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At least 55 records · Page 3

Experimental and analytical study of ceramic-coated turbine-tip shroud seals for small turbine engines

The results of an experimental and analytical evaluation of ceramic turbine tip shrouds within a small turbine engine operating environment are presented. The ceramic shrouds were subjected to 1001 cycles between idle and high power and steady-state conditions for a total of 57.8 engine hr. Posttest engine inspection revealed mud-flat surface cracking, which was attributed to microcracking under tension with crack penetration to the ceramic and bond coat interface. Sections and micrographs tend to corroborate the thesis. The engine test data provided input to a thermomechanical analysis to predict temperature and stress profiles throughout the ceramic gas-path seal. The analysis predicts cyclic thermal stresses large enough to cause the seal to fail. These stresses are, however, mitigated by inelastic behavior of the shroud materials and by the microfracturing that tensile stresses produce. Microfracturing enhances shroud longevity during early life but provides the failure mechanism during life but provides the failure mechanism during extended life when coupled with the time dependent inelastic materials effects.

Biesiadny, T. J.

Development of new materials for turbopump bearings

The life requirement for the angular contact ball bearings in the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) high pressure oxygen turbopump (HPOTP) is 7.5 hours. In actual operation, significantly shorter service life was experienced. The objective is to identify bearing materials and/or materials processing techniques offering signficant potential for extending HPOTP bearing performance life. Interactive thermomechanical analysis of the HPOTP bearing-shaft system was performed with the SHABERTH computer program. Bearing fatigue life, ball-race contact stress, heat generation rate, bulk ring temperatures and circumferential stress in the inner rings were quantified as functions of radial load, thrust load and ball-race contact friction. Criteria established from the output of this analysis are being used for material candidate selection.

Maurer, R. E.

Adhesive evaluation of LARC-TPI and a water-soluble version of LARC-TPI

The results of a study to evaluate two Langley Research Center thermoplastic polimide (TPI) materials, identified as TPI/MTC for the material from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals Inc. and TPI/H2O for the material from United Technologies Research Center, as high temperature thermoplastic adhesives and primers for bonding titanium (6AL-4V) adherends are discussed. A limited characterization of the materials was performed using a Diffuse Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (DR-FTIR) technique. Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA) and torsional braid techniques were used to determine glass transition temperature. The adhesive's strength, as determined by simple lap shear tests, as used to evaluate the effects of long term thermal exposure (up to 1000 hrs) at 204 deg C and a 72-hour water-boil.

Progar, D. J.

The 371 deg C mechanical properties of graphite/polyimide composites

A series of condensation polyimides based on pyromellitic dianhydride is synthesized and evaluated for potential application at 371 C. Several three-and four-ring benzenoid diamine systems containing oxygen bridging groups are investigated. Thermomechanical analysis of neat resin specimens indicate that the polyimide prepared from the dimethyl ester of pyrometallitic acid (PMDE) and 2,2-bis4-(4'-aminophenoxy) phenyl]-1,1,1,3,3,3- hexafluoropropane (BDAF) is the only resin system which has a glass transition temperature (Tg) above 371 C. The Tg of the PMDE/BDAF polyimide is found to be 390 C after a postcure air at 371 C for 24 hr. Unidirectional composites are fabricated from the PMDE/BDAF system and unsized Celion 6000 graphite fibers. Final cure temperatures in the range of 371 to 427 C with an applied pressure of 10.34 to 13.78 MPa are investigated. The void content of the composites ranges from 4.6 to 8.6 percent. Composites cured at 399 C under a pressure of 10.34 MPa and postcured in air at 371 C for 24 hr exhibit the highest 371 C interlaminar shear strength (ILSS, 40.7 MPa) and flexural strength (758 MPa). The thermo-oxidative stability of the composites is determined by subjecting specimens to isothermal exposure at 371 C in air at atmospheric pressure, as well as a pressure of 0.52 MPa. Specimens exposed at atmospheric pressure exhibit a weight loss of 12 percent after 200 hr of exposure and 88 percent retention of its original 371 C ILSS. In contrast, the specimens exposed at 0.52 MPa pressure exhibit a comparable weight loss after only 72 hr, and a 71 percent retention of its original 371 C ILSS.

Delvigs, P.

Structure-to-glass transition temperature relationships in high temperature stable condensation polyimides

The presence of a hexafluoroisopropylidene (6F) connecting group in aryl dianhydrides used to prepare aromatic condensation polyimides provides high glass transition temperature (T sub g) polyimides with excellent thermo-oxidative stability. The purpose of this study was to determine if a trifluorophenyl-ethylidene (3F) connecting group would have a similar effect on the T sub g of aromatic condensation polyimides. A new dianhydride containing the 3F connecting group was synthesized. This dianhydride and an aromatic diamine also containing the 3F connecting group were used together and in various combinations with known diamines or known dianhydrides, respectively, to prepare new 3F containing condensation polyimides. Known polyimides, including some with the 6F connecting linkage, were also prepared for comparison purposes. The new 3F containing polymers and the comparison polymers were prepared by condensation polymerization via the traditional amic-acid polymerization method in N,N-dimethylacetamide solvent. The solutions were characterized by determining their inherent viscosities and then were thermally converted into polyimide films under nitrogen atmosphere at 300 to 500 C, usually 350 C. The T sub g's of the films and resin discs were then determined by thermomechanical analysis and were correlated as a function of the final processing temperatures of the films and resin discs. The results showed that similarities existed in the T sub g's depending on the nature of the connecting linkage in the monomers used to prepare the condensation polyimides.

Alston, W. B.

Optically transparent/colorless polyimides

Several series of linear aromatic polyimide films have been synthesized and characterized with the objective of obtaining maximum optical transparency. Two approaches have been used as part of this structure-property relationship study. The first approach is to vary the molecular structure so as to separate chromophoric centers and reduce electronic interactions between polymer chains to lower the intensity of color in the resulting polymer films. A second and concurrent approach is to perform polymerizations with highly purified monomers. Glass transition temperatures of thermally cured polyimide films are obtained by thermomechanical analysis and thermal decomposition temperatures are determined by thermogravimetric analysis. Transmittance UV-visible spectra of the polyimide films are compared to that of a commercial polyimide film. Fully imidized films are tested for solubility in common organic solvents. The more transparent films prepared in this study are evaluated for use on second-surface mirror thermal control coating systems. Lightly colored to colorless films are characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy before and after exposure to 300 equivalent solar hours UV irradiation and varying doses of 1 MeV electron irradiation. The effects of monomer purity, casting solvent and cure atmosphere on polyimide film transparency are also investigated.

Stclair, A. K.

Computer-aided selection of materials for cryogenic turbopump bearings

The life requirement for the angular contact ball bearings in the Space Shuttle Main Engine (SSME) high-pressure-oxygen turbopump (HPOTP) is 7.5 hours. In actual operation, significantly shorter service life has been experienced. The objective of this current program is to identify bearing materials and/or materials processing techniques offering significant potential for extending HPOTP bearing performance life. A thermomechanical analysis of the HPOTP shaft/bearing system was performed with the SHABERTH (SHaft-BEaring-THermal) computer program. Bearing fatigue life, ball-race contact stress, heat generation rate, bulk ring temperatures, and circumferential stress in the inner rings were quantified as functions of radial load, thrust load, and ball-race contact friction. The analysis results were used to formulate criteria that are being used for the selection of special materials for future turbopump bearings.

Maurer, R. E.

Adhesive evaluation of LARC-TPI and a water-soluble version of LARC-TPI

The results of a study to evaluate two Langley Research Center thermoplastic polimide (TPI) materials, identified as TPI/MTC for the material from Mitsui Toatsu Chemicals Inc. and TPI/H2O for the material from United Technologies Research Center, as high temperature thermoplastic adhesives and primers for bonding titanium (6AL-4V) adherends are discussed. A limited characterization of the materials was performed using a Diffuse Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (DR-FTIR) technique. Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA) and torsional braid techniques were used to determine glass transition temperature. The adhesive's strength, as determined by simple lap shear tests, was used to evaluate the effects of long term thermal exposure (up to 1000 hrs) at 204 deg C and a 72-hour water-boil.

Progar, D. J.

The effect of bromination of carbon fibers on the coefficient of thermal expansion of graphite fiber-epoxy composites

To examine the effect of bromination of carbon fibers on the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of carbon fiber epoxy composites, several pristine and brominated carbon fiber-epoxy composite samples were subjected to thermomechanical analysis. The CTE's of these samples were measured in the uniaxial and transverse directions. The CTE was dominated by the fibers in the uniaxial direction, while it was dominated by the matrix in the transverse directions. Bromination had no effect on the CTE of any of the composites. In addition, the CTE of fiber tow was measured in the absence of a polymer matrix, using an extension probe. The results from this technique were inconclusive.

Jaworske, D. A.

Views on the impact of HOST

The Hot Section Technology (HOST) Project, which was initiated by NASA Lewis Research Center in 1980 and concluded in 1987, was aimed at improving advanced aircraft engine hot section durability through better technical understanding and more accurate design analysis capability. The project was a multidisciplinary, multiorganizational, focused research effort that involved 21 organizations and 70 research and technology activities and generated approximately 250 research reports. No major hardware was developed. To evaluate whether HOST had a significant impact on the overall aircraft engine industry in the development of new engines, interviews were conducted with 41 participants in the project to obtain their views. The summarized results of these interviews are presented. Emphasis is placed on results relative to three-dimensional inelastic structural analysis, thermomechanical fatigue testing, constitutive modeling, combustor aerothermal modeling, turbine heat transfer, protective coatings, computer codes, improved engine design capability, reduced engine development costs, and the impacts on technology transfer and the industry-government partnership.

J B Esgar

Thermomechanical properties of polymeric materials and related stresses

The thermomechanical properties of a number of widely used polymeric materials were determined by thermomechanical analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis. A combined profile of the coefficient of thermal expansion and the modulus change over a wide temperature range obtained by the analyses shows clearly the drastic effect of the glass transition on both the CTE and the modulus of a polymer, and the damaging potential due to such effect.

Lee, Sheng Yen

Effects of orbital exposure on Halar during the LDEF mission

Thermomechanical Analysis (TMA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) were performed on samples of Halar exposed on the LDEF Mission for 6 years in orbit and unexposed Halar control samples. Sections 10-100 microns thick were removed from the exposed surface down to a depth of 1,000 microns through the 3 mm thick samples. The TMA and DSC results, which arise from the entire slice and not just its surface, showed no differences between the LDEF and the control samples. TMA scans were run from ambient to 300 C; results were compared by a tabulation of the glass transition temperatures. DSC scans were run from ambient to 700 C; the enthalpy of melting was compared for the samples as a function of section depth with the sample. The TGA results, which arise from the surface of the sample initially, showed a sharp increase in the topmost 50 micron section (the exposed, discolored side) in the weight loss of 170 C in oxygen. This weight loss dropped to bulk values in the range of depth of 50-200 microns. The control sample showed only a slight increase in weight loss as the top surface was approached. The LDEF Halar sample appears to be mechanically undamaged, with a surface layer which oxidizes faster as a result of orbital exposure.

Brower, William E., Jr.

Effects of orbital exposure on RTV during the LDEF mission

Thermomechanical analysis (TMA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were performed on samples of RTV 511 exposed on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) mission for 6 years in orbit and unexposed RTV 511 control samples. Slices 20- to 400-microns thick were removed from the exposed surface down to a depth of 1,500 microns through the 3-mm thick samples. The TMA and DSC results, which arise from the entire slice and not just its surface, showed no significant differences between the LDEF exposed and the control samples. TMA scans were run from ambient to 500 C; results were compared by a tabulation of the onset temperatures for flow. DSC scans were run from ambient to 600 C; no endotherms or exotherms occurred over the range observed. What appear to be glass transition temperatures were compared for the samples as a function of section depth within the sample and between the exposed and control samples. The TGA scans from 25 to 900 C, which arise from the surface of the sample initially, showed a slight increase in the top most 105-micron slice (the exposed, discolored side) in the weight loss at 600 C in oxygen. This weight loss dropped to bulk values at the next slice below the top section, a mean depth of 258 microns. The control sample also showed an increase in weight loss as the top surface was approached, but the 600 C weight losses were very inconsistent. The LDEF RTV sample appears to be mechanically undamaged, with a surface layer which oxidizes slightly faster as a result of orbital exposure.

Brower, William E., Jr.

Comparison of The Dimensional Stability of Kel-F 81 and Neoflon CTFE M400H Polychlorotrifluoroethylenes Used in Valve Seat Application

The dimensional stability of polychlorotrifluoroethylene (PCTFE) valve seats used in oxygen regulator applications was determined by thermomechanical analysis (TMA). Two traceable grades of PCTFE were tested; Kel-F 81 and Neoflon CTFE M400H. For these particular resins, the effect of percent crystallinity, zero strength time (ZST) molecular weight, resin grade, process history (compression-molded versus extruded) on the dimensional stability and annealing behavior was determined. In addition to the traceable Kel-F 81 and Neoflon CTFE M400H grades, actual PCI'PH valve seats of differing geometry and design were tested by TMA. The PCTFE valve seats were of unspecified resin grade, although certain inferences about the grade could be drawn based on knowledge of the valve seat fabrication date. Results consistently revealed dimensional instability of varying magnitude at temperatures ranging from 40 to 70 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, some of the pre- 1 995 seats appeared to be more dimensionally stable than those fabricated after 1995. The TMA results are discussed in the context of several proposed ignition mechanisms; namely, particle impact, presence of contaminant oils and fibers, and localized heating by flow friction and/or resonance. The effect of metal constraint on the dimensional stability of PCTFE is also discussed. Finally, the effect of percent crystallinity, ZST molecular weight, resin grade, process history (compression-molded versus extruded) on the AIT, delta Hc and impact sensitivity of various types of Neoflon CTFE M400H was determined using Kel-F 81 as a control. Results show that the AIT, delta Hc and impact sensitivity were essentially independent of Neoflon CTFE process history and structure.

Waller, Jess M.

Thermomechanical Response of Shape Memory Alloy Hybrid Composites

This study examines the use of embedded shape memory alloy (SMA) actuators for adaptive control of the thermomechanical response of composite structures. A nonlinear thermomechanical model is presented for analyzing shape memory alloy hybrid composite (SMAHC) structures exposed to steady-state thermal and dynamic mechanical loads. Also presented are (1) fabrication procedures for SMAHC specimens, (2) characterization of the constituent materials for model quantification, (3) development of the test apparatus for conducting static and dynamic experiments on specimens with and without SMA, (4) discussion of the experimental results, and (5) validation of the analytical and numerical tools developed in the study. Excellent agreement is achieved between the predicted and measured SAMHC responses including thermal buckling, thermal post-buckling and dynamic response due to inertial loading. The validated model and thermomechanical analysis tools are used to demonstrate a variety of static and dynamic response behaviors including control of static (thermal buckling and post-buckling) and dynamic responses (vibration, sonic fatigue, and acoustic transmission). and SMAHC design considerations for these applications. SMAHCs are shown to have significant advantages over conventional response abatement approaches for vibration, sonic fatigue, and noise control.

Turner, Travis L.

High Temperature Transfer Molding Resins: Preliminary Composite Properties of PETI-375

As part of an ongoing effort to develop materials for resin transfer molding (RTM) of high performance/high temperature composites, a new phenylethynyl containing imide designated as PETI-375 has been under evaluation. PETI-375 was prepared using 2,3,3 ,4 - biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride (a-BPDA), 1,3-bis(4-aminophenoxy)benzene and 2,2 - bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine and endcapped with 4-phenylethynylphthalic anhydride. This material exhibited a stable melt viscosity of 0.1-0.4 Pa sec at 280 C. High quality, void-free laminates were fabricated by high temperature RTM using unsized T-650 carbon fabric and evaluated. After curing for 1 hour at 371 C, the laminates exhibited a glass transition temperature of approx. 375 C by thermomechanical analysis. The laminates were essentially void and microcrack free as evidenced by optical microscopic examination. The chemistry, physical, and composite properties of PETI-375 will be discussed.

Connell, J. W.

Causes and Mitigation of Fuel Pilot Operated Valve Pilot Seal Extrusion in Space Shuttle Orbiter Primary RCS Thrusters

Extrusion of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) pilot seal located in the Space Shuttle Orbiter Primary Reaction Control Subsystem (PRCS) thruster fuel valve has been implicated in 68 ground and on-orbit fuel valve failures. A rash of six extrusion-related in-flight anomalies over a six-mission span from December 2001 to October 2002 led to heightened activity at various NASA centers, and the formation of a multidisciplinary team to solve the problem. Empirical and theoretical approaches were used. For example, thermomechanical analysis (TMA) and exposure tests showed that some extrusion is produced by thermal cycling; however, a review of thruster service histories did not reveal a strong link between thermal cycling and extrusion. Calculations showed that the amount of observed extrusion often exceeded the amount allowed by thermally-induced stress relief. Failure analysis of failed hardware also revealed the presence of fuel-oxidizer reaction product (FORP) inside the fuel valve pilot seal cavity, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that the FORP was intimately associated with the pilot seal material. Component-level exposure tests showed that FORP of similar composition could be produced by adjacent oxidizer valve leakage in the absence of thruster firing. Specific gravity data showed that extruded fuel valve pilot seals were less dense than new pilot seals or oxidizer valve pilot seals, indicating permanent modification of the PTFE occurred during service. It is concluded that some thermally-induced extrusion is unavoidable; however, oxidizer leakage-induced extrusion is mostly avoidable and can be mitigated. Several engineering level mitigation strategies are discussed.

Waller, Jess M.

Constraints on the Composition and Evolution of the Lunar Crust from Meteorite NWA 3163

The lunar meteorite NWA 3163 (paired with NWA 4881, 4483) is a ferroan, feldspathic granulitic breccia characterized by pigeonite, augite, olivine, maskelynite and accessory Tichromite, ilmenite and troilite. Bulk rock geochemical signatures indicate the lack of a KREEP- derived component (Eu/Eu* = 3.47), consistent with previously studied lunar granulites and anorthosites. Bulk rock chondrite-normalized signatures are however distinct from the anorthosites and granulites sampled by Apollo missions and are relatively REE-depleted. In-situ analyses of maskelynite reveal little variation in anorthite content (average An% is 96.9 +/- 1.6, 2 sigma). Olivine is relatively ferroan and exhibits very little variation in forsterite content with mean Fo% of 57.7 +/- 2.0 (2 sigma). The majority of pyroxene is low-Ca pigeonite (En57Fs33Wo10). Augite (En46Fs21Wo33) is less common, comprising approximately 10% of analyzed pyroxene. Two pyroxene thermometry on co-existing orthopyroxene and augite yield an equilibrium temperature of 1070C which is in reasonable agreement with temperatures of 1096C estimated from pigeonite compositions. Rb-Sr isotopic systematics of separated fractions yield an average measured Sr-87/Sr-87 of 0.699282+/-0.000007 (2 sigma). Sr model ages are calculated using a modern day Sr-87/Sr-86 Basaltic Achondrite Best Initial (BABI) value of 0.70475, from an initial BABI value Sr-87/Sr-86 of 0.69891 and a corresponding Rb-87/Sr-97 of 0.08716. The Sr model Thermomechanical analysis (TMA) age, which represents the time of separation of a melt from a source reservoir having chondritic evolution, is 4.56+/-0.1 Ga. A Sr model T(sub RD) age, which is a Rb depletion age and assumes no contribution from Rb in the sample in the calculation, yields 4.34+/-0.1 Ga (i.e. a minimum age). The Ar-Ar dating of paired meteorite NWA 4881 reveals an age of c. 2 Ga, likely representing the last thermal event this meteorite experienced. An older Ar-40/Ar-39 age of c. 3.5 Ga may record the thermal event which produced the granulitic texture. Additional chronological constraints will be provided by Sm-Nd systematics. Ferroan Anorthosites like NWA 3163 have been interpreted to represent direct lunar magma ocean (LMO) crystallization products. If this is the case, trace element concentrations in NWA 3163 primary mineral phases should be in equilibrium with residual LMO liquids present during crystallization of those phases. Results from petrogenetic modeling suggest that the NWA 3163 protolith did not form from crystallization of an initially LREE depleted LMO but rather require an initially chondritic LMO with early garnet crystallization. Furthermore, a two-stage crystallization model where plagioclase crystalized prior to pyroxene (93% vs. 99.5% of LMO crystallization) is implied.

McLeod, C. L.