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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 1,567 records · Page 87

Potential of Organic Matrix Composites for Liquid Oxygen Tank

Composite materials are being considered for the tankage of cryogenic propellants in access to space because of potentially lower structural weights. A major hurdle for composites is an inherent concern about the safety of using flammable structural materials in contact with liquid and gaseous oxygen. A hazards analysis approach addresses a series of specific concerns that must be addressed based upon test data. Under the 2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle contracts, testing was begun for a variety of organic matrix composite materials both to aid in the selection of materials and to provide needed test data to support hazards analyses. The work has continued at NASA MSFC and the NASA WSTF to provide information on the potential for using composite materials in oxygen systems. Appropriate methods for oxygen compatibility testing of structural materials and data for a range of composite materials from impact, friction, flammability and electrostatic discharge testing are presented. Remaining concerns and conclusions about composite tank structures, and recommendations for additional testing are discussed. Requirements for system specific hazards analysis are identified.

Davis, Samuel E.↗

Testing of Oxidizing Chemicals and Sorbents in support of the WIPP Basis of Knowledge - 19617

Oxidizing chemicals are commonly found in waste generated from actinide separations and other chemical processes. They can generate and/or increase the combustion of combustible materials, as experienced in the 2014 radiological event at the WIPP. Consequently, a broad combination of oxidizer/sorbent mixtures have been experimentally evaluated using a modified approach to the EPA SW-846 Method 1040, in order to provide a highly reliable assessment of their potential hazards. Some results of this work are presented. (authors)

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Visit from JAXA to NASA MSFC: The Engines Element & Ideas for Collaboration

System Design, Development, and Fabrication: Design, develop, and fabricate or procure MB-60 component hardware compliant with the imposed technical requirements and in sufficient quantities to fulfill the overall MB-60 development effort. System Development, Assembly, and Test: Manage the scope of the development, assembly, and test-related activities for MB-60 development. This scope includes engine-level development planning, engine assembly and disassembly, test planning, engine testing, inspection, anomaly resolution, and development of necessary ground support equipment and special test equipment. System Integration: Provide coordinated integration in the realms of engineering, safety, quality, and manufacturing disciplines across the scope of the MB-60 design and associated products development Safety and Mission Assurance, structural design, fracture control, materials and processes, thermal analysis. Systems Engineering and Analysis: Manage and perform Systems Engineering and Analysis to provide rigor and structure to the overall design and development effort for the MB-60. Milestone reviews, requirements management, system analysis, program management support Program Management: Manage, plan, and coordinate the activities across all portions of the MB-60 work scope by providing direction for program administration, business management, and supplier management.

Greene, William D.↗

TPSAS-NF1676L-19423-DND

In support of the Boundary Layer Transition (BLT) Flight Experiment (FE) Project in which a manufactured protuberance tile was installed on the port wing of Space Shuttle Orbiter Discovery for STS-119, STS-128, STS-131 and STS-133 as well as Space Shuttle Endeavour for STS-134, a significant wind tunnel test campaign was completed. The primary goals of the test campaign were to provide ground test data to support the planning and safety certification efforts required to fly the flight experiment as well as validation for the collected flight data. These test included Arcjet testing of the tile protuberance, aerothermal testing to determine the boundary layer transition behavior and resultant surface heating and planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) testing in order to gain a better understanding of the flow field characteristics of the flight experiment. This paper provides an overview of the BLT FE Project ground testing. High-level overviews of the facilities, models, test techniques and data are presented, along with a summary of the insights gained from each test.

Karen T Berger↗

The AXAF/XRS test dewar - A versatile design

The X-Ray Spectrometer (XRS) to be flown on the Advanced X-ray Astrophysics Facility (AXAF) consists of an array of microcalorimeters and an Adiabatic Demagnetization Refrigerator (ADR). The ADR provides an operating temperature of 0.065 to 0.100 K. To support extensive development testing of the ADR and the detector array, a test dewar has been designed and built that surpasses specification requirements. Pumping on the liquid helium bath with a 47 l/s pump, we have achieved temperatures lower than 1.5 K with a hold time in excess of 72 hrs. The dewar can be operated without liquid nitrogen with a hold time of 36 hrs. This feature was incorporated in the design because boiling nitrogen may introduce microphonic noise to the detectors. To further reduce the susceptibility to microphonic vibration a unique suspension system utilizing Kevlar fibers was devised which provides both translational and rotational rigidity to the detector mount. Finally, the dewar is very manageable and may be rotated by only one person.

Weintz, Karl F.↗

Fabrication of the HFVMTF Double-Bath Cryostat

The High Field Vertical Magnet Test Facility (HFVMTF) at Fermilab is designed to test superconducting magnets up to 20 tons and 1.3 meters in diameter. Central to the facility is a double-bath superfluid helium cryostat reaching 1.8 K at 1.2 bar. Integrated with a 15 T superconducting dipole from LBNL, HFVMTF supports HTS cable testing for fusion applications. This paper presents the design and fabrication of the cryostat, with a focus on two complex components: the 2 K heat exchanger and the lambda plate. The heat exchanger thermally links sub-atmospheric and pressurized helium baths. The 1.4-meter lambda plate provides thermal isolation and structural support for over 20 tons under 1.3 bar pressure differential. Finite Element Analysis validated the vessel’s integrity under maximum load conditions.

Bruce, Romain [Fermilab] (ORCID:0000000234200612)↗

Fabrication of the HFVMTF Double-Bath Cryostat

The High Field Vertical Magnet Test Facility (HFVMTF) at Fermilab is designed to test superconducting magnets up to 20 tons and 1.3 meters in diameter. Central to the facility is a double-bath superfluid helium cryostat reaching 1.8 K at 1.2 bar. Integrated with a 15 T superconducting dipole from LBNL, HFVMTF supports HTS cable testing for fusion applications. This paper presents the design and fabrication of the cryostat, with a focus on two complex components: the 2 K heat exchanger and the lambda plate. The heat exchanger thermally links sub-atmospheric and pressurized helium baths. The 1.4-meter lambda plate provides thermal isolation and structural support for over 20 tons under 1.3 bar pressure differential. Finite Element Analysis validated the vessel's integrity under maximum load conditions.

Bruce, R. [Fermilab] (ORCID:0000000234200612)↗

The Challenges of Integrating Instrumentation with Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators

To realize the National Aeronautics and Space Administration s (NASA) goal of landing humans on Mars, development of technologies to facilitate the landing of heavy payloads are being explored. Current entry, decent, and landing technologies are not practical when utilizing these heavy payloads due to mass and volume constraints dictated by limitations imposed by current launch vehicle fairings. Therefore, past and present technologies are now being considered to provide a mass and volume efficient solution, including Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerators (IADs) [1]. IAD ground and flight tests are currently being conducted to develop and characterize their performance under flight-like conditions. The integrated instrumentation systems, which are key to the performance characterization in each of these tests, have proven to be a challenge compared to the instrumentation of traditional rigid aeroshells. To overcome these challenges, flexible and embedded sensing systems have been developed, along with improved instrumenting techniques. This development opportunity faces many difficult aspects specific to inflatable structures in extreme environments. These include but are not limited to: physical flexibility, packaging, temperature, structural integration and data acquisition [2]. To better define the instrumentation challenges posed by IAD technology development, a survey was conducted to identify valuable measurements for ground and flight testing. From this survey many sensing technologies were explored, resulting in a down-selection to the most viable prospects. These systems were then iterated upon in design to determine the best integration techniques specific to a 3m and 6m stacked torus IAD. Each sensing system was then integrated and employed to support the IAD testing in the National Full-Scale Aerodynamics Complex 40 x 80 wind tunnel at NASA Ames Research Center in the summer of 2012. Another challenge that has been explored is the data acquisition of IAD sensing technologies. Traditionally all space based sensing systems transmit their data through a wired interface. This limits the amount of sensors able to be integrated within the IAD due to volume and routing restrictions of the supporting signal and excitation wires. To alleviate this situation, multiple wireless data acquisition technologies have been researched and developed through rapid prototyping efforts. The final custom multi-nodal wireless system utilized during the summer 2012 IAD test series consisted of four remote nodes and one receiving base station. The system reliably conditioned and acquired 20+ sensors over the course of the wind tunnel test series. These developments in wireless data acquisition techniques can eliminate the need for structural feedthroughs and reduce system mass associated with wiring and wire harnesses. This makes the utilization of flight instrumentation more attractive to future missions, which would result in further improved characterization of IAD technology, and overall, increased scientific knowledge regarding the response of inflatable structures to extreme entry environments. [

Swanson, Gregory T.↗

Development of a vadose zone advanced monitoring system: Tools to assess groundwater vulnerability

Performing repeat pore-fluid sampling over long time-scales can provide valuable information on unsaturated zone contaminants and their potential flux to ground water. This information can be used to manage groundwater remedies and identify contaminants that need to be sequestered in the vadose zone to minimize flux to ground water. Pore-water samples are commonly used to obtain contaminant concentrations within the vadose zone, but existing methods are limited as they only provide a single sample at one location and time. The vadose zone advanced monitoring system (VZAMS) has been designed to integrate multiple technologies into a single down-borehole system that allows for sampling of pore fluids (liquid and gas) to provide information about contamination and hydraulic conditions at multiple depths (~0.3-m intervals) within a cased borehole. Testing has been completed at the laboratory scale to verify the sampling elements of VZAMS, including geochemical testing for representative contaminants known to exist at the Hanford Site, located in southeastern Washington State. Physical tests focused on the ability of the sampler to draw fluid under unsaturated conditions. Initial geochemical testing showed that the stainless steel material used with the porous cuff may affect the sampled concentrations of redox-sensitive contaminants under very dry conditions. Additional laboratory testing demonstrated that the VZAMS components are able to collect representative samples for substances of interest under expected field conditions. In this paper, the design and functionality of a novel instrument are demonstrated in support of subsequent testing in the field.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Water Collection, Recovery, and Bag Containment Analysis of Trash Models of the Trash Compaction and Processing System (TCPS)

The Trash Compaction and Processing System (TCPS) aims to reduce volume, biologically safen, physically stabilize, manage effluents, and recover resources from astronaut trash in the International Space Station (ISS). The Heat Melt Compactor (HMC) at NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) serves as a test system that supports TCPS development by conducting risk reduction activities associated with an ISS flight demonstration. One of the resources desired to be recovered is water from the trash. The HMC Gen 3 has undergone several tests of different trash models and cases in which a containment bag is used or not. This paper will analyze the water collected and recovered from these tests and analyze the effect of specific trash containment bags.

Janine Criselda Young↗

Hydrogen depolarized cell pair definition for space station application

Evaluation testing of the cell pair design of an electrochemical carbon dioxide collection subsystem was conducted. The system is proposed for use with the space station prototype. The objectives of the analytical and miscellaneous tasks in support of the test program are explained. An analysis was made of the number of cells required for the space station prototype. It was determined that 33 cell pairs would satisfy the space station prototype performance.

Russell, C. R.↗

Results of Two-Stage Light-Gas Gun Development Efforts and Hypervelocity Impact Tests of Advanced Thermal Protection Materials

Gun development efforts to increase the launching capabilities of the NASA Ames 0.5-inch two-stage light-gas gun have been investigated. A gun performance simulation code was used to guide initial parametric variations and hardware modifications, in order to increase the projectile impact velocity capability to 8 km/s, while maintaining acceptable levels of gun barrel erosion and gun component stresses. Concurrent with this facility development effort, a hypervelocity impact testing series in support of the X-33/RLV program was performed in collaboration with Rockwell International. Specifically, advanced thermal protection system materials were impacted with aluminum spheres to simulate impacts with on-orbit space debris. Materials tested included AETB-8, AETB-12, AETB-20, and SIRCA-25 tiles, tailorable advanced blanket insulation (TABI), and high temperature AFRSI (HTA). The ballistic limit for several Thermal Protection System (TPS) configurations was investigated to determine particle sizes which cause threshold TPS/structure penetration. Crater depth in tiles was measured as a function of impact particle size. The relationship between coating type and crater morphology was also explored. Data obtained during this test series was used to perform a preliminary analysis of the risks to a typical orbital vehicle from the meteoroid and space debris environment.

Cornelison, C. J.↗

Divanadium substituted keggin [PV 2 W 10 O 40 ] on non-reducible supports-Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 : synthesis, characterization, and catalytic properties for oxidative dehydrogenation of propane

Molecular metal oxide cluster, K 5 [α-1,2-PV 2 W 10 O 40 ] (PV 2 W 10 ), was found to have intrinsic catalytic activity for the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane with high selectivity (> 80%) to propylene at low propane conversion (0.3%). Synthesis of dispersed PV 2 W 10 in non-reducible supports, γ-Al 2 O 3 and SiO 2 , was done by incipient wetness impregnation. The supported catalysts were characterized by IR, Raman spectroscopy, nitrogen adsorption, x-ray powder diffraction (PXRD), elemental analysis, hydrogen temperature-programmed reduction (H 2 –TPR), and ammonia temperature-programmed desorption (NH 3 –TPD). Catalytic testing of the supported PV 2 W 10 at equimolar cluster concentration revealed that when supported in γ-Al 2 O 3 it is more active (sevenfold increase in propane conversion) but in SiO 2 it is more selective to propylene (94%). The observed performance was due to both an increase in reducibility and higher concentration of strong acid sites for PV 2 W 10 supported in γ-Al 2 O 3 versus SiO 2 . Lastly, PV 2 W10 was shown to remain intact under reaction conditions indicating its thermal and oxidative stability.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Development and testing of cabin sidewall acoustic resonators for the reduction of cabin tone levels in propfan-powered aircraft

The use of Helmholtz resonators to increase the sidewall transmission loss (TL) in aircraft cabin sidewalls is evaluated. Development, construction, and test of an aircraft cabin acoustic enclosure, built in support of the Propfan Test Assessment (PTA) program, is described. Laboratory and flight test results are discussed. Resonators (448) were located between the enclosure trim panels and the fuselage shell. In addition, 152 resonators were placed between the enclosure and aircraft floors. The 600 resonators were each tuned to a propfan fundamental blade passage frequency (235 Hz). After flight testing on the PTA aircraft, noise reduction (NR) tests were performed with the enclosure in the Kelly Johnson Research and Development Center Acoustics Laboratory. Broadband and tonal excitations were used in the laboratory. Tonal excitation simulated the propfan flight test excitation. The resonators increase the NR of the cabin walls around the resonance frequency of the resonator array. Increases in NR of up to 11 dB were measured. The effects of flanking, sidewall absorption, cabin absorption, resonator loading of trim panels, and panel vibrations are presented. Resonator and sidewall panel design and test are discussed.

Kuntz, H. L.↗

A Holistic Approach to Systems Development

Introduces a Holistic and Iterative Design Process. Continuous process but can be loosely divided into four stages. More effort spent early on in the design. Human-centered and Multidisciplinary. Emphasis on Life-Cycle Cost. Extensive use of modeling, simulation, mockups, human subjects, and proven technologies. Human-centered design doesn t mean the human factors discipline is the most important Disciplines should be involved in the design: Subsystem vendors, configuration management, operations research, manufacturing engineering, simulation/modeling, cost engineering, hardware engineering, software engineering, test and evaluation, human factors, electromagnetic compatibility, integrated logistics support, reliability/maintainability/availability, safety engineering, test equipment, training systems, design-to-cost, life cycle cost, application engineering etc. 9

Wong, Douglas T.↗

Water Electrolysis for In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU)

Sending humans to Mars for any significant amount of time will require capabilities and technologies that enable Earth independence. To move towards this independence, the resources found on Mars must be utilized to produce the items needed to sustain humans away from Earth. To accomplish this task, NASA is studying In Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) systems and techniques to make use of the atmospheric carbon dioxide and the water found on Mars. Among other things, these substances can be harvested and processed to make oxygen and methane. Oxygen is essential, not only for sustaining the lives of the crew on Mars, but also as the oxidizer for an oxygen-methane propulsion system that could be utilized on a Mars ascent vehicle. Given the presence of water on Mars, the electrolysis of water is a common technique to produce the desired oxygen. Towards this goal, NASA designed and developed a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) water electrolysis system, which was originally slated to produce oxygen for propulsion and fuel cell use in the Mars Atmosphere and Regolith COllector/PrOcessor for Lander Operations (MARCO POLO) project. As part of the Human Exploration Spacecraft Testbed for Integration and Advancement (HESTIA) project, this same electrolysis system, originally targeted at enabling in situ propulsion and power, operated in a life-support scenario. During HESTIA testing at Johnson Space Center, the electrolysis system supplied oxygen to a chamber simulating a habitat housing four crewmembers. Inside the chamber, oxygen was removed from the atmosphere to simulate consumption by the crew, and the electrolysis system's oxygen was added to replenish it. The electrolysis system operated nominally throughout the duration of the HESTIA test campaign, and the oxygen levels in the life support chamber were maintained at the desired levels.

Lee, Kristopher A.↗