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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 505 records · Page 28
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Investigation of test methods for measuring compressive strength and modulus of two-dimensional carbon-carbon composites

An experimental evaluation has been conducted to ascertain the the usefulness of two techniques for measuring in-plane compressive failure strength and modulus in coated and uncoated carbon-carbon composites. The techniques involved testing specimens with potted ends as well as testing them in a novel clamping fixture; specimen shape, length, gage width, and thickness were the test parameters investigated for both coated and uncoated 0/90 deg and +/-45 deg laminates. It is found that specimen shape does not have a significant effect on the measured compressive properties. The potting of specimen ends results in slightly higher measured compressive strengths than those obtained with the new clamping fixture. Comparable modulus values are obtained by both techniques.

Ohlhorst, Craig W.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Balancing Impedance and Controllability in Response Reconstruction with $\mathrm{TS-IMMAT}$

In a prior work the authors proposed a variant on the Impedance Matched Multi-Axis Test (IMMAT) in which a fixture is defined, called the Transmission Simulator (TS), and the desired environment is matched at a set of sensors on the TS. If the motion of the TS is matched then the response of the rest of the component will also match, provided that the attached component has the same dynamics as it did when the environment was measured. Hence, one would like the TS to be flexible so that it reproduces the boundary conditions that the component of interest experiences during flight, but the more flexible the TS, the more shakers might be needed to control its response. This work presents a derivation that gives expressions for these two potential error sources in TS-IMMAT. Then, various case studies are presented, both on simulated and real hardware, to understand the importance of each error term in practical testing. The theory explains the phenomena that were observed when using measurements from a component that flew on a sounding rocket. The environmental response was measured and then various fixtures were attached, each comprising more of the next assembly, or the hardware to which the component was attached in flight. MIMO testing was repeated with each fixture and the results were compared to seek to understand the role of the impedance match in this type of testing. Here the results show that the number of modes that are active in the transmission simulator is also very important, and so the best solution balances these two considerations. An improved method of simulating the MIMO test is then proposed, so simulations can be used to predict what fixture, or transmission simulator, will give the best results in a TS-IMMAT test.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1988

Alignment verification procedures

In alignment verification procedures each laboratory is required to align its test machines and gripping fixtures to produce a nearly uniform tensile stress field on an un-notched sheet specimen. The blank specimens (50 mm w X 305 mm l X 2.3 mm th) supplied by the coordinators were strain gauged. Strain gauge readings were taken at all gauges (n = 1 through 10). The alignment verification procedures are as follows: (1) zero all strain gauges while specimen is in a free-supported condition; (2) put strain-gauged specimen in the test machine so that specimen front face (face 1) is in contact with reference jaw (standard position of specimen), tighten grips, and at zero load measure strains on all gauges. (epsilon sub nS0 is strain at gauge n, standard position, zero load); (3) with specimen in machine and at a tensile load of 10 kN measure strains (specimen in standard position). (Strain = epsilon sub nS10); (4) remove specimen from machine. Put specimen in machine so that specimen back face (face 2) is in contact with reference jaw (reverse position of specimen), tighten grips, and at zero load measure strains on all gauges. (Strain - epsilon sub nR0); and (5) with specimen in machine and at tensile load of 10 kN measure strains (specimen in reverse position). (epsilon sub nR10 is strain at gauge n, reverse position, 10 kN load).

Edwards, P. R.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Force Limited Random Vibration Test of TESS Camera Mass Model

The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is a spaceborne instrument consisting of four wide field-of-view-CCD cameras dedicated to the discovery of exoplanets around the brightest stars. As part of the environmental testing campaign, force limiting was used to simulate a realistic random vibration launch environment. While the force limit vibration test method is a standard approach used at multiple institutions including Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), European Space Research and Technology Center (ESTEC), and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), it is still difficult to find an actual implementation process in the literature. This paper describes the step-by-step process on how the force limit method was developed and applied on the TESS camera mass model. The process description includes the design of special fixtures to mount the test article for properly installing force transducers, development of the force spectral density using the semi-empirical method, estimation of the fuzzy factor (C2) based on the mass ratio between the supporting structure and the test article, subsequent validating of the C2 factor during the vibration test, and calculation of the C.G. accelerations using the Root Mean Square (RMS) reaction force in the spectral domain and the peak reaction force in the time domain.

Karlicek, Alexandra↗
NASA NTRS1991

Analysis of materials from MSFC LDEF experiments

In preparation for the arrival of the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) samples, a material testing and handling approach was developed for the evaluation of the materials. A configured lab was made ready for the de-integration of the LDEF experiments. The lab was prepared to clean room specifications and arranged with the appropriate clean benches, tables, lab benches, clean room tools, particulate counter, and calibrated and characterized analytical instrumentation. Clean room procedures were followed. Clean room attire and shoe cleaning equipment were selected and installed for those entering. Upon arrival of the shipping crates they were taken to the lab, logged in, and opened for examination. The sample trays were then opened for inspection and test measurements. The control sample measurements were made prior to placement into handling and transport containers for the flight sample measurements and analysis. Both LDEF flight samples and LDEF type materials were analyzed and tested for future flight candidate material evaluation. Both existing and newly purchased equipment was used for the testing and evaluation. Existing Space Simulation Systems had to be upgraded to incorporate revised test objectives and approaches. Fixtures such as special configured sample holders, water, power and LN2 feed-throughs, temperature measurement and control, front surface mirrors for reflectance and deposition, and UV grade windows had to be designed, fabricated, and installed into systems to achieve the revised requirements. New equipment purchased for LDEF analysis was incorporated into and/or used with existing components and systems. A partial list of this equipment includes a portable monochromator, enhanced UV System, portable helium leak detector for porosity and leak measurements, new turbo pumping system, vacuum coaster assembly, cryopumps, and analytical and data acquisition equipment. A list of materials tested, equipment designed, fabricated and installed, systems used, and analytical research accomplished on both LDEF flight samples and on similar materials which were lab tested for a comparative analysis to the LDEF flight samples is presented.

Johnson, R. Barry↗
DOE OSTI2022

Improved Understanding of Zircaloy Hydrogen Pickup Mechanisms in BWRs. NSUF Report (Final Report)

Using an instrumented autoclave operating at 288°C and 1100 psi, electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were taken from three neutron irradiated fuel channel samples (Zircaloy-2 and Zircaloy-4). The three high priority fuel channel samples were tested at 288°C using a simulated PWR water with the AC frequency range extending down through 10 -4 Hz, with corresponding DC measurements to validate the resistance measurements. EIS measurements were also taken at room temperature using a simulated PWR water from four neutron irradiated fuel channel samples (Zircaloy-2 and Zircaloy-4). and four water rod samples (Zircaloy-2). EIS measurements were also performed on unirradiated Zircaloy-2 tubes that were previously oxidized in autoclaves at various temperatures for different time durations to obtain oxide layers of different thicknesses. These experiments proved to be more challenging than anticipated because of the small size of the samples, which required development of fixtures to allow valid testing of the materials, some of which are radioactive, under pressure and temperature. Equivalent circuits were used to model the data. Some samples resulted in Nyquist plots where the arcs were too close to each other resulting in the inability to separate the different oxide morphological thicknesses. Microstructural characterization in the form of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and (scanning) transmission electron microscopy was performed to document the microstructural features of the oxidized Zr-2 and Zr-4 samples (oxide and metal/oxide interface) and to interpret the EIS results. At the start of this work, it was assumed that despite the laminar cracks and porosity visible in both optical and SEM, the oxide scale is dense near the metal, effectively preventing the water from contacting the metal directly. While it is generally accepted that the large laminar cracks pores allow the water to percolate into the oxide film, it is unknown just how deep it can go, and how interconnected is the porosity, which will dictate how much the porosity is connected electrically to the water within the oxide scale. The EIS results demonstrated that there is in fact a distribution of oxide thicknesses over the various samples, and within each material condition, that are communicating to the liquid. This is derived from the fact that Nyquist plots have an arc radius whose center point is often below the Z’ axis, implying that instead of a single oxide thickness, these oxides have a distribution of thicknesses. This distribution of thicknesses produces arcs that are not clearly separable in most of the samples.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS2017

Design Process of a Pressure Transducer Vibration Fixture

This paper details the iterative design cycle of a fixture used to mount two types of pressure transducers for vibration testing which allows for functional testing without the removal of the transducers. The objective of the fixture is to prove that the pressure transducers can survive vibrations induced during launch. This would increase the Technology Readiness Level of the pressure transducers which is a requirement for the Lunar Advanced Volatile Analysis subsystem preliminary design review. During the design process, additive manufacturing is considered as a manufacturing method of the fixture as a way to investigate the use of additive manufacturing for the final flight version of the Fluid Sub System manifold. It is ultimately shown that the added ability to perform functional testing and optimization for additive manufacturing made the fixture less than ideal for vibration testing. It is determined that the best option is to design and manufacture a traditional vibration fixture without the ability to perform functional testing of components while attached and a separate part to investigate the application of additive manufacturing to the Fluid Subsystem manifold.

Gilstrap, Andrew↗
NASA NTRS1970

Testing filamentary composites

NOL ring split-dee tensile test has the advantages that the specimen is readily fabricated by winding and the test is performed in a conventional testing machine without special fixtures. Strain gages cannot be mounted, however, and substantial bending moments are introduced.

Dow, N. F.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Digital communication constraints in prior space missions

Digital communication is crucial for space endeavors. Jt transmits scientific and command data between earth stations and the spacecraft crew. It facilitates communications between astronauts, and provides live coverage during all phases of the mission. Digital communications provide ground stations and spacecraft crew precise data on the spacecraft position throughout the entire mission. Lessons learned from prior space missions are valuable for our new lunar and Mars missions set by our president s speech. These data will save our agency time and money, and set course our current developing technologies. Limitations on digital communications equipment pertaining mass, volume, data rate, frequency, antenna type and size, modulation, format, and power in the passed space missions are of particular interest. This activity is in support of ongoing communication architectural studies pertaining to robotic and human lunar exploration. The design capabilities and functionalities will depend on the space and power allocated for digital communication equipment. My contribution will be gathering these data, write a report, and present it to Communications Technology Division Staff. Antenna design is very carefully studied for each mission scenario. Currently, Phased array antennas are being developed for the lunar mission. Phased array antennas use little power, and electronically steer a beam instead of DC motors. There are 615 patches in the phased array antenna. These patches have to be modified to have high yield. 50 patches were created for testing. My part is to assist in the characterization of these patch antennas, and determine whether or not certain modifications to quartz micro-strip patch radiators result in a significant yield to warrant proceeding with repairs to the prototype 19 GHz ferroelectric reflect-array antenna. This work requires learning how to calibrate an automatic network, and mounting and testing antennas in coaxial fixtures. The purpose of this activity is to assist in the set-up of phase noise instrumentation, assist in the process of automated wire bonding, assist in the design and optimization of tunable microwave components, especially phase shifters, based on thin ferroelectric films, and learn how to use commercial electromagnetic simulation software.

Yassine, Nathan K.↗
DOE OSTI2023

Advanced Material Studies for High Intensity Proton Production Targets and Windows

The titanium alloy Ti6Al4V is widely used in accelerator facilities as beam windows, which are exposed to high cycle compressive stress waves from intense pulsed proton beams. Such materials interacting with the beam are subject to various forms of radiation damage, which can adversely affect their endurance limit. However, no fatigue data is currently available for high energy proton irradiated titanium alloy. Due to limitations in proton irradiation facilities, only miniature flat samples can be used for irradiation. To address this issue, we have developed a custom-made bend fatigue tester at Fermilab specifically for testing proton irradiated titanium alloy. In this presentation, we report on the fatigue test results obtained from this custom-fatigue tester using a non-ASTM standard specimen design. We plan to validate these sparse fatigue data with ASTM standard samples using standard fatigue samples. Furthermore, we have modified another commercial bend fatigue tester to accommodate miniature samples, and discuss some inherent deficiencies of the commercial fatigue tester to test miniature samples. To overcome this issue, a new fixture design is presented, which enables satisfactory fatigue testing on miniature samples over long periods. Finally, we present an upgrade to the custom-fatigue tester, featuring this new fixture design.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
DOE OSTI2023

Advanced Material Studies for High Intensity Proton Production Targets and Windows

The titanium alloy Ti6Al4V is widely used in accelerator facilities as beam windows, which are exposed to high cycle compressive stress waves from intense pulsed proton beams. Such materials interacting with the beam are subject to various forms of radiation damage, which can adversely affect their endurance limit. However, no fatigue data is currently available for high energy proton irradiated titanium alloy. Due to limitations in proton irradiation facilities, only miniature flat samples can be used for irradiation. To address this issue, we have developed a custom-made bend fatigue tester at Fermilab specifically for testing proton irradiated titanium alloy. In this presentation, we report on the fatigue test results obtained from this custom-fatigue tester using a non-ASTM standard specimen design. We plan to validate these sparse fatigue data with ASTM standard samples using standard fatigue samples. Furthermore, we have modified another commercial bend fatigue tester to accommodate miniature samples, and discuss some inherent deficiencies of the commercial fatigue tester to test miniature samples. To overcome this issue, a new fixture design is presented, which enables satisfactory fatigue testing on miniature samples over long periods. Finally, we present an upgrade to the custom-fatigue tester, featuring this new fixture design.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗
NASA NTRS1992

Composite material shear property measurement using the Iosipescu specimen

A detailed evaluation of the suitability of the Iosipescu specimen tested in the modified Wyoming fixture is presented. Finite element analysis and moire interferometry are used to assess the uniformity of the shear stress field in the test section of unidirectional and cross-ply graphite-epoxy composites. The nonuniformity of the strain field and the sensitivity of some fiber orientations to the specimen/fixture contact mechanics are discussed. The shear responses obtained for unidirectional and cross-ply graphite-epoxy composites are discussed and problems associated with anomalous behavior are addressed. An experimental determination of the shear response of a range of material systems using strain gage instrumentation and moire interferometry is performed.

Ho, Henjen↗
NASA NTRS1991

An Evaluation of the Iosipescu Specimen for Composite Materials Shear Property Measurement

A detailed evaluation of the suitability of the Iosipescu specimen tested in the modified Wyoming fixture is presented. An experimental investigation using conventional strain gage instrumentation and moire interferometry is performed. A finite element analysis of the Iosipescu shear test for unidirectional and cross-ply composites is used to assess the uniformity of the shear stress field in the vicinity of the notch, and demonstrate the effect of the nonuniform stress field upon the strain gage measurements used for the determination of composite shear moduli. From the test results for graphite-epoxy laminates, it is shown that the proximity of the load introduction point to the test section greatly influences the individual gage readings for certain fiber orientations but the effect upon shear modulus measurement is relatively unimportant. A numerical study of the load contact effect shows the sensitivity of some fiber configurations to the specimen/fixture contact mechanism and may account for the variations in the measured shear moduli. A comparison of the strain gage readings from one surface of a specimen with corresponding data from moire interferometry on the opposite face documented an extreme sensitivity of some fiber orientations to eccentric loading which induced twisting and yielded spurious shear stress-strain curves. In the numerical analysis, it is shown that the Iosipescu specimens for different fiber orientations have to be modeled differently in order to closely approximate the true loading conditions. Correction factors are needed to allow for the nonuniformity of the strain field and the use of the average shear stress in the shear modulus evaluation. The correction factors, which are determined for the region occupied by the strain gage rosette, are found to be dependent upon the material orthotropic ratio and the finite element models. Based upon the experimental and numerical results, recommendations for improving the reliability and accuracy of the shear modulus values are made, and the implications for shear strength measurement discussed. Further application of the Iosipescu shear test to woven fabric composites is presented. The limitations of the traditional strain gage instrumentation on the satin weave and high tow plain weave fabrics is discussed. Test results of a epoxy based aluminum particulate composite is also presented. A modification of the Iosipescu specimen is proposed and investigated experimentally and numerically. It is shown that the proposed new specimen design provides a more uniform shear stress field in the test section and greatly reduces the normal and shear stress concentrations in the vicinity of the notches. While the fabrication and the material cost of the proposed specimen is tremendously reduced, it is shown the accuracy of the shear modulus measurement is not sacrificed.

Ho, Henjen↗
NASA NTRS2006

Mars Exploration Rover Potentiometer Problems, Failures and Lessons Learned

During qualification testing of three types of non-wire-wound precision potentiometers for the Mars Exploration Rover, a variety of problems and failures were encountered. This paper will describe some of the more interesting problems, detail their investigations and present their final solutions. The failures were found to be caused by design errors, manufacturing errors, improper handling, test errors, and carelessness. A trend of decreasing total resistance was noted, and a resistance histogram was used to identify an outlier. A gang fixture is described for simultaneously testing multiple pots, and real time X-ray imaging was used extensively to assist in the failure analyses. Lessons learned are provided.

Balzer, Mark↗