Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “compositional complexity”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 415 records · Page 23
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2016

Physical State and Distribution of Materials at the Surface of Pluto from New Horizons LEISA Imaging Spectrometer

From Earth based observations Pluto is known to be the host of N2, CH4 and CO ices and also a dark red material. Very limited spatial distribution information is available from rotational visible and near-infrared spectral curves obtained from hemispheric measurements. In July 2015 the New Horizons spacecraft reached Pluto and its satellite system and recorded a large set of data. The LEISA spectro-imager of the RALPH instruments are dedicated to the study of the composition and physical state of the materials composing the surface. In this paper we report a study of the distribution and physical state of the ices and non-ice materials on Pluto's illuminated surface and their mode and degree of mixing. Principal Component analysis as well as various specific spectral indicators and correlation plots are used on the first set of 2 high resolution spectro-images from the LEISA instrument covering the whole illuminated face of Pluto at the time of the New Horizons encounter. Qualitative distribution maps have been obtained for the 4 main condensed molecules, N2, CH4, CO, H2O as well as for the visible-dark red material. Based on specific spectral indicators, using either the strength or the position of absorption bands, these 4 molecules are found to indicate the presence of 3 different types of ices: N2-rich:CH4:CO ices, CH4-rich(:CO:N2?) ices and H2O ice. The mixing lines between these ices and with the dark red material are studied using scatter plots between the various spectral indicators. CH4 is mixed at the molecular level with N2, most probably also with CO, thus forming a ternary molecular mixture that follows its phase diagram with low solubility limits. The occurrence of a N2-rich - CH4-rich ices mixing line associated with a progressive decrease of the CO/CH4 ratio tells us that a fractionation sublimation sequence transforms one type of ice to the other forming either a N2-rich - CH4-rich binary mixture at the surface or an upper CH4-rich ice crust that may hide the N2-rich ice below. The strong CH4-rich - H2O mixing line witnesses the subsequent sublimation of the CH4-rich ice lag left behind by the N2:CO sublimation (N spring-summer), or a direct condensation of CH4 ice on the cold H2O ice (S autumn). The weak mixing line between CH4-containing ices and the dark red material and the very sharp spatial transitions between these ices and this non-volatile material are probably due to thermal incompatibility. Finally the occurrence of a H2O ice - red material mixing line advocates for a spatial mixing of the red material covering H2O ice, with possibly a small amount intimately mixed in water ice. From this analysis of the different materials distribution and their relative mixing lines, H2O ice appears to be the substratum on which other ices condense or non-volatile organic material is deposited from the atmosphere. N2-rich ices seem to evolve to CH4-dominated ices, possibly still containing traces of CO and N2, as N2 and CO sublimate away. The spatial distribution of these materials is very complex. The high spatial definition of all these composition maps, as well as those at even higher resolution that will be soon available, will allow us to compare them with Pluto's geologic features observed by LORRI panchromatic and MVIC multispectral imagers to better understand the geophysical processes in action at the surface of this astonishingly active frozen world.

Schmitt, B.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Strength characteristics and crack growth behavior of a composite with well aligned fibers

Continuous fiber composites have shown tremendous promise in industrial applications. Their microstructures, however, are very complex and in many instances difficult to characterize. In this project, the fracture characteristics of a specially made fiber reinforced composite with different fiber spacing are investigated. The experimental results so far have shown that after an initial transient phase the crack speed reaches a steady phase, i.e., independent of the crack length. Within the steady crack growth phase debonding along the fibers in the bridging zone grows in a self-similar manner. During the steady phase the energy dissipation per cycle is constant. Afterwards, an increase of the energy dissipation is observed that is accompanied by a decrease in crack speed. This latter trend is presumed to be the result of relatively large amounts of energy dissipated in the bulk of the specimen. Using appropriate Green's function and computer simulations, the stress intensity factor at the crack tip is evaluated for various cases of bridging stresses. In this way the effects of specimen size and fiber spacing on the overall fracture behavior of the composite system are analyzed. The steady crack speed and the steady rate of debonding have a similar power dependence on stress level. Dimensional analysis demonstrates that the particular fracture process is not governed by dimensional invariance but on the detailed micromechanisms in the bridging zone.

Botsis, John↗
NASA NTRS2006

Robust Joining and Integration of Advanced Ceramics and Composites: Challenges, Opportunities, and Realities

Advanced ceramics and fiber reinforced composites are under active consideration for use in a wide variety of high temperature applications within the aeronautics, space transportation, energy, and nuclear industries. The engineering designs of ceramic and composite components require fabrication and manufacturing of large and complex shaped parts of various thicknesses. In many instances, it is more economical to build up complex shapes by joining simple geometrical shapes. In addition, these components have to be joined or assembled with metallic sub-components. Thus, joining and attachment have been recognized as enabling technologies for successful utilization of ceramic components in various demanding applications. In this presentation, various challenges and opportunities in design, fabrication, and testing of high temperature joints in advanced ceramics and ceramic matrix composites will be presented. Silicon carbide based advanced ceramics and fiber reinforced composites in different shapes and sizes, have been joined using an affordable, robust ceramic joining technology. In addition, some examples of metal-ceramic brazing will also be presented. Microstructure and high temperature mechanical properties of joints in silicon carbide ceramics and composites will be reported. Various joint design philosophies and design issues in joining of ceramics and composites will be discussed.

Singh, Mrityunjay↗
NASA NTRS1992

Composite intermediate case manufacturing scale-up for advanced engines

This Manufacturing Technology for Propulsion Program developed a process to produce a composite intermediate case for advanced gas turbine engines. The method selected to manufacture this large, complex part uses hard tooling for surfaces in the airflow path and trapped rubber to force the composite against the mold. Subelements were manufactured and tested to verify the selected design, tools, and processes. The most significant subelement produced was a half-scale version of a composite intermediate case. The half-scale subelement maintained the geometry and key dimensions of the full-scale case, allowing relevant process development and structural verification testing to be performed on the subelement before manufacturing the first full-scale case.

Ecklund, Rowena H.↗
NASA NTRS2000

From Interstellar PAHs and Ices to the Origin of Life

Tremendous strides have been made in our understanding of interstellar material over the past twenty years thanks to significant, parallel developments in observational astronomy and laboratory astrophysics. Twenty years ago the composition of interstellar dust was largely guessed at, the concept of ices in dense molecular clouds ignored, and the notion of large, abundant, gas phase, carbon rich molecules widespread throughout the interstellar medium (ISM) considered impossible. Today the composition of dust in the diffuse ISM is reasonably well constrained to micron-sized cold refractory materials comprised of amorphous and crystalline silicates mixed with an amorphous carbonaceous material containing aromatic structural units and short, branched aliphatic chains. In dense molecular clouds, the birthplace of stars and planets, these cold dust particles are coated with mixed molecular ices whose composition is very well constrained. Lastly, the signature of carbon-rich polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), shockingly large molecules by earlier interstellar chemistry standards, is widespread throughout the Universe. The first part of this lecture will describe how infrared studies of interstellar space, combined with laboratory simulations, have revealed the composition of interstellar ices (the building blocks of comets) and the high abundance and nature of interstellar PAHs. The laboratory database has now enabled us to gain insight into the identities, concentrations, and physical state of many interstellar materials. Within a dense molecular cloud, and especially in the solar nebula during the star and planet formation stage, the materials frozen into interstellar/precometary ices are photoprocessed by ultraviolet light, producing more complex molecules. The remainder of the presentation will focus on the photochemical evolution of these materials and the possible role of these compounds on the early Earth. As these materials are thought to be the building blocks of comets and related to the carbonaceous components of micrometeorites, they are likely to have been important sources of complex organic materials on the early Earth and their composition may be related to the origin of life.

Allamandola, Louis J.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels, A Primer

Due to the extensive amount of detailed information that has been published on composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs), this document has been written to serve as a primer for those who desire an elementary knowledge of COPVs and the factors affecting composite safety. In this application, the word "composite" simply refers to a matrix of continuous fibers contained within a resin and wrapped over a pressure barrier to form a vessel for gas or liquid containment. COPVs are currently used at NASA to contain high pressure fluids in propulsion, science experiments, and life support applications. They have a significant weight advantage over all metal vessels but require unique design, manufacturing, and test requirements. COPVs also involve a much more complex mechanical understanding due to the interplay between the composite overwrap and the inner liner. A metallic liner is typically used in a COPV as a fluid permeation barrier. The liner design concepts and requirements have been borrowed from all-metal vessels. However, application of metallic vessel design standards to a very thin liner is not straightforward. Different failure modes exist for COPVs than for all-metal vessels, and understanding of these failure modes is at a much more rudimentary level than for metal vessels.

McLaughlan, Pat B.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Surface Segregation in Multicomponent Systems: Modeling of Surface Alloys and Alloy Surfaces

The study of surface segregation, although of great technological importance, has been largely restricted to experimental work due to limitations associated with theoretical methods. However, recent improvements in both first-particle and semi-empirical methods are opening, the doors to an array of new possibilities for surface scientists. We apply one of these techniques, the Bozzolo, Ferrante and Smith (BFS) method for alloys, which is particularly suitable for complex systems, to several aspects of the computational modeling of surfaces and segregation, including alloy surface segregation, structure and composition of alloy surfaces, and the formation of surface alloys. We conclude with the study of complex NiAl-based binary, ternary and quaternary thin films (with Ti, Cr and Cu additions to NiAl). Differences and similarities between bulk and surface compositions are discussed, illustrated by the results of Monte Carlo simulations. For some binary and ternary cases, the theoretical predictions are compared to experimental results, highlighting the accuracy and value of this developing theoretical tool.

Bozzolo, Guillermo↗
NASA NTRS1971

Hibonite, Ca2/Al, Ti/24O38, from the Leoville and Allende chondritic meteorites.

Hibonite was discovered in light-colored, Ca-Al-Ti-rich and Si-Fe-poor, achondritic inclusions of the Leoville and Allende HL-group chondrites. Two varieties of hibonite occur: one emits a bright red-orange luminescence under electron bombardment and has high amounts of Al2O3 (87.7; 87.9) and low amounts of MgO (0.65; 0.8) and TiO2 (0.68; 0.8). The other emits a bright blue luminescence and is low in Al2O3 (78.7; 79.2) and high in MgO (3.3; 3.7) and TiO2 (6.5; 7.9) (in wt. %). The oxide CaO is about the same in both varieties. It is suggested that the change in the color of the visible luminescence results from changes in composition. The origin of hibonite which occurs in complex mineral assemblages together with anorthite, gelhenite, wollastonite, aluminous diopside, andradite, Ca-pyroxene, perovskite, spinel, taenite, chromite, and pentlandite, and in close proximity to nodules containing calcite, whewellite, forsterite and many of the aforementioned phases, is discussed. The proposition that hibonite and associated phases originated by contact metamorphism and metasomatism of calcite-dolomite bearing assemblages cannot, at this time, be completely ruled out.

Keil, K.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Variations in ion composition at middle and low latitudes from Isis 2 satellite

The paper describes absolute ion concentration measurements with an ion mass spectrometer on the Isis 2 satellite and discusses features of the ion composition near a fixed altitude of 1400 km as they relate to longitudinal and latitudinal variations at low and middle latitudes. Two distinct classes of daytime ionospheric behavior are observed. The data obtained confirm the strong solar-geomagnetic seasonal control over the topside ion distribution. The new phenomena associated with the observed longitudinal dependence of the ion composition at 1400 km demonstrate the existence of complex physical processes which take place in this region of the ionosphere.

Breig, E. L.↗
NASA NTRS1977

A review of lighter-than-air progress in the United States and its technological significance

Lighter-than-air craft for transportation and communications systems are discussed, with attention given to tethered balloons used to provide stable platforms for airborne surveillance equipment, freight-carrying balloons, manned scientific research balloons such as Atmosat, high-altitude superpressure aerostats employed in satellite communications systems, airport feeder airships, and naval surveillance airships. In addition, technical problems associated with the development of advanced aerostats, including the aerodynamics of hybrid combinations of large rotor systems and aerostat hulls, the application of composites to balloon shells, computer analyses of the complex geometrical structures of aerostats and propulsion systems for airships, are considered.

Mayer, N. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Estimation of payload loads using rigid body interface accelerations

In the design/analysis process of a payload structural system, the accelerations at the payload/launch vehicle interface obtained from a system analysis using a rigid payload are often used as the input forcing function to the elastic payload to obtain structural design loads. Such an analysis is at best an approximation since the elastic coupling effects are neglected. This paper develops a method wherein the launch vehicle/rigid payload interface accelerations are modified to account for the payload elasticity. The advantage of the proposed method, which is exact to the extent that the physical system can be described by a truncated set of generalized coordinates, is that the complete design/analysis process can be performed within the organization responsible for the payload design. The method requires the updating of the system normal modes to account for payload changes, but does not require a complete transient solution using the composite system model. An application to a real complex structure, the Viking Spacecraft System, is given.

Chen, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Geology of the Uranian satellites

A geological analysis of six of the Uranus satellites observed in detail by Voyager 2 is presented. All of the satellites except the smallest, Puck, show evidence of cryovolcanic resurfacing: global on the largest four satellites, local in the spectacular coronae on Miranda. The cryovolcanic materials exhibit a range of albedos and morphologies, which are interpreted to reflect a variety of compositions and conditions of eruption at least as complex as those which occur on earth. Eruptions are predominantly large fissure flows that produce extensive flood deposits. Possible evidence of small circular vents and cryoclastic volcanic activity is seen on Miranda and Ariel. All of the satellites except Puck also have extensive sets of grabens and riftlike canyons that show remarkable similarity of pattern: intersection sets trending roughly NW-SW and NE-SW in the low latitudes grading into E-W trends near the poles. As a group, the Uranian satellites are somewhat more active geologically than similarly sized Saturnian satellites.

Croft, S. K.↗
NASA NTRS1994

The OFP-6M transport jet

This report presents a preliminary design of a commercial jet transport that meets the criteria of the Request For Proposal presented by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronauts (AIAA). The proposal requires an innovative design of a low cost domestic commercial transport that will reduce operating costs for airline companies while still meeting present and future requirements of the Federal Aviation Regulations for this type of aircraft. Specifications for the design include a mixed class, 153 passenger aircraft, traveling a range of 3000 nm. The intent of the project is to identify factors that reduce cost and to design within the limits of these constraints. The project includes techniques or options that incorporate new technologies but do not override practicality, alternative design approaches, and a comparison between the new design and current aircraft in its class. The OFP-6M is an alternative design approach to the conventional commercial transport jet and is geared towards customer satisfaction through efficiency and reliability. The goals of the OFP-6M transport design are to provide original, sensible, and practical solutions by combining essential preliminary design factors with growing technology. The design focus of the OFP-6M reduces costs by simplifying systems where significant weight or maintenance savings can be achieved, and by integrating advanced technology for improved performance. Key aspects of the OFP-6M design are efficient use of materials like composites, and efficient advanced ducted high bypass turbofan engines. The high bypass engines lower fuel consumption and aid in reducing costs and meeting future noise emission restrictions. Composites are used for most structural components, including flooring and wing box. Although composites are an emerging technology and presently, a high maintenance material, they can be cost effective and an alternative to aluminum structures when correct manufacturing and design strategies are applied. Since, composites are lighter and require less manufacturing of complex parts, they can significantly reduce structural weight. Because of the large 17 ft. diameter, sophisticated aerodynamic considerations were implemented to significantly lower the drag. Supercritical airfoils were chosen with simple control surface design which allows for less maintenance and manufacturing costs. The interior configuration accommodates either all passenger, dual and single class flights or complete cargo. Also, a relaxed conventional stability is integrated with a stability augmentation system. As a result of these design implementations, the OFP-6M bottom line direct operating costs, compare favorably with the Boeing 737 and 757, at 3.49 cents per available seat mile and costs are expected to reduce when improved manufacturing and maintenance methods are implemented.

Alexander, Kelly↗
NASA NTRS1992

Advanced wing design survivability testing and results

Composite wings on current operational aircraft are conservatively designed to account for stress/strain concentrations, and to assure specified damage tolerance. The technology that can lead to improved composite wing structures and associated structural efficiency is to increase design ultimate strain levels beyond their current limit of 3500 to 4000 micro-in/in to 6000 micro-in/in without sacrificing structural integrity, durability, damage tolerance, or survivability. Grumman, under the sponsorship of the Naval Air Development Center (NADC), has developed a high-strain composite wing design for a subsonic aircraft wing using novel and innovative design concepts and manufacturing methods, while maintaining a state-of-the-art fiber/resin system. The current advanced wing design effort addressed a tactical subsonic aircraft wing using previously developed, high-strain wing design concepts in conjunction with newer/emerging fiber and polymer matrix composite (PMC) materials to achieve the same goals, while reducing complexity. Two categories of advanced PMC materials were evaluated: toughened thermosets; and engineered thermoplastics. Advanced PMC materials offer the technological opportunity to take maximum advantage of improved material properties, physical characteristics, and tailorability to increase performance and survivability over current composite structure. Damage tolerance and survivability to various threats, in addition to structural integrity and durability, were key technical issues addressed during this study, and evaluated through test. This paper focuses on the live-fire testing, and the results performed to experimentally evaluate the survivability of the advanced wing design.

Bruno, J.↗
NASA NTRS1998

A Novel Ultrasonic Method for Characterizing Microstructural Gradients in Tubular Structures

Ultrasonic velocity and time-of-flight (TOF) imaging that uses back surface reflections to gage volumetric material quality is highly suited for quantitative characterization of microstructural gradients including those due to pore fraction, density, fiber fraction, and chemical composition variations. However, a weakness of conventional pulse echo ultrasonic velocity and TOF imaging is that the image shows the effects of thickness as well as microstructural variations, unless the part is uniformly thick. This limits this imaging method's usefulness in practical applications. Prior studies have described a pulse echo TOF based ultrasonic imaging method that requires using a single transducer in combination with a reflector plate placed behind samples which, eliminates the effect of thickness variation in the image. In those studies, this method was successful at isolating ultrasonic variations due to material in plate like samples of silicon nitride, metal matrix composite, and polymer matrix composite. In this study, the method is engineered for inspection of more complex shaped structures- those having (hollow) tubular or curved geometry. The experimental inspection technique and results are described as applied to a polymer matrix composite "proof of concept" tube that contains machined patches of various depths and an as manufactured monolithic silicon nitride ceramic tube that might be used in "real world" applications.

Roth, Don J.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Organic Chemistry of Meteorites

Studies of the molecular structures and C,N,H-isotopic compositions of organic matter in meteorites reveal a complex history beginning in the parent interstellar cloud which spawned the solar system. Incorporation of interstellar dust and gas in the protosolar nebula followed by further thermal and aqueous processing on primordial parent bodies of carbonaceous, meteorites have produced an inventory of diverse organic compounds including classes now utilized in biochemistry. This inventory represents one possible set of reactants for chemical models for the origin of living systems on the early Earth. Evidence bearing on the history of meteoritic organic matter from astronomical observations and laboratory investigations will be reviewed and future research directions discussed.

Chang, S.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Growing crops for space explorers on the moon, Mars, or in space

An option in the long-duration exploration of space, whether on the Moon or Mars or in a spacecraft on its way to Mars or the asteroids, is to utilize a bioregenerative life-support system in addition to the physicochemical systems that will always be necessary. Green plants can use the energy of light to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and add oxygen to it while at the same time synthesizing food for the space travelers. The water that crop plants transpire can be condensed in pure form, contributing to the water purification system. An added bonus is that green plants provide a familiar environment for humans far from their home planet. The down side is that such a bioregenerative life-support system--called a controlled environment life-support system (CELSS) in this paper--must be highly complex and relatively massive to maintain a proper composition of the atmosphere while also providing food. Thus, launch costs will be high. Except for resupply and removal of nonrecycleable substances, such a system is nearly closed with respect to matter but open with respect to energy. Although a CELSS facility is small compared to the Earth's biosphere, it must be large enough to feed humans and provide a suitable atmosphere for them. A functioning CELSS can only be created with the help of today's advanced technology, especially computerized controls. Needed are energy for light, possibly from a nuclear power plant, and equipment to provide a suitable environment for plant growth, including a way to supply plants with the necessary mineral nutrients. All this constitutes the biomass production unit. There must also be food preparation facilities and a means to recycle or dispose of waste materials and there must be control equipment to keep the facility running. Humans are part of the system as well as plants and possibly animals. Human brain power will often be needed to keep the system functional in spite of the best computer-driven controls. The particulars of a CELSS facility depend strongly on where it is to be located. The presence of gravity on the Moon and Mars simplifies the design for a facility on those bodies, but a spacecraft in microgravity is a much more challenging environment. One problem is that plants, which are very sensitive to gravity, might not grow and produce food in the virtual absence of gravity. However, the experience with growing super-dwarf wheat in the Russian space station Mir, while not entirely successful because of the sterile wheat heads, was highly encouraging. The plants grew well for 123 days, producing more biomass than had been produced in space before. This was due to the high photon flux available to the plants and the careful control of substrate moisture. The sterile heads were probably due to the failure to remove the gaseous plant hormone, ethylene, from the Mir atmosphere. Since ethylene can easily be removed, it should be possible to grow wheat and other crops in microgravity with the production of viable seeds. On the ground Biosphere-2 taught us several lessons about the design and construction of a CELSS facility, but Bios-3 came much closer to achieving the goals of such a facility. Although stability was never completely reached, Bios-3 was much more stable than Biosphere-2 apparently because every effort was made to keep the system simple and to use the best technology available to maintain control. Wastes were not recycled in Bios-3 except for urine, and inedible plant materials were incinerated to restore CO2 to the atmosphere. Since much meat (about 20% of calories) was imported, closure in the Bios-3 experiments was well below 100%. But then, a practical CELSS on the Moon might also depend on regular resupply from Earth. Several important lessons have been learned from the CELSS research described in this review.

Review↗
NASA NTRS2004

The Dynamics of the Atmospheric Radiation Environment at Aviation Altitudes

Single Event Effects vulnerability of on-board computers that regulate the: navigational, flight control, communication, and life support systems has become an issue in advanced modern aircraft, especially those that may be equipped with new technology devices in terabit memory banks (low voltage, nanometer feature size, gigabit integration). To address this concern, radiation spectrometers need to fly continually on a multitude of carriers over long periods of time so as to accumulate sufficient information that will broaden our understanding of the very dynamic and complex nature of the atmospheric radiation environment regarding: composition, spectral distribution, intensity, temporal variation, and spatial variation.

Stassinopoulos, Epaminondas G.↗