Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “fabrication”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 73 records · Page 4

Disc resonator gyroscope fabrication process requiring no bonding alignment

A method of fabricating a resonant vibratory sensor, such as a disc resonator gyro. A silicon baseplate wafer for a disc resonator gyro is provided with one or more locating marks. The disc resonator gyro is fabricated by bonding a blank resonator wafer, such as an SOI wafer, to the fabricated baseplate, and fabricating the resonator structure according to a pattern based at least in part upon the location of the at least one locating mark of the fabricated baseplate. MEMS-based processing is used for the fabrication processing. In some embodiments, the locating mark is visualized using optical and/or infrared viewing methods. A disc resonator gyroscope manufactured according to these methods is described.

Shcheglov, Kirill V.↗

Design and Fabrication of DebriSat - A Representative LEO Satellite for Improvements to Standard Satellite Breakup Models

This paper discusses the design and fabrication of DebriSat, a 50 kg satellite developed to be representative of a modern low Earth orbit satellite in terms of its components, materials used, and fabrication procedures. DebriSat will be the target of a future hypervelocity impact experiment to determine the physical characteristics of debris generated after an on-orbit collision of a modern LEO satellite. The major ground-based satellite impact experiment used by DoD and NASA in their development of satellite breakup models was SOCIT, conducted in 1992. The target used for that experiment was a Navy transit satellite (~40 cm, 35 kg) fabricated in the 1960's. Modern satellites are very different in materials and construction techniques than those built 40 years ago. Therefore, there is a need to conduct a similar experiment using a modern target satellite to improve the fidelity of the satellite breakup models. To ensure that DebriSat is truly representative of typical LEO missions, a comprehensive study of historical LEO satellite designs and missions within the past 15 years for satellites ranging from 1 kg to 5000 kg was conducted. This study identified modern trends in hardware, material, and construction practices utilized in recent LEO missions. Although DebriSat is an engineering model, specific attention is placed on the quality, type, and quantity of the materials used in its fabrication to ensure the integrity of the outcome. With the exception of software, all other aspects of the satellite s design, fabrication, and assembly integration and testing will be as rigorous as that of an actual flight vehicle. For example, to simulate survivability of launch loads, DebriSat will be subjected to a vibration test. As well, the satellite will undergo thermal vacuum tests to verify that the components and overall systems meet typical environmental standards. Proper assembly and integration techniques will involve comprehensive joint analysis, including the precise torqueing of fasteners and thread locking. Finally, the implementation of process documentation and verification procedures is discussed to provide a comprehensive overview of the design and fabrication of this representative LEO satellite.

Clark, S.↗

Degradation of Spacesuit Fabrics Exposed to Low Earth Orbit

Two different outer spacesuit fabrics were exposed to the wake-side low Earth orbit (LEO) environment for two years in order to determine their long term durability in the space environment. One sample each of the Teflon fabrics that covered Apollo spacesuits and the Orthofabric that covers the Space Shuttle and ISS suits was flown on the ISS as part of the ORMatE-III experiment. Results were compared with previous experiment on MISSE-7 which had similar exposure conditions on the ISS for 18 months, as well as β-cloth exposures on the LDEF for 5.7 years and an ISS battery ORU that was exposed for 8 years. Both ORMatE-III samples darkened considerably, probably due to UV and high energy particle radiation. Spectral analysis showed increased absorption in the shorter than 500 nm portion of the spectrum, but became more reflective in the 500 to 1800 nm region, and as a result, there was little change in the absorptance of the fabrics. Measurement of the 2.5 to 25 μm spectra indicated that there was only a small change in the emittance of the fabrics in the 250 to 700 K. Thus, although on long exposure the spacesuits are expected to darken to the eye, their thermal properties will likely remain nearly constant for the Apollo FEP fabric, and will degrade only slowly for the Orthofabric. Although these sample were too small to characterize their mechanical properties, degradation of the MISSE-7 samples as well as metalized FEP films on the Hubble Space Telescope thermal shields suggest that long term exposure of these fabrics to the space radiation environments will cause them to embrittle.

Atomic Oxygen↗

Explicit Finite Element Modeling of Multilayer Composite Fabric for Gas Turbine Engine Containment Systems, Phase II: Ballistic Impact Testing - Part 2

This report summarizes the ballistic impact testing that was conducted to provide validation data for the development of numerical models of blade-out events in fabric containment systems. The ballistic impact response of two different fiber materials - Kevlar(TradeName) 49 and Zylon(TradeName) AS (as spun) was studied by firing metal projectiles into dry woven fabric specimens using a gas gun. The shape, mass, orientation, and velocity of the projectile were varied and recorded. In most cases, the tests were designed so the projectile would perforate the specimen, allowing measurement of the energy absorbed by the fabric. The results for both Zylon and Kevlar presented here represent a useful set of data for the purposes of establishing and validating numerical models to predict the response of fabrics under conditions that simulate those of a jet engine blade-release situation. In addition, some useful empirical observations were made regarding the effects of projectile orientation and the relative performance of the different fabric materials.

Zylon↗

Artemis Suit Material Effects of Calendaring Woven Fabrics on Dust Resistance

This paper presents one element of an ongoing NASA technology-infusion effort to design, fabricate, and test a new outer shell fabric for a lunar Extravehicular Activity (EVA) space suit, a critical component of sustained lunar exploration. A primary challenge for suit textiles is preventing lunar dust, which is highly abrasive, electrostatically charged, and capable of infiltrating even tightly woven fabrics from penetrating the Environment Protection Garment (EPG) and compromising suit durability and astronaut safety. To enhance dust-blocking performance, the Artemis Suit Materials Team investigated calendaring, a continuous roll to roll mechanical finishing process in which fabric passes through heated rollers under high pressure to compress and flatten the weave, thereby reducing pore size and modifying surface texture without significantly affecting other properties. Targeted testing of calendared Teflon™ T-162 and Ortho Fabric samples provides new insight into how calendaring influences dust resistance, informing future material development and advancing EVA suit technology for long-duration lunar missions.

Dust↗

Artemis Suit Material Effects of Calendaring Woven Fabrics on Dust Resistance

This paper presents one element of an ongoing NASA technology-infusion effort to design, fabricate, and test a new outer shell fabric for a lunar Extravehicular Activity (EVA) space suit, a critical component of sustained lunar exploration. A primary challenge for suit textiles is preventing lunar dust, which is highly abrasive, electrostatically charged, and capable of infiltrating even tightly woven fabrics from penetrating the Environment Protection Garment (EPG) and compromising suit durability and astronaut safety. To enhance dust-blocking performance, the Artemis Suit Materials Team investigated calendaring, a continuous roll to roll mechanical finishing process in which fabric passes through heated rollers under high pressure to compress and flatten the weave, thereby reducing pore size and modifying surface texture without significantly affecting other properties. Targeted testing of calendared Teflon™ T-162 and Ortho Fabric samples provides new insight into how calendaring influences dust resistance, informing future material development and advancing EVA suit technology for long-duration lunar missions.

Dust↗

Fabrication of tungsten wire reinforced nickel-base alloy composites

Fabrication methods for tungsten fiber reinforced nickel-base superalloy composites were investigated. Three matrix alloys in pre-alloyed powder or rolled sheet form were evaluated in terms of fabricability into composite monotape and multi-ply forms. The utility of monotapes for fabricating more complex shapes was demonstrated. Preliminary 1093C (2000F) stress rupture tests indicated that efficient utilization of fiber strength was achieved in composites fabricated by diffusion bonding processes. The fabrication of thermal fatigue specimens is also described.

Brentnall, W. D.↗

Fabrication of experimental three-meter space telescope primary and secondary mirror support structure

The fabrication of prototype titanium alloy primary and secondary mirror support structures for a proposed experimental three-meter space telescope is discussed. The structure was fabricated entirely of Ti-6Al-4V tubing and plate. Fabrication included the development of procedures including welding, forming, and machining. Most of the structures was fabricated by gas-shielding tungsten-arc (GTA) welding with several major components fabricated by high frequency resistance (HFR) welding.

Mishler, H. W.↗

Development of a triaxially formed fabric for use in an improved restraint layer in the shuttle space suit

A series of materials for use as an improved restraint layer in the shuttle space suit was developed. The feasibility of weaving triaxial fabrics in tight, low porosity configurations with yarns of appropriate sizes and materials was demonstrated along with the stability and isotropy of triaxial fabrics. The triaxial fabric constructions, BP44P and BP40M, can be reproduced on a production basis. Both fabric constructions afford excellent strength-to-weight ratio and exhibit improved tear strength and shear resistance over biaxial fabrics.

Source record↗

Fabrics for fire resistant passenger seats in aircraft

The essential elements of the problem and of approaches to improved fire resistance in aircraft seats are reviewed. The performance requirements and availability of materials, delay in the ignition of upholstery fabric by a small source are considered a realistic objective. Results of experimental studies on the thermal response of fabrics and fabric/foam combinations suggest significant conclusions regarding: (1) the ignition behavior of a commercial 90/10 wool/nylon upholstery fabric relative to fabrics made from thermally stable polymers; (2) the role of the foam backing; (3) the behavior of seams. These results, coupled with data from other sources, also confirm the importance of materials' interactions in multicomponent assemblies, and the need for system testing prior to materials' selection. The use of an interlinear or thermal barrier between upholstery fabric and foam is a promising and viable approach to improved fire resistance of the seat assembly, but experimental evaluation of specific combinations of materials or systems is an essential part of the selection process.

Tesoro, G. C.↗

Fabrication and evaluation of advanced titanium structural panels for supersonic cruise aircraft

Flightworthy primary structural panels were designed, fabricated, and tested to investigate two advanced fabrication methods for titanium alloys. Skin-stringer panels fabricated using the weldbraze process, and honeycomb-core sandwich panels fabricated using a diffusion bonding process, were designed to replace an existing integrally stiffened shear panel on the upper wing surface of the NASA YF-12 research aircraft. The investigation included ground testing and Mach 3 flight testing of full-scale panels, and laboratory testing of representative structural element specimens. Test results obtained on full-scale panels and structural element specimens indicate that both of the fabrication methods investigated are suitable for primary structural applications on future civil and military supersonic cruise aircraft.

Payne, L.↗

Development and fabrication of bismaleimide-graphite composites

The successful fabrication of high temperature resistant composites depends mainly on the processability of the resin binder matrix. For two new bismaleimide type resins the processing of graphite fabric prepregs to composites is described. One resin coded M 751 has to be processed from N-Methylpyrrolidone, the other resin evaluated is a so-called hot melt solvent-less system. Commercial T300/3000 Graphite fabrics were used as reinforcement. The M 751 - Resin is a press grade material and laminates are therefore moulded in high pressure conditions (400 N/sq cm). The solvent-less resin system H 795 is an autoclave grade material and can be cured at 40 N/sq cm. The cure cycles for both the press grade and the autoclave grade material (Fiberite W 143 fabric prepregs) are provided and the mechanical properties of laminates at low (23 C) and high (232 C) temperatures were measured. For comparison, the neat resin flexural properties are also presented. The water absorption for the neat resins and the graphite fabric laminates after a 1000 hour period was evaluated.

Stenzenberger, H.↗

Tungsten wire/FeCrAlY matrix turbine blade fabrication study

The objective was to establish a viable FRS monotape technology base to fabricate a complex, advanced turbine blade. All elements of monotape fabrication were addressed. A new process for incorporation of the matrix, including bi-alloy matrices, was developed. Bonding, cleaning, cutting, sizing, and forming parameters were established. These monotapes were then used to fabricate a 48 ply solid JT9D-7F 1st stage turbine blade. Core technology was then developed and first a 12 ply and then a 7 ply shell hollow airfoil was fabricated. As the fabrication technology advanced, additional airfoils incorporated further elements of sophistication, by introducing in sequence bonded root blocks, cross-plying, bi-metallic matrix, tip cap, trailing edge slots, and impingement inserts.

Melnyk, P.↗

Space fabrication - The key to future large space systems

Construction techniques for large space structures are discussed. It is pointed out that in contrast to assembly in orbit and the deployment technique space fabrication offers favorable densities (transporting structural materials on reels) and can be adapted to automated construction. A space fabrication machine containing reels of flat sheet material and sets of rollers or dies is described, as is a machine for fabricating composite material (which must be heated for forming and then cooled to achieve structural strength). The use of fabrication machines to build such structures as space platforms, microwave radiometers, and satellite power systems is discussed. The versatility of the machine when operated in conjunction with the Space Shuttle and a set of jigs is illustrated by showing how large square solar panels and large hexagonal structures could be constructed. The need for a flight demonstration of the fabrication machine is stressed.

Savage, M.↗

Tribological properties of alumina-boria-silicate fabric from 25 to 850 C

Demanding tribological properties are required of the materials used for the sliding seal between the sidewalls and the lower wall of the variable area hypersonic engine. Temperatures range from room temperature and below to operating temperatures of 1000 C in an environment of air, hydrogen, and water vapor. Candidate sealing materials for this application are an alumina-boria-silicate, ceramic, fabric rope sliding against the engine walls which may be made from copper- or nickel-based alloys. Using a pin-on-disk tribometer, the friction and wear properties of some of these potential materials and possible lubrication methods are evaluated. The ceramic fabric rope displayed unacceptably high friction coefficients (0.6 to 1.3) and, thus, requires lubrication. Sputtered thin films of gold, silver, and CaF2 reduced the friction by a factor of two. Sprayed coatings of boride nitride did not effectively lubricate the fabric. Static heat treatment tests at 950 C indicate that the fabric is chemically attacked by large quantities of silver, CaF2, and boron nitride. Sputtered films or powder impregnation of the fabric with gold may provide adequate lubrication up to 1000 C without showing any chemical attack.

Dellacorte, Christopher↗

Composite monolayer fabrication by an arc-spray process

A single layer (monotape) technique for fabricating complex high-temperature tungsten-fiber-reinforced superalloy composites is proposed. The fabrication of sheets of arc-sprayed monotape 38 cm wide and 122 cm long has been demonstrated. Composites fabricated using the method are shown to have equal tensile strength and a cleaner matrix than composites fabricated from powder metal cloth monotapes, and the present technique is less expensive than the powder metal fabrication techniques.

Westfall, Leonard J.↗

Rapid fabrication of lightweight ceramic mirrors via chemical vapor deposition

Lightweight Si/SiC mirrors of nominal diameter 7.5 cm have been fabricated via a scalable and rapid CVD process to demonstrate the CVD mirror fabrication technology. These mirrors consist of a faceplate of either Si or Si-coated SiC and a lightweight backstructure made of either Si or SiC. The mirrors were polished to a figure better than 1/5th of a wave at 0.6328 A and a finish of better than 10 A rms. A procedure for fabricating these mirrors is described. The CVD fabrication process is fast and has the potential to yield several mirrors in a few weeks time from a single reactor. The CVD mirror fabrication technology is quite general and can be extended to include mirrors of other ceramic materials such as TiB2 and B4C.

Goela, Jitendra S.↗

Tribological properties of alumina-boria-silicate fabric from 25 C to 850 C

Demanding tribological properties are required of the materials used for the sliding seal between the sidewalls and the lower wall of the variable area hypersonic engine. Temperatures range from room temperature and below to operating temperatures of 1000 C in an environment of air, hydrogen, and water vapor. Candidate sealing materials for this application are an alumina-boria-silicate, ceramic, fabric rope sliding against the engine walls which may be made from copper- or nickel-based alloys. Using a pin-on-disk tribometer, the friction and wear properties of some of these potential materials and possible lubrication methods are evaluated. The ceramic fabric rope displayed unacceptably high friction coefficients (0.6 to 1.3) and, thus, requires lubrication. Sputtered thin films of gold, silver, and CaF2 reduced the friction by a factor of two. Sprayed coatings of boride nitride did not effectively lubricate the fabric. Static heat treatment tests at 950 C indicate that the fabric is chemically attacked by large quantities of silver, CaF2, and boron nitride. Sputtered films or powder impregnation of the fabric with gold may provide adequate lubrication up to 1000 C without showing any chemical attack.

Dellacorte, Christopher↗