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At least 55 records · Page 3

Advanced composites: Fabrication processes for selected resin matrix materials

This design note is based on present state of the art for epoxy and polyimide matrix composite fabrication technology. Boron/epoxy and polyimide and graphite/epoxy and polyimide structural parts can be successfully fabricated. Fabrication cycles for polyimide matrix composites have been shortened to near epoxy cycle times. Nondestructive testing has proven useful in detecting defects and anomalies in composite structure elements. Fabrication methods and tooling materials are discussed along with the advantages and disadvantages of different tooling materials. Types of honeycomb core, material costs and fabrication methods are shown in table form for comparison. Fabrication limits based on tooling size, pressure capabilities and various machining operations are also discussed.

Welhart, E. K.↗

Plasma Activated Water for Crewed Transit and Planetary Habitation: A Study of Gas Type, Electrode Material, and Power Supply Selection and the Impact on the Final Frontier - FY21 CIF

An in-depth study of plasma activated water (PAW) generation was conducted to link changes in power supply, electrode material, input gas, and treatment time to the resulting reaction chemistry. These changes in chemistry can help tailor PAW for different space applications. An AC, DC, and nanosecond (ns) pulsed power supply were each used to generate PAW with stainless steel, copper, tungsten, or platinum (Pt) electrodes while utilizing air, nitrogen (N2), carbon dioxide (CO2), helium (He), or argon (Ar) as the feed gas. Tap or deionized (DI) water was treated for 1 to 15 minutes, and the generated PAW was tested for changes in pH, conductivity, oxidation reduction potential, nitrates (NO3-), ammonium (NH4+), and peroxide. Calculations showed that the production of reactive nitrogen species was the leading cause of pH and conductivity changes. The DC generated air plasma was able to reduce the pH of DI water and generate NO3‑. The pulsed supply, operating at 20% of the input power of the DC supply, lowered the pH generated NO3‑. When a simulated Martian gas mixture of 95% CO2 and 5% N2 was used as the feed gas, NO3‑ was generated with the DC and pulsed supplies, respectively. Mixing PAW with plasma generated ash from inedible biomass allowed pH control, thus enhancing PAW’s potential use for sanitation applications. The large shift in pH was used to study sanitation effects of Escherichia coli (E. coli) reduction and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), in which log reductions were found to be negligible. Additionally, the plasma generated ash in combination with PAW was also implemented in 10-day microgreen growth trials, in which PAW and ash resulted in quicker emergence of the microgreens compared to the standard growth conditions and comparable dry masses to Hoagland’s nutrient solution treated samples.

plasma activated water (PAW)↗

Optimization of Hot-Pressed n-Type SiGe/GaP and p-Type SiGe/B Thermoelectric Materials

A comprehensive experimental and theoretical work has been conducted in order to optimize the thermoelectric properties of Si_(80)Ge_(20) materials and reach the goal of a combined figure of merit value of 0.85x10^(-3) K^(-1) averaged over a 600-1000 C temperature range. Improvement for the n-type material has been obtained by determining the optimum amounts of gallium and phosphorus dopants necessary to achieve optimum carrier mobility and concentration. The emphasis is now on the consistent reproducibility of these results through understanding and control of the hot-pressing parameters relating microstructure and composition to the transport properties. The optimum doping level has now been firmly established for p-type materials, and work is concentrating on the reduction in thermal conductivity. BN ultra fine particles have been successfully incorporated into fully dense samples and have resulted in desired improvement of the figure of merit...

Fleurial, Jean-Pierre↗

Structures and textures of the Murchison and Mighei carbonaceous chondrite matrices

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy has confirmed earlier observations that the character of the Murchison and Mighei fine-grained matrices is complex in mineralogy and texture. Layer structure minerals occur as planar laths, rounded grains or subhedral grains, and range in size from less than 100 A to about 1 micrometer. Serpentine-type and brucite-type structures predominate in the CM matrices. The occurrence of Povlen chrysolite and a vein of disordered mixed-layer and brucite-type material cutting a large lizardite-type grain suggests that at least some of the matrix materials were formed by alteration of preexisting material.

Mackinnon, I. D. R.↗

Baseline studies on the feasibility of detecting a coal/shale interface with a self-powered sensitized pick

The feasibility of utilizing a sensitized pick to discriminate between cutting coal and roof material during the longwall mining process was investigated. A conventional longwall mining pick was instrumented and cutting force magnitudes were determined for a variety of materials, including Illinois #6 coal, shale type materials, and synthetic coal/shale materials.

Anderson, G. R., II↗

CI chondrite-like clasts in the Nilpena polymict ureilite - Implications for aqueous alteration processes in CI chondrites

Petrographic studies of Nilpena polymict ureilite have revealed the presence of small quantities of carbonaceous chondrite matrix clasts. Detailed electron microprobe and TEM studies show that the chemistry and fine-scale mineralogy of one of these clasts is consistent with CI carbonaceous chondrite matrix. Compared to Orgeuil, the phyllosilicate, sulfide, and oxide mineralogy suggests that the Nilpena clasts may represent a less altered type of CI matrix. It is suggested that increased oxidation and aqueous alteration of Nilpena-type materials could result in the formation of the type of mineral assemblage observed in Orgueil. Increased alteration produces progressive more Mg-rich phyllosilicates and more Fe(3+)-rich iron oxides, such as ferrihydrite. As a function of increased alteration, Ca is also progressively leached from the matrix material to form carbonate veins. The depletion of Ca in CI chondrite matrices suggests the Ivuna and Alais may be intermediate in their degree of alteration to Nilpena and Orgueil.

Brearley, Adrian J.↗

Solar cell with improved N-region contact and method of forming the same

An improved solar cell, and method of forming the same are disclosed. It is characterized by a semiconductor silicon wafer of P-type material having diffused therein a shallow N-type region. A sintered silver contact is affixed to the surface of the N-type region at the outer surface. The improved solar cell is formulated from silver powder blended with silver metaphosphate for establishing a zone of increased carrier concentration. An aluminum or silver-aluminum alloy contact is affixed to the P-type wafer at the outer surface opposite the N-type region.

Bube, K. R.↗

Analysis of Advanced Thermoelectric Materials and Their Functional Limits

The world's demand for energy is increasing dramatically, but the best energy conversion systems operate at approximately 30% efficiency. One way to decrease energy loss is in the recovery of waste heat using thermoelectric (TE) generators. A TE generator is device that generates electricity by exploiting heat flow across a thermal gradient. The efficiency of a TE material for power generation and cooling is determined by the dimensionless Figure of Merit (ZT): ZT = S(exp. 2)sigmaT/κ: where S is the Seebeck coefficient, sigma is the electrical conductivity, T is the absolute temperature, and κ is the thermal conductivity. The parameters are not physically independent, but intrinsically coupled since they are a function of the transport properties of electrons. Traditional research on TE materials has focused on synthesizing bulk semiconductor-type materials that have low thermal conductivity and high electrical conductivity affording ZT values of 1. The optimization of the σ/κ ratio is difficult to achieve using current material formats, as these material constants are complementary. Recent areas of research are focusing on using nanostructural artifacts that introduce specific dislocations and boundary conditions that scatter the phonons. This disrupts the physical link between thermal (phonon) and electrical (electron) transport. The result is that κ is decreased without decreasing σ. These material formats give ZT values of up to 2 which represent approximately 18% energy gain from waste heat recovery. The next challenge in developing the next generation of TE materials with superior performance is to tailor the interconnected thermoelectric physical parameters of the material system. In order to approach this problem, the fundamental physics of each parameter S, sigma, and κ need to be physically understood in their context of electron/phonon interaction for the construction of new high ZT thermoelectric devices. Is it possible to overcome the physical limit imposed by of the effect of phonon lattice oscillation and energetic electrons towards thermal conductivity? Is the Seebeck coefficient, based on the difference in voltage over temperature gradient ( deltaV/deltaT), an intrinsic parameter of each material? All these parameters were manipulated using nano-bridge and twin-lattice structural concepts at the NASA Langley Research Center. This talk will review the current trend of TE research to optimize the ZT and discuss about new approaches on increasing ZT within functional limits of each parameter.

Kim, Hyun Jung↗

Summary of noise reduction characteristics of typical general aviation materials

The paper presents the results of a large number of systematic tests to determine noise reduction characteristics of general aviation materials. Effects of material type (metallic and composite), thickness, panel stiffening, vibration damping materials, sound absorption materials and pressurization on noise reduction are included. Several promising methods for reducing cabin interior noise in light airplanes are discussed based on the results.

Roskam, J.↗

Spectral Characterization of Spacecraft Materials used in Hypervelocity Impact Testing

The increasing number of successfully deployed space missions have resulted in an increased density of man-made objects positioned in orbital domains near Earth. With this steady accumulation of objects in space, it is becoming more imperative to characterize spacecraft materials, which may ultimately be contributors to the orbital debris population. In order to ascertain the potential damage from orbital debris, a laboratory hypervelocity impact test was conducted using a 56-kg modern spacecraft representative satellite (DebriSat) to simulate a catastrophic fragmentation event in low Earth orbit. In an effort to identify unique, material-specific spectroscopic markers, a select number of the spacecraft materials used to construct DebriSat were analyzed using reflectance spectroscopy as a characterization technique for assessment on material type according to optical features. Spectral measurements of DebriSat materials analyzed prior to the laboratory impact are presented in this paper. These data provide a spectral characterization baseline for modern-day spacecraft materials in their pristine conditions and are compared to each other to distinguish spectra of materials belonging to different classifications with an effort of grouping them using color index. The ongoing efforts to classify materials utilizing their reflectance spectroscopic fingerprint are discussed in this study

Jacqueline A. Reyes↗

High Risk Spacecraft Materials Offgassing

NASA-STD-6001B, Determination of Offgassed Products (Test 7), provides the offgassing characteristics under standardized conditions for materials and assembled articles to be located within habitable spacecraft environments. Experience with Test 7 has found certain material types to be of higher risk for offgassing undesirable compounds aboard spacecraft than others. Formaldehyde and acrolein are historically high T value offgassed components of the offgassed compound target list because they have low spacecraft maximum allowable concentration (SMAC) values assigned by the JSC Toxicology Group. Carbon disulfide, benzene, acrylonitrile, and furan are additional target compounds of concern due to their lower thresholds of toxicity as determined by the JSC Toxicology Group. Materials offgassing siloxanes are also of concern due to their degradation effects on environmental control and life support system (ECLSS) components and performance. Spacecraft materials and articles defined in this manuscript as high risk were identified after examining and condensing data for these compounds of concern from approximately 3000 tests performed over 30 years. Summaries of high risk material and article types based on highest Multi-Purpose Crew Vehicle (MPCV) T values are also presented. Historical analysis shows high risk components are produced largely from test materials and articles in the general categories of electronic/powered components, foams, paints/coatings/films, adhesives/tapes, epoxy/resins, liquids/gels, Nomex® with surface treatments, markers/pens/inks, dry film lubricants, thermoplastics, hygiene items (deodorants, lip balms), and silicone rubber. These data are intended to be a resource for spacecraft materials and processes managers, designers, and toxicologists. High risk materials and articles intended for use aboard spacecraft should be tested in accordance with NASA-STD-6001B Test 7.

Vanessa D Buchanan↗

Aerosol particles in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere: Elemental composition and morphology of individual particles in northern midlatitudes

Atmospheric particles were collected in the midlatitude upper troposphere (UT) and lower stratosphere (LS) by inetrial impaction for subsequent electron microscopy and individual particle element analysis. More than 97% of particles analyzed on impactor substrates exposed in the LS contained only O and S in detectable quantities; these particles are believed to be acidic sulfate. Nonsulfate materials seen in the remaining particles included soot, other c-rich substances and crustal materials. Although not predominantly sulfate, usually carried a sulfer-rich coating in the LS. Samples collected very near and just below the tropopause were also dominated by sulfates. The fraction of sulfate particles analyzed on impactor substrates exposed in the UT was 91-94% of the total particle concentration. Nonsulfate substances observed in the UT samples included crustal-type material, hydrated marine salts, carbon-rich materials of several types, and metal-containing substances of uncertain origin. Most of these UT particles were not coated with detectable quantitites of sulfate.

Sheridan, Patrick J.↗

Visual and infrared photometry of asteroids

Results are reported for a survey of asteroids at 0.56, 1.6, and 2.2 microns. The observations of 30 asteroids are reduced to relative reflectances at 1.6 and 2.2 microns (such that the relative reflectance at 0.56 micron is scaled to unity). These relative reflectances have important implications for the classification of asteroids. Low-albedo asteroids show a significant range in their infrared relative reflectances, but carbonaceous chondritic-type material remains a good candidate for their surface composition. Many S-type asteroids are found to have significantly brighter infrared relative reflectances than M-type asteroids. Lunarlike dark glass on the surfaces of these objects is probably ruled out. A metallic phase is the most plausible candidate, which implies a multiple-component surface composition perhaps similar to certain stony-iron meteorites. The data suggest that such a metallic phase may be common in the inner asteroid belt.

Veeder, G. J.↗

Petrogenesis of KREEP

Solid/liquid distribution coefficients were experimentally determined for a number of trace elements for olivine, orthopyroxene, plagioclase and ilmenite. Major- and trace-element partitioning and relevant phase equilibria are used to study possible parent-daughter relationships between a number of highland samples and highly evolved KREEP-rich materials. A model is proposed in which low-K Fra Mauro basalt type material was produced by fractionation of large amounts of olivine and lesser amounts of plagioclase from undifferentiated lunar material at about 4.4 AE.

Mckay, G. A.↗

Improved table-saw guard

Guard makes lighter contact on materials being sawed. Cuts are better controlled, and damages to fragile foam-type materials are reduced. Overhead support makes it possible to perform slot and step cuts, and thick materials are pushed under guard with less force. Guard is transparent plastic enclosure held by side-attached overhead support arm.

Dunn, B. R.↗

Recent results concerning the stability of viscoelastic shear deformable plates under compressive edge loading

Some recent results obtained by the authors are summarized concerning the stability of transversely isotropic flat panels whose materials exhibit a viscoelastic behavior and whose edges are subjected to in-plane biaxial compressive loads. Two transversely isotropic type materials, largely used in advanced technology, are considered: (1) the pyrolytic-graphite type, used in the thermal protection of aerospace vehicles, and (2) the type corresponding to unidirectional fiber-reinforced composites. In the former case, the planes of isotropy are parallel at each point to the midplane of the plate. In the latter case, they are normal to the fiber directions. The micromechanical relations developed by Aboudi (1984, 1986, 1987) are considered in conjunction with the correspondence principle of linear viscoelastic theory in order to predict the macroscopic viscoelastic properties of a material composed of uniaxial elastic fibers embedded in a linear viscoelastic matrix.

Librescu, L.↗