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Results for “STORAGE STABILITY”

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 NTRS1971

Study to determine and improve design for lithium-doped solar cells

Solar cell experiments show that a single lithium density parameter, the lithium density gradient, calculated from nondestructive capacitance measurements, provides the basis for accurate predictions of lithium cell behavior in a 1-MeV electron environment for fluences ranging between 3 X 10 to the 13th power e/sq cm and 3 X 10 to the 15th power/e sq cm. The oxygen-rich (quartz crucible) lithium cell with phosphorous starting dopant and lithium gradient between approximately 5 X 10 to the 18th power and 1.5 x 10 to the 19th power/cm to the 4th power was found superior in performance to the commercial 10 ohm-cm n/p control cells. Post-recovery stability of oxygen-rich cells was satisfactory. An average post-recovery current drop of approximately 1 mA was observed for 70 crucible cells after 1 year-equivalent storage time at 80 C. In contrast the oxygen-poor (float zone and Lopex) lithium cells displayed spotty initial performance and stability problems at room temperature.

Brucker, G.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Food Fortification Stability Study

NASA has established the goal of traveling beyond low-Earth orbit and extending manned exploration to Mars. The extended length of a Mars mission, along with the lack of resupply missions increases the importance of nutritional content in the food system. The purpose of this research is to assess the stability of vitamin supplementation in traditionally processed spaceflight foods. It is expected that commercially available fortificants will remain stable through long-duration missions if proper formulation, processing, and storage temperatures are all achieved. Five vitamins (vitamin E, vitamin K, pantothenic acid, folic acid, and thiamin) were blended into a vitamin premix (DSM, Freeport, TX); premixes were formulated to be compatible with current processing techniques (retort or freeze-dried), varied water activities (high or low), and packaging material. The overall goal of this process is to provide 25% of the recommended daily intake of each vitamin (per serving), following processing and two years of ambient storage. Four freeze-dried foods (Scrambled Eggs, Italian Vegetables, Potatoes Au Gratin, Noodles and Chicken) and four thermostabilized foods (Curry Sauce with Vegetables, Chicken Noodle Soup, Grilled Pork Chop, Rice with Butter) were produced (with and without the vitamin premix), to assess the impact of the added fortificant on color and taste, and to determine the stability of supplemental vitamins in spaceflight foods. The use of fortification in spaceflight foods appears to be a plausible mitigation step to inadequate nutrition. This is due to the ease of vitamin addition as well as the sustainability of the premixes through initial processing steps. Postprocessing analysis indicated that vitamin fortification with this premix did not immediately impact organoleptic properties of the food. At this stage, the largest hurdle to fortification is the preciseness to which vitamins can be added; the total amount of vitamins required for production is 10 - 20 grams, a minor percentage of the formulation. As demonstrated by the over-fortification measured in Italian Vegetables and Grilled Pork Chop, homogeneity may be difficult to achieve with such small amounts. Thus, pouch-to-pouch variability, over-fortification, and underfortification may ensue if a method for precise addition is not identified. Stability will continue to be evaluated over two years of storage at three temperatures, and future analysis should reveal the extent to which this issue should be a concern

Abdulmalik, T. O.↗
NASA NTRS1981

A diagonal form of an implicit approximate-factorization algorithm

A modification of an implicit approximate-factorization finite-difference algorithm applied to partial differential equations is presented. This algorithm is applied to the two- and three-dimensional Euler equations in general curvilinear coordinates. The modification transforms the coupled system of equations into an uncoupled diagonal form that requires less computational work. For steady-state applications, the resulting diagonal algorithm retains the stability and accuracy characteristics of the original algorithm. The diagonal algorithm reduces the storage requirement of the implicit solution process and therefore has an important effect on the application of implicit finite-difference schemes to vector processors. Results are presented for realistic two-dimensional transonic flow fields about airfoils. Computation costs are reduced to 24-34%.

Pulliam, T. H.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Review of SERI Solar Pond Work

Development of models of pond thermal performance; analysis of solar pond use for building space heat and hot water production; use of low-temperature pond-produced heat for industrial processes, desalination, and electricity production; development of direct-contact heat exchanger to reduce conversion equipment cost; determination of effects of extracted heat and mass from the storage layer on pond performance; and investigation of factors which determine gradient layer stability and the stability of this interface between this level and the upper and lower convecting layers were described.

Zangrando, F.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Application of implicit numerical techniques to the solution of the three-dimensional diffusion equation

Implicit techniques for calculating three-dimensional, time-dependent heat diffusion in a cube are tested with emphasis on storage efficiency, accuracy, and speed of calculation. For this purpose, a tensor product technique with both Chebyshev collocation and finite differences and a generalized conjugate gradient technique with finite differences are used in conjunction with Crank-Nicolson discretization. An Euler explicit finite difference calculation is performed for use as a benchmark. The implicit techniques are found to be competitive with the Euler explicit method in terms of storage efficiency and speed of calculation and offer advantages both in accuracy and stability. Mesh stretching in the finite difference calculations is shown to markedly improve the accuracy of the solution.

Peltier, Leonard Joel↗
NASA NTRS1981

A Diagonal Form of an Implicit Approximate-Factorization Algorithm

A modification of an implicit approximate-factorization finite-difference algorithm applied to partial differential equations is presented. This algorithm is applied to the two- and three-dimensional Euler equations in general curvilinear coordinates. The modification transforms the coupled system of equations into an uncoupled diagonal form that requires less computational work. For steady-state applications, the resulting diagonal algorithm retains the stability and accuracy characteristics of the original algorithm. The diagonal algorithm reduces the storage requirement of the implicit solution process and therefore has an important effect on the application of implicit finite-difference schemes to vector processors. Results are presented for realistic two-dimensional transonic flow fields about airfoils. Computation costs are reduced 24-34%.

Pulliam, T. H.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Simulations of Recovery of Time-Varying Gravity from DECIGO Pathfinder

We simulated time-varying Earth's gravity field recovered from DPF to evaluate an impact of DPF and future satellite gradiometry mission on earth science. From hydrological water movement data and orbit information, gravity gradients to be measured at altitude about ~500km were generated. Errors caused by atmospheric and oceanic variations and instrumental noise were added. Monthly gravity fields were estimated solving normal equations between spherical harmonic coefficients and simulated gravity gradient data. Simulation results show that DPF likely provides monthly hydrological water storage change with spatial scale between 400 and 1000km. Sensitivities to large scale estimates depends on long-term stability of gravity gradient measurement, and errors in short scale estimates are caused by instrumental noise and imperfections in atmospheric and ocean model. With acceleration noise level is lower than ~5 x 10(exp -14) [m/s2/sqrtHz] at frequency higher than 3mHz, water storage changes at limited small basins will be provided by DPF. To monitor continental scale hydrological water movement, noise level must be lower than ~5 x 10(exp -14) [m/s2/sqrtHz] at frequency higher than 1mHz.

Hasegawa, Takashi↗
NASA NTRS2005

A Comparison Study: The New Extended Shelf Life Isopropyl Ester PMR Technology versus The Traditional Methyl Ester PMR Approach

Polymerization of Monomeric Reactants (PMR) monomer solutions and carbon cloth prepregs of PMR II-50 and VCAP-75 were prepared using both the traditional limited shelf life methanol based PMR approach and a novel extended shelf life isopropanol based PMR approach. The methyl ester and isopropyl ester based PMR monomer solutions and PMR prepregs were aged for up to four years at freezer and room temperatures. The aging products formed were monitored using high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC). The composite processing flow characteristics and volatile contents of the aged prepregs were also correlated versus room temperature storage time. Composite processing cycles were developed and six ply cloth laminates were fabricated with prepregs after various extended room temperature storage times. The composites were then evaluated for glass transition temperature (Tg), thermal decomposition temperature (Td), initial flexural strength (FS) and modulus (FM), long term (1000 hours at 316 C) thermal oxidative stability (TOS), and retention of FS and FM after 1000 hours aging at 316 C. The results for each ester system were comparable. Freezer storage was found to prevent the formation of aging products for both ester systems. Room temperature storage of the novel isopropyl ester system increased PMR monomer solution and PMR prepreg shelf life by at least an order of magnitude while maintaining composite properties.

Alston, William B.↗
NASA NTRS1975

Retrieval of the HEAO-C spacecraft with Space Shuttle

A plan has been developed to retrieve the HEAO-C spacecraft from orbit with the Space Shuttle in the early 1980s. The initial HEAO-C orbit altitude must be increased to provide additional lifetime. A simple passive stabilization mode, using gravity gradient and aerodynamic torques, is used for long-term storage. Most of the modifications required for Orbiter compatibility result from manned safety requirements and the structural mounting. There is a positive disconnect of all power before entering the Orbiter bay, and pressure vessels are monitored continuously. Structural equipment is added in the Orbiter bay to receive and stow the Observatory.

Mitchell, D. H.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Stability of PMR-polyimide monomer solutions

The stability of alcohol solutions of norborneyl capped PMR-polyimide resins was monitored during storage at ambient and subambient temperatures. Chemical changes during storage were determined spectroscopically using nuclear magnetic resonance. Resin processability and cured resin quality were determined by fabrication of unidirectional, graphite fiber composites using aged solutions and testing of selected composite properties. PMR-15 solutions exhibit nominally two weeks of useful life and PMR-2 solutions exhibit nominally two days of useful life at ambient conditions. The limiting factor is precipitation of imide reaction produces from the monomer solutions. Both solutions exhibit substantially longer useful lifetimes in subambient storage. PMR-15 shows no precipitation after several months storage at subambient temperatures. PMR-2 solutions do exhibit precipitates after extended subambient storage, however, the precipitates formed under these conditions can be redissolved. The chemical implications of these observations are discussed.

Lauver, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Integral storage-bulb and microwave cavity for masers

Mechanically-stable integral storage-bulb/microwave cavity made out of single piece of fused quartz improves frequency stability. Single-piece construction eliminates joints, making cavity dimensionally and hence frequency-stable. Fused quartz is used because of its low thermal expansion coefficient.

Reinhardt, V. S.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Atomic oxygen resistant protective coatings for the Hubble Space Telescope solar array in low earth orbit

The Hubble Space Telescope back-up solar array (BSFR-ATOX) was designed with atomic oxygen resistant materials to replace the original high efficiency cell (HEC) array. Pending qualification of the BSFR-ATOX array, protective coatings for application to the existing HEC array were evaluated. Three polysiloxane-type coating materials, SWS V-10, DC-100, and CV-1144 were evaluated with respect to atomic oxygen resistance, outgassing, contamination potential, stability under UV irradiation, electron-proton irradiation, thermal cycling, and long-term storage after application. Atomic oxygen testing included characterization of the atomic oxygen plasma using comparison of Kapton reaction to existing flight data, residual gas analysis, and temperature measurements. Results from these tests show DC-100 as a greater contamination concern if used in the vicinity of sensitive optical surfaces, i.e., solar cell cover glasses. The SWS V-10 and CV-1144 coatings met all acceptance criteria.

Burns, H. D.↗
NASA NTRS2016

NASA's Preparations for ESA's L3 Gravitational Wave Mission

Telescope Subsystem - Jeff Livas (GSFC): Demonstrate pathlength stability, straylight and manufacturability. Phase Measurement System - Bill Klipstein (JPL): Key measurement functions demonstrated. Incorporate full flight functionality. Laser Subsystem - Jordan Camp (GSFC): ECL master oscillator, phase noise of fiber power amplifier, demonstrate end-to-end performance in integrated system, lifetime. Micronewton Thrusters - John Ziemer (JPL): Propellant storage and distribution, system robustness, manufacturing yield, lifetime. Arm-locking Demonstration - Kirk McKenzie (JPL): Studying a demonstration of laser frequency stabilization with GRACE Follow-On. Torsion Pendulum - John Conklin (UF): Develop U.S. capability with GRS and torsion pendulum test bed. Multi-Axis Heterodyne Interferometry - Ira Thorpe (GSFC): Investigate test mass/optical bench interface. UV LEDs - John Conklin+ (UF): Flight qualify UV LEDs to replace mercury lamps in discharging system. Optical Bench - Guido Mueller (UF): Investigate alternate designs and fabrication processes to ease manufacturability. LISA researchers at JPL are leading the Laser Ranging Interferometer instrument on the GRACE Follow-On mission.

Midterm Assessment↗
NASA NTRS1971

The silicon vidicon: Integration, storage and slow scan capability - Experimental observation of a secondary mode of operation.

Description of the performance of the silicon diode array vidicon - an imaging sensor which possesses wide spectral response, high quantum efficiency, and linear response. These characteristics, in addition to its inherent ruggedness, simplicity, and long-term stability and operating life make this device potentially of great usefulness for ground-base and spaceborne planetary and stellar imaging applications. However, integration and charged storage for periods greater than approximately five seconds are not possible at room temperature because of diode saturation from dark current buildup. Since dark current can be reduced by cooling, measurements were made in the range from -65 to 25 C. Results are presented on the extension of integration, storage, and slow scan capabilities achievable by cooling. Integration times in excess of 20 minutes were achieved at the lowest temperatures. The measured results are compared with results obtained with other types of sensors and the advantages of the silicon diode array vidicon for imaging applications are discussed.

Ando, K. J.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Photovoltaic power systems workshop

Discussions are presented on apparent deficiencies in NASA planning and technology development relating to a standard power module (25-35 kW) and to future photovoltaic power systems in general. Topics of discussion consider the following: (1) adequate studies on power systems; (2) whether a standard power system module should be developed from a standard spacecraft; (3) identification of proper approaches to cost reduction; (4) energy storage avoidance; (5) attitude control; (6) thermal effects of heat rejection on solar array configuration stability; (7) assembly of large power systems in space; and (8) factoring terrestrial photovoltaic work into space power systems for possible payoff.

Killian, H. J.↗