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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 1,657 records · Page 92
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2016

Dry Sintered Metal Coating of Halloysite Nanotubes

Halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) are a naturally-occurring aluminosilicate whose dimensions measure microns in length and tens of nanometers in diameter. Bonding defects between the alumina and silica lead to net negative and positive charges on the exterior and interior lumen, respectively. HNTs have been shown to enhance the material properties of polymer matrices and enable the sustained release of loaded chemicals, drugs, and growth factors. Due to the net charges, these nanotubes can also be readily coated in layered-depositions using the HNT exterior lumen’s net negative charge as the basis for assembly. These coatings are primarily done through wet chemical processes, the majority of which are limited in their use of desired chemicals, due to the polarity of the halloysite. Furthermore, this restriction in the type of chemicals used often requires the use of more toxic chemicals in place of greener options, and typically necessitates the use of a significantly longer chemical process to achieve the desired coating. In this study, we show that HNTs can be coated with metal acetylacetonates—compounds primarily employed in the synthesis of nanoparticles, as metal catalysts, and as NMR shift reagents—through a dry sintering process. This method was capable of thermally decaying the metal acetylacetonate, resulting in a free positively-charged metal ion that readily bonded to the negatively-charged HNT exterior, resulting in metallic coatings forming on the HNT surface. Our coating method may enable greater deposition of coated material onto these nanotubes as required for a desired application. Moreover, the use of chemical processes using toxic chemicals is not required, thus eliminating exposure

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2016

In-n-out: the gas cycle from dwarfs to spiral galaxies

We examine the scalings of galactic outflows with halo mass across a suite of 20 high-resolution cosmological zoom galaxy simulations covering halo masses in the range 10{sup 9.5}--10{sup 12} M{sub ⊙}. These simulations self-consistently generate outflows from the available supernova energy in a manner that successfully reproduces key galaxy observables, including the stellar mass–halo mass, Tully–Fisher, and mass–metallicity relations. We quantify the importance of ejective feedback to setting the stellar mass relative to the efficiency of gas accretion and star formation. Ejective feedback is increasingly important as galaxy mass decreases; we find an effective mass loading factor that scales as v{sub circ}{sup −2.2}, with an amplitude and shape that are invariant with redshift. These scalings are consistent with analytic models for energy-driven wind, based solely on the halo potential. Recycling is common: about half of the outflow mass across all galaxy masses is later reaccreted. The recycling timescale is typically ∼1 Gyr, virtually independent of halo mass. Recycled material is reaccreted farther out in the disk and with typically ∼2–3 times more angular momentum. These results elucidate and quantify how the baryon cycle plausibly regulates star formation and alters the angular momentum distribution of disk material across the halo mass range where most cosmic star formation occurs.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗
NASA NTRS2017

Elastomeric Sensing of Pressure with Liquid Metal and Wireless Inductive Coupling

This project describes resistance-based soft sensors filled with liquid metal, which permit measurements of large strains (0 percent to 110 percent), associated with small forces of less than 30 Newtons. This work also demonstrates a methodology for wireless transfer of these strain measurements without connected electrodes. These sensors allow intermittent detection of pressure on soft membranes with low force. Adapting these sensors for passive wireless pressure sensing will eliminate the need for embedded batteries, and will allow the sensors to transmit pressure data through non-conductive materials including glass and acrylic. The absence of batteries allows us to embed these sensors into materials for long-term use because the sensors only use passive analog circuit elements. We found the oxidation of the liquid metal (eutectic gallium indium) plays a role in the repeatability of the soft sensors. We investigated how the oxidation layer affected the behavior of the sensor by encapsulating materials (silicone, fluorosilicone, and PVC) with varied permeabilities to oxygen. We measured the effects of mechanical loading on the oxidation layer and the effects of wireless inductive coupling on the oxidation layer. We concluded our research by investigating the effects of embedding self-resonant circuits into polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Efforts to design engineered systems with soft materials are a growing field with progress in soft robotics, epidermal electronics, and wearable electronics. In the field of soft robotics, PDMS-based grippers are capable of picking up delicate objects because their form-fitting properties allow them to conform to the shape of objects more easily than conventional robotic grippers. Epidermal devices also use PDMS as a substrate to hold electronic components such as radios, sensors, and power supply circuits. Additionally, PDMS-based soft sensors can monitor human motion with liquid metal embedded within micro-channels. Passive wireless sensors have applications in structural health monitoring and medical health monitoring. Doctors can take wireless blood pressure measurements inside arteries to monitor the progression of heart disease. Glaucoma patients can use this technology to monitor the pressure in their eyes to track the progression of the disease.

Dick, Jacob↗
NASA NTRS2014

Novel Super-Elastic Materials for Advanced Bearing Applications

Tribological surfaces of mechanical components encounter harsh conditions in terrestrial, marine and aerospace environments. Brinell denting, abrasive wear and fatigue often lead to life-limiting bearing and gear failures. Novel superelastic materials based upon Ni-Ti alloys are an emerging solution. Ni-Ti alloys are intermetallic materials that possess characteristics of both metals and ceramics. Ni-Ti alloys have intrinsically good aqueous corrosion resistance (they cannot rust), high hardness, relatively low elastic modulus, are chemically inert and readily lubricated. Ni-Ti alloys also belong to the family of superelastics and, despite high hardness, are able to withstand large strains without suffering permanent plastic deformation. In this paper, the use of hard, resilient Ni-Ti alloys for corrosion-proof, shockproof bearing and gear applications are presented. Through a series of bearing and gear development projects, it is demonstrated that Ni-Tis unique blend of materials properties lead to significantly improved load capacity, reduced weight and intrinsic corrosion resistance not found in any other bearing materials. Ni-Ti thus represents a new materials solution to demanding tribological applications.

materials↗
NASA NTRS1927

Tension experiments on diaphragm metals

Strips of german silver, steel, copper, duralumin, nickel and brass were tested in tension in an apparatus in which the change in deflection with time was measured by means of an interferometer. This change in deflection with time caused by the application and removal of a load is defined as "drift" and "recovery," respectively. It was measured in the time interval from approximately 5 seconds to 5 hours after loading. The data are given in a series of graphs in which the drift and recovery are plotted against time. The proportional drift and recovery in five hours are given for a number of the tests, and in addition are shown graphically for nickel and steel.

Henrickson, H B↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Demonstration of How Manufacturing Innovations Challenge Conventional Structural Design

For almost 100 years, commercial aircraft have been fabricated using riveted aluminum alloy structures. Aside from refining aircraft designs for better aerodynamic efficiency, improving alloy compositions, and automating assembly steps, fuselage construction remains largely unchanged today. The intent of the lightweight metallic fuselage prototype undertaken in NASA’s Advanced Air Transport Technology project was to demonstrate innovative forming and joining processes that advance the design paradigm, i.e. achieve high-rate manufacturing and reduce assembly time/costs. Over the past decade, researchers at NASA Langley Research Center have evaluated the potential to modify the flow forming process to produce near-net shaped cylinders, integrally stiffened along the cylinder axis, for space launch vehicles. The production of integral stiffeners in a formed aluminum cylinder, the size of the Space Shuttle external tank, replaced machined thick plate and welding steps to eliminate > 500,000 pounds of machining chips and ~ 0.5 miles of welds. The flow forming method, called the Integrally Stiffened Cylinder (ISC) process, was successfully demonstrated up to the 10-foot diameter scale, which laid the groundwork for the current investigation of metallic fuselage structures. Using the ISC process as the basis for the re-design of a metallic fuselage eliminates hundreds of thousands of holes and rivets, while significantly reducing assembly time and crack initiation sites in the integral structure. However, the ISC process is not currently configured to fabricate circumferential ring frames for carrying fuselage internal pressure loads. Consequently, a trade study was performed to assess existing and advanced manufacturing processes, including additive manufacturing, forming, and welding. The approach with the lowest barriers to success, while simultaneously improving manufacturing time and cost, was to use formed ring frame segments attached to the ISC via Refill Friction Stir Spot Welding (RFSSW). The RFSSW process is five times faster than drilling, reaming, and riveting and provides similar mechanical performance. Finishing the fuselage structure with conventional windows, floor beams, and floor panels can then be accomplished using incumbent assembly methods, thereby maximizing reuse of existing infrastructure for aircraft construction. Structural analyses were performed to assess and optimize the geometric variables of integrated skin and stiffener configurations. A cost benefit and manufacturing rate analysis was also performed to compare against the current state-of-the-art for single aisle transport class aircraft. The resulting structure offers a weight reduction that rivals current graphite-epoxy composite fuselage structures. The projected manufacturing rate is close to double current metallic fuselages and six times faster than current composite manufacturing practices. The damage tolerance properties of a monocoque fuselage structure have yet to be assessed, but past integral airframe structural work has exploited geometric features to blunt or turn cracks. This concept offers promise that integrated structures can meet stringent aircraft durability specifications. An important benefit is that such aluminum fuselage structures may be inspected and repaired using established practices and existing expertise. Finally, pursuit of advanced manufacturing processes for future aluminum fuselages minimizes waste and the structure is 100% recyclable at the end-of-life for maximum sustainability.

aluminum↗
DOE OSTI2025

Uptake and binding of La 3+ and Cr 3+ ions by alkali metal substituted alpha-zirconium phosphate

The conversion of alpha-zirconium phosphate, Zr(HPO 4 ) 2 ·H 2 O, to the K-, Rb-, and Cs-phases and the subsequent ion exchange behavior of these alkali metal phases, A-ZrP, with La 3+ and Cr 3+ have been investigated. The conversion to the A-ZrP phases was achieved by reaction with metal chloride, metal hydroxide solution, and confirmed through various techniques, including X-ray powder diffraction, thermogravimetry analysis, IR spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The effect of material hydration, which increased the interlayer distance, was also examined. The ion exchange behavior of the A-ZrP showed strong affinity for both La 3+ , a representative for trivalent lanthanide metals, and Cr 3+ , a representative for the trivalent transition metals, with a rapid, near quantitative removal of the M 3+ ions at a pH of 3 when the ion concentration was ≤25% of the ion exchange capacity of the materials. Additionally, the ion affinity was shown to be pH and concentration-dependent, decreasing with a decrease in pH or an increase in ion concentration. Lastly, the binding strength of La- and Cr-loaded ZrP materials was examined through a series of leaching experiments in a carbonate buffer, phosphate buffer, HEPES buffer, and a series of EDTA solutions at various concentrations. No observable leaching occurred in the carbonate buffer, phosphate buffer, HEPES buffer, or when the EDTA concentration was below 0.1 mM. These results highlight the potential for the A-ZrP materials to provide a platform for trivalent transition metal and trivalent lanthanide radionuclide capture for various applications.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2023

Extreme Water Uptake of Hygroscopic Hydrogels through Maximized Swelling‐Induced Salt Loading

Abstract Hygroscopic hydrogels are emerging as scalable and low‐cost sorbents for atmospheric water harvesting, dehumidification, passive cooling, and thermal energy storage. However, devices using these materials still exhibit insufficient performance, partly due to the limited water vapor uptake of the hydrogels. Here, the swelling dynamics of hydrogels in aqueous lithiumchloride solutions, the implications on hydrogel salt loading, and the resulting vapor uptake of the synthesized hydrogel–salt composites are characterized. By tuning the salt concentration of the swelling solutions and the cross‐linking properties of the gels, hygroscopic hydrogels with extremely high salt loadings are synthesized, which enable unprecedented water uptakes of 1.79 and 3.86 gg −1 at relative humidity (RH) of 30% and 70%, respectively. At 30% RH, this exceeds previously reported water uptakes of metal–organic frameworks by over 100% and of hydrogels by 15%, bringing the uptake within 93% of the fundamental limit of hygroscopic salts while avoiding leakage problems common in salt solutions. By modeling the salt‐vapor equilibria, the maximum leakage‐free RH is elucidated as a function of hydrogel uptake and swelling ratio. These insights guide the design of hydrogels with exceptional hygroscopicity that enable sorption‐based devices to tackle water scarcity and the global energy crisis.

Graeber, Gustav↗
DOE OSTI2019

Reconfigurable metamaterial absorber as an optical switch based on organic-graphene control

In this paper, we have suggested an effective optical switch with the cross fractal shape. It contains the main cross element that connected to four parasitic elements by four organic’s material junctions. This absorber is modified as a tunable element by using the graphene layer which can be considered for compensating the physical distortion. Each organic and parasitic load is placed over a graphene layer. These graphene layers separated with a SiO{sub 2} thin film. We have implemented a SiO{sub 2} layer as a spacer between the graphene and metal ground layer. The organic materials are popular for their various resistances value. We have applied a bulky dielectric slab with two different conductivity values for high and low resistance (HRS and LRS). This absorber works at the range of 90–100 THz for mid-infrared spectrum and the bandwidth of 4%. In the HRS mode the reflection value is about − 35 up to − 25 dB. When the organic material switched to LRS mode, this value drastically increased to − 5 dB. The designed absorber has both the tunable and switchable attributes. We have simulated this switch by the finite integral technique method with CST microwave studio.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗
DOE OSTI2017

Development of a New Method to Investigate the Dynamic Friction Behavior of Interfaces Using a Kolsky Tension Bar

In order to understand interfacial interaction of a bi-material during an impact loading event, the dynamic friction coefficient is one of the key parameters that must be characterized and quantified. In this study, a new experimental method to determine the dynamic friction coefficient between two metals was developed by using a Kolsky tension bar and a custom-designed friction fixture. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) force sensors were used to measure the normal force applied to the friction tribo pairs and the friction force was measured with conventional Kolsky tension bar method. To evaluate the technique, the dynamic friction coefficient between 4340 steel and 7075-T6 aluminum was investigated at an impact speed of approximately 8 m/s. Additionally, the dynamic friction coefficient of the tribo pairs with varied surface roughness was also investigated. The data suggest that higher surface roughness leads to higher friction coefficients at the same speed of 8 m/s.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Defect-Free MOF-Based Mixed Matrix Membranes Obtained by Corona Crosslinking

Functionalized UiO-66 MOF particles were covalently grafted with hydride-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) via postsynthetic modification (PSM). These PDMS-coated MOF particles (termed here ‘corona-MOF’) were used in the preparation of mixed- matrix membranes (MMMs). Defect-free MMMs with weight loadings of 50% were achieved with corona-MOF particles, attributed to the improved dispersibility of the corona-MOF particles and covalent linkages between the corona-MOF particles and the polymer matrix. The PDMS MMMs showed distinct separation features in a single-gas permeation test, displaying much higher CO 2 gas permeation with no decrease in selectivity when compared to MMMs prepared with unmodified UiO-66 particles. Single gas separation tests with CO 2 , N 2 , and propane were performed to probe the separation mechanism of the corona-MOF MMMs, demonstrating that these MMM avoid non-ideal “sieve-in-a-cage” and “plugged sieves” scenarios. Additionally, due to covalent bond formation between both the MOF and the polymer matrix in corona-MOF MMMs, particle aggregation is negligible during film curing, allowing for the formation of flexible, self-standing MMMs of <1 μm in thickness. Low quantities of polymer covalently attached to the MOF surface (<5 wt%) is sufficient to fabricate thin, defect-free, high MOF loading MMMs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
DOE OSTI2026

Lithium–Sulfur Batteries Enabled by Fluorine-Free Electrolytes with a Compressed Solvation Structure

In this paper, a fluorine-free aromatic cosolvent strategy is presented to regulate electrolyte solvation chemistry in Li-S batteries with sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) cathodes. Assisted by the Uni-ELF AI tool and experimental validation, toluene is identified as an optimal weakly solvating cosolvent. Its incorporation compresses the Li⁺ solvation sheath and induces an anion-dominated solvation structure, thereby enhancing interfacial ion transport and sulfur redox kinetics through controlled π-π interactions with polysulfides. Consequently, Li || Li symmetric cells exhibit stable cycling for over 1,000 cycles at a current density of 1 mA cm⁻². Meanwhile, Li-S cells employing high-loading SPAN cathodes retain more than 75% of their initial capacity after 250 cycles at -10 °C. Additionally, a practical pouch cell with high SPAN loading and a low electrolyte-to-SPAN ratio of 3 µL mg⁻¹ delivers an initial capacity of around 600 mAh gSPAN⁻¹, underscoring the potential of fluorine-free electrolytes for practical metal-sulfur batteries.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
DOE OSTI2022

Partial oxidation of methane to methanol on boron nitride at near critical acetonitrile

Abstract Direct catalytic conversion of methane to methanol with O 2 has been a fundamental challenge in unlocking abundant natural gas supplies. Metal-free methane conversion with 17% methanol yield based on the limiting reagent O 2 at 275 °C was achieved with near supercritical acetonitrile in the presence of boron nitride. Reaction temperature, catalyst loading, dwell time, methane–oxygen molar ratio, and solvent-oxygen molar ratios were identified as critical factors controlling methane activation and the methanol yield. Extension of the study to ethane (C2) showed moderate yields of methanol (3.6%) and ethanol (4.5%).

03 NATURAL GAS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Fabrication and characterization of net-shaped iron nitride-amine-epoxy soft magnetic composites

Soft magnetic composites (SMCs) offer a promising alternative to electrical steels and soft ferrites in high performance motors and power electronics. They are ideal for incorporation into passive electronic components such as inductors and transformers, which require a non-permanent magnetic core to rapidly switch magnetization. As a result, there is a need for materials with the right combination of low coercivity, low magnetic remanence, high relative permeability, and high saturation magnetization to achieve these goals. Iron nitride is an attractive soft magnetic material for incorporation into an amine/epoxy resin matrix. This permits the synthesis of net-shaped SMCs using a “bottom-up” approach for overcoming the limitations of current state-of-the-art SMCs made via conventional powder metal processing techniques. In this work we present the fabrication of various net-shaped, iron nitride-based SMCs using two different amine/epoxy resin systems and their magnetic characterization. The maximum volume loading of iron nitride reached was ~77% via hot pressing, which produced SMCs with a saturation magnetic polarization (J s ) of ~0.9 T, roughly 2–3 times the J s of soft ferrites.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS1989

Flight motor set 360T004 (STS-30R). Volume 1: System overview

The fourth NASA space shuttle flight incorporating redesigned solid rocket motors began on 4 May 1989. The flight motors were designated 360Q004A (left-hand) and 360H004B (right-hand); the mission was designated STS-30R. Overall engine performance was excellent. The low sample rate data that was available showed exceptional propulsion performance. All ballistic and mass property parameters closely matched the predicted values and were well within the required contract end item specification levels that could be assessed. No strain, vibration, or aft skirt heating environments could be addressed due to developmental flight instrumentation deletion. Infrared readings from the shuttle thermal imager were considered very good when compared with ground environment instrumentation readings taken during both the aborted and the actual countdowns. However, hand-held infrared gun reading/ground environment instrumentation comparisons were considered poor during both countdowns, with the exception of the T - 3 hour timeframe during the actual launch. Postflight inspection again verified superior performance of the insulation, phenolics, metal parts, and seals. All combustion gas was contained by the insulation in the field and case-to-nozzle joints. Inadequate parachute performance on the left-hand booster caused high splashdown loads, which resulted in a displaced nozzle and factory joint weatherseal unbond anomalies. Recommendations were made concerning improved thermal modeling and instruments. The rationale for these recommendations, the dispositions of all anomalies, and complete result details are given.

Ricks, Glenn A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

New Testing Tool For Composite Interfaces

Mechanical strength of fiber/matrix interface key factor in overall strength and toughness of composite material. Desktop fiber pushout apparatus generates load and acoustic-emission (soundwave) data as function of translation-table displacement. Video camera gives view of specimen. Compact, easy to operate, and inexpensive. Appropriate for wide range of composites, including metal, intermetallic, and ceramic matrix composites. Not restricted to aerospace/aeronautics applications.

Eldridge, Jeffrey I.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Aircraft fatigue and crack growth considering loads by structural component

The indisputable 1968 C-130 fatigue/crack growth data is reviewed to obtain additional useful information on fatigue and crack growth. The proven Load Environment Model concept derived empirically from F-105D multichannel recorder data is refined to a simpler method by going from 8 to 5 variables in the spectra without a decrease in accuracy. This approach provides the true fatigue/crack growth and load environment by structural component for both fatigue and strength design. Methods are presented for defining fatigue scatter and damage at crack initiation. These design tools and criteria may be used for both metal and composite aircraft structure.

Yost, J. D.↗