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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 55 records · Page 3
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1972

Technology assessment or technology harassment: The attacks on science and technology

The manner in which technology is being assessed by various groups and individuals is discussed. Attacks on science and technology (specifically military uses and funding), and the disillusionment of the public with the lack of relevance of science to the public interest and with the infallible wisdom of scientists are described. The effects of the fear of environmental pollution are emphasized. It is concluded that the important issues of science, technology, and public policy will require a pluralistic definition of the public interest by open adversary proceedings. It is also felt that the danger is not that new technology will receive inadequate assessment for possible deleterious secondary effects, but that harassment by an overemotional political process may prevent its coming to fruition.

Green, L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1996

To See the Unseen: A History of Planetary Radar Astronomy

This book relates the history of planetary radar astronomy from its origins in radar to the present day and secondarily to bring to light that history as a case of 'Big Equipment but not Big Science'. Chapter One sketches the emergence of radar astronomy as an ongoing scientific activity at Jodrell Bank, where radar research revealed that meteors were part of the solar system. The chief Big Science driving early radar astronomy experiments was ionospheric research. Chapter Two links the Cold War and the Space Race to the first radar experiments attempted on planetary targets, while recounting the initial achievements of planetary radar, namely, the refinement of the astronomical unit and the rotational rate and direction of Venus. Chapter Three discusses early attempts to organize radar astronomy and the efforts at MIT's Lincoln Laboratory, in conjunction with Harvard radio astronomers, to acquire antenna time unfettered by military priorities. Here, the chief Big Science influencing the development of planetary radar astronomy was radio astronomy. Chapter Four spotlights the evolution of planetary radar astronomy at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a NASA facility, at Cornell University's Arecibo Observatory, and at Jodrell Bank. A congeries of funding from the military, the National Science Foundation, and finally NASA marked that evolution, which culminated in planetary radar astronomy finding a single Big Science patron, NASA. Chapter Five analyzes planetary radar astronomy as a science using the theoretical framework provided by philosopher of science Thomas Kuhn. Chapter Six explores the shift in planetary radar astronomy beginning in the 1970s that resulted from its financial and institutional relationship with NASA Big Science. Chapter Seven addresses the Magellan mission and its relation to the evolution of planetary radar astronomy from a ground-based to a space-based activity. Chapters Eight and Nine discuss the research carried out at ground-based facilities by this transformed planetary radar astronomy, as well as the upgrading of the Arecibo and Goldstone radars. A technical essay appended to this book provides an overview of planetary radar techniques, especially range-Doppler mapping.

Butrica, Andrew J.↗
DOE OSTI2022

Evaluation of Strain and Exhaustion Limits for Vessels

Design rules for impulsively loaded vessels (ILVs) have been incorporated in Section VIII, Division 3 of the ASME Code since 2019, based upon earlier development of ASME Code Case 2564. These rules are particularly applicable to explosive containment vessels (ECVs) used to fully or partially contain the combustion products of explosives. Uses of these ECVs include containment of suspect luggage at airports, bomb disposal, containment of experiments on explosive devices, and destruction of chemical munitions.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2023

In-situ Synthesis of PuCl 3 and Corresponding Raman and Density Functional Theory Vibrational Modes

The experimental and calculated Raman spectrum of PuCl 3 has been reported for the first time. PuCl 3 is a primary species found in plutonium metal refinement, specifically in pyrochemical salt processes including multicycle direct oxide reduction, metal chlorination, and electrorefining. As such, Raman signatures of PuCl 3 could serve as potential forensic indicators of material process history. A novel technique for synthesizing PuCl 3 from the in-situ chlorination of plutonium metal with HCl was developed to establish these signatures. Cerium metal surrogates were utilized to ensure optimization of the plutonium experiments and to minimize personnel exposure, and all experiments were carried out in a Raman reaction chamber designed for air-tight, high vacuum environments. In-situ Raman spectroscopy was employed in conjunction with Density Functional Theory (DFT) to investigate the vibrational modes of PuCl 3 . Associated mixed oxy and hydroxyl phases are also reported. The combined Raman and DFT results have eliminated inconsistencies in Raman mode assignments for the MX 3 family of metal chlorides having P6 3 /m symmetry, and IR modes derived from the DFT calculations are additionally presented. The data observed in this study is of potential interest to nuclear forensic analyses, nuclear sample aging, nuclear energy, plutonium processing, and stockpile stewardship.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

Report on use of Inoculants in Missile Application Alloys

This report documents the status of current inoculant research relevant to missile application alloys and MTCR control language. The information is intended to provide data on current inoculants for us determining the current state of development and identifying potential research directions. Although there has been significant scientific research into the development and synthesis of inoculants, their current availability is limited is traditional powder inoculants employed during casting processes. However, research continues the development of complex oxides, ribbon materials, high entropy alloys, and other inoculant product forms, including the use of inoculants in the melt pools produced during additive manufacturing. Research to date has focused primarily on aluminum and steel alloys with emphasis on refining grain structures and evolving equiaxed morphologies while increasing strength and castability. The primary inoculants in steel and cast irons include TiN, SiC, FeSi75, and Ce which have increased strength properties. Chief inoculants for Al alloys often include TiC, SiC, Al3Sc(x) and TiB2 to aid in precipitation and refinement. Ti and Ni alloys have fewer research activities involving inoculants, although TiN, TiB, ZrN and LaB6 (for Ti alloys) and WC, Co3FeNb2, and CrFeNb (for Ni alloys) have been used. Sic, Al2O3, Mg and Ti are key inoculants for Mg alloys. Multiple cast alloys from each of the material classes demonstrated increased strength and performance properties using inoculants, with several approaching requirements applicable to missile service environments. The continued evolution of advanced manufacturing capabilities is making it easier to produce high temperature near net shape structural materials using inoculant powders. These shapes may include the geometric shapes addressed within the MTCR (tubes and limited wall thicknesses). The use of inoculants may enable further development of high temperature alloys into near net shapes traditionally produced via casting processes due to limited ductility. This may decrease material and manufacturing costs. In addition, inoculation provides controlled kinetics and achievable chemical segregation that enables potential for far-from equilibrium thermodynamic microstructures and chemistries that could provide new metastable alloy states and subsequent properties to address co-design engineering constraints, including needs for increased strength and ductility. It is recommended that specific material combinations within these alloy classes be carefully watched as the materials evolve, with controls aimed at those having material properties above current MTCR levels. This specifically includes the use of refractory inoculants in alloys, and the application of inoculants in high strength and high temperature alloys via additive manufacturing processes, with care to link capabilities to product forms similar to the current requirements on tube geometries and material feed stocks. The continued development of nanoparticle inoculants will increase strength and ductility of high strength castings and additive manufactured metallic components. For example, adding inoculants into the casting of maraging steels and other precipitation strengthened alloys may drastically elevate mechanical properties above the control limit of current regulations.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

History and State of the Art in Advanced Thermal Protection Systems

This report documents the current state of the art of thermal protection systems (TPS) relevant to missile application materials and MTCR control language. The information is intended to provide data on current TPS for determining the current state of development and identifying potential research directions. Various vehicle configurations and types of TPS are described, including the evolution of materials and systems. Vehicle configurations such as high drag rocket and capsule systems and low-drag air-breathers are discussed. TPS are complex, transitioning from often very low temperatures to temperatures exceeding 3000°C and heat fluxes of up to 30,000 W/cm 2 . They can take the form of blankets, sheets, tiles and fabricated rigid structures, and can be made from high temperature capable alloys, refractory metals, ceramics, ceramic matrix composites, ultra-high temperature ceramics, carbon-carbon composites or ablative carbonaceous materials. Current state of the art in TPS is based on materials any systems developed for the initial space program. TPS was upgraded to the point of the Space Shuttle development and has stagnated since them.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2025

TDI-Free Polyurethane Encapsulants: Alternatives to EN-7/EN-8

This report documents a cross-site effort to identify and evaluate materials that are suitable replacements for the polyurethanes known as EN-7 and EN-8. EN-7 and EN-8 are commercial formulations that contain free toluene diisocyanate (TDI) and which are used as adhesives and as encapsulants in many weapon applications. TDI is an OSHA-regulated volatile diisocyanate and has been targeted for elimination from future weapons use, prompting the need for a TDI-free replacement material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1986

Applications of artificial intelligence to scientific research

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a growing field which is just beginning to make an impact on disciplines other than computer science. While a number of military and commercial applications were undertaken in recent years, few attempts were made to apply AI techniques to basic scientific research. There is no inherent reason for the discrepancy. The characteristics of the problem, rather than its domain, determines whether or not it is suitable for an AI approach. Expert system, intelligent tutoring systems, and learning programs are examples of theoretical topics which can be applied to certain areas of scientific research. Further research and experimentation should eventurally make it possible for computers to act as intelligent assistants to scientists.

Prince, Mary Ellen↗
NASA NTRS2009

An Overview of the NASA P-3B Airborne Laboratory

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Wallops Flight Facility (WFF) P-3B Orion is a medium-lift, four engine turbo-prop aircraft that has been reconfigured from a military aircraft to an Earth Science research platform. The aircraft has a long history of supporting science missions, flying on average over 200 hours per year. Examples of research missions that have been flown aboard the aircraft are remote sensing flights to study geophysical parameters including ice-sheet topography and periodic change, soil moisture content, atmospheric aerosol constituents, and beach erosion. Missions are conducted for the purposes of calibration/validation of various NASA and international satellites that monitor climate change as well as process studies and the test of new prototype remote sensing instruments. In recent y ears the focus has been on ice surveys of the Arctic and Antarctic, soil moisture research, and measurements of atmospheric chemistry and radiation sciences. The aircraft has been conducting ice surveys of Greenland since 1993 for the purposes of topographic mapping of both the surface and basal topography. Another application of the aircraft has been for soil moisture research. Research has also been conducted using microwave radiometers and radars over various agricultural and forest lands. Recently, a mission was flown in the spring over the High-Arctic to collect air samples of haze and boreal forest fires in an effort to determine anthropogenic amounts and sources of pollution. This pa per will provide an overview of the P-3B platform and highlight recent science missions.

Guillory, Anthony R.↗
NASA NTRS2007

GIS Methodology for Planning Planetary-Rover Operations

A document describes a methodology for utilizing image data downlinked from cameras aboard a robotic ground vehicle (rover) on a remote planet for analyzing and planning operations of the vehicle and of any associated spacecraft. Traditionally, the cataloging and presentation of large numbers of downlinked planetary-exploration images have been done by use of two organizational methods: temporal organization and correlation between activity plans and images. In contrast, the present methodology involves spatial indexing of image data by use of the computational discipline of geographic information systems (GIS), which has been maturing in terrestrial applications for decades, but, until now, has not been widely used in support of exploration of remote planets. The use of GIS to catalog data products for analysis is intended to increase efficiency and effectiveness in planning rover operations, just as GIS has proven to be a source of powerful computational tools in such terrestrial endeavors as law enforcement, military strategic planning, surveying, political science, and epidemiology. The use of GIS also satisfies the need for a map-based user interface that is intuitive to rover-activity planners, many of whom are deeply familiar with maps and know how to use them effectively in field geology.

Powell, Mark↗
NASA NTRS2010

Support of Operation Icebrige Using the NASA P-3B Airborne Laboratory

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Wallops Flight Facility's (WFF) P-313 Orion is a medium-lift, four engine turbo-prop aircraft that has been reconfigured from a military aircraft to an Earth Science research platform. The aircraft has a long history of supporting science missions, flying on average over 200 hours per year. Examples of research missions that have been flown aboard the aircraft are remote sensing flights to study geophysical parameters including ice-sheet topography and periodic change, soil moisture content, and atmospheric aerosol constituents. Missions are conducted for the purposes of calibration/validation of various NASA and international satellites, including ICESat-1, that monitor climate change as well as process studies and the test of new prototype remote sensing instruments. Due to the recent demise of the NASA ICESat-1 spacecraft, NASA elected to fill the data void between it and the upcoming ICESat-2 using airborne measurements. This mission is called Operation Ice Bridge (OIB). These measurements are being made from a variety of aircraft, including the P-313. The aircraft is being using to conduct ice surveys of the Arctic, in particular Greenland. The aircraft has been conducting ice surveys of Greenland since 1993 for the purposes of topographic mapping of both the surface and basal topography; therefore, OIB is a natural fit for the aircraft and its crew. Additional measurements of snow depth and gravity have been made as part of OIB. This paper will provide an overview of the P-313 platform and highlight the support for Operation Ice Bridge.

Guillory, Anthony R.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Using Unmanned Air Systems to Monitor Methane in the Atmosphere

Methane is likely to be an important contributor to global warming, and our current knowledge of its sources, distributions, and transport is insufficient. It is estimated that there could be from 7.5 to 400 billion tons carbon-equivalent of methane in the arctic region, a broad range that is indicative of the uncertainty within the Earth Science community. Unmanned Air Systems (UASs) are often used for combat or surveillance by the military, but they also have been used for Earth Science field missions. In this study, we will analyze the utility of the NASA Global Hawk and the Aurora Flight Sciences Orion UASs compared to the manned DC-8 aircraft for conducting a methane monitoring mission. The mission will focus on the measurement of methane along the boundaries of Arctic permafrost thaw and melting glaciers. The use of Long Endurance UAS brings a new range of possibilities including the ability to obtain long- term and persistent observations and to significantly augment methane measurements/retrievals collected by satellite. Furthermore, we discuss the future of long endurance UAS and their potential for science applications in the next twenty to twenty-five years.

Clow, Jacqueline↗
NASA NTRS1991

A spacefaring nation - Perspectives on American space history and policy

The present volume on perspectives on American space history and policy discusses decision-making, space science and scientific communities, postwar aeronautical research in the federal laboratory, and civilian and military remote sensing and reconnaissance. Attention is given to the interpenetration of science, technology, and politics; space 'sociology'; and space technology and planetary science from 1950 to 1985. Other topics addressed include the aeronautics infrastructure as it applies to aeronautics history, the Lewis Research Center and its transition to space, the relationship between NASA and the users of earth resources data, and methodology for researching a classified system for space reconnaissance.

Collins, Martin J.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Government and technological innovation - Weather modification as a case in point.

The principal technology on which all forms of intentional, local weather modification ultimately rest is that of cloud seeding. There are three primary milestones in the evolution of such a new technology including invention, development, and introduction to society on an operational basis. It is shown that government has been deeply involved in each of the first two phases of weather modification's evolution. The agencies involved include the military agencies, the Weather Bureau, the National Science Foundation, and the Bureau of Reclamation. It is pointed out that weather modification will require some unusually flexible and open administrative devices if it is to advance in the public interest.

Lambright, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1960

Compilation of Papers Summarizing Some Recent NASA Research on Manned Military Aircraft

The nine papers included in this volume were presented by NASA research staff members at the National Meeting on the Future of Manned Military Aircraft sponsored by the Institute of the Aeronautical Sciences and held in San Diego, Calif., from August 1 to August 3, 1960. Because, together, they provide a comprehensive summary of research by NASA in the areas covered, they have been compiled in this publication for the information of personnel concerned with the design and procurement of manned military aircraft.

Supersonic flight↗
NASA NTRS2003

Aging Mechanisms and Control: Specialists' Meeting on Life Management Techniques for Aging Air Vehicles

The costs of maintaining ageing aircraft are draining the existing budgets. The Specialist Meeting provided guidance on strategies for the development and implementation of technologies and logistic management processes to reduce this economic burden. The emphasis was on military aircraft, but many of the principles could be applied to other defence systems. The papers covered the entire range of ageing problems including structural integrity, corrosion, avionics, mechanical subsystems, structures and wiring as well as the role of information management. Forty-two papers addressed the safety and economic implications such as fatigue cracking, corrosion, wear and material degradation. Key technologies were discussed, including non-destructive inspection, repair, modifications, prevention analysis, and health management. The shortcomings of current were highlighted and the investment required was identified. The need for research and development was clearly identified.

aging tests (materials)↗
DOE OSTI2022

Fracture toughness and crack propagation in LX-17 and PBX 9502 insensitive high explosives

High explosive materials, and in particular insensitive high explosive (IHE) materials, are of significant interest. TATB-based LX-17 and PBX 9502 are two IHE’s and mechanical properties are an important metric of performance. In this work we present, for the first time, a study of fracture as a function of temperature and displacement rate and starter crack length on billet pressed IHE materials using a standard three point bend technique. We demonstrated that the technique can yield consistent results over time by measuring samples from the same lots 4 years later and observed that the fracture toughness of LX-17 and PBX 9502 are similar. We also determined the temperature dependence for different starter crack lengths and found that the fracture toughness generally decreases with larger starter crack sizes and temperatures. For the LX-17, where a wide temperature range of -60 C to 50 C was investigated, the impact of temperature on fracture toughness between -20 C and 23 C was less than expected. For the PBX 9502 we observed the difference in fracture toughness values between -20 C and 23 C did depend on the particular lot, and also there was a tendency of the fracture toughness to scale with the tensile strength. We also investigated the effect of a lower displacement rate and observed that while the impact on the fracture toughness was relatively small, the samples surprisingly did not break (fail) after exceeding the peak load. We took advantage of this to perform x-ray computed tomography (CT) of the samples to image crack propagation in the intact samples. We observed that cracks were generally straight and unaffected by the microstructure in the LX-17, in contrast to the PBX 9502 where the direction of the cracks would frequently change and were likely influenced by the underlying microstructure.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗