Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “mechanical testing capability”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2020

Development of Mechanical Testing Capability for HFEF

This report depicts the development of mechanical testing capability for ATF fuels at Idaho National Laboratory (INL). An aim of the study is to demonstrate the pathway of defueling an irradiated cladding segment, machining of segments into specimens with unique tensile geometries, and mechanical testing using INL’s facilities. The report consists of three parts: 1) defueling of a fuel segment, 2) mechanical test specimen machining, and 3) mechanical test demonstration.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

ES61 – Mechanical Components Test Facility Capabilities

The Mechanical Components Test Facility (MCTF), also known as "Leak Lab" at MSFC is a multi-capability lab that facilitates payload evolution from proof-of-concept to on-orbit operations. We also have the capability to bring our equipment to various location for off-site testing.

Jamboree↗
DOE OSTI2025

ATF Cladding Mechanical Properties Report: Capability Demonstration

This report documents mechanical testing capability demonstration activities performed in fiscal year (FY)2025 at Oak Ridge National Laboratory(ORNL)on chromium-coated (Cr-coated) and uncoated advanced zirconium alloy claddings irradiated in the High Flux Isotope Reactor (HFIR) to approximately 4 displacements per atom (dpa), corresponding to ~13GWd/t burnup. Specimens were prepared in axial tension (ATT) and ring tension (RTT) geometries, and passive silicon carbide(SiC)thermometry (TM) was employed to determine irradiation temperatures, which averaged 38–43 °C below the 330 °C design target. Mechanical testing at ambient temperature demonstrated the expected irradiation-induced hardening, with yield strength(YS)and ultimate tensile strength(UTS)values increasing substantially relative to unirradiated counterparts. However, this strengthening was accompanied by a reduction in ductility, as indicated by lower uniform and total elongations(UE and TE). Both coated and uncoated claddings exhibited similar mechanical response, though Cr-coated specimens showed surface cracking perpendicular to the loading direction, attributable to the hardness mismatch between the coating and substrate. Fracture in all cases remained ductile, and no coating spallation was observed following HFIR irradiation. Complementary efforts were directed toward the fabrication of test specimens from commercially irradiated cladding (rod 47I, ~31.1 GWd/t average burnup). Axial sectioning and computer numerical control(CNC)machining successfully produced ATT geometries suitable for benchmarking against HFIR-irradiated specimens. This capability enables direct comparison of cladding behavior between test reactor and commercial reactor environments, thereby supporting the validation of HFIR as a surrogate irradiation platform for accident tolerant fuel (ATF) development. Once HFIR irradiations are completed in FY26,the relevant comparison tests will be completed. Collectively, the FY 2025 PIE campaign has provided mechanical performance data for irradiated advanced claddings The demonstrated capabilities support the framework for mechanical testing and further evaluations in subsequent years. These efforts will represent an important contribution toward the licensing and deployment of Cr-coated zirconium alloy cladding as a near-term ATF solution.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2020

MST e-News (Fall 2020)

As we just closed the fiscal year, I have been reflecting on the state of the division, and in particular, the health of our budget, staffing plans, and infrastructure. As many of you know, the division has grown in both budget and workforce. Since 2018, the division has grown from 150 to 174 permanent staff (but note, with students, post docs, and contractors—we are a division of 218). As one might imagine, our budget has grown significantly too. In 2018, at year end, we had a budget of $85 million. While I am still collecting some final numbers, all projections indicate that we closed out FY20 at $115 million. This growth has occurred primarily in our applied energy programs as well as Pu Sustainment. However, it is important to note that there have been important contributions to this growth across much of the portfolio, including in our OES, BES, and LDRD programs. With that said, to support this programmatic growth, as a division we have done a tremendous amount of hiring to grow while outpacing attrition. At the same time, we have been establishing numerous new capabilities at TAs -3, -35, and -55. While this is exciting, it means we have some things to carefully consider. We have had numerous capability investments (i.e., new microscopes at TAs -3 and -55, new mechanical testing capabilities at TAs -3 and -35, and new synthesis capabilities across the division). But we are starting to feel the real crunch of the limitations of our aging facilities. Still more, even with this substantial growth, we continue to hire. And I believe that we really need to spend time thinking about mentoring, career development, and retention of our most important investment—our staff.

96 KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT AND PRESERVATION↗
DOE OSTI2022

AMTS update for STTR

Advanced nuclear reactor systems currently in development include designs that utilize higher energy neutron spectrums, higher temperatures, and corrosive environments that are quite different from the current fleet of nuclear power plants in use today. As a result, new structural materials must be developed and qualified for use to support these advanced systems. For example, research is currently being conducted on a new class of materials known as multi-principle-element-alloys. These alloys show some promise to be able to meet the structural needs of these challenging reactor systems. However, due to the vast available compositional space, and the limited amount of research conducted thus far, Idaho National Laboratory (INL)sought a way to advanced mechanical testing capability for highly irradiated structural materials to increase both throughput and higher fidelity data analysis through incorporation of digital image correlation. The Automated Mechanical Testing System accomplishes these tasks by automating the testing and incorporating digital image correlation to provide higher fidelity data. INL has now received this system and is currently performing functional testing and training. INL is also performing some modifications to the system to allow for installation into a remote shielded enclosure where testing of irradiated structural materials can be performed. After testing, training, and modifications of the system are complete, INL will install the system into a shielded enclosure and begin using the system to test irradiated structural materials.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2021

Experimental Evaluation of Deformation and Fracture Mechanisms in Highly Irradiated Austenitic Steels

The present report documents recent experimental results of analysis using scanning electron microscopy/electron backscatter diffraction (SEM-EBSD) of plastic deformation mechanisms and strain localization phenomena in austenitic steels irradiated by neutrons. Experiments were performed with specimens irradiated to 125 dpa and, additionally, with specimens that experienced radiation-induced swelling up to 3%. Section 1 briefly analyzes the deformation localization in irradiated steels and its consequences on the material performance. The section describes the advantages and importance of the SEM-EBSD approach combined with in situ mechanical testing capability. Section 2 briefly introduces the experimental tools and methods (i.e., SEM/EBSD in situ tensile frame, electric discharge machine to manufacture irradiated specimens) and describes the investigated materials (i.e., element composition, irradiation conditions, and general microstructure). Section 3 describes the key experimental results and provides a brief analysis and comparison with the datasets obtained earlier within the same task (i.e., low-dose specimens). The discussion focuses on EBSD microstructure maps with strain localization features, misorientation evolution as a function of strain, and observed deformation mechanisms. Section 4 evaluates data collected in recent years on highly irradiated steel and estimates the possible misorientation evolution under irradiation. The section introduces and discusses the concept of in-service-induced damage as an irradiation-assisted stress-corrosion cracking precursor. Section 5 summarizes the work performed. As expected, the present work results are beneficial for exploring and understanding degradation mechanisms in highly irradiated in-core materials found in light water reactors after long-term in-service life.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
DOE OSTI2025

Damage progression and failure of SiC/SiC composite tubes under hard-contact radial expansion

The response of silicon carbide (SiC) fiber-reinforced SiC matrix (SiC/SiC) composite cladding to mechanical interaction with fissile fuel is a knowledge gap that must be overcome to design and assess SiC-based cladding systems for advanced nuclear applications. This study developed the relevant mechanical testing capability and identified the failure behavior and the critical microstructural features and processing defects. Sections of SiC composite tube were subjected to a modified expansion-due-to-compression (EDC) test in an X-ray computed tomography microscope: a polyurethane plug pressed surrogate Al 2 O 3 into the inner walls of the SiC/SiC composite tubes to achieve hard contact. A pure EDC test with just a polyurethane plug was also performed as a reference. Through the use of displacement fields, digital volume correlation revealed inhomogeneous deformation fields in the tubes, even for pure EDC, which was related to the inherent defects in the structure. Deep learning–aided segmentation and systematic data analysis revealed that the presence of inhomogeneous deformation applied by the hard contact was exaggerated by the presence of inner surface imperfections left behind from the matrix densification process. In conclusion, the findings provide insights into the applications, highlighting the necessity for improvements in inner surface roughness and the incorporation of localized contacts in pellet–cladding mechanical interaction computational models.

Composites↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

In-Situ Scanning Electron Microscope Experiments for Microscale Mechanical Testing and Validated Modeling of Fiber Reinforced Thermoplastics

A novel, in-situ, scanning electron microscope (SEM) mechanical testing capability for materials at the microscale which provides experimental validation to a machine learning (ML) toolset for full-field validation of physics-based micromechanics models is being developed by researchers at NASA Glenn Research Center. These are enabling technologies for the integration of multiscale digital twins for materials into system level models which will result in the improved performance, material discovery, reduced production cost and time, rapid characterization, and prognostic structural health monitoring (SHM) for materials and structures for extreme environments in support of NASA space exploration missions. In order to bridge the material structure-to-system gap for digital twins, physics-based models must be experimentally validated at multiple length scales. Seminal microscale experiments, conducted at the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), were limited to transverse compression of single-layer, unidirectional thermoset polymer matrix composite (PMC) micropillar specimens [1]. The early phases of the current project followed those initial results and setup to reproduce the compression testing of PMC material on the custom-built piezoelectric actuated micromechanical testing rig built by MicroTesting Solutions LLC. In this work, samples of thermoplastic PMC material were first machined into 3 mm cubes, and then further machining and final milling was done using a Focused Ion Beam (FIB). The initial experiment was done on a pillar roughly 20 µm x 20 µm x 40 µm tall. Additional pillars were milled with final sizes ranging from 20 µm x 20 µm x 40 µm tall to 40 µm x 40 µm x 65 µm tall. A speckle pattern for in-situ full-field measurements using Digital Image Correlation (DIC) was applied with platinum, which was coated on the surface, and then the FIB was used to mill away some of the coating to produce an irregular pattern of Pt on the pillar surface. The samples were loaded into the custom testing rig and placed into the SEM and loaded under compression until failure. Images were collected in the SEM during testing. Post-processing of the images was conducted using DIC to obtain full-field displacement and strain measurements elucidating the role of the matrix as well as fiber-fiber interaction at the microscale within the composite subjected to compression loading well into the non-linear regime of the material. Moreover, the evolution of fiber-matrix debonding and matrix cracking is observed in-situ at the microscale. This data, along with images segmented with a newly developed ML toolset [2], was used to create and validate physics-based micromechanics models. An image of the failed micropillar is shown in Figure 1. The techniques developed in the initial compression experiment was tailored to the validation needs of the models and expanded to include different sized samples as well as possibly tension and fatigue.

Laura Wilson↗
NASA NTRS2004

Mechanical Components Branch Test Facilities and Capabilities

The Mechanical Components Branch at NASA Glenn Research Center formulates, conducts, and manages research focused on propulsion systems for both present and advanced aeronautical and space vehicles. The branch is comprised of research teams that perform basic research in three areas: mechanical drives, aerospace seals, and space mechanisms. Each team has unique facilities for testing aerospace hardware and concepts. This report presents an overview of the Mechanical Components Branch test facilities.

Oswald, Fred B.↗
NASA NTRS1973

Capabilities of electrodynamic shakers when used for mechanical shock testing

The results of a research task to investigate the capabilities of electrodynamic vibrators (shakers) to perform mechanical shock tests are presented. The simulation method employed was that of developing a transient whose shock response spectrum matched the desired shock response spectrum. Areas investigated included the maximum amplitude capabilities of the shaker systems, the ability to control the shape of the resultant shock response spectrum, the response levels induced at frequencies outside the controlled bandwidth, and the nonlinearities in structural response induced by a change in test level.

Keegan, W. B.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Hold Down and Release Mechanism Hardware Simulator for Ground Deployment Testing

Hold Down and Release Mechanisms (HDRMs) are a common piece of spacecraft hardware which restrain components during launch, transit, and later allow them to be extended, jettisoned, separated, etc. at the spacecraft’s destination. Due to prohibitively high cost, long lead times, and limited reset capability, testing of mechanisms that require HDRMs is often difficult. This project explored the possibility of designing HDRM-analogue devices that would replicate the function of flight HDRMs during ground-based testing for a fraction of the cost of a flight HDRM. These devices were designed with the requirements of the Spin Eject Mechanism to be used on the Mars Sample Return (MSR) Capture, Containment, and Return System (CCRS) in mind. A trade study was conducted to determine the optimal internal mechanism design of the device, comparing several mechanisms from existing HDRMs to several simpler, more novel mechanisms. CAD software was used to create a preliminary design of the device utilizing a mix of commercial off-the-shelf parts and custom-manufactured parts. Several straightforward analyses were conducted to determine the most effective models for the off-the-shelf parts. A prototype largely composed of 3D-printed components was also created to proof the design concept. Although this HDRM simulator was designed for a particular mechanism for the CCRS mission, its general design is useful for ground testing of a variety of mechanisms requiring similar HDRM simulators.

Kian Vilhauer↗
DOE OSTI2024

Optimal Geometry for Focused Ion Beam-Milled Samples for Direct-Pull Micro-Tensile Testing Performed In Situ in a Scanning Electron Microscope

A thorough procedure was developed to efficiently manufacture dogbone samples using focused ion beam (FIB) milling for micro-tensile testing. A Bruker PI 89 PicoIndenter, Billerica, MA, USA, was used as a case study, although the analysis and results are applicable to other micro-mechanical testing systems capable of mounting a standard, Ø12.7 mm × Ø3.2 mm pin, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) pin stub (Ted Pella, Redding, CA, USA). Nine dogbones were made from an Fe-45Cu alloy additively manufactured using powder-fed laser-directed energy deposition (DED-LB). Testing showed that fracture was confined to the gauge section for all dogbones and that the fracture mode, ductile vs. brittle, was entirely dependent on the grain orientation relative to the loading direction. The analysis showed that the measured plastic strain to failure can vary from >11% (optimal geometry) to <1% (non-optimal geometry) in micro-tensile testing of high-tensile-strength (>1 GPa) metallic materials. Subsequently, a finite element analysis (FEA) was conducted to identify the improved dogbone geometries. A total of ten thousand dogbone geometries were tested, and their dimensions were defined by a set of four adjustable parameters (corner radius, load surface angle, load surface length, and dogbone head length). The gauge width and gauge length were fixed to 4 µm and 10 µm, respectively. Three-dimensional surface plots of the stress concentration as a function of two parameters were used to identify the optimal ranges of parameter values. The addition of maximum width and length constraints, measuring 25 µm and 30 µm, respectively, allowed us to identify an optimal geometry at load surface angles of 30° and 45°. Their respective dimensions (corner radius, load surface length, and dogbone head length) are, in µm, 12, 6, and 7 and 10, 7, and 7. Testing these two optimal geometries with a range of gauge lengths from 4 to 20 µm showed that smaller gauge lengths only slightly reduced the detrimental stress concentration outside the gauge section. However, smaller gauge lengths will notably improve the FIB surface polishing step as tapering is reduced with smaller dogbone lengths.

Chemistry↗
NASA NTRS1990

Rubberlike elasticity experiment

Four rubber erasers from the campus bookstore, two green and two white, have been cut to have identical dimensions. These are loaded in compression with a mechanical test machine capable of applying cyclic loads and providing output to an X-Y plotter. The anelastic behavior of rubber as well as the relative stiffnesses of composite materials loaded transversely and longitudinally may be demonstrated to beginning students or used as input for computer analysis by students.

Greet, Richard↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Abrasive Effects of Lunar Regolith on Material Wear for Long-Term Lunar Applications

Long-term operations on the Moon’s surface require materials that can withstand the harsh lunar environment. Lunar dust and regolith pose significant threats to the long-term durability of materials used in lunar applications. Lunar dust, easily perturbed and dispersed, adheres and abrades materials due to its rough and irregular grain morphology. More closely representing this abrasion action through experimental laboratory testing is critical in assessing the durability of potential lunar candidate materials used in mechanical, sensor, and human-based systems. In this study, the performance of materials using Taber abrasive wheels made from lunar regolith simulant was assessed and compared to results obtained using standard ceramic-based abrasion materials. The results highlight a difference in the abrasive wear rates between the lunar regolith simulant and the standard ceramic-based abrasive. Utilizing the mechanisms and testing capabilities of this two-body abrasive interaction leveraging regolith-based abrasives may more closely represent the interplay between materials and lunar dust, which is vital for assessing the long-term viability of materials for extended lunar missions. Improved lunar testing capabilities may also enhance evaluations of the long-term performance degradation of passive and active dust mitigation methods.

Zachary Stein↗
NASA NTRS1971

An inventory of aeronautical ground research facilities. Volume 1: Wind tunnels

A survey of wind tunnel research facilities in the United States is presented. The inventory includes all subsonic, transonic, and hypersonic wind tunnels operated by governmental and private organizations. Each wind tunnel is described with respect to size, mechanical operation, construction, testing capabilities, and operating costs. Facility performance data are presented in charts and tables.

Pirrello, C. J.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

NASA Kennedy Space Center Swamp Works 10th Anniversary: Innovative Research & Technology Development Summary

Kennedy Space Center’s (KSC) Swamp Works, provides government and commercial space ventures with the technologies required for working and living on the surfaces of the Moon or other planets and bodies in our solar system. The Swamp Works team establishes rapid, innovative and cost-effective exploration mission solutions through leveraging of partnerships across NASA, industry and academia. Concepts start small and build up fast, with lean development processes and a hands-on approach. Testing is performed in early stages to drive design improvements and progressively increase Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). Swamp Works provides concepts, architecture studies and trades, designs, data, technology development, technology demonstration hardware, flight hardware, testing, flight support and knowledge in support of the development of surface systems. It consists of several teams with associated laboratories and test capabilities. The Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations (GMRO) Laboratory and the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory (ESPL) are co-located in the Engineering Development Lab (EDL) facility high bay. The Applied Chemistry Lab (ACL) is in an adjacent facility and other KSC labs are being influenced by the innovation methods pioneered at the Swamp Works. The Swamp Works was founded in January 2013 by a group of scientists and engineers at KSC with the over-arching vision of expanding humanity and civilization into the solar system by the use of space resources via advanced technology. Ultimately, this will create a solar system economy that will improve the human condition due to the abundance of energy and resources. This paper will summarize the projects and technology development that have been performed by the Swamp Works to celebrate its 10th Anniversary of innovation success.

Robotic Mining↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Swamp Works Technology Development 10th Anniversary: 2013-2023

Kennedy Space Center’s (KSC) Swamp Works, provides government and commercial space ventures with the technologies required for working and living on the surfaces of the Moon or other planets and bodies in our solar system. The Swamp Works team establishes efficient, innovative and cost-effective exploration mission solutions through leveraging of partnerships across NASA, industry and academia. Concepts start small and build up momentum, with lean development processes and a hands-on approach. Testing is performed in early stages to drive design improvements and progressively increase Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). Swamp Works provides concepts, architecture studies and trades, designs, data, technology development, technology demonstration hardware, flight hardware, testing, flight support and knowledge in support of the development of surface systems. It consists of several teams with associated laboratories and test capabilities. The Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations (GMRO) Laboratory and the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory (ESPL) are co-located in the Engineering Development Lab (EDL) facility high bay. The Applied Chemistry Lab (ACL) is in an adjacent facility and other KSC labs are being influenced by the innovation methods pioneered at the Swamp Works. The Swamp Works was founded in January 2013 by a group of scientists and engineers at KSC with the over-arching vision of expanding humanity and civilization into the solar system by the use of space resources via advanced technology. Ultimately, this will create a solar system economy that will improve the human condition due to the abundance of energy and resources. This presentation will summarize the projects and technology development that have been performed by the Swamp Works to celebrate its 10th Anniversary of innovation success.

Swamp Works↗
NASA NTRS2023

Swamp Works Technology Development 10th Anniversary: 2013-2023 - Innovative Research & Technology Development Summary

Kennedy Space Center’s (KSC) Swamp Works, provides government and commercial space ventures with the technologies required for working and living on the surfaces of the Moon or other planets and bodies in our solar system. The Swamp Works team establishes rapid, innovative and cost-effective exploration mission solutions through leveraging of partnerships across NASA, industry and academia. Concepts start small and build up efficiently, with lean development processes and a hands-on approach. Testing is performed in early stages to drive design improvements and progressively increase Technology Readiness Levels (TRL). Swamp Works provides concepts, architecture studies and trades, designs, data, technology development, technology demonstration hardware, flight hardware, testing, flight support and knowledge in support of the development of surface systems. It consists of several teams with associated laboratories and test capabilities. The Granular Mechanics and Regolith Operations (GMRO) Laboratory and the Electrostatics and Surface Physics Laboratory (ESPL) are co-located in the Engineering Development Lab (EDL) facility high bay. The Applied Chemistry Lab (ACL) is in an adjacent facility and other KSC labs are being influenced by the innovation methods pioneered at the Swamp Works. The Swamp Works was founded in January 2013 by a group of scientists and engineers at KSC with the over-arching vision of expanding humanity and civilization into the solar system by the use of space resources via advanced technology. Ultimately, this will create a solar system economy that will improve the human condition due to the abundance of energy and resources. This presentation will summarize the projects and technology development that have been performed by the Swamp Works to celebrate its 10th Anniversary of innovation success.

Swamp Works↗