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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 253 records · Page 14

TPSAS-NF1676L-11096-DND

A PRSEUS test article was subjected to controlled impact on the skin face followed by static and cyclic axial compressions. Phased array ultrasonic inspection was conducted before impact, and after each of the test conditions. A linear phased array probe with a manual X-Y scanner was used for interrogation. Ultrasound showed a delamination between the skin and stringer flange adjacent to the impact. As designed, the stitching in the flange arrested the lateral flaw formation. Subsequent ultrasonic data showed no delamination growth due to continued loading

Phased array↗

Integrated Back-to-Back Barrier-N-N + Varactor Diode Tripler Using a Split-waveguide Block

The back-to-back barrier-N-N + (bbBNN) varactor is a nonlinear device being developed for frequency multiplier applications above 100 GHz. Its symmetrical C-V characteristic, low series resistance and suitability to planarization make it ideal choice for high frequency, low power, odd harmonic generation. In this paper, development of an integrated planar multiplier device and its performance as a 220 GHz tripler is presented. A new split-waveguide block design has been used to provide the proper embedding impedances to the device. The performance over 200-240 GHz has been measured and the integrated bbBNN device is shown to provide as much as 734 microwatts output power. A flange-to-flange tripling efficiency of 7% has been obtained. This is believed to be the highest conversion efficiency yet reported for all planar tripler at this frequency. The performance is expected to be improved further with minor changes to the device and circuit parameters.

interstellar↗

Mechanical Design and Configuration of Penetrations for the Europa Clipper Avionics Vault Structure

The main purpose of the Avionics Vault is to shield radiation sensitive electronics for the Europa Clipper Spacecraft. The vault is a box structure made out of aluminum panels. The panels are roughly 10 mm thick in order to shield the electronics from the orbital total ionizing radiation around Jupiter. The vault requires an electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding effectiveness (SE) of at least 70 dB in order to mitigate EMI with the spacecraft radar receiver. Overall, the vault accommodates four main types of penetrations: receptacle connectors, pass-through cables, fluid lines, and vent holes. More than 150 cables penetrate the vault panels to connect to electronic boxes inside. Fluid pipes enter and exit the vault to transfer heat to the rest of the spacecraft. Vent holes provide a path for air to escape from the vault during launch. Several novel penetrations designs were created to meet EMI and radiation shielding requirements. Receptacle connectors interface to the vault panels using 1.3 mm thick Ta10W plates. Pass-through cables penetrate the vault using aluminum clamshells after being wrapped with Teflon cushion tape, Kapton tape, and copper tape. Vent hole penetrations consist of a copper mesh for EMI shielding and an aluminum radiation shield bracket to direct air out of the vault during launch. Fluid lines terminate at the vault wall using mechanical fittings that resemble a nut and bolt interface. In addition, most mechanical seams and penetrations utilize EMI gaskets to ensure proper EMI shielding. To reduce risk and confirm that the vault penetration designs were appropriate for EMI shielding, an EMI chamber at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) was used to test a mock-up vault panel with multiple variations of all four main types of vault penetrations. This EMI SE test also incorporated different methods for bundling pass-through cables, and a comparison of flange mounted connectors versus jam nut connectors. A low noise preamplifier and a Rohde & Schwarz spectrum analyzer measured E-field levels transmitting through the mock-up vault panel. The results showed a shielding effectiveness of 77 dB for the mock-up vault panel, which exceeds the 70 dB target for Europa Clipper. Both the flange mounted connectors and jam nut connectors exhibited similar EMI SE results at the measured frequencies, and all variations of vault penetrations showed favorable EMI SE levels. Since the flight panels will be much larger and include many more penetrations, there will be testing of the flight vault to confirm its EMI SE is compliant with environmental requirements.

Giersch, Louis↗

Ionizing-radiation beamline monitoring system

Embodiments are directed generally to an ionizing-radiation beamline monitoring system that includes a vacuum chamber structure with vacuum compatible flanges through which an incident ionizing-radiation beam enters the monitoring system. Embodiments further include at least one scintillator within the vacuum chamber structure that can be at least partially translated in the ionizing-radiation beam while oriented at an angle greater than 10 degrees to a normal of the incident ionizing-radiation beam, a machine vision camera coupled to a light-tight structure at atmospheric/ambient pressure that is attached to the vacuum chamber structure by a flange attached to a vacuum-tight viewport window with the camera and lens optical axis oriented at an angle of less than 80 degrees with respect to a normal of the scintillator, and at least one ultraviolet (“UV”) illumination source facing the scintillator in the ionizing-radiation beam for monitoring a scintillator stability comprising scintillator radiation damage.

Friedman, Peter S.↗

Selectively adjustable interface assembly

A system includes a first component, a second component, a locking pin, and an interface assembly that is configured to selectively adjust a stiffness of a coupling interface between the first component and the second component. The interface assembly includes at least one support coupler secured to the first component. The support coupler(s) includes a main body, a first arm extending from a first side of the main body, a second arm extending from a second side of the main body, and a flange extending from the main body. The flange includes a locking pin hole that is configured to selectively receive the locking pin. The locking pin is selectively moveable between a retracted position in which the locking pin is out of the locking pin hole, and a deployed position in which the locking pin extends into the locking pin hole and a portion of the first component and locks the interface assembly to the first component.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Cooling insert for a turbomachine

Integrated combustor nozzles and turbomachines are provided. An integrated combustor nozzle includes a cooling insert having a flange. The cooling insert further includes a first wall and a second wall that each define respective passages therein. The first wall and the second wall each extend from an open end defined within the flange to a closed end. The first wall and the second wall each include an impingement side spaced apart from a solid side. Each impingement side defines a plurality of impingement apertures configured to direct coolant from the respective passage towards a side wall of the combustion liner. The cooling inserts further includes a collection passageway that is defined between the solid sides of the first wall and the second wall.

Berry, Jonathan Dwight↗

Fuel injector with duct assembly

Methods and systems are provided for a fuel injector of an internal combustion engine. In one example, a fuel injector includes a body having a flange shaped to seat within a shoulder of a passage of a cylinder head. The shoulder is positioned at an inner side of the cylinder head such that the fuel injector is coupled to the cylinder head at the inner side by the flange.

Kurtz, Eric↗

Nuclear reactor core support system providing radial and axial support

A nuclear reactor core mechanical support bracket is disclosed. The support bracket includes a housing, a spring disposed internally within the housing, a shaft slidingly disposed within the housing, a shaft travel pin, and a flange. The shaft is configured to engage the spring to compress and decompress the spring as the shaft travels in and out of the housing. The shaft travel pin controls the travel of the shaft. The flange is configured to mount the nuclear reactor core mechanical support bracket to a canister of a nuclear reactor. The shaft includes an inset configured to interface with a nuclear reactor core component.

Aleshin, Yuriy↗

Interface gasket for building envelope

A gasket assembly for attaching a window to a panel opening includes an inner frame, an outer frame, and an elastic material connecting the inner frame to the outer frame. The elastic material extends contiguously and circumferentially to couple the outer frame to the inner frame. The outer frame and inner frame can include gap flanges and the elastic material can include opposing lateral side portions. The gap flanges are embedded in the lateral side portions of the elastic material. The outer frame includes connecting structure for coupling of the outer frame to the panel opening. The inner frame includes a connecting structure for coupling of the gasket assembly to the window. The gasket assembly is configured to support the window in the panel opening and form a seal between the panel opening and the window. A method of making a gasket assembly is also disclosed.

Aaron, Adam M.↗

Ionizing-radiation beamline monitoring system

Embodiments are directed generally to an ionizing-radiation beamline monitoring system that includes a vacuum chamber structure with vacuum compatible flanges through which an incident ionizing-radiation beam enters the monitoring system. Embodiments further include at least one scintillator within the vacuum chamber structure that can be at least partially translated in the ionizing-radiation beam while oriented at an angle greater than 10 degrees to a normal of the incident ionizing-radiation beam, a machine vision camera coupled to a light-tight structure at atmospheric/ambient pressure that is attached to the vacuum chamber structure by a flange attached to a vacuum-tight viewport window with the camera and lens optical axis oriented at an angle of less than 80 degrees with respect to a normal of the scintillator, and at least one ultraviolet (“UV”) illumination source facing the scintillator in the ionizing-radiation beam for monitoring a scintillator stability comprising scintillator radiation damage.

Friedman, Peter S.↗

Micro-reactor core mechanical support

A nuclear reactor core mechanical support bracket is disclosed. The support bracket includes a housing, a spring disposed internally within the housing, a shaft slidingly disposed within the housing, a shaft travel pin, and a flange. The shaft is configured to engage the spring to compress and decompress the spring as the shaft travels in and out of the housing. The shaft travel pin controls the travel of the shaft. The flange is configured to mount the nuclear reactor core mechanical support bracket to a canister of a nuclear reactor. The shaft includes an inset configured to interface with a nuclear reactor core component.

Aleshin, Yuriy↗

Impingement cooling apparatus for turbomachine

An integrated combustor nozzle includes a combustion liner that extends radially between an inner liner segment and an outer liner segment, the combustion liner includes a forward end portion, an aft end portion, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The aft end portion of the combustion liner defines a turbine nozzle. The combustion liner defines a cavity forward of the turbine nozzle. The cavity extends between the first side wall and the second side wall. An impingement cooling apparatus positioned within the cavity. The impingement cooling apparatus includes a flange. The impingement cooling apparatus further includes a plurality of impingement members configured to direct coolant to impinge upon the first side wall and the second side wall. Each impingement member extends from a respective inlet defined within the flange to a respective closed end. A plurality of impingement apertures are defined on each impingement member.

Berry, Jonathan Dwight↗

Impingement cooling apparatus support structure and method of manufacture

An integrated combustor nozzle includes a combustion liner that extends radially between an inner liner segment and an outer liner segment. The combustion liner includes a forward end portion, an aft end portion, a first side wall, and a second side wall. The integrated combustor nozzle further includes an impingement cooling apparatus positioned within the cavity. The impingement cooling apparatus includes a flange. The impingement cooling apparatus further includes a plurality of impingement members that each extend from a respective opening defined in the flange to a respective closed end. Each impingement member defines a plurality of impingement apertures that direct air to impinge upon one of the first side wall and the second side wall. The impingement cooling apparatus further includes stand-offs extending from each impingement member of the plurality of impingement members. The stand-offs space apart each impingement member of the plurality of impingement members from surrounding surfaces.

Berry, Jonathan Dwight↗

Autonomous Coupler Alignment Using Position-Based Visual Servoing in a ROS 2 Framework

As robotic arms are becoming increasingly common alongside humans as collaborative robots, their high precision in motion enables tasks to be performed at significantly higher speeds with reduced disruption in the environment. The Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory is exploring this application by incorporating a UR16e from Universal Robots in a cleanroom setting during assembly of couplers to superconducting radio frequency cavities as part of the PIP-II project. The goal of the robotic assembly process is to precisely position the UR16e robot so that the coupler flange, mounted on the robot’s end-effector, is accurately aligned with and pressed against the cavity flange, requiring only final fastening by a lab technician. This thesis builds upon an initial system in which the robotic process was limited to the alignment phase using position-based visual servoing with an eye-in-hand camera to only align the coupler to the cavity with an offset distance. The objective of this thesis is to further advance autonomous robotic assembly by extending the process. To this end, the entire software framework was reconstructed, as the previous development environment posed significant challenges in modifying the software and adapting to hardware changes. The main contributions of this thesis are as follows: (i) a modular and scalable software framework based on ROS~2 was developed to facilitate performance expansion and interchangeability of software and hardware components; (ii) the desired alignment position for position-based visual servoing was parameterized to enable flexible configuration; and (iii) a methodology was developed to close the offset distance between the coupler and cavity utilizing the internal force-torque sensing capability of the UR16e, as visual feedback is not available during the offset-closing phase. The proposed autonomous robotic assembly reduces assembly time and technician involvement, thereby minimizing the risk of airborne particulate contamination, which is essential in the cleanroom setting. Moreover, the ROS~2-based framework provides a foundation for further expansion and continued advancement of robotic automation in Fermilab.

Giffen, Nickolas [Northern Illinois U.]↗

Notification of Operational Scope Change for the FTWC Venting Project at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL)

This letter is intended to provide you an update on the scope of work for the venting of the Flanged Tritium Waste Containers (FTWCs) at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) Technical Area (TA-) 54. This project was described in the Application for Pre-Construction Approval 1 ("the Application") that was approved by EPA Region 6 on May 22, 2019. As operational planning for this project has been finalized, the scope of work described in the Application has slightly changed. The project has now determined that each FTWC may be vented multiple times, and these venting activities may take place at more than one location. The original application only discussed a single venting operation for each FTWC at a single location, TA-54. However, the radionuclide inventory and expected air releases remain bounded by the values described in the Application.

12 MANAGEMENT OF RADIOACTIVE AND NON-RADIOACTIVE W↗

Review: Magnesium Sheet Alloy Development for Room Temperature Forming

Sheet metal forming operations in the automotive industry, including stamping, flanging, bending, hemming and trimming, are dominantly done at room temperature (RT). Unfortunately, the poor RT formability of magnesium due to its hexagonal close packed (HCP) structure and generally strong texture has limited the use of these processes in high-volume automotive production. However, the formability of magnesium can be improved via fine grain structure and random texture to enable some RT forming operations. Here, this paper presents the latest magnesium alloy development and evaluation by the United States Automotive Materials Partnership (USAMP) in collaboration with its university partners. A new sheet alloy developed in a recent USAMP project, ZAXME11100 (USAMP Alloy 2 Plus), offers excellent ductility (31% tensile elongation) and RT formability (7.8 mm Erichsen Index) in solution-treated condition (T4), and a high yield strength (270 MPa) upon post-forming aging treatment (T6), promising RT forming for automotive applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Monitoring of mechanical changes in a pipe assembly with complex geometry using multi-mode acoustic signals

Guided wave ultrasonic testing has been widely used for nondestructive and long-range evaluation of diverse mechanical structures, such as pipes and plates. In general, a large number of guided wave modes exist even in the simplest geometries, and they exhibit highly dispersive characteristics. Thus, sophisticated excitation methods and elaborate modal analyses need to be implemented to excite, acquire, and process well-defined pure modes as part of such a measurement method. If the interrogated structure has complex geometry, for example, with cross-sectional variations or multiple joints, the utilization of pure modes becomes significantly more difficult. To overcome this difficulty, this paper proposes the use of multi-mode, multi-frequency guided waves for long-range inspection of structures with arbitrarily complex geometries. Furthermore, using broadband chirp signals and multi-mode time–frequency analysis in a prototypical complex pipe assembly that includes multiple pipe diameters, elbows, and flange connections, we experimentally show sensitive detection of mechanical changes (both material addition and loss). In addition, we demonstrate that the complexity of the structure can be modeled in the digital domain with sufficient detail to allow accurate numerical simulation of the acoustic response using this method.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗