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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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All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2018

Ionic Liquid Facilitated Recovery of Metals and Oxygen from Regolith

Regolith, being largely composed of metal oxides, has the potential to be an excellent in situ source of metals, such as iron, nickel and aluminum, as well as oxygen. There is, however, no current technology that is suited for the in space separation of metal oxides into their constituent elements. Terrestrial methods require large volumes/masses of hazardous reagents. Alternative methods, such as molten oxide electrolysis, have been investigated, but these processes generally require high temperatures to operate. Such a requirement imposes significant material compatibility restraints, necessitates high energy inputs, and may pose a threat to the health and safety of the crew. This paper discusses a novel process that uses ionic liquids (ILs) to recover high purity metals and oxygen from regolith and meteorite materials. ILs are organic salts that are molten at or near room temperature, and can have a number of attractive properties including wide liquidus ranges and high thermal and electrochemical stability. The structure of an IL can be readily modified to tune these properties, allowing the synthesis of task specific ILs. Together, these attributes give ILs great utility in a number of space related areas, such environmental control and life support, in space repair and manufacture, and in situ resource utilization.

Karr, Laurel J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

The influence of processing parameters on microstructural development of low-weight-percent primary, pro-eutectic, dendritic alloys during directional solidification

Alloy compositions centering about Sn- 5 to 15 wt pct Al and Pb- 4 to 20 wt pct Cu have been directionally solidified as a function of growth rate and orientation with respect to earth's gravity vector. The effect of these processing variables on macrosegregation is presented, and the consequence of a structural transition from primary columnar to equiaxed dendritic growth is examined. Effects detrimental to microstructure and attributed to density variations are shown to be minimized by a novel processing technique. In view of the ground-based results, some considerations follow regarding what might be gained by solidifying these alloys in a microgravity environment.

Grugel, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Solid-State Ultracapacitor for Improved Energy Storage

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center has developed a solid-state ultracapacitor using a novel nanocomposite, dielectric material. The material's design is based on the internal barrier layer capacitance (IBLC) concept, and it uses novel dielectric and metallic conductive ink formulations. Novel processing methods developed by NASA provide for unique dielectric properties at the grain level. Nanoscale raw material powders are tailored using a variety of techniques and then formulated into a special ink. This dielectric ink is used with novel metallic conductive ink to print a capacitor layer structure into any design necessary to meet a range of technical requirements. The innovation is intended to replace current range safety batteries that NASA uses to power the systems that destroy off-course space vehicles. A solid-state design provides the needed robustness and safety for this demanding application.

Nabors, Sammy↗
NASA NTRS2008

Final Report on NASA Portable Laser Coating Removal Systems Field Demonstrations and Testing

Processes currently used throughout the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to remove corrosion and coatings from structures, ground service equipment, small parts and flight components result in waste streams consisting of toxic chemicals, spent media blast materials, and waste water. When chemicals are used in these processes they are typically high in volatile organic compounds (VOC) and are considered hazardous air pollutants (HAP). When blast media is used, the volume of hazardous waste generated is increased significantly. Many of the coatings historically used within NASA contain toxic metals such as hexavalent chromium, and lead. These materials are highly regulated and restrictions on worker exposure continue to increase. Most recently the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reduced the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for hexavalent chromium (CrVI) from 52 to 5 micrograms per cubic meter of air as an 8-hour time-weighted average. Hexavalent chromium is found in numerous pretreatment and primer coatings used within the Space Shuttle Program. In response to the need to continue to protect assets within the agency and the growing concern over these new regulations, NASA is researching different ways to continue the required maintenance of both facility and flight equipment in a safe, efficient, and environmentally preferable manner. The use of laser energy to prepare surfaces for a variety of processes, such as corrosion and coating removal, weld preparation, and non destructive evaluation (NDE) is a relatively new application of the technology that has been proven to be environmentally preferable and in many cases less labor intensive than currently used removal methods. The novel process eliminates VOCs and blast media and captures the removed coatings with an integrated vacuum system. This means that the only waste generated are the coatings that are removed, resulting in an overall cleaner process. The development of a Portable Laser Coating Removal System (PLCRS) started as the goal of a Joint Group on Pollution Prevention (JG-PP) project, led by the Air Force, where several types of lasers in several configurations were thoroughly evaluated. Following this project, NASA decided to evaluate the best performers on processes and coatings specific to the agency. Laser systems used during this project were all of a similar design, between 40 and 500 Watts, most of which had integrated vacuum systems in order to collect materials removed from substrate surfaces during operation.

Rothgeb, Matthew J↗
NASA NTRS2003

Effect Of Gravity On Porous Tricalcium Phosphate And Nonstoichiometric Titanium Carbide Produced Via Combustion Synthesis

Novel processing techniques, such as self-propagating high temperature synthesis (SHS), have the capability to rapidly produce advanced porous materials that are difficult to fabricate by other methods. This processing technique is also capable of near net shape synthesis, while variable gravity allows the manipulation of the structure and composition of the material. The creation of porous tricalcium phosphate (TCP) is advantageous in the biomaterials field, since it is both a biocompatible material and an osteoconductive material. Porous tricalcium phosphate produced via SHS is an excellent candidate for bone scaffold material in the bone regeneration process. The porosity allows for great vascularization and ingrowth of tissue. Titanium Carbide is a nonstoichiometric biocompatible material that can be incorporated into a TiC-Ti composite system using combustion synthesis. The TiC-Ti composite exhibits a wide range of mechanical and chemical properties. Both of these material systems (TCP and TiC-Ti) can be used to advantage in designing novel bone replacement materials. Gravity plays an important role in both the pore structure and the chemical uniformity of these composite systems and offers considerable potential in advanced bone engineering.

Castillo, M.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Fabricating binary optics: An overview of binary optics process technology

A review of binary optics processing technology is presented. Pattern replication techniques have been optimized to generate high-quality efficient microoptics in visible and infrared materials. High resolution optical photolithography and precision alignment is used to fabricate maximally efficient fused silica diffractive microlenses at lambda = 633 nm. The degradation in optical efficiency of four-phase-level fused silica microlenses resulting from an intentional 0.35 micron translational error has been systematically measured as a function of lens speed (F/2 - F/60). Novel processes necessary for high sag refractive IR microoptics arrays, including deep anisotropic Si-etching, planarization of deep topography and multilayer resist techniques, are described. Initial results are presented for monolithic integration of photonic and microoptic systems.

Stern, Margaret B.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Controlled porosity and pore size substrates for nickel-cadmium cells

A novel process for the preparation of improved cadmium electrode plaques with precisely controlled pore size and porosity is described. The requirements for these plaques include far better uniformity, reproducibility, and life than is currently available with conventional materials. The key features of the work were preparation of plaques via a powder metallurgical technique which consisted of isostatically compacting a blend of a nickel powder with a fugitive pore-former and subsequently sintering the 'green' compact. Cadmium electrodes were prepared from these materials and were cycle tested in negative-limited cells using an accelerated, torturous test regime. Results were obtained which showed the new structures yielded electrodes that were superior to the conventional structures in mechanical properties and performance.

Gordy, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Crystal growth experiment MA-028

The crystal growth experiment assessed a novel process for growing single crystals of insoluble substances by allowing two or more reactant solutions to diffuse toward each other through a region of pure solvent in zero g. The experiment was entirely successful and yielded crystals of about the expected size, quality, and number. Photographs were taken in orbit to record the progress of the crystal growth.

Lind, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Experiment MA-028 crystal growth

A crystal growth experiment is reported on orbital space flights. The experiment was performed during the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project. The Crystal Growth Experiment assessed a novel process for growing single crystals of insoluble substances by allowing two or more reactant solutions to diffuse toward each other through a region of pure solvent in zero gravity. The experiment was entirely successful and yielded crystals of about the expected size, quality, and number.

Lind, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Crystal growth from solutions in low gravity

An experiment performed during the Apollo-Soyuz flight investigated a novel process for growing single crystals from solutions. In zero gravity, reactant solutions were allowed to diffuse slowly toward each other through a region of pure solvent in which they underwent a chemical reaction to form crystals of an insoluble material. The process is analogous to the growth of crystals in gels in normal gravity. The experiment was successful and yielded crystals of about the expected size, number, and quality. The results indicate that with further refinement the process should yield large, high quality crystals of a variety of materials.

Lind, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Large area space solar cell assemblies

Results of the development of a 34.3 sq cm space solar cell and integral glass cover are presented. Average AM(0) cell efficiency is 14 percent. The cell design includes a high performance back surface reflector yielding a thermal alpha of approximately 0.66. A novel process is described which integrates cell fabrication and encapsulation thereby achieving a reduction of encapsulation cost. Test results indicate the potential of this new technology.

Nowlan, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Applications of adaptive-wall wind tunnels

A novel processing technique for the flowfield data generated by an adaptive wall wind tunnel is presented whose basic premise is the possible undesirability of forcing such a wind tunnel to simulate free-air conditions. The concept of a 'phantom' wind tunnel is introduced for both two- and three-dimensional wind tunnels, yielding a continuous spectrum of flow fields, ranging from the original passive and ventilated configuration to a fully adaptive one. In order to implement these procedures, active control is limited to floor and ceiling surfaces.

Davis, S. S.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Polyether-polyester graft copolymer

Described is a polyether graft polymer having improved solvent resistance and crystalline thermally reversible crosslinks. The copolymer is prepared by a novel process of anionic copolymerization. These polymers exhibit good solvent resistance and are well suited for aircraft parts. Previous aromatic polyethers, also known as polyphenylene oxides, have certain deficiencies which detract from their usefulness. These commercial polymers are often soluble in common solvents including the halocarbon and aromatic hydrocarbon types of paint thinners and removers. This limitation prevents the use of these polyethers in structural articles requiring frequent painting. In addition, the most popular commercially available polyether is a very high melting plastic. This makes it considerably more difficult to fabricate finished parts from this material. These problems are solved by providing an aromatic polyether graft copolymer with improved solvent resistance and crystalline thermally reversible crosslinks. The graft copolymer is formed by converting the carboxyl groups of a carboxylated polyphenylene oxide polymer to ionic carbonyl groups in a suitable solvent, reacting pivalolactone with the dissolved polymer, and adding acid to the solution to produce the graft copolymer.

Bell, Vernon L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Advanced Solar-propelled Cargo Spacecraft for Mars Missions

Three concepts for an unmanned, solar powered, cargo spacecraft for Mars support missions were investigated. These spacecraft are designed to carry a 50,000 kg payload from a low Earth orbit to a low Mars orbit. Each design uses a distinctly different propulsion system: A Solar Radiation Absorption (SRA) system, a Solar-Pumped Laser (SPL) system and a solar powered magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) arc system. The SRA directly converts solar energy to thermal energy in the propellant through a novel process. In the SPL system, a pair of solar-pumped, multi-megawatt, CO2 lasers in sunsynchronous Earth orbit converts solar energy to laser energy. The MPD system used indium phosphide solar cells to convert sunlight to electricity, which powers the propulsion system. Various orbital transfer options are examined for these concepts. In the SRA system, the mother ship transfers the payload into a very high Earth orbit and a small auxiliary propulsion system boosts the payload into a Hohmann transfer to Mars. The SPL spacecraft and the SPL powered spacecraft return to Earth for subsequent missions. The MPD propelled spacecraft, however, remains at Mars as an orbiting space station. A patched conic approximation was used to determine a heliocentric interplanetary transfer orbit for the MPD propelled spacecraft. All three solar-powered spacecraft use an aerobrake procedure to place the payload into a low Mars parking orbit. The payload delivery times range from 160 days to 873 days (2.39 years).

Auziasdeturenne, Jacqueline↗
NASA NTRS1993

Freeze-Drying Makes Improved IPN And Semi-IPN Polymers

Novel process developed for production of interpenetrating polymer networks (IPN's) or semi-IPN's with greater fracture toughness and resistance to microcracks. Process controls degree of phase separation in IPN's. In experiment, IPN's and semi-IPN's formed by dissolving constituents in another common solvent in traditional method. Resins and composite materials produced were tested for both traditional and freeze-drying processes. Glass-transition temperatures and data from dynamic mechanical tests of freeze-dried IPN's and semi-IPN's demonstrated freeze-drying process provided much improved IPN's and semi-IPN's.

Pater, Ruth H.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Development and testing of hermetic, laser-ignited pyrotechnic and explosive components

During the last decade there has been increasing interest in the use of lasers in place of electrical systems to ignite various pyrotechnic and explosive materials. The principal driving force for this work was the requirement for safer energetic components which would be insensitive to electrostatic and electromagnetic radiation. In the last few years this research has accelerated since the basic concepts have proven viable. At the present time it is appropriate to shift the research emphasis in laser initiation from the scientific arena--whether it can be done--to the engineering realm--how it can be put into actual practice in the field. Laser initiation research and development at EG&G Mound was in three principal areas: (1) laser/energetic material interactions; (2) development of novel processing techniques for fabricating hermetic (helium leak rate of less than 1 x 10(exp -8) cu cm/s) laser components; and (3) evaluation and testing of laser-ignited components. Research in these three areas has resulted in the development of high quality, hermetic, laser initiated components. Examples are presented which demonstrate the practicality of fabricating hermetic, laser initiated explosive or pyrotechnic components that can be used in the next generation of ignitors, actuators, and detonators.

Kramer, Daniel P.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Advanced solar-propelled cargo spacecraft for Mars missions

At the University of Washington, three concepts for an unmanned, solar powered, cargo spacecraft for Mars-support missions have been investigated. These spacecraft are designed to carry a 50,000 kg payload from a low Earth orbit to a low Mars orbit. Each design uses a distinctly different propulsion system: a solar radiation absorption (SRA) system, a solar-pumped laser (SPL) system, and a solar powered mangetoplasmadynamic (MPD) arc system. The SRA directly converts solar energy to thermal energy in the propellant through a novel process developed at the University of Washington. A solar concentrator focuses sunlight into an absorption chamber. A mixture of hydrogen and potassium vapor absorbs the incident radiation and is heated to approximately 3700 K. The hot propellant gas exhausts through a nozzle to produce thrust. The SRA has an I(sub sp) of approximately 1000 sec and produces a thrust of 2940 N using two thrust chambers. In the SPL system, a pair of solar-pumped, multi-megawatt, CO2 lasers in sun-synchronous Earth orbit converts solar energy to laser energy. The laser beams are transmitted to the spacecraft via laser relay satellites. The laser energy heats the hydrogen propellant through a plasma breakdown process in the center of an absorption chamber. Propellant flowing through the chamber, heated by the plasma core, expands through a nozzle to produce thrust. The SPL has an I(sub sp) of 1285 sec and produces a thrust of 1200 N using two thrust chambers. The MPD system uses indium phosphide solar cells to convert sunlight to electricity, which powers the propulsion system. In this system, the argon propellant is ionized and electromagnetically accelerated by a magnetoplasmadynamic arc to produce thrust. The MPD spacecraft has an I(sub sp) of 2490 sec and produces a thrust of 100 N. Various orbital transfer options are examined for these concepts. In the SRA system, the mother ship transfers the payload into a very high Earth orbit and a small auxiliary propulsion system boosts the payload into a Hohmann transfer to Mars. The SPL spacecraft releases the payload as the spacecraft passes by Mars. Both the SRA-powered spacecraft and the SPL-powered spacecraft return to Earth for subsequent missions. The MPD-propelled spacecraft, however, remains at Mars as an orbiting space station. A patched conic approximation was used to determine a heliocentric interplanetary transfer orbit for the MPD propelled spacecraft. All three solar-powered spacecraft use an aerobrake procedure to place the payload into a low Mars parking orbit. The payload delivery times range from 160 days to 873 days (2.39 years).

Auziasdeturenne, J.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Power SiGe Heterojunction Bipolar Transistors (HBTs) Fabricated by Fully Self-Aligned Double Mesa Technology

Multifinger SiGe HBTs have been fabricated using a novel fully self-aligned double-mesa technology. With the novel process technology, a common-emitter 2x2x30 sq micrometer device exhibits high maximum oscillating frequency (f(sub max)) and cut-off frequency (f(sub T)) of 78 and 37 GHz, respectively. In class-A operation, a multifinger device with l0x2x30 sq micrometer emitter is expected to provide an output power of 25.6 dBm with a gain of 10 dB and a maximum power added efficiency (PAE) of 30.33% at 8 GHz.

Lu, Liang-Hung↗