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At least 415 records · Page 23

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NASA NTRS1974

Interplanetary stream interfaces

At 1 AU there is a distinct boundary (the stream interface) in the interaction region of a stream in the solar wind, characterized by an abrupt drop in density, a similar increase in temperature, and a small increase in speed. In some cases, this is a tangential discontinuity, in others it is probably evolving into a tangential discontinuity. It is suggested that stream interfaces form in the interplanetary medium as a consequence of the nonlinear evolution of streams generated by an increase in temperature in the solar envelope. This evolution eventually leads to the formation of a reverse shock behind the interface and a forward shock ahead of it. Two instances in which both a stream interface and a reverse shock had developed at 1 AU are presented. Examples of flare-generated shocks that passed through a stream and were observed near a stream interface are also presented. It is shown that stream interfaces are definitely not the same structures that others have identified as piston boundaries.

Burlaga, L. F.↗

NASA NTRS1976

Free-interface methods of substructure coupling for dynamic analysis

Benfield, et al. (1972) showed that among fixed-interface, free-interface, and hybrid substructure coupling methods, the fixed-interface methods as the most accurate and the free-interface methods are the least accurate. In the present note, a substructure coupling method is proposed which employs free-interface substructure modes supplemented by 'reduced flexibility.' Substructure coupling based on the improved substructure model is discussed, and a numerical comparison with Hou's free-interface method is given. To simplify representation of the method proposed, the substructure equations are developed first for constrained substructures, and then the equations representing substructures with rigid-body modes are given. Finally, the equations for coupling of substructures are derived. Example calculations are included.

Craig, R. R., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1978

Analysis of solidification interface shape during continuous casting of a slab

An analysis was made of the two-dimensional interface shape of a slab ingot being cast continuously by withdrawing it from a mold. The sides of the ingot are being cooled and the upper boundary of the ingot is in contact with a pool of molten metal. The solidification interface shape was determined from the analysis of the heat flow, utilizing the condition that the solidification interface is at constant temperature and must be normal to the lines of heat flow carrying away latent heat of fusion from the interface. The analysis includes the effect of interface curvature which, for a constant rate of withdrawing the cast ingot from the mold, causes the solidification to be nonuniform along the interface. The analysis was carried out by a conformal mapping procedure.

Siegel, R.↗

NASA NTRS1982

Analysis of solidification interface shape resulting from applied sinusoidal heating

Maintaining a flat solidification interface is important for forming desired crystal structures in certain types of metal casting processes. This has application in new manufacturing techniques for naturally strengthened composite components such as turbine blades. The solidification interface shape will adjust to be compatible with the spatial distribution of energy being transferred to it. The interface shape must be found that satisfies conditions of simultaneously being at the fusion temperature and having an imposed spatially varying heat flux. Specific results are obtained for the heat transfer from the liquid phase varying along the interface in a cosine fashion. Interface shapes are found as a function of the amplitude and wavelength of the imposed heat transfer variations, and the sensitivity of the interface shape to these variations is examined.

Siegel, R.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Orbiter middeck/payload standard interfaces control document

The interfaces which shall be provided by the baseline shuttle mid-deck for payload use within the mid-deck area are defined, as well as all constraints which shall be observed by all the users of the defined interfaces. Commonality was established with respect to analytical approaches, analytical models, technical data and definitions for integrated analyses by all the interfacing parties. Any payload interfaces that are out of scope with the standard interfaces defined shall be defined in a Payload Unique Interface Control Document (ICD) for a given payload. Each Payload Unique ICD will have comparable paragraphs to this ICD and will have a corresponding notation of A, for applicable; N/A, for not applicable; N, for note added for explanation; and E, for exception. On any flight, the STS reserves the right to assign locations to both payloads mounted on an adapter plate(s) and payloads stored within standard lockers. Specific locations requests and/or requirements exceeding standard mid-deck payload requirements may result in a reduction in manifesting opportunities.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1985

The Control of Float Zone Interfaces by the Use of Selected Boundary Conditions

Since the float zone process involves two solid-melt interfaces, possible gas interfaces, heat and mass transfers, various driving forces and complex heating sources, an analysis of the entire process would be very complex. For an initial investigation, a more feasible approach is to examine each component of the process separately. The three principal components are: (1) the shapes of the melt and solid-melt interfaces, (2) the heat and mass transfers, and (3) the heating and cooling sources. This study combined facets of all three components. The purpose of this effort was to study and compute the surface boundary conditions required to give flat (float zone) FZ solid-melt interfaces. This study was undertaken in two phases. The first phase was to investigate the solid zones surface boundary conditions required for flat solid-melt interfaces when given the melt zone surface boundary conditions. The second phase complemented the first and was to investigate the melt zone surface boundary conditions required for flat solid-melt interfaces if given the solid zones surface boundary conditions. Dual integral transform methods were used in both phases; in addition, the use of various numerical methods for differential equations and linear systems of equations were required.

Foster, L. M.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Interface roughness effect on stresses in ceramic coatings

This paper presents an analysis of the interface stress in plasma-sprayed zirconia coatings. The stress distributions along smooth and rough interfaces were calculated for perfectly bonded materials. The effect of mechanial interlock along the interface was also calculated. The interface stresses for noninterlocking interfaces were consistently higher; the interlocking interfaces showed high stresses in small regions only.

Mullen, Robert L.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Numerical studies of the effects of jet-induced mixing on liquid-vapor interface condensation

Numerical solutions of jet-induced mixing in a partially full cryogenic tank are presented. An axisymmetric laminar jet is discharged from the central part of the tank bottom toward the liquid-vapor interface. Liquid is withdrawn at the same volume flow rate from the outer part of the tank. The jet is at a temperature lower than the interface, which is maintained at a certain saturation temperature. The interface is assumed to be flat and shear-free and the condensation-induced velocity is assumed to be negligibly small compared with radial interface velocity. Finite-difference method is used to solve the nondimensional form of steady state continuity, momentum, and energy equations. Calculations are conducted for jet Reynolds numbers ranging from 150 to 600 and Prandtl numbers ranging from 0.85 to 2.65. The effects of above stated parameters on the condensation Nusselt and Stanton numbers which characterize the steady-state interface condensation process are investigated. Detailed analysis to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of fluid mixing and interface condensation is performed.

Lin, Chin-Shun↗

NASA NTRS1989

Numerical studies of the effects of jet-induced mixing on liquid-vapor interface condensation

Lin, Chin-Shun↗

NASA NTRS1989

Hubble Space Telescope-Space Shuttle interface dynamic verification test

A test program has been developed for the interface between the Space Shuttle Orbiter and the Hubble Space Telescope which couples a standard modal test for a simple suspended structure with a novel, 'interface verification' test. While the free-free modal test is used to verify the high loads generating structural modes due to the interaction of internal components of the structure with the rest of the structure, the interface verification test verifies the character of the high-loading generating modes in which the structure reacts against the booster interface. The novel method excites the structure at a single payload-booster interface DOF, while all other interfaces are left free to move.

Blair, Mark A.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Ballistic-electron-emission microscopy of subsurface defects at the Au-GaAs(100) interface

The application of ballistic-electron-emission microscopy (BEEM) to a study of the influence of GaAs(100) substrate conditions on the formation of a multidefect structure at the Au-GaAs(100) Schottky barrier interface is described. Interfaces prepared on both melt-grown GaAs(100) wafer substrates and MBF-deposited GaAs(100) buffer layers are considered. As a comparison to the study of Au-GaAs(100) interfaces, BEEM imaging is performed on Au-Si(100) interfaces. It is noted that Au-GaAs(100) interface formation is relatively insensitive to the effects of substrate surface condition and substrate bulk defect density, and that the combination of BEEM imaging and BEEM spectroscopy indicates that the heterogeneous interface defects are the result of diffusion between the Schottky barrier electrodes.

Hecht, M. H.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Fracture mechanics analysis for various fiber/matrix interface loadings

Fiber/matrix (F/M) cracking was analyzed to provide better understanding and guidance in developing F/M interface fracture toughness tests. Two configurations, corresponding to F/M cracking at a broken fiber and at the free edge, were investigated. The effects of mechanical loading, thermal cooldown, and friction were investigated. Each configuration was analyzed for two loadings: longitudinal and normal to the fiber. A nonlinear finite element analysis was performed to model friction and slip at the F/M interface. A new procedure for fitting a square-root singularity to calculated stresses was developed to determine stress intensity factors (K sub I and K sub II) for a bimaterial interface crack. For the case of F/M cracking at a broken fiber with longitudinal loading, crack tip conditions were strongly influenced by interface friction. As a result, an F/M interface toughness test based on this case was not recommended because nonlinear data analysis methods would be required. For the free edge crack configuration, both mechanical and thermal loading caused crack opening, thereby avoiding frictional effects. A F/M interface toughness test based on this configuration would provide data for K(sub I)/K(sub II) ratios of about 0.7 and 1.6 for fiber and radial normal loading, respectively. However, thermal effects must be accounted for in the data analysis.

Naik, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Structure and functions of water-membrane interfaces and their role in proto-biological evolution

Among the most important developments in proto-biological evolution was the emergence of membrane-like structures. These are formed by spontaneous association of relatively simple amphiphilic molecules that would have been readily available in the primordial environment. The resulting interfacial regions between water and nonpolar interior of the membrane have several properties which made them uniquely suitable for promoting subsequent evolution. They can (1) selectively attract organic material and mediate its transport, (2) serve as simple catalysts for chemical reactions, and (3) promote the formation of trans-membrane electrical and chemical gradients which could provide energy sources for proto-cells. Understanding the structure of interfaces, their interactions with organic molecules and molecular mechanisms of their functions is an essential step to understanding proto-biological evolution. In our computer simulation studies, we showed that the structure of water at interfaces with nonpolar media is significantly different from that in the bulk. In particular, the average surface dipole density points from the vapor to the liquid. As a result, negative ions can approach the interface more easily than positive ions. Amphiphilic molecules composed of hydrocarbon conjugated rings and polar substituents (e.g., phenol) assume at the interface rigid orientations in which polar groups are buried in water while hydrocarbon parts are located in the nonpolar environment. These orientational differences are of special interest in connection with the ability of some of these molecules to efficiently absorb photons. Flexible molecules with polar substituents often adopt at interfaces conformations different from those in the bulk aquaeous solution and in the gas phase. As a result, in many instances both specificity and kinetics of chemical reactions in which these molecules can participate is modified by the presence of surfaces. Of special interest is the mechanism by which polar molecules are transferred across interface between water and a nonpolar medium. Our recent study showed that simple ionophores bind ions by the same mechanisms as ion channels and carriers from modern cells.

Pohorille, A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Coupling device with improved thermal interface

The primary object of the present invention is to provide a simple, reliable, and lightweight coupling that will also have an efficient thermal interface. A further object of the invention is to provide a coupling that is capable of blind mating with little or no insertion forces. Another object of the invention is to provide a coupling that acts as a thermal regulator to maintain a constant temperature on one side of the coupling. Another object of the invention is to increase the available surface area of a coupling thus providing a larger area for the conduction of heat across the thermal interface. Another object of the invention is to provide a fluidic coupling that has no fluid passing across the interface, thus reducing the likelihood of leaks and contamination. The foregoing objects are achieved by utilizing, as in the prior art, a hot area (at an elevated temperature as compared to a cold area) with a need to remove excess heat from the hot area to a cold area. In this device, the thermal interface will occur not on a planar horizontal surface, but along a non-planar vertical surface, which will reduce the reaction forces and increase the thermal conductivity of the device. One non-planar surface is a surface on a cold pin extending from the cold area and the other non-planar surface is a surface on a hot pin extending from the hot area. The cold pin is fixed and does not move while the hot pin is a flexible member and its movement towards the cold pin will bring the two non-planar surfaces together forming the thermal interface. The actuating member for the device is a shape-memory actuation wire which is attached through an aperture to the hot pin and through another aperture to an actuation wire retainer. By properly programming the actuation wire, heat from the hot area will cause the actuation wire to bend the hot wire. Heat from the hot area will cause the actuation wire to bend the hot pin towards the cold pin forming the coupling and the desired thermal interface. The shape-memory actuation wire is made of a shape-memory-effect alloy such as Nitinol.

Milam, Malcolm Bruce↗

NASA NTRS1992

Reflection high-energy electron diffraction study of growth and interface formation of the Ga(1-x)In(x)Sb/InAs strained-layer superlattices

Reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED) during molecular beam epitaxy is used to study the growth and interface formation of the Ga(1-x)In(x)Sb/InAs (x is not greater than 0.4) strained-layer superlattices (SLSs) on GaSb(100) substrates. A number of surface atomic structures were observed in the growth of the SLS: a (1 x 3) phase from the InAs epilayer surface, a (2 x 3) phase, a (2 x 4) phase, and diffuse (1 x 1)-like phases from the InAs epilayer surface. It is suggested that the long-range order quality of the interface of Ga(1-x)In(x)Sb on InAs may be better than that of the interface of InAs on Ga(1-x)In(x)Sb, but the abruptness of the interfaces would still be compatible. The RHEED intensity variations in the formation of the interfaces are discussed in terms of interface chemical reactions.

Fan, W. C.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Fracture mechanics analysis for various fiber/matrix interface loadings

Fiber/matrix (F/M) cracking was analyzed to provide better understanding and guidance in developing F/M interface fracture toughness tests. Two configurations, corresponding to F/M cracking at a broken fiber and at the free edge, were investigated. The effects of mechanical loading, thermal cooldown, and friction were investigated. Each configuration was analyzed for two loadings: longitudinal and normal to the fiber. A nonlinear finite element analysis was performed to model friction and slip at the F/M interface. A new procedure for fitting a square-root singularity to calculated stresses was developed to determine stress intensity factors (K sub I and K sub II) for a bimaterial interface crack. For the case of F/M cracking at a broken fiber with longitudinal loading, crack tip conditions were strongly influenced by interface friction. As a result, an F/M interface toughness test based on this case was not recommended because nonlinear data analysis methods would be required. For the free edge crack configuration, both mechanical and thermal loading caused crack opening, thereby avoiding frictional effects. An F/M interface toughness test based on this configuration would provide data for K(sub I)/K(sub II) ratios of about 0.7 and 1.6 for fiber and radial normal loading, respectively. However, thermal effects must be accounted for in the data analysis.

Naik, R. A.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Effect of thermal convection on the shape of a solid-liquid interface

The effect of thermal convection on the shape of solid-liquid interface was investigated in experiments conducted in a transparent Bridgman-type directional solidification furnace. The relationship was numerically modeled using a standard 2D finite-difference approach, with the solid-liquid deformable interface approximated by a blocking-off technique. The directional solidification furnace was used with pure succinonitrile (which is also transparent) contained in a long square ampoule made of borosilicate glass. With the furnace in the vertical configuration, a flat interface was observed, in agreement with the model. On the other hand, a highly distorted interface was obtained in the horizontal configuration; the numerical results showed a strong recirculating cell in front of the interface due to natural thermal convection. The results indicate that thermal convection is responsible for the interface distortion.

Mennetrier, C.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Fracture mechanics analysis for various fiber/matrix interface loadings

Fiber/matrix (F/M) cracking was analyzed to provide better understanding and guidance in developing F/M interface fracture toughness tests. Two configurations, corresponding to F/M cracking at a broken fiber and at the free edge, were investigated. The effects of mechanical loading, thermal cooldown, and friction were investigated. Each configuration was analyzed for two loadings: longitudinal and normal to the fiber. A nonlinear finite element analysis was performed to model friction and slip at the F/M interface. A new procedure for fitting a square-root singularity to calculated stresses was developed to determine stress intensity factors (K sub I and K sub II) for a bimaterial interface crack. For the case of F/M cracking at a broken fiber with longitudinal loading, crack tip conditions were strongly influenced by interface friction. As a result, an F/M interface toughness test based on this case was not recommended because nonlinear data analysis methods would be required. For the free edge crack configuration, both mechanical and thermal loading caused crack opening, theory avoiding fractional effects. A F/M interface toughness test based on this configuration would provide data for K(sub I/K(sub II) ratios of about 0.7 and 1.6 for fiber and radial normal loading, respectively. However, thermal effects must be accounted for in the data analysis.

Naik, Rajiv A.↗