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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 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2007

Coating Thermoelectric Devices To Suppress Sublimation

A technique for suppressing sublimation of key elements from skutterudite compounds in advanced thermoelectric devices has been demonstrated. The essence of the technique is to cover what would otherwise be the exposed skutterudite surface of such a device with a thin, continuous film of a chemically and physically compatible metal. Although similar to other sublimation-suppression techniques, this technique has been specifically tailored for application to skutterudite antimonides. The primary cause of deterioration of most thermoelectric materials is thermal decomposition or sublimation - one or more elements sublime from the hot side of a thermoelectric couple, changing the stoichiometry of the device. Examples of elements that sublime from their respective thermoelectric materials are Ge from SiGe, Te from Pb/Te, and now Sb from skutterudite antimonides. The skutterudite antimonides of primary interest are CoSb3 [electron-donor (n) type] and CeFe(3-x)Co(x)Sb12 [electron-acceptor (p) type]. When these compounds are subjected to typical operating conditions [temperature of 700 C and pressure <10(exp -5) torr (0.0013 Pa)], Sb sublimes from their surfaces, with the result that Sb depletion layers form and advance toward their interiors. As the depletion layer advances in a given device, the change in stoichiometry diminishes the thermal-to-electric conversion efficiency of the device. The problem, then, is to prevent sublimation, or at least reduce it to an acceptably low level. In preparation for an experiment on suppression of sublimation, a specimen of CoSb3 was tightly wrapped in a foil of niobium, which was selected for its chemical stability. In the experiment, the wrapped specimen was heated to a temperature of 700 C in a vacuum of residual pressure <10(exp -5) torr (0.0013 Pa), then cooled and sectioned. Examination of the sectioned specimen revealed that no depletion layer had formed, indicating the niobium foil prevented sublimation of antimony at 700 C. This was a considerable improvement, considering that uncoated CoSb3 had been found to decompose to form the lowest antimonide at the surface at only 600 C. Evidently, because the mean free path of Sb at the given temperature and pressure was of the order of tens of centimeters, any barrier closer than tens of centimeters (as was the niobium foil) would have suppressed transport of Sb vapor, thereby suppressing sublimation of Sb

Sakamoto, Jeffrey↗
NASA NTRS2002

Comparison of Several Different Sputtered Molybdenum Disulfide Coatings for Use in Space Applications

Tribology experiments on different types of sputtered molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) coatings (obtained from different vendors) using accelerated testing techniques were conducted. The purpose was to determine which would be the best coating for use with auxiliary journal bearings for spacecraft energy storage flywheels. Experiments were conducted in moist air (50% relative humidity) and in dry air (<100 PPM water vapor content) on a Pin-on-Disk Tribometer to determine how well the coatings would perform in air. Experiments were also conducted on a Block-on-Ring Tribometer in dry nitrogen (<100 PPM water vapor) to simulate how well the coatings would perform in vacuum. Friction, counterface wear, coating wear, endurance life and surface morphology were investigated.

Fusaro, Robert L.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Processing and plating helical metallic coils

The results of research efforts to develop an optimized nickel cobalt coating suitable as a recording medium are outlined. The coating is to be used directly on a BeCu helical coil substrate of a helical coil NASA recorder. Specifically, efforts were made to: optimize the coating thickness; establish processes and techniques adaptable for the production of finalized plated helical coils; design and fabricate the equipment required for production and testing of the coils; and deliver finalized helical coils to NASA.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1973

Feasibility study for rocket ozone measurements in the 50 to 80 km region using a chemiluminescent technique

A study has been conducted to determine the feasibility of increasing sensitivity for ozone detection. The detection technique employed is the chemiluminescent reaction of ozone with a rhodamine-B impregnated disk. Previously achieved sensitivities are required to be increased by a factor of about 20 to permit measurements at altitudes of 80 km. Sensitivity was increased by using a more sensitive photomultiplier tube, by increasing the gas velocity past the disk, by different disk preparation techniques, and by using reflective coatings in the disk chamber and on the uncoated side of the glass disk. Reflective coatings provided the largest sensitivity increase. The sum of all these changes was a sensitivity increased by an estimated factor of 70, more than sufficient to permit measurement of ambient ozone concentrations at altitudes of 80 km.

Goodman, P.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Propellant side feed

New solid-propellant configurations increase thrust-to-power ratio of pulsed plasma microthruster and provide possibility of varying thrust. Techniques are adaptable to sputter coating of polymeric material or pulsed ablating light sources.

Guman, W. J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Development of a high efficiency thin silicon solar cell

A key to the success of this program was the breakthrough development of a technology for producing ultra-thin silicon slices which are very flexible, resilient, and tolerant of moderate handling abuse. Experimental topics investigated were thinning technology, gaseous junction diffusion, aluminum back alloying, internal reflectance, tantalum oxide anti-reflective coating optimization, slice flexibility, handling techniques, production rate limiting steps, low temperature behavior, and radiation tolerance.

Lindmayer, J.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Solar-wind and solar-flare maturation of the lunar regolith

Detailed predictions concerning the depth and time-dependent accumulation of solar-wind effects and solar-flare tracks in lunar dust grains were obtained by use of an adaptation of a Monte Carlo soil-mixing computer code described by Duraud et al. (1975). The predictions are compared to experimental measurements obtained by analyzing lunar dust grains as well as artificially irradiated minerals by a variety of techniques. A study of amorphous coatings of solar-wind radiation-damaged material on certain lunar grains sets limits on the integrated residence time of these grains in the ancient solar wind. Other topics discussed include solar wind maturation, the peculiar shape of the experimental distribution of central track densities in 50-micron grains, and the interpretation of both track gradients in 50-micron feldspars and the relatively 'low' concentration of solar-wind species implanted in ilmenite grains.

Bibring, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Use of glow discharge in fluidized beds

Static charges and agglomerization of particles in a fluidized bed systems are minimized by maintaining in at least part of the bed a radio frequency glow discharge. This approach is eminently suitable for processes in which the conventional charge removing agents, i.e., moisture or conductive particle coatings, cannot be used. The technique is applied here to the disproportionation of calcium peroxide diperoxyhydrate to yield calcium superoxide, an exceptionally water and heat sensitive reaction.

Wydeven, T.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Scattering patterns of dihedral corner reflectors with impedance surface impedances

The radar cross section patterns of lossy dihedral corner reflectors are calculated using a uniform geometrical theory of diffraction for impedance surfaces. All terms of up to third order reflections are considered for patterns in the principal plane. The surface waves are included whenever they exist for reactive surface impedances. The dihedral corner reflectors examined have right, obtuse, and acute interior angles, and patterns over the entire 360 deg azimuthal plane are calculated. The surface impedances can be different on the four faces of the dihedral corner reflector; however, the surface impedance must be uniform over each face. Computed cross sections are compared with a moment method technique for a dielectric/ferrite absorber coating on a metallic corner reflector. The analysis of the dihedral corner reflector is important because it demonstrates many of the important scattering contributors of complex targets including both interior and exterior wedge diffraction, half-plane diffraction, and dominant multiple reflections and diffractions.

Balanis, Constantine A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

RCS analysis and reduction for lossy dihedral corner reflectors

The radar-cross-section (RCS) patterns of lossy dihedral corner reflectors are calculated, using a uniform geometrical theory of diffraction for impedance surfaces. All terms of up to third-order reflections and diffractions are considered for patterns in the principal plane. The surface waves are included whenever they exist for reactive surface impedances. The dihedral corner reflectors examined have right, obtuse, and acute interior angles, and patterns over the entire 360 deg azimuthal plane are calculated. The surface impedances can be different on the four faces of the dihedral corner reflector; however, the surface impedance must be uniform over each face. Computed cross sections are compared with the results of a moment-method technique for a dielectric/ferrite absorber coating on a metallic corner reflector.

Griesser, Timothy↗
NASA NTRS1992

Fiber coating/matrix reactions in silicon-base ceramic matrix composites

The Knudsen cell technique and coupons of carbon coated Si3N4 and BN coated SiC were employed to study the possible reactions at the SiC/C/Si3N4 and SiC/BN/SiC interface. Carbon reacts with Si3N4 to form gaseous N2 and solid SiC. Solid SiC acts as a physical barrier to the reaction, which prevents the generation of high N2 pressure predicted from thermochemical calculations. Thus, deleterious effects of the reaction to the composite are limited. Limited reactions between BN and C-rich SiC was observed. However, the vapor pressure was so low that it is not likely to cause any interfacial instability. The predicted formation of a BN-C solid solution was not observed.

Lee, K. N.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Applications of Atomic Layer Deposition in the Modification of Carbon Nanotubes

Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) is a cost-effective nanoadditive-manufacturing technique that allows for conformal coating of substrates with atomic control in a benign temperature and pressure environment. Using paired precursor gases, thin films can be deposited on flat or textured surfaces ranging from glass, polymers, aerogels, and metals. Through atomic layer control, where single layers of atoms are deposited, fabrication of metal transparent films, nano-laminates, and coatings of nano-channels and pores is achievable. Reaction mechanisms in ALD are normally self-limiting, allowing for atomically accurate control of nanometer (nm) thicknesses. Therefore, high uniformity and precise thickness control make ALD an attractive process for the creation of novel nano-scale devices. Decreases in resistivity and density of electrical wire are needed to improve the function of electronics, electric motors and cables. Such improvements may be accomplished by adding ballistically conducting, metallic carbon nanotubes (CNT) to Cu. ALD was used to coat multiple substrates including CNT with Cu in an effort to make CNT-Cu composites which is more conductive and less dense than Cu. In addition, ALD can be used to as a method to deposit the catalyst layer seed layer for CNT growth using Ni. The ALD of copper metallic films can follow multiple reaction pathways depending on the ALD precursors used. For this work the reaction pathway was deposition of copper oxide and then post process annealing in a hydrogen environment. Copper(II) diacetylacetonate (Cu(acac)2) and ozone are used as precursors for copper oxide. As-deposited copper oxide films prepared at 180°C resulted in a growth per cycle of 1.0 A/cycle with low film resistivity.

Dwivedi, Vivek H.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Design and Testing of a Device for Homogeneous Moon Dust Deposition on Test Articles/Systems

During this decade, NASA is charged to return humans to the surface of the Moon. One of the most challenging aspects to operating on the lunar surface is the regolith present, which is pervasive and damaging. To support systems design and validation for this environment, the handling and application of lunar simulants onto test articles or systems becomes important, albeit difficult. A device to apply the same amount of dust uniformly was developed in a previous study (Hollingsworth et al., 2006) but was only utilized with Mars dust simulant during that previous project. The current work provides evaluation of this device with multiple lunar simulants, each representing different composition as found at various locations on the Moon’s surface. Enhancements to the design and operation of the dust distributor are also described, along with a new digital imaging technique to calculate the percent surface coverage of the dust after deposition. The results support the use of the distributor and improved techniques to provide a uniform coating of dust on test articles and systems.

lunar↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Design and Testing of a Device for Moon Dust Deposition on Test Articles/Systems

During this decade, NASA is charged to return humans to the surface of the Moon. One of the most challenging aspects to operating on the lunar surface is the regolith present, which is pervasive and damaging. To support systems design and validation for this environment, the handling and application of lunar simulants onto test articles or systems becomes important, albeit difficult. A device to apply the same amount of dust uniformly was developed in a previous study but was only utilized with Mars dust simulant during that previous project. The current work provides evaluation of this device with multiple lunar simulants, each representing different composition as found at various locations on the Moon’s surface. Enhancements to the design and operation of the dust distributor are also described, along with a new digital imaging technique to calculate the percent surface coverage of the dust after deposition. The results support the use of the distributor and improved techniques to provide a uniform coating of dust on test articles and systems.

Kathryn M Hurlbert↗
NASA NTRS2013

The Total Hemispheric Emissivity of Painted Aluminum Honeycomb at Cryogenic Temperatures

NASA uses high-emissivity surfaces on deep-space radiators or thermal radiation absorbers in test chambers. Aluminum honeycomb core material, when coated with a high-emissivity paint, provides a lightweight, mechanically robust, and relatively inexpensive black surface that retains its high emissivity down to low temperatures. At temperatures below about 100 Kelvin, this material performs much better than the paint itself. We measured the total hemispheric emissivity of various painted honeycomb configurations using an adaptation of an innovative technique developed for characterizing thin black coatings. These measurements were performed from room temperature down to 30 Kelvin. We describe the measurement technique and compare the results with predictions from a detailed thermal model of each honeycomb configuration.

Tuttle, J.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Friction and Wear Characteristics of Cu-4Al Foil Bearing Coating at 25 and 650 degree C

The friction and wear performance of a Cu-4Al top foil coating has been investigated in Generation I foil air bearings. The copper alloy was applied by a novel deposition technique (ion diffusion) and the journal was coated with PS304, a plasma spray deposited high temperature composite solid lubricant coating. The ion diffusion coating process deposits a desirable smooth layer compared to other methods like cathodic arc deposition. The tribological performance of bearings with and without Cu-4Al foil coatings were evaluated through start-stop tests on an air bearing test rig at 25 and 650 C. The results indicate that the Cu-4Al assists during the initial break-in period, gives more stable friction performance with respect to temperature, and appears to prevent top foil wear at high temperature. The measured load capacity coefficient was 0.5, which was comparable to earlier testing of more advanced design Generation III bearings coated with standard cathodic arc deposited Cu-4Al. However, further studies are needed to determine if deeper penetration of the copper alloy into the foil would help make the transition in friction behavior from contact with the Cu-4Al coated foil to contact with the base foil material more gradual. Also, future work is recommended to assess the performance of ion diffusion coatings with different Cu-based alloy compositions and to investigate the effect the coating has on the elastic modulus of the foil material.

Stanford, Malcolm K.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Issues/considerations and performance prediction of LEO protective coatings

Organic materials can be used in low earth orbit for long periods only if they are made to be durable to atomic oxygen in addition to the threats of ultraviolet radiation, micrometeoroid and debris impact, thermal cycling, and charged particle radiation. In many materials applications, it is more cost-effective to utilize atomic oxygen protective coatings over materials which are vulnerable to attack by atomic oxygen rather than developing alternative materials which are inherently durable. Many metal and metal oxide coatings have been shown to be potentially suitable for long term protection of organic polymers in low earth orbit. The protection afforded by thin film coatings on polymeric substrates is highly dependent on the completeness of coverage of the coating. Thus, the prime indicator of durability is the size and abundance of pin windows and scratches in the protective coating. Such defects depend on the deposition technique, smoothness of the surface to be protected, and presence of particulate contaminants. Issues and considerations relevant to substrate preparation, deposition of protective coatings, ground laboratory simulation and evaluation of threats in low earth orbit to protective materials, results of in-space tests, and the use of Monte Carlo modeling techniques to predict in-space durability are presented in graphic form.

Banks, Bruce A.↗