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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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NASA NTRS1975

Potential structural material problems in a hydrogen energy system

Potential structural material problems that may be encountered in the three components of a hydrogen energy system - production, transmission/storage, and utilization - were identified. Hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion, oxidation, and erosion may occur during the production of hydrogen. Hydrogen embrittlement is of major concern during both transmission and utilization of hydrogen. Specific materials research and development programs necessary to support a hydrogen energy system are described.

Gray, H. R.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Space station 'Skylab' - The harvest begins

Initial difficulties connected with the damage suffered by the space station during the launching operation and approaches for overcoming these difficulties are discussed along with the results obtained by the astronauts in their investigations. Attention is given to biomedical results, new solar discoveries, observations of the earth, materials research, and the new products obtained as a result of space processing.

Von Puttkamer, J.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Materials processing in space - New challenges for industry

A summary is presented of NASA's activity in materials research in zero-g. Very simple experiments to determine the effects of zero-g upon solidification processes, upon heat flow, convection and mass transport, and upon the separation of biological cells were conducted during three Apollo flights. The investigations were continued in a series of experiments conducted on Skylab. The experiments provided data on a wide range of space-processing topics. The various tests and the results obtained in them are discussed. Attention is also given to experiments planned for the Apollo-Soyuz experiment, studies to be conducted with the aid of sounding rockets, and an evaluation of the possibilities provided by space processing for industry.

Bredt, J. H.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Analytical study of space processing of immiscible materials for superconductors and electrical contacts

The results of a study conducted to determine the role space processing or materials research in space plays in the superconductor and electrical contact industries are presented. Visits were made to manufacturers, users, and research organizations connected with these products to provide information about the potential benefits of the space environment and to exchange views on the utilization of space facilities for manufacture, process development, or research. In addition, space experiments were suggested which could result in improved terrestrial processes or products. Notable examples of these are, in the case of superconductors, the development of Nb-bronze alloys (Tsuei alloys) and, in the electrical contact field, the production of Ag-Ni or Ag-metal oxide alloys with controlled microstructure for research and development activities as well as for product development. A preliminary experimental effort to produce and evaluate rapidly cooled Pb-Zn and Cu-Nb-Sn alloys in order to understand the relationship between microstructure and superconducting properties and to simulate the fine structure potentially achievable by space processing was also described.

Gelles, S. H.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Considerations to achieve directionality for gamma ray lasers

A method of alignment of nuclei for a gamma ray laser and a means of achieving preferential emission of radiation along the crystal axis are studied. Atomic alignment was achieved by materials researchers who made composite structures composed of needle-like single crystals all with the same orientation and all pointing in the same direction contained in a matrix of cobalt or nickel. The proposed method of preferential emission of radiation along the aligned needles is to have a symmetric field gradient at the nucleus and a sequence of excited levels of spin and parity 2(+) and 0(+). The proposed scheme reduces the density of excited states required for lasing and reduces the linewidth due to inhomogenous broadening. Mossbauer absorption experiments intended to test these ideas are outlined.

Jha, S.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Degassing procedure for ultrahigh vacuum

Calculations based on diffusion coefficients and degassing rates for stainless-steel vacuum chambers indicate that baking at lower temperatures for longer periods give lower ultimate pressures than rapid baking at high temperatures. Process could reduce pressures in chambers for particle accelerators, fusion reactors, material research, and other applications.

Moore, B. C.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Acoustic emission from composite materials

The two basic areas where the acoustic emission (AE) technique can be applied are materials research and the evaluation of structural reliability. This experimental method leads to a better understanding of fracture mechanisms and is an NDT technique particularly well suited for the study of propagating cracks. Experiments are described in which acoustic emissions were unambiguously correlated with microstructural fracture mechanisms. The advantages and limitations of the AE technique are noted.

Visconti, I. C.↗

NASA NTRS1980

The potential for damage from the accidental release of conductive carbon fibers from aircraft composites

The paper considers the potential for damage from the accidental release of conductive carbon fibers from aircraft composites. The electrical conductivity of carbon and graphite fibers has led to electrical equipment damage from the inadvertent release of virgin fibers into the atmosphere; an accidental release of carbon fibers from filamentary composites from the burning of crashed commercial airliners could damage electrical and electronic equipment. The experimental and analytical results by NASA of the methods of assessing the extent of potential damage in terms of costs is presented; the NASA materials research program to provide alternate or modified composites to overcome electrical hazards of carbon composites in aircraft structures is described.

Bell, V. L.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Vacuum lamination of photovoltaic modules

Vacuum lamination of terrestrial photovoltaic modules is a new high volume process requiring new equipment and newly develop materials. Equipment development, materials research, and some research in related fields and testing methods are discussed.

Burger, D. R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Effect of processing on Polymer/Composite structure and properties

Advances in the vitality and economic health of the field of polymer forecasting are discussed. A consistent and rational point of view which considers processing as a participant in the underlying triad of relationships which comprise materials science and engineering is outlined. This triad includes processing as it influences material structure, and ultimately properties. Methods in processing structure properties, polymer science and engineering, polymer chemistry and synthesis, structure and modification and optimization through processing, and methods of melt flow modeling in processing structure property relations of polymer were developed. Mechanical properties of composites are considered, and biomedical materials research to include polymer processing effects are studied. An analysis of the design technology of advances graphite/epoxy composites is also reported.

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NASA NTRS1982

Laser processing

Progress in the Progress ceramic materials is reported. Experiments and models for sintering and microstructure evolution are described. Models and data for understanding the kinetics of grain boundary motion and of pore coarsening and new materials for fuel cells and batteries; are developed. New experimental techniques using lasers for forming fine, monosized powders and for forming stable and metastable structures from liquids, and solar materials research are also developed. Colloidal science and ceramics processing are explored; and research programs on the presintering science necessary for controlled green microstructures are outlined.

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NASA NTRS1982

Materials technology for large space structures

Several of the key material technology needs that were identified for large space structures are outlined. They include lightweight structural materials, materials durability in the space environment, and some special aspects of materials fabrication technology. Examples of current materials research directed toward large space structures are described. Additional research needs and opportunities are noted. A short bibliography is included of selected references that describe large space structural concepts and related technology needs in detail.

Blankenship, C. P.↗

NASA NTRS1982

First Spacelab mission status and lessons learned

There are 38 experiments and/or facilities currently under development, or undergoing testing, which will be incorporated into Spacelab for its first mission. These experiments cover a range of scientific disciplines which includes atmospheric research, life sciences, space plasma research, materials science, and space industrialization technology. In addition to the full development of individual experiments, the final design of the integrated payload and the development of all requisite integration hardware have been accomplished. Attention is given to the project management lessons learned during payload integration development.

Craft, H. G., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Stirling material technology

The Stirling engine is an external combustion engine that offers the advantage of high fuel economy, low emissions, low noise, and low vibrations compared to current internal combustion automotive engines. The most critical component from a materials viewpoint is the heater head consisting of the cylinders, heating tubes, and regenerator housing. Materials requirements for the heater head include compatibility with hydrogen, resistance to hydrogen permeation, high temperature oxidation/corrosion resistance, and high temperature creep-rupture and fatigue properties. A materials research and technology program identified the wrought alloys CG-27 and 12RN72 and the cast alloys XF-818, NASAUT 4G-A1, and NASACC-1 as candidate replacements for the cobalt containing alloys used in current prototype engines. It is concluded that manufacture of the engine is feasible from low cost iron-base alloys rather than the cobalt alloys used in prototype engines. Results of research that lead to this conclusion are presented.

Titran, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Oxygen diffusion barrier coating

A method for coating a titanium panel or foil with aluminum and amorphous silicon to provide an oxygen barrier abrogating oxidation of the substrate metal is developed. The process is accomplished with known inexpensive procedures common in materials research laboratories, i.e., electron beam deposition and sputtering. The procedures are conductive to treating foil gage titanium and result in submicron layers which virtually add no weight to the titanium. There are no costly heating steps. The coatings blend with the substrate titanium until separate mechanical properties are subsumed by those of the substrate without cracking or spallation. This method appreciably increases the ability of titanium to mechanically perform in high thermal environments such as those witnessed on structures of space vehicles during re-entry

Unnam, Jalaiah↗

NASA NTRS1987

A solid state laser development program for remote atmospheric sensors

The current status of NASA Langley efforts to develop solid-state lasers for use in the Lidar Atmospheric Sounder and Altimeter (LASA) of the Space Station Earth Observing System is surveyed. The types of observations to be performed with LASA are listed, and the parameters of presently available lasers are compared with the LASA baseline goals: 2 kW output power; 500 kg weight; tunability to 727, 760, and 943 nm to within 500 fm; high spectral purity; efficiency greater than 3 percent; energy about 1 J/pulse, pulse length less than 100 nsec, and lifetime greater than 108 shots. The use of sensitized flashlamp-pumped laser materials or diode-laser pumping to improve performance is discussed, and particular attention is given to materials research on Ti:sapphire lasers, studies of higher-efficiency detectors, and the LASE and LITE airborne lidar and DIAL experiments.

Newcomb, A. L.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Refractory semiconductors for high temperature thermoelectric energy conversion

Thermoelectric energy conversion utilizing nuclear heat sources has been employed for several decades to generate power for deep space probes. In the past, lead telluride and, more recently, silicon-germanium alloys have been the prime choices as thermoelectric materials for this application. Currently, a number of refractory semiconductors are under investigation at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in order to produce power sources of higher conversion efficiency and, thus, lower mass per unit of power output. Included among these materials are improved Si-Ge alloys, rare earth compounds and boron-rich borides. The criteria used to select thermoelectric materials, in general, and the above materials, in particular, will be discussed. The current state of the art and the accomplishments to date in thermoelectric materials research will be reviewed.

Wood, Charles↗

NASA NTRS1989

Video requirements for materials processing experiments in the space station US laboratory

Full utilization of the potential of the materials research on the Space Station can be achieved only if adequate means are available for interactive experimentation between the science facilities and ground-based investigators. Extensive video interfaces linking these three elements are the only alternative for establishing a viable relation. Because of the limit in the downlink capability, a comprehensive complement of on-board video processing, and video compression is needed. The application of video compression will be an absolute necessity since it's effectiveness will directly impact the quantity of data which will be available to ground investigator teams, and their ability to review the effects of process changes and the experiment progress. Video data compression utilization on the Space Station is discussed.

Baugher, Charles R.↗