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At least 19 records

Bragg edge imaging (BEI) of B12W and M8N socket sections of the Arecibo telescope

From neutron user principal investigator: We kindly request the public release of three neutron imaging datasets through ONCat. All datasets were collected from two forensic specimens, B12W and M8N, sectioned from zinc-filled steel-wire sockets recovered from the collapsed Arecibo Telescope. The dataset titled “Neutron radiographs of B12W and M8N socket sections of the Arecibo telescope” contains normalized two-dimensional (2D) neutron radiographs of the specimens, showing the geometry and spatial distribution of the steel wires embedded within the zinc matrix, as well as internal features such as voids and cracks. The dataset titled “Neutron computed tomography of B12W and M8N socket sections of the Arecibo telescope” contains normalized 2D neutron projection images acquired over a range of specimen rotation angles for one selected region of each specimen. These projection images were used to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) tomographic volumes that reveal the embedded-wire geometry and internal defects. The dataset titled “Bragg edge imaging (BEI) of B12W and M8N socket sections of the Arecibo telescope” contains six time-of-flight (TOF) neutron imaging datasets, three from each specimen, acquired at regions of interest selected based on the radiographs. The spatially resolved 2D TOF images show the zinc matrix and embedded steel wires, and the wavelength-dependent neutron transmission data were used to characterize crystallographic texture within the zinc. All components and their condition are in the public domain as they are the property of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The neutron imaging data, part geometries, and detailed forensic information have been widely published in the Arecibo Telescope Collapse Forensic Report by Thornton Tomasetti Engineers and others (NASA report and NASEM report).

Bilheux, Hassina↗

Evaluation of Contact Separation Force Testing as a Screening Methodology for Electrical Socket Contacts

During system level testing intermittent and permanent open circuit failures of mated, crimp removable, electrical contact pairs were experienced. The root cause of the failures was determined to be low (but not zero) contact forces applied by the socket contact tines against the engaging pin. The low contact force reduces the effectiveness of the wiping action of the socket tines against the pin. The observed failure mode may be produced when insufficient wiping during mate, demate and small relative movement in use allows for the accumulation of debris or insulating films that electrically separate the contact pair. The investigation identified at least three manufacturing process control problems associated with the socket contacts that enabled shipment of contacts susceptible to developing low contact forces: (1) Improper heat treatment of the socket tines resulting in plastic rather than elastic behavior; (2) Overly thinned socket tines at their base resulting in reduced pin retention forces; (3) Insufficient screening tests to identify parts susceptible to the aforementioned failure mechanisms. The results from an extensive screening program of socket contacts utilizing the industry standard contact separation force test procedures are described herein. The investigation shows this method to be capable of identifying initially weak sockets. However, sockets whose contact retention forces may degrade during use may not be screened out by pin retention testing alone. Further investigations are required to correlate low contact retention forces with increased electrical contact resistance in the presence of insulating films that may accumulate in the use environment.

Christopher Green↗

X-Windows Socket Widget Class

The X-Windows Socket Widget Class ("Class" is used here in the object-oriented-programming sense of the word) was devised to simplify the task of implementing network connections for graphical-user-interface (GUI) computer programs. UNIX Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) socket programming libraries require many method calls to configure, operate, and destroy sockets. Most X Windows GUI programs use widget sets or toolkits to facilitate management of complex objects. The widget standards facilitate construction of toolkits and application programs. The X-Windows Socket Widget Class encapsulates UNIX TCP/IP socket-management tasks within the framework of an X Windows widget. Using the widget framework, X Windows GUI programs can treat one or more network socket instances in the same manner as that of other graphical widgets, making it easier to program sockets. Wrapping ISP socket programming libraries inside a widget framework enables a programmer to treat a network interface as though it were a GUI.

Barry, Matthew R.↗

Lessons Learned from the Arecibo Observatory Auxiliary M4N Socket Analysis and Implications for Future Observatory Designs

The Arecibo Observatory collapsed after a progressive structural failure stemming from the failure of a single socket joint cable termination. A failure investigation was conducted to identify the cause of the first failed cable termination socket. Due to the nature of the suspended observatory receiver, the dominant source of loading in the suspension cables was due to deadload, with secondary contributions coming from environmental effects and observatory operation. The high ratio of deadload vs. live load applied to the cable over many years resulted in a creep failure mode of the cast zinc within the socket which further induced stress into the highly stress wires at the entrance of the socket. The design of the socket joint did not explicitly consider socket constituent stress margins and time-dependent damage mechanisms such as creep. Lessons learned from this investigation led to recommendations for revising civil engineering cable standards, and recommendations for manufacturers and designers. The design of cables employing socket terminations should consider the cumulative damage effects from creep and cyclic loading identify their corresponding worst-case inspectable defects or establish a sufficiently high factor of safety so that the design is sufficiently robust to defects and time-dependent failure modes. The design should specify end-of-life capability and set service life inspection intervals with pass/fail inspection criteria. Finally, trial studies on design iterations were conducted to increase the reliability of cables with socket joints.

Pavel Babuska↗

Robot friendly probe and socket assembly

A probe and socket assembly for serving as a mechanical interface between structures is presented. The assembly comprises a socket having a housing adapted for connection to a first supporting structure and a probe which is readily connectable to a second structure and is designed to be easily grappled and manipulated by a robotic device for insertion and coupling with the socket. Cooperable automatic locking means are provided on the probe shaft and socket housing for automatically locking the probe in the socket when the probe is inserted a predetermined distance. A second cooperable locking means on the probe shaft and housing are adapted for actuation after the probe has been inserted the predetermined distance. Actuation means mounted on the probe and responsive to the grip of the probe handle by a gripping device, such as a robot for conditioning the probe for insertion and are also responsive to release of the grip of the probe handle to actuate the second locking means to provide a "hard" lock of the probe in the socket.

Karen L Nyberg↗

NASA Engineering and Safety Center Technical Bulletin No. 21-05: Industry Recommendations from Arecibo Observatory Zinc Spelter Socket Joint Failure Analysis

A structural analysis and forensic investigation concluded that the Arecibo Observatory M4N socket joint failure in August 2020 was primarily due to cumulative damage caused by initially low structural design margins and a high percentage of sustained load, resulting in zinc creep deformation, progressive internal socket wire damage, and eventual loss of joint capacity. Open spelter sockets of this type are used throughout industry in stay cables. Recommendations are proposed to prevent failures of similar socket joints, including verification of positive stress margins in socket joint wires for all failure modes, periodic visual inspections with pass/fail criteria for zinc extrusion that are tied to structural qualification, and revisiting codes/ industry standards to capture lessons learned.

Arecibo Observatory↗

Structural Analysis Findings of Open Spelter Socket Cable Terminations

A three-dimensional nonlinear finite element model of a representative open spelter socket termination was developed to examine the underlying mechanics of load transfer from a structural cable through the termination, the sensitivity of the joint design to wire brooming, zinc material nonlinearity, contact friction between the zinc and socket, voids within the zinc, and, finally, the effects of repeated loading on the joint. Primary factors affecting open spelter socket design are cast zinc plastic flow, depth of zinc slug seating, and quality of wire brooming. Zinc plasticity and proper brooming allows for efficient load transfer by developing confining pressure on the broomed wires in the narrow part of the socket, which keep the wires from pulling out of the zinc and shift failure to occur outside the socket. Highest wire stresses in the cable occur in the outer ring adjacent to the termination. While industry use of stay cables are typically designed to carry less than half the rated breaking force in aggregate, the constituent stresses within the zinc and the wires have the potential to exceed their respective allowable in operation and should be evaluated for fatigue- and creep-critical applications.

Pavel Babuska↗

Neutron computed tomography of B12W and M8N socket sections of the Arecibo telescope

From neutron user principal investigator: We kindly request the public release of three neutron imaging datasets through ONCat. All datasets were collected from two forensic specimens, B12W and M8N, sectioned from zinc-filled steel-wire sockets recovered from the collapsed Arecibo Telescope. The dataset titled “Neutron radiographs of B12W and M8N socket sections of the Arecibo telescope” contains normalized two-dimensional (2D) neutron radiographs of the specimens, showing the geometry and spatial distribution of the steel wires embedded within the zinc matrix, as well as internal features such as voids and cracks. The dataset titled “Neutron computed tomography of B12W and M8N socket sections of the Arecibo telescope” contains normalized 2D neutron projection images acquired over a range of specimen rotation angles for one selected region of each specimen. These projection images were used to reconstruct three-dimensional (3D) tomographic volumes that reveal the embedded-wire geometry and internal defects. The dataset titled “Bragg edge imaging (BEI) of B12W and M8N socket sections of the Arecibo telescope” contains six time-of-flight (TOF) neutron imaging datasets, three from each specimen, acquired at regions of interest selected based on the radiographs. The spatially resolved 2D TOF images show the zinc matrix and embedded steel wires, and the wavelength-dependent neutron transmission data were used to characterize crystallographic texture within the zinc. All components and their condition are in the public domain as they are the property of the National Science Foundation (NSF). The neutron imaging data, part geometries, and detailed forensic information have been widely published in the Arecibo Telescope Collapse Forensic Report by Thornton Tomasetti Engineers and others (NASA report and NASEM report).

Bilheux, Hassina↗

PMK 1000 cone-socket ventilator fittings force testing to ISO 5356-1:2015 Standard

This memo summarizes the results of verification tests on a cone-socket fitting to the ISO 5356-1:2015 standard, annexes B and F. The components were found to meet requirements holding 50N tensile force and more than 35 N-cm of torque for 10 seconds without separating at 35°C with a fresh socket. Humidity control was unavailable; consequently, humidity was significantly lower than the values in the ISO standard. Several repeat tests of the fitting with force, torque, and time excursions give us confidence that the fittings perform suitably to the ISO standard. Force overload tests suggest that the samples will disengage under tension at around 69 N, while torque overload tests under a force of 50 N will fail at 79 N-cm of torque. If repeated tests are performed on the same component, the socket can deform and lead to the connection failing the standard requirements. However, such failures only occur with repeated testing, and the gripping of such units can be modified so that they pass the standard. This observation demonstrates that socket gripping is responsible for those failures and would not be a problem in application.

42 ENGINEERING↗

The possible nature of socket stars in H II regions

Close inspection of faint stars (V of about 14 mag) in H II regions show that they appear to be surrounded by circumstellar envelopes of about 10 arcsecs in diameter (as reported by Feibelman in 1989). The present premise is that the sockets are envelopes of obscuring dust which should emit a measurable amount of infrared radiation based on a simple thermal equilibrium model. A search of literature shows that, of 36 socket stars listed by Feibelman, 17 have been measured in the infrared. Of the 17, 14 show excess IR emission. This is very strong evidence that the socket stars are really stars with circumstellar envelopes. Socket stars may be a new type of astronomical object or well-known astronomical objects in environments or evolutionary states not previously seen.

Castelaz, Michael W.↗

Tethering sockets and wrenches

The tethering of sockets and wrenches was accomplished to improve the safety of working over motor segments. To accomplish the tethering of the sockets to the ratchets, a special design was implemented in which a groove was machined into each socket. Each socket was then fitted with a snap ring that can spin around the machined groove. The snap ring is tethered to the handle of the ratchet. All open end wrenches are also tethered to the ratchet or to the operator, depending upon the type. Tests were run to ensure that the modified tools meet torque requirements. The design was subsequently approved by Space Safety.

Johnson, E. P.↗

Continuity tester screens out faulty socket connections

A device, used before and after assembly, tests the continuity of an electrical circuit through each pin and socket of multiple connector sockets. Electrically insulated except at the contact area, a test probe is dimensioned to make contact only in properly formed sockets.

Golding, G.↗

Rheoceptive mediators of graviperception in a water flea: Morphological implications of antennal-socket setae in daphnia magna

Aquatic microcrustaceans of the genus Daphnia are known to orient to light during the day. At night, in the absence of visual cues, daphnids were suspected of maintaining equilibrium by monitoring the direction of gravity through their swimming antennae. Recent investigations using simulated, weightlessness conditions coupled with absence of illumination revealed hair like structures or setae on the basal, articulating socket of the antennae that, when surgically removed, resulted in disorientation. Given the simulated weightlessness or neutrally buoyant condition that eliminated sinking of the normally negatively buoyant Daphnia, it was proposed that the antennal socket setae function as rheoceptors stimulated by the upward rush of water currents during gravity induced, sinking phase of daphnid swimming movements. This rheoceptively mediated, gravity perception hypothesis is further supported by morphological investigations. Scanning electron micrographs indicate that antennal socket setae are anatomically similar to proprioceptors used by higher crustaceans to monitor gravitational direction.

Meyers, D. G.↗

Langley Research Center Standard for the Evaluation of Socket Welds

A specification utilized for the nondestructive evaluation of socket type pipe joints at Langley Research Center (LaRC) is discussed. The scope of hardware shall include, but is not limited to, all common pipe fittings: tees, elbows, couplings, caps, and so forth, socket type flanges, unions, and valves. In addition, the exterior weld of slip on flanges shall be inspected using this specification. At the discretion of the design engineer, standard practice engineer, Fracture Mechanics Engineering Section, Pressure Systems Committee, or other authority, four nondestructive evaluation techniques may be utilized exclusively, or in combination, to inspect socket type welds. These techniques are visual, radiographic, magnetic particle, and dye penetrant. Under special circumstances, other techniques (such as eddy current or ultrasonics) may be required and their application shall be guided by the appropriate sections of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (B&PVC).

Berry, R. F., Jr.↗

Probe-And-Socket Fasteners For Robotic Assembly

Self-alignment and simplicity of actuation make mechanism amenable to robotic assembly. Includes socket, mounted on structure at worksite, and probe, mounted on piece of equipment to be attached to structure at socket. Probe-and-socket mechanism used in conjunction with fixed target aiding in placement of end effector of robot during grasping, and with handle or handles on structure. Intended to enable robot to set up workstation in hostile environment. Workstation then used by astronaut, aquanaut, or other human, spending minimum time in environment. Human concentrates on performing quality work rather than on setting up equipment, with consequent reduction of risk.

Nyberg, Karen↗

Improved Ball-and-Socket Docking Mechanism

A proposed docking mechanism would form a ball-and-socket joint in the docked condition. The mechanism could tolerate significant initial misalignment because it would include an alignment cone that would guide the ball into the socket. Like other ball-and-socket joints, the joint would have three rotational degrees of freedom. This docking mechanism would be a successor to the one described in Passive Capture Joint With Three Degrees of Freedom (MFS-31146), NASA Tech Briefs, Vol. 22, No. 7 (July 1998), page 65. It would contain most of the components of the prior mechanism, plus some additional components that would expand its capabilities.

Cloyd, Richard↗

Piezoresistive gage tests pin-connector sockets

Connector pin consisting of a piezoresistive crystal, retainer spring and a bridge circuit with voltmeter is used to test connector sockets and may be adapted for multiple socket testing.

Bond, W. W.↗