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At least 73 records · Page 4

Cratering Equations for Zinc Orthotitanate Coated Aluminum

The final STS-125 servicing mission (SM4) to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST) in May of 2009 saw the return of the 2nd Wide Field Planetary Camera (WFPC2) aboard the shuttle Discovery. This hardware had been in service on HST since it was installed during the SM1 mission in December of 1993 yielding one of the longest low Earth orbit exposure times (15.4 years) of any returned space hardware. The WFPC2 is equipped with a 0.8 x 2.2 m radiator for thermal control of the camera electronics (Figure 1). The space facing surface of the 4.1 mm thick aluminum radiator is coated with Z93 zinc orthotitanate thermal control paint with a nominal thickness of 0.1 0.2 mm. Post flight inspections of the radiator panel revealed hundreds of micrometeoroid/orbital debris (MMOD) impact craters ranging in size from less than 300 to nearly 1000 microns in diameter. The Z93 paint exhibited large spall areas around the larger impact sites (Figure 2) and the craters observed in the 6061-T651 aluminum had a different shape than those observed in uncoated aluminum. Typical hypervelocity impact craters in aluminum have raised lips around the impact site. The craters in the HST radiator panel had suppressed crater lips, and in some cases multiple craters were present instead of a single individual crater. Humes and Kinard observed similar behavior after the WFPC1 post flight inspection and assumed the Z93 coating was acting like a bumper in a Whipple shield. Similar paint behavior (spall) was also observed by Bland2 during post flight inspection of the International Space Station (ISS) S-Band Antenna Structural Assembly (SASA) in 2008. The SASA, with similar Z93 coated aluminum, was inspected after nearly 4 years of exposure on the ISS. The multi-crater phenomena could be a function of the density, composition, or impact obliquity angle of the impacting particle. For instance, a micrometeoroid particle consisting of loosely bound grains of material could be responsible for creating the multiple craters. Samples were obtained from the HST largest craters for examination by electron microscope equipped with x-ray spectrometers to determine impactor source (micrometeoroid or orbital debris). In an attempt to estimate the MMOD particle diameters that produced these craters, this paper will present equations for spall diameter, crater depth and crater diameter in Z93 coated aluminum. The equations will be based on hypervelocity impact tests of Z93 painted aluminum at the NASA White Sands Test Facility. Equations inputs for velocities beyond the testable regime are expected from hydrocode simulations of Z93 coated aluminum using CTH and ANSYS AUTODYN.

Hyde, James↗

Effects of Hypervelocity Impacts on Silicone Elastomer Seals and Mating Aluminum Surfaces

While in space silicone based elastomer seals planned for use on NASA's Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) are exposed to threats from micrometeoroids and orbital debris (MMOD). An understanding of these threats is required to assess risks to the crew, the CEV orbiter, and missions. An Earth based campaign of hypervelocity impacts on small scale seal rings has been done to help estimate MMOD threats to the primary docking seal being developed for the Low Impact Docking System (LIDS). LIDS is being developed to enable the CEV to dock to the ISS (International Space Station) or to Altair (NASA's next lunar lander). The silicone seal on LIDS seals against aluminum alloy flanges on ISS or Altair. Since the integrity of a seal depends on both sealing surfaces, aluminum targets were also impacted. The variables considered in this study included projectile mass, density, speed, incidence angle, seal materials, and target surface treatments and coatings. Most of the impacts used a velocity near 8 km/s and spherical aluminum projectiles (density = 2.7 g/cubic cm), however, a few tests were done near 5.6 km/s. Tests were also performed using projectile densities of 7.7, 2.79, 2.5 or 1.14 g/cubic cm. Projectile incidence angles examined included 0 deg, 45 deg, and 60 deg from normal to the plane of the target. Elastomer compounds impacted include Parker's S0383-70 and Esterline's ELA-SA-401 in the as received condition, or after an atomic oxygen treatment. Bare, anodized and nickel coated aluminum targets were tested simulating the candidate mating seal surface materials. After impact, seals and aluminum plates were leak tested: damaged seals were tested against an undamaged aluminum plate; and undamaged seals were placed at various locations over craters in aluminum plates. It has been shown that silicone elastomer seals can withstand an impressive level of damage before leaking beyond allowable limits. In general on the tests performed to date, the diameter of the crater in either the elastomer, or the aluminum, must be at least as big as 80% to 90% of width of the bulb of the seal before significant leakage occurs.

deGroh, Henry C., III↗

Measuring the Wear and Abrasive Resistance of Air Plasma Sprayed Aluminum Oxide for Lunar Exploration

Lunar regolith, especially finer dust particles traveling at high velocities, can cause significant wear and abrasive damage to structural components that ensure a prolongated presence on the surface of the Moon. With the absence of an atmosphere and lower gravity than on Earth, regolith particles maintain high velocities at large distances from where they were generated, for example next to lunar landers. Wear-resistant ceramic and ceramic composite materials can improve the durability of spacecraft components during long missions on the Moon’s surface. Aluminum oxide coatings are lightweight, have multifunctional properties, and have high strength including high hardness and wear resistance. These properties can help improve the durability of structures used in space exploration. Air plasma sprayed (APS) aluminum oxide coatings have demonstrated the potential to protect critical structures. This study investigated the abrasive wear resistance of APS aluminum oxide coatings via Taber abrasion experiments. Taber abrasion offers the advantage of quantifying the abrasive wear behavior of particles with different shapes on a surface. In this work, an abrasive wheel made of silicon carbide was utilized to evaluate wear properties of specimens progressively over 5000 cycles. This experiment focused on testing two series of specimens to determine whether a bond coat composed of nickel, chromium, aluminum, and yttrium (NiCrAlY) improved the protective behavior of the APS aluminum oxide coating. The specimens varied in topcoat thickness and were made with and without an approximately 100 µm bond coat layer. The mass of the specimens was measured at 400 cycles, 800 cycles, 3800 cycles, and 5000 cycles. Increasing thickness was found to result in higher wear for samples with and without a bond coat. Increased mass loss in samples with a bond coat was observed indicating a need for further studies on the overall impact of the use of a bond coat on the protective behavior of the coatings. To continue designing wear resistant coatings for structural protection in space missions, the multifunctional properties of the APS aluminum oxide coating will be studied. Future experiments will determine whether the APS aluminum oxide coating can protect the structures from other aspects of the harsh space environment, such as extreme temperature variations and ionizing radiation.

aluminum oxide↗

Time exposure studies on stress corrosion cracking of aluminum 2014-T6, 2219-T87, 2014-T651, 7075-T651, and titanium 6Al-4V

The effect of a constant applied stress in crack initiation of aluminum 2014-T6, 2219-T87, 2014-T651, 7075-T651 and titanium 6Al-4V has been investigated. Aluminum c-ring specimens (1-inch diameter) and u-band titanium samples were exposed continuously to a 3.5% NaCl solution (pH 7) and organic fluids of ethyl, methyl, and iso-propyl alcohol (reagent purity), and demineralized distilled water. Corrosive action was observed to begin during the first and second day of constant exposure as evidenced by accumulation of hydrogen bubbles on the surface of stressed aluminum samples. However, titanium stressed specimens showed no reactions to its environment. Results of this investigation seems to suggest that aluminum 2014-T6, aluminum 7075-T651 and aluminum 2014-T651 are susceptible to stress corrosion cracking in chloride solution (NaCl), while aluminum 2219-T87 seem to resist stress corrosion cracking in sodium chloride at three levels of stress (25%, 50%, and 75% Y.S.). In organic fluids of methyl, ethyl, and iso-propyl alcohol, 2014-T6 and 7075-T651 did not fail by SCC; but 2014-T651 was susceptible to SCC in methly alcohol, but resistant in ethyl alcohol, iso-propyl alcohol and demineralized distilled water.

Terrell, J.↗

A damage tolerance comparison of 7075-T6 aluminum alloy and IM7/977-2 carbon/epoxy

A comparison of low velocity impact damage between one of the strongest aluminum alloys, to a new, damage tolerant resin system as a matrix for high strength carbon fibers was examined in this study. The aluminum and composite materials were used as face sheets on a 0.13 g/cu cm aluminum honeycomb. Four levels of impact energy were used; 2.6 J, 5.3 J, 7.8 J and 9.9 J. The beams were compared for static strength and fatique life by use of the four-point bend flexure test. It was found that in the undamaged state the specific strength of the composite face sheets was about twice that of the aluminum face sheets. A sharp drop in strength was observed for the composite specimens impacted at the lowest (2.6J) energy level, but the overall specific strength was still higher than for the aluminum specimens. At all impact energy levels tested, the static specific strength of the composite face sheets were significantly higher than the aluminum face sheets. The fatigue life of the most severely damaged composite specimen was about 17 times greater than the undamaged aluminum specimens when cycled at 1 Hz between 20 percent and 85 percent of ultimate breaking load.

Nettles, Alan T.↗

Welding of Crack Sensitive Aluminum Alloys for Liquid Rocket Propulsion Applications

In this welding test campaign, electron beam welding (EBW) and manual gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) processes were utilized to join an additively manufactured aluminum alloy nozzle to a wrought aluminum flange. Both aluminum alloys were 6061, which in their conventional form are susceptible to solidification cracking issues. The AM nozzle utilized a novel high-performance modified version of 6061 which exhibits crack resistant properties during the AM process and during welding. When manually conducting GTAWs a filler wire with the same modified version of 6061 was utilized to weld different combinations of 6061 coupons (either modified or unmodified). Due to the grain refinement technology in the modified 6061, either as filler material or base material, there was complete elimination of weld solidification cracking. During EBW development a combination of wrought 6061 with a modified and additively manufactured 6061 was investigated. The EBWs developed exhibited no crack like defects. Each weld development program utilized non-destructive evaluation, metallography, and mechanical testing to determine the final weld acceptance. Mechanical testing involved hardness evaluation and tension testing on welded coupons. Both welding techniques were successfully developed and exhibited adequate properties for the final test articles and met all requirements of the development campaign. These welds were ultimately developed to be utilized on a set of all-aluminum liquid rocket nozzles to demonstrate additively manufactured aluminum alloys for propulsion applications. These aluminum nozzles were tested at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center’s hot fire test facility and subsequently underwent a test campaign involving a variety of chamber pressures and liquid propellant combinations. Following the hot fire test campaign each weldment was investigated for post operation performance and any defects that may have evolved during testing.

Welding↗

Development of lightweight aluminum hollowcore solar cell array technology

A baseline configuration for a three section folding array, with retraction capability, was developed which would utilize electroformed aluminum hollowcore substrates and beryllium frames. The three section array was not fabricated because of difficulties with impurities in the aluminum electroforming bath. A procedure was developed for etching the copper mandrel from virtually any size of aluminum hollowcore panel in approximately one hour. Procedures were developed for analyzing the content of peroxide, water, total aluminum, and lithium-aluminum-hydride in an aluminum electroforming solution.

Carlson, J. A.↗

The preparation and properties of aluminum nitride films

Aluminum nitride films have been deposited on silicon substrates at 800-1200 C by the pyrolysis of an aluminum trichloride-ammonia complex, AlCl3.3NH3, in a gas flow system. The deposit was transparent, tightly adherent to the substrate, and was confirmed to be aluminum nitride by X-ray and electron diffraction techniques. The deposited aluminum nitride films were found to be polycrystalline with the crystallite size increasing with increasing temperature of deposition. Other properties of aluminum nitride films relevant to device applications, including density, refractive index, dissolution rate, dielectric constant, and masking ability, have been determined. These properties indicate that aluminum nitride films have potential as a dielectric in electronic devices.

Chu, T. L.↗

Weld Repair of Thin Aluminum Sheet

Weld repairing of thin aluminum sheets now possible, using niobium shield and copper heat sinks. Refractory niobium shield protects aluminum adjacent to hole, while copper heat sinks help conduct heat away from repair site. Technique limits tungsten/inert-gas (TIG) welding bombardment zone to melt area, leaving surrounding areas around weld unaffected. Used successfully to repair aluminum cold plates on Space Shuttle, Commercial applications, especially in sealing fractures, dents, and holes in thin aluminum face sheets or clad brazing sheet in cold plates, heat exchangers, coolers, and Solar panels. While particularly suited to thin aluminum sheet, this process also used in thicker aluminum material to prevent surface damage near weld area.

Beuyukian, C. S.↗

Material damping in aluminum and metal matrix composites

The material damping in beam-like specimens of aluminum and metal matrix composites was measured. A unique apparatus to determine damping by free decay while the specimens are in free fall in a vacuum was used. The specimens tested include 2024-T3 and 6061-T4 aluminum, and unidirectional graphite/metal matrix specimens with P55 and P100 fibers and 6061 Aluminum and AZ91C Magnesium as matrix materials. Tests were conducted to determine the dependence of damping on frequency and stress level. For the aluminum specimens, the material damping followed the Zener model at very low stress levels. Below the Zener relaxation frequency, a strong dependence of damping on stress was found for even moderate stress levels. Damping for the aluminum matrix materials was slightly above that predicted by the Zener model for a homogeneous bar of the matrix aluminum. For the magnesium matrix specimens, damping significantly above the Zener prediction for the homogeneous matrix material was observed.

Crawley, Edward F.↗

Damage areas due to impact craters on LDEF aluminum panels

Because of its exposure time and total exposed surface area, the LDEF provides a unique opportunity to analyze the effects of the natural and man-made particle populations in low earth orbit (LEO). This study concentrated on collecting and analyzing measurements of impact craters from seven painted aluminum surfaces at different locations on the satellite. These data are being used to: (1) update the current theoretical micrometeoroid and debris models for LEO; (2) characterize the effects of the LEO micrometeoroid and debris environment of satellite components and designs; (3) help assess the probability of collision between spacecraft in LEO and already resident debris and the survivability of those spacecraft that must travel through, or reside in, LEO; and (4) help define and evaluate future debris mitigation and disposal methods. Measurements were collected from one aluminum experiment tray cover (Bay C-12), two aluminum grapple plates (Bays C-01, C-10), and four aluminum experiment sun-shields (Bay E-09), all of which were coated with thermal paint. These measurements were taken at the Facility for Optical Interpretation of Large Surfaces (FOILS) Lab at JSC. Virtually all features greater than 0.2 mm in diameter possessed a spall zone in which all of the paint was removed from the aluminum surface, and which varied in size from 2-5 crater diameters. The actual craters vary from central pits without raised rims to morphologies more typical of craters formed in aluminum under hypervelocity impact conditions for larger features. Most craters exhibit a shock zone that varies in size from approximately 1-20 crater diameters. In general, only the outermost layer of paint was affected by this impact-related phenomenon, with several impacts possessing ridge-like structures encircling the area in which this outer-most paint layer was removed. Overall, there were no noticeable penetrations or bulges on the underside of the trays. One tray from the E-09 bay exhibited a spallation zone on the backside, approximately equal in size to that on the front side. Results from this study demonstrate that the impact damaged areas extend far beyond the actual craters in coated or painted surfaces. While the cratering damaged much greater than 1 percent of the total surface area, the total impact damage area exceeded 3 percent.

Coombs, Cassandra R.↗

System integration and demonstration of adhesive bonded high temperature aluminum alloys for aerospace structure, phase 2

Adhesive bonding materials and processes were evaluated for assembly of future high-temperature aluminum alloy structural components such as may be used in high-speed civil transport aircraft and space launch vehicles. A number of candidate high-temperature adhesives were selected and screening tests were conducted using single lap shear specimens. The selected adhesives were then used to bond sandwich (titanium core) test specimens, adhesive toughness test specimens, and isothermally aged lap shear specimens. Moderate-to-high lap shear strengths were obtained from bonded high-temperature aluminum and silicon carbide particulate-reinforced (SiC(sub p)) aluminum specimens. Shear strengths typically exceeded 3500 to 4000 lb/in(sup 2) and flatwise tensile strengths exceeded 750 lb/in(sup 2) even at elevated temperatures (300 F) using a bismaleimide adhesive. All faceskin-to-core bonds displayed excellent tear strength. The existing production phosphoric acid anodize surface preparation process developed at Boeing was used, and gave good performance with all of the aluminum and silicon carbide particulate-reinforced aluminum alloys investigated. The results of this program support using bonded assemblies of high-temperature aluminum components in applications where bonding is often used (e.g., secondary structures and tear stoppers).

Falcone, Anthony↗

Strengthening Aluminum Alloys for High Temperature Applications Using Nanoparticles of Al203 and Al3-X Compounds (X= Ti, V, Zr)

In this paper the effect of nanoparticles A12O3 and A13-X compounds (X= Ti, V, Zr) on the improvement of mechanical properties of aluminum alloys for elevated temperature applications is presented. These nanoparticles were selected based on their chemical stability and low diffusions rates in aluminum matrix at high temperatures. The strengthening mechanism for aluminum alloy is based on the mechanical blocking of dislocation movements by these nanoparticles. Samples were prepared from A12O3 nanoparticle preforms, which were produced using ceramic injection molding process and pressure infiltrated by molten aluminum. A12O3 nanoparticles can also be homogeneously mixed with aluminum powder and consolidated into samples through hot pressing and sintering. On the other hand, the Al3-X nanoparticles are produced as precipitates via in situ reactions with molten aluminum alloys using conventional casting techniques. The degree of alloy strengthening using nanoparticles will depend on the materials, particle size, shape, volume fraction, and mean inter-particle spacing.

Lee, Jonathan A.↗

Optimization of Aluminum-Tin Ink Composition and Sintering in Atmospheric Conditions

This study will focus on the basics of generating an aluminum-tin ink that can sinter in air and exhibits properties near that of a solid aluminum-tin alloy. Sintering temperatures will also be assessed in this study. Once the optimal aluminum ink composition is determined, the optimal ink thickness for homogeneous sintering must be determined by additional experimentation. Additive manufacturing is a rapidly developing and growing manufacturing process and has proven successful in many different ways. Processes, such as extrusion three-dimensional (3D) printing and selective laser melting (SLM), have proven to work but have limitations, such as material capabilities or density issues. SLM is a revolutionary process for additive manufacturing of metals but cannot be used in outer space due to the need for metallic powder which would diffuse into the atmosphere in a zero-gravity environment. For this reason, metallic ink additive manufacturing is a potential solution. Work is being done on metallic ink additive manufacturing in a vacuum for electrical applications. This project has focused on developing an aluminum-tin metallic ink that can sinter without the need of a vacuum or inert gas-purged atmosphere in order to prevent oxidation of the aluminum by adding flux. Once a potential ink composition has been determined through sintering of small disks and thin layers of ink, the ink may be studied with a multimaterial 3D printer at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) in future experiments. If successful, this aluminum-tin ink will be capable for use on the International Space Station to make replacement parts quickly. Along with its zero-gravity advantages, this ink may also have applications on Earth because it may be extruded on a substrate with precise ceramic tips in a 3D printing process. This would allow the fabrication of precise, complex shapes and may generate a much faster and more efficient printing process as compared with traditional powder bed additive manufacturing processes. The process would not be limited by a small building volume because the system would not require an enclosed chamber.

Courtright, Z. S.↗

Cryolite Overcoated Aluminum Reflectors for Far-Ultraviolet Spectroscopy

Aluminum (Al) mirrors are conventionally protected with metal-fluoride coatings (e.g., MgF 2 , LiF, or AlF 3 ) immediately after deposition to prevent oxidation and preserve its far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectral efficiency. However, the resulting FUV reflectance of the aluminum reflector is limited by the metal-fluoride overcoat film index of refraction, morphology, stoichiometry, and its absorption cut-off in the lower end of the FUV spectra. Cryolite (sodium hexafluoroaluminate, Na 3 AlF 6 ) emerges as a potential candidate to preserve the aluminum FUV reflectance due to its relatively lower index of refraction in the visible to ultraviolet; therefore, allowing for the thin-film design of highly spectral efficient reflectors over a wide spectral range. We investigate the use of cryolite in aluminum reflector FUV coating design. The deposited aluminum reflector overcoated with cryolite will be examined in terms of spectral efficiency and environmental durability. The deposited cryolite overcoat will be evaluated in terms of optical constants and structural properties. Preliminary results have shown that the use of cryolite as an overcoat to protect aluminum would yield unprecedented results as an optimal Hydrogen Lyman-alpha (HLyα) spectral line reflector, with experimental reflectance values >96%.

optical coating↗

Cryolite Overcoated Aluminum Reflectors for Far-Ultraviolet Spectroscopy

Aluminum (Al) mirrors are conventionally protected with metal-fluoride coatings (e.g., MgF2, LiF, or AlF3) immediately after deposition to prevent oxidation and preserve its far-ultraviolet (FUV) spectral efficiency. However, the resulting FUV reflectance of the aluminum reflector is limited by the metal-fluoride overcoat film index of refraction, morphology, stoichiometry, and its absorption cut-off in the lower end of the FUV spectra. Cryolite (sodium hexafluoroaluminate, Na3AlF6) emerges as a potential candidate to preserve the aluminum FUV reflectance due to its relatively lower index of refraction in the visible to ultraviolet; therefore, allowing for the thin-film design of highly spectral efficient reflectors over a wide spectral range. We investigate the use of cryolite in aluminum reflector FUV coating design. The deposited aluminum reflector overcoated with cryolite will be examined in terms of spectral efficiency and environmental durability. The deposited cryolite overcoat will be evaluated in terms of optical constants and structural properties. Preliminary results have shown that the use of cryolite as an overcoat to protect aluminum would yield unprecedented results as an optimal Hydrogen Lyman-alpha (HLyα) spectral line reflector, with experimental reflectance values >96%.

optical coatings↗

Reactive Additive Manufacturing for Fourth Industrial Revolution Exploration Systems (Ramfire) Aluminum 6061-Ram2 Nozzle Testing

The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) has applied various forms of metallic additive manufacturing (AM) in liquid rocket engine component design, development, and testing since 2010. These AM techniques reduce hardware cost, shorten fabrication schedules, increase reliability by reducing the number of joints, and improve hardware performance by allowing unconventional design. The RAMFIRE project, funded under Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) Game Changing Development (GCD) Program, has furthered the use of novel AM liquid rocket nozzles in collaboration with Elementum 3D. The project advanced novel large-scale AM aluminum material technology for significant weight savings in rocket engines and launch vehicles. Previously, aluminum alloys were difficult to weld and print using additive manufacturing. Elementum 3D’s patented Aluminum 6061-RAM2 alloy allows for aluminum alloys to be printed using various AM techniques and at various scales. The alloy can be leveraged for welding wire, showing drastic improvements in aluminum weldability. The RAMFIRE project focuses on five key areas: 1) Laser Powder Directed Energy Deposition (LP-DED) AL6061-RAM2 feedstock specification and verification, 2) LP-DED process development and validation, 3) LP-DED printed AL6061-RAM2 microstructural and mechanical property characterization, 4) Hot-fire test a 7k-lbf thrust class regeneratively cooled nozzle, 5) Print large scale regeneratively cooled nozzle. Hot-fire testing demonstrates potential of advanced space technologies to NASA and potential users by providing the relevant environments to advance TRL levels to the 5/6 range.

Al6061-RAM2↗

Development of Aluminum Feedstock for Additive Manufacturing

The rapid evolution of materials science and manufacturing technologies in recent years has offered new pathways to manipulate materials for bespoke manufacturing. Here we aim to develop feedstocks for applications such as radiator panels, fuel tanks, and structural components for outfitting. As a strong, light weight and thermally conductive material aluminum is ideal for these applications. An often-overlooked source of aluminum waste is food packaging used on the International Space Station. Reusing this waste stream will reduce the cost and logistics of regular sparing. In Space Manufacturing (ISM) will utilize this technology is such areas as sparing and outfitting. However, processing aluminum can present challenges, especially in the context of additive manufacturing and sintering, due to its high reactivity and tendency to form a tenacious oxide layer. Identifying appropriate binders and sintering profiles can overcome these challenges. Herein we present our work on obtaining aluminum powder derived from food packaging, binder selection for aluminum feedstock, and a demonstration of bound metal deposition printing.

aluminum↗