Engineering topics

Pepper, Stephen V.

Publications and source records attributed to Pepper, Stephen V..

At least 19 records

NASA NTRS2018

Lifetimes of Multiply Alkylated Cyclopentane Oil in Contact with Various Metals, Evaluated with Vacuum Spiral Orbit Tribometer

The dependence of the lifetimes of small quantities of a Multiply Alkylated Cyclopentane (MAC) lubricant oil, Pennzane (Registered Trademark) 2001A (Nye Lubricants, Inc.), in rolling and sliding contact with different metals was evaluated with a vacuum spiral orbit tribometer. The metals were the bearing alloys 52100 steel, 440C steel, 17-4 PH steel and Nitinol 60 and the elements chromium, vanadium and titanium. The lifetimes of the lubricant oil on different metals fell into distinct groups with 52100 greater than 440C approx. Nitinol 60 greater than 17-4 PH for the order of the lifetimes of the steels and chromium greater than vanadium greater than titanium for the order of the lifetimes for the elements. The limited life of the small quantities of oil is assumed to be due to its consumption by the tribochemical reaction of the oil with the different metal bearing materials. The lifetimes are then inversely related to the reaction rates of the oil molecules with the various metals: the longest life of 52100 steel having the lowest reaction rate and the shortest life of titanium having the highest reaction rate. Mechanisms for the tribochemical reactions are discussed.

lubrication↗

NASA NTRS2014

The MillSOT-A Spiral Orbit Tribometer on a Milling Machine

A spiral orbit tribometer (SOT) intended to characterize friction and wear phenomena has been constructed on a milling machine. The instrument, essentially a retainerless thrust bearing with one ball and flat races, is exceedingly simple and inexpensive to construct. The capabilities of the tribometer to measure both the coefficient of friction and contact electrical resistance are demonstrated with clean specimens as well as with well known lubricants such as molybdenum disulphide and Krytox oil. Operation in a purged environment of inert gas is also demonstrated. The results with these lubricants are quite close to what is obtained by other methods. Suggestions for extending the capabilities of the tribometer are given. This arrangement may find use in university mechanical engineering laboratories to introduce and study rolling contact motion as well as for research in contact mechanics and tribology.

Pepper, Stephen V.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Effect of Test Environment on Lifetime of Two Vacuum Lubricants Determined by Spiral Orbit Tribometry

The destruction rates of a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricant, Krytox 143AC, subjected to rolling contact with 440C steel in a spiral orbit tribometer at room temperature have been evaluated as a function of test environment. The rates in ultrahigh vacuum, 0.213 kPa (1.6 torr) oxygen and one atmosphere of dry nitrogen were about the same. Water vapor in the test environment-a few ppm in one atmosphere of nitrogen-reduced the destruction rate by up to an order of magnitude. A similar effect of water vapor was found for the destruction rate of Pennzane 2001A, an unformulated multiply alkylated cyclopentane (MAC) hydrocarbon oil.

Pepper, Stephen V.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Bonding and Microstructural Stability in Ni55Ti45 Studied by Experimental and Theoretical Methods

Spiral orbit tribometry friction tests performed on Ni-rich Ni55Ti45 titanium ball bearings indicate that this alloy is a promising candidate for future aerospace bearing applications. Microstructural characterization of the bearing specimens was performed using transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, with NiTi, Ni4Ti3, Ni3Ti, and Ni2Ti4Ox phases identified within the microstructure of the alloy. Density functional theory was applied to predict the electronic structure of the NixTiy phases, including the band structure and site projected density of states. Ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy was used to verify the density of states results from the density functional theory calculations, with good agreement observed between experiment and theory.

Stott, Amanda C.↗

NASA NTRS2010

Lubrication of Nitinol 60

The mechanical properties of Nitinol 60, 60 wt% Ni, 40 wt% Ti (55 at.% Ni, 45 at.% Ti) are sufficiently attractive to warrant its consideration as a lubricated triboelement. Triboelements are always run lubricated. The ability to lubricate Nitinol 60 by the oils usually used on spacecraft mechanisms--Pennzane 2001A, Krytox 143AC and Castrol 815Z--was experimentally determined. These oils were run in the boundary lubrication regime for Nitinol 60 balls running against Nitinol 60 counterfaces in the vacuum spiral orbit tribometer. Test results consisting of the coefficient of friction versus time (friction traces) and relative degradation rates of the oils are presented. Contrary to the inability to successfully lubricate other metal alloys with high titanium content, it was found that Nitinol 60 is able to be lubricated by these oils. Overall, the results presented here indicate that Nitinol 60 is a credible candidate material for bearing applications.

Pepper, Stephen V.↗

NASA NTRS2009

Nitinol 60 as a Material For Spacecraft Triboelements

The mechanical properties of Nitinol 60, 60 w/o Ni, 40 w/oTi (55 a/o Ni, 45 a/o Ti) are sufficiently attractive to warrant its consideration as a lubricated spacecraft triboelement. The ability to lubricate Nitinol 60 by the oils usually used on spacecraft mechanisms--Pennzane 2001A, Krytox 143AC and Castrol 815Z - was experimentally determined. These oils were run in the boundary lubrication regime for Nitinol 60 balls running against a 440C steel counterface in the vacuum spiral orbit tribometer. Test results consisting of the coefficient of friction versus time (friction traces) and relative degradation rates are presented. Contrary to the inability to successfully lubricate other metal alloys with high titanium content, it was found that Nitinol 60 is able to be lubricated by these oils. Overall, the results presented here indicate that Nitinol 60 is a credible candidate material for spacecraft bearing applications.

Pepper, Stephen V.↗

NASA NTRS2007

Spiral Orbit Tribometer

The spiral orbit tribometer (SOT) bridges the gap between full-scale life testing and typically unrealistic accelerated life testing of ball-bearing lubricants in conjunction with bearing ball and race materials. The SOT operates under realistic conditions and quickly produces results, thereby providing information that can guide the selection of lubricant, ball, and race materials early in a design process. The SOT is based upon a simplified, retainerless thrust bearing comprising one ball between flat races (see figure). The SOT measures lubricant consumption and degradation rates and friction coefficients in boundary lubricated rolling and pivoting contacts. The ball is pressed between the lower and upper races with a controlled force and the lower plate is rotated. The combination of load and rotation causes the ball to move in a nearly circular orbit that is, more precisely, an opening spiral. The spiral s pitch is directly related to the friction coefficient. At the end of the orbit, the ball contacts the guide plate, restoring the orbit to its original radius. The orbit is repeatable throughout the entire test. A force transducer, mounted in-line with the guide plate, measures the force between the ball and the guide plate, which directly relates to the friction coefficient. The SOT, shown in the figure, can operate in under ultra-high vacuum (10(exp -9) Torr) or in a variety of gases at atmospheric pressure. The load force can be adjusted between 45 and 450 N. By varying the load force and ball diameter, mean Hertzian stresses between 0.5 and 5.0 GPa can be obtained. The ball s orbital speed range is between 1 and 100 rpm.

Pepper, Stephen V.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Effect of Test Environment on Lifetime of Two Vacuum Lubricants Determined by Spiral Orbit Tribometry

The destruction rates of a perfluoropolyether (PFPE) lubricant, Krytox 143AC(TradeMark), subjected to rolling contact with 440C steel in a spiral orbit tribometer at room temperature have been evaluated as a function of test environment. The rates in ultrahigh vacuum, 0.21 3 kPa (1.6 Torr) oxygen and one atmosphere of dry nitrogen were about the same. Water vapor in the test environment - a few ppm in one atmosphere of nitrogen - reduced the destruction rate by up to an order of magnitude. A similar effect of water vapor was found for the destruction rate of Pennzane(Registered TradeMark) 2001A , an unformulated multiply alkylated cyclopentane (MAC) hydrocarbon oil.

Pepper, Stephen V.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Ball Bearings Equipped for In Situ Lubrication on Demand

In situ systems that provide fresh lubricants to ball/race contacts on demand have been developed to prolong the operational lives of ball bearings. These systems were originally intended to be incorporated into ball bearings in mechanisms that are required to operate in outer space for years, in conditions in which lubricants tend to deteriorate and/or evaporate. These systems may also be useful for similarly prolonging bearing lifetimes on Earth. Reservoirs have been among the means used previously to resupply lubricants. Lubricant- resupply reservoirs are bulky and add complexity to bearing assemblies. In addition, such a reservoir cannot be turned on or off as needed: it supplies lubricant continuously, often leading to an excess of lubricant in the bearing. A lubricator of the present type includes a porous ring cartridge attached to the inner or the outer ring of a ball bearing (see Figure 1). Oil is stored in the porous cartridge and is released by heating the cartridge: Because the thermal expansion of the oil exceeds that of the cartridge, heating causes the ejection of some oil. A metal film can be deposited on a face of the cartridge to serve as an electrical-resistance heater. The heater can be activated in response to a measured increase in torque that signals depletion of oil from the bearing/race contacts. Because the oil has low surface tension and readily wets the bearing-ring material, it spreads over the bearing ring and eventually reaches the ball/race contacts. The Marangoni effect (a surface-tension gradient associated with a temperature gradient) is utilized to enhance the desired transfer of lubricant to the ball/race contacts during heating. For a test, a ball bearing designed for use at low speed was assembled without lubricant and equipped with a porous-ring lubricator, the resistance heater of which consumed a power of less than 1 W when triggered on by a torque-measuring device. In the test, a load of 20 lb (.89 N) was applied and the bearing was turned at a rate of 200 RPM. The lubricator control was turned on at the beginning of the test, turned off for about 800 seconds, then turned on again. As shown in Figure 2, the controlled lubricator stabilized the torque in a low range, starting immediately after initial turn-on and immediately after resumption of the lubricator control.

Marchetti, Mario↗

NASA NTRS2004

Extended Operation of Stirling Convertors

A high-efficiency 110 W Stirling Radioisotope Generator 110 (SRG110) is being developed for potential NASA exploration missions. The SRG system efficiency is greater than 20%, making it an attractive candidate power system for deep space missions and unmanned rovers. The Department of Energy SRG110 Project team consists of the System Integrator, Lockheed Martin (LM), Stirling Technology Company (STC), and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). One of the GRC roles is to provide Independent Verification and Validation of the Stirling TDC s. At the request of LM, a part of this effort includes the Extended Operation of the TDC s in the dynamically balanced dual-opposed configuration. Performance data of Stirling Convertors over time is required to demonstrate that an SRG110 can meet long-duration mission requirements. A test plan and test system were developed to evaluate TDC s #13 and #14 steady-state performance for a minimum of 5000 hours. Hardware, software and TDC preparation processes were developed to support this test and insure safe, round-the-clock operation of the TDC s. This paper will discuss the design and development, and status of the Extended Operation Test.

Roth, Mary Ellen↗

NASA NTRS2004

Extended Operation of Stirling Convertors

A high-efficiency 110 watt Stirling Radioisotope Generator 110 (SRG110) is being developed for potential NASA exploration missions. The SRG system efficiency is greater than 20%, making it an attractive candidate power system for deep space missions and unmanned rovers. The Department of Energy SRG110 Project team consists of the System Integrator, Lockheed Martin (LM), Stirling Technology Company (STC), and NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). One of the GRC roles is to provide Independent Verification and Validation of the Stirling TDC's. At the request of LM, a part of this effort includes the extended operation of the TDC's in the dynamically balanced dual-opposed configuration. Performance data of the Stirling Converters over time is required to demonstrate that an SRG110 can meet long-duration mission requirements. A test plan and test system were developed to evaluate TDC's #13 and #14 steady-state performance for a minimum of 5000 hours and insure safe, round-the-clock operation of the TDC's. This paper will discuss the design and development, and status of the Extended Operation Test.

Roth, Mary Ellen↗

NASA NTRS2003

In Situ, On-Demand Lubrication System Developed for Space Mechanisms

Many moving mechanical assemblies (MMA) for space mechanisms rely on liquid lubricants to provide reliable, long-term performance. The proper performance of the MMA is critical in assuring a successful mission. Historically, mission lifetimes were short and MMA duty cycles were minimal. As mission lifetimes were extended, other components, such as batteries and computers, failed before lubricated systems. However, improvements in these ancillary systems over the last decade have left the tribological systems of the MMAs as the limiting factor in determining spacecraft reliability. Typically, MMAs are initially lubricated with a very small charge that is supposed to last the entire mission lifetime, often well in excess of 5 years. In many cases, the premature failure of a lubricated component can result in mission failure.

Marchetti, Mario↗

NASA NTRS2002

In-situ, On-demand Lubrication System for Space Mechanisms

Many of today's spacecraft have long mission lifetimes. Whatever the lubrication method selected, the initial lubricant charge is required to last the entire mission. Fluid lubricant losses are mainly due to evaporation, tribo-degradation, and oil creep out of the tribological regions. In the past, several techniques were developed to maintain the appropriate amount of oil in the system. They were based on oil reservoirs (cartridges, impregnated porous parts), barrier films, and labyrinth seals. Nevertheless, all these systems have had limited success or have not established a proven record for space missions. The system reported here provides to the ball-race contact fresh lubricant in-situ and on demand. The lubricant is stored in a porous cartridge attached to the inner or the outer ring of a ball bearing. The oil is released by heating the cartridge to eject oil, taking advantage of the greater thermal expansion of the oil compared to the porous network. The heating may be activated by torque increases that signal the depletion of oil in the contact. The low surface tension of the oil compared to the ball bearing material is utilized and the close proximity of the cartridge to the moving balls allows the lubricant to reach the ball-race contacts. This oil resupply system can be used to avoid a mechanism failure or reduce torque to an acceptable level and extend the life of the component.

Marchetti, Mario↗

NASA NTRS2002

Evaluation of an In-Situ, Liquid Lubrication System for Space Mechanisms Using a Vacuum Spiral Orbit Tribometer

Many moving mechanical assemblies (MMAs) for space applications rely on a small, initial charge of lubricant for the entire mission lifetime, often in excess of five years. In many cases, the premature failure of a lubricated component can result in mission failure. If lubricant could be resupplied to the contact in-situ, the life of the MMA could be extended. A vacuum spiral orbit tribometer (SOT) was modified to accept a device to supply re-lubrication during testing. It was successfully demonstrated that a liquid lubricant (Pennzane (Registered Trademark)/Nye 2001A) could be evaporated into a contact during operation, lowering the friction coefficient and therefore extending the life of the system.

Jansen, Mark J.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Spiral Orbit Tribometry: Evaluation of Three Liquid Lubricants in Vacuum - 2

The coefficients of friction and relative degradation rates of three lubricants run in the boundary regime in vacuum are evaluated in a Spiral Orbit Tribometer. This tribometer subjected the lubricants to rolling contact conditions similar to those found in angular contact ball bearings. A multiply alkylated cyclopentane (MAC) hydrocarbon lubricant suffered degradation at a rate almost two orders of magnitude less than the degradation rate of two perfluoropolyalkylether (PFPE) lubricants.

Pepper, Stephen V.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Spiral Orbit Tribometry I: Description of the Tribometer

A new rolling contact tribometer based on a planar thrust bearing geometry is described. The bearing 'races' are flat plates that drive a ball into a near-circular, spiral path. The spiraling ball is returned to its initial radius each revolution around the race by a 'guide plate' backed by a force transducer. The motions of the ball are analyzed and the force exerted by the ball on the guide plate is related to the friction coefficient of the system. The experimental characteristics of the system are presented and the system is shown to exhibit the behavior expected for a tribometer.

Pepper, Stephen V.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Preliminary Evaluation of Greases for Space Mechanisms Using a Vacuum Spiral Orbit Tribometer

Most currently used greases for space applications are based on perfluoropolyalkylethers (PFPE) and multiply alkylated cyclopentane (MAC) oils. Evaluation of the greases includes outgassing properties, rheological behavior, and particularly the ability to create EHL films under conditions as close as possible to an actual application. A spiral orbit tribometer (SOT) has been developed to conduct accelerated tests under realistic conditions. The SOT was employed to evaluate two greases used in space mechanisms: a PFPE oil with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) thickener, and a multiply alkylated cyclopentane oil with n-octadecylterephthalamate soap. The results from the greases are in agreement with results previously obtained with the base oils.

Marchetti, Mario↗

NASA NTRS2001

EHL Transition Temperature Measurements on a Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) Filter Wheel Bearing

The elastohydrodynamic lubrication (EHL) transition temperature was measured for a Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) sounder filter wheel bearing in a vacuum tribometer. Conditions included both an 89 N (20 lb.) hard and soft load, 600 rpm, temperatures between 23 C (73 F) and 85 C (185 F), and a vacuum of approximately 1.3 x 10(exp -5) Pa. Elastohydrodynamic to mixed lubrication started to occur at approximately 70 C (158 F).

Jansen, Mark J.↗