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Yates, I. C., Jr.

Publications and source records attributed to Yates, I. C., Jr..

Preparation and metallurgical properties of low gravity processed immiscible materials

Initial experiments conducted during the Apollo 14 mission demonstrated that unique dispersions of immiscible materials could be obtained by processing in a low gravity environment. Subsequently, seven metallic systems have been processed in three NASA facilities: the drop tower at MSFC, the M-512 facility on board a KC-135 aircraft and the M-518 furnace on board Skylab. All couples were solidified from the liquid while in a low gravity environment, with one gravity processed specimens as controls. Metallographic examination demonstrated that the specimens processed in a low gravity environment exhibited a more uniform dispersion and microstructure than the one gravity processed controls.

Reger, J. L.

Manufacturing developments in insulation application

Manufacturing development studies have been conducted to provide information on the fabrication and handling characteristics of a number of candidate multilayer insulation systems. The application of these complex, lightweight insulation systems to large-scale, flight-type cryogenic tankage and other structures has of necessity required the development of new methods, processes, and tooling concepts. Results of some of the studies that have contributed to the advancement of cryogenic technology are presented. The insulation systems that are of primary importance for future application are those using the sliced foam spacers, the net type spacers, the glass fiber paper spacers, and the Superfloc system which consists of tufts of dacron fibers flocked on the surface of the radiation shields.

Yates, I. C., Jr.

Apollo 14 composite casting demonstration

The purpose of the demonstration was to show that mixtures of materials of different specific gravities would remain stable in the liquid state and during freezing in low g and not segregate as they do on earth. An inflight demonstration was performed on the Apollo 14 mission during the translunar and and transearth coast periods. The apparatus consisted of an electrical heater, a heat sink device for cooling, and sealed metal capsules containing matrix materials having a low-melting point and dispersants. The evaluation of the demonstration samples was accomplished by comparing space processed (flight) samples with (control) samples processed on the ground under otherwise similar conditions. In the low q environment of space flight the dispersions of particles, fibers, and gases in a liquid metal matrix were maintained during solidification. Dispersions of normally immiscible liquids were also maintained during solidification.

Yates, I. C., Jr.