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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 NTRS2001

The F-15B Propulsion Flight Test Fixture: A New Flight Facility For Propulsion Research

The design and development of the F-15B Propulsion Flight Test Fixture (PFTF), a new facility for propulsion flight research, is described. Mounted underneath an F-15B fuselage, the PFTF provides volume for experiment systems and attachment points for propulsion devices. A unique feature of the PFTF is the incorporation of a six-degree-of-freedom force balance. Three-axis forces and moments can be measured in flight for experiments mounted to the force balance. The NASA F-15B airplane is described, including its performance and capabilities as a research test bed aircraft. The detailed description of the PFTF includes the geometry, internal layout and volume, force-balance operation, available instrumentation, and allowable experiment size and weight. The aerodynamic, stability and control, and structural designs of the PFTF are discussed, including results from aerodynamic computational fluid dynamic calculations and structural analyses. Details of current and future propulsion flight experiments are discussed. Information about the integration of propulsion flight experiments is provided for the potential PFTF user.

Corda, Stephen↗
NASA NTRS1979

Applications of the IITRI compression test fixture at elevated temperature

The purpose of the present paper is to describe an application of the IITRI compression test fixture at elevated temperature (589K) was described as well as the present compressive moduli and ultimate strains of HTS/PMR-15 graphite/polyimide material. Considerable care was taken in specimen fabrication to minimize back-to-back strain variations due to specimen bending. The effects of specimen width and temperature were studied for various laminate orientations. The IITRI specimen was analyzed using three dimensional finite elements to determine the magnitude and location of stress concentrations to assess their potential effects on measured moduli and ultimate strains. Stress concentrations are of concern since end constraints, free-edge effects, and thermal effects add to the three dimensional nature of stresses in a specimen.

Camarda, C. J.↗
NASA NTRS2005

Local Flow Conditions for Propulsion Experiments on the NASA F-15B Propulsion Flight Test Fixture

Local flow conditions were measured underneath the National Aeronautics and Space Administration F-15B airplane to support development of future experiments on the Propulsion Flight Test Fixture (PFTF). The local Mach number and flow angles were measured using a conventional air data boom on a cone-cylinder mounted under the PFTF and compared with the airplane air data nose boom measurements. At subsonic flight speeds, the airplane and PFTF Mach numbers were approximately equal. Transonic Mach number values were up to 0.1 greater at the PFTF than the airplane, which is a counterintuitive result. The PFTF local supersonic Mach numbers were as much as 0.46 less than the airplane values. The maximum local Mach number at the PFTF was approximately 1.6 at an airplane Mach number near 2.0. The PFTF local angle of attack was negative at all Mach numbers, ranging from -3 to -8 degrees. When the airplane angle of sideslip was zero, the PFTF local value was zero between Mach 0.8 and Mach 1.1, -2 degrees between Mach 1.1 and Mach 1.5, and increased from zero to 1 degree from Mach 1.5 to Mach 2.0. Airplane inlet shock waves crossed the aerodynamic interface plane between Mach 1.85 and Mach 1.90.

Vachon, Michael J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Large angle magnetic suspension test fixture

Progress made under the subject grant in the period from 1 Nov. 1992 to 31 May 1993 is presented. The research involves the continued development of the Large Angle Magnetic Suspension Test Fixture (LAMSTF) and also the recommissioning of an additional piece of exisiting hardware. During the period in question, the initial configuration of LAMSTF was completed and made routinely and reliably operational. A digital phase advance controller was completed and documented. The goal of a controlled 360 deg rotation was achieved. Work started on the recommissioning of the Annular Suspension and Pointing System (ASPS). Work completed during the report period included: modeling; position sensing; controller; support of the Second International Symposium on Magnetic Suspension Technology; and recommissioning of the Annular Suspension and Pointing System.

Britcher, Colin P.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Configuration and Sizing of a Test Fixture for Panels Under Combined Loads

Future air and space structures are expected to utilize composite panels that are subjected to combined mechanical loads, such as bi-axial compression/tension, shear and pressure. Therefore, the ability to accurately predict the buckling and strength failures of such panels is important. While computational analysis can provide tremendous insight into panel response, experimental results are necessary to verify predicted performances of these panels to judge the accuracy of computational methods. However, application of combined loads is an extremely difficult task due to the complex test fixtures and set-up required. Presented herein is a comparison of several test set-ups capable of testing panels under combined loads. Configurations compared include a D-box, a segmented cylinder and a single panel set-up. The study primarily focuses on the preliminary sizing of a single panel test configuration capable of testing flat panels under combined in-plane mechanical loads. This single panel set-up appears to be best suited to the testing of both strength critical and buckling critical panels. Required actuator loads and strokes are provided for various square, flat panels.

Lovejoy, Andrew E.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Modelling of eddy currents related to large angle magnetic suspension test fixture

This report presents a preliminary analysis of the mathematical modelling of eddy current effects in a large-gap magnetic suspension system. It is shown that eddy currents can significantly affect the dynamic behavior and control of these systems, but are amenable to measurement and modelling. A theoretical framework is presented, together with a comparison of computed and experimental data related to the Large Angle Magnetic Suspension Test Fixture at NASA Langley Research Center.

Britcher, Colin P.↗
NASA NTRS1994

Test fixture for determination of energy absorbing capabilities of composite materials

The present invention provides a fixture for supporting an elongated specimen for crush testing. The fixture comprises a base plate, four guiding rods, a sliding plate, four support rods and two collars. The guiding rods connect to the base plate and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate. The sliding plate has linear bearings which encircle the guiding rods and enable translation of the sliding plate along the axis of each guiding rod. The four supporting rods mount to the base plate and also extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate. Each support rod has a keyway for a wedge which contacts the elongated specimen and holds the specimen in place during crushing. Each collar lies above the sliding plate and holds a pair of support rods on their ends opposite the ends connected to the base plate. A spherical bearing sits on top of the sliding plate and transfers an applied load to the sliding plate, which moves downward and crushes the elongated specimen.

Lavoie, J. Andre↗
NASA NTRS1998

Test Fixture for Determination of Energy Absorbing Capabilities of Composite Materials

The present invention provides a fixture for supporting an elongated specimen for crush testing. The fixture comprises a base plate. four guiding rods, a sliding plate, four support rods and two collars. The guiding rods connect to the base plate and extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate. The sliding plate has linear bearings which encircle the guiding rods and enable translation of the sliding plate along the axis of each guiding rod. The four supporting rods mount to the base plate and also extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the base plate. Each support rod has a keyway for a wedge which contacts the elongated specimen and holds the specimen in place during crushing. Each collar lies above the sliding plate and holds a pair of support rods on their ends opposite the ends connected to the base plate. A spherical bearing sits on top of the sliding plate and transfers an applied load to the sliding plate, which moves downward and crushes the elongated specimen.

Lavoie, J. Andre↗
NASA NTRS1990

Universal nondestructive mm-wave integrated circuit test fixture

Monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC) test includes a bias module having spring-loaded contacts which electrically engage pads on a chip carrier disposed in a recess of a base member. RF energy is applied to and passed from the chip carrier by chamfered edges of ridges in the waveguide passages of housings which are removably attached to the base member. Thru, Delay, and Short calibration standards having dimensions identical to those of the chip carrier assure accuracy and reliability of the test. The MMIC chip fits in an opening in the chip carrier with the boundaries of the MMIC lying on movable reference planes thereby establishing accuracy and flexibility.

Romanofsky, Robert R.↗
NASA NTRS1991

O-ring gasket test fixture

An apparatus is presented for testing O-ring gaskets under a variety of temperature, pressure, and dynamic loading conditions. Specifically, this apparatus has the ability to simulate a dynamic loading condition where the sealing surface in contact with the O-ring moves both away from and axially along the face of the O-ring.

Turner, James Eric↗
NASA NTRS1996

A Single-Block TRL Test Fixture for the Cryogenic Characterization of Planar Microwave Components

The High-Temperature-Superconductivity (HTS) group of the RF Technology Branch, Space Electronics Division, is actively involved in the fabrication and cryogenic characterization of planar microwave components for space applications. This process requires fast, reliable, and accurate measurement techniques not readily available. A new calibration standard/test fixture that enhances the integrity and reliability of the component characterization process has been developed. The fixture consists of 50 omega thru, reflect, delay, and device under test gold lines etched onto a 254 microns (0.010 in) thick alumina substrate. The Thru-Reflect-Line (TRL) fixture was tested at room temperature using a 30 omega, 7.62 mm (300 mil) long, gold line as a known standard. Good agreement between the experimental data and the data modelled using Sonnet's em(C) software was obtained for both the return (S(sub 11)) and insertion (S( 21)) losses. A gold two-pole bandpass filter with a 7.3 GHz center frequency was used as our Device Under Test (DUT), and the results compared with those obtained using a Short-Open-Load-Thru (SOLT) calibration technique.

Mejia, M.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Resistance-Welding Test Fixture

Realistic welding conditions produce reliable specimens. Simple fixture holds resistance-welding test specimens. Specimen holder includes metallic holder and clamps to provide electrical and thermal paths and plastic parts providing thermal and electrical isolation.

Brennan, Andrew D.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Elevated-temperature application of the IITRI compression test fixture for graphite/polyimide filamentary composites

Seventy-nine graphite/polyimide compression specimens were tested to investigate experimentally the IITRI test method for determining compressive properties of composite materials at room and elevated temperatures (589 K (600 F)). Minor modifications were made to the standard IITRI fixture and a high degree of precision was maintained in specimen fabrication and load alignment. Specimens included four symmetric laminate orientations. Various widths were tested to evaluate the effect of width on measured modulus and strength. In most cases three specimens of each width were tested at room and elevated temperature and a polynomial regression analysis was used to reduce the data. Scatter of replicate tests and back-to-back strain variations were low, and no specimens failed by instability. Variation of specimen width had a negligible effect on the measured ultimate strengths and initial moduli of the specimens. Measured compressive strength and stiffness values were sufficiently high for the material to be considered a usable structural material at temperatures as high as 589 K (600 F).

Raju, B. B.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Adhesive-Bonded Fixture for Flexure Testing

Fixture for flexural tests of glass-fiber-reinforced epoxy rods 1/4 in. (6.4 mm) in diameter easy to fabricate. Little machining done by relatively unskilled. Flexural-test fixture allows bending stress applied to specimen rod while holding rod securely. Dowel pins, blocks, and plate that make up fixture joined by adhesive.

Clemons, J. M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Space Shuttle AFRSI OMS pod environment test using model 81-0 test fixture in the Ames Research Center 9x7-foot supersonic wind tunnel (OS-314A/B/C)

A test was conducted in the NASA/Ames Research Center 9x7-foot Supersonic Wind Tunnel to help resolve an anomaly that developed during the STS-6 orbiter flight wherein sections of the Advanced Flexible Reusable Surface Insulation (AFRSI) covering the OMS pods suffered some damage. A one-third scale two-dimensional shell structure model of an OMS pod cross-section was employed to support the test articles. These consisted of 15 AFRSI blanket panels form-fitted over the shell structures for exposure to simulated flight conditions. Of six baseline blankets, two were treated with special surface coatings. Two other panels were configured with AFRSI sections removed from the OV099 orbiter vehicle after the STS-6 flight. Seven additional specimens incorporated alternative designs and repairs. Following a series of surface pressure calibration runs, the specimens were exposed to simulated ascent and entry dynamic pressure profiles. Entry conditions included the use of a vortex generator to evaluate the effect of shed vortices on the AFRSI located in the area of concern.

Collette, J. G. R.↗
DOE OSTI2026

Accelerating Laboratory-Based, All-Solid-State Battery Research and Development: Industrially Relevant Small-Batch Dry-Processing, Small and Low-Cost Test Fixtures, and Short-Tolerant Separators

This work presents improvements to mixing (for dry-processed electrodes), separator robustness, and cell testing jigs for all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs). These developments combine synergistically to enable rapid research and development of ASSB catholytes. A mechanical "kneader" is designed and built which emulates the mixing and fibrillation of poly-tetrafluoroethylene binder that occurs in industrially relevant twin-screw extruders. A modest improvement in the mixing and dispersion catholyte materials is observed using micro-resolution X-ray computed tomography (X-ray CT). Catholytes are paired with an In-metal anode and separated by a novel, dual-layer, polyaramid-fiber-supported, sulfide-solid electrolyte (Li6 PS5 Cl) separator. This separator achieves high short tolerance which enabled a 95% success rate across 20 attempted cells and to date over 100 successful cells have been built. ASSBs were tested in a 2032 coin-cell format. Simultaneous cycling of a large number of cells is further enabled by a compact and low cost (~ 38 USD per jig) pressure application jig of which 100 have been constructed to date. The utility of these advances is demonstrated through a brief study on the effect cathode-side conductive carbon and current collector type has on capacity and rate performance.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗