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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

Rapid data comparison technique development for N-ray/X-ray analysis

An operational N-ray/X-ray computer analysis system for nondestructive testing problems was realized by developing: (1) more efficient data transfer routines for use in existing image processing systems; (2) the capability to store and analyze multiple N-ray/X-ray images; (3) an efficient 2-D Fast Fourier Transform; and (4) transfer functions compensation capability to correct for distortions and nonlinearities of N-rays/X-rays. Applications of the technique are summarized for the following: thermal protection system tile with hydraulic fluid; thermal protection system tile with corrosion; thermal protection system tile debonding; stainless steel tubing corrosion; defective electrical devices; fast film restoration and deblur; corrosion tracking over time; reduction of source vignetting, and identification of materials (0 rings, Teflon parts, soft goods) via table look up.

Butterfield, R. L.↗

Development of forward and aft separation bolts for the NASA Space Shuttle solid rocket booster separation system

A program is underway to design, develop, fabricate, and qualify large high-load forward and aft separation bolts for the Space Shuttle; the bolts will serve as attachment between two solid rocket boosters and the external tank. This paper reviews bolt development, with emphasis on the scaling of components, the use of high strength maraging steel for the internal components, and the use of lead as a hydraulic fluid.

Nein, H.↗

Constant-Pressure Hydraulic Pump

Constant output pressure in gas-driven hydraulic pump would be assured in new design for gas-to-hydraulic power converter. With a force-multiplying ring attached to gas piston, expanding gas would apply constant force on hydraulic piston even though gas pressure drops. As a result, pressure of hydraulic fluid remains steady, and power output of the pump does not vary.

Galloway, C. W.↗

Performance of PTFE-lined composite journal bearings

Plain cylindrical journal bearings consisting of aramid fiber reinforced epoxy outer shells and glass fiber reinforced PTFE lubricating liners were evaluated. All materials in these bearings are electrically nonconductive; thus eliminating the problem of galvanic corrosion sometimes encountered with metal bearings installed in dissimilar metal mountings. Friction and wear characteristics were determined for loads, temperatures, and oscillating conditions that are typical of current airframe bearing applications. Friction and wear characteristics were found to be compatible with most airframe bearing requirements from -23 C to 121 C. Contamination with MIL H-5606 hydraulic fluid increased wear of the PTFE liners at 121 C, but did not affect the structural integrity of the aramid/epoxy composite.

Sliney, H. E.↗

Barrier Self for Hydraulic Actuators

Barrier seal slows loss of pressurized hydraulic fluid due to leakage in primary seal. Barrier seal, placed downstream of primary O-ring seal, serves as secondary obstacle to leakage.

Prout, R. E.↗

Aircraft surface coatings study: Verification of selected materials

Three liquid coatings and four films that might improve and/or maintain the smoothness of transport aircraft surfaces are considered. Laboratory tests were performed on the liquid coatings (elastomeric polyurethanes) exposed to synthetic type hydraulic fluid, with and without a protective topcoat. Results were analyzed of a 14-month flight service evaluation of coatings applied to leading edges of an airline 727. Two additional airline service evaluations were initiated. Labortory tests were conducted on the films, bonded to aluminum substrate with various adhesives, to determine the best film/adhesive combinations. A cost/benefits analysis was performed and recommendations made for future work toward the application of this technology to commercial transports.

Source record↗

Automatic compression adjusting mechanism for internal combustion engines

Means for controlling the compression pressure in an internal combustion engine having one or more cylinders and subject to widely varying power output requirements are provided. Received between each crank pin and connecting rod is an eccentric sleeve selectively capable of rotation about the crank pin and/or inside the rod and for latching with the rod to vary the effective length of the connecting rod and thereby the clearance volume of the engine. The eccentric normally rotates inside the connecting rod during the exhaust and intake strokes but a latching pawl carried by the eccentric is movable radially outwardly to latch the rod and eccentric together during the compression and power strokes. A control valve responds to intake manifold pressure to time the supply of hydraulic fluid to move the latch-pawl outwardly, varying the effective rod length to maintain a substantially optimum firing chamber pressure at all intake manifold pressures.

Akkerman, J. W.↗

Full-Scale Transport controlled Impact Demonstration

The controlled impact demonstration (CID) test of a transport aircraft took place on December 1, 1984, crashing at a prepared site on Rogers Dry Lakebed, Edwards Air Force Base, California. The demonstration was a setback for the antimisting kerosene (AMK) researchers. The impact conditions, considerably different from the planned scenario, exposed large quantities of degraded AMK and hydraulic fluid and caused unexpectedly hot ignition sources, bulk loss of fuel from the right wing, airflow patterns over the wings and fuselage that were untested on AMK, and fuel intrusion into the lower fuselage. The test was much more severe than planned and is generally considered to be unrepresentative of the type of survivable crash that would benefit from AMK. Ninety-seven percent of the sensors on the fuselage and wing structure, seats, dummies, restraint systems, galley, and bins were active at impact. A wealth of sensor data was collected from this once-in-a-lifetime research test. The flight data recorder experiments on board were also generally successful.

Hayduk, R. J.↗

High-Temperature Vibration Damper

Device for damping vibrations functions at temperatures up to 400 degrees F. Dampens vibrational torque loads as high as 1,000 lb-in. but compact enough to be part of helicopter rotor hub. Rotary damper absorbs energy from vibrating rod, dissipating it in turbulent motion of viscous hydraulic fluid forced by moving vanes through small orifices.

Clarke, Alan↗

Personnel emergency carrier vehicle

A personnel emergency carrier vehicle is disclosed which includes a vehicle frame supported on steerable front wheels and driven rear wheels. A supply of breathing air is connected to quick connect face mask coupling and umbilical cord couplings for supplying breathing air to an injured worker or attendant either with or without a self-contained atmospheric protection suit for protection against hazardous gases at an accident site. A non-sparking hydraulic motion is utilized to drive the vehicle and suitable direction and throttling controls are provided for controlling the delivery of a hydraulic driving fluid from a pressurized hydraulic fluid accumulator. A steering axis is steerable through a handle to steer the front wheels through a linkage assembly.

Owens, Lester J.↗

An electromechanical attenuator/actuator for Space Station docking

The development of a docking system for aerospace vehicles has identified the need for reusable and variably controlled attenuators/actuators for energy absorption and compliance. One approach to providing both the attenuator and the actuator functions is by way of an electromechanical attenuator/actuator (EMAA) as opposed to a hydraulic system. The use of the electromechanical devices is considered to be more suitable for a space environment because of the absence of contamination from hydraulic fluid leaks and because of the cost effectiveness of maintenance. A smart EMAA that uses range/rate/attitude sensor information to preadjust a docking interface to eliminate misalignments and to minimize contact and stroking forces is described. A prototype EMAA was fabricated and is being tested and evaluated. Results of preliminary testing and analysis already performed have established confidence that this concept is feasible and will provide the desired reliability and low maintenance for repetitive long term operation typical of Space Station requirements.

Stokes, Lebarian↗

Readily Processable Polyimide

Polymer exhibits resistance to hydraulic fluid, excellent processability, and extremely high adhesive strength. Synthesis involves reaction of new diamine, 1,3-bis 2-ethyl ether, with 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride to form polyamic acid and subsequent conversion to polyimide.

Hergenrother, Paul M.↗

Evaluation of high temperature structural adhesives for extended service, phase 5

The evaluation of 3 experimental polymers from NASA-Langley and a commercially produced polymer from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals as high temperature structural adhesives is presented. A polyphenylquinoxaline (PPQ), polyimide (STPI/LaRC-2), and a polyarylene ether (PAE-SO2) were evaluated as metal-to-metal adhesives. Lap shear, crack extension, and climbing drum peel specimens were fabricated from all three polymers and tested after thermal, combined thermal/humidity, and stressed hydraulic fluid (Skydrol) exposure. The fourth polymer, LARC-TPI was evaluated as an adhesive for titanium honeycomb sandwich structure. All three experimental polymers performed well as metal-to-metal adhesives from 219 K (-65 F) to 505 K (450 F), including humidity exposure. Structural adhesive strength was also maintained at 505 K for a minimum of 3000 hours. LaRC-TPI was evaluated as a high temperature (505 K) adhesive for titanium honeycomb sandwich structure. The LaRC-TPI bonding process development concentrated on improving the honeycomb core-to-skin bond. The most promising approach of those evaluated combined a LaRC-TPI polymer solution with a semi-crystalline LaRC-TPI powder for adhesive film fabrication and fillet formation.

Hendricks, C. L.↗

Better PFAE's From Direct Fluorination

New low-molecular-weight perfluoroalkylethers (PFAE's) synthesized by direct fluorination in experimental study. Correlated viscosity and oxidation characteristics of PFAE's with structures to evaluate suitability as high-temperature lubricants and hydraulic fluids. Direct fluorination process attractive because it often involves single-step reaction and uses cheap starting materials. Versatile: produces highly branched ethers as well as polyethers containing more than two sequential carbon atoms in polymer chains. Such molecules cannot be made by conventional techniques.

Jones, W. R., Jr.↗

Sensing The Position Of A Piston In A Cylinder

Position of piston in cylinder determined by series of ports and pressure-actuated electrical switches. Position-sensing scheme developed to help control movement of piston, which delivers fist-size objects to automatic mechanism at rate of less than 1 per second. Piston driven by either pressurized gas or hydraulic fluid. Position sensors have only fluid connections to cylinder. If cylinder or piston removed, not necessary to disturb electrical connections to switches. Scheme useful when electrical sensors create hazard or cause interference.

Wiker, Gordon A.↗

The 25 kWe solar thermal Stirling hydraulic engine system: Conceptual design

The conceptual design and analysis of a solar thermal free-piston Stirling hydraulic engine system designed to deliver 25 kWe when coupled to a 11 meter test bed concentrator is documented. A manufacturing cost assessment for 10,000 units per year was made. The design meets all program objectives including a 60,000 hr design life, dynamic balancing, fully automated control, more than 33.3 percent overall system efficiency, properly conditioned power, maximum utilization of annualized insolation, and projected production costs. The system incorporates a simple, rugged, reliable pool boiler reflux heat pipe to transfer heat from the solar receiver to the Stirling engine. The free-piston engine produces high pressure hydraulic flow which powers a commercial hydraulic motor that, in turn, drives a commercial rotary induction generator. The Stirling hydraulic engine uses hermetic bellows seals to separate helium working gas from hydraulic fluid which provides hydrodynamic lubrication to all moving parts. Maximum utilization of highly refined, field proven commercial components for electric power generation minimizes development cost and risk.

White, Maurice↗

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Analysis of the rudder/speed brake subsystem

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. The IOA approach features a top-down analysis of the hardware to determine failure modes, criticality, and potential critical items. To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. The independent analysis results for the Orbiter Rudder/Speedbrake Actuation Mechanism is documented. The function of the Rudder/Speedbrake (RSB) is to provide directional control and to provide a means of energy control during entry. The system consists of two panels on a vertical hinge mounted on the aft part of the vertical stabilizer. These two panels move together to form a rudder but split apart to make a speedbrake. The Rudder/Speedbrake Actuation Mechanism consists of the following elements: (1) Power Drive Unit (PDU) which is composed of hydraulic valve module and a hydraulic motor-powered gearbox which contains differentials and mixer gears to provide PDU torque output; (2) four geared rotary actuators which apply the PDU generated torque to the rudder/speedbrake panels; and (3) ten torque shafts which join the PDU to the rotary actuators and interconnect the four rotary actuators. Each level of hardware was evaluated and analyzed for possible failures and causes. Criticality was assigned based upon the severity of the effect for each failure mode. Critical RSB failures which result in potential loss of vehicle control were mainly due to loss of hydraulic fluid, fluid contaminators, and mechanical failures in gears and shafts.

Wilson, R. E.↗

Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA): Analysis of the ascent thrust vector control actuator subsystem

The results of the Independent Orbiter Assessment (IOA) of the Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) and Critical Items List (CIL) are presented. The IOA approach features a top-down analysis of the hardware to determine failure modes, criticality, and potential critical items. To preserve independence, this analysis was accomplished without reliance upon the results contained within the NASA FMEA/CIL documentation. The independent analysis results for the Ascent Thrust Vector Control (ATVC) Actuator hardware are documented. The function of the Ascent Thrust Vector Control Actuators (ATVC) is to gimbal the main engines to provide for attitude and flight path control during ascent. During first stage flight, the SRB nozzles provide nearly all the steering. After SRB separation, the Orbiter is steered by gimbaling of its main engines. There are six electrohydraulic servoactuators, one pitch and one yaw for each of the three main engines. Each servoactuator is composed of four electrohydraulic servovalve assemblies, one second stage power spool valve assembly, one primary piston assembly and a switching valve. Each level of hardware was evaluated and analyzed for possible failure modes and effects. Criticality was assigned based upon the severity of the effect for each failure mode. Critical failures resulting in loss of ATVC were mainly due to loss of hydraulic fluid, fluid contamination and mechanical failures.

Wilson, R. E.↗