Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “SURFACE FINISH”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 145 records · Page 8

Mechanisms of graphite fluoride /CFx/n lubrication

Friction, wear and wear life results were compared with optical microscope observations as a function of sliding distance for graphite fluoride rubbed films applied to three surface finishes - polished, sanded and sandblasted. The lubricating process consisted of the plastic flow of thin films of graphite fluoride between flat areas on the rider and on the metallic substrate. If the substrate was rough, flat areas were created during run-in, and the graphite fluoride (CFx)n flowed across them. Wear life was enhanced by restricting radial (or transverse) flow of the graphite fluoride from the contact region by increasing surface roughness. Valleys in the roughened substrate surface served as a reservoir for graphite fluoride and as a deposit site for wear debris. Failure resulted from the gradual depletion of graphite fluoride from the contact region with the subsequent formation of powdery metallic debris that covered both rider and disk surfaces

Fusaro, R. L.↗

Ultrasonic Polishing

The ultrasonic polishing process makes use of the high-frequency (ultrasonic) vibrations of an abradable tool which automatically conforms to the work piece and an abrasive slurry to finish surfaces and edges on complex, highly detailed, close tolerance cavities in materials from beryllium copper to carbide. Applications range from critical deburring of guidance system components to removing EDM recast layers from aircraft engine components to polishing molds for forming carbide cutting tool inserts or injection molding plastics. A variety of materials including tool steels, carbides, and even ceramics can be successfully processed. Since the abradable tool automatically conforms to the work piece geometry, the ultrasonic finishing method described offers a number of important benefits in finishing components with complex geometries.

Gilmore, Randy↗

Measurements of Local Heat Transfer and Pressure on Six 2-Inch-Diameter Blunt Bodies at a Mach Number of 4.95 and at Reynolds Numbers Per Foot up to 81 x 10(exp 6)

Measurements of the local heat transfer and pressure distribution have been made on six 2-inch-diameter, blunt, axially symmetric bodies in the Langley gas dynamics laboratory at a Mach number of 4.95 and at Reynolds numbers per foot up to 81 x 10(exp 6). During the investigation laminar flow was observed over a hemispherical-nosed body having a surface finish from 10 to 20 microinches at the highest test Reynolds number per foot (for this configuration) of 77.4 x 10(exp 6). Though it was repeatedly possible to measure completely laminar flow at this Reynolds number for the hemisphere, it was not possible to observe completely laminar flow on the flat-nosed body for similar conditions. The significance of this phenomenon is obscured by the observation that the effects of particle impacts on the surface in causing roughness were more pronounced on the flat-nosed body. For engineering purposes, a method developed by M. Richard Dennison while employed by Lockheed Aircraft Corporation appears to be a reasonable procedure for estimating turbulent heat transfer provided transition occurs at a forward location on the body. For rearward-transition locations, the method is much poorer for the hemispherical nose than for the flat nose. The pressures measured on the hemisphere agreed very well with those of the modified Newtonian theory, whereas the pressures on all other bodies, except on the flat-nosed body, were bracketed by modified Newtonian theory both with and without centrifugal forces. For the hemisphere, the stagnation-point velocity gradient agreed very well with Newtonian theory. The stagnation-point velocity gradient for the flat- nosed model was 0.31 of the value for the hemispherical-nosed model. If a Newtonian type of flow is assumed, the ratio 0.31 will be independent of Much number and real-gas effects.

Cooper, Morton↗

Lubrication and failure mechanisms of graphite fluoride films

An optical microscope, equipped with a vertical illuminator and two polaroid filters (one rotatable), was used to visually study 440C HT steel surfaces lubricated with rubbed graphite fluoride films. Friction and wear results were compared to visual observations as a function of sliding distance for films applied to three surface finishes - polished, sanded, and sand-blasted. In general, the lubricating process was one of initial deformation or wear of metallic asperities into flat plateaus and then the formation of thin, layer-like, dynamic films which sheared between the flats and eventually flowed through the contact area. Failure was due to depletion of the graphite fluoride with the subsequent formation of excessive powdery metallic debris that formed a heavy, powdery film on both the rider and disk surfaces.

Fusaro, R. L.↗

Understanding the Feasibility of MAB Phase Structures for Lunar Applications

During the ten-week internship, my work focused on synthesis, characterization, and tailoring the flowability of the MAB phase powders for improving the surface finish and decreasing porosity of 3D-printed MAB phase structures. My mentor for the project was Dr. Samuel Hocker from NASA Langley and my faculty advisor was Dr. Surojit Gupta from the University of North Dakota. I also collaborated with Daniel Trieff from the University of North Dakota in developing characterization paradigm of 3D printed samples. The microencapsulation was performed via novel solvent casting-based microencapsulation process pioneered in UND, wherein a polymer (PLA, PHA) was dissolved into dichloromethane and precipitated onto the surface of the MoAlB particles. Two 100mL samples of microencapsulated powder was outsourced to Particle Technology Labs for flowability testing along with a 100mL control sample to determine if microencapsulation is a valid method for improving the flowability. The microencapsulated powders were characterized using SEM, Differential Scanning Calorimetry, and optical microscopy. The SEM images showed no change between the pure and microencapsulated powders. The optical microscopy analysis indicated a reduction in reflectivity for the PLA microencapsulated powders as well as hydrophobic properties. Both results suggest that microencapsulation was successful as PLA is a hydrophobic polymer and the change in reflectivity could be a result of the light being dispersed through the polymer coating. A reflectivity analysis will be done to bring more perspective to these observations. If powder flowability is improved, then the project will move forward with testing the printability of the microencapsulated powders and characterizing the structures using the designed characterization protocol. We are waiting for the DSC results. The characterization protocol for the 3D-printed MAB structures included a visual inspection of the plates to rule out any samples that had spalled or delaminated, optical microscopy to document surface features, porosity, and decomposition, and cleaning of the plates using an ultrasonic bath in preparation for SEM, EDS, and profilometry analyses.

MAB Phase↗

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure Investigation of Lead Free Solder

While the electronics industry appears to be focusing on Sn-Ag-Cu as the alloy of choice for lead free electronics assembly, ,the exact composition varies by geographic region, supplier and user. Add to that dissolved copper and silver from the printed circuit board traces and surface finish, and there can be significant variation in the final solder joint composition. A systematic study of the mechanical and microstructural properties of Sn-Ag-Cu alloys with Ag varying from 2wt% to 4wt% and Cu varying from 0.5wt% to lSwt%, was undertaken in this research study. Different sample preparation techniques (water quenched, oil quenched and water quenched followed by reflow) were explored and the resulting microstructure compared to that of a typical reflowed lead free chip scale package (CSP) solder joint. Tensile properties (modulus, 0.2% yield strength and the ultimate tensile strength) and creep behavior of selected alloy compositions (Sn-4Ag-1 X u , Sn-4Ag-OSCu, Sn- 2Ag-1 X u , Sn-2Ag-OSCu, Sn-3.5Ag-O.SCu) were determined for three conditions: as- cast; aged for 100 hours at 125OC; and aged for 250 hours at 125OC. There was no significant difference in Young's Modulus as a function of alloy composition. After an initial decrease in modulus after 100 hours at 125"C, there was an insignificant change with further aging. The distribution of 0.2% strain yield stress and ultimate tensile strength as a function of alloy composition was more significant and decreased with aging time and temperature. The microstructures of these alloys were examined using light and scanning electron microscopy (LM and SEM) respectively and SEM based energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Fracture surface and cross-section analysis were performed on the specimens after creep testing. The creep testing results and the effect of high temperature aging on mechanical properties is presented for the oil quenched samples. In general the microstructure of oil quenched specimen exhibited a eutectic region of Sn with moderately dispersed Ag3Sn intermetallic, surrounded by a dendritic Sn-rich phase. The SEM images of the fracture surface indicated the presence of a tough shear surface at the initial cavity break area and a break line in the middle of specimen along the failure direction. A hyperbolic-sine creep model was adopted and used to fit the creep experiment data. The effect on the mechanical properties by adding the quaternary element bismuth to the Sn-3.5Ag-0.8Cu alloy was measured and compared with the mechanical properties of the ternary alloys. The results of this research study provide necessary data for the modeling of solder joint reliability for a range of Sn-Ag-Cu compositions and a baseline for evaluating the effects of subsequent quaternary additions.

Wang, Qing↗

Nonspace technology resulting from the NASA FLUID connector programs

Leakage at static seals is a problem common to both NASA and industry. The subject of an intensive investigation has been the establishing of design criteria for reliable, low-weight, leak-tight fluid connectors. The problem has been broken into areas of investigation: the structure which supports the actual seal and the seal itself. A Separable Connector Design Handbook has been written to direct designers' efforts toward the optimum connector design for a given purpose. Included in this paper is a brief discussion of the topics covered in the Handbook, notable flanged connector design, threaded connector design, pressure energized seal design, leakage measurement techniques, and a catalog of current satisfactory seal configurations. Also included in this paper is a discussion of the principles of sealing, including the uses and characteristics of elastomers, plastics, and metals. The load-leakage characteristics of seals, the effect of internal pressure, the effect of surface finish on the leakage rate, the mode of material deformation under load, and the advantages of various seal configurations are discussed.

Sealing↗

Orbital tube flare for tubing connectors

Marshall engineering personnel have developed and are now refining a new and unique method of mechanically flaring tubing. The system eliminates the use of the conventional split backing die which is used with most tube-flaring equipment. The Marshall-developed tool is adapted for use on standard Leonard 3-CP-HD flaring machines. The stationary split backing die is replaced in function with a die ring, whose i.d.-surface rolls or orbits around the o.d. of the tube flare zone. An i.d.-flaring cone moves axially and forces the metal against the rolling die to form the flare. Major advantages of this system are the elimination of flash, or split die marks, on the back angle of the flare, and improved flare-surface finishes, permitting more uniform sealing characteristics and improvements of the total geometric configuration of the flare as required by the MSFC specification MC-146. The Orbital Adapter system of tooling is currently being used to manufacture flared tube hardware for the Saturn V S-IO space launch vehicle at MSFC, for the Agena space launch vehicle (used for the Gemini project) at Lockheed, Sunnyvale, for LEM checkout equipment for Grumman, and for the Saturn S-IV-B space launch vehicle by Douglas Aircraft Company. Several other aerospace firms are evaluating the system for possible incorporation on their tube flaring requirements. Marshall engineers are now concentrating their efforts on refining and reducing the total cost of the overall system.

Tubing↗

Sliding electrical contact materials

The results of research programs to develop sliding electrical contact materials, both brushes and slip rings, are discussed. Problems attendant to operating sliding contacts in a vacuum are defined; limitations of commercial materials in solving these problems are described, and special materials and surface finish conditions which have resulted in solutions to these problems are presented. Data from operational tests on the newly developed materials are compared with similar data obtained from materials now used as standards in consumer products. Possible commercial applications of the more efficient sliding contact materials are discussed briefly.

Sliding contact↗

Metal tube reducer is inexpensive and simple to operate

Low-cost metal tube reducer accepts tubing up to 1 inch outer diameter and can reduce this diameter to less than 1/2 inch with controlled wall thickness. This device can reduce all of the tube without waste. It produces extremely good surface finishes.

Mayfield, R. M.↗

Tensile and fatigue properties of Inconel 718 at cryogenic temperatures

Tests to determine the tensile and fatigue properties of Inconel 718 at cryogenic temperatures show that the alloy increases in strength at low temperatures, with very little change in toughness. The effect of surface finish and grain size on the fatigue properties was also determined.

Malin, C. O.↗

Electro-chemical grinding

Electro-chemical grinding technique has rotation speed control, constant feed rates, and contour control. Hypersonic engine parts of nickel alloys can be almost 100% machined, keeping tool pressure at virtual zero. Technique eliminates galling and permits constant surface finish and burr-free interrupted cutting.

Feagans, P. L.↗