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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1999

Distributed Pore Chemistry in Porous Organic Polymers

A method for making a biocompatible polymer article using a uniform atomic oxygen treatment is disclosed. The substrate may be subsequently optionally grated with a compatibilizing compound. Compatibilizing compounds may include proteins, phosphorylcholine groups, platelet adhesion preventing polymers, albumin adhesion promoters, and the like. The compatibilized substrate may also have a living cell layer adhered thereto. The atomic oxygen is preferably produced by a flowing afterglow microwave discharge. wherein the substrate resides in a sidearm out of the plasma. Also, methods for culturing cells for various purposes using the various membranes are disclosed as well. Also disclosed are porous organic polymers having a distributed pore chemistry (DPC) comprising hydrophilic and hydrophobic regions. and a method for making the DPC by exposing the polymer to atomic oxygen wherein the rate of hydrophilization is greater than the rate of mass loss.

Koontz, Steven L.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Effect of competition of spherical and deformed shells in quasifission of superheavy nuclei

Quasifission and fusion-fission represent the two most likely reaction outcomes to occur postcapture in collisions leading to superheavy nuclei. As such, understanding these mechanisms and how they relate to one another is key to understanding the intricate dynamics that drive the formation (or dissociation) of the nascent compound nuclei formed in fusion reactions. This understanding directly translates to a more informed picture of suitable reaction partners and can provide vital information for experimental efforts to study the physics and chemistry of superheavy elements. In this work we report results from time-dependent simulations of 48 Ca + 238 U and 50 Ti + 236 Th reactions at incident energies just above the Coulomb barrier with a focus on the quasifission process that prevent the formation of a fully equilibrated 286 Cn compound nucleus. We study these reactions systematically and consider a wide range of initial configurations to extract a robust estimate of primary fragment yields for the quasifission process. Multiple preferred exit channels are observed, with both spherical and deformed shell effects in the heavy and light fragments driving contributions to the production yields depending on the initial configuration of the system. Orientation effects of the deformed actinide targets are found to be a primary driver of which exit channels are populated. Here, the impact of moving away from a doubly magic projectile is explored with implications towards the reactions considered for current and future superheavy searches.

Gumbel, Richard [Michigan State University, East L↗
NASA NTRS1999

Development of Thermal Barriers for Solid Rocket Motor Nozzle Joints

The Space Shuttle solid rocket motor case assembly joints are sealed using conventional 0-ring seals. The 5500+F combustion gases are kept a safe distance away from the seals by thick layers of insulation. Special joint-fill compounds are used to fill the joints in the insulation to prevent a direct flowpath to the seals. On a number of occasions. NASA has observed in several of the rocket nozzle assembly joints hot gas penetration through defects in the joint- fill compound. The current nozzle-to-case joint design incorporates primary, secondary and wiper (inner-most) 0-rings and polysulfide joint-fill compound. In the current design, 1 out of 7 motors experience hot gas to the wiper 0-ring. Though the condition does not threaten motor safety, evidence of hot gas to the wiper 0-ring results in extensive reviews before resuming flight. NASA and solid rocket motor manufacturer Thiokol are working to improve the nozzle-to-case joint design by implementing a more reliable J-leg design and a thermal barrier, This paper presents burn-resistance, temperature drop, flow and resiliency test results for several types of NASA braided carbon-fiber thermal barriers. Burn tests were performed to determine the time to burn through each of the thermal barriers when exposed to the flame of an oxy-acetylene torch (5500 F), representative of the 5500 F solid rocket motor combustion temperatures. Thermal barriers braided out of carbon fibers endured the flame for over 6 minutes, three times longer than solid rocket motor burn time. Tests were performed on two thermal barrier braid architectures, denoted Carbon-3 and Carbon-6, to measure the temperature drop across and along the barrier in a compressed state when subjected to the flame of an oxyacetylene torch. Carbon-3 and Carbon-6 thermal barriers were excellent insulators causing temperature drops through their diameter of up to a 2800 and 2560 F. respectively. Gas temperature 1/4" downstream of the thermal barrier were within the downstream Viton 0-ring temperature limit of 600 F. Carbon-6 performed extremely well in subscale rocket "char" motor tests when subjected to hot gas at 3200 F for an 11 second rocket firing, simulating the maximum downstream joint cavity fill time. The thermal barrier reduced the incoming hot gas temperature by 2200 F in an intentionally oversized gap defect, spread the incoming jet flow, and blocked hot slag, thereby offering protection to the downstream 0-rings.

Steinetz, Bruce M.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Feasibility Assessment of Thermal Barrier Seals for Extreme Transient Temperatures

The assembly joints of modem solid rocket motor cases are generally sealed using conventional O-ring type seals. The 5500+ F combustion gases produced by rocket motors are kept a safe distance away from the seals by thick layers of phenolic insulation. Special compounds are used to fill insulation gaps leading up to the seals to prevent a direct flowpath to them. Design criteria require that the seals should not experience torching or charring during operation, or their sealing ability would be compromised. On limited occasions, NASA has observed charring of the primary O-rings of the Space Shuttle solid rocket nozzle assembly joints due to parasitic leakage paths opening up in the gap-fill compounds during rocket operation. NASA is investigating different approaches for preventing torching or charring of the primary O-rings. One approach is to implement a braided rope seal upstream of the primary O-ring to serve as a thermal barrier that prevents the hot gases from impinging on the O-ring seals. This paper presents flow, resiliency, and thermal resistance for several types of NASA rope seals braided out of carbon fibers. Burn tests were performed to determine the time to burn through each of the seals when exposed to the flame of an oxyacetylene torch (5500 F), representative of the 5500 F solid rocket motor combustion temperatures. Rope seals braided out of carbon fibers endured the flame for over six minutes, three times longer than solid rocket motor burn time. Room and high temperature flow tests are presented for the carbon seals for different amounts of linear compression. Room temperature compression tests were performed to assess seal resiliency and unit preloads as a function of compression. The thermal barrier seal was tested in a subscale "char" motor test in which the seal sealed an intentional defect in the gap insulation. Temperature measurements indicated that the seal blocked 2500 F combustion gases on the upstream side with very little temperature rise on the downstream side.

Steinetz, Bruce M.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Multipurpose Compound

Specially formulated derivatives of an unusual basic compound known as Alcide may be the answer to effective treatment and prevention of the disease bovine mastitis, a bacterial inflammation of a cow's mammary gland that results in loss of milk production and in extreme cases, death. Manufactured by Alcide Corporation the Alcide compound has killed all tested bacteria, virus and fungi, shortly after contact, with minimal toxic effects on humans or animals. Alcide Corporation credits the existence of the mastitis treatment/prevention products to assistance provided the company by NERAC, Inc.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1979

Zone-refining encapsulated semiconductors

Reflector directs intense, sharply focused heat precisely where it is needed for zone-refining semiconductor materials. Reflector is especially suited for compound semiconductors which must be sealed inside capsule to prevent vaporizing during zone refining. Device is flattened toroid with elliptical-cross-section, much like horizontal partly-inflated inner tube.

Davidson, M. C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Space Station Freedom viewed as a 'tight building'

The Space Station Freedom (SSF), with a 30-year projected lifetime and a completely closed-loop Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), is perhaps the ultimate 'tight building'. Recognizing the potential for the development of 'tight building syndrome' (TBS), and initiating actions to minimize possible TBS occurrences on SSF, requires a multidisciplinary approach that begins with appropriate design concerns and ends with detection and control measures on board SSF. This paper presents a brief summary of current experience with TBS on earth. Air contamination, including volatile organic compounds and microorganisms, is the focus of the discussion. Preventive steps to avoid TBS, control of environmental factors that may lead to TBS, and use of real-time instrumentation for the detection of potential causes of TBS are also outlined.

Limero, Thomas F.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Fire Protection Materials

Avco has drawn upon its heat shield experience to develop a number of widely-accepted commercial fire protection materials. Originating from NASA's space shuttle thermal protection system, one such material is Chartek 59 fireproofing, an intumescent epoxy coating specifically designed for outdoor use by industrial facilities dealing with highly flammable products such as oil refineries and chemical plants. The coating is applied usually by spray gun to exterior structural steel conduits, pipes and valves, offshore platforms and liquefied petroleum gas tanks. Fireproofing provides two types of protection: ablation or dissipation of heat by burn-off and "intumescence" or swelling; the coating swells to about five times its original size, forming a protective blanket of char which retards transfer of heat to the metal structure preventing loss of structural strength and possible collapse which would compound the fire fighting problem.

Source record↗
DOE OSTI2025

Formation of late-generation atmospheric compounds inhibited by rapid deposition

Reactive organic carbon species are important fuel for atmospheric chemical reactions, including the formation of secondary organic aerosol. However, in parallel to atmospheric oxidation processes, deposition can remove compounds from the atmosphere and impact downstream environments. To understand the impact of deposition on atmospheric oxidation, we present a framework for predicting and visualizing the fate of a molecule on the basis of the physicochemical properties of compounds (Henry’s law constant, vapour pressure and reaction rate constants), which are used to estimate timescales for oxidation and deposition. Further, by implementing our deposition rates in chemical models, we show that deposition substantially suppresses atmospheric reactivity and aerosol formation by removing early-generation products and preventing the formation of large fractions (up to 90%) of downstream, late-generation compounds. Deposition is frequently missing in the laboratory experiments and detailed chemical modelling, which probably biases our understanding of atmospheric composition.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗
NASA NTRS1972

Adhesion, friction, wear, and lubrication research by modern surface science techniques.

The field of surface science has undergone intense revitalization with the introduction of low-energy electron diffraction, Auger electron spectroscopy, ellipsometry, and other surface analytical techniques which have been sophisticated within the last decade. These developments have permitted submono- and monolayer structure analysis as well as chemical identification and quantitative analysis. The application of a number of these techniques to the solution of problems in the fields of friction, lubrication, and wear are examined in detail for the particular case of iron; and in general to illustrate how the accumulation of pure data will contribute toward the establishment of physiochemical concepts which are required to understand the mechanisms that are operational in friction systems. In the case of iron, LEED, Auger and microcontact studies have established that hydrogen and light-saturated organic vapors do not establish interfaces which prevent iron from welding, whereas oxygen and some oxygen and sulfur compounds do reduce welding as well as the coefficient of friction. Interpretation of these data suggests a mechanism of sulfur interaction in lubricating systems.

Keller, D. V., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Differential skeletal responses of hindlimb unloaded rats on a vitamin D-deficient diet to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 and its analog, seocalcitol (EB1089)

Conditions of disuse in bed rest patients, as well as microgravity experienced by astronauts are accompanied by reduced mechanical loading, reduced calcium absorption, and lower serum levels of 1,25(OH)2D3 (1,25-D), the active metabolite of vitamin D, all contributing to bone loss. To determine whether 1,25-D or a less calcemic analog, Seocalcitol or EB1089 (1 alpha,25-dihydroxy-22,24-diene-24,26,27-trihomovitamin D3) can alleviate bone loss in a rat hindlimb unloading model of disuse osteopenia, mature male rats originally on a vitamin D replete diet containing 1.01% calcium were transferred to a vitamin D-deficient diet containing 0.48% calcium and then tail suspended and treated for 28 days with vehicle, 0.05 microg/kg 1,25-D, or 0.05 microg/kg EB1089. The vitamin D-deficient diet caused a substantial decrease in bone mineral density (-8%), which may be compounded by hindlimb unloading (-10%). Exogenous 1,25-D not only prevented the bone loss but also increased the bone mineral density to greater than the baseline level (+7%). EB1089 was less effective in preventing bone loss. Analysis of site and cell-specific effects of 1,25-D and EB1089 revealed that 1,25-D was more active than EB1089 in the intestine, the site of calcium absorption, and in inducing osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption whereas EB1089 was more effective in inducing osteoblast differentiation. These studies suggest that elevating circulating 1,25-D levels presumably increasing calcium absorption can counteract bone loss induced by disuse or microgravity with its associated reductions in circulating 1,25-D and decreased calcium absorption.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS2002

Thermal Barrier/Seal for Extreme Temperature Applications

Large solid rocket motors, as found on the Space Shuttle, are fabricated in segments for manufacturing considerations, bolted together, and sealed using conventional Viton O-ring seals. Similarly the nine large solid rocket motor nozzles are assembled from several different segments, bolted together, and sealed at six joint locations using conventional O-ring seals. The 5500 F combustion gases are generally kept a safe distance away from the seals by thick layers of phenolic or rubber insulation. Joint-fill compounds, including RTV (room temperature vulcanized compound) and polysulfide filler, are used to fill the joints in the insulation to prevent a direct flow-path to the O-rings. Normally these two stages of protection are enough to prevent a direct flow-path of the 900-psi hot gases from reaching the temperature-sensitive O-ring seals. However, in the current design 1 out of 15 Space Shuttle solid rocket motors experience hot gas effects on the Joint 6 wiper (sacrificial) O-rings. Also worrisome is the fact that joints have experienced heat effects on materials between the RTV and the O-rings, and in two cases O-rings have experienced heat effects. These conditions lead to extensive reviews of the post-flight conditions as part of the effort to monitor flight safety. We have developed a braided carbon fiber thermal barrier to replace the joint fill compounds in the Space Shuttle solid rocket motor nozzles to reduce the incoming 5500 F combustion gas temperature and permit only cool (approximately 100 F) gas to reach the temperature-sensitive O-ring seals. Implementation of this thermal barrier provides more robust, consistent operation with shorter turn around times between Shuttle launches.

Steinetz, Bruce M.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Identification of potent inhibitors of JUN N-terminal kinases for treatment of endometriosis and associated pain

Endometriosis, defined as the ectopic growth of endometrial tissue outside of the uterine cavity, is an inflammatory and hormone-dependent disease that causes excruciating pelvic pain, infertility, and significantly decreases quality of life in affected patients. The JUN N-terminal kinases (JNKs) are a leading class of nonhormonal therapeutic targets that have been validated in preclinical models of endometriosis and in a Phase 1/2 clinical trial. Despite their therapeutic potential, JNK inhibitors with increased potency and specificity are needed to address the inflammatory pathology of endometriosis and to prevent disease progression. Leveraging a DNA-encoded chemical library collection of ~4 billion compounds, we identified lead inhibitor CDD-2428 and optimized derivatives, CDD-2728 and CDD-3013, with excellent binding affinity to JNK1-3 (K d = 0.12 to 3.7 nM), enhanced selectivity, metabolic stability, and cellular permeability. Crystallographic and biochemical studies confirmed that CDD-3013 exhibited superior kinase selectivity with improved efficacy compared to existing JNK inhibitors. In primary endometriosis cell models, CDD-2728 and CDD-3013 suppressed JNK-dependent inflammatory signaling, dampening pathways linked to pain, invasion, angiogenesis, and macrophage recruitment. In an endometriosis mouse model, both CDD-2728 and CDD-3013 reduced endometriotic lesion size, macrophage infiltration, and cellular proliferation, showing in vivo efficacy. When tested in a lipopolysaccharide-induced hyperalgesia model, CDD-2728 and CDD-3013 decreased markers of induced pain, as measured by changes in a dynamic weight bearing test and Grimace scores. These findings nominate CDD-2728 and CDD-3013 as potent, nonhormonal therapeutic candidates for endometriosis with broad anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, addressing a critical unmet clinical need.

Madasu, Chandrashekhar [Department of Pathology an↗
NASA NTRS1995

SSME Main Combustion Chamber (MCC) hot oil dewaxing

In an attempt to comply with the changing environmental regulations, a process was developed for the replacement of perchloroethylene in the dewaxing of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Main Combustion Chamber (MCC) and other associated hardware filled with the Rigidax (R) casting compound. Rigidax (R) is a hard blue-dyed, calcium carbonate filled thermoplastic casting compound (melting point 77 C) that is melted and poured into hardware cavities to prevent contamination during material removal processes, i.e. machining, grinding, drilling, and deburring. Additionally, it serves as a maskant for designated areas during electroforming processes. Laboratory testing was conducted to evaluate seven alternate fluids for the replacement of perchloroethylene in the dewaxing process. Based upon successful laboratory results, a mineral oil was selected for testing on actual hardware. The final process developed involves simultaneous immersion and flushing of the MCC channels using a distinct eight stage process. A nonvolatile hydrocarbon analysis of a solvent flush sample is performed to determine the hardware cleanliness for comparison to the previous perchloroethylene dewaxing process.

Akpati, Anthony U.↗
NASA NTRS1994

SSME Main Combustion Chamber (MCC) 'Hot Oil' Dewaxing

In an attempt to comply with the changing environmental regulations, a process was developed for the replacement of perchloroethylene in the dewaxing of the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) Main Combustion Chamber (MCC) and other associated hardware filled with the Rigidax(registered mark) casting compound. Rigidax(registered mark) is a hard blue-dyed, calcium carbonate filled thermoplastic casting compound (melting point 77 C) that is melted and poured into hardware cavities to prevent contamination during material removal processes, i.e. machining, grinding, drilling, and deburring. Additionally, it serves as a maskant for designated areas during electroforming processes. Laboratory testing was conducted to evaluate seven alternate fluids for the replacement of perchloroethylene in the dewaxing process. Based upon successful laboratory results, a mineral oil was selected for testing on actual hardware. The final process developed involves simultaneous immersion and flushing of the MCC channels using a distinct eight stage process. A nonvolatile hydrocarbon analysis of a solvent flush sample is performed to determine the hardware cleanliness for comparison to the previous perchloroethylene dewaxing process.

Akpati, Anthony U.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Spatial filter for Q-switched lasers

A spatial filtered Q-switched laser system is reported that prevents ionization of air in close proximity to the aperture of the spatial filter. A compound lens system having an astigmatic focus is positioned between the laser and the spatial filter for defocusing the light beam emanating from the laser in the vicinity of the aperture of the spatial filter to an intensity below that which produces ionization of air. The preferred construction of the compound lens system as viewed from the laser comprises a cylindrical lens and a pair of positive lenses.

Wuerker, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Prebiotic syntheses of vitamin coenzymes: II. Pantoic acid, pantothenic acid, and the composition of coenzyme A

Pantoic acid can by synthesized in good prebiotic yield from isobutyraldehyde or alpha-ketoisovaleric acid + H2CO + HCN. Isobutyraldehyde is the Strecker precursor to valine and alpha-ketoisovaleric acid is the valine transamination product. Mg2+ and Ca2+ as well as several transition metals are catalysts for the alpha-ketoisovaleric acid reaction. Pantothenic acid is produced from pantoyl lactone (easily formed from pantoic acid) and the relatively high concentrations of beta-alanine that would be formed on drying prebiotic amino acid mixtures. There is no selectivity for this reaction over glycine, alanine, or gamma-amino butyric acid. The components of coenzyme A are discussed in terms of ease of prebiotic formation and stability and are shown to be plausible choices, but many other compounds are possible. The gamma-OH of pantoic acid needs to be capped to prevent decomposition of pantothenic acid. These results suggest that coenzyme A function was important in the earliest metabolic pathways and that the coenzyme A precursor contained most of the components of the present coenzyme.

NASA Discipline Number 52-20↗
NASA NTRS1974

Simulation of lunar carbon chemistry. II - Lunar winds contribution

Simulation experiments, computations, and analysis of glassy agglutinates show that a directly condensed lunar wind vapor phase is strongly depleted in carbon and sulfur compounds and may recrystallize rapidly in the lunar thermal cycle and separate from host crystals. Factors preventing identification of low-energy species implanted from the lunar atmosphere are discussed. Computational results indicate that the implanted lunar winds carbon originates both from the vapor phases injected into the lunar atmosphere during thermal metamorphism of mature lunar soil grains and from direct volatization of impacting micrometeorites. It is suggested that microglass splashes and tiny crystalline grains possibly attached to the surface of coarser grains do not affect the characteristics of solar wind carbon chemistry in the lunar soil.

Bibring, J. P.↗