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Results for “centrifuge method”

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 NTRS1973

A centrifugal method for the evaluation of polymer membranes for reverse osmosis

A rapid and simple method employing the laboratory centrifuge shows promise for evaluation of membrane performance during reverse osmosis. Results are presented for cellulose acetate membranes for rejection of salt and urea dissolved solids. Implications of the study are to rapid screening of membrane performance, use in laboratories with limited facilities, and possible space waste water purification.

Hollahan, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Impeller blade design method for centrifugal compressors

The design of a centrifugal impeller with blades that are aerodynamically efficient, easy to manufacture, and mechanically sound is discussed. The blade design method described here satisfies the first two criteria and with a judicious choice of certain variables will also satisfy stress considerations. The blade shape is generated by specifying surface velocity distributions and consists of straight-line elements that connect points at hub and shroud. The method may be used to design radially elemented and backward-swept blades. The background, a brief account of the theory, and a sample design are described.

Jansen, W.↗
DOE OSTI2025

A simple centrifuge cell method for ex situ quantification of electrical conductivity of slurry electrode materials

We present the design, experimental procedure, and experimental evaluation of a system for fast, simple, and ex situ characterization of electrical conductivity of slurry electrode materials. The system uses a custom-designed electrochemical cell compatible with centrifugation in a swing-bucket centrifuge. The cell features cylindrical graphite electrodes that are partially sheathed so as to expose only 2 mm of the electrode surface to the bottom region of the packed particulate pellet. Also presented is a conduction model that provides a shape factor for estimating effective conductivity. We tested aqueous solutions of carbon black (CB), activated carbon (AC), and mixtures thereof. These particles were dispersed in 0.0 and 0.5 M NaCl solutions. Measurements show that the effective conductivity initially increases linearly with pellet mass and then saturates at higher masses. Notably, CB exhibited a fivefold increase in conductivity than AC at equal pellet masses. CB/AC mixtures at a fixed pellet mass were tested with CB mass fractions of 0 to 100%. Interestingly, the mixture conductivity was found to be a non-monotonic function of CB mass fraction, with a maximum conductivity at about 60 % CB mass fraction. At this maximum, the mixture conductivity is approximately 30 % higher than pure CB. NaCl concentration in the slurry solution had no effects on conductivity. These results highlight the interactions between slurry electrode composition and compaction, offering insights for optimizing slurry electrodes. Furthermore, the system and results may also be applicable to evaluation of particulate materials (including slurries) used for Li-ion batteries, capacitive deionization, fuel cells, and flow electrodes.

Capacitive deionization↗
NASA NTRS2007

Apparatus and method for centrifugation and robotic manipulation of samples

A device for centrifugation and robotic manipulation of specimen samples, including incubating eggs, and uses thereof are provided. The device may advantageously be used for the incubation of avian, reptilian or any type of vertebrate eggs. The apparatus comprises a mechanism for holding samples individually, rotating them individually, rotating them on a centrifuge collectively, injecting them individually with a fixative or other chemical reagent, and maintaining them at controlled temperature, relative humidity and atmospheric composition. The device is applicable to experiments involving entities other than eggs, such as invertebrate specimens, plants, microorganisms and molecular systems.

Vellinger, John C.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The effects of stress on the enzymes of peripheral leukocytes

Previous work showed an early response of rabbit and human leukocyte enzymes to the stress of bacterial infection. Since these represented a mixed population of leukocytes and since polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) increased in these preparations, it was necessary to establish whether the observed increase in lactate dehydrenase (LDH) and protein was the result of an increase in any one particular cell type or in all cells. The need for the development of a simple reproducible method for the differential separation of peripheral leukocytes for the furtherance of our own studies was apparent. It was also becoming increasingly apparent that morphologically similar cells, such as small lymphocytes (L) and macrophages, were capable of different biological functions. A dextran gradient centrifugation method was developed which has provided an easily reproducible technique for separating L from PMN. During the course of this work, in which over 250 rabbits were examined, the pattern of daily leukocyte protein and enzyme variation became increasingly more apparent. This information could have some impact on future work with leukocyte enzymes, by our group and by other workers. The differences in normal protein and enzyme levels maintained by some individuals, and some inbred strains, were evaluated and reported separately. It has been shown that one type of leukocyte may react more to a given stress than other leukocytes.

Leise, E. M.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development and Validation of Sensorimotor Assessment Tasks Using Spaceflight Analogs

INTRODUCTION Exploration class missions will require a new level of crew autonomy to self-assess and treat their sensorimotor dysfunction around periods of gravitational transition, where sensorimotor disturbances are at their highest. There is a need to define sensorimotor assessment thresholds that indicate when performance in early extravehicular activities (EVAs) might be impacted or unsafe. The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a set of assessment tasks using sensorimotor spaceflight analogs including the Sensorimotor Disorientation Analog (SDA) and +3G x sustained centrifugation. METHODS For the SDA, forty-one healthy non-astronaut subjects (21 males, 20 females; Mean ± SD, Age: 34.0 ± 7.8 years) volunteered to participate in this study. Subjects attended two testing sessions: 1) familiarization to the tasks and baseline data collection, and 2) tasks completed under two levels of sensorimotor disorientation. Subjects performed a series of seven sensorimotor assessment tasks followed by two operationally relevant EVA analog tasks. The sensorimotor assessments tasks, ordered from least to most provocative of the sensorimotor system, included: postural stability, step test, prone/supine recovery from fall (RFF), four-square-step-test, obstacle negotiation with turns (OTT), kneel-and-reach, and augmented reality full-body coordination. The operational analog tasks included a top-hatch capsule egress and a 5-minute EVA traversal. Disorientation was applied via the SDA which utilized galvanic vestibular stimulation and weighted trunk, wrists, and ankles to target the vestibular and proprioceptive systems such that performance while wearing the SDA mimicked astronaut postflight performance at R+0 and R+1. Sixteen healthy non-astronaut subjects (10 males, 6 females; Age: 35.0 ± 9.5 years) completed +3G x 60-minute sustained centrifugation as an established spaceflight analog replicating the vestibular disruptions seen postflight. Subjects completed a pre-session which included familiarization to the tasks and a 5-minute centrifuge spin. The data collection session included, in order, a baseline data collection, 60-minute centrifuge spin, immediate post-centrifuge data collection, 45-minute seated recovery, and a final data collection. The same assessment and operational analog tasks were conducted as described above. RESULTS Pearsons’ correlation r-values were calculated between assessment and operational analog tasks. The two assessment tasks with the strongest correlations to the operational analog tasks were the RFF (SDA: r≥ 0.57, Centrifuge: r ≥0.55) and OTT (SDA: r≥ 0.66, Centrifuge: r ≥ 0.49). For brevity, repeated measures ANOVA with follow-up paired t-tests are discussed for these two assessment tasks. The SDA found significant differences between all three levels of disorientation for both RFF and OTT (p < 0.001). Significant differences were also found between baseline and immediate post centrifuge testing for both the RFF (p≤ 0.011) and OTT (p = 0.001). Additional results are forthcoming for both disorientation paradigms. DISCUSSION These validation studies provide evidence for down-selection of the assessment tasks that were able to distinguish between levels of sensorimotor disorientation and correlate to performance in operationally relevant tasks for use in upcoming Artemis missions.

S C Moudy↗
NASA NTRS2004

Novel Biomedical Device Utilizing Light-Emitting Nanostructures Developed

Sketches and chemical diagrams of state-of-the-art device and novel proposed device are presented. Current device uses a diode laser that emits into a fluorescent fluid only one wavelength and a photodetector diode that detects only one wavelength. Only one type of bacteria can be detected. The proposed device uses a quantum dot array that emits into a fluorescent fluid multiple wavelengths and an NIR 512 spectrometer that scans 0.8- to 1.7-mm wavelengths. Hundreds of different bacteria and viruses can be detected. A novel biomedical device is being developed at the NASA Glenn Research Center in cooperation with the University of Michigan. This device uses nano-structured quantum dots that emit light in the near-infrared (IR) region. The nanostructured quantum dots are used as a source and excite fluorochrome polymers coupled with antibodies that seek out and attach to specific bacteria and viruses. The fluorochrome polymers/antibodies fluoresce at specific wavelengths in the near-IR spectrum, but these wavelengths are offset from the excitation wavelength and can be detected with a tunable spectrometer. The device will be used to detect the presence of viruses and bacteria in simple fluids and eventually in more complex fluids, such as blood. Current state-of-the-art devices are limited to single bacteria or virus detection and a considerable amount of time and effort is required to prepare samples for analysis. Most importantly, the devices are quite large and cumbersome, which prohibits them from being used on the International Space Station and the space shuttles. This novel device uses nanostructured quantum dots which, through molecular beam epitaxy and highly selective annealing processes, can be developed into an illumination source that could potentially generate hundreds of specific wavelengths. As a result, this device will be able to excite hundreds of antibody/fluorochrome polymer combinations, which in turn could be used to detect hundreds of bacteria and viruses in fluids. A novel sample preparation technique that exploits micromembrane filtration and centrifugation methods has been developed for this device. The technique greatly reduces the time required to prepare the sample and the amount of sample needed to perform an accurate and comprehensive analysis. Last, and probably most important, because of the nano-light-emitting source and the novel sample preparation technique, the overall size of the device could be reduced dramatically. This device will serve as a nanoscale lab-on-a-chip for in situ microorganism detection and will enable tests to be performed on a time scale of minutes rather than days. Thus, it is ideally suited for monitoring the environmental conditions onboard the International Space Station and the space shuttles, thereby enhancing the safety of the astronauts. In addition, the device has important commercial applications, such as detecting the presence of bacteria and viruses in water at food- and beverage-processing centers, water treatment plants, and restaurants. Also, this technology has the potential to be used to detect bacteria and viruses in more complex fluids, such as blood--which in all likelihood would revolutionize blood analysis as it is performed today. This project was made possible through the Director's Discretionary Fund and is ongoing. In addition, this project provides funding to Dr. Rachel Goldman of the University of Michigan for the research and development of nanostructured quantum dots.

Scardelletti, Maximilian C.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Method of investigation of vibroacoustic characteristics of centrifugal pumps

A method for acoustical diagnostics of pumps is described which consists of taking sonograms of the pump, by means of an audio spectrograph. In distinction from usual analyzers, the spectrograph makes it possible to obtain a three-dimensional image of the signal being analyzed, in which its frequency-amplitude characteristics developed over time are depicted with a resolving power of 0.004 sec. As an example, a sonogram of an electrically driven pump, in the 40-4000 Hz frequency range, is presented. The amplitude ratios are determined on the sonogram by the contrast of individual contours, with an accuracy of 6 db.

Pokrovskiy, B. V.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Centrifugal Size-Separation Sieve for Granular Materials

A centrifugal sieve and method utilizes centrifugal force in rapidly-rotated cylindrical or conical screens as the primary body force contributing to size segregation. Within the centrifugal acceleration field, vibration and/or shearing flows are induced to facilitate size segregation and eventual separation of the fines from the coarse material. Inside a rotating cylindrical or conical screen, a separately-rotated screw auger blade can be used to transport material along the rotating cylinder or conical wall and to induce shearing in the material.

Walton, Otis↗
NASA NTRS1999

Centrifuge-operated specimen staining method and apparatus

A method of staining preselected, mounted specimens of either biological or nonbiological material enclosed within a staining chamber where the liquid staining reagents are applied and removed from the staining chamber using hypergravity as the propelling force. In the preferred embodiment, a spacecraft-operated centrifuge and method of diagnosing biological specimens while in orbit, characterized by hermetically sealing a shell assembly. The assembly contains slide stain apparatus with computer control therefor, the operative effect of which is to overcome microgravity, for example on board an International Space Station.

Clarke, Mark S. F.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

In-Situ Ice Adhesion Testing using the Deformed Skin Adhesion Test

There exists a plethora of ice adhesion testing methods such as centrifuge-based methods, push/pull methods, and lap joint shear tests. However, these methods often cannot be done in-situ during an icing spray and require researcher handling/preparation prior to testing. Additionally, many of these methods test ice accretions that are not representative of the ice shapes that grow on airframes which can have unintended consequences such as edge or corner stress concentrations. In order to mitigate the issues present with other ice adhesion tests a novel, hands-free, in-situ test method imbedded into the leading edge of the airfoil has been developed and tested in the NASA Glenn Research Center Icing Research Tunnel. The mechanics of the new test method are discussed with finite element simulations being used to highlight the fundamental mechanics of this test method. The testing procedures used during the experimental test campaign are discussed along with the icing cloud test matrix. Analysis of the force-displacement results highlights the repeatability of the test method with regards to both sample behavior across several days of testing and different ice shapes. The results from first run of the day showed a significant discrepancy from subsequent runs and differential image analysis was used to determine differences in the interfacial bonding states between runs.

Ice Adhesion↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

In-Situ Ice Adhesion Testing using the Deformed Skin Adhesion Test

There exists a plethora of ice adhesion testing methods such as centrifuge-based methods, push/pull methods, and lap joint shear tests. However, these methods often cannot be done in-situ during an icing spray and require researcher handling/preparation prior to testing. Additionally, many of these methods test ice accretions that are not representative of the ice shapes that grow on airframes which can have unintended consequences such as edge or corner stress concentrations. In order to mitigate the issues present with other ice adhesion tests a novel, hands-free, in-situ test method imbedded into the leading edge of the airfoil has been developed and tested in the NASA Glenn Research Center Icing Research Tunnel. The mechanics of the new test method are discussed with finite element simulations being used to highlight the fundamental mechanics of this test method. The testing procedures used during the experimental test campaign are discussed along with the icing cloud test matrix. Analysis of the force-displacement results highlights the repeatability of the test method with regards to both sample behavior across several days of testing and different ice shapes. The results from first run of the day showed a significant discrepancy from subsequent runs and differential image analysis was used to determine differences in the interfacial bonding states between runs.

Ice Adhesion↗
DOE OSTI2023

Vibration isolation for centrifuge testbeds

A method for isolating vibrations for centrifuge testing devices is provided. The method comprises coupling a test payload platform to a number of piezoelectric actuators and coupling the piezoelectric actuators to a reaction mass coupled to a centrifuge arm. A layer of vibration-absorbing material is sandwiched between the reaction mass and the centrifuge arm. The centrifuge arm is rotated around an axis, and the test payload platform is vibrated with the piezoelectric actuators as the centrifuge rotates, wherein the layer of vibration-absorbing material prevents vibrations from traveling down the centrifuge arm.

Siler, David Michael↗