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At least 235 records · Page 13

Multifunctional Polymers and Composites for Aerospace Applications

System needs and challenges for commercial aviation and space exploration are constantly changing. Multifunctional materials are ideal for aerospace applications because their integration into structural components has potential to not only improve efficiency, but it can also increase payload and mission capabilities without the burden of significant additions to mass and volume. Multi-constituent materials will play an important role in enabling structures with the potential to demonstrate true multi-functionality; however, modifications to many mature polymer processing methods may be necessary. This presentation will cover multifunctional materials development efforts underway at the NASA Glenn Research Center related to formulating and characterizing novel electrical insulation for high voltage aircraft. Incorporating functionality into the reinforcement material is another materials development technique that will be discussed, which includes braiding with hybrid fibers to enhance toughness in composite structures, stitching with carbon nanotube yarns to make durable electrically conductive textiles, and treating fabrics with shear thickening fluid suspensions to produce impact-resistant inflatable habitats.

multi-functional composites↗

Fabrication of very-low-density, high-stiffness carbon fiber/aluminum hybridized composite with ultra-low density and high stiffness (M-11)

Fabrication of a composite material with ultra-low density and high stiffness in microgravity is the objective of the investigation. The composite structure to be obtained is a random three-dimensional array of high modulus, short carbon fibers bonded at contact points by an aluminum alloy coated on the fibers. The material is highly porous and thus has a very low density. The motivation toward the investigation, simulation experiments, choice of the component materials, and on-flight experiment during ballistic trajectory of a NASDA rocket, are described.

Suzuki, Tomoo↗

Application of a Developmental Composite Material Model to Predict the Crush Response of Two Energy Absorbers

In 2012, a consortium was formed with the goal of creating a new composite material model capable of predicting the wide range of properties, accumulated damage behavior, and the many different types of failure in composites under impact loading. The material model was developed for execution in the commercially available nonlinear, explicit transient dynamic finite element code, LS-DYNA®. This material model incorporates three sub-models: deformation, damage, and failure. In addition, the model accounts for strain rate and temperature effects and relies heavily on the input of tabulated material response data. The model is designated *MAT_COMPOSITE_TABULATED_PLASTICITY_DAMAGE, or *MAT_213. Initially, *MAT_213 was developed for use with solid elements only; however, a thin shell element formulation for *MAT_213 has been adapted recently. The objective of this project was to find a suitable modeling example to investigate the capabilities and performance of *MAT_213. In 2012, two composite energy absorbers were designed and evaluated at NASA Langley Research Center through multi-level testing and simulation. The first was a conical-shaped energy absorber, designated the conusoid, which consisted of four layers of hybrid carbon-Kevlar® plain-weave fabric oriented at [+45°/-45°/-45°/+45°] with respect to the vertical direction. The second was a sinusoidal-shaped energy absorber, designated the sinusoid, which consisted of hybrid carbon-Kevlar® plain-weave fabric face sheets, two layers for each face sheet oriented at ±45° with respect to the vertical direction, and a closed-cell ELFOAM® P200 polyisocyanurate foam core. Finite element models were developed of the energy absorbers and simulations were performed using LS-DYNA®. In this paper, the development of a *MAT_213 model of a hybrid carbon-Kevlar® plain-weave fabric is presented. Next, comparisons with material characterization tests are presented. Then, test-analysis results are documented for each energy absorber as comparisons of time-history responses, as well as predicted and experimental structural deformations and progressive damage under impact loading using the *MAT_213 material model. Since a prior *MAT_58, or *MAT_LAMINATED_COMPOSITE_FABRIC material model was used in previous simulations of the energy absorbers, comparisons are made between *MAT_58 and *MAT_213 model predictions with test data. Finally, the paper includes a comprehensive list of “lessons learned,” in which a series of parametric studies are documented that were performed to investigate specific issues related to the material model. These “lessons learned” are included in hopes that they may help future *MAT_213 users.

crashworthiness, LS-DYNA transient dynamic simulat↗

Synthesis, Processing, and Characterization of Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Cross-Linked Silica, Organic Polyimide, and Inorganic Aluminosilicate Aerogels

As aerospace applications become ever more demanding, novel insulation materials with lower thermal conductivity, lighter weight and higher use temperature are required to fit the aerospace application needs. Having nanopores and high porosity, aerogels are superior thermal insulators, among other things. The use of silica aerogels in general is quite restricted due to their inherent fragility, hygroscopic nature, and poor mechanical properties, especially in extereme aerospace environments. Our research goal is to develop aerogels with better mechanical and environmental stability for a variety of aeronautic and space applications including space suit insulation for planetary surface missions, insulation for inflatable structures for habitats, inflatable aerodynamic decelerators for entry, descent and landing (EDL) operations, and cryotank insulation for advance space propulsion systems. Different type of aerogels including organic-inorganic polymer reinforced (hybrid) silica-based aerogels, polyimide aerogels and inorganic aluminosilicate aerogels have been developed and examined.

Insulation materials↗

Cascade Solar Cell Workshop report

Issues related to the feasibility, research and development, and demonstration of a 30% AMO cascade solar cell discussed include the material selection, growth and fabrication techniques, and device development strategy for a monolithic (two terminal) cascade cell, a hybrid (four terminal) cascade cell, and a spectral splitting device (three cells). Workshop recommendations include: (1) initiate a long range research program to develop a three junction, monolithic, cascade cell using either AlGaAsSb-GaAsSb or AlGaInAs-GaInAs material system; (2) emphasize OM-CVD epitaxial growth technique, perhaps combined with other technologies in the near term to obtain tunnel junctions; (3) develop a two junction device first; (4) initiate a cascade solar cell modeling program to study and compare performance of two and four terminal cascade devices exposed to electron and proton irradiation; and (5) encourage and be open to new ideas for developing four terminal, hybrid, cascade cells exploiting novel component cell interconnect technologies.

Hutchby, J. A.↗

Lattice Confinement Fusion Fast Fission – A Hybrid Power System for Accessing Icy World Oceans

Lattice Confinement Fusion (LCF) is an emerging power technology that can be combined with nuclear fission to produce a hybrid innovative power system. The proposed innovation is a compact, scalable nuclear energy source that does not use highly enriched uranium (HEU), high-assay enriched uranium (HALEU), low enriched uranium (LEU) nor plutonium-238. The nuclear energy source consists of a hybrid fusion-fast-fission method whereby neutrons generated from LCF are used to fission materials such as depleted uranium or thorium. LCF has been demonstrated by both NASA (published in Physical Review C) and by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (published in the Journal of Applied Physics). Although these methods are reminiscent of Low Energy Nuclear Reactions (LENR), both methods operate at much higher energies than any attempt at cold fusion. This new hybrid energy source is sufficient to provide power and heat for melting or boring through icy caps with untethered, autonomous probes. These probes can be used for planetary (i.e., Pluto), lunar (i.e., Enceladus), or asteroid (i.e., Ceres) exploration where icy caps are encountered. Each world may have a liquid water ocean beneath their ice crust. A robotic probe exploring the oceans beneath must either melt or bore through the ice crust first. Such a mission requires a small, but robust and long lived, electrical energy and heat source such as the LCF Fast Fission hybrid power system.

Theresa L. Benyo↗

Hybrids - Best of both worlds

An overview is presented of hybrid rocket propulsion systems whereby combining solids and liquids for launch vehicles could produce a safe, reliable, and low-cost product. The primary subsystems of a hybrid system consist of the oxidizer tank and feed system, an injector system, a solid fuel grain enclosed in a pressure vessel case, a mixing chamber, and a nozzle. The hybrid rocket has an inert grain, which reduces costs of development, transportation, manufacturing, and launch by avoiding many safety measures that must be taken when operating with solids. Other than their use in launch vehicles, hybrids are excellent for simulating the exhaust of solid rocket motors for material development.

Goldberg, Ben E.↗

On the enhancement of impact damage tolerance of composite laminates

This paper examines the use of a thin layer of Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) on the outer surface of carbon/epoxy composite materials as a method of improving impact resistance and damage tolerance through hybridization. Flat 16-ply laminates as well as honeycomb sandwich structures with eight-ply facesheets were tested in this study. Instrumented drop-weight impact testing was used to inflict damage upon the specimens. Evaluation of damage resistance included instrumented impact data, visual examination, C-scanning and compression after impact (CAI) testing. The results show that only one lamina of UHMWPE did not improve the damage tolerance (strength retention) of the 16-ply flat laminate specimens or the honeycomb sandwich beams, however, a modest gain in impact resistance (detectable damage) was found for the honeycomb sandwich specimens that contained an outer layer of UHMWPE.

Nettles, A. T.↗

The evolution of chromosomal instability in Chinese hamster cells: a changing picture?

PURPOSE: To investigate the kinetics of chromosomal instability induced in clones of Chinese hamster cells following X-irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: X-irradiated clones of GM10115, human-hamster hybrid cells containing a single human chromosome 4 (HC4), have been previously established. These clones were defined as unstable if they contained > or = three subpopulations of cells with unique rearrangements of HC4 as detected by FISH. Stable and unstable clones were analysed by FISH and Giemsa staining at various times post-irradiation. RESULTS: While most of the stable clones continued to show chromosomal stability of HC4 over time, one became marginally unstable at approximately 45 population doublings post-irradiation. Clones exhibiting chromosomal instability had one of several fates. Many of the unstable clones were showed similar levels of instability over time. However, one unstable clone became stable with time in culture, while another became even more unstable over time. Cytogenetic analyses of all clones after Giemsa staining indicated that in some clones the hamster chromosomes were rearranged independent of HC4, demonstrating increased frequencies of chromatid breaks and dicentric chromosomes. The majority of the unstable clones also had higher yields of chromatid gaps. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate the dynamic nature of chromosomal instability as measured by two different cytogenetic assays.

Non-NASA Center↗

Resin infusion of layered metal/composite hybrid and resulting metal/composite hybrid laminate

A method of fabricating a metal/composite hybrid laminate is provided. One or more layered arrangements are stacked on a solid base to form a layered structure. Each layered arrangement is defined by a fibrous material and a perforated metal sheet. A resin in its liquid state is introduced along a portion of the layered structure while a differential pressure is applied across the laminate structure until the resin permeates the fibrous material of each layered arrangement and fills perforations in each perforated metal sheet. The resin is cured thereby yielding a metal/composite hybrid laminate.

Cano, Roberto J.↗

Radiation Hard Bandpass Filters for Mid- to Far-IR Planetary Instruments

We present a novel method to fabricate compact metal mesh bandpass filters for use in mid- to far-infrared planetary instruments operating in the 20-600 micron wavelength spectral regime. Our target applications include thermal mapping instruments on ESA's JUICE as well as on a de-scoped JEO. These filters are novel because they are compact, customizable, free-standing copper mesh resonant bandpass filters with micromachined silicon support frames. The filters are well suited for thermal mapping mission to the outer planets and their moons because the filter material is radiation hard. Furthermore, the silicon support frame allows for effective hybridization with sensors made on silicon substrates. Using a Fourier Transform Spectrometer, we have demonstrated high transmittance within the passband as well as good out-of-band rejection [1]. In addition, we have developed a unique method of filter stacking in order to increase the bandwidth and sharpen the roll-off of the filters. This method allows one to reliably control the spacing between filters to within 2 microns. Furthermore, our method allows for reliable control over the relative position and orienta-tion between the shared faces of the filters.

Brown, Ari D.↗

The Effect of Indenter Ball Radius on the Static Load Capacity of the Superelastic 60NiTi for Rolling Element Bearings

Static load capacity is a critical design parameter for rolling element bearings used in space mechanisms because of the potential for Brinell (surface dent) damage due to shock and vibration loading events during rocket launch. Brinell damage to bearing raceways can lead to torque variations (noise) and reduced bearing life. The growing use of ceramic rolling elements with high stiffness in hybrid bearings exacerbates the situation. A new family of hard yet resilient materials based upon nickel-titanium is emerging to address such bearing challenges. 60NiTi is a superelastic material that simultaneously exhibits high hardness and a relatively low elastic modulus (approx. 100 GPa) and has been shown to endure higher indentation loads than conventional and high performance steel. Indentation load capacity has been reported for relatively large (12.7 mm diameter) ceramic (Si3N4) indenter balls pressed against flat plates of 60NiTi. In order to develop damage load threshold criteria applicable to a wide range of bearing designs and sizes, the effects of indenter ball radius and the accuracy of interpolation of the Hertz contact stress relations for 60NiTi must be ascertained. In this paper, results of indentation tests involving ceramic balls ranging from 6.4 to 12.7 mm in diameter and highly polished 60NiTi flat plates are presented. When the resulting dent depth data for all the indenter ball sizes are normalized using the Hertz equations, the data (dent depth versus stress) are comparable. Thus when designing bearings made from 60NiTi, the Hertz stress relations can be applied with relative confidence over a range of rolling element sizes and internal geometries.

bearings↗

The Effect of Indenter Ball Radius on the Static Load Capacity of the Superelastic 60NiTi for Rolling Element Bearings

Static load capacity is a critical design parameter for rolling element bearings used in space mechanisms because of the potential for Brinell (surface dent) damage due to shock and vibration loading events during rocket launch. Brinell damage to bearing raceways can lead to torque variations (noise) and reduced bearing life. The growing use of ceramic rolling elements with high stiffness in hybrid bearings exacerbates the situation. A new family of hard yet resilient materials based upon nickel-titanium is emerging to address such bearing challenges. 60NiTi is a superelastic material that simultaneously exhibits high hardness and a relatively low elastic modulus (~100GPa) and has been shown to endure higher indentation loads than conventional and high performance steel. Indentation load capacity has been reported for relatively large (12.7mm diameter) ceramic (Si3N4) indenter balls pressed against flat plates of 60NiTi. In order to develop damage load threshold criteria applicable to a wide range of bearing designs and sizes, the effects of indenter ball radius and the accuracy of interpolation of the Hertz contact stress relations for 60NiTi must be ascertained. In this paper, results of indentation tests involving ceramic balls ranging from 6.4 to 12.7mm in diameter and highly polished 60NiTi flat plates are presented. When the resulting dent depth data for all the indenter ball sizes are normalized using the Hertz equations, the data (dent depth vs. stress) are comparable. Thus when designing bearings made from 60NiTi, the Hertz stress relations can be applied with relative confidence over a range of rolling element sizes and internal geometries.

bearings↗

The Effect of Indenter Ball Radius on the Static Load Capacity of the Superelastic 60NiTi for Rolling Element Bearings

Static load capacity is a critical design parameter for rolling element bearings used in space mechanisms because of the potential for Brinell (surface dent) damage due to shock and vibration loading events during rocket launch. Brinell damage to bearing raceways can lead to torque variations (noise) and reduced bearing life. The growing use of ceramic rolling elements with high stiffness in hybrid bearings exacerbates the situation. A new family of hard yet resilient materials based upon nickel-titanium is emerging to address such bearing challenges. 60NiTi is a superelastic material that simultaneously exhibits high hardness and a relatively low elastic modulus (approx. 100 GigaPascals) and has been shown to endure higher indentation loads than conventional and high performance steel. Indentation load capacity has been reported for relatively large (12.7 millimeters diameter) ceramic (Si3N4) indenter balls pressed against flat plates of 60NiTi. In order to develop damage load threshold criteria applicable to a wide range of bearing designs and sizes, the effects of indenter ball radius and the accuracy of interpolation of the Hertz contact stress relations for 60NiTi must be ascertained. In this paper, results of indentation tests involving ceramic balls ranging from 6.4 to 12.7 mm in diameter and highly polished 60NiTi flat plates are presented. When the resulting dent depth data for all the indenter ball sizes are normalized using the Hertz equations, the data (dent depth versus stress) are comparable. Thus when designing bearings made from 60NiTi, the Hertz stress relations can be applied with relative confidence over a range of rolling element sizes and internal geometries.

materials↗

Ultra-Lightweight Hybrid Thin-Film Solar Cells: A Survey of Enabling Technologies for Space Power Applications

The development of hybrid inorganic/organic thin-film solar cells on flexible, lightweight, space-qualified, durable substrates provides an attractive solution for fabricating solar arrays with high mass specific power (W/kg). Next generation thin-film technologies may well involve a revolutionary change in materials to organic-based devices. The high-volume, low-cost fabrication potential of organic cells will allow for square miles of solar cell production at one-tenth the cost of conventional inorganic materials. Plastic solar cells take a minimum of storage space and can be inflated or unrolled for deployment. We will explore a cross-section of in-house and sponsored research efforts that aim to provide new hybrid technologies that include both inorganic and polymer materials as active and substrate materials. Research at University of Texas at Arlington focuses on the fabrication and use of poly(isothianaphthene-3,6-diyl) in solar cells. We describe efforts at Norfolk State University to design, synthesize and characterize block copolymers. A collaborative team between EIC Laboratories, Inc. and the University of Florida is investigating multijunction polymer solar cells to more effectively utilize solar radiation. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)/Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI) group has undertaken a thermal analysis of potential metallized substrates as well as production of nanoparticles of CuInS2 and CuInSe2 in good yield at moderate temperatures via decomposition of single-source precursors. Finally, preliminary work at the Rochester Institute of Technology (R.I.T.) to assess the impact on performance of solar cells of temperature and carbon nanotubes is reported. Technologies that must be developed to enable ultra-lightweight solar arrays include: monolithic interconnects, lightweight array structures, and new ultra-light support and deployment mechanisms. For NASA applications, any solar cell or array technology must not only meet weight and AMO efficiency goals, but also must be durable enough to survive launch conditions and space environments.

Hepp, Aloysius F.↗

Thermo-Mechanical Properties of SiC/SiC Composites with Hybrid CVI-PIP Matrices

For long term structural service, the upper temperature capability for slurry-cast melt infiltrated (MI) SiC/SiC composites is limited to approx. 1315 C because of silicon reaction with the SiC fibers. For applications requiring material temperatures in excess of 1315 C, alternate methods of manufacturing the SiC matrices without silicon are being investigated, such as a hybrid combination of CVI and PIP. In this study, stacked fabric plies of Sylramic i-BN SiC fibers were coated with a CVI BN interface layer followed by a partial CVI SiC matrix. The remaining porosity in the SiC/SiC preforms was then infiltrated with silicon carbide matrix by PIP. Thermo-mechanical property measurements indicate that these composites are stable to 1700 C in inert environments under no load conditions for 100 h and under load conditions to 1450 C in air for 300 h. The advantages, disadvantages, and potential of this composite system for high temperature applications will be discussed.

Bhatt, R. T.↗

Creep/Stress Rupture Behavior and Failure Mechanisms of Full CVI and Full PIP SiC/SiC Composites at Elevated Temperatures in Air

SiC/SiC composites fabricated by melt infiltration are being considered as potential candidate materials for next generation turbine components. However these materials are limited to 2400 F application because of the presence of residual silicon in the SiC matrix. Currently there is an increasing interest in developing and using silicon free SiC/SiC composites for structural aerospace applications above 2400 F. Full PIP or full CVI or CVI + PIP hybrid SiC/SiC composites can be fabricated without excess silicon, but the upper temperature stress capabilities of these materials are not fully known. In this study, the on-axis creep and rupture properties of the state-of-the-art full CVI and full PIP SiC/SiC composites with Sylramic-iBN fibers were measured at temperatures to 2700 F in air and their failure modes examined. In this presentation creep rupture properties, failure mechanisms and upper temperature capabilities of these two systems will be discussed and compared with the literature data.

Creep Durability↗

Design, Fabrication and Test of Multi-Fiber Laminates

Unidirectional and angleply multifiber laminates were tested for improved impact strength and other mechanical properties. The effects of several variables on the mechanical properties of epoxy matrix materials were described. These include fiber type (HMS and AS graphites, glass, and Kevlar 49), ratio of primary to hybridizing fiber and hybrid configuration. It is demonstrated that AS graphite/S glass in an intraply configuration results in the best combination of static and Charpy impact properties as well as superior ballistic impact resistance. Pendulum impact tests which were conducted on thin specimens are shown to produce different ranking of materials than tests conducted on standard thickness Charpy specimens. It is shown that the thin specimen results are in better agreement with the ballistic impact data. Additional static test data are reported as a function of temperature for the seven best hybrid configurations having epoxy, polyimide (PMR-15) and polyphenylquinoxaline resins as the matrix.

Pike, R. A.↗