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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 253 records · Page 14

Exhaust Nozzle Materials Development for the High Speed Civil Transport

The United States has embarked on a national effort to develop the technology necessary to produce a Mach 2.4 High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT) for entry into service by the year 2005. The viability of this aircraft is contingent upon its meeting both economic and environmental requirements. Two engine components have been identified as critical to the environmental acceptability of the HSCT. These include a combustor with significantly lower emissions than are feasible with current technology, and a lightweight exhaust nozzle that meets community noise standards. The Enabling Propulsion Materials (EPM) program will develop the advanced structural materials, materials fabrication processes, structural analysis and life prediction tools for the HSCT combustor and low noise exhaust nozzle. This is being accomplished through the coordinated efforts of the NASA Lewis Research Center, General Electric Aircraft Engines and Pratt & Whitney. The mission of the EPM Exhaust Nozzle Team is to develop and demonstrate this technology by the year 1999 to enable its timely incorporation into HSCT propulsion systems.

Grady, J. E.↗

Materials for efficient high-flux magnetic bearing actuators

Magnetic bearings have demonstrated the capability for achieving positioning accuracies at the nanometer level in precision motion control stages. This makes possible the positioning of a wafer in six degrees of freedom with the precision necessary for photolithography. To control the position of an object at the nanometer level, a model of the magnetic bearing actuator force-current-airgap relationship must be accurately obtained. Additionally, to reduce thermal effects the design of the actuator should be optimized to achieve maximum power efficiency and flux density. Optimization of the actuator is accomplished by proper pole face sizing and utilizing a magnetic core material which can be magnetized to the highest flux density with low magnetic loss properties. This paper describes the construction of a magnetic bearing calibration fixture designed for experimental measurement of the actuator force characteristics. The results of a material study that review the force properties of nickel-steel, silicon-steel, and cobalt-vanadium-iron, as they apply to magnetic bearing applications are also presented.

Williams, M. E.↗

Novel High Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Materials

In man's mission to the outer space or a remote site, the most abundant, renewable, nonpolluting, and unlimited external energy source is light. Photovoltaic (PV) materials can convert light into electrical power. In order to generate appreciable electrical power in space or on the Earth, it is necessary to collect sunlight from large areas due to the low density of sunlight, and this would be very costly using current commercially available inorganic solar cells. Future organic or polymer based solar cells seemed very attractive due to several reasons. These include lightweight, flexible shape, ultra-fast optoelectronic response time (this also makes organic PV materials attractive for developing ultra-fast photo detectors), tunability of energy band-gaps via molecular design, versatile materials synthesis and device fabrication schemes, and much lower cost on large-scale industrial production. It has been predicted that nano-phase separated block copolymer systems containing electron rich donor blocks and electron deficient acceptor blocks will facilitate the charge separation and migration due to improved electronic ultrastructure and morphology in comparison to current polymer composite photovoltaic system. This presentation will describe our recent progress in the design, synthesis and characterization of a novel donor-bridge-acceptor block copolymer system for potential high-efficient organic optoelectronic applications. Specifically, the donor block contains an electron donating alkyloxy derivatized polyphenylenevinylene, the acceptor block contains an electron withdrawing alkyl-sulfone derivatized polyphenylenevinylene, and the bridge block contains an electronically neutral non-conjugated aliphatic hydrocarbon chain. The key synthetic strategy includes the synthesis of each individual block first, then couple the blocks together. While the donor block stabilizes the holes, the acceptor block stabilizes the electrons. The bridge block is designed to hinder the electron-hole recombination. Thus, improved charge separation is expected. In addition, charge migration will also be facilitated due to the expected nano-phase separated and highly ordered block copolymer ultrastructural. The combination of all these factors will result in significant overall enhancement of photovoltaic power conversion efficiency.

Sun, Sam↗

The effect of yield strength and ductility to fatigue damage

The cumulative damage of aluminium alloys with different yield strength and various ductility due to seismic loads was studied. The responses of an idealized beam with a centered mass at one end and fixed at the other end to El Centro's and Taft's earthquakes are computed by assuming that the alloys are perfectly elastoplastic materials and by using numerical technique. Consequently, the corresponding residual plastic strain can be obtained from the stress-strain relationship. The revised Palmgren-Miner cumulative damage theorem is utilized to calculate the fatigue damage. The numerical results show that in certain cases, the high ductility materials are more resistant to seismic loads than the high yield strength materials. The results also show that if a structure collapse during the earthquake, the collapse always occurs in the very early stage.

Yeh, H. Y.↗

White Papers for the Next Decadal Survey: Thermal Protection Systems and Instrumentation

NASA is anticipated to commission the next Planetary Science Decadal Survey (PSDS) with preparation expected in early calendar year 2020. The new PSDS will outline the priorities of science missions for the decade spanning 2023-2032. For the previous PSDS, the science and technology communities have been invited to submit white papers to the PSDS sub-panels as background information to guide the PSDS recommendations. The National Research Council has previously stated that white papers that represent the opinion of many authors from different institutions carried more significant and weight, and the recommendations from the previous PSDS attempted to reflect more of a consensus opinion.In 2009, a total of 4 white papers were submitted to the PSDS panels regarding thermal protection system (TPS) readiness for missions, as well as one on TPS instrumentation. The TPS readiness papers were co-authored by 90 individuals from many institutions. These white papers surveyed the TPS materials for both forebody and afterbody of a probe and analyzed the suitability of materials for missions to each destination. In addition, each paper outlined the ground testing required and ongoing technology development. Recommendations were provided for further technology development and ground test capability in order to fulfill future missions. Planning for the next PSDS: Many improvements and changes have occurred in the past 10 years with regard to TPS materials and instrumentation. New materials have been developed and tested, such as the high density material Heatshield for Extreme Entry Environment Technology (HEEET), and new capabilities for ground testing for high heating and high pressures have been added such as the 3” nozzle at the Ames arc jet. NASA has also flown several TPS instrumentation suites, such as MEDLI and EFT-1.In order to provide the PSDS sub-panels with the most current information about the state-of-the-art suit-ability for TPS materials for entry missions, we are be-ginning to update and draft new white papers. We will present the outline for material to be covered in the white papers, and we invite all IPPW attendees to parti-ciate in co-authoring these papers.

Hwang, H. H.↗

Material technology

Advanced high pressure O2/H2 propulsion systems as exemplified by the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) create challenging operating environments for materials. Many components operate in either hydrogen or hydrogen-steam environments which may significantly degrade the performance of common alloys. The objective of the materials technology projects is to develop and evaluate candidate materials for application in advanced high pressure O2/H2 propulsion systems. These new and improved materials are to improve the durability or performance of the SSME or derivative engine. The program includes projects on the following topics: (1) Hydrogen Resistant Alloys; (2) High Pressure O2 Ignition and Burning; (3) Improved Turbine Blades; (4) Improved Turbine Disk Material; (5) Impact Reactivity in High Pressure O2; and Fiber Reinforced Superalloys.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗

Experimental Observations of Nuclear Activity in Deuterated Materials Subjected to a Low-Energy Photon Beam

Exposure of highly deuterated materials to a low-energy (nom. 2 MeV) photon beam resulted in nuclear activity of both the parent metals of hafnium and erbium and a witness material (molybdenum) mixed with the reactants. Gamma spectral analysis of all deuterated materials, ErD2.8+C36D74+Mo and HfD2+C36D74+Mo, showed that nuclear processes had occurred as shown by unique gamma signatures. For the deuterated erbium specimens, posttest gamma spectra showed evidence of radioisotopes of erbium ((163)Er and (171)Er) and of molybdenum ((99)Mo and (101)Mo) and by beta decay, technetium (99mTc and 101Tc). For the deuterated hafnium specimens, posttest gamma spectra showed evidence of radioisotopes of hafnium (180mHf and 181Hf) and molybdenum ((99)Mo and (101)Mo), and by beta decay, technetium ((99m)Tc and (101)Tc). In contrast, when either the hydrogenated or non-gas-loaded erbium or hafnium materials were exposed to the gamma flux, the gamma spectra revealed no new isotopes. Neutron activation materials showed evidence of thermal and epithermal neutrons. CR-39 solid-state nuclear track detectors showed evidence of fast neutrons with energies between 1.4 and 2.5 MeV and several instances of triple tracks, indicating (is) greater than 10 MeV neutrons. Further study is required to determine the mechanism causing the nuclear activity.

Steinetz, Bruce M.↗

White Papers for the Next Decadal Survey: Thermal Protection Systems and Instrumentation

NASA is anticipated to commission the next Planetary Science Decadal Survey (PSDS) with preparation expected in early calendar year 2020. The new PSDS will outline the priorities of science missions for the decade spanning 2023-2032. For the previous PSDS, the science and technology communities have been invited to submit white papers to the PSDS sub-panels as background information to guide the PSDS recommendations. The National Research Council has previously stated that white papers that represent the opinion of many authors from different institutions carried more significance and weight, and the recommendations from the previous PSDS attempted to reflect more of a consensus opinion. In 2009, a total of 4 white papers were submitted to the PSDS panels regarding thermal protection system (TPS) readiness for missions, as well as one on TPS instrumentation. The TPS readiness papers were co-authored by 90 individuals from many institutions. These white papers surveyed the TPS materials for both forebody and afterbody of a probe and analyzed the suitability of materials for missions to each destination. In addition, each paper outlined the ground testing required and ongoing technology development. Recommendations were provided for further technology development and ground test capability in order to fulfill future missions. Many improvements and changes have occurred in the past 10 years with regard to TPS materials and instrumentation. New materials have been developed and tested, such as the high density material Heat-shield for Extreme Entry Environment Technology (HEEET), and new capabilities for ground testing for high heating and high pressures have been added such as the 3-inch nozzle at the Ames arc jet. NASA has also flown several TPS instrumentation suites, such as MEDLI (Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrument) and EFT-1 (Exploration Flight Test-1). In order to provide the PSDS sub-panels with the most current information about the state-of-the-art suitability for TPS materials for entry missions, we are beginning to update and draft new white papers. We will present the outline for material to be covered in the white papers, and we invite all IPPW (International Planetary Probe Workshop) attendees to particiate in co-authoring these papers.

Hwang, Helen H.↗

Development and evaluation of elastomeric materials for geothermal applications

A material for a casing packer for service for 24 hours in a geothermal environment was developed by synthesis of new elastomers and formulation of available materials. Formulation included use of commercial elastomer gumstocks and also crosslinking of plastic (high Tg) materials. Fibrous reinforcement of fluorocarbon rubbers was emphasized. Organic fiber reinforcement did not increase hot properties significantly. Glass fiber reinforcement gave significant increase in tensile properties. Elongation was reduced, and the glass-reinforced composition examined so far did not hold up well in the geothermal environment. Colloidal asbestos fibers were also investigated. A few experiments with polyphenyl ether gave material with low tensile and high compression set. Available high styrene SBR compositions were studied. Work to date suggests that new synthetic polymers will be required for service in geothermal environments.

Mueller, W. A.↗

Some metal-graphite and metal-ceramic composites for use as high energy brake lining materials

Materials were studied as candidates for development as potential new aircraft brake lining materials. These families were (1) copper-graphite composites; (2) nickel-graphite composites; (3) copper - rare-earth-oxide (gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) or lanthanum oxide (La2O3)) composites and copper - rare-earth-oxide (La2O3) - rare-earth-fluoride (lanthanum fluoride (LaF3)) composites; (4) nickel - rare-earth-oxide composites and nickel - rare-earth-oxide - rare-earth-fluoride composites. For comparison purposes, a currently used metal-ceramic composite was also studied. Results showed that the nickel-Gd2O3 and nickel-La2O3-LaF3 composites were comparable or superior in friction and wear performance to the currently used composite and therefore deserve to be considered for further development.

Bill, R. C.↗

Space-based solar power conversion and delivery systems study. Volume 4: Energy conversion systems studies

Solar cells and optical configurations for the SSPS were examined. In this task, three specific solar cell materials were examined: single crystal silicon, single crystal gallium arsenide, and polycrystalline cadmium sulfide. The comparison of the three different cells on the basis of a subsystem parametric cost per kW of SSPS-generated power at the terrestrial utility interface showed that gallium arsenide was the most promising solar cell material at high concentration ratios. The most promising solar cell material with no concentration, was dependent upon the particular combination of parameters representing cost, mass and performance that were chosen to represent each cell in this deterministic comparative analysis. The potential for mass production, based on the projections of the present state-of-the-art would tend to favor cadmium sulfide in lieu of single crystal silicon or gallium arsenide solar cells.

Source record↗

Fully flooded elastohydrodynamic lubricated elliptical contacts

Emphasis is on fully flooded, elastohydrodynamic lubricated, elliptical contacts. A fully flooded conjunction is one in which the film thickness is not significantly changed when the amount of lubricant is increased. A brief description of the relevant equations used in the elastohydrodynamic lubrication of elliptical contacts is given. The most important practical aspect of the elastohydrodynamic theory is the determination of the minimum film thickness within the contact. The maintenance of a fluid film of adequate magnitude is an essential feature of the correct operation of lubricated machine elements. The results presented show the influence of contact geometry on minimum film thickness as expressed by the ellipticity parameter and the dimensionless speed, load, and materials parameters. Film thickness equations are developed for materials of high elastic modulus, such as metal, and for materials of low elastic modulus, such as rubber. In addition to the film thickness equations that are developed, plots of pressure and film thickness are presented. These theoretical solutions for film thickness have all the essential features of previously reported experimental observations based on optical interferometry. Correlation between theory and experiments is also presented.

Hamrock, B. J.↗

Elastohydrodynamic lubrication of elliptical contacts

Fully flooded, elastohydrodynamically lubricated, elliptical contacts are discussed. The relevant equations used in the elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) of elliptical contacts are briefly described. Film thickness equations are developed for materials of high elastic modulus, such as metal, and for materials of low elastic modulus, such as rubber. In addition to the film thickness equations that are developed, plots of pressure and film thickness are presented. A theoretical study of the influence of lubricant starvation on film thickness and pressure in hard and soft elliptical elastohydrodynamic contacts is presented. From the results for both hard and soft EHL contacts a simple and important dimensionless inlet boundary distance is specified. It is also found that the film thickness for a starved condition can be written in dimensionless terms as a function of the inlet distance parameter and the film thickness for a fully flooded condition. contour plots of pressure and film thickness in and around the contact are shown for fully flooded and starved conditions. The theoretical findings are compared directly with results obtained experimentally.

Hamrock, B. J.↗

Stabilized Acoustic Levitation of Dense Materials Using a High-Powered Siren

Stabilized acoustic levitation and manipulation of dense (e.g., steel) objects of 1 cm diameter, using a high powered siren, was demonstrated in trials that investigated the harmonic content and spatial distribution of the acoustic field, as well as the effect of sample position and reflector geometries on the acoustic field. Although further optimization is possible, the most stable operation achieved is expected to be adequate for most containerless processing applications. Best stability was obtained with an open reflector system, using a flat lower reflector and a slightly concave upper one. Operation slightly below resonance enhances stability as this minimizes the second harmonic, which is suspected of being a particularly destabilizing influence.

Gammell, P. M.↗

Elastohydrodynamic lubrication of smooth surfaces

Fully flooded, elastohydrodynamically lubricated contacts are considered. Elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) analysis requires the simultaneous solution of the elastically, viscosity, density, and Reynolds equations. The most important practical aspect of elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory is the determination of the minimum film thickness within the conjunction. The maintenance of a fluid film of adequate magnitude is an essential feature of the correct operation of lubricated machine elements. The results show the influence of contact geometry on minimum film thickness as expressed by the ellipticity parameter and the dimensionless speed, load, and materials parameters. Film thickness equations are developed for materials of high elastic modulus, such as metal, and for materials of low elastic modulus, such as rubber.

Hamrock, B. J.↗

Materials requirements for high-efficiency silicon solar cells

To achieve higher Si solar cell efficiencies (greater than 20%), better single-crystal Si must be produced. It is believed possible to bring Cz (Czochralski) Si up to the same low recombination level as FZ (Float Zone) Si. It is also desirable that solar cell Si meet the following requirements: long minority carrier lifetime (0.2 ohm-cm p-type with tau less than 500 microsec); repeatedly uniform lifetime (not spread from 50 to 1000 microsec); a lifetime that does not decrease during normal device processing; a silicon wafer sheet that is flat and stays throughout normal device processing; uniform and reasonable mechanical strength; and, manufacture at low cost (less than $50/sq m).

Wolf, M.↗

Research on high energy density capacitor materials

The Pulsed Plasma thruster is the simplest of all electric propulsion devices. It is a pulsed device which stores energy in capacitors for each pulse. The lifetimes and energy densities of these capacitors are critical parameters to the continued use of these thrusters. This report presents the result of a research effort conducted by JPL into the materials used in capacitors and the modes of failure. The dominant failure mechanism was determined to be material breakdown precipitated by heat build-up within the capacitors. The presence of unwanted gas was identified as the source of the heat. An aging phenomena was discovered in polycarbonate based capacitors. CO build-up was noted to increase with the number of times the capacitor had been discharged. Improved quality control was cited as being essential for the improvement of capacitor lifetimes.

Somoano, Robert↗

High-toughness graphite/epoxy composite material experiment

The experiment was designed to measure the effect of near-space exposure on mechanical properties of specially toughened 5208/T300 graphite-epoxy composites. The properties measured are elastic modulus, strength, and fracture toughness. Specimens were mounted on an external frame during the time of the LDEF mission. Specimen variables include angle of adjacent plies and fraction of interlaminar contact, which is controlled by the fraction of finely spaced holes in Mylar film placed between the prepreg monolayers of the composite.

Felbeck, David K.↗