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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 sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS2004

Managing Risk to Ensure a Successful Cassini/Huygens Saturn Orbit Insertion (SOI)

I. Design: a) S/C designed to be largely single fault tolerant; b) Operate in flight demonstrated envelope, with margin; and c) Strict compliance with requirements & flight rules. II. Test: a) Baseline, fault & stress testing using flight system testbeds (H/W & S/W); b) In-flight checkout & demos to remove first time events. III. Failure Analysis: a) Critical event driven fault tree analysis; b) Risk mitigation & development of contingencies. IV) Residual Risks: a) Accepted pre-launch waivers to Single Point Failures; b) Unavoidable risks (e.g. natural disaster). V) Mission Assurance: a) Strict process for characterization of variances (ISAs, PFRs & Waivers; b) Full time Mission Assurance Manager reports to Program Manager: 1) Independent assessment of compliance with institutional standards; 2) Oversight & risk assessment of ISAs, PFRs & Waivers etc.; and 3) Risk Management Process facilitator.

risk managment↗

NASA NTRS2010

40-in. OMS Kevlar(Registered Trademark) COPV S/N 007 Stress Rupture Test NDE

The presentation examines pretest nondestructive evaluation (NDE), including external/internal visual inspection, raman spectroscopy, laser shearography, and laser profilometry; real-time NDE including eddy current, acoustic emission (AE), and real-time portable raman spectroscopy; and AE application to carbon/epoxy composite overwrapped pressure vessels.

Saulsberry, Regor↗

NASA NTRS2013

Kennedy Space Center: Swamp Works

When I began my internship with the Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations laboratory (GMRO), also known as Swamp Works, I was given the unique opportunity to shadow many teams working on various projects, and decide what projects I wanted to take part in. Before I go into details of my experiences at Swamp Works, I would like to take a moment to explain what I discovered Swamp Works to be. Swamp Works is a family of hardworking, dedicated, and driven people from various backgrounds and skill sets. These people all work to advance technologies and make science fiction science fact through means of rapid prototyping. They support and encourage failure as an option when learning new things, as long as lesson learned from said failure. In fact, their motto states "Fail, Fast, Forward." What this means is, not if but when one fails he or she must do so quickly and spring forward from the failure so that his or her progress is not delayed. With this acceptance, it provided me the confidence to dive into a multitude of projects working in various fields and with a wide range of skill sets. The first project I joined was Badger. My motivation for taking on this project was the opportunity I would have to obtain valuable experience working with 3D modeling and 3D printing technologies. Badger was a digging apparatus to be used in a highly dusty environment in a material known as Regolith. Regolith is a scientific term for the dirt or top soil found on planetary bodies. Regolith contains a large quantity of sediments less than lOppm and as a result poses a challenge of keeping it out of any cracks and crevices. Furthermore, regolith can create high levels of electrostatic energy, which can prove damaging to sensitive electrical hardware. With these characteristics in mind, I decided to take on the task of designing and manufacturing a dust proof cover for the sensitive electrical hardware. When I began this project, I did not have the slightest idea as to how to use 3D modeling software or a means of manufacturing a viable product. As I went along with variants of the design, I became very proficient with a 3D modeling program known as CREO 2.0. Upon completion of my 3D design, I then had the task of manufacturing and having, in my hands, a usable model. To do this I had to work with additive printing technologies also known as 3D printing. Through my experiences working with Badger, I realized that 3D modeling is the focal point in much of engineering. With this in mind, I have embraced this fact and decided to further my experience with this software so that I may become a more valuable asset to any firm later in my career. Mid-way through work with Badger, I picked up another project in which I found much interest. I ha~ the opportunity to work side by side with a materials and composites guru in manufacturing carbon composite coupons (test strips) for performing stress, strain, and sheer analysis on. Being from a surfing, kiteboarding, and other water sport background I have always been interested in board design. With this in mind, it is no wonder why I found interest in such a project. I had the opportunity to refine Mold preparatory, composite layup, and composite curing techniques. Following manufacturing of these composite strips, I then performed various stress tests and logged my results. With these results, future teams could create lighter, stronger, and more cost effective composite structures for use in varieties of applications. After my experiences with materials and composites testing, I have obtained crucial appreciation for detailed documentation and analysis that material sciences involve. However, as interesting as composite materials testing has been, I do not feel this is where my future career lies. Another, more on the side, project I have been involved in is building a 626 cubic foot regolith containment chamber for doing full scale testing of robotic systems. This chamber is built of high strength aluminum scaffold materials, 80/20, and massive panels of Lexan. Once the chamber is completed, it is be filled with 120 tons of regolith and dubbed the largest regolith test chamber in the world. Through my experiences with building "Big Bin" as we called it, I discovered my demand for engaging and hands on activities. Through all of my incredible experiences working with the Swamp Works at Kennedy Space Center; I have obtained crucial knowledge, insights, and experiences that have fuelled, shaped, and will continue to drive me toward my ultimate goal of obtaining not only a degree in Engineering, but obtaining a job that I can call a career. I want to give much thanks to all of those who mentored me along my journey, and to all who made this opportunity a reality.

DeFilippo, Anthony Robert↗

NASA NTRS2018

NEPP Evaluation of Automotive Grade Tantalum Chip Capacitors

Automotive grade tantalum (Ta) chip capacitors are available at lower cost with smaller physical size and higher volumetric efficiency compared to military/space grade capacitors. Designers of high reliability aerospace and military systems would like to take advantage of these attributes while maintaining the high standards for long-term reliable operation they are accustomed to when selecting military-qualified established reliability tantalum chip capacitors (e.g., MIL-PRF-55365). The objective for this evaluation was to assess the long-term performance of off-the-shelf automotive grade Ta chip capacitors (i.e., manufacturer self-qualified per AEC Q-200). Two (2) lots of case size D manganese dioxide (MnO2) cathode Ta chip capacitors from 1 manufacturer were evaluated. The evaluation consisted of construction analysis, basic electrical parameter characterization, extended long-term (2000 hours) life testing and some accelerated stress testing. Tests and acceptance criteria were based upon manufacturer datasheets and the Automotive Electronics Council's AEC Q-200 qualification specification for passive electronic components. As-received a few capacitors were marginally above the specified tolerance for capacitance and ESR. X-ray inspection found that the anodes for some devices may not be properly aligned within the molded encapsulation leaving less than 1 mil thickness of the encapsulation. This evaluation found that the long-term life performance of automotive grade Ta chip capacitors is generally within specification limits suggesting these capacitors may be suitable for some space applications.

Automotive↗

NASA NTRS1992

Single-Cycle Versus Multicycle Proof Testing

Report compares single-cycle with multiple-cycle mechanical-stress tests of parts under mechanical stresses. Objective of proof testing: to screen out gross manufacturing or material deficiencies and provide additional assurance of quality. Report concludes that changes in distribution of crack sizes during multicycle proof testing depend on initial distribution, number of cycles, relationship between resistance of material and elastic/plastic fracture-mechanics parameter, relationship between load control and displacement control, and magnitude of applied load or displacement. Whether single-cycle or multicycle testing used depends on shape, material, and technique of fabrication of components tested.

Hudak, S. J., Jr.↗

DOE OSTI2026

Sparsely Dispersed CeO x ‑Stabilized Pt Nanoparticles Overcome Pt Loading–Durability Trade-Off for Highly Durable Heavy-Duty Fuel Cells

Proton-exchange-membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) are clean and sustainable mobile power sources for transportation. Recently, their deployment in heavy-duty vehicles (HDVs) has attracted growing interest owing to their high energy scalability and lower infrastructure requirements. However, to meet the stringent requirements for efficiency and long-term durability for HDV applications, PEMFCs typically employ a relatively high platinum group metal (PGM) loading (>0.2 mg PGM /cm 2 ). This elevated PGM loading significantly increases the stack and system costs, surpassing the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) target of $\$ 60$/kW for commercial viability. Reducing PGM loading while maintaining performance and durability remains a central challenge for HDV fuel cells. Here we exploit metal oxide–Pt interactions and utilize the strong CeO x –Pt interaction to design a CeO x @Pt catalyst structure with exceptional durability. At a low total PGM loading (0.1 mg PGM /cm 2 ), the CeO x @Pt/C catalyst demonstrates high fuel cell performance (8.8 kW/g PGM ) and stability (power retention >90%) after the challenging HDV durability testing (90,000 accelerated-stress-test cycles). With the CeO x @Pt/C catalyst, we showcase over 70% reduction in Pt cost from the M2FCT target (to $\$ 9$/kW), highlighting its promising potential for enabling stable and cost-effective fuel cell systems for heavy-duty applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

NASA NTRS1981

Cardiopulmonary data-acquisition system

Computerized system controls and monitors bicycle and treadmill cardiovascular stress tests. It acquires and reduces stress data and displays heart rate, blood pressure, workload, respiratory rate, exhaled-gas composition, and other variables. Data are printed on hard-copy terminal every 30 seconds for quick operator response to patient. Ergometer workload is controlled in real time according to experimental protocol. Collected data are stored directly on tape in analog form and on floppy disks in digital form for later processing.

Crosier, W. G.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Long life nickel electrodes for a nickel-hydrogen cell. I Initial performance

In order to develop a long life nickel electrode for a Ni/H2 cell, an investigation was begun to study the effects of sinter structure and active material loading level on the long life performance of nickel electrodes. This paper is a report on the initial performance of these electrodes as a part of an accelerated life test program. Seven different types of nickel plaques were made which included three levels of both their mechanical strength and median pore size. These plaques were impregnated with three levels of active material loading. The resultant electrodes were tested by a 200-cycle stress test which was conducted in flooded electrolyte, and also for initial performance in a Ni/H2 boiler plate cell. An interesting and unexpected observation was that an increased initial utilization of the active material was due more to its complete discharge to the lower average oxidation state than its increased charge acceptance in the charged state.

Lim, H. S.↗

NASA NTRS1985

Outdoor performance testing of thin-film devices

The Advanced Systems Research Group supports the photovoltaic advanced R&D (PV AR&D) project by providing outdoor (global) testing of PV cells, submodules, modules, and arrays. The group also provides in house engineering and analysis to identify and determine how technical issues such as cell/module/system adaptations, long term stability, reliability, economics, materials availability, safety, and environmental impacts affect the development and ultimate use of advanced PV thin film, innovative cell, and material technologies. A major thrust of the research effort is to develop and utilize instrumentation and procedures for monitoring and analyzing PV cells and submodules including outdoor performance and stability testing and life cycle accelerated stress testing. To accomplish the above, the solar energy research institute (SERI) outdoor PV test facility was established in 1982. The group has designed testing systems and analysis procedures for, and has tested, numerous amorphous silicon thin film submodules provided by SERI subcontractors and has performed long term outdoor stability tests on CdS/CuIr Se sub 2 and hydrogen passivated silicon solar cells. A significant contribution from this facility over the past year was the testing of large area amorphous silicon submodules.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS2018

Importance of Measuring SiC Fiber Diameter Prior to Conducting Fiber Stress Rupture / Creep Tests?

A very significant amount of SiC fiber creep / stress rupture data has been generated and reported in the past by various researchers. Due to the difficulty of measuring fiber diameter and the amount of time required to make accurate measurements, researchers have quite often used an accepted average diameter value (which is fiber type-dependent) when determining the load that will be applied to a fiber to generate a specific stress during testing. Of course, this approach has less of an effect on data scatter when the individual fibers in a tow have very similar diameters (minimal fiber-to-fiber variation in diameter). NASA GRC has begun using a laser fiber diameter measurement system, and we are considering eventually characterizing each SiC fiber prior to testing in creep/stressed oxidation. The laser system will be described in this presentation, as well as examples of fiber diameter data obtained in the past at AFRL. We are currently discussing the merits of using an average diameter in testing/data analysis vs. using a measured or "known" diameter. Information about our current intermediate temperature SiC fiber stress rupture testing will also be provided.

ceramic matrix composites↗

NASA NTRS1979

Transistor step stress program for JANTX2N4150

Reliability analysis of the transistor JANTX2N4150 manufactured by General Semiconductor and Transitron is reported. The discrete devices were subjected to power and temperature step stress tests and then to electrical tests after completing the power/temperature step stress point. Control sample units were maintained for verification of the electrical parametric testing. Results are presented.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1986

Solar cell reliability testing

The progress and initial data on accelerated stress tests on small amorphous silicon test samples from several manufacturers are reported. The test samples include both single and tandem junction devices.

Lathrop, J.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Validation of NSSC-I software for the Hubble Space Telescope

This paper describes the simulation and test methods used to ensure that the NASA Standard Spacecraft Computer, Model 1, (NSSC-I) flight software for the Hubble Space Telescope properly carries out its requirements for control of scientific observations and for monitoring the health and safety of the payload. The hardware and software test environment is discussed. The different kinds of tests (unit, special real time, and stress tests) that are performed before the software is incorporated into the flight system are described, and the kinds of errors that each test category is best suited to find are listed. Finally, the limitations of the tests are discussed, and current plans for enhancing the test environment are outlined.

Foley, Glenn↗

NASA NTRS2016

Microstructural and Material Quality Effects on Rolling Contact Fatigue of Highly Elastic Intermetallic Ball Bearings

Rolling element bearings made from highly-elastic intermetallic materials (HIM)s, such as 60NiTi, are under development for applications that require superior corrosion and shock resistance. Compared to steel, intermetallics have been shown to have much lower rolling contact fatigue (RCF) stress capability in simplified 3-ball on rod (ASTM STP 771) fatigue tests. In the 3-ball tests, poor material quality and microstructural flaws negatively affect fatigue life but such relationships have not been established for full-scale 60NiTi bearings. In this paper, 3-ball-on-rod fatigue behavior of two quality grades of 60NiTi are compared to the fatigue life of full-scale 50mm bore ball bearings made from the same materials. 60NiTi RCF rods with material or microstructural flaws suffered from infant mortality failures at all tested stress levels while high quality 60NiTi rods exhibited no failures at lower stress levels. Similarly, tests of full-scale bearings made from flawed materials exhibited early surface fatigue and through crack type failures while bearings made from high quality material did not fail even in long-term tests. Though the full-scale bearing test data is yet preliminary, the results suggest that the simplified RCF test is a good qualitative predictor of bearing performance. These results provide guidance for materials development and to establish minimum quality levels required for successful bearing operation and life.

tribology↗

NASA NTRS2017

Microstructural and Material Quality Effects on Rolling Contact Fatigue of Highly Elastic Intermetallic NiTi Ball Bearings

metals↗

DOE OSTI2024

Towards Polymer-Free, Femto-Second Laser-Welded Glass/Glass Solar Modules

This project explores the use of femto-second (fs) lasers to form glass-to-glass welds for hermetically sealed, polymer-free solar modules. Low iron solar glass coupons were welded together without the use of glass filler using a fs laser with dedicated optics to elongate the focal plane parallel to the incident beam. The resulting welds were then stress tested to failure to reveal the critical stress intensity factor, KIc. These values were used in a structural mechanics model of a 1 m by 2 m glass/glass module under a simulated static load test. The results show that the fs laser welds are strong enough for a suitably framed module to pass the IEC 61215 static load test with a load of 5400 Pa. Key to this finding is that the module must be framed and braced, and the glass must be ribbed to allow pockets for the cells and welds inside the border of the module. The result is a module design that is completely polymer-free, hermetically sealed, has improved thermal properties, and is easily recycled.

femto-second laser welded↗

NASA NTRS2006

Product Reliability Trends, Derating Considerations and Failure Mechanisms with Scaled CMOS

As microelectronics is scaled into the deep sub-micron regime, space and aerospace users of advanced technology CMOS are reassessing how scaling effects impact long-term product reliability. The effects of electromigration (EM), time-dependent-dielectric-breakdown (TDDB) and hot carrier degradation (HCI and NBTI) wearout mechanisms on scaled technologies and product reliability are investigated, accelerated stress testing across several technology nodes is performed, and FA is conducted to confirm the failure mechanism(s).

CMOS integrated circuits↗

DOE OSTI2024

Developments for Novel Module Architecture for Lower CapEx and Improved Recyclability for c-Si PV Modules

Photovoltaic (PV) energy production is currently increasing at a significant rate. A novel module architecture has been demonstrated that has potential for reducing manufacturing cost while improving module reliability and recycling for c-Si PV which utilizes an edge-seal. Referred to as Edge Sealed Module (ESM), this architecture eliminates the vacuum lamination process and cross-linked encapsulants on the interior of the module. Functioning prototypes of c-Si have been fabricated for stress testing in collaboration with National Renewable Energy Laboratories (NREL). These modules are being tested and compared to traditionally manufactured modules. Based on preliminary results, this module architecture is a potentially viable solution for improving the manufacturing cost and recyclability of PV modules while enhancing module performance.

costs↗