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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 91 records · Page 5

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NASA NTRS1975

Friction and wear of carbon-graphite materials for high energy brakes

Caliper-type brakes simulation experiments were conducted on seven different carbon-graphite material formulations against a steel disk material and against a carbon-graphite disk material. The effects of binder level, boron carbide (B4C) additions, graphite fiber additions, and graphite cloth reinforcement on friction and wear behavior were investigated. Reductions in binder level and additions of B4C each resulted in increased wear. The wear rate was not affected by the addition of graphite fibers. Transition to severe wear and high friction was observed in the case of graphite-cloth-reinforced carbon sliding against a disk of similar composition. This transition was related to the disruption of a continuous graphite shear film that must form on the sliding surfaces if low wear is to occur. The exposure of the fiber structure of the cloth constituent is believed to play a role in the shear film disruption.

Bill, R. C.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

High Energy Dynamic Impact Testing of APC AS4/PEKK-FC and TC1225 LMPAEK T700G Thermoplastic Composite Materials

High energy dynamic impact tests were conducted on Solvay APC AS4D/PEKK-FC and Toray TC1225 LMPAEK T700Gthermoplastic composite laminates. The primary objective was to provide data for evaluation of computational composite impact models. Empirical results indicate an approximately 50% increase in penetration threshold velocity and over 100% increase in penetration energy threshold for the TC1225 LMPAEK T700Gcomposite compared to the APC AS4D/PEKK-FC composite. The velocity required to produce NDE-detectable delamination in the TC1225 LMPAEK T700Gcomposite was roughly twice that for the APC AS4D/PEKK-FC composite. Comparison of the normalized energy absorption showed similar results for the APC AS4D/PEKK-FC system compared to a previously studied IM7/8552 composite material. The TC1225 LMPAEK T700Gsystem absorbed approximately twice that of the other two systems when normalized by areal weight.

Impact↗

NASA NTRS1988

Research on high energy density capacitor materials

The Pulsed Plasma thruster is the simplest of all electric propulsion devices. It is a pulsed device which stores energy in capacitors for each pulse. The lifetimes and energy densities of these capacitors are critical parameters to the continued use of these thrusters. This report presents the result of a research effort conducted by JPL into the materials used in capacitors and the modes of failure. The dominant failure mechanism was determined to be material breakdown precipitated by heat build-up within the capacitors. The presence of unwanted gas was identified as the source of the heat. An aging phenomena was discovered in polycarbonate based capacitors. CO build-up was noted to increase with the number of times the capacitor had been discharged. Improved quality control was cited as being essential for the improvement of capacitor lifetimes.

Somoano, Robert↗

NASA NTRS1965

Energy absorbing characteristics of crushable aluminum structures in a space environment - development and fabrication of bendix energy absorption capsules final materials report, addendum no. 2

Energy absorbing characteristics of crushable aluminum structures in space environment

ALUMINUM↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

High Energy Dynamic Impact Testing of APC AS4D/PEKK-FC and TC1225 LMPAEK T700G Thermoplastic Composite Materials

High energy dynamic impact tests were conducted on AS4/PEKK and TC1225 LMPAEK T700G thermoplastic quasi-isotropic laminated tape composite panels. The primary objective was to provide data for evaluation of computational composite impact models. Measurements include transient deformations, pre- and post-test characterization of delamination and energy threshold for onset of delamination and onset of penetration. Empirical results indicate an approximately 50% increase in penetration threshold velocity and over 100% increase in penetration energy threshold for the TC1225 LMPAEK T700G composite compared to the AS4/PEKK composite. The velocity required to produce NDE-detectable delamination in the TC1225 LMPAEK T700G composite was roughly twice that for the AS4/PEKK composite. Results will be compared with those from a thermoset composite system with a similar architecture. Because of differences in the chemical structure of the two resins, differences in the impact response are to be expected.

Impact↗

NASA NTRS1976

Potential structural material problems in a hydrogen energy system

Potential structural material problems that may be encountered in the three components of a hydrogen energy system - production, transmission/storage, and utilization - have been identified. Hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion, oxidation, and erosion may occur during the production of hydrogen. Hydrogen embrittlement is of major concern during both transmission and utilization of hydrogen. Specific materials research and development programs necessary to support a hydrogen energy system are described. An awareness of probable shortages of strategic materials has been maintained in these suggested programs.

Gray, H. R.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Energy absorption of composite materials

Results of a study on the energy absorption characteristics of selected composite material systems are presented and the results compared with aluminum. Composite compression tube specimens were fabricated with both tape and woven fabric prepreg using graphite/epoxy (Gr/E), Kevlar (TM)/epoxy (K/E) and glass/epoxy (Gl/E). Chamfering and notching one end of the composite tube specimen reduced the peak load at initial failure without altering the sustained crushing load, and prevented catastrophic failure. Static compression and vertical impact tests were performed on 128 tubes. The results varied significantly as a function of material type and ply orientation. In general, the Gr/E tubes absorbed more energy than the Gl/E or K/E tubes for the same ply orientation. The 0/ + or - 15 Gr/E tubes absorbed more energy than the aluminum tubes. Gr/E and Gl/E tubes failed in a brittle mode and had negligible post crushing integrity, whereas the K/E tubes failed in an accordian buckling mode similar to the aluminum tubes. The energy absorption and post crushing integrity of hybrid composite tubes were not significantly better than that of the single material tubes.

Farley, G. L.↗

NASA NTRS1975

Potential structural material problems in a hydrogen energy system

Potential structural material problems that may be encountered in the three components of a hydrogen energy system - production, transmission/storage, and utilization - were identified. Hydrogen embrittlement, corrosion, oxidation, and erosion may occur during the production of hydrogen. Hydrogen embrittlement is of major concern during both transmission and utilization of hydrogen. Specific materials research and development programs necessary to support a hydrogen energy system are described.

Gray, H. R.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Fluoride salts and container materials for thermal energy storage applications in the temperature range 973 - 1400 K

Multicomponent fluoride salt mixtures were characterized for use as latent heat of fusion heat storage materials in advanced solar dynamic space power systems with operating temperatures in the range of 973 to 1400 K. The melting points and eutectic composition for many systems with published phase diagrams were verified, and several new eutectic compositions were identified. Additionally, the heats of fusion of several binary and ternary eutectics and congruently melting intermediate compounds were measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The extent of corrosion of various metals by fluoride melts was estimated from thermodynamic considerations, and equilibrium conditions inside a containment vessel were calculated as functions of the initial moisture content of the salt and free volume above the molten salt. Preliminary experimental data on the corrosion of commercial, high-temperature alloys in LiF-19.5CaF2 and NaF-27CaF2-36MgF2 melts are presented and compared to the thermodynamic predictions.

Misra, Ajay K.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Fluoride salts and container materials for thermal energy storage applications in the temperature range 973 to 1400 K

Misra, Ajay K.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Materials for Low-Energy Neutron Radiation Shielding

Various candidate aircraft and spacecraft materials were analyzed and compared in a low-energy neutron environment using the Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) transport code with an energy range up to 20 MeV. Some candidate materials have been tested in particle beams, and others seemed reasonable to analyze in this manner before deciding to test them. The two metal alloys analyzed are actual materials being designed into or used in aircraft and spacecraft today. This analysis shows that hydrogen-bearing materials have the best shielding characteristics over the metal alloys. It also shows that neutrons above 1 MeV are reflected out of the face of the slab better by larger quantities of carbon in the material. If a low-energy absorber is added to the material, fewer neutrons are transmitted through the material. Future analyses should focus on combinations of scatterers and absorbers to optimize these reaction channels and on the higher energy neutron component (above 50 MeV).

Singleterry, Robert C., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS2008

Simultaneous Noncontact Precision Imaging of Microstructural and Thickness Variation in Dielectric Materials Using Terahertz Energy

This article describes a noncontact single-sided terahertz electromagnetic measurement and imaging method that simultaneously characterizes microstructural (egs. spatially-lateral density) and thickness variation in dielectric (insulating) materials. The method was demonstrated for two materials-Space Shuttle External Tank sprayed-on foam insulation and a silicon nitride ceramic. It is believed that this method can be used as an inspection method for current and future NASA thermal protection system and other dielectric material inspection applications, where microstructural and thickness variation require precision mapping. Scale-up to more complex shapes such as cylindrical structures and structures with beveled regions would appear to be feasible.

Roth, Don J.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Materials for thermoelectric energy conversion

The field of thermoelectric energy conversion is reviewed from both a theoretical and an experimental standpoint. The basic theory is introduced and the thermodynamic and solid state views are compared. An overview of the development of thermoelectric materials is presented with particular emphasis being placed on the most recent developments in high-temperature semiconductors. A number of possible device applications are discussed and the successful use and suitability of these devices for space power is manifest.

Wood, C.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Energy absorption of composite material and structure

Results are presented from a joint research program on helicopter crashworthiness conducted by the U.S. Army Aerostructures Directorate and NASA Langley. Through the ongoing research program an in-depth understanding has been developed on the cause/effect relationships between material and architectural variables and the energy-absorption capability of composite material and structure. Composite materials were found to be efficient energy absorbers. Graphite/epoxy subfloor structures were more efficient energy absorbers than comparable structures fabricated from Kevlar or aluminum. An accurate method of predicting the energy-absorption capability of beams was developed.

Farley, Gary L.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Joining Carbon-Carbon Composites and High-Temperature Materials with High Energy Electron Beams

1. Program goals addressed during this period. Experimental work was directed at formation of a low-stress bond between carbon- carbon and aluminum, with the objective of minimizing the heating of the aluminum substrate, thereby minimizing stresses resulting from the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) difference between the aluminum and carbon-carbon. A second objective was to form a bond between carbon-carbon and aluminum with good thermal conductivity for electronic thermal management (SEM-E) application. 2. Substrates and joining materials selected during this period. Carbon-Carbon Composite (CCC) to Aluminum. CCC (Cu coated) to Aluminum. Soldering compounds based on Sn/Pb and Sn/Ag/Cu/Bi compositions. 3. Soldering experiments performed. Conventional techniques. High Energy Electron Beam (HEEB) process.

Goodman, Daniel↗

NASA NTRS1984

Advanced high temperature materials for the energy efficient automotive Stirling engine

The Stirling Engine is under investigated jointly by the Department of Energy and NASA Lewis as an alternative to the internal combustion engine for automotive applications. The Stirling Engine is an external combustion engine that offers the advantage of high fuel economy, low emissions, low noise, and low vibrations compared to current internal combustion automotive engines. The most critical component from a materials viewpoint is the heater head consisting of the cylinders, heating tubes, and regenerator housing. Materials requirements for the heater head include compatibility with hydrogen, resistance to hydrogen permeation, high temperature oxidation/corrosion resistance and high temperature creep-rupture and fatigue properties. A continuing supporting materials research and technology program has identified the wrought alloys CG-27 and 12RN72 and the cast alloys XF-818 and NASAUT 4G-A1 as candidate replacements for the cobalt containing alloys used in current prototype engines. Based on the materials research program in support of the automotive Stirling engine it is concluded that manufacture of the engine is feasible from low cost iron-base alloys rather than the cobalt alloys rather than the cobalt alloys used in prototype engines. This paper will present results of research that led to this conclusion.

Titran, R. H.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Some metal-graphite and metal-ceramic composites for use as high energy brake lining materials

Materials were studied as candidates for development as potential new aircraft brake lining materials. These families were (1) copper-graphite composites; (2) nickel-graphite composites; (3) copper - rare-earth-oxide (gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) or lanthanum oxide (La2O3)) composites and copper - rare-earth-oxide (La2O3) - rare-earth-fluoride (lanthanum fluoride (LaF3)) composites; (4) nickel - rare-earth-oxide composites and nickel - rare-earth-oxide - rare-earth-fluoride composites. For comparison purposes, a currently used metal-ceramic composite was also studied. Results showed that the nickel-Gd2O3 and nickel-La2O3-LaF3 composites were comparable or superior in friction and wear performance to the currently used composite and therefore deserve to be considered for further development.

Bill, R. C.↗

NASA NTRS1980

Low cost composite materials for wind energy conversion systems

A winding process utilizing a low-cost E-glass fabric called transverse-filament tape for low-cost production of wind turbine generators (WTG) is described. The process can be carried out continuously at high speed to produce large one-piece parts with tapered wall thicknesses on a tapered mandrel. It is being used to manufacture blades for the NASA/DOE 200-ft-diameter MOD-1 WTG and Rockwell/DOE 40-kW small wind energy conversion system (SWECS).

Weingart, O.↗