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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 181 records · Page 10

Dielectric property measurements in the Electromagnetic Properties Measurement Laboratory

The capability to measure the dielectric properties of various materials has been developed in the Electromagnetic Properties Measurement Laboratory (EPML) of the Electromagnetics Research Branch (ERB). Two measurement techniques which have been implemented in the EPML to characterize materials are the dielectric probe and waveguide techniques. Several materials, including some for which the dielectric properties are well known, have been measured in an attempt to establish the capabilities of the EPML in determining dielectric properties. Brief descriptions of the two techniques are presented in this report, along with representative results obtained during these measurements.

Cravey, Robin L.↗

How machine learning can extend electroanalytical measurements beyond analytical interpretation

Electroanalytical measurements are routinely used to estimate material properties exhibiting current and voltage signatures. Analysis of such measurements relies on analytical expressions of material properties to describe the experiments. The need for analytical expressions limits the experiments that can be used to measure properties as well as the properties that can be estimated from a given experiment. Such analytical relations are essentially solutions of the physics-based differential equations (with properties as coefficients) describing the material behavior under certain specific conditions. In recent years, a new machine learning-based approach has been gaining popularity wherein the differential equations are numerically solved to interpret the electroanalytical experiments in terms of corresponding material properties. Since the physics-based differential equations are solved, one can additionally estimate underlying fields, e.g., concentration profile, using such an approach. To exemplify the characteristics of such a machine learning assisted interpretation of electroanalytical measurements, we use data from the Hebb–Wagner test on a magnesium spinel intercalation host. In conclusion, as compared to the traditional analytical expression-based interpretation, the emerging approach decreases experimental efforts to characterize relevant material properties as well as provides field information that was previously inaccessible.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Spectral Characterization of Modern Spacecraft Materials

One of the observational parameters of interest in ground-based optical measurements is ascertaining material properties using broadband filter photometry and spectroscopy for orbiting targets. Broadband photometry can provide reflectance measurements that can aid in color-color indices and assess if objects can be classified into families or taxonomies. However, these reflectance properties can vary due to aspect angle, phase angle, and general degradation of the target’s exterior material. Spectral characterization can aid in material characterization utilizing known absorption bands and spectra signatures, but these signatures are affected by the same conditions described for remote observations. When utilizing ground-based measurements, it is well understood that material characterization is subject to variability due to space weathering and/or other external events (i.e., collision or explosion). The focus of this study is on space weathering effects on spacecraft materials in low Earth orbit. To better assess how materials are affected by the harsh space environment, specifically modern materials, a collection of materials was analyzed in both its pristine condition and after electron bombardment. This sample collection is part of an upcoming mission with the Materials International Space Station Experiment Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) that will be launched in 2022. These laboratory analyses on the samples will provide a ground truth to compare with the in-situ collected data. The data will also be stored in the NASA Johnson Space Center’s Spacecraft Materials Spectral Database that is available to U. S. citizens and maintained by the Orbital Debris Program Office. The following paper provides an overview of the materials investigated, laboratory and database overview, and spectral results for both pristine and post-electron exposed conditions. The spectral signature data highlights which materials are stable, or remain relatively unchanged, and which materials vary significantly due to exposure and material configuration (variations due to rotation of the sample on a flat surface). Initial results on changes in spectral directional reflectance of the materials as a function of incident illumination direction are also presented. This data also will benefit the space situational awareness community with spectral characterization of novel materials that can support their respective optical measurements focused on material identification.

Heather M Cowardin↗

Spectral Characterization of Modern Spacecraft Materials

One of the observational parameters of interest in ground-based optical measurements is ascertaining material properties using broadband filter photometry and spectroscopy for orbiting targets. Broadband photometry can provide reflectance measurements that can aid in producing color-color indices and assess if objects can be classified into families or taxonomies. However, these reflectance properties can vary due to aspect angle, phase angle, and general degradation of the target’s exterior material. Spectral characterization can aid in material characterization utilizing known absorption bands and spectral signatures, but these signatures are affected by the same conditions described for remote observations.When utilizing ground-based measurements, it is well understood that material characterization is subject to variability due to space weathering and/or other external events (i.e., collision or explosion). The focus of this study is on space weathering effects on spacecraft materials in low Earth orbit. To better assess how materials are affected by the harsh space environment, specifically modern materials, a collection of materials were analyzed in both their pristine condition and after electron bombardment. This sample collection is part of an upcoming mission with the Materials International Space Station Experiment Flight Facility (MISSE-FF) that will be launched in 2022. These laboratory analyses on the samples will provide a ground-truth to compare with the insitu collected data. The data will also be stored in the NASA Johnson Space Center’s Spacecraft Materials Spectral Database that is available to U.S. citizens and maintained by the Orbital Debris Program Office. The following paper provides an overview of the materials investigated, laboratory, and database overview, and spectral results for both pristine and post-electron exposed conditions. The spectral signature data highlights which materials are stable, or remain relatively unchanged, and which materials vary significantly due to exposure and material configuration (variations due to rotation of the sample on a flat surface).Initial results on changes in spectral directional reflectance of the materials as a function of incident illumination direction are also presented.This data also will benefit the space situational awareness community with spectral characterization of novel materials that can support their respective optical measurements focused on material identification.

Heather M. Cowardin↗

Evaluation of cellular glasses for solar mirror panel applications

An analytic technique was developed to compare the structural and environmental performance of various materials considered for backing of second surface glass solar mirrors. Cellular glass was determined to be a prime candidate due to its low cost, high stiffness-to-weight ratio, thermal expansion match to mirror glass, evident minimal environmental impact and chemical and dimensional stability under conditions of use. The current state of the art and anticipated developments in cellular glass technology are discussed; material properties are correlated to design requirements. A mathematical model is presented which suggests a design approach which allows minimization of life cost; and, a mechanical and environmental testing program is outlined, designed to provide a material property basis for development of cellular glass hardware, together with methodology for collecting lifetime predictive data. Preliminary material property data from measurements are given. Microstructure of several cellular materials is shown, and sensitivity of cellular glass to freeze-thaw degradation and to slow crack growth is discussed. The effect of surface coating is addressed.

Giovan, M.↗

Measurements of Electrical and Electron Emission Properties of Highly Insulating Materials

Highly insulating materials often acquire significant charges when subjected to fluxes of electrons, ions, or photons. This charge can significantly modify the materials properties of the materials and have profound effects on the functionality of the materials in a variety of applications. These include charging of spacecraft materials due to interactions with the severe space environment, enhanced contamination due to charging in Lunar of Martian environments, high power arching of cables and sources, modification of tethers and ion thrusters for propulsion, and scanning electron microscopy, to name but a few examples. This paper describes new techniques and measurements of the electron emission properties and resistivity of highly insulating materials. Electron yields are a measure of the number of electrons emitted from a material per incident particle (electron, ion or photon). Electron yields depend on incident species, energy and angle, and on the material. They determine the net charge acquired by a material subject to a give incident flu. New pulsed-beam techniques will be described that allow accurate measurement of the yields for uncharged insulators and measurements of how the yields are modified as charge builds up in the insulator. A key parameter in modeling charge dissipation is the resistivity of insulating materials. This determines how charge will accumulate and redistribute across an insulator, as well as the time scale for charge transport and dissipation. Comparison of new long term constant-voltage methods and charge storage methods for measuring resistivity of highly insulating materials will be compared to more commonly used, but less accurate methods.

Dennison, J. R.↗

High-Temperature Thermophysical Property Measurement of Proposed Gen3 CSP Containment Materials

Abstract The US Department of Energy (DOE) has sponsored an initiative to improve the thermal efficiency of Concentrating Solar Power (CSP) systems. To approach parity with conventional fossil fuel-based electricity generation, the operating temperature of the CSP power cycle must exceed 700°C with integrated thermal energy storage. The materials used to house this high-temperature heat transfer media must be thermally stable and corrosion resistant. However, the temperature-dependent thermophysical properties of commonly used containment materials (nickel alloys and alumina-based firebricks) are either not well known or poorly understood. In this report, the high-temperature thermal properties of thirteen (13) candidate containment materials proposed by the CSP community are tested using laser flash analysis and differential scanning calorimetry.

Brankovic, Sonja A.↗

Raman signatures from age-dating PuO 2 since last calcination

The self-irradiation of PuO 2 has been shown to affect the attributes of fifteen vibrational bands in the Raman spectrum. The vibrational bands correspond to the Raman allowed vibrational mode T 2g , overtones, defects, and bands from electronic origin. Defects in the crystal lattice from low-calcination temperature and alpha decay origins are responsible for the changes in the band attributes (band position, full-width half maximum (FWHM), intensity). Crystal lattice defects are also responsible for the growth of the defect bands. The temporal behavior of the vibrational bands can be used to estimate the age of the material since last calcination. Laser annealing was used to reset the material to full crystallinity prior to the aging study. 240 PuO 2 , with an alpha decay rate of 3.67 greater than the decay rate of 239 PuO 2 , was primarily used to assess the alpha decay-induced damage within 3 years. The aging study focused on the time-dependent properties of the T 2g band and the growth of defect bands. The FWHM of the T 2g band and the ratio of the areas of the defect bands/T 2g band were measured through a time period in excess of 3 years. The data from this study were found very close to the data describing the temporal evolution of the lattice constant measured with the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. The local physical properties of the material measured with Raman spectroscopy and the lattice parameter constant measured with XRD indicates a strong correlation between the two techniques. Although both techniques provide similar age-dating information, in contrast to the few milligram quantities required for XRD, Raman spectroscopy requires a 10 µm diameter PuO 2 particle to provide an estimate of the material age since last calcination.

11 NUCLEAR FUEL CYCLE AND FUEL MATERIALS↗

Nondestructive ultrasonic measurement of bolt preload using the pulsed-phase locked-loop interferometer

Achieving accurate preload in threaded fasteners is an important and often critical problem which is encountered in nearly all sectors of government and industry. Conventional tensioning methods which rely on torque carry with them the disadvantage of requiring constant friction in the fastener in order to accurately correlate torque to preload. Since most of the applied torque typically overcomes friction rather than tensioning the fastener, small variations in friction can cause large variations in preload. An instrument called a pulsed phase locked loop interferometer, which was recently developed at NASA Langley, has found widespread use for measurement of stress as well as material properties. When used to measure bolt preload, this system detects changes in the fastener length and sound velocity which are independent of friction. The system is therefore capable of accurately establishing the correct change in bolt tension. This high resolution instrument has been used for precision measurement of preload in critical fasteners for numerous applications such as the space shuttle landing gear and helicopter main rotors.

Allison, S. G.↗

Measuring the density, viscosity, and surface tension of molten titanates using electrostatic levitation in microgravity

Rare earth and barium titanates are useful as ferroelectric, dielectric, and optical materials. Measurements of their thermophysical properties in the liquid state can help guide melt processing technologies for their manufacture and advance understanding of fragile liquids' behavior and glass formation. Here, we report the density, thermal expansion, viscosity, and surface tension of molten BaTi 2 O 5 , BaTi 4 O 9 , and 83TiO 2 -17RE 2 O 3 (RE = La or Nd). Measurements were made using electrostatic levitation and droplet oscillation techniques in microgravity, which provide access to quiescent liquid droplets and deep supercooling of 510–815 K below the equilibrium melting points. Densities were measured over 900–2400 K. Viscosities were similar for all four compositions, increasing from ~10 mPa s near 2100 K to ~30 mPa s near 1750 K. Surface tensions were 450–490 dyn cm -1 for the rare earth titanates and 383–395 dyn cm -1 for the barium titanates; surface tensions of all compositions had small or negligible temperature dependence over 1700–2200 K. In conclusion, for solids recovered after melt quenching, x-ray microtomography revealed the fracture mechanics in crystalline products and minimal internal porosity in glass products, likely arising from entrapped gas bubbles. Internal microstructures were generally similar for products processed either in microgravity or in a terrestrial aerodynamic levitator.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Effect of solution concentration on ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) nonmetallic components used in caustic liquid waste transfer lines

The hose-in-hose transfer lines (HIHTL) used to transfer waste at the United States Department of Energy’s Hanford Site Tank Farm are fabricated from an ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) synthetic rubber. During waste transport, these hoses are exposed to several stressors including caustic solutions at high temperatures and high pressures, as well as β and γ radiation. The aging behavior of HIHTL and dog-bone shaped EPDM specimens were evaluated by exposure to solutions at 77 °C containing 0.00, 6.25, 12.50, and 25.00 % (v/v) sodium hydroxide (NaOH) for 12-months. After the exposure, the material properties of the specimens were measured and compared to the unaged samples. The material properties evaluated included the tensile strength of the EPDM dog-bone samples and the burst pressure of the HIHTL. Both the tensile strength of the EPDM dog-bone samples and the burst pressure of the HIHTL specimens exposed to the 6.25 % NaOH solution exhibited the most significant deterioration and those exposed to 25.00 % NaOH solution had the least deterioration. Finally, examination of the HIHTL and the EPDM dog-bone specimens with scanning electron microscopy showed that the deterioration for the specimens exposed to 6.25 % NaOH solution were the most severe and the samples exposed to 25.00 % NaOH solution had the least deterioration.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Thermophysical and Optical Properties of Materials Considered for Use on the LDSD Test Vehicle

In June 2014, the first of multiple flights in the Low Density Supersonic Decelerator (LDSD) technology development program took place and successfully demonstrated a Supersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (SIAD) in Mars-like conditions. Although the primary goal of the technology program was the development of new decelerators for landing heavier payloads on Mars, the low-cost thermal design of the test vehicle was only possible through the innovative use of a combination of both commercial off the shelf (COTS) and aerospace grade materials. As a result, numerous thermophysical and optical property measurements were undertaken to characterize material candidates before the final material selection was made. This paper presents thermophysical and optical property measurements performed over the course of the LDSD test vehicle development, including those not ultimately selected for use on the vehicle. These properties are compared and contrasted with the existing measurements available in previous literature.

Redmond, Matthew↗

A Validated Finite Element Modeling Tool for Hydrodynamic Loading and Structural Analysis of Ocean Deployed Macroalgae Farms

The objective of this project was to develop and validate a fine-tuned, 3D computational modeling tool for high-fidelity simulations of macroalgae cultivation and harvest systems. To develop this tool, a full understanding of the geometric, material and hydrodynamic properties associated with farming kelp in exposed environments was necessary. Experiments and numerical modeling were done at increasing scales from 1) tank tests with a 1 m model, 2) to field tests with a 61 m culture line at a sheltered site, 3) to field tests with a 122 m culture line at an exposed site and to 4) a 5- line array at the exposed site with 186 m of culture length. The results of the experimental tank tests yielded a set of hydrodynamic drag-area coefficients for a 1 m aggregate based on densely grown kelp at 16 kg/m with a length up to 3 m as described in Fredriksson et al. This work provided the basis to model kelp as a 1 m aggregate based on in-situ geometric and material properties to include measurements of kelp blade length and width, number of blades, yield per m, material mass density and cantilever tests to obtain modulus of elasticity.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

Milestone 4: Test plan for Reusable Hydrogen Composite Tank System (RHCTS). Task 3: Composite tank materials

This document is the detailed test plan for the series of tests enumerated in the preceding section. The purpose of this plan is to present the test objectives, test parameters and procedures, expected performance and data analysis plans, criteria for success, test schedules, and related safety provisions and to describe the test articles, test instrumentation, and test facility requirements. Initial testing will be performed to screen four composite materials for suitability for SSTO LH2 tank loads and environmental conditions. The laminates for this testing will be fabricated by fiber placement, which is the manufacturing approach identified as baseline for the tank wall. Even though hand layup will be involved in fabricating many of the internal structural members of the tank, no hand-layup laminates will be evaluated in the screening or subsequent characterization testing. This decision is based on the understanding that mechanical properties measured for hand-layup material should be at least equivalent to properties measured for fiber-placed material, so that the latter should provide no less than a conservative approximation of the former. A single material will be downselected from these screening tests. This material will be subsequently characterized for impact-damage tolerance and durability under conditions of mechanical and thermal cycling, and to establish a preliminary design database to support ongoing analysis. Next, testing will be performed on critical structural elements fabricated from the selected material. Finally, the 8-foot diameter tank article, containing the critical structural features of the full-scale tank, will be fabricated by fiber placement and tested to verify its structural integrity and LH2 containment.

Greenberg, H. S.↗