SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “FIBERGLASS”

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.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

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

At least 163 records · Page 9

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2017

Laboratory pull-out tests on fully grouted rock bolts and cable bolts: Results and lessons learned

Laboratory pull-out tests were conducted on the following rock bolts and cable bolts: steel rebars, smooth steel bars, fiberglass reinforced polymer threaded bolts, flexible cable bolts, IR5/IN special cable bolts and Mini-cage cable bolts. The diameter of the tested bolts was between 16 mm and 26 mm. The bolts were grouted in a sandstone sample using resin or cement grouts. The tests were conducted under either constant radial stiffness or constant confining pressure boundary conditions applied on the outer surface of the rock sample. In most tests, the rate of displacement was about 0.02 mm/s. The tests were performed using a pull-out bench that allows testing a wide range of parameters. This paper provides an extensive database of laboratory pull-out test results and confirms the influence of the confining pressure and the embedment length on the pull-out response (rock bolts and cable bolts). Furthermore, it also highlights the sensitivity of the results to the operating conditions and to the behavior of the sample as a whole, which cannot be neglected when the test results are used to assess the bolt-grout or the grout–rock interface.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2018

A high-precision miniaturized rotating coil transducer for magnetic measurements

A miniaturized Printed Circuit Board (PCB) sensing coil, jointly developed by CERN and Fermilab for measuring the field of small-gap (less than 10 mm) accelerator magnets, is illustrated. A sensing coil array, with a scheme for compensating the main field when measuring the harmonic error components, hosted on a synthetic sapphire-based transducer, is presented. Key innovating features are (i) very-small size, both for the sensing coil array (thickness of 1.380 mm) and for the transducer (overall diameter of 7.350 mm), (ii) metrological performance, namely accuracy (more than five times better than state of the art), and 1-sigma repeatability (ten times better on harmonics with amplitude less than 100 ppm), and (iii) manufacturing technology of both the coil array (13 double layers aligned within 10 μm), and the sapphire support (concentricity, the most important uncertainty source for rotating coils, 3 μm of uncertainty, namely one order of magnitude better than fiberglass support). After stating the measurement problem, the design of the transducer and a case study of a two-layer PCB sensor array are also illustrated. Then, the prototyping and quality control of both the sensor and the transducer are discussed. Furthermore, the calibration and the results obtained with a prototype setup at Fermilab are presented. Finally, in the appendix, the theory of the rotating coil, the sensor geometry, and the harmonic compensation are briefly reviewed for the reader easiness.

06.20.fb/calibration↗

DOE OSTI2022

A non-volatile thermal switch for building energy savings

Compared with traditional static insulation, a thermally switchable building envelope could reduce annual heating and cooling loads by intermittently coupling to the outside environment when beneficial. Here, we demonstrate a voltage-actuated, contact/non-contact thermal switch that meets the unique challenges of this application. The switch is non-volatile, consuming electricity only briefly while switching and none to hold steady state. The switch ratio is 12, the off state has a low effective thermal conductivity of 0.045 W m -1 K -1 , comparable to fiberglass insulation, and the performance is stable over 1,000 switching cycles. Numerical simulations using real-world climate data show that combining this thermal switch with a thermal storage layer in a building envelope can yield annual energy savings of 9%-55% (heating) and 17%-76% (air conditioning), depending on the climate zone. The greatest benefits are realized when the exterior temperature crosses well above and below the desired interior temperature within a single 24 h period.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2016

Renewable unsaturated polyesters from muconic acid

cis,cis -Muconic acid is an unsaturated dicarboxylic acid that can be produced in high yields via biological conversion of sugars and lignin-derived aromatic compounds. Muconic acid is often targeted as an intermediate to direct replacement monomers such as adipic or terephthalic acid. However, the alkene groups in muconic acid provide incentive for its direct use in polymers, for example, in the synthesis of unsaturated polyester resins. Here, biologically derived muconic acid is incorporated into polyesters via condensation polymerization using the homologous series of poly(ethylene succinate), poly(propylene succinate), poly(butylene succinate), and poly(hexylene succinate). Additionally, dimethyl cis,cis -muconate is synthesized and subsequently incorporated into poly(butylene succinate). NMR measurements demonstrate that alkene bonds are present in the polymer backbones. In all cases, the glass transition temperatures are increased whereas the melting and degradation temperatures are decreased. In the case of poly(butylene succinate), utilization of neat muconic acid yields substoichiometric incorporation consistent with a tapered copolymer structure, whereas the muconate diester exhibits stoichiometric incorporation and a random copolymer structure based on thermal and mechanical properties. Prototypical fiberglass panels were produced by infusing a mixture of low molecular weight poly(butylene succinate-co-muconate) and styrene into a woven glass mat and thermally initiating polymerization resulting in thermoset composites with shear moduli in excess of 30 GPa, a value typical of commercial composites. The increased glass transition temperatures with increasing mucconic incorporation leads to improved composites properties. We find that the molecular tunability of poly(butylene succinate-co-muconate) as a tapered or random copolymer enables the tunability of composite properties. Altogether, this study demonstrates the utility of muconic acid as a monomer suitable for direct use in commercial composites.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2017

Biomass-derived monomers for performance-differentiated fiber reinforced polymer composites

Nearly all polymer resins used to manufacture critically important fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites are petroleum sourced. In particular, unsaturated polyesters (UPEs) are widely used as matrix materials and are often based on maleic anhydride, a four-carbon, unsaturated diacid. Typically, maleic anhydride is added as a reactant in a conventional step-growth polymerization to incorporate unsaturation throughout the backbone of the UPE, which is then dissolved in a reactive diluent (styrene is widely used) infused into a fiber mat and cross-linked. Despite widespread historical use, styrene has come under scrutiny due to environmental and health concerns; in addition, many conceivable UPEs are not soluble in styrene. In this study, we demonstrate that renewably-sourced monomers offer the ability to overcome these issues and improve overall composite performance. The properties of poly(butylene succinate)-based UPEs incorporating maleic anhydride are used as a baseline for comparison against UPEs derived from fumaric acid, cis , cis -muconate, and trans , trans -muconate, all of which can be obtained biologically. The resulting biobased UPEs are combined with styrene, methacrylic acid, or a mixture of methacrylic acid and cinnaminic acid, infused into woven fiberglass and cross-linked with the addition of a free-radical initiator and heat. This process produces a series of partially or fully bio-derived composites. Overall, the muconate-containing UPE systems exhibit a more favorable property suite than the maleic anhydride and fumaric acid counterparts. In all cases at the same olefinic monomer loading, the trans , trans -muconate polymers exhibit the highest shear modulus, storage modulus, and glass transition temperature indicating stronger and more thermally resistant materials. They also exhibit the lowest loss modulus indicating a greater adhesion to the glass fibers. The use of a mixture of methacrylic and cinnaminic acid as the reactive diluent results in a FRP composite with properties that can be matched to reinforced composites prepared with styrene. Significantly, at one-third the monomer loading (corresponding to two-thirds the number of double bonds), trans , trans -muconate produces approximately the same storage modulus and glass transition temperature as maleic anhydride, while exhibiting a superior loss modulus. Altogether, this work demonstrates the novel synthesis of performance-differentiated FRP composites using renewably-sourced monomers.

09 BIOMASS FUELS↗

DOE OSTI2015

High Chrome Refractory Characterization: Part I. Impact of Melt Reduction/Oxidation on the Corrosion Mechanism

High Cr 2 O 3 containing Monofrax ™ K‐3 is a robust refractory that is used in the fiberglass industry and used in radioactive waste glass melters worldwide. Monofrax ™ K‐3 is tolerant of transition metal oxides but contains highly reduced solid solutions of spinels, that is, (Mg,Fe 2+ )(Al,Cr) 2 O 3 . Conversely, many of the waste feeds being processed are highly oxidizing. The K‐3 refractory corrosion was tested in sealed crucibles starting with slurried melter feed instead of prereacted glass called for by ASTM C621. Testing the refractory coupon during the feed‐to‐glass conversion exposes the refractory to the oxidizing and reducing species being released during vitrification, for example, NO 3 − , NO 2 − , CO 2 , CO , O 2 . Corrosion rates measured in highly oxidizing (high nitrate) feeds were ~1.8–2.8 times higher than those determined using prereacted glass or reduced feeds. Confirmatory corrosion rates were measured on Monofrax ™ K‐3 coupons immersed in oxidizing feed in a 1/100th‐scale HLW pilot‐scale melter. Corrosion is heterogeneous or incongruent as Ni and Fe in the waste glass exchange with Mg and Al in the refractory. An insoluble NiFe 2 O 4 spinel corrosion product is formed that can build up a protective layer along the refractory walls or spall and settle to the melter floor depending on melt pool convection/agitation.

Jantzen, Carol M.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Hybrid Li-S pouch cell with a reinforced sulfide glass solid-state electrolyte film separator

Here, in this paper, sulfide glass electrolyte powder with a nominal composition of (Li 2 S) 60 (SiS 2 ) 28 (P 2 S 5 ) 12 is hot pressed at a 330°C and 12 MPa into separator films using non-woven fiberglass reinforcement. The reinforced separator films are 93% dense, bendable, and have an ionic conductivity of 0.7 mS/cm at room temperature. When integrated into hybrid Li-S coin cells with liquid electrolyte, these reinforced glass separators blocked the parasitic polysulfide shuttle sufficiently to enable reversible cycling without LiNO 3 co-salt. Furthermore, the scalability of the reinforced glass separator technology is demonstrated by assembling and testing a hybrid single-layer pouch cell.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2017

Manufacturing a 9-Meter Thermoplastic Composite Wind Turbine Blade: Preprint

Currently, wind turbine blades are manufactured from a combination of glass and/or carbon fiber composite materials with a thermoset resin such as epoxy, which requires energy-intensive and expensive heating processes to cure. Newly developed in-situ polymerizing thermoplastic resin systems for composite wind turbine blades polymerize at room temperature, eliminating the heating process and significantly reducing the blade manufacturing cycle time and embodied energy, which in turn reduces costs. Thermoplastic materials can also be thermally welded, eliminating the need for adhesive bonds between blade components and increasing the overall strength and reliability of the blades. As well, thermoplastic materials enable end-of-life blade recycling by reheating and decomposing the materials, which is a limitation of existing blade technology. This paper presents a manufacturing demonstration for a 9-m-long thermoplastic composite wind turbine blade. This blade was constructed in the Composites Manufacturing Education and Technology facility at the National Wind Technology Center at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) using a vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding process. Johns Manville fiberglass and an Arkema thermoplastic resin called Elium were used. Additional materials included Armacell-recycled polyethylene terephthalate foam from Creative Foam and low-cost carbon- fiber pultruded spar caps (manufactured in collaboration with NREL, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Huntsman, Strongwell, and Chomarat). This paper highlights the development of the thermoplastic resin formulations, including an additive designed to control the peak exothermic temperatures. Infusion and cure times of less than 3 hours are also demonstrated, highlighting the efficiency and energy savings associated with manufacturing thermoplastic composite blades.

17 WIND ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2012

Deep Penetration in Aerospace Composite Materials Using Near-Infrared Laser Radiation

Previous work on lethality against composite material targets considered only surface deposition of laser energy, with lethality achieved via target penetration or material removal by ply separation, delamination, and blow-off in high-speed airflow. To produce lethal effect in a militarily relevant timescale, typically on the order of seconds, requires laser irradiance in the range of ten to a few hundred kilowatts per cm2. This Feasibility Study discovers that volume heating, either by direct in-depth absorption of laser energy, for example in near-infrared (IR) laser irradiation of translucent fiberglass composite, or by rapid conduction of surface-deposited energy as in the case of opaque carbon composite, can induce failure under load in seconds by softening the resin matrix at irradiance less than 100 W/cm2 – one to three orders of magnitude lower than the intensity required to produce lethal effect by target penetration or material removal.

42 ENGINEERING↗

DOE OSTI2013

Lucid Energy Inc. In-Conduit Hydropower. Final Research Performance Progress Report

With the goal of commercializing the LucidPipe Power System (LucidPipe) in late 2012, Lucid Energy performed much research and testing of turbines, particularly focusing on understanding and mitigating cavitation and improving performance, as well as to improve data acquisition, monitoring and control of the LucidPipe system. Lucid Energy developed a 24” version of the LucidPipe to complement the 42” system, which had been the primary focus up to that point. Lucid Energy replaced the prototype system in Riverside, California with a new system that included a bypass pipe in order to provide year-round access to the turbine, as well as replacing the temporary “trench box” in which it formerly resided with a poured concrete vault. This system was commissioned in January 2012 and has been operational since that time. This new system was the first LucidPipe version to utilize fiberglass composite blades with an improved blade profile and bolted end connections. Using the accelerated test methodology developed by the Fracture Mechanics and Materials Durability Laboratory at the University of Illinois, Lucid Energy evaluated various composite blade materials and coatings in order to select a material with optimum resistance to cavitation. Various other components have been designed, and Lucid Energy has worked with several suppliers to improve the capabilities of purchased components such as seals, bearings and mechanical brakes. These improvements were primarily to increase the robustness of the LucidPipe systems for use in commercial applications. Lucid Energy performed testing on series inline turbines at the Utah Water Research Laboratory Page 36 of 44 in order to evaluate the performance implications of installing LucidPipe systems consisting of multiple inline turbines in commercial applications. Lucid Energy is currently planning to install a commercial four-turbine, 42” system in Portland, Oregon in the first quarter of 2013 and a three-turbine 24” system at San Antonio Water System in San Antonio, Texas in the second quarter of 2013.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2013

Energy Implications of In-Line Filtration in California

Occupant concern about indoor air quality (IAQ) issues has led to the increased use of more effective air filters in residential heating and cooling systems. This study performed measurements in ten California houses to determine the effects of changing filter performance and related characteristics on the energy use of the heating and cooling systems. Multiple filters were evaluated covering a wide range of filter effectiveness from simple low filtration fiberglass filters up to high efficiency filters that might be used by occupants concerned about IAQ. Sophisticated analysis and simulation tools used the field-testing results to determine filter impacts for a wide range of parameters and California climates. The results indicate that for MERV 10/11/13 filters the effects on energy use are moderate (<5%) over a wide range of performance conditions and climates. Using higher MERV 16 filters can lead to significantly increased energy use (>5%). The high airflow resistance of MERV 16 filters led to excess noise in some test houses from air bypassing the filter and the blower motor. Filter loading rates varied more from house to house than by MERV rating and overall were quite low in many of the homes. Filter related energy use does not need to be addressed for filters of MERV 10/11/13 and MERV 16 filters should only be used with low leakage tested ducts unless the filter is mounted at the blower compartment. MERV 16 filters should only be used if the filter area is sufficient to prevent noise issues and if the duct system has low air flow resistance and low leakage. Filters should be labeled for their air flow resistance, or static pressure at a particular flow rate, that would allow codes and standards to reference a particular performance specification and allow contractors and homeowners to make informed purchases.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2015

Structural Testing of the Blade Reliability Collaborative Effect of Defect Wind Turbine Blades

Two 8.3-meter (m) wind turbine blades intentionally constructed with manufacturing flaws were tested to failure at the National Wind Technology Center (NWTC) at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) south of Boulder, Colorado. Two blades were tested; one blade was manufactured with a fiberglass spar cap and the second blade was manufactured with a carbon fiber spar cap. Test loading primarily consisted of flap fatigue loading of the blades, with one quasi-static ultimate load case applied to the carbon fiber spar cap blade. Results of the test program were intended to provide the full-scale test data needed for validation of model and coupon test results of the effect of defects in wind turbine blade composite materials. Testing was part of the Blade Reliability Collaborative (BRC) led by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL). The BRC seeks to develop a deeper understanding of the causes of unexpected blade failures (Paquette 2012), and to develop methods to enable blades to survive to their expected operational lifetime. Recent work in the BRC includes examining and characterizing flaws and defects known to exist in wind turbine blades from manufacturing processes (Riddle et al. 2011). Recent results from reliability databases show that wind turbine rotor blades continue to be a leading contributor to turbine downtime (Paquette 2012).

17 WIND ENERGY↗

DOE OSTI2013

Moisture Research—Optimization of Wall Assemblies

In this project, the Consortium for Advanced Residential Buildings (CARB) team evaluated several different configurations of wall assemblies to determine the accuracy of moisture modeling and make recommendations to ensure durable, efficient assemblies. WUFI and THERM were used to model the hygrothermal and heat transfer characteristics of these walls. Wall assemblies evaluated included code minimum walls using spray foam insulation and fiberglass batts, high R-value walls at least 12 in. thick (R-40 and R-60 assemblies), and brick walls with interior insulation.

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2013

Internal Roof and Attic Thermal Radiation Control Retrofit Strategies for Cooling-Dominated Climates

This project evaluates the cooling energy savings and cost effectiveness of radiation control retrofit strategies for residential attics in U.S. cooling-dominated climates. Usually, in residential applications, radiation control retrofit strategies are applied below the roof deck or on top of the attic floor insulation. They offer an alternative option to the addition of conventional bulk insulation such as fiberglass or cellulose insulation. Radiation control is a potentially low-cost energy efficiency retrofit strategy that does not require significant changes to existing homes. In this project, two groups of low-cost radiation control strategies were evaluated for southern U.S. applications. One uses a radiant barrier composed of two aluminum foils combined with an enclosed reflective air space and the second uses spray-applied interior radiation control coatings (IRCC).

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2016

Field Testing of an Unvented Roof with Fibrous Insulation, Tiles and Vapor Diffusion Venting

This research is a test implementation of an unvented tile roof assembly in a hot-humid climate (Orlando, FL; Zone 2A), insulated with air permeable insulation (netted and blown fiberglass). Given the localized moisture accumulation and failures seen in previous unvented roof field work, it was theorized that a 'diffusion vent' (water vapor open, but air barrier 'closed') at the highest points in the roof assembly might allow for the wintertime release of moisture, to safe levels. The 'diffusion vent' is an open slot at the ridge and hips, covered with a water-resistant but vapor open (500+ perm) air barrier membrane. As a control comparison, one portion of the roof was constructed as a typical unvented roof (self-adhered membrane at ridge). The data collected to date indicate that the diffusion vent roof shows greater moisture safety than the conventional, unvented roof design. The unvented roof had extended winter periods of 95-100% RH, and wafer (wood surrogate RH sensor) measurements indicating possible condensation; high moisture levels were concentrated at the roof ridge. In contrast, the diffusion vent roofs had drier conditions, with most peak MCs (sheathing) below 20%. In the spring, as outdoor temperatures warmed, all roofs dried well into the safe range (10% MC or less). Some roof-wall interfaces showed moderately high MCs; this might be due to moisture accumulation at the highest point in the lower attic, and/or shading of the roof by the adjacent second story. Monitoring will be continued at least through spring 2016 (another winter and spring).

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2016

Field Testing of an Unvented Roof with Fibrous Insulation, Tiles, and Vapor Diffusion Venting

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2013

Internal Roof and Attic Thermal Radiation Control Retrofit Strategies for Cooling-Dominated Climates

This project evaluates the cooling energy savings and cost effectiveness of radiation control retrofit strategies for residential attics in U.S. cooling-dominated climates. Usually, in residential applications, radiation control retrofit strategies are applied below the roof deck or on top of the attic floor insulation. They offer an alternative option to the addition of conventional bulkinsulation such as fiberglass or cellulose insulation. Radiation control is a potentially low-cost energy efficiency retrofit strategy that does not require significant changes to existing homes. In this project, two groups of low-cost radiation control strategies were evaluated for southern U.S. applications. One uses a radiant barrier composed of two aluminum foils combined with an enclosedreflective air space and the second uses spray-applied interior radiation control coatings (IRCC).

32 ENERGY CONSERVATION, CONSUMPTION, AND UTILIZATI↗

DOE OSTI2014

OTEC Cold Water Pipe-Platform Subsystem Dynamic Interaction Validation

A commercial floating 100-megawatt (MW) ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) power plant will require a cold water pipe (CWP) with a diameter of 10-meter (m) and length of up to 1,000 m. The mass of the cold water pipe, including entrained water, can exceed the mass of the platform supporting it. The offshore industry uses software-modeling tools to develop platform and riser (pipe) designs to survive the offshore environment. These tools are typically validated by scale model tests in facilities able to replicate real at-sea meteorological and ocean (metocean) conditions to provide the understanding and confidence to proceed to final design and full-scale fabrication. However, today’s offshore platforms (similar to and usually larger than those needed for OTEC applications) incorporate risers (or pipes) with diameters well under one meter. Secondly, the preferred construction method for large diameter OTEC CWPs is the use of composite materials, primarily a form of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). The use of these material results in relatively low pipe stiffness and large strains compared to steel construction. These factors suggest the need for further validation of offshore industry software tools. The purpose of this project was to validate the ability to model numerically the dynamic interaction between a large cold water-filled fiberglass pipe and a floating OTEC platform excited by metocean weather conditions using measurements from a scale model tested in an ocean basin test facility.

13 HYDRO ENERGY↗