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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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NASA NTRS1996

The VTLA System of Course Delivery and Faculty Development in Materials Education

There is a national need for high-quality, upper division courses that address critical topics in materials synthesis, particularly those beyond the present expertise of the typical university department's faculty. A new project has been started to test a novel distance education and faculty development system, called Video Tape Live Audio (VTLA). This, if successful, would at once enlarge the national Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) student cohort studying material synthesis and develop faculty expertise at the receiving sites. The mechanics for the VTLA scheme are as follows: A course is designed in the field selected for emphasis and for which there is likely to be considerable demand, in this example 'Ceramic Materials Synthesis: Theory and Case Studies'. One of the very best researcher/teachers records lectures of TV studio quality with appropriate visuals. Universities and colleges which wish to offer the course agree to offer it at the same hour at least once a week. The videotaped lectures and accompanying text, readings and visuals are shipped to the professor in charge, who has an appropriate background. The professor arranges the classroom TV presentation equipment and supervises the course. Video lectures are played during regular course hours twice a week with time for discussion by the supervising professor. Typically the third weekly classroom period is scheduled by all sites at a common designated hour, during which the course author/presenter answers questions, provides greater depth, etc. on a live audio link to all course sites. Questions are submitted by fax and e-mail prior to the audio tutorial. coordinating professors at various sites have separate audio teleconferences at the beginning and end of the course, dealing with the philosophical and pedagogical approach to the course, content and mechanics. Following service once or twice as an 'apprentice' to the course, the coordinating professors may then offer it without the necessity of the live audio tutorial.

Berrettini, Robert↗

NASA NTRS2001

Nondestructive Evaluation Approaches Developed for Material Characterization in Aeronautics and Space Applications

At the NASA Glenn Research Center, nondestructive evaluation (NDE) approaches were developed or tailored for characterizing advanced material systems. The emphasis was on high-temperature aerospace propulsion applications. The material systems included monolithic ceramics, superalloys, and high-temperature composites. In the aeronautics area, the major applications were cooled ceramic plate structures for turbine applications, gamma-TiAl blade materials for low-pressure turbines, thermoelastic stress analysis for residual stress measurements in titanium-based and nickel-based engine materials, and acousto-ultrasonics for creep damage assessment in nickel-based alloys. In the space area, applications consisted of cooled carbon-carbon composites for gas generator combustors and flywheel rotors composed of carbon-fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites for energy storage on the International Space Station.

Baaklini, George Y.↗

NASA NTRS1981

Solar thermal materials research and development

Objectives of the Materials Research and Development effort are examined. The behavior and interaction of different materials used in solar thermal technologies are studied so as to create a sound technical base for future system and component designs. Materials are developed to extend the application potential of systems by either making materials more reliable in difficult operating environments or by offering lower cost alternatives to presently used materials. Solar thermal systems designed for electric power, industrial process heat from low to high temperature, and fuels and chemicals applications are discussed.

Gupta, B. P.↗

NASA NTRS1972

HALAR fluoropolymer: A versatile insulation material

Research directed toward developing materials for the wire and cable industry has resulted in a new product, E-CTFE copolymer, which has an outstanding combination of electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. The properties of E-CTFE are discussed and compared with those of other commercial fluoropolymers. Particular attention is given to the utility of E-CTFE as a wire and cable insulation.

Robertson, A. B.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Space Station technology testbed: 2010 deep space transport

A space station in a crew-tended or permanently crewed configuration will provide major R&D opportunities for innovative, technology and materials development and advanced space systems testing. A space station should be designed with the basic infrastructure elements required to grow into a major systems technology testbed. This space-based technology testbed can and should be used to support the development of technologies required to expand our utilization of near-Earth space, the Moon and the Earth-to-Jupiter region of the Solar System. Space station support of advanced technology and materials development will result in new techniques for high priority scientific research and the knowledge and R&D base needed for the development of major, new commercial product thrusts. To illustrate the technology testbed potential of a space station and to point the way to a bold, innovative approach to advanced space systems' development, a hypothetical deep space transport development and test plan is described. Key deep space transport R&D activities are described would lead to the readiness certification of an advanced, reusable interplanetary transport capable of supporting eight crewmembers or more. With the support of a focused and highly motivated, multi-agency ground R&D program, a deep space transport of this type could be assembled and tested by 2010. Key R&D activities on a space station would include: (1) experimental research investigating the microgravity assisted, restructuring of micro-engineered, materials (to develop and verify the in-space and in-situ 'tuning' of materials for use in debris and radiation shielding and other protective systems), (2) exposure of microengineered materials to the space environment for passive and operational performance tests (to develop in-situ maintenance and repair techniques and to support the development, enhancement, and implementation of protective systems, data and bio-processing systems, and virtual reality and telepresence/kinetic processes), (3) subsystem tests of advanced nuclear power, nuclear propulsion and communication systems (using boom extensions, remote station-keeping platforms and mobile EVA crew and robots), and (4) logistics support (crew and equipment) and command and control of deep space transport assembly, maintenance, and refueling (using a station-keeping platform).

Holt, Alan C.↗

NASA NTRS1972

Systematic control of nonmetallic materials for improved fire safety

The elements of a systematic fire safety program are summarized and consist of fire safety criteria, design considerations, testing of materials, development of nonmetallic materials, nonmetallic materials information systems, design reviews, and change control. The system described in this report was developed for the Apollo spacecraft. The system can, however, be tailored to many industrial, commercial, and military activities.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS2015

Nanoelectric Materials Laboratory Development

The Ultracapacitor Research and Development project is a collaborative effort between the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center's (MSFC's) ES43 Parts, Packaging, and Fabrication Branch and the EM41 Nonmetallic Materials Branch. NASA's Ultracapacitor Research is an effort to develop solid-state energy storage devices through processing of ceramic materials into printable dielectric inks, which can be formed and treated to produce solid state ultracapacitor cells capable of exceeding lithium-ion battery energy density at a fraction of the weight. Research and development efforts into solid state ultracapacitors have highlighted a series of technical challenges such as understanding as-received nature of ceramic powders, treatment and optimization of ceramic powders, dielectric and conductor ink formulation, and firing of printed (green) ultracapacitor cells. Two facilities have been continually developed since project inception: the Additive Electronics Lab in Bldg. 4487 and the Nanoelectric Materials Lab in Bldg. 4602. The Nanoelectric Materials Lab has become a unique facility at MSFC, capable of custom processing a wide range of media for additive electronics. As research has progressed, it was discovered that additional in-house processing was necessary to achieve smaller, more uniform particle diameters. A vibratory mill was obtained that can agitate powder and media in three directions, which has shown to be much more effective than ball milling. However, in order to understand the effects of milling, a particle size analysis system has been installed to characterize as-received and milled materials Continued research into the ultracapacitor technology included advanced milling and optimization of ceramic nanoparticles, fluidized bed treatment of atomic-layer deposition- (ALD-) coated ceramic particles, custom development of dielectric and conductor inks, as well as custom ink precursors such as polyvinylidene diflouride- (PVDF-) loaded vehicles. Experiments with graphene-based inks were also conducted.

Allen, Lee↗

NASA NTRS1979

Development and demonstration of manufacturing processes for fabricating graphite/PMR-15 polyimide structural elements

The processing requirements for graphite/PMR-15 polyimide composites developed to demonstrate the structural integrity of polyimide composite structural elements at temperatures up to 589K (600 F) are described. Major tasks included: quality assurance development; materials and process development; specification verification; flat panel fabrication; stiffened panel fabrication; honeycomb panel fabrication; chopped fiber moldings; and demonstration component fabrication. Materials, processing, and quality assurance documents were prepared from experimentally derived data. Structural elements consisting of flat panels, corrugated stiffeners, I-beams, hat stiffeners, honeycomb panels, and chopped fiber moldings were made and tested. Property data from 219K (-65 F) to 589K (600 F) were obtained. All elements were made in a production environment. The size of each element was sufficient to insure production capability and structural component applicability. Problems associated with adhesive bonding, laminate and structural element analysis, material variability, and test methods were addressed.

Sheppard, C. H.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Structures and Materials Working Group report

The appropriateness of the selection of four issues (advanced materials development, analysis/design methods, tests of large flexible structures, and structural concepts) was evaluated. A cross-check of the issues and their relationship to the technology drivers is presented. Although all of the issues addressed numerous drivers, the advanced materials development issue impacts six out of the seven drivers and is considered to be the most crucial. The advanced materials technology development and the advanced design/analysis methods development were determined to be enabling technologies with the testing issues and development of structural concepts considered to be of great importance, although not enabling technologies. In addition, and of more general interest and criticality, the need for a Government/Industry commitment which does not now exist, was established. This commitment would call for the establishment of the required infrastructure to facilitate the development of the capabilities highlighted through the availability of resources and testbed facilities, including a national testbed in space to be in place in ten years.

Torczyner, Robert↗

NASA NTRS1985

Development of Materials Processing Systems for Use in Space on Low-g Simulation Devices

Advanced furnace systems are being developed for use in space. Systems are being tested for current experiment applications and modified for future experiment requirements. Future projects are: (1) fabrication and testing of the Advanced Automated Directional Solidification Furnace (AADSF) flight hardware; (2) development of a Heat Pipe Furnace (HPF) for use in space. Heat pipes will be tested for space flight qualification in conjunction with the furnace development. The HPF design will be based on the AADSF development and will be of modular design including capabilities of operating with or without heat pipes; and (3) the AADSF furnace will be modified and tested to operate at temperatures up to 1700 C in the heated cavity. This will be accomplished by developing a new hot end heating module and insulation package for the existing AADSF. Refurbishment of the Drop Tower Furnace (DTF) is under way. The DTF can operate at temperatures up to 1700 C. The sample size will be approximately 3/8 in. dia. x 5/8 in. long. Design improvements for the General Purpose Rocket Furnace (GPRF) for use in the Material Experiment Assembly (MEA) are to be accomplished.

Aldrich, B. R.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Acetylene-Terminated Aspartimides And Derived Resins

New polymers and derived blends exhibit improved processability and properties. New toughened epoxies exhibit excellent properties, but use temperatures limited. Bismaleimide resins are some base materials formulated to develop materials having moderate use temperatures. Work conducted on use of acetylenic (ethynyl) group to cross-link and extend chains of oligomers and polymers to obtain materials to perform at higher temperatures. Extended to include acetylene-terminated aspartimides (ATA's).

Hergenrother, Paul M.↗

NASA NTRS1997

PACES Participation in Educational Outreach Programs at the University of Texas at El Paso

The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) is involved in several initiatives to improve science education within the El Paso area public schools. These include outreach efforts into the K- 12 classrooms; training programs for in-service teachers; and the introduction of a strong science core curricula within the College of Education. The Pan American Center for Earth and Environmental Studies (PACES), a NASA-funded University Research Center, will leverage off the goals of these existing initiatives to provide curriculum support materials at all levels. We will use currently available Mission to Planet Earth (MTPE) materials as well as new materials developed specifically for this region, in an effort to introduce the Earth System Science perspective into these programs. In addition, we are developing curriculum support materials and classes within the Geology and Computer Departments, to provide education in the area of remote sensing and GIS applications at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

Dodge, Rebecca L.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Space Durable Polyimide/Carbon Nanotube Composite Films for Electrostatic Charge Mitigation

Low color, space environmentally durable polymeric films with sufficient electrical conductivity to mitigate electrostatic charge (ESC) build-up have been under investigation as part of a materials development activity. These materials have potential applications on advanced spacecraft, particularly on large, deployable, ultra-light weight Gossamer spacecraft. The approach taken to impart sufficient electrical conductivity into the polymer film is based on the use of single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) as conductive additives. Earlier approaches investigated in our lab involved both an in-situ polymerization approach and addition of SWNT to an oligomer containing reactive end-groups as methods to improve SWNT dispersion. The work described herein is based on the spray coating of a SWNT/solvent dispersion onto the film surface. Two types of polyimides were investigated, one with reactive end groups that can lead to bond formation between the oligomer chain and the SWNT surface and those without reactive end-groups. Surface conductivities (measured as surface resistance) in the range sufficient for ESC mitigation were achieved with minimal effects on the mechanical, optical, thermo-optical properties of the film as compared to the other methods. The chemistry and physical properties of these nanocomposites will be discussed.

Watson, Kent A.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Clear, Conductive, Transparent, Flexible Space Durable Composite Films for Electrostatic Charge Mitigation

Space environmentally durable polymeric films with low color and sufficient electrical conductivity to mitigate electrostatic charge (ESC) build-up have been under investigation as part of a materials development activity. These materials have potential applications on advanced spacecraft, particularly on large, deployable, ultra-light weight Gossamer spacecraft. The approach taken to impart sufficient electrical conductivity into the polymer film while maintaining flexibility is to use single wall carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) as conductive additives. Approaches investigated in our lab involved an in-situ polymerization method, addition of SWNTs to a polymer containing reactive end-groups, and spray coating of polymer surfaces. The work described herein is a summary of the current status of this project. Surface conductivities (measured as surface resistance) in the range sufficient for ESC mitigation were achieved with minimal effects on the physical, thermal, mechanical and optical properties of the films. Additionally, the electrical conductivity was not affected by harsh mechanical manipulation of the films. The chemistry and physical properties of these nanocomposites will be discussed.

Watson, Kent A.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Fission Surface Power for the Exploration and Colonization of Mars

The colonization of Mars will require abundant energy. One potential energy source is nuclear fission. Terrestrial fission systems are highly developed and have the demonstrated ability to safely produce tremendous amounts of energy. In space, fission systems not only have the potential to safely generate tremendous amounts of energy, but could also potentially be used on missions where alternatives are not practical. Programmatic risks such as cost and schedule are potential concerns with fission surface power (FSP) systems. To be mission enabling, FSP systems must be affordable and programmatic risk must be kept acceptably low to avoid jeopardizing exploration efforts that may rely on FSP. Initial FSP systems on Mars could be "workhorse" units sized to enable the establishment of a Mars base and the early growth of a colony. These systems could be nearly identical to FSP systems used on the moon. The systems could be designed to be safe, reliable, and have low development and recurring costs. Systems could also be designed to fit on relatively small landers. One potential option for an early Mars FSP system would be a 100 kWt class, NaK cooled system analogous to space reactors developed and flown under the U.S. "SNAP" program or those developed and flown by the former Soviet Union ("BUK" reactor). The systems could use highly developed fuel and materials. Water and Martian soil could be used to provide shielding. A modern, high-efficiency power conversion subsystem could be used to reduce required reactor thermal power. This, in turn, would reduce fuel burnup and radiation damage .effects by reducing "nuclear" fuels and materials development costs. A realistic, non-nuclear heated and fully integrated technology demonstration unit (TDU) could be used to reduce cost and programmatic uncertainties prior to initiating a flight program.

Houts, Mike↗

NASA NTRS2014

Computational Design of Materials: Planetary Entry to Electric Aircraft and Beyond

NASA's projects and missions push the bounds of what is possible. To support the agency's work, materials development must stay on the cutting edge in order to keep pace. Today, researchers at NASA Ames Research Center perform multiscale modeling to aid the development of new materials and provide insight into existing ones. Multiscale modeling enables researchers to determine micro- and macroscale properties by connecting computational methods ranging from the atomic level (density functional theory, molecular dynamics) to the macroscale (finite element method). The output of one level is passed on as input to the next level, creating a powerful predictive model.

Materials Design↗

NASA NTRS1980

Photovoltaic system costs using local labor and materials in developing countries

The use of photovoltaic (PV) technology in countries that do not presently have high technology industrial capacity was investigated. The relative cost of integrating indigenous labor (and manufacturing where available) into the balance of the system industry of seven countries (Egypt, Haiti, the Ivory Coast, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, and the Phillipines) was determined. The results were then generalized to other countries, at most levels of development. The results of the study imply several conclusions: (1) the cost of installing and maintaining comparable photovoltaic systems in developing countries is less than in the United States; (2) skills and some materials are available in the seven subject countries that may be applied to constructing and maintaining PV systems; (3) there is an interest in foreign countries in photovoltaics; and (4) conversations with foreign nationals suggest that photovoltaics must be introduced in foreign markets as an appropriate technology with high technology components rather than as a high technology system.

Jacobson, E.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Characterization and development of materials for advanced textile composites

Work ongoing under the NASA Langley - Advanced Composite Technology (ACT) program is discussed. The primary emphasis of the work centers around the development and characterization of graphite fiber that has been impregnated with an epoxy powder. Four epoxies have been characterized in towpreg form as to their weaveability and braidability. Initial mechanical properties have been generated on each resin system. These include unidirectional as well as 8-harness satin cloth. Initial 2D and 3D weaving and braiding trials will be reported on as well as initial efforts to develop towpreg suitable for advanced tow placement.

Hartness, J. Timothy↗