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At least 325 records · Page 18

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NASA NTRS2008

6H-SiC Transistor Integrated Circuits Demonstrating Prolonged Operation at 500 C

The NASA Glenn Research Center is developing very high temperature semiconductor integrated circuits (ICs) for use in the hot sections of aircraft engines and for Venus exploration where ambient temperatures are well above the approximately 300 degrees Centigrade effective limit of silicon-on-insulator IC technology. In order for beneficial technology insertion to occur, such transistor ICs must be capable of prolonged operation in such harsh environments. This paper reports on the fabrication and long-term 500 degrees Centigrade operation of 6H-SiC integrated circuits based on epitaxial 6H-SiC junction field effect transistors (JFETs). Simple analog amplifier and digital logic gate ICs have now demonstrated thousands of hours of continuous 500 degrees Centigrade operation in oxidizing air atmosphere with minimal changes in relevant electrical parameters. Electrical characterization and modeling of transistors and circuits at temperatures from 24 degrees Centigrade to 500 degrees Centigrade is also described. Desired analog and digital IC functionality spanning this temperature range was demonstrated without changing the input signals or power supply voltages.

Neudeck, Philip G.↗

NASA NTRS2016

Cold Helium Pressurization for Liquid Oxygen/Liquid Methane Propulsion Systems: Fully-Integrated Hot-Fire Test Results

Hot-fire test demonstrations were successfully conducted using a cold helium pressurization system fully integrated into a liquid oxygen (LOX) / liquid methane (LCH4) propulsion system (Figure 1). Cold helium pressurant storage at near liquid nitrogen (LN2) temperatures (-275 F and colder) and used as a heated tank pressurant provides a substantial density advantage compared to ambient temperature storage. The increased storage density reduces helium pressurant tank size and mass, creating payload increases of ~35% for small lunar-lander sized applications. This degree of mass reduction also enables pressure-fed propulsion systems for human-rated Mars ascent vehicle designs. Hot-fire test results from the highly-instrumented test bed will be used to demonstrate system performance and validate integrated models of the helium and propulsion systems. A pressurization performance metric will also be developed as a means to compare different active pressurization schemes.

Morehead, R. L.↗

NASA NTRS2016

Insulation Test Cryostat with Lift Mechanism

A multi-purpose, cylindrical thermal insulation test apparatus is used for testing insulation materials and systems of materials using a liquid boil-off calorimeter system for absolute measurement of the effective thermal conductivity (k-value) and heat flux of a specimen material at a fixed environmental condition (cold-side temperature, warm-side temperature, vacuum pressure level, and residual gas composition). An inner vessel receives liquid with a normal boiling point below ambient temperature, such as liquid nitrogen, enclosed within a vacuum chamber. A cold mass assembly, including upper and lower guard chambers and middle test vessel, is suspended from a lid of the vacuum canister. Each of the three chambers is filled and vented through a single feedthrough. All fluid and instrumentation feedthroughs are mounted and suspended from a top domed lid allowing easy removal of the cold mass. A lift mechanism allows manipulation of the cold mass assembly and insulation test article.

Fesmire, James E.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Static force tests of a sharp leading edge delta-wing model at ambient and cryogenic temperatures with a description of the apparatus employed

A sharp leading edge delta-wing model was tested through an angle-of-attack range at Mach numbers of 0.75, 0.80, and 0.85 at both ambient and cryogenic temperatures in the Langley 1/3-meter transonic cryogenic tunnel. Total pressure was varied with total temperature in order to hold test Reynolds number constant at a given Mach number. Agreement between the aerodynamic data obtained at ambient and cryogenic temperatures indicates that flows with leading-edge vortex effects are duplicated properly at cryogenic temperatures. The test results demonstrate that accurate aerodynamic data can be obtained by using conventional force-testing techniques if suitable measures are taken to minimize temperature gradients across the balance and to keep the balance at ambient (warm) temperatures during cryogenic operation of the tunnel.

Kilgore, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Voltage stress effects on microcircuit accelerated life test failure rates

The applicability of Arrhenius and Eyring reaction rate models for describing microcircuit aging characteristics as a function of junction temperature and applied voltage was evaluated. The results of a matrix of accelerated life tests with a single metal oxide semiconductor microcircuit operated at six different combinations of temperature and voltage were used to evaluate the models. A total of 450 devices from two different lots were tested at ambient temperatures between 200 C and 250 C and applied voltages between 5 Vdc and 15 Vdc. A statistical analysis of the surface related failure data resulted in bimodal failure distributions comprising two lognormal distributions; a 'freak' distribution observed early in time, and a 'main' distribution observed later in time. The Arrhenius model was shown to provide a good description of device aging as a function of temperature at a fixed voltage. The Eyring model also appeared to provide a reasonable description of main distribution device aging as a function of temperature and voltage. Circuit diagrams are shown.

Johnson, G. M.↗

NASA NTRS1983

Thermoneutral zone and scaling of metabolic rate on body mass in small mammals

A 4-species animal model suitable for experimental study of the effect of change in gravitational loading on the scale relationship between metabolic rate and total body mass is used to study the effect of temperature on metabolic rate in six male animals, 8-10 months of age, of each of the four species in the ambient temperature range 20-36 C. The measurements taken permitted partitioning of total body heat output into sensible heat loss by radiation, conduction and convection, and into latent heat loss by evaporation of water from the body surface. It is shown that the condition of thermoneutrality is important for metabolic scale effect studies, and that the thermoneutral zone for the species considered here is a narrow one.

Pace, N.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Predictive aging of polymers

A method of predicting aging of polymers operates by heating a polymer in the outdoors to an elevated temperature until a change of property is induced. The test is conducted at a plurality of temperatures to establish a linear Arrhenius plot which is extrapolated to predict the induction period for failure of the polymer at ambient temperature. An Outdoor Photo Thermal Aging Reactor (OPTAR) is also described including a heatable platen for receiving a sheet of polymer, means to heat the platen, and switching means such as a photoelectric switch for turning off the heater during dark periods.

Cuddihy, Edward F.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Studies on droplet evaporation and combustion in high pressures

High pressure droplet evaporation and combustion have been studied up to 15 MPa under normal and microgravity fields. From the evaporation studies, it has been found that in the supercritical environments, the droplet evaporation rate and lifetime take a maximum and a minimum at an ambient pressure over the critical pressure. Its maximum and minimum points move toward the lower ambient pressures if the ambient temperature is increased. It has been found from the combustion studies that the burning life time takes a minimum at an ambient pressure being equal to the critical pressure. It is attributable to both the pressure dependency of the diffusion rate and the droplet evaporation characteristics described above.

Sato, J.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Predictive aging of polymers

A method of predicting aging of polymers operates by heating a polymer in the outdoors to an elevated temperature until a change of property is induced. The test is conducted at a plurality of temperatures to establish a linear Arrhenius plot which is extrapolated to predict the induction period for failure of the polymer at ambient temperature. An Outdoor Photo Thermal Aging Reactor (OPTAR) is also described including a heatable platen for receiving a sheet of polymer, means to heat the platen and switching means such as a photoelectric switch for turning off the heater during dark periods.

Cuddihy, Edward F.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Data book for 12.5-inch diameter SRB thermal model water flotation test: 14.7 psia, series P020

Data acquired from the initial series of tests conducted to determine how thermal conditions affect SRB (Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Booster) flotation are presented. Acceleration, pressure, and temperature data recorded from initial water impact to final flotation position using a 12.5-inch diameter thermal model of the SRB at ambient pressure are included. The model was 136.9 inches long and weighed 117.3 lbm. The tests indicated the following differences from ambient temperature tests: (1) significant negative static pressures can occur during penetration; (2) maximum penetration is increased; and (3) final flotation is in the spar buoy mode.

Allums, S. L.↗

NASA NTRS1999

Detecting thermal discrepancies in vessel walls

An infrared, heat-sensing catheter particularly useful for identifying potentially fatal arterial plaques in patients with disease of the coronary or other arteries and its use are detailed. In one embodiment, an infrared fiberoptic system (with or without ultrasound) is employed at the tip of the catheter to locate inflamed, heat-producing, atherosclerotic plaque, which is at greater risk for rupture, fissure, or ulceration, and consequent thrombosis and occlusion of the artery. In another embodiment, a catheter with an infrared detector (with or without ultrasound) employed at its tip will likewise locate inflamed heat-producing atherosclerotic plaque. The devices and methods of the invention may be used to detect abscesses, infection, and cancerous regions by the heat such regions differentially display over the ambient temperature of immediately adjacent tissues. The methods and devices of the invention may also be used to detect regions of cooler than ambient tissue in a vessel or organ which indicate cell death, thrombosis, cell death, hemorrhage, calcium or cholesterol accumulations, or foreign materials.

Casscells, S. Ward↗

NASA NTRS2012

Cryogenic Curation of Lunar Samples Returned to Earth

Future lunar missions may collect samples that have been preserved at sub-freezing or even cryogenic temperatures. For such samples, the study of volatiles and temperature-sensitive minerals will have high priority. Valuable geochemical and mineralogical information will be lost if such samples are allowed to reach ambient temperatures on Earth. The ability to store, document, subdivide, and transport extraterrestrial geologic samples while maintaining sub-freezing or cryogenic temperatures, possibly as low as 40 K, is required for the complete scientific study of samples from cold environments. A lunar cryogenic sample return mission might require a combination of passive cooling during collection and cruise and active cooling during and after re-entry for maintaining desired temperatures. Once on Earth, cryocontainment must be maintained through delivery to a cryogenic chamber in the curatorial facility. This cryogenic curation chamber would include cameras and robotic manipulators for preliminary examination, subdivision of samples, and specialized sample allocation containers for shipment to laboratories world-wide. This presentation describes the planning and feasibility of cryogenic curation with current technologies developed for the superconductor industry. In addition, significant advanced research and development would be required to tailor some of these technologies to the task of sample return and long term curation of lunar samples at low temperatures in order to preserve their scientific integrity.

Calaway, Michael J.↗

NASA NTRS2013

Cryogenic Curation: Isolated Technology and Mission Operational Requirements for Sample Return

Future lunar, Mars, asteroid, and comet sample return missions may collect samples that have been preserved at sub-freezing or even cryogenic temperatures. For such samples, the study of volatiles and temperature-sensitive minerals will have high priority. Valuable geochemical and mineralogical information will be lost if such samples are allowed to reach ambient temperatures on Earth. The ability to store, document, subdivide, and transport extraterrestrial geologic samples while maintaining sub-freezing or cryogenic temperatures, possibly as low as 40 K, is required for the complete scientific study of samples from cold environments.

Calaway, Michael J.↗

NASA NTRS1979

The effects of strain and temperature on the dynamic properties of elastomers

This paper presents the results of a program of analysis and tests to determine the dynamic properties of elastomers as a function of strain and ambient temperature. Measurements were also made to determine the temperature distribution in the elastomer samples during the tests. These measured properties were compared with analytical predictions based on a visco-elastic model designed to take into account the self-heating of the materials as a function of strain. The test method used was well-established Base Excitation Resonant Mass Technique. The specimens tested were two cylindrical button compression specimens and a shear specimen. Strain was shown to be an important parameter in determining the dynamic properties of the elastomers. In general, these properties were much more sensitive to strain than to frequency. The self-heating effect was found to account for a portion of the strain sensitivity of these properties.

Darlow, M. S.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Improving the low temperature ductility of NiAl

The intermetallic NiAl exhibits excellent potential as a structural material for application in air-breathing and single-stage-to-orbit engines. Unfortunately NiAl is brittle at ambient temperature, which is partly attributed to the lack of five independent slip systems as required by von Mises criterion for uniform, volume conserving deformation since the operative group of zone axes (100) slip offers only three independent slip systems. Isostructural FeAl, however, deforms by group of zone axes (111) slip at room temperature which provides five independent slip systems. Thus, it was decided to macroalloy NiAl with Fe to promote group of zone axes (111) slip thereby possibly improving the ductility. For Ni - 30 at. (percent) Al - 20 at. (percent) Fe having essentially bcc microstructure indicated up to 6 percent tensile elongation combined with high yield strength (about 800 MPa). The results compare favorably with those of stoichiometric Ni - 50 at. (percent) Al which, however, deforms by group of zone axes (100) slip at room temperature. The multi-phase alloy approach has proven even more successful for Ni - 20 at. (percent) Al - 30 at. (percent) Fe. The high temperature ductility of the multi-phase alloy was attributed to deformation transfer across interphase boundaries and the crack stopping action of the constituent gamma/gamma' phase. While the constituent phase became increasingly brittle, the beta' phase became more ductile at elevated temperatures. Thus the multi-phase alloy did not exhibit any elevated temperature embrittlement. Similarly, while the beta' phase became weak at high temperatures, the gamma/gamma' phase exhibited better strength retention leading to the improved elevated temperature strength of the multi-phase alloy. Thus, the multi-phase alloy benefits from both its constituent phases, with each phase alleviating the disadvantages associated with the other phase over any temperature range. The multi-phase alloy approach is suggested as a possible approach to designing intermetallic-based alloys.

Guha, Sumit↗

NASA NTRS1974

Data book for 12.5-inch diameter SRB thermal model water flotation test - 14.7 psia, series P024

Tests were conducted to determine how thermal conditions affect space shuttle solid rocket booster (SRB) flotation. Acceleration, pressure, and temperature data were recorded from initial water impact to final flotation position using a 12.5-inch diameter thermal model of the SRB at ambient pressure. The model was 136.9 inches long and weighed 117.3 lbm. The tests indicated the following differences from ambient temperature tests: (1) significant negative static pressures can occur during penetration; (2) maximum penetration is increased; and (3) final flotation is in the spar buoy mode.

Allums, S. L.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Thermal Exposure Effects on Properties of Al-Li Alloy Plate Products

Aluminum-Lithium (AL-Li) alloys offer significant performance benefits for aerospace structural applications due to their higher specific properties compared with conventional aluminum alloys. For example, the application of an Al-Li alloy to the space shuttle external cryogenic fuel tank contributed to the weight savings that enabled successful deployment of International Space Station components. The composition and heat treatment of this alloy were optimized specifically for strength-toughness considerations for an expendable cryogenic tank. Time dependent properties related to reliability, such as thermal stability, fatigue, and corrosion, will be of significant interest when materials are evaluated for a reusable cryotank structure. As most aerospace structural hardware is weight sensitive, a reusable cryotank will be designed to the limits of the materials mechanical properties. Therefore, this effort was designed to establish the effects of thermal exposure on the mechanical properties and microstructure of one relatively production mature alloy and two developmental alloys C458 and L277. Tensile and fracture toughness behavior was evaluated after exposure to temperatures as high as 3oooF for up to IO00 hrs. Microstructural changes were also evaluated to correlate with the observed data trends. The ambient temperature parent metal data showed an increase in strength and reduction in elongation after exposure at lower temperatures. Strength reached a peak with intermediate temperature exposure followed by a decrease at highest exposure temperature. Characterizing the effect of thermal exposure on the properties of Al-Li alloys is important to defining a service limiting temperature, exposure time, and end-of-life properties.

Shah, Sandeep↗

NASA NTRS1977

Equations for the determination of humidity from dewpoint and psychrometric data

A general expression based on the Claperon-Clausius differential equation that relates saturation vapor pressure, absolute temperature, and the latent heat of transformation was derived that expresses saturation vapor pressure as a function of absolute temperature. This expression was then used to derive general expressions for vapor pressure, absolute humidity, and relative humidity as functions of either dewpoint and ambient temperature or psychrometric parameters. Constants for all general expressions were then evaluated to give specific expressions in both the international system of units and U.S. customary units for temperatures above and below freezing.

Parish, O. O.↗