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Results for “aging mechanisms”

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 NTRS2002

Decreases in bone blood flow and bone material properties in aging Fischer-344 rats

The purpose of this study was to quantify precisely aging-induced changes in skeletal perfusion and bone mechanical properties in a small rodent model. Blood flow was measured in conscious juvenile (2 months old), adult (6 months old), and aged (24 months old) male Fischer-344 rats using radiolabeled microspheres. There were no significant differences in bone perfusion rate or vascular resistance between juvenile and adult rats. However, blood flow was lower in aged versus adult rats in the forelimb bones, scapulas, and femurs. To test for functional effects of this decline in blood flow, bone mineral density and mechanical properties were measured in rats from these two age groups. Bone mineral density and cross-sectional moment of inertia in femoral and tibial shafts and the femoral neck were significantly larger in the aged versus adult rats, resulting in increased (+14%-53%) breaking strength and stiffness. However, intrinsic material properties at midshaft of the long bones were 12% to 25% lower in the aged rats. Although these data are consistent with a potential link between decreased perfusion and focal alterations in bone remodeling activity related to clinically relevant bone loss, additional studies are required to establish the mechanisms for this putative relationship.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS1974

Development of autoclavable addition type polyimides

Two highly promising approaches to yield autoclavable addition-type polyimides were identified and evaluated in the program. Conditions were established for autoclave preparation of Hercules HMS graphite fiber reinforced composites in the temperature range of 473 K to 505 K under an applied pressure of 0.7 MN/m2 (100 psi) for time durations up to four hours. Upon oven postcure in air at 589 K, composite samples demonstrated high mechanical property retention at 561 K after isothermal aging in air for 1000 hours. Promise was shown for shorter term mechanical property retention at 589 K upon exposure in air at this temperature.

Jones, R. J.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Characterizing Fractures Across the Astronaut Corps: Preliminary Findings from Population-Level Analysis

Despite evidence of bone loss during spaceflight and operational countermeasures to mitigate this loss, the subsequent risk of fracture among astronauts is not known. The physiologic process of diminished bone density and bone recovery during or following spaceflight is multifactorial. Such factors as age, sex, fracture history, and others may combine to increase fracture risk among astronauts. As part of the 2016 Bone Research and Clinical Advisory Panel (RCAP), the authors analyzed data collected on 338 NASA astronauts to describe the demographics, bone-relevant characteristics, and fracture history of the astronaut population. The majority of the population are male (n=286, 84.6%), have flown at least one mission (n=306, 90.5%), and were between the ages of 30 and 49 at first mission (n=296, 96.7% of those with at least one mission). Of the 338 astronauts, 241 (71.3%) experienced a fracture over the course of their lifetime. One hundred and five (43.5%) of these 241 astronauts only experienced a fracture prior to being selected into the Astronaut Corps, whereas 53 (22.0%) only experienced a fracture after selection as an astronaut. An additional 80 astronauts (33.2%) had both pre- and post-selection fractures. The remaining 3 astronauts had a fracture of unknown date, which could not be categorized as pre- or post-selection. Among the 133 astronauts with at least one post-selection fracture, males comprised 90.2% (n=120) compared to 84.5% of the entire Corps, and females accounted for 9.8% (n=13) compared to 15.4% of the Corps. Ninety-seven of the 133 astronauts with post-selection fractures (72.9%) had one fracture event, 22 (16.5%) had two fractures, and 14 (10.5%) had three or more fractures. Some astronauts with multiple fractures suffered these in a single event, such as an automobile accident. The 133 astronauts with a post-selection fracture accounted for a total of 188 fracture events. One hundred and four (78.2%) of astronauts with post-selection fractures experienced those fractures following their first mission (mean 12.7 +/- 11.1 years following first mission; range 14.0 days - 50.6 years). Additional analyses are ongoing and include examination of fracture history, skeletal site, mechanism, and type of fracture, age at time of fracture, time from spaceflight to fracture, as well as multivariable analysis comparing fracture events to non-events. The results of such analyses may reveal trends in risk factors for fracture among the astronaut corps that have yet to be systematically described through a corps-wide approach.

Rossi, Meredith M.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Fabrication of aluminum-carbon composites

A screening, optimization, and evaluation program is reported of unidirectional carbon-aluminum composites. During the screening phase both large diameter monofilament and small diameter multifilament reinforcements were utilized to determine optimum precursor tape making and consolidation techniques. Difficulty was encountered in impregnating and consolidating the multifiber reinforcements. Large diameter monofilament reinforcement was found easier to fabricate into composites and was selected to carry into the optimization phase in which the hot pressing parameters were refined and the size of the fabricated panels was scaled up. After process optimization the mechanical properties of the carbon-aluminum composites were characterized in tension, stress-rupture and creep, mechanical fatigue, thermal fatigue, thermal aging, thermal expansion, and impact.

Novak, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Spacecraft techniques for lunar research.

The most significant findings about the Moon obtained by spacecraft so far, have resulted from measurements of gravity, electromagnetic properties, seismicity, mechanical properties, geologic features, composition, ages, and the lunar environment. A number of major lunar questions remain to be answered. Other properties, measurable with spacecraft, which may provide data critical to answering these questions include geometrical shape, motions, and heat flow. In this paper specific measurements that should provide critical data for each of these questions are identified, with some candidate techniques. Among the suggested techniques that have not yet been used are very long baseline interferometry (Earth-Moon baseline), gravity gradiometry, elemental analysis by neutron interactions, and remotely-controlled on-moon microscopy.

Jaffe, L. D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Filter development for the extreme ultraviolet explorer

Thin film filters with extreme ultraviolet bandpasses unattainable with previously available filter materials were developed. Titanium and antimomy were identified as the most promising materials for providing the scientifically important 350-500 A bandpass heretofore unattainable with thin film filters. Titanium foils and titanium-antimony sandwich foils of the required uniformity and durability were fabricated. Transmission measurements and optimization studies indicate that the titanium-antimony combination provides an ideal bandpass for scientifically valuable, high-sensitivity observations with EUVE. Environmental testing of the mechanical strength, moisture sensitivity and aging characteristics of the newly developed filter materials demonstrate flightworthy performance.

Kimble, R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Carbonaceous chondrites. I - Characterization and significance of carbonaceous chondrite /CM/ xenoliths in the Jodzie howardite

Mineralogical, chemical, textural, and isotopic studies of the abundant carbonaceous inclusions in the Jodzie howardite which are consistent with carbonaceous chondrite (CM) characteristics are examined. These CM xenoliths show regolith alteration comparable to the Murray and Murchison meteorites but less than Nogoya, flow-oriented development of phyllosilicates and 'poorly characterized phases', and partial oxidation of sulfides. Temperature-programmed pyrolysis mass spectrometry indicates that gas release patterns of volatiles and hydrocarbons, and N, C, and S contents are typical of CM meteorites. The fact that the Ne content is typical for 'solar' values and the isotopic structure of Xe is 'planetary' indicates that these gases were entrapped by different mechanisms, and cosmic ray exposure ages for the xenoliths agree with the reported exposure age for the eucritic host.

Bunch, T. E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Development of design allowable data for Celion 6000/LARC-160, graphite/polyimide composite laminates

A design allowables test program was conducted on Celion 6000/LARC-160 graphite polyimide composite to establish material performance over a 116 K (-250 F) to 589 K (600 F) temperature range. Tension, compression, in-plane shear and short beam shear properties were determined for uniaxial, quasi-isotropic and + or - 45 deg laminates. Effects of thermal aging and moisture saturation on mechanical properties were also evaluated. Celion 6000/LARC-160 graphite/polyimide can be considered an acceptable material system for structural applications to 589 K (600 F).

Ehret, R. M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Characterization of the tensile and microstructural properties of an aluminum metal matrix composite

This study examines a powder metallurgy aluminum alloy in the unreinforced state and with a discontinuous reinforcement of 15 v/o or 30 v/o SiC whisker or 15 v/o SiC particulate. The materials were extruded and then hot-rolled to three plate thicknesses of 6.35, 3.18 and 1.8 mm and were investigated in the as-fabricated and peak aged conditions. The influence of mechanical working on the reinforcement morphology and distribution were examined. A comparison of the mechanical properties was made and the elastic moduli of the reinforced materials were predicted using a micromechanics model. Fractography of tensile specimens revealed that the fracture process was dominated by the presence of microstructural inhomogeneities which were related to both the matrix alloy and to the reinforcement type. An analysis of these microstructural features and a description of the micromechanics model are presented in the paper.

Birt, M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The evolution of the lithium abundances of solar-type stars. II - The Ursa Major Group

We draw upon a recent study of the membership of the Ursa Major Group (UMaG) to examine lithium among 0.3 Gyr old solar-type stars. For most G and K dwarfs, Li confirms the conclusions about membership in UMaG reached on the basis of kinematics and chromospheric activity. G and K dwarfs in UMaG have less Li than comparable stars in the Pleiades. This indicates that G and K dwarfs undergo Li depletion while they are on the main sequence, in addition to any pre-main-sequence depletion they may have experienced. Moreover, the Li abundances of the Pleiades K dwarfs cannot be attributed to main-sequence depletion alone, demonstrating that pre-main-sequence depletion of Li also takes place. The sun's Li abundance implies that the main-sequence mechanism becomes less effective with age. The hottest stars in UMaG have Li abundances like those of hot stars in the Pleiades and Hyades and in T Tauris, and the two genuine UMaG members with temperatures near Boesgaard's Li chasm have Li abundances consistent with that chasm developing fully by 0.3 Gyr for stars with UMaG's metallicity. We see differences in the abundance of Li between UMaG members of the same spectral types, indicating that a real spread in the lithium abundance exists within this group.

Soderblom, David R.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Bone and hormonal changes induced by skeletal unloading in the mature male rat

To determine whether the rat hindlimb elevation model can be used to study the effects of spaceflight and loss of gravitational loading on bone in the adult animal, and to examine the effects of age on bone responsiveness to mechanical loading, we studied 6-mo-old rats subjected to hindlimb elevation for up to 5 wk. Loss of weight bearing in the adult induced a mild hypercalcemia, diminished serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, decreased vertebral bone mass, and blunted the otherwise normal increase in femoral mass associated with bone maturation. Unloading decreased osteoblast numbers and reduced periosteal and cancellous bone formation but had no effect on bone resorption. Mineralizing surface, mineral apposition rate, and bone formation rate decreased during unloading. Our results demonstrate the utility of the adult rat hindlimb elevation model as a means of simulating the loss of gravitational loading on the skeleton, and they show that the effects of nonweight bearing are prolonged and have a greater relative effect on bone formation in the adult than in the young growing animal.

NASA Discipline Musculoskeletal↗
NASA NTRS1985

Classification of Circular Features on Venus

Among the unanswered questions concerning Venus are the age of its surface and the mechanisms of lithospheric heat transfer (conduction, plate recycling, and hot spot volcanism). If there is a large population of impact craters, then the surface is ancient and Venus is characterized by conduction like the Moon, and Mercury, rather than plate recycling and hot spot volcanism. Alternatively, if there is a large population of volcanic craters, then the surface is younger and other mechanisms of heat transfer likely dominate. Previous studies have emphasized various aspects of the observational, theoretical, experimental, and comparative planetological studies of cratering on Venus, and several have reached divergent opinions concerning the age of the Venus surface. A major source of uncertainty in previous studies is the possible inclusion of circular features of nonimpact (volcanic or tectonic) origin in the so called impact crater population. A classification scheme of circular features on Venus is developed in order to further distinguish their origin and distribution.

Stofan, E. R.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Influence of restraint and thermal exposure on welds in T-111 and ASTAR-811C

The notched-tensile, tensile, and bend properties of GTA welds in T-111 and ASTAR-811C sheet were determined following a wide range of thermal exposures in order to define changes in ductility and mechanical property behavior due to weld aging response. No notch sensitivity or unusual tensile response was noted for any of the conditions evaluated. An aging response was noted for the bend ductile-brittle transition temperature determinations on both T-111 and ASTAR-811C welds. A tentative explanation for the observed response of each alloy is presented. In addition, the interrelationship of mechanical and chemical factors leading to underbead cracking in T-111 was investigated. The problem was shown to be amenable primarily to chemical solutions, such as alloy compositional changes. This was demonstrated by the improved performance of ASTAR-811C over T-111 in plate weld studies. Only modest success was achieved using procedural techniques as a means of eliminating underbead cracking.

Gold, R. E.↗
NASA NTRS2016

The Effects of Spaceflight on Cellular Aging in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The conditions encountered during spaceflight place unique stresses on physiological processes that oftentimes lead to deleterious effects. Identifying these effects and better understanding their molecular mechanisms will be essential in enabling long-duration space travel by humans. Studies in Saccharomyces cerevisiae suggest an aging model that involves the accumulation of toxic components, such as excess extrachromosomal rDNA and damaged mitochondria. This build-up then limits the replicative lifespan (the number of times a mother cell can form a new daughter cell). Remarkably, each new daughter cell emerges completely renewed from the senescing mother cell through an asymmetric distribution of aging determinants via mechanisms that are intricately linked to the budding process. When exposed to simulated microgravity, S. cerevisiae undergoes an altered budding process characterized by a breakdown in bud scar polarity. Because the budding process is critical to replicative aging, we hypothesize that the replicative lifespan may be affected by microgravity as well. To measure relative replicative aging rates, we will construct a strain of yeast in which daughter cells are inviable. In this strain, the Cre recombinase will be expressed under the control of the daughter cell specific promoter, pSCW11, and LoxP sites will be inserted at both flanks of two essential genes involved in the cell cycle, UBC9 and CDC20, using a CRISPRCas9 system. Thus, UBC9 and CDC20 will be excised from daughter cells, leading to cell-cycle arrest and eventual death. To mimic the low shear conditions encountered in microgravity, this strain will be grown in rotating wall vessels. The number of viable mother cells will be monitored over time, and this rate will be compared to cells growing in standard conditions. Because asymmetric division also occurs in mammalian cells (e.g. in neural stem cells), this study will provide insight into how cellular aging rates may change in mammals and will help empower humans to thrive in space for extended and even indefinite periods of time.

aging↗
NASA NTRS1976

Sustained load crack growth design data for Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy tanks containing hydrazine

Sustained load crack growth data for Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy in hydrazine per MIL-P-26536 and refined hydrazine are presented. Fracture mechanics data on crack growth thresholds for heat-treated forgings, aged and unaged welds, and aged and unaged heat-affected zones are reported. Fracture mechanics design curves of crack growth threshold stress intensity versus temperature are generated from 40 to 71 C.

Lewis, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Dispersion strengthening of precipitation hardened Al-Cu-Mg alloys prepared by rapid solidification and mechanical alloying

Several Al-4Cu-1Mg-1.5Fe-0.75Ce alloys have been processed from either rapidly solidified or mechanically alloyed powder using various vacuum degassing parameters and consolidation techniques. Strengthening by the fine subgrains, grains, and the dispersoids individually or in combination is more effective when the alloys contain shearable precipitates; consequently, the strength of the alloys is higher in the naturally aged rather than the artificially aged condition. The strengths of the mechanically alloyed variants are greater than those produced from prealloyed powder. Properties and microstructural features of these dispersion strengthened alloys are discussed in regards to their processing histories.

Gilman, P. S.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Cosmic-Ray-Exposure Ages of Diogenites and the Collisional History of the HED Parent Body or Bodies

Cosmic-ray-exposure ages of meteorites provide information on the collisional history of their parent bodies and the delivery mechanism of meteorites to Earth. The exposure-age distributions of ordinary chondrites show distinct patterns for H, L, and LL types, consistent with their origin on different parent bodies. The exposure-age distributions of howardites, eucrites. and diogenites (HEDS) show a common pattern with major peaks at 22 Ma and 38 Ma This provides additional evidence for a common origin of the HED meteorites, possibly 4 Vesta, although orbital dynamics calculations showed that the delivery of meteorites from Vesta to Earth is difficult. However, the discovery of several kilometer-sized Vesta-like asteroids in the region between Vesta and the 3:1 resonance suggested that these seem more likely parent bodies of the HEDs than Vesta itself. This implies that the exposure-age clusters may represent samples of several parent bodies. Therefore, the near-absence of diogenites with ages <20 Ma might be of interest for the composition of these kilometer-sized fragments of Vesta. Here we present cosmic-ray-exposure ages of 20 diogenites, including 9 new meteorites. In addition, we calculate the probability for each peak to occur by chance, assuming a constant production rate of HED fragments.

Welten, K. C.↗