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Results for “Multistep Processes”

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 NTRS1976

Heat shield characterization: Outer planet atmospheric entry probe

A full scale carbon phenolic heat shield was fabricated for the Outer Planet Probe in order to demonstrate the feasibility of molding large carbon phenolic parts with a new fabrication processing method (multistep). The sphere-cone heat shield was molded as an integral unit with the nose cap plies configured into a double inverse chevron shape to achieve the desired ply orientation. The fabrication activity was successful and the feasibility of the multistep processing technology was established. Delaminations or unbonded plies were visible on the heat shield and resulted from excessive loss of resin and lack of sufficient pressure applied on the part during the curing cycle. A comprehensive heat shield characterization test program was conducted, including: nondestructive tests with the full scale heat shield and thermal and mechanical property tests with small test specimen.

Mezines, S. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

The 5-(4-Ethynylophenoxy) isophthalic chloride

Sulfone-ester polymers containing pendent ethynyl groups and a direct and multistep process for preparing them are disclosed. The multistep process involves the conversion of a pendent bromo group to the ethynyl group while the direct route involves reating hydroxy-terminated sulfone oligomer or polymers with a stoichiometric amount of 5-(4-ethynylphenoxy) isophthaloyl chloride. The 5-(4-ethynylphenoxy) isophthaloyl chloride and the process for preparing it are also disclosed.

Hergenrother, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS2007

Online Analysis Enhances Use of NASA Earth Science Data

Giovanni, the Goddard Earth Sciences Data and Information Services Center (GES DISC) Interactive Online Visualization and Analysis Infrastructure, has provided researchers with advanced capabilities to perform data exploration and analysis with observational data from NASA Earth observation satellites. In the past 5-10 years, examining geophysical events and processes with remote-sensing data required a multistep process of data discovery, data acquisition, data management, and ultimately data analysis. Giovanni accelerates this process by enabling basic visualization and analysis directly on the World Wide Web. In the last two years, Giovanni has added new data acquisition functions and expanded analysis options to increase its usefulness to the Earth science research community.

Acker, James G.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Magnetic field reconnection and particle acceleration

After a brief review of steady state reconnection models, the processes are discussed which place an upper limit on the reconnection rate. In many applications the requirement that the width of the diffusion region exceed the ion gyroradius leads to a severe restriction on this limit. Unless the conductivity is much less than the value given by Spitzer's formula, solar flare times may result which are too long by a factor of 1000 or more. Turbulent and gyro effects which may lead to a reduced conductivity are shown to be operative, but only for sufficiently small ratios of plasma to magnetic pressure in the inflow. Particle energization processes associated with magnetic field reconnection and particle reflection by fast shocks are considered. These processes are effective as a first stage in the acceleration of charged particles, but additional multistep processes are needed to reach proton energies above a few MeV.

Sonnerup, B. U. O.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Sulfone/Ester Polymers Containing Pendent Ethynyl Groups

Two processes make high-performance polymers resistant to solvents, without compromising mechanical characteristics. Polymers show improved solvent resistance while retaining high toughness, thermoformability, and mechanical performance. Multistep process involves conversion of pendent bromo group to ethynyl group, while direct process involves reacting hydroxy-terminated sulfone oligomers or polymers with stoichiometric amount of 5-(4-ethynylphenoxy) isophthaloyl chloride. Applications for new polymers include adhesives, composite resin matrices, moldings, ultrafiltration membranes, protective coatings, and such electrical insulators as thin films for microelectronic circuitry.

Hergenrother, P. M.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Space Launch System Complex Decision-Making Process

The Space Shuttle program has ended and elements of the Constellation Program have either been cancelled or transitioned to new NASA exploration endeavors. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has worked diligently to select an optimum configuration for the Space Launch System (SLS), a heavy lift vehicle that will provide the foundation for future beyond low earth orbit (LEO) large-scale missions for the next several decades. From Fall 2010 until Spring 2011, an SLS decision-making framework was formulated, tested, fully documented, and applied to multiple SLS vehicle concepts at NASA from previous exploration architecture studies. This was a multistep process that involved performing figure of merit (FOM)-based assessments, creating Pass/Fail gates based on draft threshold requirements, performing a margin-based assessment with supporting statistical analyses, and performing sensitivity analysis on each. This paper focuses on the various steps and methods of this process (rather than specific data) that allowed for competing concepts to be compared across a variety of launch vehicle metrics in support of the successful completion of the SLS Mission Concept Review (MCR) milestone.

Lyles, Garry↗
NASA NTRS2014

Tri-Gas Pressurization System Testing and Modeling for Cryogenic Applications

The use of Tri‐gas in rocket propulsion systems is somewhat of a new technology. This paper defines Tri‐gas as a mixture of gases composed largely of helium with a small percentage of a stoichiometric mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. When exposed to a catalyst the hydrogen and oxygen in the mixture combusts, significantly raising the temperature of the mixture. The increase in enthalpy resulting from the combustion process significantly decreases the required quantity of gas needed to pressurize the ullage of the vehicle propellant tanks. The objective of this effort was to better understand the operating characteristics of Tri‐gas in a pressurization system with low temperature applications. In conjunction with ongoing programs at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, an effort has been undertaken to evaluate the operating characteristics of Tri‐gas through modeling and bench testing. Through improved understanding of the operating characteristics, the risk of using this new technology in a launch vehicle propulsion system was reduced. Bench testing of Tri‐gas was a multistep process that targeted gas characteristics and performance aspects that pose a risk to application in a pressurization system. Pressurization systems are vital to propulsion system performance. Keeping a target ullage pressure in propulsions tanks is necessary to supply propellant at the conditions and flow rates required to maintain desired engine functionality. The first component of testing consisted of sampling Tri‐gas sources that had been stagnant for various lengths of time in order to determine the rate at which stratification takes place. Second, a bench test was set up in which Tri‐gas was sent through a catalyst bed. This test was designed to evaluate the performance characteristics of Tri‐gas, under low temperature inlet temperatures, in a flight‐like catalyst bed reactor. The third, most complex, test examined the performance characteristics of Tri‐gas at low temperature temperatures in a test configuration built to more closely resemble a vehicle pressurization system. The results of these bench tests address various risks that all relate to underperformance of Tri‐gas pressurization systems.

Taylor, B.↗
NASA NTRS1969

Numerical solutions of differential equations

Various numerical methods for solving differential equations were analyzed and refined in an effort to develop a method which was adaptable to a large class of problems. The prime capabilities of the method included accuracy, numerical stability, and economic use of computer time. In multistep processes the corrector was changed at each step.

Wesson, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Hot-Dipped Metal Films as Epitaxial Substrates

Multistep process forms semiconductor devices on macrocrystalline films of cadmium or zinc. Solar-cell fabrication processes use hot-dipped macrocrystalline films on low-cost sheet-metal base as substrates for epitaxy. Epitaxial layers formed by variety of methods of alternative sequence paths. Solar cells made economically by forming desired surface substance directly on metal film by chemical reactions.

Shlichta, P. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Spacecraft mass spectrometer ion source employing field emission cathodes

An ion source that utilizes a pair of thin-film field emission cathodes to provide current for electric impact ionization is studied. The field emission cathodes are composed of microscopically small needle tips and an extraction electrode; the cathodes generate a 200-eV, 0.1-mA electron beam. The multistep process for the manufacturing of the field emission cathodes is examined. The operation of the ion source, which ionizes atoms and molecules that enter the mass spectrometer with a ram velocity of about 80 km/sec, is described.

Curtis, C. C.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Wave-particle interactions for relativistic electrons in a recirculation acceleration model

Evidence is presented for the presence of a multistep process, leading to relativistic electron populations, in the magnetospheres of earth and Jupiter. After an initial injection of a spectrally soft electron component in the outer magnetosphere, inward radial diffusion acts to accelerate the electrons perpendicular to the local magnetic field; strong wave-particle interactions deep in the magnetosphere is of primary significance in the pitch-angle scattering of electrons, thereby lowering their mirror points. An additional model element of critical significance, again involving wave-particle interactions, is energy-preserving outward transport near the mirror points where the field strength is large and trans-L distances are small.

Baker, D. N.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Design and analysis issues of integrated control systems for high-speed civil transports

A study was conducted to identify, rank, and define development plans for the critical guidance and control design and analysis issues as related to economically viable and environmentally acceptable high-speed civil transport. The issues were identified in a multistep process. First, pertinent literature on supersonic cruise aircraft was reviewed, and experts were consulted to establish the fundamental characteristics and problems inherent to supersonic cruise aircraft. Next, the advanced technologies and strategies being pursued for the high-speed civil transport were considered to determine any additional unique control problems the transport may have. Finally, existing technologies and methods were examined to determine their capabilities for the design and analysis of high-speed civil transport control systems and to identify the shortcomings and issues. Three priority levels - mandatory, highly beneficial, and desirable - were established. Within each of these levels, the issues were further ranked. Technology development plans for each issue were defined. Each plan contains a task breakdown and schedule.

Mccarty, Craig A.↗
NASA NTRS2001

Progress on BN and Doped-BN Coatings on Woven Fabrics

A novel, multistep process for applying interface coatings to woven structures using a pulsed CVD process is being evaluated. Borazine (B3N3H6), a neat liquid, and several Si precursors are used in the process to produce BN and SiBN coatings on Hi- Nicalon fabrics and preforms. A three variable, two level, full factorial matrix is proposed to define the influence of processing parameters. Coating morphology, uniformity and chemistry are characterized by field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive (EDS) and Auger spectroscopies.

Hurwitz, Frances I.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Genetic control of Drosophila nerve cord development

The Drosophila ventral nerve cord has been a central model system for studying the molecular genetic mechanisms that control CNS development. Studies show that the generation of neural diversity is a multistep process initiated by the patterning and segmentation of the neuroectoderm. These events act together with the process of lateral inhibition to generate precursor cells (neuroblasts) with specific identities, distinguished by the expression of unique combinations of regulatory genes. The expression of these genes in a given neuroblast restricts the fate of its progeny, by activating specific combinations of downstream genes. These genes in turn specify the identity of any given postmitotic cell, which is evident by its cellular morphology and choice of neurotransmitter.

Review↗
NASA NTRS2001

Differential expression of neuroleukin in osseous tissues and its involvement in mineralization during osteoblast differentiation

Osteoblast differentiation is a multistep process that involves critical spatial and temporal regulation of cellular processes marked by the presence of a large number of differentially expressed molecules. To identify key functional molecules, we used differential messenger RNA (mRNA) display and compared RNA populations isolated from the defined transition phases (proliferation, matrix formation, and mineralization) of the MC3T3-E1 osteoblast-like cell line. Using this approach, a complementary DNA (cDNA) fragment was isolated and identified as neuroleukin (NLK), a multifunctional cytokine also known as autocrine motility factor (AMF), phosphoglucose isomerase (PGI; phosphohexose isomerase [PHI]), and maturation factor (MF). Northern analysis showed NLK temporal expression during MC3T3-E1 cell differentiation with a 3.5-fold increase during matrix formation and mineralization. Immunocytochemical studies revealed the presence of NLK in MC3T3-E1 cells as well as in the surrounding matrix, consistent with a secreted molecule. In contrast, the NLK receptor protein was detected primarily on the cell membrane. In subsequent studies, a high level of NLK expression was identified in osteoblasts and superficial articular chondrocytes in bone of 1-, 4-, and 8-month-old normal mice, as well as in fibroblasts, proliferating chondrocytes, and osteoblasts within a fracture callus. However, NLK was not evident in hypertrophic chondrocytes or osteocytes. In addition, treatment of MC3T3 cells with 6-phosphogluconic acid (6PGA; a NLK inhibitor) resulted in diminishing alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells, especially during the matrix formation stage of differentiating cells. Taken together, these data show specific expression of NLK in discrete populations of bone and cartilage cells and suggest a possible role for this secreted protein in bone development and regeneration.

NASA Discipline Musculoskeletal↗
NASA NTRS1995

Integrin-extracellular matrix interactions in connective tissue remodeling and osteoblast differentiation

The differentiaton of bone cells is a complex multistep process. Bone is somewhat unusual in that it is very actively and continually remodeled in the adult and that maintenance of its mass in the mature organism is exquisitely sensitive to mechanical as well as chemical signals. Bone is also unique because it consists of a very large amount of extracellular matrix (ECM) that is mineralized. The integrin family of ECM receptors has been shown to play an important role in tissue morphogenesis in several systems. Our studies on the regulation of matrix remodeling enzymes by integrins in rabbit synovial fibroblasts show that two b1 integrin fibronectin (FN) receptor complexes (alpha 5 beta 1 and alpha 4 beta 1) cooperate in detecting subtle changes in the composition of the ECM. As a result of signal transduction by these integrins, the levels of mRNA and protein for several members of the metalloproteinase family are regulated in these cells. We have also used antibody and RGD peptide perturbation studies to determine the significance of cell/ECM interactions to normal osteogenesis. We found that interactions between the cell binding domain of FN and integrins are required for both normal morphogenesis and gene expression in cultured osteoblasts that differentiate to form bone-like tissue in culture. These data lead us to propose that beta 1 integrins play an important role in osteoblast differentiation as well as in bone remodeling.

NASA Discipline Number 26-10↗
NASA NTRS1992

Chromosomal changes in cultured human epithelial cells transformed by low- and high-LET radiation

For a better assessment of radiation risk in space, an understanding of the responses of human cells, especially the epithelial cells, to low- and high-LET radiation is essential. In our laboratory, we have successfully developed techniques to study the neoplastic transformation of two human epithelial cell systems by ionizing radiation. These cell systems are human mammary epithelial cells (H184B5) and human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK). Both cell lines are immortal, anchorage dependent for growth, and nontumorigenic in athymic nude mice. Neoplastic transformation was achieved by irradiating cells successively. Our results showed that radiogenic cell transformation is a multistep process and that a single exposure of ionizing radiation can cause only one step of transformation. It requires, therefore, multihits to make human epithelial cells fully tumorigenic. Using a simple karyotyping method, we did chromosome analysis with cells cloned at various stages of transformation. We found no consistent large terminal deletion of chromosomes in radiation-induced transformants. Some changes of total number of chromosomes, however, were observed in the transformed cells. These transformants provide an unique opportunity for further genetic studies at a molecular level.

NASA Discipline Number 04-10↗