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At least 505 records · Page 28

Sliding durability of two carbide-oxide candidate high temperature fiber seal materials in air to 900 C

A test program to determine the friction and wear properties of two complex carbide oxide ceramic fibers for high temperature sliding seal applications is described. The fibers are based on Si, C, O, and Ti or Si, C, N, and O ceramic systems. Pin on disk tests using ceramic fiber covered pins and Inconel 718 disks, were conducted in air from 25 to 900 C to evaluate potential seal materials. This testing procedure was used in a previous study of oxide ceramic fibers which were found to exhibit wear behavior based predominantly on their mechanical properties. Like the oxide fibers tested previously, these carbide oxide ceramic fibers, show an increase in friction and wear with increased test temperature. At room temperature, the wear behavior seems to be based upon mechanical properties, namely tensile strength. At 500 and especially 900 C, the fibers wear by both mechanical fracture and by oxidative type wear. Based upon post test microscopic and x ray analyses, interaction between the fiber constituents and elements transferred from the counterface, namely Ni and Cr, may have occurred enhancing the tribochemical wear process. These results are interpreted.

Dellacorte, Christopher↗

Development of spray guns for the application of rigid foam insulation

The paper describes the activities initiated to improve the existing spray gun system used for spraying insulating foam on the External Tank of the Space Shuttle, due to the quality variations of the applied foam noted in the past. Consideration is given to the two tasks of the project: (1) investigations of possible improvements, as an interim measure, to the spray gun currently used to apply the large acreage spray-on-foam insulation and the evaluation of other commercial equipment; and (2) the design and fabrication of a new automatic spray gun. The design and operation of the currently used Binks 43 PA spray gun are described together with several new breadboard spray guns designed and fabricated and the testing procedures developed. These new guns include the Modular Automatic Foam spray gun, the Ball Valve spray gun, and the Tapered Plug Valve (TPV) gun. As a result of tests, the TPV spray gun is recommended to replace the currently used automatic spray gun.

Allen, Peter B.↗

Oxidation Embrittlement Observed in SiC/SiC Composites

As part of a comprehensive materials characterization program at the NASA Lewis Research Center, tensile creep-rupture tests were performed on a SiC-fiber-reinforced SiC-matrix composite. The results of these tests and subsequent analysis revealed an oxidation embrittlement phenomena that occurs readily at a discreet temperature range below the maximum use temperature. The graph shows rupture lives for a creep stress of 83 MPa as a function of temperature. Note that the rupture time is constant at an intermediate temperature range of 700 to 982 C. This graph also shows the failure location, as measured from the center of the specimen. Whereas for temperatures of 500 to 700 C, failure occurred in the specimen gage section; at higher temperatures, the failure location migrated toward the cooled grip ends. Although the results initially suggested that the test procedure was influencing the measured creep rupture lives and driving the failure location out of the gage section, subsequent experiments and thermal stress analyses verified the robustness of the test method employed.

Verrilli, Michael J.↗

SHIIVER Assemby Thermal Model Prediction for Transient Test Conditions

An integrated thermal model of the Structure Heat Intercept, Insulation, and Vibration Evaluation Rig (SHIIVER) was built in Thermal Desktop/Sinda-Fluint and used to predict thermal performance of the system with the technologies being tested from the eCryo project. The technologies tested include the vapor cooling of the structure using the boil-off and multilayer insulation (MLI) on the hydrogen tank. The thermal model is used to 1) understand system transient behaviors; 2) perform trade studies of different vapor-cooling designs; 3) define the test operations matrix, test procedures, and conditions; and 4) address thermal-related questions at different phases of SHIIVER project. Details of the thermal model are herein described, and results corresponding to the test operations are presented for four different configurations at different fill levels. The thermal performance of each configuration is predicted with the thermal model regarding the heat reduction and boil-off reduction by using vapor cooling and/or MLI on the structures attached to the hydrogen tank.

thermal modeling↗

Effects of hydraulic fluid CVCM on silver-Teflon

Changes in the solar absorptance of silver-Teflon (Ag/FEP) surfaces were measured after contamination by the outgassing products of hydraulic fluid and irradiation by solar simulators. Although radiator surfaces are selected for stability to the solar ultraviolet and particulate environment, contaminant deposition and their interaction with solar exposure can degrade their performance. The test procedure to deposit the hydraulic fluid collected volatile condensible material (CVCM), irradiate, and determine solar absorptance changes by reflectance measurements using a spectrophotometer and a solar simulator is described. The tests showed that for the estimated deposition rates on the Ag/FEP, the hydraulic fluid CVCM fraction remaining under normal conditions (above -40 C) would not degrade its performance. The residual CVCM can be easily removed from Ag/FEP by wiping with a solvent saturated flannel. The changes in solar absorptance with the CVCM film thickness and the radiation exposure duration are reported, concluding that vacuum ultraviolet radiation did not prevent easy removal of CVCM.

Muscari, J. A.↗

Retrofit and acceptance test of 30-cm ion thrusters

Six 30 cm mercury thrusters were modified to the J-series design and evaluated using standardized test procedures. The thruster performance meets the design objectives (lifetime objective requires verification), and documentation (drawings, etc.) for the design is completed and upgraded. The retrofit modifications are described and the test data for the modifications are presented and discussed.

Poeschel, R. L.↗

Guidelines for testing and release procedures

Guidelines and procedures are recommended for the testing and release of the types of computer software efforts commonly performed at NASA/Ames Research Center. All recommendations are based on the premise that testing and release activities must be specifically selected for the environment, size, and purpose of each individual software project. Guidelines are presented for building a Test Plan and using formal Test Plan and Test Care Inspections on it. Frequent references are made to NASA/Ames Guidelines for Software Inspections. Guidelines are presented for selecting an Overall Test Approach and for each of the four main phases of testing: (1) Unit Testing of Components, (2) Integration Testing of Components, (3) System Integration Testing, and (4) Acceptance Testing. Tools used for testing are listed, including those available from operating systems used at Ames, specialized tools which can be developed, unit test drivers, stub module generators, and the use of format test reporting schemes.

Molari, R.↗

Modifications of system for elevated temperature tensile testing and stress-strain measurement of metal matrix composites

Composites consisting of tungsten alloy wires in superalloy matrices are being studied because they offer the potential for increased strength compared to current materials used at temperatures up to at least 1093 C (2000F). Previous research at the NASA Lewis Research Center and at other laboratories in the U.S., Europe, and Japan has demonstrated laboratory feasibility for fiber reinforced superalloys (FRS). The data for the mechanical and physical properties used to evaluate candidate materials is limited and a need exists for a more detailed and complete data base. The focus of this work is to develop a test procedure to provide a more complete FRS data base to quantitatively evaluate the composite's potential for component applications. This paper will describe and discuss the equipment and procedures under development to obtain elevated temperature tensile stress-strain, strength and modulus data for the first generation of tungsten fiber reinforced superalloy composite (TFRS) materials. Tensile stress-strain tests are conducted using a constant crosshead speed tensile testing machine and a modified load-strain measuring apparatus. Elevated temperature tensile tests are performed using a resistance wound commercial furnace capable of heating test specimens up to 1093 C (2000 F). Tensile stress-strain data are obtained for hollow tubular stainless steel specimens serving as a prototype for future composite specimens.

Diaz, J. O.↗

Center punched solar cell module development effort

The results are given of an advanced module development program with the objective of providing a low cost solar cell mechanical interconnect design. The design approach, which avoids soldering or welding operations, lends itself to automated assembly techniques thus supporting the Low-Cost Silicon Solar Array Project goals. The first group of six modules contained aluminum contact cells and the second group of six modules contained silver-titanium-palladium contact cells. Extensive component and environmental testing at the module level showed that reliable cell mechanical interconnection can be achieved when utilizing the proper electrical contact materials and pressures. A discussion is given of the module design, manufacturing procedure, test program, significant problem areas and solutions, and conclusions and recommendations as formulated and conducted by XEOS.

Ross, R. E.↗

Graphite/polyimide tension tests at elevated and cryogenic temperatures

Interim results for characterizing tension properties of graphite/polyimide laminates are reported. Existing test procedures for resin-matrix composites were evaluated for use through the extreme temperature range indicated above. Of particular concern was the performance of resistance strain gages at the elevated temperatures and tests were carried out to compare their performance against that of a capacitive strain gage. Limited design data are reported for graphite/polyimide laminates which are being produced through the CASTS Project.

Chapman, A. J.↗

Breadboard stellar tracker system test report, volume 1

The performance of a star tracker equipped with a focal plane detector was evaluated. The CID board is an array of 256 x 256 pixels which are 20 x 20 micrometers in dimension. The tracker used for test was a breadboard tracker system developed by BASD. Unique acquisition and tracking algorithms are employed to enhance performance. A pattern recognition process is used to test for proper image spread function and to avoid false acquisition on noise. A very linear, high gain, interpixel transfer function is derived for interpolating star position. The lens used in the tracker has an EFL of 100 mm. The tracker has an FOV of 2.93 degrees resulting in a pixel angular subtense of 41.253 arc sec in each axis. The test procedure used for the program presented a star to the tracker in a circular pattern of positions; the pattern was formed by projecting a simulated star through a rotatable deviation wedge. Further tests determined readout noise, Noise Equivalent Displacement during track, and spatial noise during acquisition by taking related data and reducing it.

Kollodge, J. C.↗

Update on CMH-17 Volume 5: Ceramic Matrix Composites

CMC components are projected to enter service in commercial aircraft in 2016. A wide range of issues must be addressed prior to certification of this hardware. The Composite Materials Handbook-17, Volume 5 on ceramic matrix composites is being revised to support FAA certification of CMCs for hot structure and other elevated temperature applications. The handbook supports the development and use of CMCs through publishing and maintaining proven, reliable engineering information and standards that have been thoroughly reviewed. Volume 5 will contain detailed sections describing CMC materials processing, design analysis guidelines, testing procedures, and data analysis and acceptance. A review of the status of and plans for two of these areas, which are being addressed by the M and P Working Group and the Testing Working Group, will be presented along with a timeline for the preparation of CMH-17, Volume 5.

design↗

Status of research into lightning effects on aircraft

Developments in aircraft lightning protection since 1938 are reviewed. Potential lightning problems resulting from present trends toward the use of electronic controls and composite structures are discussed, along with presently available lightning test procedures for problem assessment. The validity of some procedures is being questioned because of pessimistic results and design implications. An in-flight measurement program is needed to provide statistics on lightning severity at flight altitudes and to enable more realistic tests, and operators are urged to supply researchers with more details on electronic components damaged by lightning strikes. A need for review of certain aspects of fuel system vulnerability is indicated by several recent accidents, and specific areas for examination are identified. New educational materials and standardization activities are also noted.

Plumer, J. A.↗

Reliability growth/burn-in - The allocation of testing resources

A sequential component test procedure is proposed. It is assumed that there is some knowledge of the initial failure rate parameter of each component. This knowledge is modified by the results of the first one or two tests. The remaining component test time is allocated adaptively (sequentially) to the components so as to maximize the system MTBF. In other words, the components will compete among themselves for limited test resources.

Truelove, A. J.↗

Experimental test program for evaluation of solid lubricant coating as applied to compliant foil gas bearings to 315 deg C

An experimental apparatus and test procedure was developed to compare the performance of two solid lubricant coatings for air lubricated compliant foil gas bearings in the temperature range of 25 to 315 C. Polyimide bonded additive (SBGC) were tested extensively for durability and frictional characteristics. A partial arc bearing constructed of Inconel X-750 was coated on the bore with one of these coatings. The foil was subjected to repeated start/stop cycles. Performance comparisons reveal that although both coatings survive thousands of start/stop cycles, only the PBGF coated bearing achieves the specified 9000 start/stops. There is enough wear on the SBGC coated bearing to warrant termination of the test prior to 9000 start/stop cycles due to coating failure. The frictional characteristics of the PBGF are better at the elevated temperatures than at lower temperatures; a marked increase in sliding friction occurs as the temperature decreases. The SBGC maintains relatively constant frictional characteristics independent of operating temperature.

Wagner, R. C.↗

Flight-determined engine exhaust characteristics of an F404 engine in an F-18 airplane

The exhaust characteristics of the F-18 aircraft with an F404 engine are examined with reference to the results of an acoustic flight testing program. The discussion covers an overview of the flight test planning, instrumentation, test procedures, data analysis, engine modeling codes, and results. In addition, the paper presents the exhaust velocity and Mach number data for the climb-to-cruise, Aircraft Noise Prediction Program validation, and ground tests.

Ennix, Kimberly A.↗