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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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Ends of metal tube are fastened to axles which are supported on bearings so tube can rotate about its long axis while subjected to invariant bending moment that stresses it along longitudinal axis of rotation. Heat absorbed leads to expansion of metal, which unbalances internal forces and generates rotational moment in tube.
An advanced composite shear web design concept was developed for the Space Shuttle orbiter main engine thrust beam structure. Various web concepts were synthesized by a computer-aided adaptive random search procedure. A practical concept is identified having a titanium-clad + or - 45 deg boron/epoxy web plate with vertical boron/epoxy reinforced aluminum stiffeners. The boron-epoxy laminate contributes to the strength and stiffness efficiency of the basic web section. The titanium-cladding functions to protect the polymeric laminate parts from damaging environments and is chem-milled to provide reinforcement in selected areas. Detailed design drawings are presented for both boron/epoxy reinforced and all-metal shear webs. The weight saving offered is 24% relative to all-metal construction at an attractive cost per pound of weight saved, based on the detailed designs. Small scale element tests substantiate the boron/epoxy reinforced design details in critical areas. The results show that the titanium-cladding reliably reinforces the web laminate in critical edge load transfer and stiffener fastener hole areas.
The development of a unique closed-pore ceramic foam insulation (CPI) produced from low cost fly ash cenospheres is reported for space shuttle external thermal protection. Two basic design approaches were developed: bonded and mechanically fastened. A description of the concepts is presented in addition to fabrication and test results.
This paper gives some examples of projects underway. The projects are grouped according to the primary parameter being studied: loads, configuration, environment, or material. Significant topics include the effect of truncated loads, the effect of proof-tests, interference fasteners, accelerated and real-time tests for supersonic aircraft materials, crack-growth rates in built-up structures, and a model method by which material can be selected for a particular set of operating conditions.
Modular line block comprises matched modular elements machined to accept fluid lines of different diameters. Modules can support different fluid-line configurations. Top and bottom surfaces are machined to accept dovetail strip used for holding modules together. End modules have holes drilled through to accept fastening screws.
Auger-shaped single-point fastener attaches rigid surface insulation tiles to orbiter shuttle spacecraft. Method can be used to bond wide variety of materials, including insulation, elastomers, and fibrous materials. Since insulation is attached at only one point, insulation and structure are free to form without inducing bond separation.
For compacting concretes in building, vibrating beams are used. The vibrations are generated by inertial vibrators, and the beam is normally displaced by the operator by means of a handle that is elastically fastened to the beam by means of rubber pads. Considered are vibrations transmitted to the operator, taking into account the beam's shock vibration motions. The steady state motion of a dynamic beam pattern is studied, and results of experimental tests with existing equipment are presented.
Research was begun into the dynamic characteristics of wires, including the self-damping properties. A series of wire insulator fastenings, with and without dampers, was also developed.
Electromechanical vibration inducers with high reliability and low noise level were created to study premature operating losses in their support bearings. An investigation was also made of the feasibility of developing stable synchronous operation of two vibrational inducers, rigidily fastened to a solid body with and without flexible suspension.
A solution is given to the problem of a transient vibration process in a fastened plate, during a sudden displacement of the edge. Some partial cases of excitation are examined in which the packing can be calculated and the explicit type of change in a deformation over time can be found. Some examples are presented.
Results are presented of extensive testing recently completed on boron-aluminum composites to determine mechanical property data for structural design and analysis. Average property data and associated test methods are given for unidirectional and cross plied laminates at room temperature and 600 F. Results from crippling tests of hat-shaped stringers and mechanical fastener joint tests of laminates containing titanium interleaves are also presented. Compared to aluminum which has approximately same density, tests show that boron-aluminum loaded in compression is 4 1/2 times stronger and 3 1/2 times stiffer. When loaded in tension it is 2 times stronger and 3 times stiffer.
The Viking Mars landers to be launched in 1975 will carry experiments in biology, planetology, and atmospheric physics. A terminal dry-heat sterilization process using an inert gas was chosen to meet planetary quarantine requirements and preclude contamination of the biology experiment by terrestrial organisms. Deep sterilization is performed at the component level and terminal surface sterilization at the system level. Solutions to certain component problems relating to sterilization are discussed, involving the gyroscope, tape recorder, battery, electronic circuitry, and outgassing. Heat treatment placed special requirements on electronic packaging, including fastener preload monitoring and solder joints. Chemical and physical testing of nonmetallic materials was performed to establish data on their behavior in heat-treatment and vacuum environments. A Thermal Effects Test Model and a Proof Test Capsule were used. It is concluded that a space vehicle can be designed and fabricated to withstand heat sterilization requirements.
Device is constructed of bimetallic stock material formed into segments of small diameters and fastened together by metal strips. Coil is useful in various types of actuators, such as temperature controls.
Set of standards in the form of drawings provides detailed information about materials fastening techniques, surface finishes, critical dimensions, quality control specifications, and installation methods for variety of static and total pressure tube instrumentation.
Innovation allows fully-loaded container to be fastened to rear wall of recessed area. Assembly is designed to carry shear and tension loads. Retractable handle allows for visual verification if door is locked or unlocked.
Split brass paper fasteners are used to identify tubes and cables in environments in which standard adhesive-backed identification tags do not adhere.
A method is reported for calculating the shapes of ionic comet tails that use the magnetic field along the tail to channel the tail plasma. The local momentum field in the solar wind determines magnetic field line locations along the tail. Thus, the magnetic field acts as a transparent wind sock in trapping field lines in the cometary plasma around the nucleus long enough to be effectively fastened to the comet's head.
Design, analysis and fabrication techniques for boron-aluminum composite-structure technology is presented and a new method of joining different laminated composites without mechanical fasteners is proposed. Also discussed is a low-cost procedure for rigidifying expanded honeycomb tubing and piping simulations. A brief note on patent information is added.