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At least 271 records · Page 15

Microgravity Science and Applications Program tasks, 1990 revision

The active research tasks as of the end of the fiscal year 1990 sponsored by the Microgravity Science and Applications Division of the NASA Office of Space Science and Applications are compiled. The purpose is to provide an overview of the program scope for managers and scientists in industry, university, and government communities. The report includes an introductory description of the program, the strategy and overall goal; an index of principle investigators; and a description of each task. A list of recent publications is also provided. The tasks are grouped into six major categories: electronic materials; solidification of metals, alloys, and composites; fluid dynamics and transport phenomena; biotechnology; glasses and ceramics; combustion; experimental technology; facilities; and Physics And Chemistry Experiments (PACE). The tasks are divided into ground-based and flight experiments.

Source record↗

Microlith Based Sorber for Removal of Environmental Contaminants

The development of energy efficient, lightweight sorption systems for removal of environmental contaminants in space flight applications is an area of continuing interest to NASA. The current CO2 removal system on the International Space Station employs two pellet bed canisters of 5A molecular sieve that alternate between regeneration and sorption. A separate disposable charcoal bed removes trace contaminants. An alternative technology has been demonstrated using a sorption bed consisting of metal meshes coated with a sorbent, trademarked and patented as Microlith by Precision Combustion, Inc. (PCI); thesemeshes have the potential for direct electrical heating for this application. This allows the bed to be regenerable via resistive heating and offers the potential for shorter regeneration times, reduced power requirement, and net energy savings vs. conventional systems. The capability of removing both CO2 and trace contaminants within the same bed has also been demonstrated. Thus, the need for a separate trace contaminant unit is eliminated resulting in an opportunity for significant weight savings. Unlike the charcoal bed, zeolites for trace contaminant removal are amenable to periodic regeneration. This paper describes the design and performance of a prototype sorber device for simultaneous CO2 and trace contarninant removal and its attendant weight and energy savings.

Roychoudhury, S.↗

Thermal and Environmental Barrier Coatings for Advanced Turbine Engine Applications

Ceramic thermal and environmental barrier coatings (T/EBCs) will play a crucial role in advanced gas turbine engine systems because of their ability to significantly increase engine operating temperatures and reduce cooling requirements, thus help achieve engine low emission and high efficiency goals. Advanced T/EBCs are being developed for the low emission SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite (CMC) combustor applications by extending the CMC liner and vane temperature capability to 1650 C (3000 F) in oxidizing and water vapor containing combustion environments. Low conductivity thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are also being developed for metallic turbine airfoil and combustor applications, providing the component temperature capability up to 1650 C (3000 F). In this paper, ceramic coating development considerations and requirements for both the ceramic and metallic components will be described for engine high temperature and high-heat-flux applications. The underlying coating failure mechanisms and life prediction approaches will be discussed based on the simulated engine tests and fracture mechanics modeling results.

Zhu, Dong-Ming↗

Analysis of Cosmic Spherule Candidates from the Kwajalein Micrometeorite Collection

The Kwajalein micrometeorite collection utilised high volume air samplers fitted with 5 micrometer laser-etched polycarbonate membrane filters to capture particles directly from the atmosphere. The filters were changed weekly over several months throughout 2011/12, providing the opportunity to investigate the contemporary flux of micrometeorites. We recently reported the results of our initial survey of cosmic spherule-like particles on several of these filters. We identified three main groups of particle based on bulk compositions: 1. Silicate spherules rich in Mg, Ca and Fe, 2. Silicate spherules rich in Al, Ca, K and/or Na and 3. Fe-rich spherules. Abundances appeared to change over time suggesting links with celestial activity (e.g. meteor showers), however, spherules similar to groups 2 and 3 can be produced by terrestrial and anthropogenic activity (e.g. volcanic microspherules exhibit similar compositions to group 2 spherules and metallic spherules similar to those of group 3 can be formed during fuel combustion). We are now studying the internal structures and chemistries of these spherules and comparing against cosmic spherules identified in other collections to confrim their origins and further contrain the contemporary micrometeorite flux. Particles are being picked, embedded in resin and polished through to reveal their interiors. Here we will describe our ongoing analyses of these particles via SEM. We will also introduce our new collection using this method that is currently being performed in the Antarctic.

Wozniakiewicz, P. J.↗

Hybrid Additive Manufacturing Deposition and Selective Laser Melting Techniques Applied to Copper-Alloy Liquid Rocket Engine Combustion Chambers

Virgin Orbit and the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center have partnered to fabricate a small, multi-metallic, regeneratively cooled thrust chamber by leveraging the strengths of two different types of additive manufacturing: Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) for the copper alloy liner and blown powder Directed Energy Deposition (DED) for the Inconel structural jacket. The DED is being developed using Virgin Orbit's DMG Mori Seiki hybrid additive/subtractive machining center to further enable unique processing and further cost savings. The materials chosen are preferred for high performance thrust chamber applications, representing a significant advancement from the compromises typically made in the production of metal 3D printed thrust chambers for rocket engines. The 1.2K-lbf thrust article is a 16" tall, 3" diameter design modified for this effort to be regeneratively cooled with water and hot fired using a RP-1/LOX pintle-style development injector from Virgin Orbit's NewtonFour upper stage engine. The thrust chamber was tested at Virgin Orbit's Necker test site in Mojave, California. Results from this test campaign are reported in addition to information characterizing the liner, jacket, and bimetallic diffusion layer materials. This paper will also highlight some of the future bimetallic thrust chamber developments that MSFC and Virgin Orbit will complete under a recently awarded NASA contract.

Zagorski, Kevin↗

Nitrogen and xenon isotopic disequilibrium in Bachmut (L6) chondrule J2689 and matrix

Chondrule J2689, a large (8-mm) RP chondrule from Bachmut (L6) was previously found to be in disequilibrium with its host in a variety of features: (1) It has a fine-grained hornfelsic texture; (2) it contains low amounts of metal with a low-Ni taenite composition not found in the matrix; (3) the Ni/Co ratio of that metal is close to the solar ratio, which is equal to the bulk Ni/Co ratio (23) of the chondrule; (4) the bulk alkali content of the chondrule is high and the Na/K ratio is fractionated with respect to the average L chondrite ratio of 8; (5) Cr is depleted in spite of the high pyroxene content; (6) the siderophile elements are strongly depleted but are fractionated with their abundances increasing with volatility; and (7) the O isotopes of the chondrule and the host are out of equilibrium. However, the (Fe,Mg) silicates, feldspar, and chromite have chemical compositions indistinguishable from that of the host chondrite. We have studied a chip of the chondrite and of adjacent matrix by stepwise heating and by combustion in O for N and Xe isotopic abundances. (1) The chondrule preserved distinct bulk, metal, and O isotopic compositional features. It is therefore unlikely that the 'equilibration' of the major silicates Fe/Mg ratios could have taken place after accretion; (2) the chondrule was well equilibrated before break-up and exposure to cosmic rays; (3) two N signatures in the matrix also indicate that the matrix is not equilibrated; and (4) all data collected so far point toward the presence of unequilibrated Bachmut components. Very few reactions took place after accretion.

Kim, Y.↗

Intermodulation Product Levels in Flame-sprayed Materials

A preliminary investigation on intermodulation product (IMP) levels of fiberglass-backed flame-sprayed surfaces was completed. The purpose was to demonstrate the use of modified techniques and materials in combustion flame spraying of formed surfaces in reducing intermodulation products. The approach used improved metal wire stock without impurities or with smaller droplet sizes, high-temperature release agents, wire stock with low electrical resistance, variations in spraying distances, and intense buffing processes which amalgamate the material gaps and droplets in an effort to fabricate IMP-free lightweight and low cost subreflectors. Positive material candidates were found with an IMP level around -150 dB, which is comparable to solid aluminum surfaces used as a reference.

Yung, C. S.↗

Microgravity Science and Applications Program tasks, 1987 revision

A compilation is presented of the active research tasks as of the end of the FY87 of the Microgravity Science and Applications Program, NASA-Office of Space Science and Applications, involving several NASA centers and other organizations. An overview is provided of the program scope for managers and scientists in industry, university, and government communities. An introductory description is provided of the program along with the strategy and overall goal, identification of the organizational structures and people involved, and a description of each task. A list of recent publications is also provided. The tasks are grouped into six major categories: Electronic Materials; Solidification of Metals, Alloys, and Composites; Fluid Dynamics and Transport Phenomena; Biotechnology; Glasses and Ceramics; and Combustion. Other categories include Experimental Technology, General Studies and Surveys; Foreign Government Affiliations; Industrial Affiliations; and Physics and Chemistry Experiments (PACE). The tasks are divided into ground based and flight experiments.

Source record↗

Microgravity Science and Applications Program tasks, 1988 revision

The active research tasks as of the end of the fiscal year 1988 of the Microgravity Science and Applications Program, NASA-Office of Space Science and Applications, involving several NASA centers and other organizations are compiled. The purpose is to provide an overview of the program scope for managers and scientists in industry, university, and government communities. Also included are an introductory description of the program, the strategy and overall goal, identification of the organizational structures and people involved, and a description of each task. A list of recent publications is provided. The tasks are grouped into six major categories: electronic materials; solidification of metals, alloys, and composites; fluid dynamics and transport phenomena; biotechnology; glasses and ceramics; and combustion. Other categories include experimental technology, general studies and surveys; foreign government affiliations; industrial affiliations; and Physics And Chemistry Experiments (PACE). The tasks are divided into ground-based and flight experiments.

Source record↗

Inhibition of hot salt corrosion by metallic additives

The effectiveness of several potential fuel additives in reducing the effects of sodium sulfate-induced hot corrosion was evaluated in a cyclic Mach 0.3 burner rig. The potential inhibitors examined were salts of Al, Si, Cr, Fe, Zn, Mg, Ca, and Ba. The alloys tested were IN-100, U-700, IN-738, IN-792, Mar M-509, and 304 stainless steel. Each alloy was exposed for 100 cycles of 1 hour each at 900 C in combustion gases doped with the corrodant and inhibitor salts and the extent of attack was determined by measuring maximum metal thickness loss. The most effective and consistent inhibitor additive was Ba (NO3)2 which reduced the hot corrosion attack to nearly that of simple oxidation.

Deadmore, D. L.↗

Component Applications using Metal Additive Manufacturing Techniques and Materials for Rocket Propulsion

The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has been involved with various forms of metallic additive manufacturing for use in liquid rocket engine component design, development, and testing since 2010. These AM techniques have been demonstrated to significantly reduce hardware cost, shorten fabrication schedules, increase reliability by reducing the number of joints, and improve hardware performance by allowing fabrication of designs not feasible by conventional means. The focus at the NASA MSFC for these metal additive manufacturing techniques include laser powder-bed fusion (L-PBF), blown powder directed energy deposition (DED) and arc-based deposition. A variety of components have been evaluated and tested including thrust chamber injectors, injector components such as faceplates, regeneratively-cooled combustion chambers, regeneratively-cooled nozzles, gas generator and preburner hardware, and augmented spark igniters. To support these component applications in harsh environments, NASA has advanced a variety of “standard” additive manufacturing alloys such as those in the superalloy-family and also evolved new alloys including GRCop-84, GRCop-42, NASA HR-1, and JBK-75. The purpose of this presentation is to discuss the various programs at the NASA MSFC using AM to develop, fabricate, and test combustion devices hardware and the evolution of the new additive alloys. Additional information will be provided on the development of multi-metallic additive manufacturing, post-processing of AM techniques including surface enhancements (polishing) techniques, material and process characterization, future development programs, and dissemination of data to industry partners.

Additive Manufacturing↗

Metallic seal for thermal barrier coating systems

The invention is particularly concerned with sealing thermal barrier coating systems of the type in use and being contemplated for use in diesel and other internal combustion engines. The invention also would find application in moderately high temperature regions of gas turbine engines and any other application employing a thermal barrier coating at moderate temperatures. Ni-35Cr-6Al-1Y, Ni-35Cr-6Al-1Yb, or other metallic alloy denoted as MCrAlx is applied over a zirconia-based thermal barrier overlayer. The close-out layer is glass-bead preened to densify its surface. This seals and protects the thermal barrier coating system.

Miller, Robert A.↗

Additively Manufactured Metals in Oxygen Systems Project

Metals produced by additive manufacturing methods, such as Powder Bed Fusion Technology, are now mature enough to be considered for qualification in human spaceflight oxygen systems. The mechanical properties of metals produced through AM processes are being systematically studied. However, it is unknown whether AM metals in oxygen applications may present an increased risk of flammability or ignition as compared to wrought metals of the same metallurgical composition due to increased porosity. Per NASA-STD-6001B materials to be used in oxygen system applications shall be based on flammability and combustion test data, followed by a flammability assessment. Without systematic flammability and ignition testing in oxygen there is no credible method for NASA to accurately evaluate the risk of using AM metals in oxygen systems.

Tylka, Jonathan↗

Flight motor set 360L007 (STS-33R)

Flight motor set 360L007 was launched as part of NASA space shuttle mission STS-33R. As with all previous redesigned solid rocket motor launches, overall motor performance was excellent. There were no debris concerns for either motor. Both motors exhibited unbonds on one factory joint weatherseal. All ballistics contract end item specification parameters were verified, with the exception of ignition interval and rise rates. Ignition interval and rise rates could not be verified due to the elimination of developmental flight instrumentation from fourth flight and subsequent, but the low sample rate data that were available showed nominal propulsion performance. All ballistic and mass property parameters closely matched the predicted values and were well within the required contract end item specification levels that could be assessed. All 108 Ground Environment Instrumentation (GEI) measurements performed properly throughout the prelaunch phase. Evaluation of the GEI measurements again verified thermal model analysis data and showed agreement with predicted environmental effects. No launch commit criteria thermal violations occurred. All joint heaters operated normally, but a high voltage reading was noted on the left hand aft heater, which was immediately determined to be a voltage sensor error and not a heater anomaly due to no current increase. Postflight inspection again verified superior performance of the insulation, phenolics, metal parts, and seals. Postflight evaluation indicated both nozzles performed as expected during flight. All combustion gas was contained by insulation in the field and case-to-nozzle joints.

Garecht, Diane↗

Flight motor set 360L008 (STS-32R). Volume 1: System overview

Flight motor set 360L008 was launched as part of NASA space shuttle mission STS-32R. As with all previous redesigned solid rocket motor launches, overall motor performance was excellent. All ballistic contract end item specification parameters were verified with the exception of ignition interval and rise rates, which could not be verified due to elimination of developmental flight instrumentation. But the available low sample rate data showed nominal propulsion performance. All ballistic and mass property parameters closely matched the predicted values and were well within the required contract end item specification levels that could be assessed. All field joint heaters and igniter joint heaters performed without anomalies. Redesigned field joint heaters and the redesigned left-hand igniter heater were used on this flight. The changes to the heaters were primarily to improve durability and reducing handling damage. Evaluation of the ground environment instrumentation measurements again verified thermal mode analysis data and showed agreement with predicted environmental effects. No launch commit criteria violation occurred. Postflight inspection again verified superior performance of the insulation, phenolics, metal parts, and seals. Postflight evaluation indicated both nozzles performed as expected during flight. All combustion gas was contained by insulation in the field and case-to-nozzle joints. Recommendations were made concerning improved thermal modeling and measurements. The rationale for these recommendations and complete result details are presented.

Garecht, D. M.↗

Flight Motor Set 360T010 (STS-31R). Volume 1: System Overview

Flight motor set 360T010 was launched at approximately 7:34 a.m. CST (090:114:12:33:50.990 GMT) on 24 Apr. 1990 after one launch attempt (attempt on 10 Apr. 1990 was scrubbed following an indication of erratic operation of the Orbiter No. 1 Auciliary Power Unit No. 1). There were no problems with the solid rocket motor launches, overall motor performance was excellent. There were no debris concerns from either motor. Nearly all ballistic contract end item specification parameters were verified with the exception of ignition interval, pressure rise rate, and ignition time thrust imbalance. These could not be verified due to elimination of developmental flight instrumentation on 360L004 (STS-30R) and subsequent, but low sample rate data that were available showed nominal propulsion performance. All ballistic and mass property parameters that could be assessed closely matched the predicted values and were well within the required contract end item specification levels. All field joint heaters and igniter joint heaters performed without anomalies. Evaluation of the ground environment instrumentation measurements again verified thermal model analysis data and showed agreement with predicted environmental effects. No launch commit criteria violations occurred. Postflight inspection again verified nominal performance of the insulation, phenolics, metal parts, and seals. Postflight evaluation indicated both nozzles performed as expected during flight. All combustion gas was contained by insulation in the field and case-to-nozzle joints.

Garecht, Diane↗

Smoldering Combustion Experiments in Microgravity

The Microgravity Smoldering Combustion (MSC) experiment is part of a study of the smolder characteristics of porous combustible materials in a microgravity environment. Smoldering is a non-flaming form of combustion that takes place in the interior of porous materials and takes place in a number of processes ranging from smoldering of porous insulation materials to high temperature synthesis of metals. The objective of the study is to provide a better understanding of the controlling mechanisms of smolder, both in microgravity and normal-gravity. As with many forms of combustion, gravity affects the availability of oxidizer and transport of heat, and therefore the rate of combustion. Microgravity smolder experiments, in both a quiescent oxidizing environment, and in a forced oxidizing flow have been conducted aboard the NASA Space Shuttle (STS-69 and STS-77 missions) to determine the effect of the ambient oxygen concentration and oxidizer forced flow velocity on smolder combustion in microgravity. The experimental apparatus is contained within the NASA Get Away Special Canister (GAS-CAN) Payload. These two sets of experiments investigate the propagation of smolder along the polyurethane foam sample under both diffusion driven and forced flow driven smoldering. The results of the microgravity experiments are compared with identical ones carried out in normal gravity, and are used to verify present theories of smolder combustion. The results of this study will provide new insights into the smoldering combustion process. Thermocouple histories show that the microgravity smolder reaction temperatures (Ts) and propagation velocities (Us) lie between those of identical normal-gravity upward and downward tests. These observations indicate the effect of buoyancy on the transport of oxidizer to the reaction front.

Walther, David C.↗

Ceramic Propellant Injectors Designed and Fabricated

Ceramic propellant injectors offer the potential for order-of-magnitude weight reductions in comparison to conventional metallic injectors and may enable some NASA missions. Injectors constructed of ceramic materials have the inherent advantages of being lighter weight, more erosion resistant, and capable of higher temperature operation than current metallic designs. The use of ceramics may facilitate new designs for a broad range of combustion devices in aero and space applications. In a joint project involving NASA Glenn Research Center's Ceramics and Combustion branches and Case Western Reserve University, a rocket propellant injector faceplate was designed and fabricated using laminated object manufacturing and standard ceramic processing. A number of faceplates have been successfully hot-fire bench tested.

Eckel, Andrew J.↗