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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1990

Wave propagation in composite media and material characterization

Characteristics of wave propagation in an undamaged composite medium are influenced by many factors, the most important of which are: microstructure, constituent properties, interfaces, residual stress fields, and ply lay-ups. Measurements of wave velocities, attenuation, and dispersion provide a powerful tool for nondestructive evaluation of these properties. Recent developments are reviewed for modeling ultrasonic wave propagation in fiber and particle-reinforced composite media. Additionally, some modeling studies are reviewed for the effects of interfaces and layering on attenuation and dispersion. These studies indicate possible ways of characterizing material properties by ultrasonic means.

Datta, Subhendu K.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Numerical stability of an explicit finite difference scheme for the solution of transient conduction in composite media

A theoretical evaluation of the stability of an explicit finite difference solution of the transient temperature field in a composite medium is presented. The grid points of the field are assumed uniformly spaced, and media interfaces are either vertical or horizontal and pass through grid points. In addition, perfect contact between different media (infinite interfacial conductance) is assumed. A finite difference form of the conduction equation is not valid at media interfaces; therefore, heat balance forms are derived. These equations were subjected to stability analysis, and a computer graphics code was developed that permitted determination of a maximum time step for a given grid spacing.

Campbell, W.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Ultrasonic modulus determination in composite media

A nondestructive test procedure for determining the elastic properties of anisotropic media is presented. The technique is based on transit time measurements for multiple angles of incidence and a numerical solution of the resulting coupled nonlinear equations for modulus determination. Methods for compensating for energy flux deviation from the wave normal and the resulting differences group and phase velocity are devised.

Kline, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Media Compositions for Three-Dimensional Mammalian Tissue Growth under Microgravity Culture Conditions

Normal mammalian tissue and the culturing process has been developed for the three groups of organ, structural and blood tissue.The cells are grown in vitro under microgravity culture conditions and form three dimensional cells aggregates with normal cell function. The microgravity culture conditions may be microgravity or simulated microgravity created in a horizontal rotating wall culture vessel.

Goodwin, Thomas J.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Media Compositions for Three Dimensional Mammalian Tissue Growth Under Microgravity Culture Conditions

Normal mammalian tissue and the culturing process has been developed for the three groups of organ, structural and blood tissue. The cells are grown in vitro under microgravity culture conditions and form three dimensional cells aggregates with normal cell function. The microgravity culture conditions may be microgravity or simulated microgravity created in a horizontal rotating wall culture vessel.

Goodwin, Thomas J.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Enhancement of Optical Nonlinearities in Composite Media and Structures via Local Fields and Electromagnetic Coupling Effects

This talk will review the linear and nonlinear optical properties of metal nanoparticles and dielectric microparticles, with an emphasis on local field effects, and whispering gallery modes (WGMs), as well as the conjunction of these two effects for enhanced Raman. In particular, enhanced optical properties that result from electromagnetic coupling effects will be discussed in the context of Mie scattering from concentric spheres and bispheres. Predictions of mode splitting and photonic bandgaps in micro-spheres will be presented and will be shown to be analogous to effects that occur in coupled resonator optical waveguides (CROW). Slow and fast light in SCISSOR / CROW configurations will also be discussed.

Smith, David D.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Transient Creep of a Composite Lower Crust: Constitutive Theory - 1

A composite model is proposed to describe the time-dependent response of the Earth's lower crust. The motivation for such it model is twofold: First, new observations of widespread postseismic deformation indicate that the deep continental crust responds viscoelastically, having both long-and short-term decay times. Second, by any number of observationally based rationales, the lower crust is compositionally and structurally heterogeneous over many length scales. For heterogeneities that have much smaller characteristic lengths than the minimum deformation wavelength of interest, the aggregate rheology can be described by composite media theory. For wavelengths of the order of the thickness of the lower crust (approx. = 25-40 km) and larger, composite theory may be applied to heterogeneities that are smaller than about several hundred meters, or equivalent to the vertical extent of a thick lower crustal mylonitic shear zone. The composite media theory developed here is constructed using both Eshelhy-Mori-Tanaka theory for aligned generalized spheroidal inclusions and a generalized self-consistent method. The inclusions and matrix are considered to be Maxwellian viscoelastic: a rheology that is consistent with past homogeneous models of postseismic stress relaxation. The composite theory presented here introduces a transient response to a suddenly imposed stress field which does not appear in homogeneous Maxwell models. Analytic expressions for the amplitude and duration of the transient and for the effective long-and short-term viscosities of the composite are given which describe the sensitivity to inclusion concentration (phi), to shape, and to ratio of inclusion-to-matrix viscosity (R).

Ivins, Erik R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Experimental methods for quenching structures in lunar-analog silicate melts: Variations as a function of quench media and composition

Compositions analogous to lunar green, organge, and brown glasses were synthesized under consistent conditions, then quenched into a variety of different media when the samples were removed from the furnace. Iron valence and coordination are a direct function of quench media used, spanning the range from brine/ice (most effective quench), water, butyl phthalate, silicone oil, liquid nitrogen, highly reducing CO-CO2 gas, to air (least efficient quench). In the green and brown glasses, Fe(3+) in four-fold and six-fold coordination is observed in the slowest-quenched samples; Fe(2+) coordination varies directly with quench efficiency. Less pronounced changes were observed in the Ti-rich orange glass. Therefore the remote-sensed spectrum of a glass-bearing regolith on the Moon may be influenced by the process by which the glass cooled, and extreme caution must be used when comparing spectra of synthetic glass analogs with real lunar glasses.

Dyar, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Experimental methods for quenching structures in lunar-analog silicate melts - Variations as a function of quench media and composition

Compositions analogous to lunar green, orange, and brown glasses were synthesized under consistent conditions, then quenched into a variety of different media when the samples were removed from the furnace. Iron valence and coordination are a direct function of quench media used, spanning the range from brine/ice (most effective quench), water, butyl phthalate, silicone oil, liquid nitrogen, highly reducing CO-CO2 gas, to air (least efficient quench). In the green and brown glasses, Fe(3+) in four-fold and six-fold coordination is observed in the slowest-quenched samples; Fe(2+) coordination varies directly with quench efficiency. Less pronounced changes were observed in the Ti-rich orange glass. Therefore the remote-sensed spectrum of a glass-bearing regolith on the moon may be influenced by the process by which the glass cooled, and extreme caution must be used when comparing spectra of synthetic glass analogs with real lunar glasses.

Dyar, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS2011

The Effect of Plant Cultivar, Growth Media, Harvest Method and Post Harvest Treatment on the Microbiology of Edible Crops

Systems for the growth of crops in closed environments are being developed and tested for potential use in space applications to provide a source of fresh food. Plant growth conditions, growth media composition and harvest methods can have an effect on the microbial population of the plant, and therefore should be considered along with the optimization of plant growth and harvest yields to ensure a safe and palatable food crop. This work examines the effect of plant cultivar, growth media, and harvest method on plant microbial populations. Twelve varieties of leafy greens and herbs were grown on a mixture of Fafard #2 and Arcillite in the pillow root containment system currently being considered for the VEGGIE plant growth unit developed by Orbitec. In addition, ,Sierra and Outredgeous lettuce varieties were grown in three different mixtures (Fafard #2, Ardllite, and Perlite/Vermiculite). The plants were analyzed for microbial density. Two harvest methods, "cut and come again" (CACA) and terminal harvest were also compared. In one set ofexpe'riments red leaf lettuce and mizuna were grown in pots in a Biomass Production System for education. Plants were harvested every two weeks by either method. Another set of experiments was performed using the rooting pillows to grow 5 varieties of leafy greens and cut harvesting at different intervals. Radishes were harvested and replanted at two-week intervals. Results indicate up to a 3 IOglO difference in microbial counts between some varieties of plants. Rooting medium resulted in an approximately 2 IOglO lower count in the lettuce grown in arscillite then those grown in the other mixtures. Harvest method and frequency had less impact on microbial counts only showing a significant increase in one variety of plant. Post harvest methods to decrease the bacterial counts on edible crops were investigated in these and other experiments. The effectiveness of PRO-SAN and UV-C radiation is compared.

Hummerick, Mary P.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Automating the Study of Microbial Adaptation Dynamics on and off the ISS

The International Space Station (ISS) not only serves as a unique environment for humans, but also the microorganisms that join alongside. Many microbes present on the spacecraft arrive via humans, and as they interact with different surfaces they begin to inhabit those locations. Much like how human health has shown to be impacted by these extreme environments, microbial viability and response to stress also changes. Experimental evolution (EE) can aid in studying how microbes’ growth and activity changes within the ISS environments by applying controlled stressors to microbial cultures and monitoring their response over generations. EE studies are commonly done manually in laboratories, but, with multiple environmental variables to measure and adjust, it becomes highly labor-intensive, prone to human error, and challenging to scale. A multipurpose automated EE system named the AADEC has been developed to address these problems. This system integrates multiple sensors into a single fluidic chamber using UV-C flux, temperature, and media composition as stressors. AADEC contains five sensors: oxidation-reduction potential, electrical conductivity, pH, dissolved oxygen, and optical density. On their own, each is able to provide certain information on growth rate or metabolism; together, they show in detail how stressors affect life. AADEC studies can be conducted on Earth and repeated aboard the ISS to see how behavior changes when exposed to space mission stressors such as microgravity and radiation. AADEC’s auxiliary systems include peristaltic pumps for media exchange, magnetic rods for agitation, and a Raspberry Pi microprocessor to monitor, store, and adjust stressor levels real-time. This allows researchers to gather information within rapid generations, data and accuracy which is challenging to achieve through manual studies. With further miniaturization and automation, such as a more robust single-piece fluidics card, AADEC has the potential to be developed as a spacecraft payload. Support: NASA Ames CIF Award

Automating↗
NASA NTRS2001

The fungicidal and phytotoxic properties of benomyl and PPM in supplemented agar media supporting transgenic arabidopsis plants for a Space Shuttle flight experiment

Fungal contamination is a significant problem in the use of sucrose-enriched agar-based media for plant culture, especially in closed habitats such as the Space Shuttle. While a variety of fungicides are commercially available, not all are equal in their effectiveness in inhibiting fungal contamination. In addition, fungicide effectiveness must be weighed against its phytotoxicity and in this case, its influence on transgene expression. In a series of experiments designed to optimize media composition for a recent shuttle mission, the fungicide benomyl and the biocide "Plant Preservative Mixture" (PPM) were evaluated for effectiveness in controlling three common fungal contaminants, as well as their impact on the growth and development of arabidopsis seedlings. Benomyl proved to be an effective inhibitor of all three contaminants in concentrations as low as 2 ppm (parts per million) within the agar medium, and no evidence of phytotoxicity was observed until concentrations exceeded 20 ppm. The biocide mix PPM was effective as a fungicide only at concentrations that had deleterious effects on arabidopsis seedlings. As a result of these findings, a concentration of 3 ppm benomyl was used in the media for experiment PGIM-01 which flew on shuttle Columbia mission STS-93 in July 1999.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS1977

Evaluation of thermal soak times

A mathematical model for the heat transfer within the electronics package of a Chaparral missile was performed. The Grashof number for this configuration was less than 2000 which indicated that the primary mode of heat transfer was conduction. The Vodicka theory for heat conduction in laminated composite media was utilized to obtain the solution for the model.

Mulholland, G. P.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Development of media for dynamic latent heat storage for the low-temperature range. Part 1: Thermal analyses of selected salt hydrate systems

Phase change temperatures and phase change enthalpies of seventeen salt hydrates, three double salts, and four eutectics were measured thermodynamically and the results reported herein. Good results were obtained, especially for congruently melting salt hydrates. Incongruently melting salt hydrates appear less suitable for heat storage applications. The influence of the second phase - water, acid and hydroxide - to the latent heat is described. From these results, basic values of the working temperatures and storage capabilities of various storage media compositions may be derived.

Kanwischer, H.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Localized coating removal using plastic media blasting

Steps taken to qualify the use of plastic media blasting for safely and effectively removing paint and other coatings from solid rocket booster aluminum structures are described. As a result of the effort, an improvement was made in the design of surface finishing equipment for processing flight hardware, in addition to a potentially patentable idea on improved plastic media composition. The general arrangement of the blast equipment and the nozzle configuration are presented.

Novak, Howard L.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Ferroelectric Liquid Crystals In Aerodynamic Testing

The process of simultaneous optical visualization and quantitative measurement of aerodynamic boundary layer parameters requires new concepts, materials and utilization methods. Measurement of shear stress in terms of the transmitted or the reflected light intensity from an aligned ferroelectric liquid crystal (FLC) thin (approx. 1 micron) film deposited on a glass substrate has been the first step in this direction. In this paper, recent progress in utilization of FLC thin films for skin friction measurement and for studying the state of the boundary layer in a wind tunnel environment is reviewed. The switching characteristics of FLCs have been used to measure pressure from the newly devised system of partially exposed polymer dispersed ferroelectric liquid crystals (PEPDFLCs). In this configuration, a PEPDFLC thin film (approx. 10-25 microns) is sandwiched between two transparent conducting electrodes, one a rigid surface and the other a flexible sheet such as polyvinylidene fluoride or mylar. The switching characteristics of the film are a function of the pressure applied to the flexible transparent electrode and a predetermined bias voltage across the two electrodes. The results, considering the dielectrics of composite media, are discussed.

Parmar, Devendra S.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Input-output characterization of fiber composites by SH waves

Input-output characterization of fiber composites is studied theoretically by tracing SH waves in the media. A fiberglass epoxy composite is modeled as a homogeneous transversely isotropic continuum plate. The reflection of an SH wave at a stress-free plane boundary in a semi-infinite transversely isotropic medium is considered first. It is found that an incident SH wave reflects only a similar SH wave back into the medium. It is also established that the angle of reflection of the reflected wave is equal to the angle of incidence of the incident wave. The phase velocity of the SH waves and the delay time of the SH waves in reaching the receiving transducer are computed as functions of a reflection index, defined as the number of reflections of the SH waves from the bottom face of the continuum plate. The directivity function corresponding to the shear stress associated with the SH waves in the continuum plate is also derived as a function of the reflection index. A theoretical output voltage from the receiving transducer is calculated for a tone burst (a periodic input voltage of finite duration). The output voltage is shown for tone bursts of duration 60 microseconds and center frequencies of 0.75, 1.00, and 1.25 MHz. The study enhances the quantitative and qualitative understanding of the nondestructive evaluation (NDE) of fiber composites which can be modeled as transversely isotropic media.

Renneisen, John D.↗