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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 73 records · Page 4
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2018

Creating a Multifunctional Composite Stator Slot Material System to Enable High Power Density Electric Machines for Electrified Aircraft Applications

Increasing the power density and efficiency of electric machines (motors and generators) is integral to bringing Electrified Aircraft (EA) to commercial realization. However, power density and efficiency are not qualities that can be developed independently. At the heart of any electric machine are the conductors (usually copper) that carry current and generate magnetic fields. Increased power density means increased current density and increased joule heating in a smaller volume. To increase efficiency at the wire level means minimizing electrical resistance and hence power lost to joule heating. There are fundamental challenges with concomitantly increasing both power density and efficiency since the copper resistivity is very temperature sensitive at common electric machine operating conditions. Simple calculations of the linear increase in resistivity of copper as a function of temperature, reveals that a one degree Celsius increase in temperature results in a 0.39% decrease in efficiency. Conversely, a 20 degree Celsius decrease in copper temperature produces a 7.8% increase in efficiency. Therefore, improved thermal management concepts for electric machine building blocks such as stator winding are a priority for improving efficiency and power density. This paper proposing changing the view of component materials in the stator slots from individual components with singular functionality to a composite system where the components take on a multifunctional roles. In the composite framework, achievable material development goals are defined that together have maximum system impact on the thermal environment inside of high power density electric machines for aerospace applications.

thermal management↗
NASA NTRS1990

On diamond, graphitic and amorphous carbons in primitive extraterrestrial solar system materials

Carbon is among the most abundant elements in the universe and carbon chemistry in meteorites and comets is an important key to understanding many Solar System and interstellar processes. Yet, the mineralogical properties and interrelations between various structural forms of elemental carbon remain ambiguous. Crystalline elemental carbons include rhombohedral graphite, hexagonal graphite, cubic diamond, hexagonal diamond (i.e., lonsdaleite or carbon-2H) and chaoite. Elemental carbon also occurs as amorphous carbon and poorly graphitized (or turbostratic) carbon but of all the forms of elemental carbon only graphite is stable under physical conditions that prevail in small Solar System bodies and in the interstellar medium. The recent discovery of cubic diamond in carbonaceous chondrites and hexagonal diamond in chondritic interplanetary dust particles (IDPs) have created a renewed interest in the crystalline elemental carbons that were not formed by shock processes on a parent body. Another technique, Raman spectroscopy, confirms a widespread occurrence of disordered graphite in the Allende carbonaceous chondrite and in chondritic IDPs. Elemental carbons have also been identified by their characteristic K-edge features in electron energy loss spectra (EELS). However, the spectroscopic data do not necessarily coincide with those obtained by selected area electron diffraction (SAED). In order to interpret these data in terms of rational crystalline structures, it may be useful to consider the principles underlying electron diffraction and spectroscopic analyses. Electron diffraction depends on electron scattering, on the type of atom and the distance between atoms in a crystal lattice. Spectroscopic data are a function of the type of atom and the energy of bonds between atoms. Also, SAED is a bulk sampling technique when compared to techniques such as Raman spectroscopy or EELS. Thus, it appears that combined analyses provide contradictory results and that amorphous, or short-range ordered, carbon identified by conventional TEM imaging and SAED may show evidence for sp(3) bonds in EELS spectra. It is suggested that complex, nanometer-scale, mineralogical interrelations are common to all elemental carbons irrespective of their origin. The subsequent thermal history, or energy balance, will determine the ultimate microstructure.

Rietmeijer, Frans J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

An in-situ study in SEM of delamination in several graphite/epoxy composite material systems

A three point bend fixture compatible with the current loading stage for the Scanning Electron Microscope was designed and fabricated. End-notched flexure tests were run on several materials. Work to date was on AS4/3502, T6T145/F155, and T6T145/F185. Fracture toughness was measured. Fracture of neat resin specimens was begun. The decrease in delaminatin fracture toughness, compared to neat resin toughness, due to rigid fiber filler and interlaminar failure is addressed. An experimental program was designed to try to determine the proper interpretatin for apparent microcracking in neat resin specimens.

Bradley, W. L.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Advanced Oxide Material Systems For 1650 C Thermal/Environmental Barrier Coating Applications

Advanced thermal/environmental barrier coatings (T/EBCs) are being developed for low emission SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite (CMC) combustor and vane applications to extend the CMC liner and vane temperature capability to 1650 C (3000 F) in oxidizing and water-vapor containing combustion environments. The 1650 C T/EBC system is required to have better thermal stability, lower thermal conductivity, and improved sintering and thermal stress resistance than current coating systems. In this paper, the thermal conductivity, water vapor stability and cyclic durability of selected candidate zirconia-/hafnia-, pyrochlore- and magnetoplumbite-based T/EBC materials are evaluated. The test results have been used to downselect the T/EBC coating materials, and help demonstrate advanced 1650OC coatings feasibility with long-term cyclic durability.

Zhu, Dongming↗
NASA NTRS1978

Isotopic anomalies in solar system material - What can they tell us

Three relatively recently discovered anomalies are considered. The goal of isotopic research is to understand what phenomena are responsible for the observed isotopic anomalies, and thereby to determine the initial solar system isotopic composition. Until recently there has been no measured isotopic ratios which could not be understood in the context of reasonable physical or chemical processes acting to alter a uniform initial solar isotopic composition. This situation changed in 1969 with the discovery by Black and Pepin of an unusual neon isotopic composition in certain carbonaceous meteories. This unusual composition was later designated as Neon E. An unusual or anomalous oxygen isotopic composition was discovered by Clayton et al. (1973). A magnesium isotopic anomaly was discovered by Gray and Compston (1974), and Lee and Papanastassiou (1974). The three isotopic anomalies are discussed, emphasizing particularly the experimental evidence, possible causes for the observed isotopic composition and finally, possible implications of these anomalies with regard to models of solar system formation and evolution.

Black, D. C.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Outer solar system materials - Ices and color systematics

Our program of VJHK colorimetric observations and spectrophotometry is reviewed and updated. Attention is given to the probable connections between VJHK colors and the ratios of bright ices and dark soils on many outer solar system small bodies' surfaces. VJHK color systematics may clarify ice/soil behaviors in bodies too faint for high resolution spectra. Comets appear colored by soils most closely resembling D-class Trojan asteroid soils. Our recent model of comet surface properties, involving weakly-bonded ice/soil regoliths, helps explain comet eruptive phenomena. The work suggests the importance of considering ices in the context of their intimate mixture with non-volatile soils.

Hartmann, W. K.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Advanced Oxide Material Systems for 1650 C Thermal/Environmental Barrier Coating Applications

Advanced thermal and environmental barrier coatings (TEBCs) are being developed for low-emission SiC/SiC ceramic matrix composite (CMC) combustor and vane applications to extend the CMC liner and vane temperature capability to 1650 C (3000 F) in oxidizing and water-vapor-containing combustion environments. The advanced 1650 C TEBC system is required to have a better high-temperature stability, lower thermal conductivity, and more resistance to sintering and thermal stress than current coating systems under engine high-heat-flux and severe thermal cycling conditions. In this report, the thermal conductivity and water vapor stability of selected candidate hafnia-, pyrochlore- and magnetoplumbite-based TEBC materials are evaluated. The effects of dopants on the materials properties are also discussed. The test results have been used to downselect the TEBC materials and help demonstrate the feasibility of advanced 1650 C coatings with long-term thermal cycling durability.

Zhu, Dong-Ming↗
NASA NTRS1990

Design and development of a space station hazardous material system for assessing chemical compatibility

As the Space Station nears reality in funding support from Congress, NASA plans to perform over a hundred different missions in the coming decade. Incrementally deployed, the Space Station will evolve into modules linked to an integral structure. Each module will have characteristic functions, such as logistics, habitation, and materials processing. Because the Space Station is to be user friendly for experimenters, NASA is anticipating that a variety of different chemicals will be taken on-board. Accidental release of these potentially toxic chemicals and their chemical compatibility is the focus of this discourse. The Microgravity Manufacturing Processing Facility (MMPF) will contain the various facilities within the U.S. Laboratory (USL). Each facility will have a characteristic purpose, such as alloy solidification or vapor crystal growth. By examining the proposed experiments for each facility, identifying the chemical constituents, their physical state and/or changes, byproducts and effluents, those payloads can be identified which may contain toxic, explosive, or reactive compounds that require processing or containment in mission peculiar waste management systems. Synergistic reactions from mixed effluent streams is of major concern. Each experiment will have it own data file, complete with schematic, chemical listing, physical data, etc. Chemical compatibility information from various databases will provide assistance in the analysis of alternate disposal techniques (pretreatment, separate storage, etc.). Along with data from the Risk Analysis of the Proposed USL Waste Management System, accidental release of potentially toxic and catastrophic chemicals would be eliminated or reduced.

Congo, Richard T.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Advanced fiber/matrix material systems

Work completed in Phase 1 of the NASA Advanced Composite Technology program is discussed. Two towpreg forms (commingled yarns and fused powder towpregs) are being characterized under the program. These towpregs will be used to evaluate textile fabrication technologies for advanced aircraft composite structures. The unique characteristic of both of these material forms is that both fiber and matrix resin are handled in a single operation such as weaving, braiding, or fiber placement. The evaluation of both commingled and fused powder towpreg is described. Various polymer materials are considered for both subsonic and supersonic applications. Polymers initially being evaluated include thermoplastic polyimides such as Larc-TPI and New-TPI, thermoplastics such as PEEK and PEKEKK as well as some toughened crosslinked polyimides. Preliminary mechanical properties as well as tow handling are evaluated.

Hartness, J. Timothy↗
NASA NTRS1992

Application of advanced material systems to composite frame elements

A three phase program has been conducted to investigate DuPont's Long Discontinuous Fiber (LDF) composites. Additional tests were conducted to compare LDF composites against toughened thermosets and a baseline thermoset system. Results have shown that the LDF AS4/PEKK offers improved interlaminar (flange bending) strength with little reduction in mechanical properties due to the discontinuous nature of the fibers. In the third phase, a series of AS4/PEKK LDF C-section curved frames (representing a typical rotorcraft light frame) were designed, manufactured and tested. Specimen reconsolidation after 'stretch forming' and frame thickness were found to be key factors in this light frame's performance. A finite element model was constructed to correlate frame test results with expected strain levels determined from material property tests. Adequately reconsolidated frames performed well and failed at strain levels at or above baseline thermoset material test strains. Finally a cost study was conducted which has shown that the use of LDF for this frame would result in a significant cost savings, for moderate to large lot sizes compared with the hand lay-up of a thermoset frame.

Llorente, Steven↗
NASA NTRS1977

UH cosmic rays and solar system material - The elements just beyond iron

The nucleosynthesis of cosmic-ray elements between the iron peak and the rare-earth region is examined, and compositional changes introduced by propagation in interstellar space are calculated. Theories on the origin of elements heavier than iron are reviewed, a supernova model of explosive nucleosynthesis is adopted for the ultraheavy (UH) cosmic rays, and computational results for different source distributions are compared with experimental data. It is shown that both the cosmic-ray data and the nucleosynthesis calculations are not yet of sufficient precision to pinpoint the processes occurring in cosmic-ray source regions, that the available data do provide boundary conditions for cosmic-ray nucleosynthesis, and that these limits may apply to the origin of elements in the solar system. Specifically, it is concluded that solar-system abundances appear to be consistent with a superposition of the massive-star core-helium-burning s-process plus explosive-carbon-burning synthesis for the elements from Cu to As and are explained adequately by the s- and r-processes for heavier elements.

Wefel, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Degradation and reuse of radiative thermal protection system materials for the space shuttle

Three silicide coated columbium alloys and two cobalt alloys were subjected to identical simulated reentry profiling exposures in both static (controlled vacuum leak) and dynamic (hypersonic plasma shear) environments. Primary emphasis in the columbium alloy evaluation was on the Cb752 and C129Y alloys with a lesser amount on FS85. Commercial silicide coatings of the R512E and VH109 formulations were used. The coated specimens were intentionally defected to provide the types of coating flaws that are expected in service. Temperatures were profiled up to peak temperatures of either 2350 F or 2500 F for 15 minutes in each cycle.

Bartlett, E. S.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Study of iron-borate materials systems processed in space

It was calculated that an FeBO3B2O3 glass-ceramic containing only 1 mole% FeBO3 would be equivalent for magnetooptic application to a YIG crystal of equal thickness. An Fe2O3B2O3 composition containing 2 mole% FeBO3 equivalent (98B) could be converted largely to a dense green, though opaque, FeBO3 glass-ceramic through suitable heat treatments. However, phase separation (and segregation) and Fe+3 reduction could not be entirely avoided with the various procedures that were employed. From light scattering calculations, it was estimated that about 100 A to allow 90% light transmission through a 1 cm thick sample. However, the actual FeBO3 crystallite sizes obtained in 98B were of the order of 1 micron or greater.

Neilson, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS1979

SRB thermal protection systems materials test results in an arc-heated nitrogen environment

The external surface of the Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) will experience imposed thermal and shear environments due to aerodynamic heating and radiation heating during launch, staging and reentry. This report is concerned with the performance of the various TPS materials during the staging maneuver. During staging, the wash from the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) exhust plumes impose severe, short duration, thermal environments on the SRB. Five different SRB TPS materials were tested in the 1 MW Arc Plasma Generator (APG) facility. The maximum simulated heating rate obtained in the APG facility was 248 Btu/sq ft./sec, however, the test duration was such that the total heat was more than simulated. Similarly, some local high shear stress levels of 0.04 psia were not simulated. Most of the SSME plume impingement area on the SRB experiences shear stress levels of 0.02 psia and lower. The shear stress levels on the test specimens were between 0.021 and 0.008 psia. The SSME plume stagnation conditions were also simulated.

Wojciechowski, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

The study of excited oxygen molecule gas species production and quenching on thermal protection system materials

The detection of excited oxygen and ozone molecules formed by surface catalyzed oxygen atom recombination and reaction was investigated by laser induced fluorescence (LIF), molecular beam mass spectrometric (MBMS), and field ionization (FI) techniques. The experiment used partially dissociated oxygen flows from a microwave discharge at pressures in the range from 60 to 400 Pa or from an inductively coupled RF discharge at atmospheric pressure. The catalyst materials investigated were nickel and the reaction cured glass coating used for Space Shuttle reusable surface insulation tiles. Nonradiative loss processes for the laser excited states makes LIF detection of O2 difficult such that formation of excited oxygen molecules could not be detected in the flow from the microwave discharge or in the gaseous products of atom loss on nickel. MBMS experiments showed that ozone was a product of heterogeneous O atom loss on nickel and tile surfaces at low temperatures and that ozone is lost on these materials at elevated temperatures. FI was separately investigated as a method by which excited oxygen molecules may be conveniently detected. Partial O2 dissociation decreases the current produced by FI of the gas.

Nordine, Paul C.↗