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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 379 records · Page 21

Molecular weight characterization of advanced thermoplastic resins

Analytical techniques including low angle laser light scattering photometry (LALLS), differential viscometry (DV), gel permeation chromatography (GPC), GPC-LALLS and GPC-DV, were used to characterize the molecular weight and molecular weight distribution of several advanced thermoplastics. A discussion is presented of various molecular-weight-related parameters obtained by these techniques on an experimental polyimide and poly(arylene ether ketone) and a commercially available polysulfone. Where possible, these parameters are correlated with processability and selected mechanical properties. The molecular weight was found to vary during the thermal conversion of poly(amic acid) to polyimide. However, no change in composition of the polysulfone was noted in response to various processing procedures.

Young, Philip R.↗

Exploring possible relationships between plate pore size character and cell performance

The pore size character and plate manufacturing information for selected samples of older plate material were reviewed. When compared to certain cell performance parameters, certain correlations were found between plate pore character and cell performance. This technique may be useful for screening out certain types of plate material prior to assembly into cells.

Thaller, Lawrence H.↗

Foundations for statistical-physical precipitation retrieval from passive microwave satellite measurements. I - Brightness-temperature properties of a time-dependent cloud-radiation model

The relationship between emerging microwave brightness temperatures (T(B)s) and vertically distributed mixtures of liquid and frozen hydrometeors was investigated, using a cloud-radiation model, in order to establish the framework for a hybrid statistical-physical rainfall retrieval algorithm. Although strong relationships were found between the T(B) values and various rain parameters, these correlations are misleading in that the T(B)s are largely controlled by fluctuations in the ice-particle mixing ratios, which in turn are highly correlated to fluctuations in liquid-particle mixing ratios. However, the empirically based T(B)-rain-rate (T(B)-RR) algorithms can still be used as tools for estimating precipitation if the hydrometeor profiles used for T(B)-RR algorithms are not specified in an ad hoc fashion.

Smith, Eric A.↗

Practical aspects of on-orbit modal identification using free-decay data

Future large space structures such as Space Station Freedom can be tested as a total structure on Earth. Size, zero g design, and the existing atmosphere conflict with traditional structural dynamic testing. On-orbit modal identification will become necessary. Practical aspects of performing such tests using time domain analysis of free decay data are discussed. The effects of environmental constraints, structural characteristics, and excitation and sensing are reviewed. A recent laboratory application and sensing are reviewed. In this test, an on-orbit experiment is simulated using free decay data and a limited number of excitation and measurement points. The test article is dynamically similar to the truss/solar arrays of Space Station. The identified modal parameters from this simulation correlate well, though not uniquely, with those obtained in a complete modal survey. Practical difficulties in performing the correlation are illustrated. Model parameters are identified with the Eigensystem Realization Algorithm.

Schenk, Axel↗

Ellipsometric study of metal-organic chemically vapor deposited III-V semiconductor structures

An ellipsometric study of MOCVD-grown layers of AlGaAs and InGaAs in thick films and strained layer complex structures is presented. It is concluded that the ternary composition of thick nonstrained layers can be accurately determined to within experimental errors using numerical algorithms. In the case of complex structures, thickness of all layers and the alloy composition of nonstrained layers can be determined simultaneously, provided that the correlations between parameters is no higher than 0.9.

Alterovitz, Samuel A.↗

Modeling and characterization of through-the-thickness properties of 3D woven composites

The through-the-thickness properties of three-dimensionally (3D) woven carbon/epoxy composites have been studied. The investigation aimed at the evaluation and development of test methodologies for the property characterization in the thickness direction, and the establishment of fiber architectures were studied: layer-to-layer Angle Interlock, through-the-thickness Orthogonal woven preform with surface pile was also designed and manufactured for the fabrication of tensile test coupons with integrated grips. All the preforms were infiltrated by the resin transfer molding technique. The microstructures of the composites were characterized along the warp and fill (weft) directions to determine the degree of yarn undulations, yarn cross-sectional shapes, and microstructural dimensions. These parameters were correlated to the fiber architecture. Specimens were designed and tested for the direct measurement of the through-the-thickness tensile, compressive and shear properties of the composites. Design optimization was conducted through the analysis of the stress fields within the specimen coupled with experimental verification. The experimentally-derived elastic properties in the thickness direction compared well with analytical predictions obtained from a volume averaging model.

Hartranft, Dru↗

When is O+ Observed in the High Altitude Polar Cap?

Solar wind and IMF properties are correlated with the properties of O+ and H+ in the polar cap at altitudes greater than 5.5 Re geocentric using the Thermal Ion Dynamics Experiment (TIDE) on the Polar satellite. O+ is of primary interest in this study because the fraction of O+ present in the magnetosphere is commonly used as a measure of the ionospheric contribution to the magnetosphere. O+ is observed to be most abundant at lower latitudes when the solar wind speed is low and across most of the polar cap at high solar winds speeds and Kp. As the solar wind dynamic pressures increases more O+ is present in the polar cap. The O+ density is also shown to be more highly correlated with the solar wind dynamic pressure when IMF Bz is positive. H+ was not as well correlated with solar wind and IMF parameters although some correlation with IMF By is observed. H+ is more plentiful when IMF By is negative than when it is positive. In this data set H+ is very dominate so that if this plasma makes it to the plasma sheet its contribution to the plasma sheet would have a very low O+ to H+ ratio.

Elliott, H. A.↗

Computational Analysis of a Pylon-Chevron Core Nozzle Interaction

In typical engine installations, the pylon of an engine creates a flow disturbance that interacts with the engine exhaust flow. This interaction of the pylon with the exhaust flow from a dual stream nozzle was studied computationally. The dual stream nozzle simulates an engine with a bypass ratio of five. A total of five configurations were simulated all at the take-off operating point. All computations were performed using the structured PAB3D code which solves the steady, compressible, Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations. These configurations included a core nozzle with eight chevron noise reduction devices built into the nozzle trailing edge. Baseline cases had no chevron devices and were run with a pylon and without a pylon. Cases with the chevron were also studied with and without the pylon. Another case was run with the chevron rotated relative to the pylon. The fan nozzle did not have chevron devices attached. Solutions showed that the effect of the pylon is to distort the round Jet plume and to destroy the symmetrical lobed pattern created by the core chevrons. Several overall flow field quantities were calculated that might be used in extensions of this work to find flow field parameters that correlate with changes in noise.

Thomas, Russell H.↗

Measurements and Diagnostics of Diamond Films and Coatings

The commercial potential of chemical-vapor-deposited (CVD) diamond films has been established and a number of applications have been identified through university, industry, and government research studies. This paper discusses the methodologies used for property measurement and diagnostic of CVD diamond films and coatings. Measurement and diagnostic techniques studied include scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, stylus profilometry, x-ray diffraction, electron diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering, elastic recoil spectroscopy, and friction examination. Each measurement and diagnostic technique provides unique information. A combination of techniques can provide the technical information required to understand the quality and properties of CVD diamond films, which are important to their application in specific component systems and environments. In this study the combination of measurement and diagnostic techniques was successfully applied to correlate deposition parameters and resultant diamond film composition, crystallinity, grain size, surface roughness, and coefficient of friction.

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa↗

Advanced Technology Development: Solid-Liquid Interface Characterization Hardware

Characterizing the solid-liquid interface during directional solidification is key to understanding and improving material properties. The goal of this Advanced Technology Development (ATD) has been to develop hardware, which will enable real-time characterization of practical materials, such as aluminum (Al) alloys, to unprecedented levels. Required measurements include furnace and sample temperature gradients, undercooling at the growing interface, interface shape, or morphology, and furnace translation and sample growth rates (related). These and other parameters are correlated with each other and time. A major challenge was to design and develop all of the necessary hardware to measure the characteristics, nearly simultaneously, in a smaller integral furnace compatible with existing X-ray Transmission Microscopes, XTMs. Most of the desired goals have been accomplished through three generations of Seebeck furnace brassboards, several varieties of film thermocouple arrays, heaters, thermal modeling of the furnaces, and data acquisition and control (DAC) software. Presentations and publications have resulted from these activities, and proposals to use this hardware for further materials studies have been submitted as sequels to this last year of the ATD.

Source record↗

Isolated Roughness Induced Boundary-Layer Transition: Shuttle Orbiter Ground Tests and Flight Experience

Recent Orbiter wind tunnel data and flight data have been used to evaluate boundary-layer transition induced by discrete-roughness elements on the Orbiter windward surface. Orbiter flow field calculations have been used to compute transition parameters and disturbance parameters for correlating the results and comparing the trends. Existing transition correlations have been modified and applied to the Orbiter. These correlations provide a means to predict transition on the Orbiter given a known isolated roughness element. Furthermore, these data and data reduction methods provide information and guidance for the prediction of transition due to &screte-roughness elements on future winged reentry vehicles.

Bouslog, Stanley A.↗

Mechanosensitive channels in bacteria as membrane tension reporters

The purpose of this short review is to discuss recent data on the molecular structure and mechanism of gating of MscL, a mechanosensitive channel of large conductance from Escherichia coli. MscL is the first isolated molecule shown to convert mechanical stress of the membrane into a simple response, the opening of a large aqueous pore. The functional complex appears to be a stable homo-pentamer of 15-kDa subunits, the gating transitions in which are driven by stretch forces conveyed through the lipid bilayer. We have measured the open probability of MscL and the kinetics of transitions as a function of membrane tension. The parameters extracted from the single-channel current recordings and dose-response curves such as the energy difference between the closed, open, and intermediate conducting states, and the transition-related changes in protein dimensions suggest a large conformational rearrangement of the channel complex. The estimations show that in native conditions MscL openings could be driven primarily by forces of osmotic nature. The thermodynamic and spatial parameters reasonably correlate with the available data on the structure of a single MscL subunit and multimeric organization of the complex. Combined with the functional analysis of mutations, these data give grounds to hypotheses on the nature of the channel mechanosensitivity.

Review↗

Automated Guided-Wave Scanning Developed to Characterize Materials and Detect Defects

The Nondestructive Evaluation (NDE) Group of the Optical Instrumentation Technology Branch at the NASA Glenn Research Center has developed a scanning system that uses guided waves to characterize materials and detect defects. The technique uses two ultrasonic transducers to interrogate the condition of a material. The sending transducer introduces an ultrasonic pulse at a point on the surface of the specimen, and the receiving transducer detects the signal after it has passed through the material. The aim of the method is to correlate certain parameters in both the time and frequency domains of the detected waveform to characteristics of the material between the two transducers. The scanning system is shown. The waveform parameters of interest include the attenuation due to internal damping, waveform shape parameters, and frequency shifts due to material changes. For the most part, guided waves are used to gauge the damage state and defect growth of materials subjected to various mechanical or environmental loads. The technique has been applied to polymer matrix composites, ceramic matrix composites, and metal matrix composites as well as metallic alloys. Historically, guided wave analysis has been a point-by-point, manual technique with waveforms collected at discrete locations and postprocessed. Data collection and analysis of this type limits the amount of detail that can be obtained. Also, the manual movement of the sensors is prone to user error and is time consuming. The development of an automated guided-wave scanning system has allowed the method to be applied to a wide variety of materials in a consistent, repeatable manner. Experimental studies have been conducted to determine the repeatability of the system as well as compare the results obtained using more traditional NDE methods. The following screen capture shows guided-wave scan results for a ceramic matrix composite plate, including images for each of nine calculated parameters. The system can display up to 18 different wave parameters. Multiple scans of the test specimen demonstrated excellent repeatability in the measurement of all the guided-wave parameters, far exceeding the traditional point-by-point technique. In addition, the scan was able to detect a subsurface defect that was confirmed using flash thermography This technology is being further refined to provide a more robust and efficient software environment. Future hardware upgrades will allow for multiple receiving transducers and the ability to scan more complex surfaces. This work supports composite materials development and testing under the Ultra-Efficient Engine Technology (UEET) Project, but it also will be applied to other material systems under development for a wide range of applications.

Martin, Richard E.↗

Damage Assessment of Creep Tested and Thermally Aged Metallic Alloys Using Acousto-Ultrasonics

In recent years emphasis has been placed on the early detection of material changes experienced in turbine powerplant components. During the scheduled overhaul of a turbine, the current techniques of examination of various hot section components aim to find flaws such as cracks, wear, and erosion, as well as excessive deformations. Thus far, these localized damage modes have been detected with satisfactory results. However, the techniques used to find these flaws provide no information on life until the flaws are actually detected. Major improvements in damage assessment, safety, as well as more accurate life prediction could be achieved if nondestructive evaluation (NDE) techniques could be utilized to sense material changes that occur prior to the localized defects mentioned. Because of elevated temperatures and excessive stresses, turbine components may experience creep behavior. As a result, it is desirable to monitor and access the current condition of such components. Research at the NASA Glenn Research Center involves developing and utilizing an NDE technique that discloses distributed material changes that occur prior to the localized damage detected by the current methods of inspection. In a recent study, creep processes in a nickel-base alloy were the life-limiting condition of interest, and the NDE technique was acousto-ultrasonics (AU). AU is an NDE technique that utilizes two ultrasonic transducers to interrogate the condition of a test specimen. The sending transducer introduces an ultrasonic pulse at a point on the surface of the specimen while a receiving transducer detects the signal after it has passed through the material. The goal of the method is to correlate certain parameters of the detected waveform to characteristics of the material between the two transducers. Here, the waveform parameter of interest is the attenuation due to internal damping for which information is being garnered from the frequency domain. The parameters utilized to indirectly quantify the attenuation are the ultrasonic decay rate as well as various moments of the frequency power spectrum. A new, user-friendly, graphical interface AU system was developed at NASA Glenn. This system is an all-inclusive, multifunction system that controls the sending and receiving ultrasonic transducers as well as all posttest signal analysis. The system's postprocessing software calculates the multiple parameters used to study the material of interest.

Gyekenyesi, Andrew L.↗

Microgravity Geyser and Flow Field Prediction

Modeling and prediction of flow fields and geyser formation in microgravity cryogenic propellant tanks was investigated. A computational simulation was used to reproduce the test matrix of experimental results performed by other investigators, as well as to model the flows in a larger tank. An underprediction of geyser height by the model led to a sensitivity study to determine if variations in surface tension coefficient, contact angle, or jet pipe turbulence significantly influence the simulations. It was determined that computational geyser height is not sensitive to slight variations in any of these items. An existing empirical correlation based on dimensionless parameters was re-examined in an effort to improve the accuracy of geyser prediction. This resulted in the proposal for a re-formulation of two dimensionless parameters used in the correlation; the non-dimensional geyser height and the Bond number. It was concluded that the new non-dimensional geyser height shows little promise. Although further data will be required to make a definite judgement, the reformulation of the Bond number provided correlations that are more accurate and appear to be more general than the previously established correlation.

Hochstein, J. I.↗

Identifying and Forecasting Potential Biophysical Risk Areas within a Tropical Mangrove Ecosystem Using Multi-Sensor Data

Mangroves are one of the most productive ecosystems known for provisioning of various ecosystem goods and services. They help in sequestering large amounts of carbon, protecting coastline against erosion, and reducing impacts of natural disasters such as hurricanes. Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha harbors the second largest mangrove ecosystem in India. This study used Terra, Landsat and Sentinel-1 satellite data for spatio-temporal monitoring of mangrove forest within Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary between 2000 and 2016. Three biophysical parameters were used to assess mangrove ecosystem health: leaf chlorophyll (CHL), Leaf Area Index (LAI), and Gross Primary Productivity (GPP). A long-term analysis of meteorological data such as precipitation and temperature was performed to determine an association between these parameters and mangrove biophysical characteristics. The correlation between meteorological parameters and mangrove biophysical characteristics enabled forecasting of mangrove health and productivity for year 2050 by incorporating IPCC projected climate data. A historical analysis of land cover maps was also performed using Landsat 5 and 8 data to determine changes in mangrove area estimates in years 1995, 2004 and 2017. There was a decrease in dense mangrove extent with an increase in open mangroves and agricultural area. Despite conservation efforts, the current extent of dense mangrove is projected to decrease up to 10% by the year 2050. All three biophysical characteristics including GPP, LAI and CHL, are projected to experience a net decrease of 7.7%, 20.83% and 25.96% respectively by 2050 compared to the mean annual value in 2016. This study will help the Forest Department, Government of Odisha in managing and taking appropriate decisions for conserving and sustaining the remaining mangrove forest under the changing climate and developmental activities.

Shanti Shrestha↗

Launch Vehicle Loads Analysis Using Pressure-Sensitive Paint

Pressure transducers have been the instrumentation of choice for measuring unsteady flow phenomena. With recent advances in high-speed cameras, high-powered LEDs, and fast-response, pressure-sensitive paint, the unsteady pressure-sensitive paint (uPSP) technique has become a valuable alternative for production wind tunnel facilities, enabling time-resolved measurements of unsteady pressure fluctuations over a dense spatial grid on a wind tunnel model. Launch vehicle ground tests have proven to be a particularly well-matched application for uPSP due to the high signal level relative to tunnel background acoustics, relatively simple camera optical access, and rigidity of the model in wind-on test conditions. This presentation will highlight recent advances in data reduction of uPSP measurement data from recent launch vehicle wind tunnel tests at the NASA Ames Unitary Plan Wind Tunnel Complex (UPWT). The system can provide both localized surface pressure spectra as well as regional or zonal estimates of turbulence correlation model parameters. In addition, integrated vehicle-scale loads can be provided for buffet analysis. Data is reduced at the on-premise NASA Advanced Supercomputer (NAS) Division for just-in-time delivery of results during an ongoing wind tunnel test.

Pressure-Sensitive Paint↗