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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 649 records · Page 36
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1978

The effect of adhesive layers on the fracture of laminated structures

The effect of the thickness and the elastic properties of the adhesive layers in laminated structures is considered. The structure is assumed to consist of two sets of periodically arranged dissimilar layers which may contain cracks perpendicular to the interfaces. The crack problem is solved under the assumption of plane strain or generalized plane stress and by using two different models for the adhesive layers. In the first model the adhesive layer is approximated by a combination of tensile and shear springs. In the second the adhesive layer is considered to be an elastic continuum, hence involving no approximating assumptions. The results regarding the stress intensity and stress concentration factors obtained from these two models and that found by ignoring the adhesive layers are presented and some comparisons are made.

Gecit, M. R.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Use of a nitrogen-argon plasma to improve adherence of sputtered titanium carbide coatings on steel

Friction and wear experiments on 440-C steel surfaces that had been RF-sputtered with titanium carbide when a small percentage of nitrogen was added to the plasma were conducted. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to analyze the resultant coatings. Results indicate that a small partial pressure of nitrogen (about 0.5%) markedly improves the adherence, friction, and wear properties when compared with coatings applied on sputter-etched oxidized surfaces or in the presence of a small oxygen partial pressure. The improvements are related to the formation of an interface containing a mixture of the nitrides of titanium and iron, which are harder than their corresponding oxides.

Brainard, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1991

The Life Support Database system

The design and implementation of the database system are described with specific reference to data available from the Build-1 version and techniques for its utilization. The review of the initial documents for the Life Support Database is described in terms of title format and sequencing, and the users are defined as participants in NASA-sponsored life-support research. The software and hardware selections are based respectively on referential integrity and compatibility, and the implementation of the user interface is achieved by means of an applications-programming tool. The current Beta-Test implementation of the system includes several thousand acronyms and bibliographic references as well as chemical properties and exposure limits, equipment, construction materials, and mission data. In spite of modifications in the database the system is found to be effective and a potentially significant resource for the aerospace community.

Likens, William C.↗
NASA NTRS1992

158 micrometers (CII) mapping of the Orion molecular cloud

Data from the inner regions of the Orion nebula in the 157.7409 micrometers (CII) fine structure line is investigated. Large scale strip maps in (CII) across the face of the Orion molecular cloud, and CO spectra at selected positions in the Orion HII region/molecular cloud interface were obtained. The total (CII) luminosity from the Orion molecular cloud is estimated to be approximately 1500 of the solar luminosity or 0.3 of the far infrared luminosity. The overall properties of the Orion molecular cloud deduced are: the photodissociated gas to molecular gas mass fraction, the (CII) line to far infrared continuum intensity ratio and the (CII)/CO(12) (1 to 0) line intensity ratio are the same for the Orion molecular cloud and the nuclei of non-starburst galaxies. The observations provide an important link between (CII) emission from galactic molecular clouds and the nuclei of external galaxies.

Stacey, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1998

Results From the USML-2 Interface Configuration Experiment

Mathematical theory predicts that small changes in container shape or in contact angle can give rise to large shifts of liquid in a microgravity environment. For studying such shifts, container shapes are described that were flown on board the Space Shuttle USML-2 mission as part of the Glovebox Interface Configuration Experiment. These containers are in the form of a circular cylinder with two diametrically opposed "canonical proboscis" protrusions. The containers were designed with the goal of having two desirable properties -that sufficient liquid would participate in the shift to permit easy observation, and that the change would be abrupt enough to allow accurate determination of critical contact angle. The observed behavior for these vessels is depicted, along with behavior for a movable wedge vessel, which also formed part of the experiment. The experimental results support the validity of the concept of macroscopic contact angle, basic to the theory, and thereby its use in predicting fluid behavior under reduced gravity. The results indicate, as well, the role of hysteresis in impeding orientation to equilibrium.

Concus, Paul↗
NASA NTRS2000

X-38 Landing Gear Skid Test Report

NASA incorporates skid-equipped landing gear on its series of X-38 flight test vehicles. The X-38 test program is the proving ground for the Crew Return Vehicle (CRV) a gliding parafoil-equipped vehicle designed to land at relatively low speeds. The skid-equipped landing gear is designed to attenuate the vertical landing energy of the vehicle at touchdown using crushable materials within the struts themselves. The vehicle then slides out as the vehicle horizontal energy is dissipated through the skids. A series of tests was conducted at Edwards Airforce Base (EAFB) in an attempt to quantify the drag force produced while "dragging" various X-38 landing gear skids across lakebed regions of varying surface properties. These data were then used to calculate coefficients of friction for each condition. Coefficient of friction information is critical for landing analyses as well as for landing gear load and interface load analysis. The skid specimens included full- and sub-scale V201 (space test vehicle) nose and main gear designs, a V131/V 132 (atmospheric flight test vehicles) main gear skid (actual flight hardware), and a newly modified, full-scale V201 nose -ear skid with substantially increased edge curvature as compared to its original design. Results of the testing are discussed along with comments on the relative importance of various parameters that influence skid stability and other dynamic behavior.

Gafka, George K.↗
NASA NTRS2003

A Collection of Nonlinear Aircraft Simulations in MATLAB

Nonlinear six degree-of-freedom simulations for a variety of aircraft were created using MATLAB. Data for aircraft geometry, aerodynamic characteristics, mass / inertia properties, and engine characteristics were obtained from open literature publications documenting wind tunnel experiments and flight tests. Each nonlinear simulation was implemented within a common framework in MATLAB, and includes an interface with another commercially-available program to read pilot inputs and produce a three-dimensional (3-D) display of the simulated airplane motion. Aircraft simulations include the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, Convair F-106B Delta Dart, Grumman F-14 Tomcat, McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom, NASA Langley Free-Flying Aircraft for Sub-scale Experimental Research (FASER), NASA HL-20 Lifting Body, NASA / DARPA X-31 Enhanced Fighter Maneuverability Demonstrator, and the Vought A-7 Corsair II. All nonlinear simulations and 3-D displays run in real time in response to pilot inputs, using contemporary desktop personal computer hardware. The simulations can also be run in batch mode. Each nonlinear simulation includes the full nonlinear dynamics of the bare airframe, with a scaled direct connection from pilot inputs to control surface deflections to provide adequate pilot control. Since all the nonlinear simulations are implemented entirely in MATLAB, user-defined control laws can be added in a straightforward fashion, and the simulations are portable across various computing platforms. Routines for trim, linearization, and numerical integration are included. The general nonlinear simulation framework and the specifics for each particular aircraft are documented.

Frederico R Garza↗
NASA NTRS2006

Heat Transfer of Thermocapillary Convection in a Two-Layered Fluid System Under the Influence of Magnetic Field

Heat transfer of a two-layer fluid system has been of great importance in a variety of industrial applications. For example, the phenomena of immiscible fluids can be found in materials processing and heat exchangers. Typically in solidification from a melt, the convective motion is the dominant factor that affects the uniformity of material properties. In the layered flow, thermocapillary forces can come into an important play, which was first emphasized by a previous investigator in 1958. Under extraterrestrial environments without gravity, thermocapillary effects can be a more dominant factor, which alters material properties in processing. Control and optimization of heat transfer in an immiscible fluid system need complete understanding of the flow phenomena that can be induced by surface tension at a fluid interface. The present work is focused on understanding of the magnetic field effects on thermocapillary convection, in order to optimize material processing. That is, it involves the study of the complicated phenomena to alter the flow motion in crystal growth. In this effort, the Marangoni convection in a cavity with differentially heated sidewalls is investigated with and without the influence of a magnetic field. As a first step, numerical analyses are performed, by thoroughly investigating influences of all pertinent physical parameters. Experiments are then conducted, with preliminary results, for comparison with the numerical analyses.

Ramachandran, N.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Hydroxide-catalyzed bonding

A method of bonding substrates by hydroxide-catalyzed hydration/dehydration involves applying a bonding material to at least one surface to be bonded, and placing the at least one surface sufficiently close to another surface such that a bonding interface is formed between them. A bonding material of the invention comprises a source of hydroxide ions, and may optionally include a silicate component, a particulate filling material, and a property-modifying component. Bonding methods of the invention reliably and reproducibly provide bonds which are strong and precise, and which may be tailored according to a wide range of possible applications. Possible applications for bonding materials of the invention include: forming composite materials, coating substrates, forming laminate structures, assembly of precision optical components, and preparing objects of defined geometry and composition. Bonding materials and methods of preparing the same are also disclosed.

Gwo, Dz-Hung↗
NASA NTRS2011

Vostok Subglacial Lake: A Review of Geophysical Data Regarding Its Discovery and Topographic Setting

Vostok Subglacial Lake is the largest and best known sub-ice lake in Antarctica. The establishment of its water depth (>500 m) led to an appreciation that such environments may be habitats for life and could contain ancient records of ice sheet change, which catalyzed plans for exploration and research. Here we discuss geophysical data used to identify the lake and the likely physical, chemical, and biological processes that occur in it. The lake is more than 250 km long and around 80 km wide in one place. It lies beneath 4.2 to 3.7 km of ice and exists because background levels of geothermal heating are sufficient to warm the ice base to the pressure melting value. Seismic and gravity measurements show the lake has two distinct basins. The Vostok ice core extracted >200 m of ice accreted from the lake to the ice sheet base. Analysis of this ice has given valuable insights into the lake s biological and chemical setting. The inclination of the ice-water interface leads to differential basal melting in the north versus freezing in the south, which excites circulation and potential mixing of the water. The exact nature of circulation depends on hydrochemical properties, which are not known at this stage. The age of the subglacial lake is likely to be as old as the ice sheet (approx.14 Ma). The age of the water within the lake will be related to the age of the ice melting into it and the level of mixing. Rough estimates put that combined age as approx.1 Ma.

Siegert, Martin J.↗
NASA NTRS2012

A Comprehensive Structural Dynamic Analysis Approach for Multi Mission Earth Entry Vehicle (MMEEV) Development

The anticipated NASA Mars Sample Return Mission (MSR) requires a simple and reliable method in which to return collected Martian samples back to earth for scientific analysis. The Multi-Mission Earth Entry Vehicle (MMEEV) is NASA's proposed solution to this MSR requirement. Key aspects of the MMEEV are its reliable and passive operation, energy absorbing foam-composite structure, and modular impact sphere (IS) design. To aid in the development of an EEV design that can be modified for various missions requirements, two fully parametric finite element models were developed. The first model was developed in an explicit finite element code and was designed to evaluate the impact response of the vehicle and payload during the final stage of the vehicle's return to earth. The second model was developed in an explicit code and was designed to evaluate the static and dynamic structural response of the vehicle during launch and reentry. In contrast to most other FE models, built through a Graphical User Interface (GUI) pre-processor, the current model was developed using a coding technique that allows the analyst to quickly change nearly all aspects of the model including: geometric dimensions, material properties, load and boundary conditions, mesh properties, and analysis controls. Using the developed design tool, a full range of proposed designs can quickly be analyzed numerically and thus the design trade space for the EEV can be fully understood. An engineer can then quickly reach the best design for a specific mission and also adapt and optimize the general design for different missions.

Perino, Scott↗
NASA NTRS2015

Creep Behavior and Durability of Cracked CMC

To understand failure mechanisms and durability of cracked Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs), Melt Infiltration (MI) SiCSiC composites with Sylramic-iBN fibers and full Chemical vapour infiltration SiCSiC composites with Sylramic-ion bombarded BN (iBN) and Hi-Nicalon -S fibers were pre-cracked between 150 to 200 megapascal and then creep and Sustained Peak Low Cycle Fatigue (SPLCF) tested at 13150 C at stress levels from 35 to 103 megapascal for up to 200 hours under furnace and burner rig conditions. In addition creep testing was also conducted on pre-cracked full Chemical vapour infiltration SiCSiC composites at 14500 C between 35 and 103 megapascal for up to 200 hours under furnace conditions. If the specimens survived the 200 hour durability tests, then they were tensile tested at room temperature to determine their residual tensile properties. The failed specimens were examined by Scanning electron microscope (SEM) to determine the failure modes and mechanisms. The influence of crack healing matrix, fiber types, crack density, testing modes and interface oxidation on durability of cracked Ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) will be discussed.

Creep↗
NASA NTRS2022

Parallel Grand-Canonical Monte Carlo (ParaGrandMC) User’s Manual Version 2.0

This manual describes the commands and command line options for the Parallel Grand Canonical Monte Carlo version 2.0 (ParaGrandMC.2.0) simulation code. This is a highly scalable parallel FORTRAN 2003 code for simulating the thermodynamic evolution of materials at the atomic level, and predicting their thermodynamic state, phase diagram, chemical composition and mechanical properties. The code is specifically designed to simulate multi-component alloy systems, predict solid-state phase transformations such as austenite-martensite transformations, precipitate formation, recrystallization, capillary effects at interfaces, surface absorption, etc., which can aid the design of novel metallic alloys. While the software is mainly tailored for modeling metal alloys, it can also be used for other types of solid-state systems, and to some degree for liquid or gaseous systems, including multiphase systems forming solid-liquid-gas interfaces. In addition to performing Monte Carlo (MC) simulations, the code can also perform Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Langevin Dynamics (LD) simulations, which can be combined and interchanged with MC for faster and more efficient system evolution. A detailed description of the MC part of the code is provided in the NASA ParaGrandMC report: NASA/CR–2016-219202; http://www.sti.nasa.gov.

High performance computing↗
NASA NTRS1985

Loss mechanisms in high-efficiency solar cells: Study of material properties and high-efficiency solar-cell performance on material composition: Project tasks

Loss mechanisms in high-efficiency solar cells were discussed. Fundamental limitations and practical solutions were stressed. Present cell efficiency is limited by many recombination sites: emitter, base, contacts, and oxide/silicon interface. Use of polysilicon passivation was suggested. After reduction of these losses, a 25% efficient cell could be built. A floating emitter cell design was shown that had the potential of low recombination losses.

Sah, C. T.↗
NASA NTRS2003

The Effect of the Density Ratio on the Nonlinear Dynamics of the Unstable Fluid Interface

Here we report multiple harmonic theoretical solutions for a complete system of conservation laws, which describe the large-scale coherent dynamics in RTI and RMI for fluids with a finite density ratio in the general three-dimensional case. The analysis yields new properties of the bubble front dynamics. In either RTI or RMI, the obtained dependencies of the bubble velocity and curvature on the density ratio differ qualitatively and quantitatively from those suggested by the models of Sharp (1984), Oron et al. (2001), and Goncharov (2002). We show explicitly that these models violate the conservation laws. For the first time, our theory reveals an important qualitative distinction between the dynamics of the RT and RM bubbles.

Abarzhi, S. I.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Improvement of thermal contact resistance by carbon nanotubes and nanofibers

Interfacial thermal resistance results of various nanotube and nanofiber coatings, prepared by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods, are reported at relatively low clamping pressures. The five types of samples examined include multi-walled and single-walled nanotubes growth by CVD, multi-walled nanotubes grown by plasma enhanced CVD (PECVD) and carbon nanofibers of differing aspect ratio grown by PECVD. Of the samples examined, only high aspect ratio nanofibers and thermally grown multi-walled nanotubes show an improvement in thermal contact resistance. The improvement is approximately a 60% lower thermal resistance than a bare Si-Cu interface and is comparable to that attained by commercially available thermal interface materials.

Evaluation Studies↗
NASA NTRS1988

Investigation of a SiC/Ti-24Al-11Nb composite

A summary of ongoing research on the characterization of a continuous fiber reinforced SiC/Ti-24Al-11Nb (at percent) composite is presented. The powder metallurgy fabrication technique is described as are the nondestructive evaluation results of the as-fabricated composite plates. Tensile properties of the SiC fiber, the matrix material, and the 0-deg SiC/Ti-24Al-11Nb composite (fibers oriented unidirectionally, parallel to the loading axis) from room temperature to 1100 C are presented and discussed with regard to the resultant fractography. The as-fabricated fiber-matrix interface has been examined by scanning transmission electron microscopy and the compounds present in the reaction zone have been identified. Fiber-matrix interaction and stability of the matrix near the fiber is characterized at 815, 985, and 1200 C from 1 to 500 hr. Measurements of the fiber-matrix reaction, the loss of C-rich coating from the surface of the SiC fiber, and the growth of the Beta depleted zone in the matrix adjacent to the fiber are presented. These data and the difference in coefficient of thermal expansion between the fiber and the matrix are discussed in terms of their likely effects on mechanical properties.

Brindley, P. K.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Effect of nitrogen-containing plasma on adherence, friction, and wear of radiofrequency-sputtered titanium carbide coatings

Friction and wear experiments on 440C steel surfaces that were rf sputtered with titanium carbide when a small percentage of nitrogen was added to the plasma were conducted. Both X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction were used to analyze the resultant coatings. Results indicate that the small partial pressure of nitrogen (approximately 0.5 percent) markedly improves the adherence, friction, and wear properties when compared with coatings applied to sputter-etched surfaces, oxidized surfaces, or in the presence of a small oxygen partial pressure. The improvements are related to the formation of an interface containing a mixture of the nitrides of titanium and iron, which are harder than their corresponding oxides.

Brainard, W. A.↗