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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2025

Design and Production for Maximum Structural Efficiency With Respect to Fiber Orientation With Increased Understanding of Hybrid Fiber Flow Behavior

Discontinuous fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites have gained considerable attention in automotive, aerospace, and other industries, due to their high-rate of production combined with their ability to attain complex and intricate shapes. Among other high-rate thermoplastic manufacturing processes, injection-molding is one of the most common manufacturing methods due to fast production and high surface finishing of complex geometries. Fiber orientation in discontinuous fiber composites plays a pivotal role in determining the mechanical, electrical, and thermomechanical properties, underscoring the necessity to comprehend fiber orientation in injection molded parts. Among different fiber types, glass and carbon fibers are most common in the composite industries. The recent trend of hybrid composites comprising both glass fiber (GF) and carbon fiber (CF) is also gaining importance in the automotive industry. Hybrid fiber options allow designers to optimize the balance between glass and carbon fibers by leveraging the high durability and low cost of GF while the strength and lightweight properties of CF. Consequently, comparing the fiber oriented distribution (FOD) of injection molded composites containing GF, CF, and a hybrid of GF/CF is critical to investigating the local mechanical properties of intricate structures for high-end applications. In Phase I of this project, FOD in injection-molded panels with respect to distance from the gate was analyzed using X-ray computed tomography (X-CT) for GF, CF, and hybrid CF/GF (CGF) reinforced nylon 66. To understand the reason behind the FOD with different fiber types, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and rheology were performed. Samples were extracted at three locations: near the gate, center, and opposite end. Thickness of the layers of typical skin-shell-core type FOD varies with fiber type and location. GF achieved flow direction alignment (in shell) earlier than viscous CF and CGF near the gate, whereas CF showed the highest flow-direction alignment at the center due to shear induced orientation. At the opposite end, GF experienced more backflow than others indicating faster mold filling owing to its lower viscosity. Hybrid CGF exhibited GF-dominated center and CF-dominated end region. The numerical model used to obtain FOD and rheological predictions for the CF and GF composites served to corroborate the trends observed in the experimental trials. The FOD responses across fiber types and location were reflected in their longitudinal and transverse properties. Only GF showed higher longitudinal modulus over transverse modulus near the gate attributed to rapid alignment, whereas CF and CGF exhibited opposite trend. However, fountain flow enhanced the longitudinal modulus over transverse modulus with the distance for all, particularly for CF. This study offers insights into mold filling behavior of different fibers which are critical in optimizing injection molding conditions for tailored final properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2019

Measuring Fiber Orientation of Elliptical Fibers from Optical Microscopy

The orientation of fibers with elliptical cross-sections cannot be estimated using standard optical microscopy analysis methods in which the ratio of the minor-axis to the major-axis and orientation of the major-axis are directly used to determine the fiber spherical coordinates, θ and ϕ . A new method for estimating the orientation of fibers with elliptical cross-sections is presented and validated using both simulations and experiments. Fibers with elliptical cross-sections rather than circular possess a roll degree of freedom, which significantly affects the dimensions of projected cross-sections in viewing planes. The equations of the projected ellipse of an elliptic cylinder onto a viewing plane are determined in terms of typical spherical coordinate system angles, θ and ϕ , the roll angle, α , and the fiber semi-major and semi-minor diameters. Fiber angles are determined by numerical fitting of the developed equations to measured ellipses. An ambiguity in the determined angles is identified, and, in the special case of fiber bundles, a scheme is presented by which the ambiguity can be resolved. Validation experiments showed that the method is quite effective at estimating fiber orientation from micrographs when fiber cross-section dimensions are measured beforehand, and the additional ambiguity is resolved easily in the case of fiber bundles.

Sharp, Nathan D.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Visual orientation performances of desert ants (Cataglyphis bicolor) toward astromenotactic directions and horizon landmarks

Experimental data, on the visual orientation of desert ants toward astromenotactic courses and horizon landmarks involving the cooperation of different direction finding systems, are given. Attempts were made to: (1) determine if the ants choose a compromise direction between astromenotactic angles and the direction toward horizon landmarks when both angles compete with each other or whether they decide alternatively; (2) analyze adaptations of the visual system to the special demands of direction finding by astromenotactic orientation or pattern recognition; and (3) determine parameters of visual learning behavior. Results show separate orientation mechanisms are responsible for the orientation of the ant toward astromenotactic angles and horizon landmarks. If both systems compete with each other, the ants switch over from one system to the other and do not perform a compromise direction.

Wehner, R.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Anemomenotatic orientation in beetles and scorpions

Orientation, by beetles and scorpions, according to wind direction and force are analyzed. Major efforts were made to determine: (1) which physical qualities of the air current influence anemomenotaxis, (2) which physiological mechanism is responsible for such orientation, (3) which sense organs do beetles and scorpions use to perceive wind directions, and (4) what the biological significance of anemomenotaxis in the beetle and scorpion is. Experimental results show that the trichobothria in scorpions perceives wind direction; in the beetle it is perceived by sense organs excited by pendicellus-flagellum joint movements. A compensation mechanism is suggested as the basis for anemomenotactic orientation. It was also suggested that the biological significance of anemomenotaxis in scorpions is space orientation; while in beetles it was found to be part of the appetitive behavior used to search for olfactory sign stimuli.

Linsenmair, K. E.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Azimuth orientation of the dragonfly (Sympetrum)

Evidence is presented of directional orientation by an alighting dragonfly relative to the azimuth of the sun. The effects of wind direction on this orientation are analyzed. It was concluded that wind does not play a major role in orientation but may have some secondary function in helping greater numbers of dragonflies face windward more often than leeward. A search was made to find the principle sensory receptor for orientation. Two possibilities, the large compound eye and the frontal ocelli, were noted; however, no conclusive evidence could be found.

Hisada, M.↗
NASA NTRS1972

On the elastic properties of fiber composite laminates with statistically dispersed ply orientations

Structural application of advanced composite filamentary materials requires lamination of the basic orthotropic plies into angle-ply laminates. The resulting elastic and strength properties depend on the pattern of orientation and are influenced by inevitable errors and inaccuracy in placement of the angle plies. Reviewed is the effect on elastic properties of orientation dispersion. The conventional constitutive relations are recast in a homologous form to account for orientation dispersion by addition of a single parameter. Graphical results are presented to show the behavior of the most important advanced composite materials. The results are directly useful for estimating effects of manufacturing inaccuracy and for design of partially oriented reinforced structures.

Robinson, E. Y.↗
NASA NTRS1972

The surface orientation of some Apollo 14 rocks.

Detailed stereomicroscopic studies of the distribution of microcraters, soil covers, and glass coatings were performed to reconstruct the most recent surface orientations of selected Apollo 14 rocks. Surface orientations could be established for rocks 14053, 14073, 14301, 14303, 14307, 14310, and 14311 (which includes rock 14308). A tentative orientation of rock 14055 is suggested, and comments concerning the surface history of rocks 14302, 14305, and 14318 are presented. The examination of rocks 14066, 14306, and 14321 indicates that these specimens have complicated surface histories that prevent reconstruction of their orientation by the criteria that were established in these stereomicroscopic studies.

Hoerz, F.↗
NASA NTRS1973

The influence of defects and impurities on the nucleation and growth of oriented films by evaporation

The influence of substrate imperfections on the nucleation and growth of fcc metals on alkali halides is discussed. Films deposited on well characterized substrated under well defined vacuum evaporation conditions are investigated. The experimental results of this work are correlated with similar work by other investigators. Models which have been proposed by various authors to explain experimental results are critically examined and areas of difficulty are pointed out. The influence of defects on nucleation rate and the orientation of the film is emphasized. Specific examples of impurity effects, irradiation effects and the influence of amorphous layers are discussed in detail. Evidence is shown that the formation of multiply twinned particles is a result of coalescence and growth. The only consistent model for the orienting influence of impurities is shown to be a chemical reaction effect. It is demonstrated that an alkali metal impurity is very likely responsible for the orienting influence of both water vapor exposure and irradiation. A negative result is found for the reported possibility of an orienting influence being transmitted through an amorphous layer.

Green, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Orientation: Sensory basis; Proceedings of the Conference, New York, N.Y., February 8-10, 1971.

Topics related to photoreceptors are considered, giving attention to visual pattern recognition and directional orientation in insects, the sensory basis of orientation in amphibians, and the aerial and underwater visual acuity in the California sea lion as a function of luminance. Other subjects explored are in the fields of phonoreceptors, chemoreception, vestibular receptors, and electrical and magnetic sensitivity. Questions of the development and evolution of orientation are also investigated, taking into account field studies of mass emigration and orientation in the spiny lobster and investigations concerning the jumping behavior in the Gobiid fish. Individual items are announced in this issue.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1975

Methods of body orientation in space in the absence of support under weightless conditions

The experience accumulated in training subjects in methods of body orientation in space indicates the necessity of clear planning of the training process. After theoretical familiarization with the principles of body orientation in space and reviewing training films, practical mastery of the body orientation methods begins with working out of the individual elements on the Zhukovskiy stool. Then, the correctness and sequence of movements are carefully mastered in water, and the motor skills are then reinforced under time deficit conditions, on the vaulting bars, trampolines, and, in the concluding stage of training, the methods of orienting the body in space in weightlessness are worked out in laboratory-aircraft, with and without the spacesuit and with and without a load.

Yeremin, A. V.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Grain orientation in lunar soil

Orientation of lunar soil particles in a vertical plane, as seen in the radiographs of core tubes was characterized by preparing orientation diagrams for the different stratigraphic units. Radiographs of double-core drive tubes 64001/64002, 60009/60010, and 60013/60014 were used. The orientation results reinforced the stratigraphic differences. Another source of fabric data was the laboratory-deposited sample 14163,148. The artificial deposition results showed that the grain arrangements were dependent upon the method of deposition. These results from lunar soil and other data from a crushed basalt simulant can be a basis for the inference that lunar soil grain orientation and properties are useful in interpreting lunar surface history.

Mahmood, A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

Some influences of touch and pressure cues on human spatial orientation

In order to evaluate the influences of touch and pressure cues on human spatial orientation, blindfolded subjects were exposed to 30 rmp rotation about the Z-axis of their bodies while the axis was horizontal or near horizontal. It was found that the manipulation of pressure patterns to which the subjects are exposed significantly influences apparent orientation. When provided with visual information about actual orientation the subjects will eliminate the postural illusions created by pressure-cue patterns. The localization of sounds is dependent of the apparent orientation and the actual pattern of auditory stimulation. The study provides a basis for investigating: (1) the postural illusions experienced by astronauts in orbital flight and subjects in the free-fall phase of parabolic flight, and (2) the spatial-constancy mechanisms distinguishing changes in sensory afflux conditioned by a subject's movements in relation to the environment, and those conditioned by movements of the environment.

Lackner, J. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Self-motion magnitude estimation during linear oscillation - Changes with head orientation and following fatigue

Two types of experiments concerning the estimated magnitude of self-motion during exposure to linear oscillation on a parallel swing are described in this paper. Experiment I examined changes in magnitude estimation as a function of variation of the subject's head orientation, and Experiments II a, II b, and II c assessed changes in magnitude estimation performance following exposure to sustained, 'intense' linear oscillation (fatigue-inducting stimulation). The subjects' performance was summarized employing Stevens' power law R = k x S to the nth, where R is perceived self-motion magnitude, k is a constant, S is amplitude of linear oscillation, and n is an exponent). The results of Experiment I indicated that the exponents, n, for the magnitude estimation functions varied with head orientation and were greatest when the head was oriented 135 deg off the vertical. In Experiments II a-c, the magnitude estimation function exponents were increased following fatigue. Both types of experiments suggest ways in which the vestibular system's contribution to a spatial orientation perceptual system may vary. This variability may be a contributing factor to the development of pilot/astronaut disorientation and may also be implicated in the occurrence of motion sickness.

Parker, D. E.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Energetic magnetosheath ions and the interplanetary magnetic field orientation

Times when energetic ions are absent and present in ISEE 1 magnetosheath plasma spectrograms are correlated with ISEE 3 IMF orientation measurements. The study indicates that when the plasma at the spacecraft is traced along a streamline to the bow shock surface, the angle between the surface normal at that point and the IMF is greater than 60 deg when the energetic ions are absent and less than 60 deg when they are present. The pattern is consistent with the ions coming from the same regions of the bow shock where intermediate and diffuse ions are found on the upstream side. The 60 deg criterion is used to draw schematic patterns of the location of energetic ions in the magnetosheath as a function of IMF orientation. Some orientations result in layers adjacent to the magnetopause and other orientations give layers adjacent to the bow shock.

Crooker, N. U.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Plasma wave levels and IMF orientations preceding observations of interplanetary shocks by ISEE-3

Some interplanetary shocks detected by ISEE-3 are preceded by many hours of strongly enhanced plasma wave noise at a few kHz, while others have essentially no wave precursors above background. It has been shown that these extremes correspond to quasi-parallel and quasi-perpendicular shocks, respectively, based on the instantaneous orientation angle of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) to the shock normal at the time the shocks cross the spacecraft. It is shown that precursor wave noise level is correlated with field orientation and an extrapolated instantaneous orientation angle throughout the preshock observation interval for two contrasting active and quiet cases, and that intermediate, variable noise levels correspond to intermediate, variable IMF orientations. It is inferred that foreshocks are an intrinsic part of the structure of quasiparallel interplanetary shocks.

Greenstadt, E. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

High Frequency Scattering from Arbitrarily Oriented Dielectric Disks

Calculations have been made of electromagnetic wave scattering from dielectric disks of arbitrary shape and orientation in the high frequency (physical optics) regime. The solution is obtained by approximating the fields inside the disk with the fields induced inside an identically oriented slab (i.e. infinite parallel planes) with the same thickness and dielectric properties. The fields inside the disk excite conduction and polarization currents which are used to calculate the scattered fields by integrating the radiation from these sources over the volume of the disk. This computation has been executed for observers in the far field of the disk in the case of disks with arbitrary orientation and for arbitrary polarization of the incident radiation. The results have been expressed in the form of a dyadic scattering amplitude for the disk. The results apply to disks whose diameter is large compared to wavelength and whose thickness is small compared to diameter, but the thickness need not be small compared to wavelength. Examples of the dependence of the scattering amplitude on frequency, dielectric properties of the disk and disk orientation are presented for disks of circular cross section.

Levine, D. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

A generalized behavioral model for rotating short period comets with spectral orbital elements and axial orientation

A generalized model for short period comets is developed which integrates in a fairly rigorous manner the isolation history of regions on rotating comets with specified axial orientation and the complex feedback processes involving heat, gas and dust transport, dust mantle development and coma opacity. Attention is focused on development, reconfiguration and partial or complete launching of dust mantles and the reciprocal effects of these three processes on ice surface temperature and gas and dust production. The dust mantle controls the H2O flux not only by its effect on the temperature at the ice interface but (dominantly) by its dynamic stability which strongly influences vapor diffusivity. The model includes the effects of latitude, rotation and spin axis orientation are included and applied to an initially homogeneous sphere of H2O ice and silicate using the orbital parameters of comet Encke. Numerous variations of the model, using combinations of grain size distribution, dust-to-ice ratio, latitude and spin axis orientation, are presented and discussed. Resulted for a similar nonrotating, constant Sun orientation models are also included.

Fanale, F. P.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Orientation and shape-control of an orbiting flexible beam under the influence of solar radiation pressure

In this paper, the uncontrolled and controlled dynamics of a thin flexible beam in orbit and in the presence of solar radiation disturbance are analyzed. A beam nominally oriented along (i) the local horizontal and carrying a gimballed rigid dumbbell for gravity stabilization, and (ii) a beam nominally oriented along the local vertical are considered. The uncontrolled dynamics of the beam in the presence of the solar radiation pressure disturbance shows the excitation of the rigid pitch mode. The control laws previously designed for the case where the environmental effects were neglected, are found to be inadequate to control the shape and orientation of very flexible beams that are exposed to solar radiation disturbances. The control laws and the gain parameters are reevaluated for both cases of nominal beam orientations; this results, in general, in increased robustness of the closed-loop system. Methods of obtaining a robust control system in the presence of environmental perturbations are discussed.

Krishna, R.↗