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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 433 records · Page 24

Ventilation loss and pressurization in the NASA launch/entry suit: Potential for heat stress

The potential of the NASA Launch/Entry Suit (LES) for producing heat stress in a simulated Space Shuttle cabin environment was studied. The testing was designed to identify potential heat stress hazards if the LES were pressurized or if ventilation were lost. Conditions were designed to simulate an extreme pre-launch situation with chamber temperatures maintained at dry bulb temperature = 27.2 +/- 0.1 C, globe temperature = 27.3 +/- 0.1 C, and wet bulb temperature = 21.1 +/- 0.3 C. Two females and two males, 23 to 34 years of age, were employed in this study, with two subjects having exposures in all 3 conditions. Test durations in the ventilated (V) and unventilated (UV) conditions were designed for 480 minutes, which all subjects achieved. Pressurized runs (Pr) were designed for 45 minutes, which all subjects also achieved. While some significant differences related to experimental conditions were noted in rectal and mean skin temperatures, evaporation rates, sweat rates, and heart rate, these differences were not thought to be physiologically significant. The results indicate that the LES garment, in either the Pr or UV state, poses no danger of inducing unacceptable heat stress under the conditions expected within the Space Shuttle cabin during launch or reentry.

Kaufman, Jonathan W.↗

Thin and thick-skinned deformation in the Tharsis Region of Mars

The ridge system of the Tharsis Plateau is a dominant structural form equaled only by the radial fracture system. The structural interpretation of the ridges are: (1) folds formed by regional or local compressional stress; (2) the surface manifestation of reverse or thrust faults; or (3) folds with thrust faulting developing as a result of fold geometry. It has been suggested that the compressional events that generated the ridges occurred after the emplacement of the ridged plains volcanic units, but before the episode of faulting that generated the majority of the observed ridge-fault crosscutting relationships on the ridged plains and that it did not continue beyond the emplacement of the Syria Planum Formation or the basal units of the Tharsis Montes Formation. Models for the origin of the regional stresses involving a combination of isostatic uplift and flexural loading were proposed.

Watters, Thomas R.↗

Non-linear k-epsilon-v(sup 2)(bar) modeling with application to high-lift

The k-epsilon-v(sup 2)(bar) model has been investigated to quantify its predictive performance on two high-lift configurations: 2D flow over a single-element aerofoil, involving closed-type separation; 3D flow over a prolate spheroid, involving open-type separation. A 'code-friendly' modification has been proposed which enhances the numerical stability, in particular, for explicit and uncoupled flow solvers. As a result of introducing Reynolds-number dependence into a coefficient of the s-equation, the skin-friction distribution for the by-pass transitional flow over a flat plate is better predicted. In order to improve deficiencies arising from the Boussinesq approximation, a nonlinear stress-strain constitutive relation was adopted, in which the only one free constant is calibrated on the basis of DNS data, and the Reynolds-stress anisotropy near the wall is fairly well represented.

Lien, F. S.↗

Testing and Analysis of Composite Skin/Stringer Debonding Under Multi-Axial Loading

Damage mechanisms in composite bonded skin/stringer constructions under uniaxial and biaxial (in-plane/out- of-plane) loading conditions were examined. Specimens consisted of a tapered composite flange bonded onto a composite skin. Tests were performed under monotonic loading conditions in tension, three-point bending, and combined tension/bending . For combined tension/bending testing, a unique servohydraulic load frame was used that was capable of applying both in-plane tension and out-of-plane bending loads simultaneously. Specimen edges were examined on the microscope to document the damage occurrence and to identify typical damage patterns. The observations showed that, for all three load cases, failure initiated in the flange, near the flange tip, causing the flange to almost fully debond from the skin. A two-dimensional plane-strain finite element model was developed to analyze the different test cases using a geometrically nonlinear solution. For all three loading conditions, principal stresses exceeded the transverse strength of the material in the flange area. Additionally, delaminations of various lengths were simulated in two locations where delaminations were observed. The analyses showed that unstable delamination propagation is likely to occur in one location at the loads corresponding to matrix ply crack initiation for all three load cases.

Krueger, Ronald↗

Fatigue Life Methodology for Bonded Composite Skin/Stringer Configurations

A methodology is presented for determining the fatigue life of composite structures based on fatigue characterization data and geometric nonlinear finite element (FE) analyses. To demonstrate the approach, predicted results were compared to fatigue tests performed on specimens which represented a tapered composite flange bonded onto a composite skin. In a first step, tension tests were performed to evaluate the debonding mechanisms between the flange and the skin. In a second step, a 2D FE model was developed to analyze the tests. To predict matrix cracking onset, the relationship between the tension load and the maximum principal stresses transverse to the fiber direction was determined through FE analysis. Transverse tension fatigue life data were used to -enerate an onset fatigue life P-N curve for matrix cracking. The resulting prediction was in good agreement with data from the fatigue tests. In a third step, a fracture mechanics approach based on FE analysis was used to determine the relationship between the tension load and the critical energy release rate. Mixed mode energy release rate fatigue life data were used to create a fatigue life onset G-N curve for delamination. The resulting prediction was in good agreement with data from the fatigue tests. Further, the prediction curve for cumulative life to failure was generated from the previous onset fatigue life curves. The results showed that the methodology offers a significant potential to Predict cumulative fatigue life of composite structures.

Krueger, Ronald↗

Debonding in Composite Skin/Stringer Configurations Under Multi-Axial Loading

The objective of this work was to investigate the damage mechanisms in composite bonded skin/stringer constructions under uniaxial and biaxial (in-plane/out-of-plane) loading conditions as typically experienced by aircraft crown fuselage panels. The specimens for all tests were identical and consisted of a tapered composite flange, representing a stringer or frame, bonded onto a composite skin. Tests were performed under monotonic loading conditions in tension, three-point bending, and combined tension/bending to evaluate the debonding mechanisms between the skin and the bonded stringer. For combined tension/bending testing, a unique servohydraulic load frame was used that was capable of applying both loads simultaneously. Microscopic investigations of the specimen edges were used to document the damage occurrence and to identify typical damage patterns. The observations showed that, for all three load cases, failure initiated in the flange near the flange tip causing the flange to almost fully debond from the skin. A two-dimensional plain-strain finite element model was developed to analyze the different test cases using a geometrically nonlinear solution. For all three loading conditions, principal stresses exceeded the transverse strength of the material in the flange area. Additionally, delaminations of various lengths were simulated in the locations where delaminations were experimentally observed. The analyses showed that unstable delamination propagation is likely to occur at the loads corresponding to matrix ply crack initiation for all three loadings.

Cvitkovich, Michael K.↗

Integrally rigidized acoustic interior spacecraft panel

A sandwich panel concept is described which utilizes a monolithic I-beam design as the core. The core and skins are integrally bonded with thermosetting resin into a homogeneous structure. In addition to possessing a high strength to weight ratio, the panel resists combustion, delamination, aging due to fatigue, localized stresses, and exhibits good acoustic properties. Since the panel concept has definite potential as a high flame retardant and low smoke emission panel with excellent structural integrity, aerospace materials were used to optimize the construction for highly demanding space shuttle applications. The specific materials of construction were chosen for low flammability and off-gassing properties as well as for strength, light weight, and sound dampening.

Source record↗

From Space to the Patient: A New Cytokine Release Assay to Monitor the Immune Status of HIV Infected Patients and Sepsis Patients

Monitoring of humans either in the healthy men under extreme environmental stress like space flight, in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients or in sepsis is of critical importance with regard to the timing of adequate therapeutic (counter-)measures. The in vivo skin delayed-type hypersensitivity test (DTH) served for many years as a tool to evaluate cell mediated immunity. However, this standardised in vivo test was removed from the market in 2002 due to the risk of antigen stabilization. To the best of our knowledge an alternative test as monitoring tool to determine cell mediated immunity is not available so far. For this purpose we tested a new alternative assay using elements of the skin DTH which is based on an ex vivo cytokine release from whole blood and asked if it is suitable and applicable to monitor immune changes in HIV infected patients and in patients with septic shock.

Kaufmann, I.↗

Identifying Boundary-Layer Transitions on Aircraft Skin

Sublimating chemicals offer accurate, low-cost way of indicating laminarto-turbulent flow transisions on surfaces of aircraft. Aerodynamic surfaces coated with thin film of such volatile chemical solids as naphthalene, diphenyl, acenaphthene, or fluorene. Film sublimes rapidly because of high local shear stress and heat transfer in boundary layer. Coating appears white in regions where chemical remained on surface indicating laminar flow; regions where chemical disappeared indicate turbulent flow.

Holmes, B. J.↗

Development of In-Fiber Reflective Bragg Gratings as Shear Stress Monitors in Aerodynamic Facilities

Bragg gratings centered at nominal wavelengths of 1290 nm and 1300 run were inscribed in a 9/125 microns germano-silicate optical fiber, using continuous wave frequency doubled Ar+ laser radiation at 244 nm. Such gratings have been used extensively as temperature and strain monitors in smart structures. They have, however, never been used for measuring aerodynamic shear stresses. As a test of their sensitivity as shear stress monitors, a Bragg fiber attached to a metal plate was subjected to laminar flows in a glass pipe. An easily measurable large flow-induced wavelength shift (Delta Lambda(sub B)) was observed in the Bragg reflected wavelength. Thereafter, the grating was calibrated by making one time, simultaneous measurements of Delta Lambda(sub B) and the coefficient of skin friction (C(sub f)) with a skin friction balance, as a function of flow rates in a subsonic wind tunnel. Onset of fan-induced transition in the tunnel flow provided a unique flow rate for correlating Delta Lambda(sub B) and (C(sub f) values needed for computing effective modulus of rigidity (N(sub eff)) of the fiber attached to the metal plate. This value Of N(sub eff) is expected to remain constant throughout the elastic stress range expected during the Bragg grating aerodynamic tests. It has been used for calculating the value of Cf at various tunnel speeds, on the basis of measured values of Bragg wavelength shifts at those speeds.

Parmar, Devendra S.↗

Stress Analysis of Beams with Shear Deformation of the Flanges

This report discusses the fundamental action of shear deformation of the flanges on the basis of simplifying assumptions. The theory is developed to the point of giving analytical solutions for simple cases of beams and of skin-stringer panels under axial load. Strain-gage tests on a tension panel and on a beam corresponding to these simple cases are described and the results are compared with analytical results. For wing beams, an approximate method of applying the theory is given. As an alternative, the construction of a mechanical analyzer is advocated.

Kuhn, Paul↗

Age, splanchnic vasoconstriction, and heat stress during tilting

During upright tilting, blood is translocated to the dependent veins of the legs and compensatory circulatory adjustments are necessary to maintain arterial pressure. For examination of the effect of age on these responses, seven young (23 +/- 1 yr) and seven older (70 +/- 3 yr) men were head-up tilted to 60 degrees in a thermoneutral condition and during passive heating with water-perfused suits. Measurements included heart rate (HR), cardiac output (Qc; acetylene rebreathing technique), central venous pressure (CVP), blood pressures, forearm blood flow (venous occlusion plethysmography), splanchnic and renal blood flows (indocyanine green and p-aminohippurate clearance), and esophageal and mean skin temperatures. In response to tilting in the thermoneutral condition, CVP and stroke volume decreased to a greater extent in the young men, but HR increased more, such that the fall in Qc was similar between the two groups in the upright posture. The rise in splanchnic vascular resistance (SVR) was greater in the older men, but the young men increased forearm vascular resistance (FVR) to a greater extent than the older men. The fall in Qc during combined heat stress and tilting was greater in the young compared with older men. Only four of the young men versus six of the older men were able to finish the second tilt without becoming presyncopal. In summary, the older men relied on a greater increase in SVR to compensate for a reduced ability to constrict the skin and muscle circulations (as determined by changes in FVR) during head-up tilting.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

Non-classical adhesive-bonded joints in practical aerospace construction

Solutions are derived for adhesive-bonded joints of non-classical geometries. Particular attention is given to bonded doublers and to selective reinforcement by unidirectional composites. Non-dimensionalized charts are presented for the efficiency limit imposed on the skin as the result of the eccentricity in the load path through the doubler. It is desirable to employ a relativly large doubler to minimize the effective eccentricity in the load path. The transfer stresses associated with selective reinforcement of metal structures by advanced composites are analyzed. Reinforcement of bolt holes in composites by bonded metal doublers is covered quantitatively. Also included is the adhesive joint analysis for shear flow in a multi-cell torque box, in which the bond on one angle becomes more critical sooner than those on the others, thereby restricting the strength to less than the total of each maximum strength when acting alone. Adhesive plasticity and adherend stiffness and thermal imbalances are included. A simple analysis/design technique of solution in terms of upper and lower bounds on an all-plastic adhesive analysis is introduced.

Hart-Smith, L. J.↗

Determination of the bending and buckling effect in the stress analysis of shell structures accessible from one side only

The present report describes a device for ascertaining the bending and buckling effect in stress measurements on shell structures accessible from one side only. Beginning with a discussion of the relationship between flexural strain and certain parameters, the respective errors of the test method for great or variable skin curvature within the test range are analyzed and illustrated by specimen example.

Dose, A↗

Compression strength of composite primary structural components

Two projects are summarized in this report. The first project is entitled 'Stiffener Crippling Initiated by Delamination', and the second is entitled 'Pressure Pillowing of an Orthogonally Stiffened Cylindrical Shell.' The objective of the first project is to develop a computational model of the stiffener specimens that includes the capability to predict the interlaminar stress response at the flange free edge in postbuckling. The objectives of the second project are to analyze the concentration of interacting loads at the stiffener intersection and to study the pillowing of the skin.

Johnson, Eric R.↗

An Assessment of a Titanium Alloy for Supersonic Transport Operations

An assessment is given of the materials problems and implications regarding the use of Ti-8Al-1Mo-IV alloy sheet for the skin of a supersonic transport. Although the assessment of this alloy in the duplex annealed condition is generally favorable, several questions remain unanswered and new ones continue to arise. The seriousness of the salt stress corrosion problem at 500 F and above under flight conditions cannot be predicted on the basis of current laboratory corrosion tests. A new potential stress corrosion problem at ambient temperatures in the presence of cracks and salt water requires investigation. The ability to withstand a 30,000-hour exposure at 550 F without undue degradation of the material or welds will remain doubtful until more long-time data are available. The substitution of a more corrosion-resistant and stable titanium alloy in the tension critical areas of the structure may prove advisable.

Heimerl, George J.↗

Retaining Device for the Interior Structure of a Spacecraft Payload

A device denoted as a bumper assembly for a spacecraft payload container comprises an interior structure surrounded by skin or some other protective enclosure (see figure). When arranged with three or more like assemblies, this bumper assembly is designed to secure the interior structure within a payload s protective enclosure during the stresses endured in flight and, if required, recovery of the payload. Furthermore, proper use of this innovation facilitates the ability of designers and engineers to maximize the total placement area for components, thus increasing utilization of very valuable and limited space.

Fleming. Orville N., Jr.↗

Rashes and Exanthems on Long Duration Space Flights

INTRODUCTION: As NASA expands its human space exploration to the Moon, Mars and beyond, it will be presented with many challenges, not the least of which will be dealing with medical conditions, which on earth are simple, but take on new levels of complexity in space habitats. Skin conditions exemplify this complexity. METHODS AND RESULTS: While skin conditions account for 7 % of outpatient presentations to a primary care provider in the United States, NASA Longitudinal Study of Astronaut Health (LSAH) database indicates that cutaneous manifestations are significantly prevalent on-orbit. Reviewing this data for US astronauts, there have been 90 total cases of skin rashes during 27.34 person-years of spaceflight, or 3.29 cases/person. Specifically, STS-1 though 114 had 56 cases, ISS Expeditions 1 though 13 had 7 cases, Mir had 4 cases, Skylab had 5 cases and the Apollo program had 18 cases. If there was a period of 24 hours or more between rashes in the same crewmember, this was counted as an additional case. DISCUSSION: This prevalence is likely due, in some part, to constraints of hygiene and to immunologic changes that occur. The stresses of microgravity and austere Earth environments such as the Antarctic, submarine and military deployments, no doubt, similarly contribute to cutaneous reactions; but the difference of the environments are significant enough to warrant further study and discussion. This paper will discuss rashes, exanthems, and cutaneous reactions in space habitats; it will address diagnosis, causation, mitigation and treatment of skin conditions seen on orbit, to date, with a look to anticipating what may be seen with larger crews on future extended duration expeditions.

Ilscus, L.S.↗