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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

Mechanical Property Allowables Generated for the Solid Rocket Booster Composite Note Cap

Mechanical property characterization was performed on AS4/3501-6 graphite/epoxy and SC350G syntactic foam for the SRB Composite Nose Cap Shuttle Upgrades Project. Lamina level properties for the graphite/epoxy were determined at room temperature, 240 F, 350 F, 480 F, 600 F, and 350 F after a cycle to 600 F. Graphite/epoxy samples were moisture conditioned prior to testing. The syntactic foam material was tested at room temperature, 350 F, and 480 F. A high-temperature test facility was developed at MSFC. Testing was performed with quartz lamp heaters and high resistance heater strips. The thermal history profile of the nose cap was simulated in order to test materials at various times during launch. A correlation study was performed with Southern Research Institute to confirm the test methodology and validity of test results. A-basis allowables were generated from the results of testing on three lots of material.

Hodge, A. J.↗

Differences in the Interfacial Mechanical Properties of Thiophosphate and Argyrodite Solid Electrolytes and Their Composites

Interfacial mechanics are a significant contributor to the performance and degradation of solid-state batteries. Spatially resolved measurements of interfacial properties are extremely important to effectively model and understand the electrochemical behavior. Herein, we report the interfacial properties of thiophosphate (Li 3 PS 4 )- and argyrodite (Li 6 PS 5 Cl)-type solid electrolytes. Using atomic force microscopy, we showcase the differences in the surface morphology as well as adhesion of these materials. Additionally we investigate solvent-less processing of hybrid electrolytes using UV-assisted curing. Physical, chemical, and structural characterizations of the materials highlight the differences in the surface morphology, chemical makeup, and distribution of the inorganic phases between the argyrodite and thiophosphate solid electrolytes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

New Propellants and Cryofuels

The proposed research will investigate the stability and cryogenic properties of solid propellants that are critical to NASA s goal of realizing practical propellant designs for future spacecraft. We will determine the stability and thermal properties of a solid hydrogen-liquid helium stabilizer in a laboratory environment in order to design a practical propellant. In particular, we will explore methods of embedding atomic species and metallic nano-particulates in hydrogen matrices suspended in liquid helium. We will also measure the characteristic lifetimes and diffusion of atomic species in these candidate cryofuels. The most promising large-scale advance in rocket propulsion is the use of atomic propellants; most notably atomic hydrogen stabilized in cryogenic environments, and metallized-gelled liquid hydrogen (MGH) or densified gelled hydrogen (DGH). The new propellants offer very significant improvements over classic liquid oxygen/hydrogen fuels because of two factors: (1) the high energy-release, and (ii) the density increase per unit energy release. These two changes can lead to significant reduced mission costs and increased payload to orbit weight ratios. An achievable 5 to 10 percent improvement in specific impulse for the atomic propellants or MGH fuels can result in a doubling or tripling of system payloads. The high-energy atomic propellants must be stored in a stabilizing medium such as solid hydrogen to inhibit or delay their recombination into molecules. The goal of the proposed research is to determine the stability and thermal properties of the solid hydrogen-liquid helium stabilizer. Magnetic resonance techniques will be used to measure the thermal lifetimes and the diffusive motions of atomic species stored in solid hydrogen grains. The properties of metallic nano-particulates embedded in hydrogen matrices will also be studied and analyzed. Dynamic polarization techniques will be developed to enhance signal/noise ratios in order to be able to detect low concentrations of the introduced species. The required lifetimes for atomic hydrogen and other species can only be realized at low temperatures to avoid recombination of atoms before use as a fuel.

Palasezski, Bryan↗

NBS: Materials measurements

Measurement of materials properties and thermophysical properties is described. The topics discussed are: surface tensions and their variations with temperature and impurities; convection during unidirectional solidification: measurement of high temperature thermophysical properties of tungsten liquid and solid; thermodynamic properties of refractory materials at high temperatures; and experimental and theoretical studies in wetting and multilayer adsorption.

Manning, J. R.↗

Ab initio property predictions of quinary solid solutions using small binary cells

The Set of Small Ordered Structures (SSOS) approach is an ab initio technique for modelling random solid solutions in which many small structures are averaged so that their correlation functions match those of a desired composition. SSOS has been shown to be effective in reducing the cost of density functional theory calculations relative to other well-known techniques such as cluster expansions and special quasirandom structures for modelling solid solutions. Here in this work, we demonstrate that SSOS’s can be constructed using cells with only a subset of elements while still accurately modelling multi-component systems. Specifically, we show that small binary cells can effectively model two quinary high entropy alloys – NbTaTiHfZr and MoNbTaVW – accurately capturing properties such as formation energy, lattice parameters, elastic constants, and root-mean-square atomic displacements. Overall, this insight is useful for those looking to construct databases of such small structures for predicting the properties of multi-component solid solutions, as it greatly decreases the number of structures that needs to be considered.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Solid Propellant Grain Structural Integrity Analysis

The structural properties of solid propellant rocket grains were studied to determine the propellant resistance to stresses. Grain geometry, thermal properties, mechanical properties, and failure modes are discussed along with design criteria and recommended practices.

Source record↗

Bridging the Void: Halogen Bonding and Aromatic Interactions to Program Luminescence and Electronic Properties of π -Conjugated Materials in the Solid State

π-Conjugated materials are promising candidates for emerging organic optoelectronic devices empowered by molecular design. The unsolved challenges of predicting and controlling their packing as solids, central to their properties and performance, currently limits their practical application. As noncovalent interactions drive packing, control over such interactions are critical to bridging from chemical structure to functional properties. In molecular crystals, halogen bonding and interactions of aromatic rings have emerged as versatile tools for noncovalent control with tailored luminescence and electronic properties. Here, we describe how the interplay of these directional and tunable interactions can engineer properties, including stimuli-responsive behavior. Specifically, halogen bonding can provide robust designs for directing 2D molecular assembly, whereas the intentional interactions of aromatic rings can yield metastable, switchable packing modes, as well as programmed stacking between layers of chromophores. Examples, herein, demonstrate clear relationships between assembly by design and resulting solid-state properties, and strategies presented offer guidance for future designs of π-conjugated molecular materials using specific aromatic interactions and halogen bonding.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Rheology of solid methane and nitrogen - Applications of Triton

The existing information about the rheological properties of solid methane and nitrogen is reviewed. The main limitation is the absence of creep data for solid nitrogen, but estimated properties are derived on the basis of simple scaling arguments for van der Waals bonded materials. On Triton solid methane and most likely nitrogen are too soft to support any topography over billions of years. Topographic support by water ice-rich materials seems almost certain. Nitrogen and methane do not intermix by solid-state diffusion. The weakness (absence?) of the opposition effect on Triton can be explained by annealing of nitrogen grains, provided the latter have sizes characteristic of freshly deposited frost.

Eluszkiewicz, Janusz↗

Tribological properties of polymer films and solid bodies in a vacuum environment

The tribological properties of ten different polymer based materials were evaluated in a vacuum environment to determine their suitability for possible lubrication applications in a space environment, such as might be encountered on the proposed space station. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used and the polymer materials were evaluated either as solid body disks or as films applied to 440C HT stainless steel disks. A 440C HT stainless steel hemispherically tipped pin was slid against the polymer materials. For comparison, similar tests were conducted in a controlled air atmosphere of 50 percent relative humidity air. In most instances, the polymer materials lubricated much better under vacuum conditions than in air. Thus, several of the materials show promise as lubricants for vacuum applications. Friction coefficients of 0.05 or less and polymer material wear rates of up to 2 orders of magnitude less than in air were obtained. One material showed considerable promise as a traction drive material. Relatively high friction coefficients (0.36 to 0.52) and reasonably low wear rates were obtained in vacuum.

Fusaro, Robert L.↗

Tribological properties of polymer films and solid bodies in a vacuum environment

The tribological properties of ten different polymer based materials were evaluated in a vacuum environment to determine their suitability for possible lubrication applications in a space environment, such as might be encountered on the proposed Space Station. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used and the polymer materials were evaluated either as solid body disks or as films applied to 440C HT stainless steel disks. A 440C HT stainless steel hemispherically tipped pin was slid against the polymer materials. For comparison, similar tests were conducted in a controlled air atmosphere of 50 percent relative humidity air. In most instances, the polymer materials lubricated much better under vacuum conditions than in air. Thus, several of the materials show promise as lubricants for vacuum applications. Friction coefficients of 0.05 or less and polymer material wear rates of up to 2 orders of magnitude less than in air were obtained. One material showed considerable promise as a traction drive material. Relative high friction coefficients (0.36 to 0.52) and reasonably low wear rates were obtained in vacuum.

Fusaro, Robert L.↗

Solid Lubrication Fundamentals and Applications

Solid Lubrication Fundamentals and Applications description of the adhesion, friction, abrasion, and wear behavior of solid film lubricants and related tribological materials, including diamond and diamond-like solid films. The book details the properties of solid surfaces, clean surfaces, and contaminated surfaces as well as discussing the structures and mechanical properties of natural and synthetic diamonds; chemical-vapor-deposited diamond film; surface design and engineering toward wear-resistant, self-lubricating diamond films and coatings. The author provides selection and design criteria as well as applications for synthetic and natural coatings in the commercial, industrial and aerospace industries..

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa↗

Magnetic and Optical Properties of Au–Co Solid Solution and Phase-Separated Thin Films and Nanoparticles

The chemical composition and morphology of Au x Co 1–x thin films and nanoparticles are controlled via a combination of cosputtering, pulsed laser-induced dewetting (PLiD), and annealing, leading to tunable magnetic and optical properties. Regardless of chemical composition, the as-deposited thin films and as-PLiD nanoparticles are found to possess a face-centered cubic (FCC) Au x Co 1–x solid-solution crystal structure. Annealing results in large phase-separated grains of Au and Co in both the thin films and nanostructures for all chemical compositions. The magnetic and optical properties are characterized via vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM), ellipsometry, optical transmission spectroscopy, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Despite the exceptionally high magnetic anisotropy inherent to Co, the presence of sufficient Au (72 atom %) in the Au x Co 1–x solid solution results in superparamagnetic thin films. Among the as-PLiD nanoparticle samples, an increased Co composition leads to a departure from traditional ferromagnetism in favor of wasp-waisted hysteresis caused by magnetic vortices. Phase separation resulting from annealing leads to ferromagnetism for all compositions in both the thin films and nanoparticles. The optical properties of Au x Co 1–x nanostructures are also largely influenced by the chemical morphology, where the Au x Co 1–x intermixed solid solution has significantly damped plasmonic performance relative to pure Au and comparable to pure Co. Phase separation greatly enhances the quality factor, optical absorption, and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) signatures. The enhancement of the localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) scales with the reduction in Co composition, despite EELS evidence that excitation of the Co portions of a nanoparticle can provide a similar, and in some instances enhanced, LSPR resonance compared to Au. This behavior, however, is seemingly limited to the LSPR dipole mode, while higher-order modes are greatly damped by a Co aloof position. As a result, this observed magneto-plasmonic functionality and tunability could be applicable in biomedicine, namely, cancer therapeutics.

annealing (metallurgy)↗

Solid State Synthesis and Properties of Monoclinic Celsian

Monoclinic celsian of Ba(0.75)Sr(0.25)Al2Si2O8 (BSAS-1) and B(0.85)Sr(O.15)Al2Si2O8 (BSAS-2) compositions have been synthesized from metal carbonates and oxides by solid state reaction. A mixture of BaCO3, SrCO3, Al2O3, and SiO2 powders was precalcined at approx. 900-940 C to decompose the carbonates followed by hot pressing at approx. 1300 C. The hot pressed BSAS-1 material was almost fully dense and contained the monoclinic celsian phase, with complete absence of the undesirable hexacelsian as indicated by x-ray diffraction. In contrast, a small fraction of hexacelsian was still present in hot pressed BSAS-2. However, on further heat treatment at 1200 C for 24 h, the hexacelsian phase was completely eliminated. The average linear thermal expansion coefficients of BSAS-1 and BSAS-2 compositions, having the monoclinic celsian phase, were measured to be 5.28 x 10(exp -6)/deg C and 5.15 x 10(exp -6)/deg C, respectively from room temperature to 1200 C. The hot pressed BSAS-1 celsian showed room temperature flexural strength of 131 MPa, elastic modulus of 96 GPa and was stable in air up to temperatures as high as approx. 1500 C.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

Depositing Adherent Ag Films On Ti Films On Alumina

Report discusses cleaning of ceramic (principally, alumina) substrates in preparation for sputter deposition of titanium intermediate films on substrates followed by sputter deposition of outer silver films. Principal intended application, substrates sliding parts in advanced high-temperature heat engines, and outer silver films serve as solid lubricants: lubricating properties described in "Solid Lubricant for Alumina" (LEW-15495).

Honecy, Frank S.↗

From Fundamental Interfacial Reaction Kinetics to Macroscopic Current–Voltage Characteristics: Case Study of Solid Acid Fuel Cell Limitations and Possibilities

The unique properties of solid acid electrolytes, in particular CsH 2 PO 4 , are in many ways ideal for fuel cell operation. However, the technology is constrained by high cathode overpotentials. Here a simplified cathode geometry is employed to obtain the fundamental electrochemical parameters (exchange current density and charge transfer coefficient) describing the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) at the CsH 2 PO 4 -Pt-gas interface. The parameters are incorporated into a 1D model of the voltage–current characteristics of realistic SAFC cathodes, which reproduced the measured polarization behavior of such cathodes without recourse to fitting adjustable parameters. Following this validation, the model is utilized to evaluate the impact of changes to cathode properties, microstructure, and operating conditions. Of these, the charge transfer coefficient, measured to have a value of ≈0.6 for ORR on Pt in the SAFC cathode environment, is found to have the greatest impact on power output. Nevertheless, even without material modifications, a combination of microstructural and operational modifications are identified with projected performance metrics meeting Department of Energy targets (0.8 V at 300 mA cm –2 , and peak power density of 1 W cm –2 ), albeit at high Pt loadings. However, the analysis indicates that truly meaningful advances will likely necessitate the discovery of alternative ORR catalysts.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A generalized analytical energy balance model for evaluating agglomeration from a binary collision of wet particles

Agglomeration of wet particles, i.e., particles coated with a thin liquid layer, is a common phenomenon in many processes like fluidized bed combustion of low rank fuels. The availability of an agglomeration model that can evaluate the outcome of a binary collision between wet particles differing in solid particle properties, liquid layer thicknesses, and initial collision (impact) speeds is essential for obtaining a comprehensive understanding on the existing processes experiencing wet particle agglomeration or for a successful development of new processes with high chances of wet particle agglomeration. This study presents a generalized agglomeration model on the basis of energy conservation before and after collision when colliding wet particles may differ in solid particle properties, liquid layer thicknesses, and impact speeds. The model was established based on the approximate values of energy losses that may happen during the collision. It incorporates body forces, solid-solid contacting, liquid capillary, and viscous contributions, as well as the liquid bridge volume effect. Predictions of the new model for collision outcomes of identical wet particles were like those from an analytical energy balance model developed recently by the group for identical wet particles. We also validated the new model by experimental data from literature. The results of a collision direction analysis indicated that the direction often has a minimal effect on the collision outcome in many practical scenarios. The results of Monte Carlo uncertainty analyses with the new model revealed that proper estimations of impact speed, under capillary limiting conditions, and thickness of coating layers and asperity heights, under viscous limiting conditions, are critical for the realistic prediction of collision outcomes at impact speeds close to critical impact speed, i.e., the minimum particle speed required for the particles to rebound.

72 PHYSICS OF ELEMENTARY PARTICLES AND FIELDS↗

Lubrication with solids.

Brief discussion of the historical background, variety range, chemistry, physics, and other properties of solid lubricants, and review of their current uses. The widespread use of solid lubricants did not occur until about 1947. At present, they are the object of such interest that a special international conference on their subject was held in 1971. They are used at temperatures beyond the useful range of conventional lubricating oils and greases. Their low volatility provides them with the capability of functioning effectively in vacuum and invites their use in space applications. Their high load carrying ability makes them useful with heavily loaded components. Solid lubricants, however, do lack some of the desirable properties of conventional lubricants. Unlike oils and greases, which have fluidity and can continuously be carried back into contact with lubricated surfaces, solid lubricants, because of their immobility, have finite lives. Also, oils and greases can carry away frictional heat from contacting surfaces, while solid lubricants cannot.

Buckley, D. H.↗