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At least 55 records · Page 3

A computer-controlled apparatus for Seebeck inhomogeneity testing of sheathed thermocouples

Mineral-insulated metal-sheathed (MIMS) thermocouple assemblies are used throughout industry and research facilities as a method of temperature measurement where requirements for either harsh environmental conditions exist, or where rigidity of the measurement probe is required. Seebeck inhomogeneity is the abnormal variation of the Seebeck coefficient from point to point in a material. It is not disclosed in conventional calibration. A standardized method of measuring thermoelectric inhomogeneity along the thermocouple probe length is not available. Therefore, calibration for sheathed probes normally does not include testing of probe inhomogeneity. The measurement accuracy would be severely impacted if significant inhomogeneity and a temperature gradient were present in the same region of the probe. A computer-controlled system for determining inhomogeneities was designed, fabricated, and tested. This system provides an accurate method for the identification of the location of inhomogeneity along the length of a sheathed thermocouple and for the quantification of the inhomogeneity. This paper will discuss the apparatus and procedure used to perform these tests and will present data showing tests performed on sheathed thermocouple probes.

Burkett, Cecil G., Jr.

Prediction of the acoustic impedance of duct liners

Recent research which contributes to the prediction of the acoustic impedance of duct liners is reviewed. This review includes the linear and nonlinear properties of sheet and bulk type materials and methods for the measurement of these properties. It also includes the effect of grazing flow on the acoustic properties of materials. Methods for predicting the properties of single or multilayered, point reacting or extended reaction, and flat or curved liners are discussed. Based on this review, methods for predicting the properties of the duct liners which are typically used in aircraft engines are recommended. Some areas of needed research are discussed briefly.

Zorumski, W. E.

X-Ray Diffraction Wafer Mapping Method for Rhombohedral Super-Hetero-Epitaxy

A new X-ray diffraction (XRD) method is provided to acquire XY mapping of the distribution of single crystals, poly-crystals, and twin defects across an entire wafer of rhombohedral super-hetero-epitaxial semiconductor material. In one embodiment, the method is performed with a point or line X-ray source with an X-ray incidence angle approximating a normal angle close to 90 deg, and in which the beam mask is preferably replaced with a crossed slit. While the wafer moves in the X and Y direction, a narrowly defined X-ray source illuminates the sample and the diffracted X-ray beam is monitored by the detector at a predefined angle. Preferably, the untilted, asymmetric scans are of {440} peaks, for twin defect characterization.

Park, Yoonjoon

Demonstration of an AI-driven workflow for dynamic x-ray spectroscopy

X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy is a powerful technique for characterizing the chemical state and symmetry of individual elements within materials, but requires collecting data at many energy points which can be time-consuming. While adaptive sampling methods exist for efficiently collecting spectroscopic data, they often lack domain-specific knowledge about the structure of XANES spectra. Here we demonstrate a knowledge-injected Bayesian optimization approach for adaptive XANES data collection that incorporates understanding of spectral features like absorption edges and pre-edge peaks. We show this method accurately reconstructs the absorption edge of XANES spectra using only 15–20% of the measurement points typically needed for conventional sampling, while maintaining the ability to determine the x-ray energy of the sharp peak after the absorption edge with errors less than 0.03 eV, the absorption edge with errors less than 0.1 eV; and overall root-mean-square errors less than 0.005 compared to traditionally sampled spectra. Our experiments on battery materials and catalysts demonstrate the method’s effectiveness for both static and dynamic XANES measurements, improving data collection efficiency and enabling better time resolution for tracking chemical changes. This approach advances the degree of automation in XANES experiments, reducing the common errors of under- or over-sampling points near the absorption edge and enabling dynamic experiments that require high temporal resolution or limited measurement time.

Bayesian optimization

Evaluation of methods and improvement of predictions for specification properties of petroleum-based and alternative aviation fuels

To support our research and process modeling for liquid fuels, including blends, from petroleum and synthetic sources such as from biomass intermediates, we evaluated composition-based prediction methods and improved predictions for five key specification properties of petroleum-based and alternative aviation fuels, namely distillation temperatures (10 % distilled, t 10 , and final boiling point, t FBP ), density, flash point, net heat of combustion, and freezing point. The types of fuels included were petroleum-based jet fuels, jet-fuel surrogate mixtures, synthetic blending components obtained from different sources, and blends of Jet A with many synthetic blending components. Expanded datasets to update associated parameters allowed significant improvements for one of the prediction methods used in earlier work, namely the Modified Weighted Average method published initially by Shi et al. By considering the importance of lighter compounds for flash points and heavier compounds for freezing points, the revised Modified Weighted Average method was further improved. For liquid density, the revised Modified Weighted Average method gave the best overall results. The revised Modified Weighted Average method, the American Society for Testing and Materials D7215 method, and the D7215 method modified by another group gave comparable results for flash point, while the revised Modified Weighted Average and D3338 methods gave the best results for net heat of combustion. Freezing point was well predicted using the revised Modified Weighted Average method and showed the most significant improvements over current predictions. Distillation temperature t 10 was not well predicted, while t FBP was predicted with a mean absolute error comparable to experimental reproducibility.

09 BIOMASS FUELS

New insulation attachment method eliminates compatibility bondline stresses

Auger-shaped single-point fastener attaches rigid surface insulation tiles to orbiter shuttle spacecraft. Method can be used to bond wide variety of materials, including insulation, elastomers, and fibrous materials. Since insulation is attached at only one point, insulation and structure are free to form without inducing bond separation.

Schneider, W. C.

Manufacturing unique glasses in space

An air suspension melting technique is described for making glasses from substances which to date have been observed only in the crystalline condition. A laminar flow vertical wind tunnel was constructed for suspending oxide melts that were melted using the energy from a carbon dioxide laser beam. By this method it is possible to melt many high-melting-point materials without interaction between the melt and crucible material. In addition, space melting permits cooling to suppress crystal growth. If a sufficient amount of under cooling is accompanied by a sufficient increase in viscosity, crystallization will be avoided entirely and glass will result.

Happe, R. P.

Determination of principal stress in birefringent composites by hole-drilling method

The application of transmission photoelasticity to stress analysis of composite materials is discussed.The method consists in drilling very small holes at points where the state of stress has to be determined. Experiments are described which verify the theoretical predicitons. The limitations of the method are discussed and it is concluded that valuable information concerning the state of stress in a composite model can be obtained through the suggested method.

Prabhakaran, R.

Cylindrical Optic Polishing Dwell Time Optimization

The Constellation-X x-ray telescope consists of replicated grazing incidence optics. The polishing of the "master' mandrel is accomplished by moving a polishing tool along a helical path on the surface of this almost cylindrical surface. The measurement of the surface is, however, performed along "axial" scan lines which intercept this helical path. This approach to polishing and measuring permits a relatively simple scheme to be implemented for the determination of the optimal dwell times of the polishing tool. These optimal dwell times are determined by a deconvolution which approaches the problem as a linear programming problem and uses the simplex method. This approach maximizes the amount of material removed at any point subject to inequality constraints. The effects of using these "optimum" dwell times is to significantly improve the "tools" effectiveness at removing the higher spatial frequencies while staying (strictly) within the bounds and constraints imposed by the hardware. In addition the "ringing" at the edges of the optic, frequently present in deconvolution problems, is completely eliminated.

Waluschka, Eugene

Cylindrical Optic Figuring and Dwell Time Optimization

Grazing incidence x-ray telescopes consist of surfaces which are nearly cylindrical in shape. The abrasive figuring of these surfaces is accomplished by moving a grinding tool along a helical path on this almost cylindrical surface. The measurement of the surface is, however, performed along "axial" scan lines which intercept this helical path. This approach to figuring and measuring permits a relatively simple scheme to be implemented for the determination of the optimal dwell times of the figuring tool. These optimal dwell times are determined by a deconvolution which approaches the problem in a linear programming context and uses the Simplex Method. The approach maximizes the amount of material removed at any point subject to inequality constraints. The effect of using these ''optimum" dwell times is to significantly improve the tools effectiveness at removing the higher spatial frequencies while staying (strictly) within the bounds and constraints imposed by the hardware. In addition, the ringing at the edges of the optic, frequently present in deconvolution problems, is completely eliminated.

Waluschka, Eugene

Computational Implementation of a Thermodynamically Based Work Potential Model For Progressive Microdamage and Transverse Cracking in Fiber-Reinforced Laminates

A continuum-level, dual internal state variable, thermodynamically based, work potential model, Schapery Theory, is used capture the effects of two matrix damage mechanisms in a fiber-reinforced laminated composite: microdamage and transverse cracking. Matrix microdamage accrues primarily in the form of shear microcracks between the fibers of the composite. Whereas, larger transverse matrix cracks typically span the thickness of a lamina and run parallel to the fibers. Schapery Theory uses the energy potential required to advance structural changes, associated with the damage mechanisms, to govern damage growth through a set of internal state variables. These state variables are used to quantify the stiffness degradation resulting from damage growth. The transverse and shear stiffness of the lamina are related to the internal state variables through a set of measurable damage functions. Additionally, the damage variables for a given strain state can be calculated from a set of evolution equations. These evolution equations and damage functions are implemented into the finite element method and used to govern the constitutive response of the material points in the model. Additionally, an axial failure criterion is included in the model. The response of a center-notched, buffer strip-stiffened panel subjected to uniaxial tension is investigated and results are compared to experiment.

Pineda, Evan J.

Remote Recession Sensing of Ablative Heat Shield Materials

Tests were performed to demonstrate the feasibility of a new method of measuring surface recession of a material sample during arc-jet testing in the NASA Ames mARC subscale developmental facility. The measurement principle was inspired through tracer elements such as Ca and Na which were seen in the spectra taken during the airborne observation campaign of the Stardust re-entry and which could be clearly observed standing out against the emission spectra emitted by postshock layer and glowing surface of the re-entry capsule. The measurement principle involves seeding of the heat shield materials at a defined depth with tracer elements which show strong and characteristic emission lines in the post shock plasma. Once the material recession reaches the seeding depth, these elements get into the hot plasma and show up in the emission spectra. The methodology was successfully demonstrated during arc-jet testing of phenolic impregnated carbonablator (PICA) material which was seeded in depth with a mixture of NaCl and MgCl in powder form. In the emission spectroscopy data, the emission lines of Mg and Na showed up about 1.5 seconds after probe insertion into the arc-jet plasma and vanished after another 2.5 seconds when recessionhad consumed the seeding material. From these data, a recession rate of about 1 mm/s is estimated.The heat flux during the test was measured to be 2575 W/sq cm on a hemispherical heat flux probewhich corresponds to a heat flux of 1036 W/sq cm on the rectangular test articles. An estimate for a lower limit of the surface temperature of 2800K during the test was obtained by fitting Planck radiation to the continuum spectra emitted by the PICA sample. Typical recession rates of PICA during testing in the large arc-jet facilities at similar test conditions are reported to be on the order of 0.05 to 0.1 cm/s which agrees well with the recession rates of 0.05-0.06 cm/s estimated from the emission spectroscopy data. Further tests under better controlled conditions are suggested to quantify this measurement method. Through a different choice of seeding materials with lower melting point, an extension of the measurement principle to monitor char depth seems feasible but was not yet demonstrated. Possible applications besides ground testing are recession and possibly char depth measurements during real re-entry. Detection through emission spectroscopy could be accomplished through ground based or airborne observation as performed during the Stardust and Hayabusa re-entries, or through on-board spectrometers. A suitable mission would be the re-entryof the OSIRIS-REX mission planned for late 2023. The measured data are presented and interpreted, the results and details of future applications are discussed.

instrumentation

Method for Thermal Spraying of Coatings Using Resonant-Pulsed Combustion

A method has been devised for high-volume, high-velocity surface deposition of protective metallic coatings on otherwise vulnerable surfaces. Thermal spraying is used whereby the material to be deposited is heated to the melting point by passing through a flame. Rather than the usual method of deposition from the jet formed from the combustion products, this innovation uses non-steady combustion (i.e. high-frequency, periodic, confined bursts), which generates not only higher temperatures and heat transfer rates, but exceedingly high impingement velocities an order of magnitude higher than conventional thermal systems. Higher impingement rates make for better adhesion. The high heat transfer rates developed here allow the deposition material to be introduced, not as an expensive powder with high surface-area-to-volume, but in convenient rod form, which is also easier and simpler to feed into the system. The nonsteady, resonant combustion process is self-aspirating and requires no external actuation or control and no high-pressure supply of fuel or air. The innovation has been demonstrated using a commercially available resonant combustor shown in the figure. Fuel is naturally aspirated from the tank through the lower Tygon tube and into the pulsejet. Air for starting is ported through the upper Tygon tube line. Once operation commences, this air is no longer needed as additional air is naturally aspirated through the inlet. A spark plug on the device is needed for starting, but the process carries on automatically as the operational device is resonant and reignites itself with each 220-Hz pulse.

Paxson, Daniel E.

Ultra-Light Ultra-Strong Proppants

The present invention provides a method of preparing a proppant material by heating a reaction mixture comprising a plurality of oxides in a reactive atmosphere to a temperature above the melting point of the reaction mixture to form a melt, and then allowing the melt to solidify in a mold in the form of spherical particles. The present invention also provides a method of preparing a proppant material by heating a reaction mixture comprising a plurality of oxides and one or more additives in a reactive atmosphere to a temperature below the melting point of the reaction mixture to form a powder including one or more reaction products, and then processing the powder to form spherical particles. The present invention also provides a proppant material including spherical particles characterized by a specific gravity of about 1.0 to 3.0 and a crush strength of at least about 10,000 psi.

Ravi, Vilupanur A.

Application of the matrix exponential kernel

A point matrix kernel for radiation transport, developed by the transmission matrix method, has been used to develop buildup factors and energy spectra through slab layers of different materials for a point isotropic source. Combinations of lead-water slabs were chosen for examples because of the extreme differences in shielding properties of these two materials.

Rohach, A. F.

Dynamics of the Molten Contact Line

In contrast to the ordinary contact line problem, virtually no information is available on the similar problem associated with a molten material spreading on a solid which is below the melt's fusion point. The latter is a more complex problem which heat transfer and solidification take place simultaneously with spreading, and requires answers not only for the hot melt's advance speed over the cold solid as a function of contact angle, but also for how one is to predict the point of the molten contact line's arrest by freezing. This issues are of importance in evolving methods of materials processing. The purpose of our work is to develop, based on both experiments and theory, an understanding of the dynamic processes that occur when a molten droplet touches a subcooled solid, spreads partly over it by capillary action, and freezes. We seek answers to the following basic questions. First, what is the relationship between the melt's contact line speed and the apparent (dynamic) contact angle? Secondly, at what point will the contact line modon be arrested by freezing? The talk will describe three components of our work: (1) deposition experiments with small molten droplets; (2) investigation of the dynamics of the molten contact line by means of a novel forced spreading method; and (3) an attempt to provide a theoretical framework for answering the basic questions posed above.

Sonin, Ain A.