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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 343 records · Page 19
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Viscoelastic behavior and life-time predictions

Fiber reinforced plastics were considered for many structural applications in automotive, aerospace and other industries. A major concern was and remains the failure modes associated with the polymer matrix which serves to bind the fibers together and transfer the load through connections, from fiber to fiber and ply to ply. An accelerated characterization procedure for prediction of delayed failures was developed. This method utilizes time-temperature-stress-moisture superposition principles in conjunction with laminated plate theory. Because failures are inherently nonlinear, the testing and analytic modeling for both moduli and strength is based upon nonlinear viscoelastic concepts.

Dillard, D. A.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Space radiation effects on an elastomer-toughened epoxy-graphite composite

An elastomer-toughened epoxy-graphite composite system (CE339/T300) was evaluated for its potential durability in the space radiation environment. The physical and chemical response of this system was characterized following exposure to radiation doses equivalent to 20 to 30 years in geosynchronous orbit using 1 MeV electrons. The results show that electrons generate extensive crosslinking and embrittlement of the matrix. This embrittlement results in chemical and mechanical property changes that would limit the service life of this epoxy system in some space structure applications.

Sykes, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Oxygen-Barrier Coating for Titanium

Oxygen-barrier coating for titanium developed to provide effective and low-cost means for protecting titanium alloys from oxygen in environment when alloys used in high-temperature mechanical or structural applications. Provides protective surface layer, which reduces extent of surface oxidation of alloy and forms barrier to diffusion of oxygen, limiting contamination of substrate alloy by oxygen. Consists of submicron layer of aluminum deposited on surface of titanium by electron-beam evaporation, with submicron layer of dioxide sputtered onto aluminum to form coat.

Clark, Ronald K.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Bismaleimide Copolymer Matrix Resins

Graphite composites, prepared from 1:1 copolymer of two new bismaleimides based on N,N'-m-phenylene-bis(m-amino-benzamide) structure have mechanical properties superior to those prepared from other bismaleimide-type resins. New heat-resistant composites replace metal in some structural applications. Monomers used to form copolymers with superior mechanical properties prepared by reaction of MMAB with maleic or citraconic anhydride.

Parker, John A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Synthesis of thermally stable polypyrazoles, polypyrimidines and other heteroaromatic polymers

As part of a continuing effort to prepare high performance-high temperature polymers for functional and structural applications, the reactions of aromatic dipropynones with aromatic dihydrazine, aromatic dithiols, and aromatic diamidines to provide polypyrazoles, polyenonesulfides, and polypyrimidines respectively were investigated. During the past year, it was demonstrated that polypyrazoles and polyenonesulfides may be prepared by the proposed procedures. However, the preparation of polypyrimidines was not achieved. The preparation and characterization of some polypyrazolones by reaction or aromatic dihydrazines with an activated diacetylenic diester was achieved.

Bass, R. G.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Thermal stability of lightweight graphite glass sandwich reflectors for far infrared astronomy

Graphite fiber-reinforced glass matrix composites are being developed for a variety of structural applications requiring excellent thermomechanical stability. These materials are ideally suited for lightweight, high strength, thermally stable infrared mirrors because of their low density, low thermal expansion, high strength and stiffness, and their ability to be machined, replicated and figured using standard polishing techniques. These properties are particularly promising for applications such as a 3-meter balloon-borne far-infrared and submillimeter telescope mirror which must be both very lightweight and able to retain its figure accuracy when cycled between room temperature and its operating temperature of -50 C. This paper presents the results of a set of low temperature optical tests conducted to determine the figure stability of a 30-cm diameter, frit-bonded graphite/glass mirror in the +20 to -60 C temperature range using a 10.6 micron laser interferometer. The results indicate that the residual change in figure was less than 0.3 microns, rms.

Bluege, J. H.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Hygrothermomechanical fiber composite fatigue: Computational simulation

The technology of advanced composites has matured to the point where these composites are prime contenders for various structural applications. One of the major design considerations for prolonged service of these composites is fatigue due to cyclical hygral (moisture), thermal, and mechanical (hygrothermomechanical) loading conditions. Recent research activities at the NASA Lewis Research Center have led to the development of formal procedures for predicting, using computational simulation, fatigue in fiber composites due to cyclic hygrothermomechanical loading conditions. These formal procedures have subsequently been programmed into a computer module and embedded into the Integrated Composites Analyzer (ICAN) computer code. The objective of this paper is to present and describe results obtained using the augmented ICAN computer code.

Ginty, Carol A.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Accuracy of a class of concurrent algorithms for transient finite element analysis

The accuracy of a new class of concurrent procedures for transient finite element analysis is examined. A phase error analysis is carried out which shows that wave retardation leading to unacceptable loss of accuracy may occur if a Courant condition based on the dimensions of the subdomains is violated. Numerical tests suggest that this Courant condition is conservative for typical structural applications and may lead to a marked increase in accuracy as the number of subdomains is increased. Theoretical speed-up ratios are derived which suggest that the algorithms under consideration can be expected to exhibit a performance superior to that of globally implicit methods when implemented on parallel machines.

Ortiz, Michael↗
NASA NTRS1988

Improved processing of alpha-SiC

Dry pressing/sintering, slurry pressing/sintering, and hot isostatic pressing have been investigated with a view to developing an optimum processing technique to produce high-strength SiC for high-temperature structural applications. A baseline strength of 348 MPa was achieved by dry pressing and sintering. When slurry pressing was used to minimize agglomerates in the powder, a baseline strength of 428 MPa was obtained. An additional improvement in strength (655 MPa) was obtained by hot isostatic pressing, which prevented the formation of critical flaws resulting from residual agglomerates in the powder. It is expected that surface finish, such as lapping, polishing, and heat treatment, may further improve the strength and Weibull modulus of hot isostatically pressed alpha-sic.

Dutta, Sunil↗
NASA NTRS1988

Hygrothermomechanical fiber composite fatigue - Computational simulation

The technology of advanced fiber composites has matured to the point where these composites are prime contenders for various structural applications. One of the major design considerations for prolonged service of these composites is fatigue due to cyclic hygral (moisture), thermal and mechanical (hygrothermomechanical) loading conditions. Recent research activities at the Lewis Research Center have led to the development of formal procedures for predicting, using computational simulation, fatigue in fiber composites due to cyclic hygrothermomechanical loading conditions. These formal procedures have subsequently been programmed into a computer module and embedded into the Integrated Composites Analyzer (ICAN) computer code. The objective of this paper is to present and describe results obtained using the augmented ICAN computer code.

Ginty, C. A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

High performance alloy electroforming

Electroformed copper and nickel are used in structural applications for advanced propellant combustion chambers. An improved process has been developed by Bell Aerospace Textron, Inc. wherein electroformed nickel-manganese alloy has demonstrated superior mechanical and thermal stability when compared to previously reported deposits from known nickel plating processes. Solution chemistry and parametric operating procedures are now established and material property data is established for deposition of thick, large complex shapes such as the Space Shuttle Main Engine. The critical operating variables are those governing the ratio of codeposited nickel and manganese. The deposition uniformity which in turn affects the manganese concentration distribution is affected by solution resistance and geometric effects as well as solution agitation. The manganese concentration in the deposit must be between 2000 and 3000 ppm for optimum physical properties to be realized. The study also includes data regarding deposition procedures for achieving excellent bond strength at an interface with copper, nickel-manganese or INCONEL 718. Applications for this electroformed material include fabrication of complex or re-entry shapes which would be difficult or impossible to form from high strength alloys such as INCONEL 718.

Malone, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Stability and dynamic analysis of a slender column with curved longitudinal stiffeners

The results of a stability design study are presented for a slender column with curved longitudinal stiffeners for large space structure applications. Linear stability analyses are performed using a link-plate representation of the stiffeners to determine stiffener local buckling stresses. Results from a set of parametric analyses are used to determine an approximate explicit expression for stiffener local buckling in terms of its geometric parameters. This expression along with other equations governing column stability and mass are assembled into a determinate system describing minimum mass stiffened column design. An iterative solution is determined to solve this system and a computer program incorporating this routine is presented. Example design problems are presented which verify the solution accuracy and illustrate the implementation of the solution routine. Also, observations are made which lead to a greatly simplified first iteration design equation relating the percent increase in column mass to the percent increase in column buckling load. From this, generalizations are drawn as to the mass savings offered by the stiffened column concept. Finally, the percent increase in fundamental column vibration frequency due to the addition of deployable stiffeners is studied.

Lake, Mark S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Creep and creep-recovery of a thermoplastic resin and composite

The database on advanced thermoplastic composites, which is currently available to industry, contains little data on the creep and viscoelastic behavior. This behavior is nevertheless considered important, particularly for extended-service reliability in structural applications. The creep deformation of a specific thermoplastic resin and composite is reviewed. The problem to relate the data obtained on the resin to the data obtained on the composite is discussed.

Hiel, Clem↗
NASA NTRS1988

Rapid solidification of Nb-base alloys

New Nb-base alloys are of interest for aerospace structural applications at high temperatures, viz, 800 to 1650 C. Fundamental information regarding the effects of rapid solidification in achieving greatly refined microstructures, extended solid solubility, suppression of embrittling equilibrium phases, and formation of new phases is desired in a number of Nb-X alloys. The microstructures and selected properties of Nb-Si and other Nb-base alloys are presented for materials both rapidly quenched from the equilibrium liquidus and rapidly solidified following deep supercooling. Electromagnetic levitation was used to achieve melting and supercooling in a containerless inert gas environment. A variety of solidification conditions were employed including splatting or drop casting of supercooled samples. The morphology and composition of phases formed are discussed in terms of both solidification history and bulk composition.

Gokhale, A. B.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Laser Velocimetry In Low-Speed Wind Tunnels

Design and performance of three-dimensional and two-dimensional backscatter laser velocimeter, both used in low-speed wind tunnels, described in report together with historical overview of development of laser velocimetry (LV). Provides measurements of airflow in wind-tunnel tests without perturbing effects of probes and probe-supporting structures. Applicable in such related fields as ventilation engineering and possibly in detection of wing vortexes from large aircraft at airports.

Orloff, Kenneth L.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Liquid crystalline polymers

The remarkable mechanical properties and thermal stability of fibers fabricated from liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) have led to the use of these materials in structural applications where weight savings are critical. Advances in processing of LCPs could permit the incorporation of these polymers into other than uniaxial designs and extend their utility into new areas such as nonlinear optical devices. However, the unique feature of LCPs (intrinsic orientation order) is itself problematic, and current understanding of processing with control of orientation falls short of allowing manipulation of macroscopic orientation (except for the case of uniaxial fibers). The current and desirable characteristics of LCPs are reviewed and specific problems are identified along with issues that must be addressed so that advances in the use of these unique polymers can be expedited.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1989

Oxidation of high-temperature intermetallics; Proceedings of the Workshop, Cleveland, OH, Sept. 22, 23, 1988

The present conference on the high-temperature oxidation behavior of aerospace structures-applicable intermetallic compounds discusses the influence of reactive-element additions on the oxidation of Ni3Al base alloys, the effect of Ni3Al oxidation below 850 C on fracture behavior, the oxidation of FeAl + Hf, Zr, and B, the synergistic effect of Al and Si on the oxidation resistance of Fe alloys, and pack cementation coatings of Cr-Al on Fe, Ni, and Co alloys. Also discussed are the formation of alumina on Nb- and Ti-base alloys, the oxidation behavior of titanium aluminide alloys, silicide coatings for refractory metals, the oxidation of chromium disilicide, and the oxidation behavior of nickel beryllides.

Grobstein, Toni↗
NASA NTRS1990

Flight service evaluation of composite helicopter components

An assessment is presented of ten composite tail rotor spars and four horizontal stabilizers exposed to the effects of in-flight commercial service for up to nine years to establish realistic environmental factors for use in future designs. This evaluation is supported by test results of helicopter components and panels which have been exposed to outdoor environmental effects since 1979. Full scale static and fatigue tests were conducted on graphite/epoxy and Kevlar/epoxy composite components removed from Sikorsky Model S-76 helicopters in commercial operations off the Gulf Coast of Louisiana. Small scale static and fatigue tests were conducted on coupons obtained from panels exposed to outdoor conditions in Stratford, CT and West Palm Beach, Florida. The panel materials and ply configurations were representative of the S-76 components. The results are discussed of moisture analyses and strength tests on both the S-76 components and composite panels after up to nine years of outdoor exposure. Full scale tests performed on the helicopter components did not disclose any significant reductions from the baseline strengths. The results increased confidence in the long term durability of advanced composite materials in helicopter structural applications.

Mardoian, George H.↗