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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 163 records · Page 9
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2016

Influence of Constituents on Creep Properties of SiC/SiC Composites

SiC-SiC composites are being considered as potential candidate materials for next generation turbine components such as combustor liners, nozzle vanes and blades because of their low density, high temperature capability, and tailorable mechanical properties. These composites are essentially fabricated by infiltrating matrix into a stacked array of fibers or fiber preform by one or a combination of manufacturing methods such as, Melt Infiltration (MI) of molten silicon metal, Chemical Vapor Infiltration (CVI), Polymer Infiltration and Pyrolysis (PIP). To understand the influence of constituents, the SiC-SiC composites fabricated by MI, CVI, and PIP methods were creep tested in air between 12000 and 14500 degrees Centigrade for up to 500 hours. The failed specimens were analyzed under a scanning electron microscope to assess damage mechanisms. Also, knowing the creep deformation parameters of the fiber and the matrix under the testing conditions, the creep behavior of the composites was modeled and compared with the measured data. The implications of the results on the long term durability of these composites will be discussed.

modeling↗
NASA NTRS2024

Report on ZBook Barrel Connector

This memorandum serves to document the test results for mating and demating the barrel type power connector on the ZBook Laptop Computer.

Connector↗
NASA NTRS1987

The use of molten salts as physical models for the study of solidification in metals and semiconductors

It is presently noted that molten salts possess attributes rendering them attractive as physical models of cast metals in solidification studies. Molten alkali halides have an approximately correct Prandtl number for this modeling of metallic melts, and are transparent to visible light. Attention is given to solidification in the LiCl-KCl system, in order to determine whether such phenomena as solute rejection can be observed and characterized through the application of laser schlieren imaging.

Koziol, Jurek K.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Joule-Heated Molten Regolith Electrolysis Reactor Concepts for Oxygen and Metals Production on the Moon and Mars

The maturation of Molten Regolith Electrolysis (MRE) as a viable technology for oxygen and metals production on explored planets relies on the realization of the self-heating mode for the reactor. Joule heat generated during regolith electrolysis creates thermal energy that should be able to maintain the molten phase (similar to electrolytic Hall-Heroult process for aluminum production). Self-heating via Joule heating offers many advantages: (1) The regolith itself is the crucible material, it protects the vessel walls (2) Simplifies the engineering of the reactor (3) Reduces power consumption (no external heating) (4) Extends the longevity of the reactor. Predictive modeling is a tool chosen to perform dimensional analysis of a self-heating reactor: (1) Multiphysics modeling (COMSOL) was selected for Joule heat generation and heat transfer (2) Objective is to identify critical dimensions for first reactor prototype.

Sibille, Laurent↗
NASA NTRS1982

Bulk formation of a metallic glass - Pd40Ni40P20

Molten spheroids of Pd40Ni40P20, of up to 0.53-cm minor diameter, were slowly cooled (1.4 K/s) on a fused silica surface under 10 to the -6 torr vacuum to a form which was entirely glassy except for some superficial crystallinity comprising less than 0.5% of the volume. The occurrence of crystallization was eliminated by subjecting the specimens to surface etching followed by a succession of heating and cooling cycles. The absence of crystallization in bulk was confirmed by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and calorimetry. Using the last technique, the heat of crystallization of the glass was measured to be 5.3 + or - 0.3 kJ/g atom.

Drehman, A. J.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Testing Metal Chlorides For Use In Sodium-Cell Cathodes

Cyclic voltammetric curves of transition-metal wires in molten NaAlCl4 electrolyte used to eliminate suitability of transition metals as cathodes in sodium cells. Cyclic voltammetry used in conjunction with measurement of galvanostatic polarization curves determines whether given metal chloride suitable as cathode material in such cell. Cells useful in such high-energy-density and high-power-density applications as leveling loads on electric-power plants, supplying power to electric ground vehicles, and aerospace applications.

Bugga, Ratnakumar V.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Investigation of Dynamic Oxygen Adsorption in Molten Solder Jetting Technology

Surface tension forces play a critical role in fluid dynamic phenomena that are important in materials processing. The surface tension of liquid metals has been shown to be very susceptible to small amounts of adsorbed oxygen. Consequently, the kinetics of oxygen adsorption can influence the capillary breakup of liquid-metal jets targeted for use in electronics assembly applications, where low-melting-point metals (such as tin-containing solders) are utilized as an attachment material for mounting of electronic components to substrates. By interpreting values of surface tension measured at various surface ages, adsorption and diffusion rates of oxygen on the surface of the melt can be estimated. This research program investigates the adsorption kinetics of oxygen on the surface of an atomizing molten-metal jet. A novel oscillating capillary jet method has been developed for the measurement of dynamic surface tension of liquids, and in particular, metal melts which are susceptible to rapid surface degradation caused by oxygen adsorption. The experimental technique captures the evolution of jet swells and necks continuously along the jet propagation axis and is used in conjunction with an existing linear, axisymmetric, constant-property model to determine the variation of the instability growth rate, and, in turn, surface tension of the liquid as a function of surface age measured from the exit orifice. The conditions investigated so far focus on a time window of 2-4ms from the jet orifice. The surface properties of the eutectic 63%Sn-37%Pb solder alloy have been investigated in terms of their variation due to O2 adsorption from a N2 atmosphere containing controlled amounts of oxygen (from 8 ppm to 1000 ppm). The method performed well for situations where the oxygen adsorption was low in that time window. The value of surface tension for the 63Sn-37Pb solder in pure nitrogen was found to be 0.49 N/m, in good agreement with previously published work. A characteristic time of O(1ms) or less was determined for the molten-metal surface to be saturated by oxygen at 1000 ppm concentration in N2.

Megaridis, Constantine M.↗
NASA NTRS2003

From Oxygen Generation to Metals Production: In Situ Resource Utilization by Molten Oxide Electrolysis

For the exploration of other bodies in the solar system, electrochemical processing is arguably the most versatile technology for conversion of local resources into usable commodities: by electrolysis one can, in principle, produce (1) breathable oxygen, (2) silicon for the fabrication of solar cells, (3) various reactive metals for use as electrodes in advanced storage batteries, and (4) structural metals such as steel and aluminum. Even so, to date there has been no sustained effort to develop such processes, in part due to the inadequacy of the database. The objective here is to identify chemistries capable of sustaining molten oxide electrolysis in the cited applications and to examine the behavior of laboratory-scale cells designed to generate oxygen and to produce metal. The basic research includes the study of the underlying high-temperature physical chemistry of oxide melts representative of lunar regolith and of Martian soil. To move beyond empirical approaches to process development, the thermodynamic and transport properties of oxide melts are being studied to help set the limits of composition and temperature for the processing trials conducted in laboratory-scale electrolysis cells. The goal of this investigation is to deliver a working prototype cell that can use lunar regolith and Martian soil to produce breathable oxygen along with metal by-product. Additionally, the process can be generalized to permit adaptation to accommodate different feedstock chemistries, such as those that will be encountered on other bodies in the solar system. The expected results of this research include: (1) the identification of appropriate electrolyte chemistries; (2) the selection of candidate anode and cathode materials compatible with electrolytes named above; and (3) performance data from a laboratory-scale cell producing oxygen and metal. On the strength of these results it should be possible to assess the technical viability of molten oxide electrolysis for in situ resource utilization on the Moon and Mars. In parallel, there may be commercial applications here on earth, such as new green technologies for metals extraction and for treatment of hazardous waste, e.g., fixing heavy metals.

Khetpal, Deepak↗
NASA NTRS1984

Low-Density High-Strength Foamed Materials

Molten bubbles of metal or plastic coalesce into strong, lightweight materials that look like solidified foam. Bubbles formed in compartment that receives molten material and compressed gas that fills bubbles. Compartment has matrix of nozzles. Leaving nozzles, bubbles fall into acoustic chamber and coalesce; then drop through funnel and are cast into desired shape by extrusion or molding. Materials used for construction, extruded into molds, sawed, nailed, and generally handled as wood.

Wang, T.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Investigation and simulation of metallic spherules from lunar soils

The microstructure and chemical composition of metallic spherules from the lunar soil were studied by optical, electron-probe, and scanning-electron-microscope techniques. Metallic spherules produced experimentally were compared to the lunar spherules with respect to structure, chemistry, and cooling rates. The structure of the lunar spherules indicates an origin by solidification of molten globules of metal. The spherules are probably produced from both lunar and meteoric sources, the major source being the metal phase present in lunar rocks and soil.

Blau, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Enhanced vacuum arc vapor deposition electrode

A process for forming a thin metal coating on a substrate wherein a gas stream heated by an electrical current impinges on a metallic target in a vacuum chamber to form a molten pool of the metal and then vaporize a portion of the pool, with the source of the heated gas stream being on one side of the target and the substrate being on the other side of the target such that most of the metallic vapor from the target is directed at the substrate.

Weeks, Jack L.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Test and evaluation of Apollo 14 composite casting demonstration specimens and flight and control samples

The results of experiments 1, 2, and 10 of the Apollo 14 composite casting demonstration are discussed. The purpose of the demonstration, with regard to samples 1 and 2, was to obtain preliminary data on the liquid phase sintering process in a weightless environment. With regard to sample 10, the purpose was to obtain preliminary information on how to achieve uniform dispersion of dense particles on a metal matrix by employing shaking modes or forces in the system when the metal matrix is molten. Results of the demonstrations were interpreted in a quantitative and qualitative manner. For experiment 1 it was found that the tungsten particles were redistributed more uniformly in the flight sample than in the control sample. Experiment 2 results indicate that complete melting may not have occured and thus a high degree of significance cannot be associated with the qualitative results relating to particle redistribution data. The particle-matrix system of experiment 10 was found to be nonwetting.

Fabiniak, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Containerless-Processing Module

High-temperature, containerless-processing module positions and melts molten glass or metal without contact with container wall. Fluid masses manipulated, stirred, and controlled by acoustic forces. Module provides photographic monitoring and transfer of solidified specimens to storage bins.

Wang, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS1985

The origin and history of the metal and sulfide components of chondrules

Instrumental and radiochemical neutron activation analysis is used to determine the concentrations of 14 siderophile and other nonlithophilic elements in 31 chondrules from the extremely unequilibrated chondrite Semarkona. The results are presented in tables and graphs, characterized in detail, and compared with the results obtained for lithophile elements in the same samples by Grossman and Wasson (1983). The elements studied are found to be significantly more fractionated than the lithophile elements, with variations in chondrule/whole-rock abundances of up to a factor of 1000, a mean ratio of 0.2, and differences between Ni-rich and Ni-depleted chondrules. It is argued that the metal and sulfides in the chondrules represent the composition of the solar nebula before chondrule formation and already contained the siderophile and chalcophile elements, although some Fe was contained in silicates along with Ni, Co, Au, Ge and Se. The segregation of metals during a molten stage is considered of minor importance.

Grossman, J. N.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Determination of the electrical conductivity of liquid Ge(0.95)Si(0.05)

We have measured the electrical conductivity of molten germanium-silicon Ge(0.95)Si(0.05) from the liquidus temperature (1050 C) up to 1220 C. The data were acquired with a unique apparatus which utilizes the standard four-probe technique. The basic unit consists of a fused silica enclosure that contains hermetic glass-to-tungsten seals that can support vacuum pressures down to 10(exp -7) Torr. With calibration, the measurement error for the low vapor pressure materials of this study was typically less than 7%. The temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity of a Ge(0.95)Si(0.05) melt was found to vary from approximately 22,300/ohm/cm at the liquidus temperature down to approximately 16,000/ohm/cm at 1220 C. The negative temperature coefficient as well as the magnitude of these data clearly indicate that the molten material is metallic in nature despite the semiconducting properties of the solid.

Rolin, T. D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Composite superconducting wires obtained by high-rate tinning in molten Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O system

The preparation of high-T(sub c) superconducting long composite wires by short-time tinning of the metal wires in a molten Bi-Pb-Sr-Ca-Cu-O compound is discussed. The application of this method to the high-T(sub c) materials is tested, possibly for the first time. The initial materials used for this experiment were ceramic samples with nominal composition Bi(1.5)Pb(0.5)Sr2Ca2Cu3O(x) and T(sub c) = 80 K prepared by the ordinary solid-state reaction, and industrial copper wires from 100 to 400 microns in diameter and from 0.5 to 1 m long. The continuously moving wires were let through a small molten zone (approximately 100 cubic mm). The Bi-based high-T(sub c) ceramics in a molten state is a viscous liquid and it has a strongly pronounced ability to spread on metal wire surfaces. The maximum draw rate of the Cu-wire, at which a dense covering is still possible, corresponds to the time of direct contact of wire surfaces and liquid ceramics for less than 0.1 s. A high-rate draw of the wire permits a decrease in the reaction of the oxide melt and Cu-wire. This method of manufacture led to the fabrication of wire with a copper core in a dense covering with uniform thickness of about h approximately equal to 5 to 50 microns. Composite wires with h approximately equal to 10 microns (h/d approximately equal to 0.1) sustained bending on a 15 mm radius frame without cracking during flexing.

Grozav, A. D.↗
NASA NTRS1973

A lunar core of Fe-Ni-S.

It has been proposed that lunar samples were magnetized by a field created by a lunar core of molten Fe. Low abundances of siderophile elements in lunar rocks are compatible with formation of a metallic lunar core. A molten Fe core requires that the bulk of the moon was above, or close to, the melting point, a requirement which disagrees with most models of the lunar thermal regime. A core (or perhaps a layer or pockets) of molten Fe-Ni-S, at or close to the eutectic composition would act as a lunar dynamo, and be at a temperature (approximately 1000 C) consistent with some reasonable models of lunar thermal history. The existence of a Fe-Ni-S core would also partly explain the depletion in volatile elements in lunar basalts. Such a core, occupying up to 20% of the moon's radius, requires a bulk S content for the moon of only 0.3 wt %.

Brett, R.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Advances in Molten Oxide Electrolysis for the Production of Oxygen and Metals from Lunar Regolith

As part of an In-Situ Resource Utilization infrastructure to sustain long term-human presence on the lunar surface, the production of oxygen and metals by electrolysis of lunar regolith has been the subject of major scrutiny. There is a reasonably large body of literature characterizing the candidate solvent electrolytes, including ionic liquids, molten salts, fluxed oxides, and pure molten regolith itself. In the light of this information and in consideration of available electrolytic technologies, the authors have determined that direct molten oxide electrolysis at temperatures of approx 1600 C is the most promising avenue for further development. Results from ongoing studies as well as those of previous workers will be presented. Topics include materials selection and testing, electrode stability, gas capture and analysis, and cell operation during feeding and tapping.

Sadoway, Donald R.↗