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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

Mechanical component screening for scanner

The critical mechanical components of the scan mirror mechanism are described and their evaluation and screening procedures are discussed. A bumper/damper unit is used in the design to reverse motion of the mirror and effect scan and retrace cycles. A wear evaluation was conducted on the bumper impact surfaces that established nylon 6-10 as an acceptable material. The elastomeric dampers were subjected to thermal vacuum tests for condensables and outgassing as well as parametric life tests. The flexure pivots that support the mirror were tested to establish a curve of stress plotted as a function of cycles to failure for rotational operation. The pivots met the life requirement of 150,000,000 cycles at a + or - 2.9 deg amplitude during fatigue testing. Screening procedures were established for dampers and flexure pivots to obtain flight quality components.

Olson, J. L.↗

Thick silicon growth techniques

Hall mobility measurements on a number of single crystal silicon ribbons grown from graphite dies have shown some ribbons to have mobilities consistent with their resistivities. The behavior of other ribbons appears to be explained by the introduction of impurities of the opposite sign. Growth of a small single crystal silicon ribbon has been achieved from a beryllia dia. Residual internal stresses of the order of 7 to 18,000 psi have been determined to exist in some silicon ribbon, particularly those grown at rates in excess of 1 in./min. Growth experiments have continued toward definition of a configuration and parameters to provide a reasonable yield of single crystal ribbons. High vacuum outgassing of graphite dies and evacuation and backfilling of growth chambers have provided significant improvements in surface quality of ribbons grown from graphite dies.

Bates, H. E.↗

Determination of molecular contamination performance for space chamber tests

The limitations of chamber tests with regard to the molecular contamination of a spacecraft undergoing vacuum test were examined. The molecular flow conditions existing in the chamber and the parameters dictating the degree of contamination were analyzed. Equations and graphs were developed to show the fraction of molecules returning to the spacecraft out of those emitted and to show other chamber flow parameters as a function of chamber and spacecraft surface molecular pumping and geometric configuration. Type and location of instruments required to measure the outgassing, the degree of contamination, and the returning flows are also discussed.

Scialdone, J. J.↗

Lightweight evacuated multilayer insulation systems for the space shuttle vehicle

The elements in the evacuated multilayer insulation system were investigated, and the major weight contributors for optimization selected. Outgassing tests were conducted on candidate vacuum jacket materials and experiments were conducted to determine the vacuum and structural integrity of selected vacuum jacket configurations. A nondestructive proof test method, applicable to externally pressurized shells, was validated on this program.

Barclay, D. L.↗

Quartz crystal microbalance contamination monitors on Skylab: A quick look analysis

Six quartz crystal microbalance contamination monitors were flown on Skylab to monitor the deposition of material from spacecraft outgassing and from the rendezvous and docking maneuvers of the Command/Service Module. This report contains a quick-look analysis of the data from these units during the unmanned and manned portions of SL2.

Naumann, R.↗

Control of contaminants on sensors. Report 1: Interdirectorate working group on earth observation sensors

Examples of contamination of sensors from various sources during space missions are presented. Design precautions to provide access to optical surfaces and venting of outgassing products are recommended as methods for coping with contamination. The effects of the sensor materials on sensor contamination are analyzed. Actions to be taken during transportation, storage, and testing of sensors to avoid contamination are discussed.

Hovis, W.↗

Design principles for contamination abatement in scientific satellites.

It is shown that deposition of contamination films on satellite optics can be controlled by the following means: isolating critical optical surfaces from the rest of the spacecraft; avoiding or minimizing the use of nonmetallic material, particularly near or in line of sight of optical surfaces; avoiding materials with high vapor pressures; subjecting materials to vacuum baking prior to use, to drive off the volatile outgassing products; keeping the critical surfaces at temperatures above the ambient; avoiding elevated operational temperatures for nonmetallic materials; paying special attention to optics exposed to intense UV-, X-ray, or particular radiation; avoiding water-vapor sources; and directing RCS plumes away from critical surfaces. Methods of controlling particulate contaminants are also proposed.

Naumann, R. J.↗

A first look at atmospheric dynamics and temperature variations on Titan.

Pollack (1973) has used a radiative equilibrium model to match radiometric data for Titan and infers the atmospheric mass, composition, opacity, and gross vertical thermal structure. These results are used to estimate the atmospheric temperature variations by means of scaling analysis, taking into account dynamics both for a baroclinic wave regime and for an axially symmetric circulation regime. Horizontal temperature variations of the atmosphere and surface are found to be very small, and the circulation is found to be weak and probably axially symmetric. The small temperature variations appear to preclude the storage of volatiles in polar caps, so that the present atmospheric methane content may be due to a balance between outgassing and photodissociation.

Leovy, C. B.↗

Formulation procedures, rationale, and preliminary IMP-H flight data for silicone paints with improved stability

Results are given of a class of silicone paints undergoing space qualification on IMP-H. In addition to ultraviolet irradiation, samples are presently reclining about 10 to the 16th power solar wind protons per year. Preliminary data, covering the time span of the first anniversary, give incremental solar absorptances of 0.03 for two white paints, and 0.01 for leafing aluminum and a green tinted white paint. Complementing these data are complete descriptions of techniques used in making these paints, stabilizing the zinc oxide pigment, and choosing a solvent. Outgassing characteristics of finished coatings are also included. An attempt toward unification of these various aspects of the aerospace paint problem is provided through documented photochemical reactions, and a generalized band representation of the problem and its solutions.

Schutt, J. B.↗

The effects of particle size on the optical properties and surface roughness of a glass-balloon-filled black paint

The effects of particle size on the optical properties and surface roughness of a glass-balloon-filled, carbon-pigmented paint were studied in order to develop a diffuse-reflecting, low-total-reflectance, low-outgassing black paint. Particle sizes ranged between 20 microns and 74 microns. Surface roughness was found to increase with increasing particle size. Relative total reflectance at near-normal incidence (MgO standard) of the filled paints was less than for the unfilled paint between 230 nm and 1800 nm. Total absolute reflectance at 546 nm decreased with increasing particle size at grazing angles of incidence. Near-normal, total emittance was greater for the filled paints than for the unfilled paint. Specularity decreased with increasing particle size over the range studied.

Heslin, T.↗

MSFC Skylab contamination control systems mission evaluation

Cluster external contamination control evaluation was made throughout the Skylab Mission. This evaluation indicated that contamination control measures instigated during the design, development, and operational phases of this program were adequate to reduce the general contamination environment external to the Cluster below the threshold senstivity levels for experiments and affected subsystems. Launch and orbit contamination control features included eliminating certain vents, rerouting vents for minimum contamination impact, establishing filters, incorporating materials with minimum outgassing characteristics and developing operational constraints and mission rules to minimize contamination effects. Prior to the launch of Skylab, contamination control math models were developed which were used to predict Cluster surface deposition and background brightness levels throughout the mission. The report summarizes the Skylab system and experiment contamination control evaluation. The Cluster systems and experiments evaluated include Induced Atmosphere, Corollary and ATM Experiments, Thermal Control Surfaces, Solar Array Systems, Windows and Star Tracker.

Source record↗

Development of sputtered techniques for thrust chambers, task 1

Filler materials proposed for use in the sputter fabrication regeneratively cooled thrust chambers were evaluated. Low melting castable alloys, CERROBEND. CERROCAST, and CERROTRU, slurry applied SERMETEL 481 and flame-sprayed aluminum were investigated as filler materials. Sputter deposition from a cylindrical cathode inverted magnestron was used to apply an OFHC copper closeout layer to filled OFHC copper ribbed-wall cylindrical substrates. The sputtered closeout layer structure was evaluated with respect to filler material contamination, predeposition machining and finishing operations, and deposition parameters. The application of aluminum by flame-spraying resulted in excessiver filler porosity. Though the outgassing from this porosity was found to be detrimental to the closeout layer structure, bond strengths in excess of 10,500 psi were achieved. Removal of the aluminum from the grooves was readily accomplished by leaching in a 7.0 molar solution of sodium hydroxide at 353 K. Of the other filler materials evaluated, CERROTRU was found to be the most suitable material with respect to completely filling the ribbed-wall cylinders and vacuum system compatibility. However, bond contamination resulted in low closeout layer bond strength with the CERROTRU filler. CERROBEND, CERROCAST, and SERMETEL 481 were found to be unacceptable as filler materials.

Mullaly, J. R.↗

Adhesives and the ATS satellite

Adhesives in the ATS satellite allow the designers to save weight, simplify design and fabrication and provide thermal and electrical conductivity or resistivity as required. The selections of adhesives are restricted to those few which can pass rigorous outgassing tests in order to avoid contaminating lenses and thermal control surfaces in space. An epoxy adhesive is used to construct the honeycomb panels which constitute most of the satellite's structure. General purpose epoxy adhesives hold doublers and standoffs in place and bond the truss to its fittings. Specialized adhesives include a high temperature resistant polyamide, a flexible polyurethane and filled epoxies which conduct heat or electricity.

Hancock, F. E.↗

Ephemeris data and error analysis in support of a Comet Encke intercept mission

Utilizing an orbit determination based upon 65 observations over the 1961 - 1973 interval, ephemeris data were generated for the 1976-77, 1980-81 and 1983-84 apparitions of short period comet Encke. For the 1980-81 apparition, results from a statistical error analysis are outlined. All ephemeris and error analysis computations include the effects of planetary perturbations as well as the nongravitational accelerations introduced by the outgassing cometary nucleus. In 1980, excellent observing conditions and a close approach of comet Encke to the earth permit relatively small uncertainties in the cometary position errors and provide an excellent opportunity for a close flyby of a physically interesting comet.

Yeomans, D. K.↗

Evaluation of electrically insulative adhesives for use in hybrid microcircuit fabrication

The initial results of a study directed to the task of selecting suitable evaluation tests which can form the basis for guidelines for electrically insulated adhesives are given. The properties of adhesives considered to be of major importance for the proposed application are enumerated, with brief comments. Specific tests to determine the chemical and electrolytic corrosivity of adhesives to commonly used metallization systems, their long-term outgassing after cure, and their bond strengths under a variety of conditions are defined and discussed in detail.

Licari, J. J.↗

Irradiation history and accretionary processes in lunar and meteoritic breccias

Particle track studies reveal an abundant record of fossil solar flare tracks in breccia components. Metamorphic events govern the degree to which this record is preserved, and studies of phases with different track retentivities allow limits to be placed on temperatures reached during a rock's history. The least affected breccias have never experienced temperatures as great as 300 C. Two breccias which contain xenon from spontaneous fission of Pu-244 (14301 and 14318) and Xe-129 (14301 only) have never been heated above about 700 C. This and evidence for a surface irradiation of some of the breccia components support a surface implantation model for the origin of the xenon in these breccias. Green glass spheres in 15086 have not been heated above about 300 C during or after breccia formation yet have retained fission tracks for less than 0.7 G.y. Argon ages of about 3.5 G.y. for similar green glass are at least five times as great and may indicate that the glass was not completely outgassed at is formation.

Macdougall, D.↗

Internal friction of rocks and volatiles on the moon

Internal friction quality factors Q up to 2200 have been observed in a strongly outgassed terrestrial analog of lunar basalt. This was accomplished by successively cycling a bar shaped sample vibrating in its fundamental longitudinal mode at 15 kHz to higher and higher temperatures in a vacuum between 100 and 10 nanotorr. After each cycle, Q measured at room temperature in the vacuum was observed to decrease with time suggesting that gas reabsorption was taking place even at these low pressures. A study of the effect of exposing a sample to a variety of gases and vapors showed that of the volatiles most likely to be present in the lunar environment H2O was by far the most effective in lowering Q.

Tittmann, B. R.↗

The atmospheres of Titan and the Galilean satellites

The stability of various atmospheres on Titan and the Galilean satellites is examined relative to escape. One method consists of the comparison of exospheric temperature and a blow-off temperature defined for the various constituents. Another method consists of the evaluation of outflow based on a polytropic model. Hydrogen, methane, nitrogen, and neon atmospheres are examined. It is found that the Jovian satellites require heavier gases if they are to have any but very tenuous atmospheres, since all constituents examined are unstable. Nitrogen is stable on Titan, but methane and neon are marginally stable. Hydrogen is extremely unstable as a major constituent. As a minor constituent it is rapidly lost from Titan's thermosphere and must be replenished by outgassing or dissociation of a hydrogen compound, if the presently observed hydrogen content on Titan is not a transient occurrence. The rate of loss may be limited by diffusion, but could be augmented by vertical convection.

Gross, S. H.↗