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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 397 records · Page 22
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Microstructural Constraints on the Formation of Diamond in Ureilites, the Case from the Kenna Meteorite

The origin of diamonds in ureilitic meteorites, a major family of ultramafic achondrites, has long been debated, with various formation mechanisms inferred, including: 1) shock conversion of preexisting graphite due to a hypervelocity impact on the ureilite parent body; 2) vapor deposition during condensation of the solar nebula; or 3) static transformation in the mantle of a large planetesimal (>1000 km in diameter). The Kenna ureilite is a 10.9 kg stone that was found in Kansas in 1972 and is dominantly composed of olivine and pigeonite (68% and 22% modal abundance, respectively), together with minor metal and carbon-rich regions. Within the carbon-rich domains researchers have identified microdiamonds up to ~10 µm in size. Due to the proximity of the extremely hard microdiamonds with soft graphite and moderately hard silicates, achieving an appropriately flat surface for electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis has proved challenging. We have, therefore, employed a Hitachi ArBlade 5000 broad beam Ar ion milling system to prepare a sample with an adequate surface uniformity. The ion milling dramatically improved indexing of the EBSD patterns and facilitated high-resolution microstructural analysis of the carbon-rich domains. The carbon-bearing regions occur as tabular domains between polygonal olivine and pigeonite, and are composed of aggregates of micrometer-scale diamond with intermediate graphite, oxides and metal grains. Within the microdiamonds, {111} twins are abundant, many of which form ragged lamellae consistent with mechanical twinning. The microdiamond assemblages appear to pseudomorph tabular graphite habits, which together with the abundant deformation twins, supports a shock transformation mechanism for microdiamond formation within the Kenna meteorite. To compliment the EBSD microstructural analyses, coordinated laser Raman, focused ion beam/transmission electron microscopy imaging and diffraction data, and NanoSIMS N and C tomographic isotopic imaging will be collected. These data will provide further constraints on the formation of diamonds within ureilites.

Timmons M Erickson↗
NASA NTRS2022

Building and Breaking Carbon Composites with REACTER

Carbon-based composites have become indispensable materials in aerospace and other high-performance applications, yet obtaining a detailed, nanoscale understanding of their morphology and failure mechanisms using only experimental methods remains a difficult challenge. REACTER is a versatile computational modeling tool for atomistic molecular dynamics simulations designed to model chemical reactions at the speed and length scales of classical force fields. In this work, several recent features of REACTER were applied to the creation and subsequent mechanical testing of two classes of carbon composites: carbon nanotube (CNT) composites and carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP). A network of CNTs was grown dynamically using the new ‘create atoms’ feature of REACTER. The CNT filler was embedded into a polyarylacetylene (PAA) matrix by simulated in situ polymerization to obtain the final composite model. To generate the second class of carbon composite, fully carbonized (graphitic) carbon fiber morphologies were created by the method of Desai et al. [1], but using the advanced reaction constraints framework of REACTER. Two fiber models were created, representing a circular carbon fiber core and a flat surface, and similarly infiltrated with resin to obtain the final CFRP structure. Failure mechanisms were elucidated by simulating mechanically induced bond breaking, as characterized by third order DFT-based tight-binding simulations, via a reaction constraint on the total potential energy of the involved atoms.

Polymer↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Spectral Characterization of Modern Spacecraft Materials

One of the observational parameters of interest in ground-based optical measurements is ascertaining material properties using broadband filter photometry and spectroscopy for orbiting targets. Broadband photometry can provide reflectance measurements that can aid in producing color-color indices and assess if objects can be classified into families or taxonomies. However, these reflectance properties can vary due to aspect angle, phase angle, and general degradation of the target’s exterior material. Spectral characterization can aid in material characterization utilizing known absorption bands and spectral signatures, but these signatures are affected by the same conditions described for remote observations.When utilizing ground-based measurements, it is well understood that material characterization is subject to variability due to space weathering and/or other external events (i.e., collision or explosion). The focus of this study is on space weathering effects on spacecraft materials in low Earth orbit. To better assess how materials are affected by the harsh space environment, specifically modern materials, a collection of materials were analyzed in both their pristine condition and after electron bombardment. This sample collection is part of an upcoming mission with the Materials International Space Station Experiment Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) that will be launched in 2022. These laboratory analyses on the samples will provide a ground-truth to compare with the insitu collected data. The data will also be stored in the NASA Johnson Space Center’s Spacecraft Materials Spectral Database that is available to U.S. citizens and maintained by the Orbital Debris Program Office. The following paper provides an overview of the materials investigated, laboratory, and database overview, and spectral results for both pristine and post-electron exposed conditions. The spectral signature data highlights which materials are stable, or remain relatively unchanged, and which materials vary significantly due to exposure and material configuration (variations due to rotation of the sample on a flat surface).Initial results on changes in spectral directional reflectance of the materials as a function of incident illumination direction are also presented.This data also will benefit the space situational awareness community with spectral characterization of novel materials that can support their respective optical measurements focused on material identification.

Heather M. Cowardin↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Impact Forces From Artificial and Real Birds on a Large Diameter Hopkinson Bar

Forces were measured from normal impacts with two different artificial bird recipes and two species of real birds on a very rigid flat surface. The tests were conducted by launching the soft body projectiles axially into a Hopkinson bar in accordance with the SAE AS6940 test standard at three different nominal impact conditions: (a) a 1 kg projectile at an impact velocity of 49 m/sec; (b) a 1.8 kg projectile at an impact velocity of 110 m/sec; and (c) a 1.8 kg projectile at an impact velocity of 310 m/sec. At each condition two artificial birds and one real bird projectile were tested with at least three test repeats. Simulations were conducted to assess the effects of projectile orientation and velocity on predicted forces. The Hopkinson bar consisted of an Aluminum 6061 solid cylindrical bar with a diameter of 305 mm and a length of 7.31 m, made up of two 3.66 m long sections that were in axial contact with each other. The bar was instrumented for strain measurement at two locations, 457.2 mm and 609.6 mm (1.5 and 2 diameters) from the impacted face. Forces were calculated from the measured strain. In addition, digital image correlation (DIC) was used to measure the velocity of the free end of the bar. The real bird projectiles were 1 kg Mallard ducks and 1.8 kg Golden Comet chickens that were prepared per ASTM F330-21. Prior to testing, the real birds were placed in muslin bags to minimize tumbling during flight. Two artificial bird formulations were tested, one produced by the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI) and the other by the German Aerospace Center, DLR. The UDRI projectile was a homogeneous, relatively soft solid, formulated with a mixture of water, gelatin and phenolic micro-balloons to achieve a nominal density of 0.95 g/cc. The DLR projectile consisted of a printed plastic shell with internal plastic ribs and filled with a gel material. The projectiles were designed such that the overall average density was the desired value of 0.95 g/cc. Initial testing showed that contact between the two Hopkinson bar segments was not sufficient to allow full transmission of the waves through the interface. For the 49 m/sec and 110 m/sec tests this resulted in reflections returning to the strain measurement site prior to the end of the impact. For these tests only a portion of the force pulse could be accurately measured. For the highest velocity tests at 310 m/sec the force pulse was complete by the time reflected waves interfered with the response. Despite this limitation, useful force data were obtained for all velocities. Impact forces were very sensitive to the impact orientation and velocity. The force history generally consisted of an initial region with varying amplitude followed by a relatively constant amplitude response. The steady state region was similar among all projectiles and similar to what would be predicted for an inviscid fluid with a density of 0.95 g/cc. The initial part of the force response exhibited varying degrees of test-to-test repeatability associated with each projectile type. Forces calculated from DIC velocity measurements of the free end of the bar compared favorably those from the strain measurements. In general, the artificial projectile impact forces were quite repeatable from test to test, with some exceptions which could be explained by issues associated with either the projectile itself or with how the projectile exited the gun barrel. For all impact velocities the initial portion of the impact force from the bird projectiles exhibited large test-to-test variability. In this paper, impact forces for three types of projectiles at three impact velocities will be presented with an emphasis on the test-to-test repeatability of the results. Based on test and simulation results a proposed method for normalizing the impact force to minimize effects of differences in projectile orientation, impact velocity and density will also be discussed.

Bird strike↗
DOE OSTI2020

Method of forming inorganic nanocages

Nanocages are formed by etching nancubes. The nanocubes are added to an aqueous system having an amphiphilic lipid dissolved in an organic solvent (e.g. a hydrophobic alcohol) to form reverse micelles. As the water evaporates the micelles shrink as etching of the flat surface of the nanocubes occurs. In this fashion hollow nanocages are produced. In one embodiment, the nanocage is covalently attached to a polymer shell (e.g. a dextran shell).

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗
DOE OSTI2022

Method of forming inorganic nanocages

Nanocages are formed by etching nanocubes. The nanocubes are added to an aqueous system having an amphiphilic lipid dissolved in an organic solvent (e.g. a hydrophobic alcohol) to form reverse micelles. As the water evaporates the micelles shrink as etching of the flat surface of the nanocubes occurs. In this fashion hollow nanocages are produced. In one embodiment, the nanocage is covalently attached to a polymer shell (e.g. a dextran shell).

Matsui, Hiroshi↗
DOE OSTI2023

9. Support, Raft, Brim, and Skirt Pathing

The previous chapters discussed the primary path types in additive manufacturing: perimeter, inset, skeleton, skin, and infill. In addition to those distinct primary path types, regions of primary paths can be assigned secondary path types: support, raft, brim, and skirt. Support paths are used to enable the printing of features that would otherwise have nothing underneath to print atop, such as overhangs. Raft paths are used to level the build plate and provide a flat surface on which to construct the object. Brim toolpaths are used to increase the footprint of the object to improve bed adhesion and reduce first layer delamination. The last path type, the skirt, is used to prime the extruder at the start of the print. These four types of path regions are created using a combination of closed-loop, open-loop, and space-filling toolpaths. This chapter will discuss how to find and generate the pathing for each region.

Roschli, Alex↗
DOE OSTI2020

Radial Wall Jet Flow Over Sigmoidal Surfaces

Radial wall jet flows across flat smooth surfaces have been studied for decades. These studies show that the radial velocity of these jets decays inversely with distance from the nozzle with modest contribution from friction (Poreh, et al., 1967; Rajaratnam, 1976). However, the extent to which flat surface results apply to curved surfaces remains unclear. In this article we explore the influence of settled particle bed slope on these velocity profiles. We model the step change in thickness as a sigmoidal curve of variable steepness and use conservation of momentum to evaluate the velocity profile. We show that the velocity profile attenuates because of curvature. Next, we evaluate the influence of surface curvature on radial wall jet flow. Jet flows over particle beds often introduce curvature in the particle bed profile but the influence of the developed curvature on the velocity profile has not been explored. Here we develop a solution for steady fixed beds based on conservation of momentum. We find that surface curvature has a significant influence on the velocity decay coefficients and celerity of radial wall jets, provided there is velocity slip in the vicinity of the particle bed interface, which is strictly true for particle surfaces. Conservation of momentum predicts conditions where the forward momentum of the flow is directed completely upward. The solution identifies two new dimensionless groups that determine whether a curved surface is sufficient to block radial flow and force flow vertically.

Surface curvature, jet flow, multiphase flow↗
NASA NTRS1999

Novel Approach for Positioning Sensor Lead Wires on SiC-Based Monolithic Ceramic and FRCMC Components/Subcomponents Having Flat and Curved Surfaces

A novel attachment approach for positioning sensor lead wires on silicon carbide-based monolithic ceramic and fiber reinforced ceramic matrix composite (FRCMC) components has been developed. This approach is based on an affordable, robust ceramic joining technology, named ARCJoinT, which was developed for the joining of silicon carbide-based ceramic and fiber reinforced composites. The ARCJoinT technique has previously been shown to produce joints with tailorable thickness and good high temperature strength. In this study, silicon carbide-based ceramic and FRCMC attachments of different shapes and sizes were joined onto silicon carbide fiber reinforced silicon carbide matrix (SiC/ SiC) composites having flat and curved surfaces. Based on results obtained in previous joining studies. the joined attachments should maintain their mechanical strength and integrity at temperatures up to 1350 C in air. Therefore they can be used to position and secure sensor lead wires on SiC/SiC components that are being tested in programs that are focused on developing FRCMCs for a number of demanding high temperature applications in aerospace and ground-based systems. This approach, which is suitable for installing attachments on large and complex shaped monolithic ceramic and composite components, should enhance the durability of minimally intrusive high temperature sensor systems. The technology could also be used to reinstall attachments on ceramic components that were damaged in service.

Kiser, J. Douglas↗
NASA NTRS1976

Installation of surface-mounted flat-conductor cable

Guide describes step-by-step process for installation of interior surface-mounted FCC used in commerical and residential buildings. Photographs illustrate how cable-riser and baseboard covers are installed as well as receptacle assembly and receptacle-cover replacement.

Carden, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Sensor Lead Wires Positioned on SiC-based Monolithic Ceramic and Fiber- reinforced Ceramic Matrix Composite Subcomponents with Flat and Curved Surfaces

There is strong interest in the development of silicon carbide-based monolithic ceramic and composite materials and components for demanding, high-temperature applications. Thorough characterization of material properties, including high-temperature testing under simulated or actual operating conditions, is a high priority for programs involved in developing these silicon carbide- (SiC) based materials and components. Members of the Sensors and Electronics Technology Branch at the NASA Lewis Research Center are developing minimally intrusive methods of measuring the properties (such as the surface temperature, strain, and heat flux characteristics) of components and subelements that are being tested or operated in hostile, high-temperature environments. Their primary goal is to instrument the test article or operating component with durable sensors that have a minimal effect on test conditions such as the gas flow across the surface of the item and the material response (including the through-thickness conduction of heat). Therefore, the main thrust of their work has been the development of thin-film sensors (e.g., thermocouples or strain gauges) for use on various advanced material test articles, including SiC/SiC composite components. There was a need for a better method of securing sensor lead wires on SiC-based components and subelements that would be tested at temperatures to 1000 C (or higher), to enhance the durability of the overall minimally intrusive sensor system. To address this need, Lewis researchers devised an alternative approach for positioning the sensor lead wires (which are connected to the thin-film sensors) on SiC or SiC/SiC components. A reaction-forming method of joining was used to strongly bond hoop-shaped monolithic SiC and SiC/SiC composite attachments of various sizes to both flat and curved surfaces of SiC/SiC composite subelements (see the photos). This approach is based on an affordable, robust ceramic joining technology, named ARCJoinT, which was developed at Lewis for the joining of SiC-based ceramics and fiber-reinforced composites.

Kiser, James D.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Poly(arylene ether imidazole) surfacing films for flat and parabolic structures

Films of thermoplastic poly(arylene ether imidazole)s (PAEIs) are used as surface modifiers for neat resin panels and composite resin panels. The PAEI polymer contains imidazole groups along the backbone which co-cure, i.e., react chemically, with epoxies or bismaleimides during processing and thereby provide excellent adhesion between the PAEI film and an epoxy or bismaleimide neat resin or composite resin facesheet. The film provides good adhesion and a smooth surface to the finished part and acts as a release agent from the mold. The as-processed integral structures have very smooth (specular) surfaces, and since the film releases readily from a glass mold, no release agent is necessary. The PAEI film is thermally stable, resistant to electron radiation, and adheres tenaciously to the facesheet. The film maintains good adhesion even after thermal cycling from room temperature to approximately -196 C.

Connell, John W.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Surface mounted flat-conductor cable

Report presents drawbacks and advantages of FCC for home wiring. Two types of surface-wiring schemes are considered: snap-on baseboard and extendable baseboard. Both types lower installation cost and time.

Hankins, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Poly(arylene ether imidazole) surfacing films for flat and parabolic structures

Films of thermoplastic poly(arylene ether imidazole)s (PAEI)s are used as surface modifiers for neat resin panels and composite resin panels. The PAEI polymer contains imidazole groups along the backbone which co-cure, i.e., react chemically, with epoxies or bismaleimides during processing and thereby provide excellent adhesion between the PAEI film and an epoxy or bismaleimide neat resin or composite resin facesheet. The film provides good adhesion and a smooth surface to the finished part and acts as a release agent from the mold. The as-processed integral structures have very smooth (specular) surfaces, and since the film releases readily from a glass mold, no release agent is necessary. The PAEI film is thermally stable, resistant to electron radiation, and adheres tenaciously to the facesheet. The film maintains good adhesion even after thermal cycling from room temperature to .about. -196.degree. C.

Connell, John W.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Ankle and hip postural strategies defined by joint torques

Previous studies have identified two discrete strategies for the control of posture in the sagittal plane based on EMG activations, body kinematics, and ground reaction forces. The ankle strategy was characterized by body sway resembling a single-segment-inverted pendulum and was elicited on flat support surfaces. In contrast, the hip strategy was characterized by body sway resembling a double-segment inverted pendulum divided at the hip and was elicited on short or compliant support surfaces. However, biomechanical optimization models have suggested that hip strategy should be observed in response to fast translations on a flat surface also, provided the feet are constrained to remain in contact with the floor and the knee is constrained to remain straight. The purpose of this study was to examine the experimental evidence for hip strategy in postural responses to backward translations of a flat support surface and to determine whether analyses of joint torques would provide evidence for two separate postural strategies. Normal subjects standing on a flat support surface were translated backward with a range of velocities from fast (55 cm/s) to slow (5 cm/s). EMG activations and joint kinematics showed pattern changes consistent with previous experimental descriptions of mixed hip and ankle strategy with increasing platform velocity. Joint torque analyses revealed the addition of a hip flexor torque to the ankle plantarflexor torque during fast translations. This finding indicates the addition of hip strategy to ankle strategy to produce a continuum of postural responses. Hip torque without accompanying ankle torque (pure hip strategy) was not observed. Although postural control strategies have previously been defined by how the body moves, we conclude that joint torques, which indicate how body movements are produced, are useful in defining postural control strategies. These results also illustrate how the biomechanics of the body can transform discrete control patterns into a continuum of postural corrections.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS1974

Wind tunnel investigation of a large-scale semispan model with an unswept wing and an upper-surface blown jet flat

An investigation of the static longitudinal aerodynamic characteristics of a large-scale semispan model with an unswept wing and an upper-surface blown jet flap for lift augmentation was conducted in the Langley full-scale tunnel. The wing had an aspect ratio of 7.8 (3.9 for the semispan) and a simulated turbofan engine mounted ahead of and above the wing in a nacelle with a rectangular-exit nozzle. The flap system had three spanwise flap segments: (1) an inboard plain flap located behind the engine and having a large radius of curvature to provide a smooth upper surface to enhance the turning of the jet sheet, (2) a double-slotted midspan flap, and (3) a drooped aileron equipped with blowing boundary-layer control. The wing was also equipped with a full-span leading-edge Krueger flap with blowing boundary-layer control. In addition to the aerodynamic measurements, noise measurements were also included in the investigation for positions above and below the wing.

Smith, C. C., Jr.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Hydration structure of flat and stepped MgO surfaces

We investigate the solvation structure of flat and stepped MgO(001) in neutral liquid water using ab initio molecular dynamics based on a hybrid density functional with dispersion corrections. Our simulations show that the MgO surface is covered by a densely packed layer of mixed intact and dissociated adsorbed water molecules in a planar arrangement with strong intermolecular H-bonds. The water dissociation fractions in this layer are >20% and >30% on the flat and stepped surfaces, respectively. Slightly above the first water layer, we observe metastable OH groups perpendicular to the interface, similar to those reported in low temperature studies of water monolayers on MgO. Here, these species receive hydrogen bonds from four nearby water molecules in the first layer and have their hydrophobic H end directed toward bulk water, while their associated protons are bound to surface oxygens. The formation of these OH species is attributed to the strong basicity of the MgO surface and can be relevant for understanding various phenomena from morphology evolution and growth of (nano)crystalline MgO particles to heterogeneous catalysis.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗