Molecular Adsorber Coating for Spacecraft and Instrument Interiors

On-orbit Molecular Contamination occurs when materials outgas and deposit onto very sensitive interior surfaces of the spacecraft and instruments. The current solution, Molecular Adsorber Pucks, has disadvantages, which are reviewed. A new innovative solution, Molecular Adsorber Coating (MAC), is currently being formulated, optimized, and tested. It is a sprayable alternative composed of Zeolite-based coating with adsorbing properties.

Abraham, Nithin↗

NDT and SHM of Carbon Fiber Composites using Linear Drive MWM-Arrays

Carbon fiber composites are used in a wide range of structural applications due to their excellent specific strength and stiffness. However, the anisotropic mechanical and electrical properties associated with the fibers within each composite layer present challenges, and opportunities, for Nondestructive Testing (NDT) methods used to characterize and assess the structure condition. This includes composite condition after manufacture (such as fiber orientation and density, porosity, delamination, and bond strength) and during usage (such as damage from impact, fiber breakage, thermal exposure or applied stress). Ultrasonic and thermographic methods can address some of these challenges, but eddy current methods provide an alternative method for composite structures that contain a conducting material, such as carbon fibers or a metallic liner. This presentation reviews recent advances in the development of eddy current sensors and arrays for carbon fiber composite NDT and Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) applications. The focus is on eddy current sensor constructs with linear drive windings, such as MWM -Arrays, that induce currents primarily within the linear fibers of the composite. By combining this type of sensor construct with micromechanical models that relate composite constituent properties to measurable sensor responses, insight is obtained into the volumetric distribution of electrical properties within the composite and the associated manufacturing, damage, or strain conditions. With knowledge of the fiber layup, this MWM-Array technology is able to detect damage and strain/stress as a function of depth and fiber orientation. This work has been funded by NASA, NA V AIR and the Army for applications ranging from composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs) to aircraft structures and rotorcraft blades. This presentation will specifically present background on the MWM-Array technology, results from the micromechanical modeling effort, and results from ongoing efforts for high resolution imaging and volumetric strain sensing.

Washabaugh, Andrew↗

Long Term Integration and Implementation of ATD-2 Phase 3 Capabilities

Topics include review of recommendations from an earlier Surface CDM (Collaborative Decision Making) Team (SCT) & Flow Evaluation Team (FET) meeting, support of alternative work flows, and software integration in operational systems. The briefing also identifies incorporation of ATD-2 Phase 3 capabilities into the alternative work flows.

ATD-2, IADS↗

NASA Alternative Orion Small Cell Battery Design Support

The NASA Orion Crew Module Reference Design was produced to address large scale thermal runaway (TR) hazard with specific safety controls for the Orion Spacecraft. The design presented provides the description of a full scale battery design reference for implementation as a drop in replacement to meet all spacecraft energy requirements with compatible 120 Vdc electrical and mechanical interface using small cell technology (18650) packaging. The 32V SuperBrick incorporates unique support features and an electrical bus bar arrangement that allows cells negative can insertion into heat sink that is compressively coupled to the battery enclosure to promote good thermal management. The housing design also provides an internal flame suppression "filter tray" and positive venting path internal to the enclosure to allow hot effluent ejecta to escape in the event of single cell TR. Virtual cells (14P Banks) that are supported to provide cell spacing with interstitial materials to prevent side can failures that can produce cell to cell TR propagation. These features were successfully test in four separate TR run with the full scale DTA1 test article in February 2016. Successfully Completed Test Objectives - Four separate TR test runs with Full-Scale DTA1 housing with Two SuperBricks, Two SuperBrick Emulators All Tests resulted in "clean" gas with less than 6 C rise at Battery vent All Tests resulted in less than 2 C temperature rise on cold-plate outlet All Tests resulted in less than 6 psi pressure rise in the battery housing Test Run 1 -One neighbor cell TR, highest remaining neighbor 139 C. Ejecta shorted to bus caused prolonged additional heating, One shorted cell did experience TR after 12 minutes, remaining cells had adequate thermal margin Test Run 2 - No cell to cell propagation, highest neighbor cell 112 C; Test Run 3 - No cell to cell propagation, highest neighbor cell 96 C; Test Run 4 - No cell to cell propagation, highest neighbor cell 101 C; Primary TR testing and analysis were completed and reviewed for endorsement by NASA Engineering and Safety Center team members. All Key Test Objectives were met and the small cell design alternative was demonstrated and selected to be a feasible drop in replacement for the MPCV Orion CM Battery for EM2 mission.

Haynes, Chuck↗

Space Communications Capability Roadmap Interim Review

Contents include the following: Identify the need for a robust communications and navigation architecture for the success of exploration and science missions. Describe an approach for specifying architecture alternatives and analyzing them. Establish a top level architecture based on a network of networks. Identify key enabling technologies. Synthesize capability, architecture and technology into an initial capability roadmap.

Spearing, Robert↗

Review of Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Ground Test Options

High efficiency rocket propulsion systems are essential for humanity to venture beyond the moon. Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is a promising alternative to conventional chemical rockets with relatively high thrust and twice the efficiency of highest performing chemical propellant engines. NTP utilizes the coolant of a nuclear reactor to produce propulsive thrust. An NTP engine produces thrust by flowing hydrogen through a nuclear reactor to cool the reactor, heating the hydrogen and expelling it through a rocket nozzle. The hot gaseous hydrogen is nominally expected to be free of radioactive byproducts from the nuclear reactor; however, it has the potential to be contaminated due to off-nominal engine reactor performance. NTP ground testing is more difficult than chemical engine testing since current environmental regulations do not allow/permit open air testing of NTP as was done in the 1960's and 1970's for the Rover/NERVA program. A new and innovative approach to rocket engine ground test is required to mitigate the unique health and safety risks associated with the potential entrainment of radioactive waste from the NTP engine reactor core into the engine exhaust. Several studies have been conducted since the ROVER/NERVA program in the 1970's investigating NTP engine ground test options to understand the technical feasibility, identify technical challenges and associated risks and provide rough order of magnitude cost estimates for facility development and test operations. The options can be divided into two distinct schemes; (1) real-time filtering of the engine exhaust and its release to the environment or (2) capture and storage of engine exhaust for subsequent processing.

Coote, David J.↗

Continental Land Mass Air Traffic Control (COLM ATC)

The application of various satellite systems and techniques relative to providing air traffic control services for the continental United States was studied. Three satellite configurations were reviewed. The characteristics and capabilities of the satellites are described. The study includes consideration for the various ranging waveforms, multiple access alternatives, and the power and bandwidth required as a function of the number of users.

Pecar, J. A.↗

Design of a submillimeter laser Thomson scattering system for measurement of ion temperature in SUMMA

A thorough discussion of submillimeter laser Thomson scattering for the measurement of ion temperature in plasmas is presented. This technique is very promising and work is being actively pursued on the high power lasers and receivers necessary for its implementation. In this report we perform an overall system analysis of the Thomson scattering technique aimed to: (1) identify problem areas; (2) establish specifications for the main components of the apparatus; (3) study signal processing alternatives and identify the optimum signal handling procedure. Because of its importance for the successful implementation of this technique, we also review the work presently being carried out on the optically pumped submillimeter CH3F and D2O lasers.

Praddaude, H. C.↗

Subatmospheric Brayton-cycle Engine Program Review

A solar energy powered electrical generator utilizing a Subatmospheric Brayton cycle engine is examined. The generator consists of a subatmospheric, Brayton-cycle engine and a permanent magnet (PM) alternator. The electrical power is generated by an alternator driven directly by the Brayton-cycle engine rotating group. Features that enhance reliability and performance include air foil bearings on both the Brayton-cycle engine rotating group and the PM alternator, an atmospheric-pressure solar receiver and gas-fired trim heater, and a high temperature recuperator. The subatmospheric Brayton-cycle engine design is based on that of the gas fired heat pump engine.

Johnson, R. L.↗

On the clock mechanism and the implausibility of the 35 day precessing disk in HZ Herculis/Hercules X-1

The concept of the precessing accretion disk in HZ Her/Her X-1 in its varied forms, to account for the 35 day periodicity in the X-ray flux, has met many objections from a number of workers on various grounds, but it is still being invoked in current publications. These objections are reviewed and additional arguments are presented against the precessing accretion disk model. The implausibility of the disk models is demonstrated. An alternate clock mechanism, based on nonlinear oscillations in the normal star, which provides the modulation of the mass flow is discussed.

Kondo, Y.↗

Penecontemporaneous metamorphism, fragmentation, and reassembly of ordinary chondrite parent bodies

The thermal histories of ordinary chondrites and the canonical internal heating or onion shell models, which predict an inverse relation between the petrologic type of chondrites and the metallographic cooling rate, are reviewed. The thermal and accretional requirements of the 'metamorphosed planetesimal' model proposed by Scott and Rajan (1981) are analyzed, and an alternative model consistent with the metallographic cooling rate constraints is suggested in which ordinary chondrite parent bodies are collisionally fragmented and then rapidly reassembled before metamorphic heat has been dissipated.

Grimm, R. E.↗

Propulsion Research and Technology: Overview

Propulsion is unique in being the main delimiter on how far and how fast one can travel in space. It is the lack of truly economical high-performance propulsion systems that continues to limit and restrict the extent of human endeavors in space. Therefore the goal of propulsion research is to conceive and investigate new, revolutionary propulsion concepts. This presentation reviews the development of new propulsion concepts. Some of these concepts are: (1) Rocket-based Combined Cycle (RBCC) propulsion, (2) Alternative combined Cycle engines suc2 as the methanol ramjet , and the liquid air cycle engines, (3) Laser propulsion, (4) Maglifter, (5) pulse detonation engines, (6) solar thermal propulsion, (7) multipurpose hydrogen test bed (MHTB) and other low-G cryogenic fluids, (8) Electric propulsion, (9) nuclear propulsion, (10) Fusion Propulsion, and (11) Antimatter technology. The efforts of the NASA centers in this research is also spotlighted.

Cole, John↗

Streamlining Ground Station Network Compatibility Test for Small Satellites

A team of eight subject matter experts at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) completed a Lean Six Sigma project to identify process improvements for the compatibility test process for small satellites planning to use the NASA Near Earth Network (NEN). Ground station network compatibility testing is designed to reduce the risk to missions by resolving issues between the spacecraft's flight communication and navigation components and the ground systems prior to launch. Compatibility testing, which consists of a series of tests performed over a period of months and documented in reports, is an important step meant to prevent post-launch anomalies that could lead to expensive troubleshooting or mission failure. Compared to traditional missions, small satellite missions typically have a smaller budget and compressed schedules, which can result in small satellite projects' willingness to accept the risk associated with less comprehensive compatibility testing. Optimization and or refinement of the compatibility test process for small satellite missions could alleviate some of the pressures inherent with these factors. The goal of the Lean Six Sigma project was to develop alternative scalable methods of compatibility testing for small satellites. The Lean Six Sigma approach and the results of the project are reviewed in this paper.

Streamlining↗

Non-invasive neuroimaging using near-infrared light

This article reviews diffuse optical brain imaging, a technique that employs near-infrared light to non-invasively probe the brain for changes in parameters relating to brain function. We describe the general methodology, including types of measurements and instrumentation (including the tradeoffs inherent in the various instrument components), and the basic theory required to interpret the recorded data. A brief review of diffuse optical applications is included, with an emphasis on research that has been done with psychiatric populations. Finally, we discuss some practical issues and limitations that are relevant when conducting diffuse optical experiments. We find that, while diffuse optics can provide substantial advantages to the psychiatric researcher relative to the alternative brain imaging methods, the method remains substantially underutilized in this field.

Non-NASA Center↗

ET Toxic Metals Replacement Review SEA Spring Face to Face

The information contained in the presentation covers development work carried out under SDS projects. The intent of the effort is to find chrome(VI) free alternates to our current chromated processing solutions. The information presented reports progress in work aimed to replace our alkaline cleaner (Turco 4215), conversion coat (Iridite 14-2) and chrome (VI) compounds used in LOx tank hydrostatic proof test solution. To date we have found candidates for use in the proof test solution and alkaline cleaner. These candidates are in the final stages of testing. Lab data is reported in the presentation.

Pratz, Earl↗

Scaling aircraft noise perception.

Following a brief review of the background to the study, an extensive experiment is described which was undertaken to assess the practical differences between numerous alternative methods for calculating the perceived levels of individual aircraft flyover wounds. One hundred and twenty recorded sounds, including jets, turboprops, piston aircraft and helicopters were rated by a panel of subjects in a pair comparison test. The results were analyzed to evaluate a number of noise rating procedures, in terms of their ability to accurately estimate both relative and absolute perceived noise levels over a wider dynamic range (84-115 dB SPL) than had generally been used in previous experiments. Performances of the different scales were examined in detail for different aircraft categories, and the merits of different band level summation procedures, frequency weighting functions, duration and tone corrections were investigated.

Ollerhead, J. B.↗

Magnetic reconnection in comets

Today many of the traditionally puzzling phenomena in the cometary plasma-tail environment can plausibly be linked to magnetic reconnection occurring in several regions of a comet (Niedner and Brandt, 1978 and 1980). The turn-on of these various reconnection sites appears to follow a cyclic pattern in which the plasma-tail disconnection event is the primary feature, and the periodic sector structure of the solar wind is the external driver. The purpose of this review is to discuss these different classes of cometary activity, to state the justifications for linking them to reconnection, to discuss proposed alternate (nonreconnection) models, and to suggest future tests of the hypotheses presented.

Niedner, M. B., Jr.↗