Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “aging mechanisms”

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 217 records · Page 12
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1991

Simplified computational methods for elastic and elastic-plastic fracture problems

This paper presents an overview of some of the recent (1984-1991) developments in computational/analytical methods in the mechanics of fracture: (i) analytical solutions for elliptical or circular cracks embedded in isotropic or transversely isotropic solids (the crack-plane being at an arbitrary angle to the axis of transverse isotropy), with crack-faces being subjected to arbitrary tractions; (ii) finite-element or boundary-element alternating methods for two- and three-dimensional crack problems; (iii) a "direct-stiffness" method for stiffened panels with flexible fasteners and with multiple cracks, using the alternating method; (iv) multiplesite-damage near a row of fastener holes; (v) analysis of cracks with bonded repair patches; (vi) methods for generation of weight-functions for 2- and 3-D crack problems, and (vii) domain-integral methods for elastic-plastic or inelastic crack mechanics.

Aging Aircraft↗
NASA NTRS1991

The pituitary - Aging and spaceflown rats

Decrements in growth hormone (GH) release we observed in two spaceflight experiments and four tail-suspended rat studies mimic age-associated changes in the mammalian pituitary GH system seen by Meites and others. The spaceflight data suggest that formation of high molecular weight bioactive disulfide-linked aggregates of the 20 and 22K monomeric GH forms may be reduced in microgravity, thereby, reducing target tissue activity. Correlative studies to confirm spaceflight as a model for pituitary GH system aging should include: (1) investigation of mechanisms of intracellular hormone packaging, (2) consequences to biological activity of the hormone molecule, and (3) study of intracellular microtubule dynamics.

Hymer, W. C.↗
NASA NTRS2007

High Thermal Conductivity Polymer Matrix Composites (PMC) for Advanced Space Radiators

High temperature polymer matrix composites (PMC) reinforced with high thermal conductivity (approx. 1000 W/mK) pitch-based carbon fibers are evaluated for a facesheet/fin structure of large space radiator systems. Significant weight reductions along with improved thermal performance, structural integrity and space durability toward its metallic counterparts were envisioned. Candidate commercial resin systems including Cyanate Esters, BMIs, and polyimide were selected based on thermal capabilities and processability. PMC laminates were designed to match the thermal expansion coefficient of various metal heat pipes or tubes. Large, but thin composite panels were successfully fabricated after optimizing cure conditions. Space durability of PMC with potential degradation mechanisms was assessed by simulated thermal aging tests in high vacuum, 1-3 x 10(exp -6) torr, at three temperatures, 227 C, 277 C, and 316 C for up to one year. Nanocomposites with vapor-grown carbon nano-fibers and exfoliated graphite flakes were attempted to improve thermal conductivity (TC) and microcracking resistance. Good quality nanocomposites were fabricated and evaluated for TC and durability including radiation resistance. TC was measured in both in-plan and thru-the-thickness directions, and the effects of microcracks on TC are also being evaluated. This paper will discuss the systematic experimental approaches, various performance-durability evaluations, and current subcomponent design and fabrication/manufacturing efforts.

Shin, E. Eugene↗
NASA NTRS2010

Integrity Monitoring of Mercury Discharge Lamps

Mercury discharge lamps are critical in many trapped ion frequency standard applications. An integrity monitoring system can be implemented using end-of-life signatures observed in operational mercury discharge lamps, making it possible to forecast imminent failure and to take action to mitigate the consequences (such as switching to a redundant system). Mercury lamps are used as a source of 194-nm ultraviolet radiation for optical pumping and state selection of mercury trapped ion frequency standards. Lamps are typically fabricated using 202Hg distilled into high-purity quartz, or other 194-nm transmitting material (e.g., sapphire). A buffer gas is also placed into the bulb, typically a noble gas such as argon, neon, or krypton. The bulbs are driven by strong RF fields oscillating at .200 MHz. The lamp output may age over time by two internal mechanisms: (1) the darkening of the bulb that attenuates light transmission and (2) the loss of mercury due to migration or chemical interactions with the bulb surface. During fabrication, excess mercury is placed into a bulb, so that the loss rate is compensated with new mercury emanating from a cool tip or adjacent reservoir. The light output is nearly constant or varies slightly at a constant rate for many months/years until the mercury source is depleted. At this point, the vapor pressure abruptly falls and the total light output and atomic clock SNR (signal-to-noise ratio) decrease. After several days to weeks, the light levels decrease to a point where the atomic clock SNR is no longer sufficient to stay in lock, or the lamp self-extinguishes. This signature has been observed in four separate end-of-life lamp failures while operating in the Deep Space Network (DSN). A simple integrator circuit can observe and document steady-state lamp behavior. When the light levels drop over a predetermined time interval by a specified amount (e.g., 20 percent), an alarm is set. For critical operational applications, such as the DSN or in space flight, this warning provides notice that a failure may be imminent, and for operators or control algorithm to take action.

Tjoelker, Robert L.↗
NASA NTRS2012

Prognostics of Power Electronics, Methods and Validation Experiments

Abstract Failure of electronic devices is a concern for future electric aircrafts that will see an increase of electronics to drive and control safety-critical equipment throughout the aircraft. As a result, investigation of precursors to failure in electronics and prediction of remaining life of electronic components is of key importance. DC-DC power converters are power electronics systems employed typically as sourcing elements for avionics equipment. Current research efforts in prognostics for these power systems focuses on the identification of failure mechanisms and the development of accelerated aging methodologies and systems to accelerate the aging process of test devices, while continuously measuring key electrical and thermal parameters. Preliminary model-based prognostics algorithms have been developed making use of empirical degradation models and physics-inspired degradation model with focus on key components like electrolytic capacitors and power MOSFETs (metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect-transistor). This paper presents current results on the development of validation methods for prognostics algorithms of power electrolytic capacitors. Particularly, in the use of accelerated aging systems for algorithm validation. Validation of prognostics algorithms present difficulties in practice due to the lack of run-to-failure experiments in deployed systems. By using accelerated experiments, we circumvent this problem in order to define initial validation activities.

Kulkarni, Chetan S.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Origin of the Anomalously Rocky Appearance of Tsiolkovskiy Crater

Rock abundance maps derived from the Diviner Lunar Radiometer instrument on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) show Tsiolkovskiy crater to have high surface rock abundance and relatively low regolith thickness. The location of the enhanced rock abundance to the southeast of the crater is consistent with a massive, well-preserved impact melt deposit apparent in LRO Miniature Radio Frequency instrument circular polarization ratio data. A new model crater age using LRO Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera imagery suggests that while it originated in the Late Imbrian, Tsiolkovskiy may be the youngest lunar crater of its size ( approximately 180 km diameter). Together these data show that Tsiolkovskiy has a unique surface rock population and regolith properties for a crater of its size and age. Explanation of these observations requires mechanisms that produce more large blocks, preserve boulders and large blocks from degradation to regolith, and/or uncover buried rocks. These processes have important implications for formation of regolith on the Moon.

Greenhagen, Benjamin T.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Isotopically Tracking Nitrogen Oxides, Nitrous Acid, And Nitric Acid, Particulate Nitrate from Wildfire During FIREX-AQ

Wildfires are an important source of reactive nitrogen species including nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) and nitrous acid (HONO), as well as products such as nitric acid (HNO3) and particulate nitrate (p-NO3-). These species have strongly influence air quality and climate. In summer of 2019 (July 25 —August 21), as part of the FIREX-AQ ground mission, we drove ~3000 miles and sampled smoke of different ages in both daytime and nighttime from 5 different wildfires in the western US. Using recently developed methods that have been validated in both laboratory and field settings, we conducted high time resolution collection of NOx, NO2, HONO, HNO3, and p-NO3- for off-line characterization of isotopic composition δ15N, δ18O and Δ17O (=δ17O−0.52 δ18O). δ15N serves as a potential tracer for tracking sources and reactive nitrogen cycling pathways, δ18O and Δ17O provide key information about oxidation pathways (i.e. O3 versus RO2). Our measured δ15N for HONO ranges from -4.9‰ to +5.2‰ and -8‰ to +5.2‰ respectively, in the majority overlapping with our prior lab controlled burning results, which suggests the capability of δ15N for tracing the biomass burning emissions against other sources including vehicular emissions and soil emissions. In addition, our measurements show δ18O and Δ17O for NO2 and HONO vary significantly day vs night, as well as in young smoke vs aged smoke, likely reflecting different oxidizing mechanisms under different smoke conditions. Preliminary results of isotopic signatures of all the above reactive nitrogen species will be presented, and their relationships will be explored to identify wildfire derived reactive nitrogen source signatures and to constrain atmospheric processing pathways (e.g. secondary formation of HONO) for different fires under various smoke conditions depending on fuel types, fire conditions and meteorological conditions.

Jiajue Chai↗
NASA NTRS1995

Mechanotransduction and the functional response of bone to mechanical strain

Mechanotransduction plays a crucial role in the physiology of many tissues including bone. Mechanical loading can inhibit bone resorption and increase bone formation in vivo. In bone, the process of mechanotransduction can be divided into four distinct steps: (1) mechanocoupling, (2) biochemical coupling, (3) transmission of signal, and (4) effector cell response. In mechanocoupling, mechanical loads in vivo cause deformations in bone that stretch bone cells within and lining the bone matrix and create fluid movement within the canaliculae of bone. Dynamic loading, which is associated with extracellular fluid flow and the creation of streaming potentials within bone, is most effective for stimulating new bone formation in vivo. Bone cells in vitro are stimulated to produce second messengers when exposed to fluid flow or mechanical stretch. In biochemical coupling, the possible mechanisms for the coupling of cell-level mechanical signals into intracellular biochemical signals include force transduction through the integrin-cytoskeleton-nuclear matrix structure, stretch-activated cation channels within the cell membrane, G protein-dependent pathways, and linkage between the cytoskeleton and the phospholipase C or phospholipase A pathways. The tight interaction of each of these pathways would suggest that the entire cell is a mechanosensor and there are many different pathways available for the transduction of a mechanical signal. In the transmission of signal, osteoblasts, osteocytes, and bone lining cells may act as sensors of mechanical signals and may communicate the signal through cell processes connected by gap junctions. These cells also produce paracrine factors that may signal osteoprogenitors to differentiate into osteoblasts and attach to the bone surface. Insulin-like growth factors and prostaglandins are possible candidates for intermediaries in signal transduction. In the effector cell response, the effects of mechanical loading are dependent upon the magnitude, duration, and rate of the applied load. Longer duration, lower amplitude loading has the same effect on bone formation as loads with short duration and high amplitude. Loading must be cyclic to stimulate new bone formation. Aging greatly reduces the osteogenic effects of mechanical loading in vivo. Also, some hormones may interact with local mechanical signals to change the sensitivity of the sensor or effector cells to mechanical load.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS2018

CDKN1a/p21 Plays a Critical Role in Suppressing Stem Cell Regenerative Potential During Aging

Unloading during spaceflight is known to adversely affect mammalian physiology. Mechanical stimulation is required for repair and regeneration by stem cell lineages to maintain tissue health and mass. CDKN1a/p21 functions as a potent cell cycle arrest molecule and we previously found that CDKN1a/p21 was overexpressed in mouse bone during 15-days of spaceflight on STS-131 and localized to osteoprecursor cells in the femur. Therefore, we hypothesized that altered expression of CDKN1a/p21 leads to an arrest of bone formation during spaceflight in response to altered load. To study CDKN1a/p21 and its role in stem cell-based tissue regeneration, we use a CDKN1a/p21 knockout (KO) mouse to investigate the impact on bone structure, osteoprogenitor proliferation, and mineralized nodule formation. We have shown that bone marrow stem cells isolated from juvenile (11-week-old) and skeletally mature (18-week-old) KO mice have an increased bone formation potential as evidenced by increased proliferation and mineralization rates. In addition, we have shown that juvenile KO mice display significantly increased bone volume fraction (BV/TV) relative to wildtype (WT) mice, but not in skeletally mature KO mice, indicating increased resorption and bone turnover in adult mice. To more closely examine age differences in the KO mouse, we will study a wider spectrum of mice ranging from 4 weeks to 12 months in age. To do this, we will analyze differences in bone morphometric parameters using MicroCT and osteoblastogenesis assays. The pelvis, femur, and tibia are key in distributing weight and we expect to see altered remodeling and stem cell potential with age. In combination with histomorphometry, these results will help elucidate the complex mechanisms underlying bone tissue maintenance and stem cell regeneration.

stem cells↗
DOE OSTI2026

Cellular signaling within aged skeletal muscle reveals a dysregulated stress-induced remodeling response following volumetric muscle loss in female mice

Severe muscle trauma disrupts endogenous repair mechanisms, producing chronic functional deficits that are incompletely characterized in aged populations. This study investigated inflammatory, molecular, and physiological responses to volumetric muscle loss in young adult and aged female mice. Serum cytokine profiling revealed elevated baseline inflammation in aged animals and a blunted response to injury, with cytokines such as IL-6 increasing 4.4-fold in young versus 1.8-fold in aged mice at day 3 compared to baseline. By day 28 post-injury, histological analyses showed comparable reductions in muscle size and increases in fibrosis across ages. Despite these similar tissue-level outcomes, age-dependent differences emerged in downstream functional and molecular responses. Muscle functional testing demonstrated persistent force deficits independent of age but altered muscle relaxation kinetics in aged mouse muscles (p < 0.001), suggesting dysregulated excitation-contraction coupling. Additionally, mice displayed age-associated differences in post-injury limb loading. Global proteomic analyses further confirmed age-associated enrichment of complement and antigen-processing pathways alongside metabolic dysfunction (p < 0.05). Phosphoproteomic profiling revealed reduced basal kinase activity in the muscles of aged mice yet exaggerated injury-induced phosphorylation of Mapk1-associated phosphosites, indicating a dysregulated stress response. Collectively, these findings suggest that aged murine muscles function within a heightened inflammatory and perturbed kinase-signaling environment that may hinder the coordination of regenerative programs, underscoring the need for regenerative strategies that address age-specific molecular contexts to improve functional recovery across the lifespan.

Habing, Krista M.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Assessment of The Compatibility of Composite Materials With High-Test Hydrogen Peroxide

The compatibility of composite materials with high-test hydrogen peroxide (HTP) was assessed using various chemical and mechanical techniques. Methods included classical schemes combining concentration assay with accelerated aging by means of a heated water bath. Exothermic reactivity was observed using Isothermal Microcalorimetry. Mechanical Properties testing determined degradation of the composite material. Photoacoustic Infrared Spectroscopy was used to monitor chemical alteration of the resin matrix. Other materials were examined including some polymers and metals.

Gostowski, Rudy↗
NASA NTRS2006

Comparison of the Effects of Tool Geometry for Friction Stir Welding Thin Sheet Aluminum Alloys for Aerospace Applications

In this presentation, the results of a recent study on the effect of pin tool design for friction stir welding thin sheets (0.040") of aluminum alloys 2024 and 7075 are provided. The objective of this study was to investigate and document the effect of tool shoulder and pin diameter, as well as the presence of pin flutes, on the resultant microstructure and mechanical properties at both room temperature and cryogenic temperature. Specifically, the comparison between three tools will include: FSW process load analysis (tool forces required to fabricate the welds), Static Mechanical Properties (ultimate tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation), and Process window documenting the range of parameters that can be used with the three pin tools investigated. All samples were naturally aged for a period greater than 10 days. Prior research has shown 7075 may require post weld heat treatment. Therefore, an additional pair of room temperature and cryogenic temperature samples was post-weld aged to the 7075-T7 condition prior to mechanical testing.

Merry, Josh↗
NASA NTRS1999

Terrestrial Ages of Antarctic Meteorites- Update 1999

We are continuing our ongoing study of cosmogenic nuclides in Antarctic meteorites. In addition to the studies of exposure histories of meteorites, we study terrestrial ages and pairing of Antarctic meteorites and desert meteorites. Terrestrial ages of Antarctic meteorites provide information on meteorite accumulation mechanisms, mean weathering lifetimes, and influx rates. The determination of Cl-36(half-life=3.01 x 10(exp 5) y) terrestrial ages is one of our long-term on-going projects, however, in many instances neither Cl-36 or C-14 (5,730 y) yields an accurate terrestrial age. Using Ca-14 (1.04 x 10(exp 5) y) for terrestrial age determinations solves this problem by filling the c,ap in half-life between 14-C and Cl-36 ages. We are now applying the new Ca-41- Cl-36 terrestrial age method as well as the Cl-36-Be-10 method to Antarctic meteorites. Our measurements and C-14 terrestrial age determinations by the University of Arizona group are always complementary. We have measured Cl-36 in over 270 Antarctic meteorites since our previous compilation of terrestrial ages. Since a large number of meteorites have been recovered from many different icefields in Antarctica, we continue to survey the trends of terrestrial ages for different icefields. We have also measured detailed terrestrial ages vs. sample locations for Allan Hills, Elephant Moraine, and Lewis Cliff Icefields, where meteorites have been found with very long ages. The updated histograms of terrestrial ages of meteorites from the Allan Hills Main Icefield and Lewis Cliff Icefield are shown. These figures include C-14 ages obtained by the University of Arizona group. Pairs of meteorites are shown as one object for which the age is the average of all members of the same fall. The width of the bars represents 70,000 years, which was a typical uncertainty for Cl-36 ages. We reduced the uncertainty of terrestrial age determinations to approx. 40,000 years by using pairs of nuclides such as Ca-41-Cl-36 or Cl-36-Be-10. Meteorites found at the Allan Hills Icefields are much older than any other meteorites. The terrestrial ages cover a wide range and are as old as 2 My. Many of the Lewis Cliff meteorites are as old as the Allan Hills meteorites. So far, no clear correlation has been found between the terrestrial ages and the locations of the Lewis Cliff meteorites.

Nishiizumi, Kunihiko↗
NASA NTRS2000

Terrestrial Ages of Antarctic Meteorites: Up Date 1999

We are continuing our ongoing study of cosmogenic nuclides in Antarctic meteorites. In addition to the studies of exposure histories of meteorites, we study terrestrial ages and pairing of Antarctic meteorites and desert meteorites. Terrestrial ages of Antarctic meteorites provide information on meteorite accumulation mechanisms, mean weathering lifetimes, and influx rates. The determination of Cl-36 (half-life=3.01 x 10(exp 5) y) terrestrial ages is one of our long-term on-going projects, however, in many instances neither Cl-36 or C-14 (5,730 y) yields an accurate terrestrial age. Using Ca-41 (1.04 x 10(exp 5) y) for terrestrial age determinations solves this problem by filling the gap in half-life between C-14 and Cl-36 ages. We are now applying the new Ca-41 - Cl-36 terrestrial age method as well as the Cl-36 - Be-10 method to Antarctic meteorites. Our measurements and C-14 terrestrial age determinations by the University of Arizona group are always complementary.

Nishiizumi, K.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A review of dynamic mechanical characterization of high temperature PMR polyimides and composites

This paper reviews the applications of dynamic mechanical characterization for high-temperature PMR polyimides and their graphite-fiber-reinforced composites. This characterization technique provides insights into the processability, performance, and structure property relationships of the polyimides and composites. The dynamic mechanical properties of various molding powders, commercially obtained prepregs, neat resins, and as-fabricated as well as aged composites are presented. Some applied aspects of the dynamic mechanical data are discussed.

Pater, Ruth H.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Sustained load crack growth design data for Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy tanks containing hydrazine

Results are presented for an experimental study intended to provide sustained load crack growth (SLCG) data for Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy tanks containing MIL-P-26536 hydrazine and refined hydrazine. Fracture mechanics data on crack growth threshold for heat-treated forgings, aged and unaged welds, and aged and unaged heat-affected zones (HAZ) are presented. All tests were made on uniaxially loaded fracture mechanics specimens involving part-through cracks, and an electrical discharge machined notch was used to start the crack. Fracture mechanics design curves of crack growth threshold stress intensity versus temperature are obtained for the temperature range 40-71 C. Major conclusions are that extreme susceptibility to SLCG in hydrazine is a universal property of unaged weld metal in Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy of normal interstitial content, and that aging both weld metal and HAZ at 510 C for 4 hr after welding completely removes all susceptibility to SLCG induced by hydrazine, with less susceptibility to SLCG in refined hydrazine.

Lewis, J. C.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Adjusting Measured Weight Loss of Aged Graphite Fabric/PMR-15 Composites

The purposes of this study were to evaluate the growth of the surface damage layer in polymer matrix composites (PMC's) fabricated with graphite fabric reinforcement and to determine the effects of the cut-surface degradation on the overall thermo-oxidative (TOS) stability of these materials. Four important conclusions were made about the TOS behavior of T650-35/PNIR- 15 fabric-reinforced composites: (1) Three stages of composite weight loss were seen on the plot of weight loss versus aging time; (2) the depth of the cut-edge damage is related to the composite thickness; (3) the actual weight loss realized by a mechanical test specimen that has had all the aging-induced cut-edge damage removed during the preparation process is significantly less than the weight loss measured using specimens with a high percentage of cut edges exposed to the damaging environment; and (4) an extrapolation of a section of the weight loss curve can be used to obtain a more correct estimate of the actual weight loss after extended periods of aging at elevated temperatures.

Bowles, Kenneth J.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Detection of gravity-induced polarity of cytoplasmic streaming in Chara

Gravity induces a polarity of cytoplasmic streaming in vertically-oriented internodal cells of characean algae. The motive force that powers cytoplasmic streaming is generated at the ectoplasmic/endoplasmic interface. The velocity of streaming, which is about 100 micrometers/s at this interface, decreases with distance from the interface on either side of the cell to 0 micrometers/s near the middle. Therefore, when discussing streaming velocity it is necessary to specify the tangential plane through the cell in which streaming is being measured. This is easily done with a moderate resolution light microscope (which has a lateral resolution of 0.6 micrometers and a depth of field of 1.4 micrometers), but is obscured when using any low resolution technique, such as low magnification light microscopy or laser Doppler spectroscopy. In addition, the effect of gravity on the polarity of cytoplasmic streaming declines with increasing physiological age of isolated cells. Using a classical mechanical analysis, we show that the effect of gravity on the polarity of cytoplasmic streaming cannot result from the effect of gravity acting directly on individual cytoplasmic particles. We suggest that gravity may best be perceived by the entire cell at the plasma membrane-extracellular matrix junction.

Non-NASA Center↗