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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 325 records · Page 18

Statistical analysis of low level atmospheric turbulence

The statistical properties of low-level wind-turbulence data were obtained with the model 1080 total vector anemometer and the model 1296 dual split-film anemometer, both manufactured by Thermo Systems Incorporated. The data obtained from the above fast-response probes were compared with the results obtained from a pair of Gill propeller anemometers. The digitized time series representing the three velocity components and the temperature were each divided into a number of blocks, the length of which depended on the lowest frequency of interest and also on the storage capacity of the available computer. A moving-average and differencing high-pass filter was used to remove the trend and the low frequency components in the time series. The calculated results for each of the anemometers used are represented in graphical or tabulated form.

Tieleman, H. W.↗

A review of processable high temperature resistant addition-type laminating resins

An important finding that resulted from research that was conducted to develop improved ablative resins was the discovery of a novel approach to synthesize processable high temperature resistant polymers. Low molecular weight polyimide prepolymers end-capped with norbornene groups were polymerized into thermo-oxidatively stable modified polyimides without the evolution of void producing volatile materials. This paper reviews basic studies that were performed using model compounds to elucidate the polymerization mechanism of the so-called addition-type polyimides. The fabrication and properties of polyimide/graphite fiber composites using A-type polyimide prepolymer as the matrix are described. An alternate method for preparing processable A-type polyimides by means of in situ polymerization of monomeric reactants on the fiber reinforcement is also described. Polyimide/graphite fiber composite performance at elevated temperatures is presented for A-type polyimides.

Serafini, T. T.↗

Polyimide resin composites via in situ polymerization of monomeric reactants

Thermo-oxidatively stable polyimide/graphite-fiber composites were prepared using a unique in situ polymerization of monomeric reactants directly on reinforcing fibers. This was accomplished by using an aromatic diamine and two ester-acids in a methyl alcohol solvent, rather than a previously synthesized prepolymer varnish, as with other A-type polyimides. A die molding procedure was developed and a composite property characterization conducted with high modulus graphite fiber tow. Flexure, tensile, compressive, and shear tests were conducted at temperatures from 72 to 650 F on laminates before and after exposures at the given temperatures in an air environment for times up to 1000 hours. The composite material was determined to be oxidatively, thermally, and hydrolytically stable.

Cavano, P. J.↗

Process for preparing polyimide adhesives

High bonding strengths are obtained for metals and fiber-reinforced organic resin composites with no significant loss in thermo-oxidative stability of the adhesive resin.

Progar, D. J.↗

Contribution of space platforms to a ground and airborne remote-sensing programme over active Italian volcanoes

ERTS-1 imagery of the volcanic areas of southern Italy was used primarily for the evaluation of space platform capabilties in the domains of regional geology, soil and rock-type classification and, more generally, to study the environment of active volcanoes. The test sites were selected and equipped primarily to monitor thermal emission, but ground truth data was also collected in other domains (reflectance of rocks, soils and vegetation). The test areas were overflown with a two channel thermal scanner, while a thermo camera was used on the ground to monitor the hot spots. The primary goal of this survey was to plot the changes in thermal emission with time in the framework of a research program for the surveillance of active volcanoes. However, another task was an evaluation of emissivity changes by comparing the outputs of the two thermal channels. These results were compared with the reflectance changes observed on multispectral ERTS-1 imagery.

Cassinis, R.↗

Deformation and annealing study of Nicraly

Extensive experiments were carried out on the ODS alloy Nicraly, (an alloy prepared by mechanical alloying and consolidating a powder blend consisting of 16% chromium, 4% aluminum, 2-3% yttria, balance nickel), in efforts to develop methods of controlling the grain size and grain shape of the material. The experiments fell into two general categories: variations in the annealing parameters using the as-extruded material as it was received, and various thermomechanical processing schedules (various combinations of cold work and annealing). Success was achieved in gaining grain size and grain shape control by annealing of the as-extruded material. By proper selection of annealing temperature and cooling rates, the grain size of the as-received material was increased almost two orders of magnitude (from an average grain dimension of 0.023 mm to 1.668 mm) while the aspect ratio was increased by some 50% (from 20:1 to 30:1). No success was achieved in gaining significant control of the grain size and shape of the material by thermo-mechanical processing.

Trela, D. M.↗

Applications of plasma core reactors to terrestrial energy systems

Plasma core reactors offer several new options for future energy needs in addition to space power and propulsion applications. Power extraction from plasma core reactors with gaseous nuclear fuel allows operation at temperatures higher than conventional reactors. Highly efficient thermodynamic cycles and applications employing direct coupling of radiant energy are possible. Conceptual configurations of plasma core reactors for terrestrial applications are described. Closed-cycle gas turbines, MHD systems, photo- and thermo-chemical hydrogen production processes, and laser systems using plasma core reactors as prime energy sources are considered. Cycle efficiencies in the range of 50 to 65 percent are calculated for closed-cycle gas turbine and MHD electrical generators. Reactor advantages include continuous fuel reprocessing which limits inventory of radioactive by-products and thorium-U-233 breeder configurations with about 5-year doubling times.-

Latham, T. S.↗

Paleomagnetic systematics of ordinary chondrites

The investigation shows that the decrease in intensity and the increase in stability of natural remanent magnetization (NRM) to alternating field (AF) demagnetization roughly parallel the decrease in Ni-Fe metal content and the corresponding enrichment of the metal phases in Ni. The stability of NRM within a chemical type appears to decrease with increasing degree of metamorphism, a feature interpretable in terms of composition, size, and shape of metal grains. Paleofield intensities required to imprint the NRM as thermo-chemical remanence are in the range from 0.01 to 0.3 Oe.

Brecher, A.↗

Laser energy conversion

Laser radiation could possibly provide a feasible approach for the transmission of energy between stations and vehicles in space and on earth. The transmitted energy could be used for the operational requirements of the receiving space station, lunar base, or spacecraft. In addition, laser energy could also be employed to provide power for the propulsion of vehicles in space. The present status of development regarding the various technological areas involved in an implementation of these objectives is examined, taking into account the possibility of further advances needed to satisfy the technical requirements. Attention is given to laser-induced chemistry for converting the radiation energy into chemical energy. Other subjects considered are related to photovoltaics, optical diodes, thermo-electronics, laser rockets, and photon engines.

Billman, K. W.↗

Second-generation PMR polyimides

Continuing research has resulted in development of polyimides with improved thermo-oxidative stability at 589 K. Polyimides are based on dimethyl ester of 4,4'-(hexafluoro-isopropylidene)-bis(phthalic acid) (HFDE) and p-phenylenediamine (PPDA) and NE.

Serafini, T. T.↗

The 3.3K thrust chamber life prediction

The cause of low-cycle fatigue failure of the 3.3K Thrust Chamber was investigated. This thrust chamber typifies the current trend in rocket nozzle design which calls for high performance coupled with weight and volume limitations as well as the requirement of reusability. The analysis was performed with the BOPACE finite-element computer program which provides capability to determine viscoplastic response of a structure subjected to cyclic thermal and mechanical loading. Results are presented which show the critical region for low-cycle fatigue and the history of strain within that region for each thermo-mechanical loading cycle in the 3.3K thrust chamber. The predicted behavior was used to evaluate the low-cycle fatigue life near the throat plane of the chamber. The results show that BOPACE provides an extremely accurate prediction of structural behavior; the critical region was identified and the life determined from computed strains was within 154 cycles of the observed failure at 1013 cycles.

Armstrong, W. H.↗

PMR polyimides with improved high temperature performance

Studies were performed to investigate the effect of substituting a hexafluoro isopropyl idene connecting group for a carbonyl group of a PMR polyimide monomeric reactant on the thermo-mechanical properties processability of graphite fiber reinforced PMR polyimide composites. Composites were fabricated utilizing PMR methodology. Monomeric reactant solutions of various stoichiometric ratios were used to impregnate Hercules HTS graphite fiber. The processing characteristics and elevated temperature (600 F) mechanical properties of the composites are described.

Vannucci, R. D.↗

Nuclear analysis

The MACH-1 and the THERMOS codes and their use as computational tools in nuclear analysis are examined. One dimensional survey calculations were carried out for a UF fueled core surrounded by a molten blanket; two dimensional calculations were made later with r-z geometry using the EXTERMINATOR program. Results and comparisons of the calculations are given in tabular form.

Source record↗

Second NASA Conference on Laser Energy Conversion

The possible transmission of high power laser beams over long distances and their conversion to thrust, electricity, or other useful forms of energy is considered. Specific topics discussed include: laser induced chemistry; developments in photovoltaics, including modification of the Schottky barrier devices and generation of high voltage emf'sby laser radiation of piezoelectric ceramics; the thermo electronic laser energy converter and the laser plasmadynamics converters; harmonic conversion of infrared laser radiation in molecular gases; and photon engines.

Billman, K. W.↗

Sonic environment tests of an insulator/ablator material

A 50.8 cm (20 inch) square panel of perpyrolized insulator/ablator was subjected to six 30-minute tests at 160 and 158 dB in the Langley Thermo-Acoustic Fatigue Apparatus (TAFA). This environment simulates the aerodynamic and engine noise encountered by a research airplane while in captive flight on the B-52 pylon during takeoff and climb. The pyrolized layer sustained damage in the form of three chips and numerous cracks. The chips occurred during the first test. Some cracking resulted during aerodynamic heating tests, and additional cracking resulted from the sonic environment tests.

Jackson, L. R.↗

New aromatic silicon-containing polyamides

The experiments described were aimed at studying systematically the effect of silyl linkages on the thermogravimetric and thermomechanical properties of aromatic polyamides. Specifically, 18 aromatic silicon-containing polyamides were synthesized via interfacial polymerization of six silicon-containing diacid chlorides with 3,3-prime-diaminodiphenylmethane, 3,3-prime-diaminobenzophenone, and 1-(3-prime-aminobenzyl)-4-(3-double prime-aminobenzoyl)benzene. All polyamides were soluble in m-cresol and N,N-dimethylacetamide, and had glass transition temperatures between 178 and 254 C. Thermogravimetric analysis conducted in static air on film specimens showed 5 and 10 percent weight losses between 331 and 400 C and 354 and 440 C, respectively. The potential gain in processability engendered by incorporation of silane substituents was offset in most cases by substantial losses in thermo-oxidative stability.

Pratt, J. R.↗

Advanced thermionic converter development

Recent progress at Thermo Electron in developing advanced thermionic converters is summarized with particular attention paid to the development of electrodes, diodes, and triodes. It is found that one class of materials (ZnO, BaO and SrO) provides interesting cesiated work functions (1.3-1.4 eV) without additional oxygen. The second class of materials studied (rare earth oxides and hexaborides) gives cesiated/oxygenated work functions of less than 1.2 eV. Five techniques of oxygen addition to thermionic converters are discussed. Vapor deposited tungsten oxide collector diodes and the reflux converter are considered.

Huffman, F. N.↗