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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 109 records · Page 6

A lunar metal core

Recent work generally supports the hypothesis of a centrally condensed lunar core. Data regarding the axial moment on the basis of laser tracking and satellite orbit analyses place an upper limit of about 500 km on an Fe core, or 700 km upon an Fe/FeS core, if differentiation in the lithosphere is ignored. Whether a metallized core exists in the moon has a profound bearing upon the question of the origin of the magnetic fields responsible for the present day magnetization on the lunar surface. Recent efforts to examine in detail signals arising from lunar induction at very low frequency are discussed. The discussion represents an extension of a study reported by Wiskerchen et al. (1976). The present data base consists of all Apollo 12 data which fulfill the requirement that the surface magnetometer be on the sunward side of the moon and at least 10 deg from the lunar optical terminator. It is found that only marginal evidence exists for a metallized core at a radius of 400 km in the moon.

Wiskerchen, M. J.↗

Considerations for Storage of High Test Hydrogen Peroxide (HTP) Utilizing Non-Metal Containers

When working with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, it is critical that the storage container be constructed of the proper materials, those which will not degrade to the extent that container breakdown or dangerous decomposition occurs. It has been suggested that the only materials that will safely contain the peroxide for a significant period of time are metals of stainless steel construction or aluminum use as High Test Hydrogen Peroxide (HTP) Containers. The stability and decomposition of HTP will be also discussed as well as various means suggested in the literature to minimize these problems. The dangers of excess oxygen generation are also touched upon.

Moore, Robin E.↗

Elastic Properties in Tension and Shear of High Strength Nonferrous Metals and Stainless Steel - Effect of Previous Deformation and Heat Treatment

A resume is given of an investigation of the influence of plastic deformation and of annealing temperature on the tensile and shear elastic properties of high strength nonferrous metals and stainless steels in the form of rods and tubes. The data were obtained from earlier technical reports and notes, and from unpublished work in this investigation. There are also included data obtained from published and unpublished work performed on an independent investigation. The rod materials, namely, nickel, monel, inconel, copper, 13:2 Cr-Ni steel, and 18:8 Cr-Ni steel, were tested in tension; 18:8 Cr-Ni steel tubes were tested in shear, and nickel, monel, aluminum-monel, and Inconel tubes were tested in both tension and shear. There are first described experiments on the relationship between hysteresis and creep, as obtained with repeated cyclic stressing of annealed stainless steel specimens over a constant load range. These tests, which preceded the measurements of elastic properties, assisted in devising the loading time schedule used in such measurements. From corrected stress-set curves are derived the five proof stresses used as indices of elastic or yield strength. From corrected stress-strain curves are derived the secant modulus and its variation with stress. The relationship between the forms of the stress-set and stress-strain curves and the values of the properties derived is discussed. Curves of variation of proof stress and modulus with prior extension, as obtained with single rod specimens, consist in wavelike basic curves with superposed oscillations due to differences of rest interval and extension spacing; the effects of these differences are studied. Oscillations of proof stress and modulus are generally opposite in manner. The use of a series of tubular specimens corresponding to different amounts of prior extension of cold reduction gave curves almost devoid of oscillation since the effects of variation of rest interval and extension spacing were removed. Comparison is also obtained between the variation of the several properties, as measured in tension and in shear. The rise of proof stress with extension is studied, and the work-hardening rates of the various metals evaluated. The ratio between the tensile and shear proof stresses for the various annealed and cold-worked tubular metals is likewise calculated. The influence of annealing or tempering temperature on the proof stresses and moduli for the cold-worked metals and for air-hardened 13:2 Cr-Ni steel is investigated. An improvement of elastic strength generally is obtained, without important loss of yield strength, by annealing at suitable temperature. The variation of the proof stress and modulus of elasticity with plastic deformation or annealing temperature is explained in terms of the relative dominance of three important factors: namely, (a) internal stress, (b) lattice-expansion or work-hardening, and (c) crystal reorientation. Effective values of Poisson's ratio were computed from tensile and shear moduli obtained on tubular specimens. The variation of Poisson's ratio with plastic deformation and annealing temperature is explained in terms of the degree of anisotropy produced by changes of (a) internal stress and (b) crystal orientation.

METALS - ELASTICITY↗

Synthesis of Graphite Encapsulated Metal Nanoparticles and Metal Catalyzed Nanotubes

This work focuses on the growth and inception of graphite encapsulated metal nanoparticles and metal catalyzed nanotubes using combustion chemistry. Deciphering the inception and growth mechanism(s) for these unique nanostructures is essential for purposeful synthesis. Detailed knowledge of these mechanism(s) may yield insights into alternative synthesis pathways or provide data on unfavorable conditions. Production of these materials is highly desirable given many promising technological applications.

vanderWal, R. L.↗

Work of fracture in aluminum metal-matrix composites

Mechanical tests were conducted on B/Al composites and, for comparison, FP-Al2O3/Al composites in the as-fabricated condition and following high-temperature isothermal exposure or thermal cycling. In B/Al (1100), isothermal exposure at 773 K for 125 hr reduced toughness, measured by the work of fracture, from 76 to 10 kJ/sq m, and a similar reduction was observed after equivalent thermal cycling. In B/Al (6061), the same isothermal exposure reduced toughness from 44.5 to 8 kJ/sq m, but the effect of thermal cycling was less detrimental. In FP-Al2O3/Al, the work of fracture was insensitive to either type of treatment. Experimental results are interpreted in terms of matrix softening, interface properties, and fiber notch sensitivity.

Skinner, A.↗

Ceramic-coated metals can survive contact with hot working fluid

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) have been developed as a means of protecting turbine blades and other engine hot section components whose surfaces are exposed to the most extreme operating conditions. By adding a thin, insulating ceramic oxide layer to an air-cooled turbine blade, the difference between the gas temperature and the metal temperature is further increased as a function of ceramic coating thickness, heat flux, and oxide thermal conductivity. An 0.04-cm thick ceramic layer can typically yield a 100-300 C temperature drop. Of the various techniques available for the deposition of thermal barrier coatings, the most common is that of plasma spraying. Significant improvements have been made in TBC durability through the use of bond coat compositions with increased oxidation resistance.

Levine, S. R.↗

Gasifiable carbon-graphite fibers

Fine, carbon-graphite fibers do not combust during the combustion of a composite and are expelled into the air as fine conductive particles. Coating of the fibers with a salt of a metal having a work function below 4.2 eV such as an alkaline earth metal salt, e.g., calcium acetate, catalytically enhances combustion of the fibers at temperatures below 1000.degree. C. such that the fibers self-support combustion and burn to produce a non-conductive ash. Fire-polishing the fibers before application of the coating is desirable to remove sizing to expose the carbon surface to the catalyst.

Humphrey, Marshall F.↗

Fabrication

Fabrication of refractory metals and alloys - metal forming, deposition, cold working, welding, and machining techniques

COLD WORKING↗

Porosity Model Parameter Effects on Metal Additive Manufacturing Simulations

This work investigates the effects of model parameters on thermomechanical simulations of a metal additive manufacturing process. The first half of this work explores the sensitivity and effects of the two porosity parameters used in the evolving constitutive model of the simulation. Varying the two parameters of the model show that for the simulations conducted here, the linear coefficient drives the predicted residual stress results while the constant term has little impact. The second half of the work considers the size, order, and the number of element layers in the finite element mesh. The stress distribution plots show that second-order elements along with a dense mesh marginally improve mesh convergence at a significant cost.

Additive Manufacturing↗

Deconvoluting the Friction Stir Weld Process for Optimizing Welds

In the friction stir welding process, the rotating surfaces of the pin and shoulder contact the weld metal and force a rotational flow within the weld metal. Heat, generated by the metal deformation as well as frictional slippage with the contact surface, softens the metal and makes it easier to deform. As in any thermo-mechanical processing of metal, the flow conditions are critical to the quality of the weld. For example, extrusion of metal from under the shoulder of an excessively hot weld may relax local pressure and result in wormhole defects. The trace of the weld joint in the wake of the weld may vary geometrically depending upon the flow streamlines around the tool with some geometry more vulnerable to loss of strength from joint contamination than others. The material flow path around the tool cannot be seen in real time during the weld. By using analytical "tools" based upon the principles of mathematics and physics, a weld model can be created to compute features that can be observed. By comparing the computed observations with actual data, the weld model can be validated or adjusted to get better agreement. Inputs to the model to predict weld structures and properties include: hot working properties ofthe metal, pin tool geometry, travel rate, rotation and plunge force. Since metals record their prior hot working history, the hot working conditions imparted during FSW can be quantified by interpreting the final microstructure. Variations in texture and grain size result from variations in the strain accommodated at a given strain rate and temperature. Microstructural data from a variety of FSWs has been correlated with prior marker studies to contribute to our understanding of the FSW process. Once this stage is reached, the weld modeling process can save significant development costs by reducing costly trial-and-error approaches to obtaining quality welds.

Schneider, Judy↗

Alternate cathodes for sodium-metal chloride batteries

Various metal chlorides were tested as possible cathode materials for sodium-metal batteries (in addition to Fe and Ni chlorides, which have been already developed to a stage of commercialization), using an electrochemical cell consisting of a pyrex tube, heated to 250 C, with the metal wire as working electrode, concentric Ni foil as counterelectrode, and high-purity Al as reference electrode. In particular, the aim of this study was to identify metal chlorides insoluble even in neutral melts, possible at the interface during overcharge, in order to eliminate the failure mode of the cell through a cationic exchange of the dissolved metal ions with sodium beta-double-prime alumina solid electrolyte. Results indicate that Mo and Co are likely alternatives to FeCl2 and NiCl2 cathodes in sodium batteries. The open circuit voltages of Na/CoCl(x) and Na/MoCl(x) cells at 250 C would be 2.55 V and 2.64 V, respectively.

Ratnakumar, B. V.↗

Plasma Treatment to Remove Carbon from Indium UV Filters

The sounding rocket experiment FIRE (Far-ultraviolet Imaging Rocket Experiment) will improve the science community fs ability to image a spectral region hitherto unexplored astronomically. The imaging band of FIRE (.900 to 1,100 Angstroms) will help fill the current wavelength imaging observation hole existing from approximately equal to 620 Angstroms to the GALEX band near 1,350 Angstroms. FIRE is a single-optic prime focus telescope with a 1.75-m focal length. The bandpass of 900 to 1100 Angstroms is set by a combination of the mirror coating, the indium filter in front of the detector, and the salt coating on the front of the detector fs microchannel plates. Critical to this is the indium filter that must reduce the flux from Lymanalpha at 1,216 Angstroms by a minimum factor of 10(exp -4). The cost of this Lyman-alpha removal is that the filter is not fully transparent at the desired wavelengths of 900 to 1,100 Angstroms. Recently, in a project to improve the performance of optical and solar blind detectors, JPL developed a plasma process capable of removing carbon contamination from indium metal. In this work, a low-power, low-temperature hydrogen plasma reacts with the carbon contaminants in the indium to form methane, but leaves the indium metal surface undisturbed. This process was recently tested in a proof-of-concept experiment with a filter provided by the University of Colorado. This initial test on a test filter showed improvement in transmission from 7 to 9 percent near 900 with no process optimization applied. Further improvements in this performance were readily achieved to bring the total transmission to 12% with optimization to JPL's existing process.

Greer, Harold F.↗

Calculations of the surface tensions of liquid metals

The understanding of the surface tension of liquid metals and alloys from as close to first principles as possible is discussed. The two ingredients which are combined in these calculations are: the electron theory of metals, and the classical theory of liquids, as worked out within the framework of statistical mechanics. The results are a new theory of surface tensions and surface density profiles from knowledge purely of the bulk properties of the coexisting liquid and vapor phases. It is found that the method works well for the pure liquid metals on which it was tested; work is extended to mixtures of liquid metals, interfaces between immiscible liquid metals, and to the temperature derivative of the surface tension.

Stroud, D. G.↗

Advanced Joining Technology: Simple, Strong, and Secure

The space-age materials that NASA employs in its spacecraft and satellites have different attributes than the building materials that can work for Earthly uses. These materials do not behave like the typical construction materials, and therefore, require new methods for construction. Work done at NASA s Langley Research Center in the realm of active solder joining has led to a new, self-bonding solder that enables high conductivity, as well as the metallic joining of carbon and ceramic materials to a wide range of metals. The original work involved evaluating high- and low-temperature joining technologies for joining carbon composite structures for use in thermal management and reusable launch vehicles. The initial plan for this innovation was to lower the weight of battery packs in satellites. It was a success. NASA scientists found use for this technology in fabricating a thermal management package for battery compartments in the Earth Observing System (EOS) satellites, but it is also being used by the Agency for space radiator panels. Because it is light, simple to use, and economical, NASA will likely find other uses for this solder, just as outside of the Space Agency, this unique bond is finding many practical applications.

Source record↗

Fractography handbook of spaceflight metals

This handbook was produced with the intention of providing failure analysts who work with space flight metals a reference of scanning electron microscope (SEM) fractographs of fracture surfaces produced under known condition. The metals and the fracture conditions were chosen to simulate situations that are encountered in spaceflight applications. This includes tensile overload at both room temperature and liquid nitrogen temperature, and fatigue at room temperature.

Derro, Rebecca J.↗

Simulated 'On-Line' Wear Metal Analysis of Lubricating Oils by X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy

The objective of this project was to assess the sensitivity of X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy (XFS) for quantitative evaluation of metal particle content in engine oil suspensions and the feasibility of real-time, dynamic wear metal analysis. The study was focused on iron as the majority wear metal component. Variable parameters were: particle size, particle concentration and oil velocity. A commercial XFS spectrometer equipped with interchangeable static/dynamic (flow cell) sample chambers was used. XFS spectra were recorded for solutions of Fe-organometallic standard and for a series of DTE oil suspensions of high purity spherical iron particles of 2g, 4g, and 8g diameter, at concentrations from 5 ppm to 5,000 ppm. Real contaminated oil samples from Langley Air Force Base aircraft engines and NASA Langley Research Center wind tunnels were also analyzed. The experimental data conform the reliability of XFS as the analytical method of choice for this project. Intrinsic inadequacies of the instrument for precise analytic work at low metal concentrations were identified as being related to the particular x-ray beam definition, system geometry, and flow-cell materials selection. This work supports a proposal for the design, construction and testing of a conceptually new, miniature XFS spectrometer with superior performance, dedicated to on-line, real-time monitoring of lubricating oils in operating engines. Innovative design solutions include focalization of the incident x-ray beam, non-metal sample chamber, and miniaturization of the overall assembly. The instrument would contribute to prevention of catastrophic engine failures. A proposal for two-year funding has been presented to NASA Langley Research Center Internal Operation Group (IOG) Management, to continue the effort begun by this summer's project.

Kelliher, Warren C.↗

Spoof Plasmon Polaritons for NDE Applications an Experimental Demonstration

NASA is exploring the use of microwave spoof plasmon polaritons to detect defects in metallic structures. This work investigates the detection of simulated defects in the form of aluminum wires as small as 1.6 mm diameter and 2mm long that are placed in a grooved aluminum test article. The inclusions simulate manufacturing defects, and the sum of the delta impedance is shown to increase with increasing volume of added metal. A threshold value of 50Ω has been proposed for defect detection. In addition to detecting defects, the technique also estimates the volume of the defect.

Microwave↗