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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 235 records · Page 13
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2022

Fabrication and Testing of a Novel Ceramic-Based Additively Manufactured Humidity Sensor

A material capable of detecting minute changes in ambient humidity via a change in its electrical properties is critical to enabling the success of vapor-sensitive components on Earth and abroad. Manufacturing of these hydrophilic materials currently follows an extensive process of heat treating focused on removing the solvent and organic vehicle. This research aims to reduce the complexity of manufacturing these novel sensors by eliminating the high-temperature (>850 °C) processing stages. A method based on printing a polymer embedded with hydrophilic nanoparticles is accomplished through selected additively manufactured methods. This research branches into the elimination of physical spare parts with the ability to print highly sensitive in-situ sensors, reducing the environmental footprint in space-critical environments like the International Space Station (ISS).

sensor↗
NASA NTRS2006

Material Interactions with Solar Wind Ion Environments

Solar wind composition is dominated by hydrogen (approx.96%) and helium (approx.3 to 4%) with a minor fraction (less than or equal to 1%) of heavy ions. Hydrogen (helium) ions impact spacecraft surfaces with energies from 0.5 to 5 keV (1.8 to 21 keV) due to variations in solar wind velocity from 300 km/s to 1000 km/sec with extremes of a few 10 s keV during periods of extremely high solar wind velocity exceeding 1000 km/sec. Mean impact energies are typically on the order of approximately 1 keV and 4 keV for hydrogen ions and helium ions, respectively. These energies are typically of the peak of the energy dependent light ion sputter yields for hydrogen and helium on many metals. In addition, light ions with kilovolt energies have been shown to produce blister (or exfoliation) damage to metal surfaces due to formation of high pressure gas bubbles within the materials when exposed to ion fluences on the order of 10(exp 16 to (10(exp 17 ions/sq cm. A number of spacecraft designs for current and future missions include gossamer polymer structures with thin metallic reflection coatings to shield instruments from the Sun or solar sail propulsion systems for use in a variety of locations in the inner solar system from 0.5 to 1 AU. In addition, there is interest in designing spacecraft for solar physics missions requiring operations as close to the Sun as 0.16 to 0.2 AU. Integrity of the metallic coatings is critical in many of these applications since degradation will result in modification of material thermal properties or exposure of polymers to solar UV photons which can compromise mission requirements. This paper will evaluate the relative contributions of sputtering and blister formation to material degradation in solar wind environments over a range of radial distances from the Sun to demonstrate where solar wind environments become important for materials selection. We will first review the physics and results from laboratory measurements of light ion sputtering, blistering, and exfoliation of metallic surfaces to establish the order of magnitude ion fluence required for significant surface damage. Solar wind ion fluence environments will then be evaluated due to variations in solar wind conditions as a function of solar cycle for varying distances from the Sun using models for radial variations in solar wind ion number density, temperature, and velocity to determine where sputtering and blistering is most likely to be an issue. Finally, ion fluence statistics for varying radial distances from the Sun will be shown to establish the mission duration and radial distances from the Sun where missions will encounter sufficient ion fluence to exhibit damage to metallic surfaces.

Minow, Joseph I.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Long Duration Exposure Facility M0003-5 thermal control coatings on DoD flight experiment

The M0003-5 thermal control coatings and materials orbited on the LDEF M0003 Space Environment Effects on Spacecraft Materials were a part of a Wright Laboratories Materials Directorate larger experiment. They were selected from new materials which emerged from development programs during the 1978-1982 time frame. Included were materials described in the technical literature which were being considered or had been applied to satellites. Materials that had been exposed on previous satellite materials experiments were also included to provide data correlation with earlier space flight experiments. The objective was to determine the effect of the LDEF environment on the physical and optical properties of thermal control coatings and materials. One hundred and two specimens of various pigmented organic and inorganic coatings, metallized polymer thin films, optical solar reflectors, and mirrors were orbited on LDEF. The materials were exposed in four separate locations on the vehicle. The first set was exposed on the direct leading edge of the satellite. The second set was exposed on the direct trailing edge of the vehicle. The third and fourth sets were exposed in environmental exposure control canisters (EECC) located 30 degrees off normal to the leading and trailing edges. The purpose of the experiment was to understand the changes in the properties of materials before and after exposure to the space environment and to compare the changes with predictions based on laboratory experiments. The basic approach was to measure the optical and physical properties of materials before and after long-term exposure to a low earth orbital environment comprised of UV, VUV, electrons, protons, atomic oxygen, thermal cycling, vacuum, debris, and micrometeoroids. Due to the unanticipated extended orbital flight of LDEF, the thermal control coatings and materials in the direct leading and trailing edge were exposed for a full five years and ten months to the space environment and the canister materials were exposed for approximately one year to the full environment.

Hurley, Charles J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Application of bicyclic and cage compounds

The results of a literature survey of the field of bicyclic and cage compounds were presented, with the objective of identifying those types of compounds with unusual physical and chemical stability, and determining what practical applications have been found for these compounds. Major applications have been as polymers, polymer additives, medicinals, and pesticides. Lesser applications have included fuels, fuel additives, lubricants, lubricant additives, and perfumes. Several areas where further work might be useful were also outlined; these are primarily in the areas of polymers, polymer additives, medicinals, and synthetic lubricants.

Clark, R. D.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Electrically Conductive Paints for Satellites

A program was conducted to develop and test electrically conductive paint coatings for spacecraft. A wide variety of organic and inorganic coatings were formulated using conductive binders, conductive pigments, and similar approaches. Z-93, IITRI's standard specification inorganic thermal control coating, exhibits good electrical properties and is a very space-stable coating system. Several coatings based on a conductive pigment (antimony-doped tin oxide) in silicone and silicate binders offer considerable promise. Paint systems using commercially available conductive polymers also appear to be of interest, but will require substantial development. Evaluations were made based on electrical conductivity, paint physical properties, and the stability of spectral reflectance in space environment testing.

Gilligan, J. E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Development of toughened epoxy polymers for high performance composite and ablative applications

A survey of current procedures for the assessment of state of cure in epoxy polymers and for the evaluation of polymer toughness as related to nature of the crosslinking agent was made to facilitate a cause-effect study of the chemical modification of epoxy polymers. Various conformations of sample morphology were examined to identify testing variables and to establish optimum conditions for the selected physical test methods. Dynamic viscoelasticity testing was examined in conjunction with chemical analyses to allow observation of the extent of the curing reaction with size of the crosslinking agent the primary variable. Specifically the aims of the project were twofold: (1) to consider the experimental variables associated with development of "extent of cure" analysis, and (2) to assess methodology of fracture energy determination and to prescribe a meaningful and reproducible procedure. The following is separated into two categories for ease of presentation.

Allen, V. R.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Actuator Feasibility Study for Active Control of Ducted Axial Fan Noise

A feasibility study was performed to investigate actuator technology which is relevant for a particular application of active noise control for gas turbine stator vanes. This study investigated many different classes of actuators and ranked them on the order of applicability. The most difficult requirements the actuators had to meet were high frequency response, large amplitude deflections, and a thin profile. Based on this assessment, piezoelectric type actuators were selected as the most appropriate actuator class. Specifically, Rainbows (a new class of high performance piezoelectric actuators), and unimorphs (a ceramic/metal composite) appeared best suited to the requirements. A benchtop experimental study was conducted. The performance of a variety of different actuators was examined, including high polymer films, flextensional actuators, miniature speakers, unimorphs, and Rainbows. The displacement/frequency response and phase characteristics of the actuators were measured. Physical limitations of actuator operation were also examined. This report includes the first known, high displacement, dynamic data obtained for Rainbow actuators. A new "hard" ceramic Rainbow actuator which does not appear to be limited in operation by self heating as "soft" ceramic Rainbows was designed, constructed and tested. The study concludes that a suitable actuator for active noise control in gas turbine engines can be achieved with state of the art materials and processing.

Simonich, John C.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Development of a Three-Dimensional, Unstructured Material Response Design Tool

A preliminary verification and validation of a new material response model is presented. This model, Icarus, is intended to serve as a design tool for the thermal protection systems of re-entry vehicles. Currently, the capability of the model is limited to simulating the pyrolysis of a material as a result of the radiative and convective surface heating imposed on the material from the surrounding high enthalpy gas. Since the major focus behind the development of Icarus has been model extensibility, the hope is that additional physics can be quickly added. This extensibility is critical since thermal protection systems are becoming increasing complex, e.g. woven carbon polymers. Additionally, as a three-dimensional, unstructured, finite-volume model, Icarus is capable of modeling complex geometries. In this paper, the mathematical and numerical formulation is presented followed by a discussion of the software architecture and some preliminary verification and validation studies.

Thermal Protection System↗
NASA NTRS2017

Simulation of Guided-Wave Ultrasound Propagation in Composite Laminates: Benchmark Comparisons of Numerical Codes and Experiment

Ultrasonic wave methods constitute the leading physical mechanism for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring (SHM) of solid composite materials, such as carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. Computational models of ultrasonic wave excitation, propagation, and scattering in CFRP composites can be extremely valuable in designing practicable NDE and SHM hardware, software, and methodologies that accomplish the desired accuracy, reliability, efficiency, and coverage. The development and application of ultrasonic simulation approaches for composite materials is an active area of research in the field of NDE. This paper presents comparisons of guided wave simulations for CFRP composites implemented using four different simulation codes: the commercial finite element modeling (FEM) packages ABAQUS, ANSYS, and COMSOL, and a custom code executing the Elastodynamic Finite Integration Technique (EFIT). Benchmark comparisons are made between the simulation tools and both experimental laser Doppler vibrometry data and theoretical dispersion curves. A pristine and a delamination type case (Teflon insert in the experimental specimen) is studied. A summary is given of the accuracy of simulation results and the respective computational performance of the four different simulation tools.

Composite↗
NASA NTRS1975

Combined environmental effects on polymers

A series of space simulation tests on FEP Teflon and other polymeric thermal control coatings was conducted using UV, electrons, protons and Lyman-alpha wavelength vacuum UV radiation. Interest was centered on simulating synchronous altitude radiation environment conditions. Physical changes in materials included loss of specularity and introduction of a high density of photographable tracking defects on a microscopic scale. An example shows the discharge of trapped electrons when dielectric strength is exceeded. This leaves a portion of the Teflon volume no longer clear, but diffusely transmitting and reflecting. Thermophysical changes included degradation of solar absorptance coefficients as much as five-fold. The situation that prevails for earth orbit contrasted with polymer performance in the solar wind. It is suggested that conductive overcoatings be developed for polymers and other flexible materials, comparable or superior to those available for fused silica SSMs.

Fogdall, L. B.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Fillers for improved graphite fiber retention by polymer matrix composites

This program was designed to develop technology for fabrication of graphite/epoxy composites containing selected boron and boron-containing fillers, determine the effects of the fillers on physical and mechanical properties of composites, and evaluate the effectiveness of the boron fillers for fiber retention when the composites are exposed to fire conditions followed by impact. Fillers evaluated were crystalline and amorphous boron, boron carbide, and aluminum boride. The fillers were evaluated by mixing with Narmco 5208 resin matrix at quantities up to 5%. Graphite composites were fabricated and evaluated with respect to their mechanical properties, resistance to humidity, and burning characteristics. Also, the mechanism by which the fillers prevented fiber release was studied.

Sheppard, C. H.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Damage Detection and Self-Repair in Inflatable/Deployable Structures

Inflatable/deployable structures are under consideration for applications as varied as expansion modules for the International Space Station to destinations for space tourism to habitats for the lunar surface. Monitoring and maintaining the integrity of the physical structure is critical, particularly since these structures rely on non-traditional engineering materials such as fabrics, foams, and elastomeric polymers to provide the primary protection for the human crew. The closely related prior concept of monitoring structural integrity by use of built-in or permanently attached sensors has been applied to structures made of such standard engineering materials as metals, alloys, and rigid composites. To effect monitoring of flexible structures comprised mainly of soft goods, however, it will be necessary to solve a different set of problems - especially those of integrating power and data-transfer cabling that can withstand, and not unduly interfere with, stowage and subsequent deployment of the structures. By incorporating capabilities for self-repair along with capabilities for structural health monitoring, successful implementation of these technologies would be a significant step toward semi-autonomous structures, which need little human intervention to maintain. This would not only increase the safety of these structures, but also reduce the inspection and maintenance costs associated with more conventional structures.

Brandon, Erik↗
NASA NTRS2007

Binary Colloidal Alloy Test-3 and 4: Critical Point

Binary Colloidal Alloy Test - 3 and 4: Critical Point (BCAT-3-4-CP) will determine phase separation rates and add needed points to the phase diagram of a model critical fluid system. Crewmembers photograph samples of polymer and colloidal particles (tiny nanoscale spheres suspended in liquid) that model liquid/gas phase changes. Results will help scientists develop fundamental physics concepts previously cloaked by the effects of gravity.

Weitz, David A.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Binodal Colloidal Aggregation Test - 4: Polydispersion

Binodal Colloidal Aggregation Test - 4: Polydispersion (BCAT-4-Poly) will use model hard-spheres to explore seeded colloidal crystal nucleation and the effects of polydispersity, providing insight into how nature brings order out of disorder. Crewmembers photograph samples of polymer and colloidal particles (tiny nanoscale spheres suspended in liquid) that model liquid/gas phase changes. Results will help scientists develop fundamental physics concepts previously cloaked by the effects of gravity.

Chaikin, Paul M.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Benchmarking of Computational Models for NDE and SHM of Composites

Ultrasonic wave phenomena constitute the leading physical mechanism for nondestructive evaluation (NDE) and structural health monitoring (SHM) of solid composite materials such as carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) laminates. Computational models of ultrasonic guided-wave excitation, propagation, scattering, and detection in quasi-isotropic laminates can be extremely valuable in designing practically realizable NDE and SHM hardware and software with desired accuracy, reliability, efficiency, and coverage. This paper presents comparisons of guided-wave simulations for CFRP composites implemented using three different simulation codes: two commercial finite-element analysis packages, COMSOL and ABAQUS, and a custom code implementing the Elastodynamic Finite Integration Technique (EFIT). Comparisons are also made to experimental laser Doppler vibrometry data and theoretical dispersion curves.

composite materials↗
NASA NTRS1973

Cost analysis of oxygen recovery systems

Report is made of the cost analysis of four leading oxygen recovery subsystems which include two carbon dioxide reduction subsystems and two water electrolysis subsystems, namely, the solid polymer electrolyte and the circulating KOH electrolyte. The four oxygen recovery systems were quantitatively evaluated. System characteristics, including process flows, performance, and physical characteristics were also analyzed. Additionally, the status of development of each of the systems considered and the required advance technology efforts required to bring conceptual and/or pre-prototype hardware to an operational prototype status were defined. Intimate knowledge of the operations, development status, and capabilities of the systems to meet space mission requirements were found to be essential in establishing the cost estimating relationships for advanced life support systems.

Yakut, M. M.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Physics of Colloids in Space-2 (PCS-2)

The Physics of Colloids-2 (PCS-2) experiment is aimed at investigating the basic physical properties of several types of colloidal suspensions. The three broad classes of colloidal systems of interest are binary colloids, colloid-polymer mixtures, and fractal gels. The objective is to understand their phase behavior as well as the kinetics of the phase transitions in the absence of gravity. The nucleation, growth, and morphology characteristics of the crystals and gels that form would be studied using confocal microscopy. These will be observed directly with excellent time resolution, and therefore extensive information about the different phases and their growth mechanisms will be gained. With the laser tweezers, it will be possible to measure the strength of these structures and to modify them in a controlled way, and the spectrophotometer will provide the possibility to probe their optical properties. We believe that this experiment will provide the basis for future 'colloid engineering' in which complicated structures with novel properties (e.g., photonic crystals) will be grown by controlled self-assembly.

Sankaran, Subramanian↗