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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 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1995

Numerical modeling of flame-balls in fuel-air mixtures

At low gravity, when buoyancy effects are small, flame-balls can be generated. These are stationary spherical structures whose existence appears to require a near-limit mixture, a small Lewis number and heat losses from radiation. It is our goal to combine computational modeling with existing experimental and theoretical studies (NASA) of these structures so that an improved understanding of flammability limits and near-limit phenomena will occur. The question of flammability limits is of fundamental importance and has long been examined. It is of great practical importance to predict, from first principles, a limit mixture strength that agrees with experimental values for the configuration at hand. Flame-balls provide an excellent configuration in which convective losses can be eliminated and the resulting stable solutions are produced from a diffusive, reactive and radiative balance. Although analytical modeling provides convincing evidence that the key physical ingredients of flame-balls have been identified, quantitative confirmation can only come from detailed numerical simulations. Our goal is to predict theoretically the mass fractions of the species and the temperature as functions of the independent coordinate r.

Smooke, Mitchell D.↗
NASA NTRS2000

The Effect of Stress and TiC Coated Balls on Lifetime of a Perfluoropolyalkylether Using a Vacuum Rolling Contact Tribometer

A vacuum spiral orbit tribometer (SOT) was used to determine the relative lifetimes of a branched perfluoropolyalkylether (PFPAE) on 440 C stainless steel. The effect of varying the mean Hertzian stress (0.75, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 GPa) and the use of TiC coated balls on lubricant lifetime was studied. Other conditions included: approx. 100 rpm, approx. 50 micro-g of lubricant, an initial vacuum level of less than 1.3 x 10(exp -6) Pa (less than 10 x 10(exp -8) Torr), and room temperature (approx. 23 C). Increasing the mean Hertzian stress from 0.75 to 2.0 GPa results in an exponential decrease in lubricant lifetime for both material combinations. However, substituting a TiC ball for the 440 C ball quadrupled lifetime at low stress levels (0.75 and 1.0 GPa) and doubled life at higher stresses (1.5 and 2.0 GPa), The reduced reactivity of the TiC surface with the PFPAE lubricant is considered to be the reason for this enhancement. Decreasing lifetime with increasing stress levels correlated well with energy dissipation calculations.

Jones, William R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2000

The Effect of Tic Coated Balls and Stress on the Lubricant Lifetime of a Synthetic Hydrocarbon (pennzane 2001A) Using a Vacuum Spiral Orbit Tribometer

A vacuum spiral orbit rolling contact tribometer was used to determine effect of varying mean Hertzian stress (1.0, 1.5, 2.0 GPa) and the use of 440C and TiC coated 440C balls on lubricant lifetime of a synthetic hydrocarbon (Pennzane 2001A) on 440C stainless steel. Conditions included 210 rpm, approx. 50 micrograms lubricant, an initial vacuum < 1.3xl0(exp-6) Pa, and room temperature (approx. 23 C). Increasing the mean Hertzian stress resulted in an exponential decrease in lubricant lifetime for both material combinations. Substituting a TiC coated 440C ball showed no increase in lifetime over the 440C ball. The decreasing lifetime with increasing stress level correlated well with energy dissipation calculations.

Jansen, Mark J.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Structure of Flame Balls at Low Lewis-Number (SOFBALL): New Results from STS-107

Experiments on steady, spherically-symmetric premixed-gas flames ("flame balls") performed on STS-107 are described. These experiments were motivated by results obtained on earlier Space Shuttle missions. The motivation and objectives for the STS-107 experiments are described, along with the results obtained. Among the highlights of STS-107 were the weakest flames ever burned either on earth or in space (about 0.5 Watt of heat release), the leanest flames ever burned either on earth or in space, and the longest-lived flame ever burned in space. While many of the questions left unresolved from the earlier space flights were answered, some new and as yet unexplained phenomena were found, for example flame balls migrating in spiral patterns. Nonetheless, flame ball experiments have provided an insight into the interactions of the two most important phenomena in combusting materials, namely chemical reaction and transport processes, in the unequivocally simplest possible configuration.

Abid, Mohamed↗
NASA NTRS2002

Dibenzo-p-dioxins in the environment from ceramics and pottery produced from ball clay mined in the United States

Processed ball clay samples used in the production of ceramics and samples of the ceramic products were collected and analyzed for the presence and concentration of the 2,3,7,8-Cl substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and -furans (PCDDs/PCDFs). The processed ball clay had average PCDD concentrations of 3.2 ng/g toxic equivalents, a congener profile, and isomer distribution consistent with those found previously in raw ball clay. The PCDF concentrations were below the average limit of detection (LOD) of 0.5 pg/g. The final fired ceramic products were found to be free of PCDDs/PCDFs at the LODs. A consideration of the conditions involved in the firing process suggests that the PCDDs, if not destroyed, may be released to the atmosphere and could represent an as yet unidentified source of dioxins to the environment. In addition, the PCDDs in clay dust generated during manufacturing operations may represent a potential occupational exposure.

Aluminum Silicates/chemistry↗
NASA NTRS2003

Determination of Lubricants on Ball Bearings by FT-IR using an Integrating Sphere

The lifetime determination of space lubricants is done at our facility by accelerated testing. Several micrograms of lubricant are deposited on the surface of a ball by syringing tens of micro liters of dilute lubricant solution. The solvent evaporates and the mass of lubricant is determined by twenty weighings near the balance reliability limit. This process is timely but does not produce a good correlation between the mass of lubricant and the volume of solution applied, as would be expected. The amount of lubricant deposited on a ball can be determined directly by Fourier Transform - Infrared Spectroscopy using an integrating sphere. In this paper, we discuss reasons for choosing this methodology, optimization of quantification conditions and potential applications for the technique. The volume of lubricant solution applied to the ball gives better correlation to the IR intensity than does the weight.

Street, K. W.↗
NASA NTRS2005

The Effect of 17-4 PH Stainless Steel on the Lifetime of a Pennzane(Trademark) Lubricated Microwave Limb Sounder Antenna Actuator Assembly Ball Screw for the AURA Spacecraft

During ground based life testing of a Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS) Antenna Actuator Assembly (AAA) ball-screw assembly, lubricant darkening and loss were noted when approximately 10 percent of required lifetime was completed. The MLS-AAA ball screw and nut are made from 17-4 PH steel, the nut has 440C stainless steel balls, and the assembly is lubricated with a Pennzane formulation containing a three weight percent lead naphthenate additive. Life tests were done in dry nitrogen at 50 C. To investigate the MLS-AAA life test anomaly, Spiral Orbit Tribometer (SOT) accelerated tests were performed. SOT results indicated greatly reduced relative lifetimes of Pennzane formulations in contact with 17-4 PH steel compared to 440C stainless steel. Also, dry nitrogen tests yielded longer relative lifetimes than comparable ultrahigh vacuum tests. Generally, oxidized Pennzane formulations yielded shorter lifetimes than non-oxidized lubricant. This study emphasizes surface chemistry effects on the lubricated lifetime of moving mechanical assemblies.

Jones, William R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Characterization of Lubricants on Ball Bearings by FT-IR Using an Integrating Sphere

Fourier Transform-Infrared reflectance microspectroscopy has been used extensively for the examination of coatings on nonplanar surfaces such as ball bearings. While this technique offers considerable advantages, practical application has many drawbacks, some of which are easily overcome by the use of integrating sphere technology. This paper describes the use of an integrating sphere for the quantification of thin layers of lubricant on the surface of ball bearings and the parameters which require optimization in order to obtain reliable data. Several applications of the technique are discussed including determination of lubricant load on 12.7 mm steel ball bearings and the examination of degraded lubricant on post mortem specimens.

Street, K. W.↗
NASA NTRS2008

A Stereo Imaging Velocimetry Technique for Analyzing Structure of Flame Balls at Low Lewis-Number (SOFBALL) Data

Stereo Imaging Velocimetry (SIV) is a NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC) developed fluid physics technique for measuring threedimensional (3-D) velocities in any optically transparent fluid that can be seeded with tracer particles. SIV provides a means to measure 3-D fluid velocities quantitatively and qualitatively at many points. This technique provides full-field 3-D analysis of any optically clear fluid or gas experiment using standard off-the-shelf CCD cameras to provide accurate and reproducible 3-D velocity profiles for experiments that require 3-D analysis. A flame ball is a steady flame in a premixed combustible atmosphere which, due to the transport properties (low Lewis-number) of the mixture, does not propagate but is instead supplied by diffusive transport of the reactants, forming a premixed flame. This flame geometry presents a unique environment for testing combustion theory. We present our analysis of flame ball phenomena utilizing SIV technology in order to accurately calculate the 3-D position of a flame ball(s) during an experiment, which can be used as a direct comparison of numerical simulations.

McDowell, Mark↗
NASA NTRS2010

Interference-Fit Life Factors for Ball Bearings

The effect of hoop stresses on the rolling-element fatigue life of angular-contact and deep-groove ball bearings was determined for common inner-ring interference fits at the ABEC-5 tolerance level. The analysis was applied to over 1150 bearing configurations and load cases. Hoop stresses were superimposed on the Hertzian principal stresses created by the applied bearing load to calculate the inner-race maximum shearing stress. The resulting fatigue life of the bearing was recalculated through a series of equations. The reduction in the fatigue life is presented as life factors that are applied to the unfactored bearing life. The life factors found in this study ranged from 1.00 (no life reduction)--where there was no net interface pressure--to a worst case of 0.38 (a 62-percent life reduction). For a given interference fit, the reduction in life is different for angular-contact and deep-groove ball bearings. Interference fits also affect the maximum Hertz stress-life relation. Experimental data of Czyzewski, showing the effect of interference fit on rolling-element fatigue life, were reanalyzed to determine the shear stress-life exponent. The Czyzewski data shear stress-life exponent c equals 8.77, compared with the assumed value of 9. Results are presented as tables and charts of life factors for angular-contact and deep-groove ball bearings with light, normal, and heavy loads and interference fits ranging from extremely light to extremely heavy.

Oswald, Fred B.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Improved Ball-and-Socket Docking Mechanism

A proposed docking mechanism would form a ball-and-socket joint in the docked condition. The mechanism could tolerate significant initial misalignment because it would include an alignment cone that would guide the ball into the socket. Like other ball-and-socket joints, the joint would have three rotational degrees of freedom. This docking mechanism would be a successor to the one described in Passive Capture Joint With Three Degrees of Freedom (MFS-31146), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 22, No. 7 (July 1998), page 65. It would contain most of the components of the prior mechanism, plus some additional components that would expand its capabilities.

Cloyd, Richard↗
NASA NTRS2014

A Study on the Effects of Ball Defects on the Fatigue Life in Hybrid Bearings

Hybrid ball bearings using silicon nitride ceramic balls with steel rings are increasingly being used in space mechanism applications due to their high wear resistance and long rolling contact fatigue life. However, qualitative and quantitative reports of the effects of ball defects that cause early fatigue failure are rare. We report on our approach to study these effects. Our strategy includes characterization of defects encountered in use, generation of similar defects in a laboratory setting, execution of full-scale bearing tests to obtain lifetimes, post-test characterization, and related finite-element modeling to understand the stress concentration of these defects. We have confirmed that at least one type of defect of appropriate size can significantly reduce fatigue life. Our method can be used to evaluate other defects as they occur or are encountered.

Tang, Ching-Yao↗
NASA NTRS2019

Real-Time Modeling of Thermal Interactions in Cryogenic Ball Bearings

Based on the integration of classical differential equations of motion of bearing elements, a real-time dynamic simulation of ball bearing performance is coupled with simultaneous modeling of thermal interactions between the bearing elements. The transient heat generations are time averaged over a significantly larger time step before they are used to compute the changes in bearing temperature fields. Such an averaging algorithm eliminates the numerical difficulties associated with simultaneous integration of mechanical thermal differential equations with vastly different time scales. Under stable operation, the step change in temperatures at each thermal time step converges to a steady-state solution. Following is a list of accomplishments in the present investigation: (1) A real-time dynamic performance of both 440C and hybrid ball bearings in a LOX environment is modeled in both transient and steady-state time domains, as the inner race accelerates to a prescribed operating speed. (2) The frictional interactions at the ball to race contacts are modeled by experimentally measured traction coefficients as a function of slide-to-roll ratios. (3) Bearing heat generation, as defined by the heat transferred to circulating LOX, is validated against experimental values determined by measured LOX temperatures under prescribed pressures and flow rates. The predicted heat generation is in good agreement with the experimental values. (4) The steady-state solutions are shown to be independent of initial conditions. This establishes convergence of the numerical integration of a differential equation of motion of the bearing elements. (5) Churning and drag losses in the circulating LOX constitutes the majority of bearing heat generation under the experimental test conditions. (6) The heat dissipated in frictional interactions in hybrid bearings is significantly lower in hybrid bearings in comparison to that simulated in all-steel bearings, while the churning and drag losses are relatively unchanged.

Gupta, P. K.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Validation of a Custom Ball-on-Ring Apparatus and Consideration of Common Issues for Use in Further Testing (SULI Deliverables)

Ceramic materials are well-known for their high hardness and strength but are limited in their application due to low toughness and sudden failure. As a potential solution, inspiration can be taken from dental enamel nanostructure, where undulating rods cause cracks to branch or deflect, increasing the energy needed to cause total fracture of a ceramic part. Following the dental enamel structure, a novel ceramic which uses 3D printed Yttria stabilized Zirconia rods in an alumina matrix was developed. To test this bio-inspired ceramic material, a proper testing apparatus needed to be created and tested to verify its accuracy. For this project, a bespoke ball on ring testing apparatus was created and tested using both conventionally sintered alumina disks and purchased alumina disks to validate its accuracy. By comparing the Weibull distribution of rupture strengths measured by the tests to literature values, it was shown that the testing frame had a wide distribution of strength which did not align with literature values on the lower end. Through fractography, it was found that some samples fractured from the contact stress induced by the ball indenter, which could not be used to calculate rupture strength. This fracture was often linked to low stress to failure, which was initiated by a flaw on the surface near the indenter which acted as a stress concentrator. Removal of these samples from the data set increased the accuracy of the reported rupture strength values for the ceramic. Considering the equations for the magnitude of contact and flexural strength, along with observations of initiating flaws, several measures can be taken for testing the bio-inspired composite. These measures include proper polishing of both sides of the sample, reducing sample thickness, and potentially using a softer indenter material.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2026

A search for microscopic black holes, string balls, and sphalerons in proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV

A search for microscopic black holes, string balls, and electroweak sphalerons using proton-proton collisions at $\sqrt{s}=13$ TeV recorded with the CMS detector at the CERN LHC during the 2016–2018 data taking, and corresponding to an integrated luminosity of 138 fb −1 , is presented. Two search strategies based on control samples in data are used. Model-independent limits on the cross section of physics phenomena with multiple energetic jets, leptons, and photons are set using a method that relies on the shape invariance of the scalar sum of the transverse momenta of all objects in the event. Model-dependent limits on black hole and sphaleron production are set using a newly introduced method that has been developed for the identification of collider events with distinct kinematic features by separating them into classes based on phase space proximity. In the context of models with large extra dimensions, semiclassical black holes and string balls with masses below 8.4–11.4 TeV and 9.0–10.7 TeV, respectively, are excluded at 95% confidence level, significantly extending the reach beyond previous searches. Results of a dedicated search for electroweak sphalerons are used to derive an upper limit of 0.0034 at 95% confidence level on the fraction of quark-quark interactions, with a center-of-mass energy above the nominal sphaleron transition energy threshold of 9 TeV, that result in a sphaleron transition.

Beyond Standard Model↗
NASA NTRS1966

Segmented ball valve is easy to open and close

Segmented ball valve and flowmeter in the same spherical housing provide a valve that will handle large fluid volume without bulkiness and weight of blade valves or conventional ball valves. The valve is easily opened or closed and the flowmeter remains stationary, so errors are eliminated.

Prono, E.↗
NASA NTRS1967

Design concept to decrease relative speed of ball bearings

Intermediate ring decreases the rolling speed of a ball bearing relative to the rotational speed of the shaft. It has raceways on its inner and outer peripheries and an additional row of balls. The modification permits operation at much higher shaft speeds than usual.

Jesman, S.↗