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At least 685 records · Page 38

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

DOE OSTI2022

Systems and methods for additive manufacturing to encapsulate transformative colloidal suspensions

The present disclosure relates to an energy absorbing three dimensional (3D) structure. The structure may have an outer shell formed from a shell material. The outer shell may have a void forming a core volume. A transformative feedstock is contained in the void. The transformative feedstock is encapsulated within the outer shell, within the void, and provides enhanced energy absorbing properties to the 3D structure.

Mancini, Julie A.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Fluid Dynamics of Bubbly Liquids

Experiments have been performed to study the average flow properties of inertially dominated bubbly liquids which may be described by a novel analysis. Bubbles with high Reynolds number and low Weber number may produce a fluid velocity disturbance that can be approximated by a potential flow. We studied the behavior of suspensions of bubbles of about 1.5 mm diameter in vertical and inclined channels. The suspension was produced using a bank of 900 glass capillaries with inner diameter of about 100 microns in a quasi-steady fashion. In addition, salt was added to the suspension to prevent bubble-bubble coalescence. As a result, a nearly monodisperse suspension of bubble was produced. By increasing the inclination angle, we were able to explore an increasing amount of shear to buoyancy motion. A pipe flow experiment with the liquid being recirculated is under construction. This will provide an even larger range of shear to buoyancy motion. We are planning a microgravity experiment in which a bubble suspension is subjected to shearing in a couette cell in the absence of a buoyancy-driven relative motion of the two phases. By employing a single-wire, hot film anemometer, we were able to obtain the liquid velocity fluctuations. The shear stress at the wall was measured using a hot film probe flush mounted on the wall. The gas volume fraction, bubble velocity, and bubble velocity fluctuations were measured using a homemade, dual impedance probe. In addition, we also employed a high-speed camera to obtain the bubble size distribution and bubble shape in a dilute suspension. A rapid decrease in bubble velocity for a dilute bubble suspension is attributed to the effects of bubble-wall collisions. The more gradual decrease of bubble velocity as gas volume fraction increases, due to subsequent hindering of bubble motion, is in qualitative agreement with the predictions of Spelt and Sangani for the effects of potential-flow bubble-bubble interactions on the mean velocity. The ratio of the bubble velocity variance to the square of the mean is 0(0.1). For these conditions Spelt and Sangani predicted that the homogeneous suspension would be unstable and clustering into horizontal rafts will take place. Evidence for bubble clustering is obtained by analysis of video images. The liquid velocity variance is larger than would be expected for a homogeneous suspension and the liquid velocity frequency spectrum indicates the presence of velocity fluctuations that are slow compared with the time for the passage of an individual bubble. These observations provide further evidence for bubble clustering.

Tsang, Y. H.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Dispersing nano- and micro-sized portlandite particulates via electrosteric exclusion at short screening lengths

In spite of their high surface charge (zeta potential ζ = +34 mV), aqueous suspensions of portlandite (calcium hydroxide: Ca(OH) 2 ) exhibit a strong tendency to aggregate, and thereby present unstable suspensions. While a variety of commercial dispersants seek to modify the suspension stability and rheology (e.g., yield stress, viscosity), it remains unclear how the performance of electrostatically and/or electrosterically based additives is affected in aqueous environments having either a high ionic strength and/or a pH close to the particle's isoelectric point (IEP). We show that the high native ionic strength (pH ≈ 12.6, IEP: pH ≈ 13) of saturated portlandite suspensions strongly screens electrostatic forces (Debye length: κ -1 = 1.2 nm). As a result, coulombic repulsion alone is insufficient to mitigate particle aggregation and affect rheology. However, a longer-range geometrical particle–particle exclusion that arises from electrosteric hindrance caused by the introduction of comb polyelectrolyte dispersants is very effective at altering the rheological properties and fractal structuring of suspensions. As a result, comb-like dispersants that stretch into the solvent reduce the suspension's yield stress by 5× at similar levels of adsorption as compared to linear dispersants, thus enhancing the critical solid loading (i.e., at which jamming occurs) by 1.4×. Significantly, the behavior of diverse dispersants is found to be inherently related to the thickness of the adsorbed polymer layer on particle surfaces. These outcomes inform the design of dispersants for concentrated suspensions that present strong charge screening behavior.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRS1987

Influence of simulated weightlessness on maximal oxygen uptake of untrained rats

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hindlimb suspension on maximal oxygen uptake of rodents. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to head-down (HD) suspension, horizontal (HOZ) suspension, or cage (C) control for 6-9 days. Rats were tested for maximal oxygen uptake before and after surgical instrumentation (Doppler flow probes, carotid and jugular cannulae), and after suspension. Body weight was significantly decreased after suspension in both HD and HOZ groups, but was significantly increased in the C group. Absolute maximal O2 uptake (ml/min) was not different in the C group. However, because of their increased weight, relative maximal O2 uptake (ml/min per kg) was significantly reduced. In contrast, both relative and absolute maximal O2 uptake were significantly lower, following suspension, for the HD and HOZ groups. These preliminary results support the use of hindlimb suspension as an effective model to study the mechanism(s) of cardiovascular deconditioning.

Overton, J. Michael↗

NASA NTRS1992

A 6 degree-of-freedom Lorentz force vibration isolator with nonlinear controller

This program demonstrated the technical feasibility of constructing large-stroke magnetic suspensions that can meet the active vibration isolation requirements of Space Station. These requirements include: (1) strokes over 1 cm in all directions, (2) actuator bandwidths over 100 Hz, (3) isolator roll-off frequencies below 10(exp -2) Hertz, and (4) force capability over 1 Newton in all axes. The 100 Hz actuator bandwidth allows the suspension to reject any direct force disturbances that act on the microgravity experiment, for example forces created by cable connections. The low isolator roll-off frequency and large stroke allow the magnetic suspension to isolate the microgravity experiment from Space Station vibrations above the roll-off frequency. The capability to meet these requirements was demonstrated by designing, constructing and testing a six-degree-of-freedom, prototype magnetic suspension system that featured high-performance, Lorentz-force actuators and full multi-input, multi-output control. This prototype suspension is designed to isolate large orbiter locker experiments under typical spacecraft constraints of size, weight, and power. Suspension in the full six-degrees-of-freedom was successfully demonstrated in this program while using a gravity-force unload mechanism to simulate a space environment. The prototype isolator is capable of space-based isolation service with relatively minor modification. The use of advanced, nonlinear control algorithms were investigated on a specially designed single-degree-of-freedom testbed. This low acceleration test facility simulates the Space Station vibration isolation problem in a single horizontal axis with low-friction, air-slide support. This allowed testing at the desired microgravity levels, without the gravity bias effects that are seen in a full six-degrees-of-freedom suspension. Precision components were used to reduce residual accelerations to microgravity levels so that the effects of sensor, actuator, and electronic noise could be evaluated. During the Phase 2 program, this testbed was used to demonstrate the advantages of nonlinear control algorithms to provide increased vibration isolation performance.

Fenn, Ralph↗

DOE OSTI2024

Containment strategy for subsurface H 2 storage based on time-dependent soft solids

Here, we propose an innovative containment strategy based on time-dependent soft solids, namely 2 wt% Laponite suspensions, to reinforce natural subsurface seals and engineer flow barriers, with an eye toward making H 2 subsurface storage scalable and geographically agnostic. This suspension can be injected at its initial low viscosity and elasticity into a porous medium, allowing for easy pumping and targeted delivery. Once inside the target zone, it matures into a soft solid with much higher viscosity and elasticity, acting as a potential flow barrier. We discuss the rheological properties of the suspensions and demonstrate that hydrogen does not adversely affect their microstructure, but rather increases the suspensions’ viscosity and elasticity. Moreover, the suspensions enhance the rock samples’ compressive strength, while hydrogen exposure increases their stiffness and ductility. The ability of rock samples saturated with the suspensions to contain higher injected gas pressures is enhanced by aging at higher temperatures.

08 HYDROGEN↗

NASA NTRS1990

Equations of motion of slung load systems with results for dual lift

General simulation equations are derived for the rigid body motion of slung load systems. These systems are viewed as consisting of several rigid bodies connected by straight-line cables or links. The suspension can be assumed to be elastic or inelastic, both cases being of interest in simulation and control studies. Equations for the general system are obtained via D'Alembert's principle and the introduction of generalized velocity coordinates. Three forms are obtained. Two of these generalize previous case-specific results for single helicopter systems with elastic or inelastic suspensions. The third is a new formulation for inelastic suspensions. It is derived from the elastic suspension equations by choosing the generalized coordinates so as to separate motion due to cable stretching from motion with invariant cable lengths. The result is computationally more efficient than the conventional formulation, and is readily integrated with the elastic suspension formulation and readily applied to the complex dual lift and multilift systems. Equations are derived for dual lift systems. Three proposed suspension arrangements can be integrated in a single equation set. The equations are given in terms of the natural vectors and matrices of three-dimensional rigid body mechanics and are tractable for both analysis and programming.

Cicolani, Luigi S.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Equations of motion of slung-load systems, including multilift systems

General simulation equations are derived for the rigid body motion of slung-load systems. This work is motivated by an interest in trajectory control for slung loads carried by two or more helicopters. An approximation of these systems consists of several rigid bodies connected by straight-line cables or links. The suspension can be assumed elastic or inelastic. Equations for the general system are obtained from the Newton-Euler rigid-body equations with the introduction of generalized velocity coordinates. Three forms are obtained: two generalize previous case-specific results for single-helicopter systems with elastic and inelastic suspensions, respectively; and the third is a new formulation for inelastic suspensions. The latter is derived from the elastic suspension equations by choosing the generalized coordinates so that motion induced by cable stretching is separated from motion with invariant cable lengths, and by then nulling the stretching coordinates to get a relation for the suspension forces. The result is computationally more efficient than the conventional formulation, is readily integrated with the elastic suspension formulation, and is easily applied to the complex dual-lift and multilift systems. Results are given for two-helicopter systems; three configurations are included and these can be integrated in a single simulation. Equations are also given for some single-helicopter systems, for comparison with the previous literature, and for a multilift system. Equations for degenerate-body approximations (point masses, rigid rods) are also formulated and results are given for dual-lift and multilift systems. Finally, linearlized equations of motion are given for general slung-load systems are presented along with results for the two-helicopter system with a spreader bar.

Cicolani, Luigi S.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Effects of Gravity and Shear on the Dynamics and Stability of Particulate and Multiphase Flows

The main objectives of this project are to understand the differing particulate and multiphase flow behaviors that will occur in space and in Earth's gravity. More specifically, the project is concerned with understanding the effect of shear and gravity on two relatively ideal suspensions with significant inertial effects. The first is a gas-solid suspension at small Reynolds numbers and finite Stokes numbers. In this type of suspensions the inertia of the particle phase is significant while the hydrodynamic interactions are dominated by viscous forces in the suspending fluid. The other is a bubble suspension at small Weber and large Reynolds numbers. The hydrodynamic interactions in such suspensions are dominated by the inertial effects in the suspending fluid, but these inertial interactions can be described using potential flow theory. Our main objective is to examine the effects of shear and gravity on the average properties and stability of these two suspensions.

Sangani, Ashor S.↗

DOE OSTI2020

Fabrication of films and coatings used to activate shear thickening, impact resistant electrolytes

A method of making a passively impact resistant composite electrolyte and separator layer includes providing a suspension composition including electrically non-conducting particles that enable shear thickening. The particles can have a polydispersity index of no greater than 0.1, an average particle size in a range of from 50 nm to 1 um, and an absolute zeta potential of greater than ±40 mV. A particle suspension solvent is provided for suspending the particles. The suspension composition is applied to a porous separator material. A portion of the particles and suspension solvent penetrate the pores and the remainder of the particles in the suspension composition are distributed across the surface of the separator material. The suspension solvent is evaporated from the separator material to provide a shear thickening particle loaded separator. A separator assembly and a passivated battery are also disclosed.

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗

DOE OSTI2022

Fabrication of films and coatings used to activate shear thickening, impact resistant electrolytes

Armstrong, Beth L.↗

DOE OSTI2022

Bidisperse supension balance model

The suspension balance model (SBM) for viscous Stokes flow has been well studied for the case of identical, monodisperse spherical particles in a channel, however, more work remains to be done to explore the bidisperse and polydisperse SBM. Here, we present a simple extension of the SBM that allows for modeling of suspensions of particles of bidisperse size. The comparison with avaiable experiments and direct simulations is found to be good. Additionally, we present a range of simulations to justify the assumptions made in the polydisperse suspension balance model for non-Brownian, neutrally buoyant particles that vary in size with a bidisperse distribution. The aim is to study the effects of moderate size variation on the rheology of the suspension and the distribution of the particles across the flow, especially in the near-wall regions. It is shown that, at the size ratios considered, bidispersity in the particle size does not significantly affect rheological parameters including the particle volume fraction and relative viscosity in the bulk of a Couette flow. The particle phase stresses are distributed between small and large particles in proportion to the relative volume fractions of each species. In bidisperse suspensions, the large particles in the wall layer develop a spatial structure and form chains in the streamwise direction.

97 MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTING↗

DOE OSTI2025

Establishing a silica gel zone in well annulus and evaluating its performance in blocking vertical water flow

Wells are often constructed for monitoring purposes with relatively long screen lengths (e.g., >10 m). Vertical water flows can occur within the artificial or natural filterpack annulus that surrounds the screened interval, bypassing packer assemblies installed inside the wellbore. Attempts to isolate discrete vertical zones during groundwater sampling are unsuccessful when annular flow occurs and lead to remedy decisions based on biased or incorrect interpretations. Blocking vertical annular water flow and contaminant transport will help obtain more accurate concentrations of contaminants from sampling in targeted depth intervals. The application of silica gels formed from the injected colloidal silica CS suspensions is a novel approach to minimize or prevent movement of vertical movement of groundwater in the surrounding filterpack annulus. In this work, we tested the feasibility of injecting CS suspensions to target locations and developed a modified CS formulation that is injectable and prevents gravity sinking. We studied the distribution and penetration of silica gel at laboratory scale in mock well annulus with surrounding formations. We evaluated the performance of the silica gel in blocking vertical water flow in the annulus and in minimizing chemical transport through the gel zone. CS suspension formulations have been defined that are ready for injection, stay in target locations, and form gel within desired time frames. Injection of CS suspensions achieved uniform distribution in a well annulus filter pack, fully occupied the annulus pore space, and penetrated the formation surrounding the filter packer with a sufficient distance to create a hydraulic annular seal when the injection was applied at a sufficient rate. The depth of penetration into the formation was dependent on the permeability contrast between the filter pack and the surrounding formation. Silica gel that formed in the annulus blocked vertical water flow and stopped the chemical transport through the gel zone. In conclusion, this research reveals that using CS suspension injection and sequential gelation (CS-GEL) is a promising technology for blocking vertical water flow and chemical transport through the filter pack in targeted zones within the annulus of long-screened well systems.

Colloidal silica suspension↗

NASA NTRS1982

Calcium transport from the intestine and into bone in a rat model simulating weightlessness

The objective of this study was to determine whether a defect in transport of calcium in the duodenum was related to decreased bone formation in the suspended rat. Rats were suspended by the tail at a 40 deg angle for up to 15 days. Ca-45 was injected into the ligated duodenum in situ 15 minutes prior to sacrific. Blood, tibia, vertebra and humerus were obtained for total calcium and Ca-45 analyses. Intestinal calcium transport did not appear to be significantly altered by suspension. However, by 5 days of suspension a significant decrease in accumulation of Ca-45 into tibia and vertebra was observed. A trend of decreasing bone mineral and mass was established in tibia and vertebra by the fifth day of suspension. The humerus failed to demonstrate a significant weight decrease or change in Ca-45 accumulation after 15 days of suspension. Results from this simulated weightlessness model suggest that transport of calcium from intestine into bone is decreased within 5 days of suspension. This deficiency appears to be associated with a progressive decrease in total mass of non-weightbearing bones.

Bikle, D. D.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Design, analysis, and testing of a hybrid scale structural dynamic model of a Space Station

The impracticality of testing the fully-assembled on-orbit configurations of future large erectable space platforms fosters an increased reliance on other means for verifying predicted structural dynamic performance. One option is scale modeling. This paper discusses the design of a hybrid scale dynamic test model of the Freedom Space Station and its associated suspension system. Hybrid scaling laws are reviewed, followed by scale factor trades, component design examples, and an analytical evaluation of the overall model fidelity. Component and subassembly test results from a six-bay hybrid scale model truss are presented. Potential interactions of gravity and the suspension system with the free-free dynamics of the scale model are investigated. Suspension system design parameters, such as the number, location, mass, and stiffness of the suspension devices are traded to minimize undesirable interactions and form the basis for an overall suspension system concept for the scale model.

Gronet, Marc J.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Interaction of various mechanical activity models in regulation of myosin heavy chain isoform expression

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a novel combination of mechanical activity paradigms on the isomyosin distribution in rat hindlimb muscles. Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five experimental groups as follows: normal control, functional overload (OV) of the plantaris, OV in conjunction with hindlimb suspension (OV-S), and a combination of OV-S and either static standing weight-bearing activity (OV-SS) or high-incline treadmill exercise (OV-SE). OV of the plantaris resulted in significant hypertrophy and significant fast-to-slow isomyosin shifts. These changes were completely inhibited by the addition of hindlimb suspension (OV-S). Also, neither of the two weight-bearing regimes (OV-SS and OV-SE) was able to attenuate the suspension-induced atrophy. In the vastus intermedius and vastus lateralis, however, OV-SS was able to partially retard the atrophy associated with suspension. In both the plantaris and vastus intermedius, only OV-SS was able to partially reverse the slow-to-fast isomyosin transitions associated with suspension. These results suggest that the type of mechanical activity is important in determining adaptation to altered loading conditions, with OV-SS appearing more effective than OV-SE in reversing the effects of unweighting.

Diffee, Gary M.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Introduction to magnetic bearings

Multi-axis suspension has several advantages over single axis system, in that it provides control of an object with precision in two or three orthogonal axes. In this report, we discuss the primary use of magnetic-bearing suspension and it's relevance to what was formally known as NASA's Annular Suspension and Pointing System (ASPS). This system is an experimental pointing system with applications for the space shuttle and the space station programs. The objectives behind this magnetic suspension research project are to provide insight to the use of the ASPS configuration, to control the solar panels of the space station. This is important to maintain the correct position of the panels in relation to the sun and orbiting space station for the continuous supply of solar energy. Since the panels are suspended, they can be aligned with minimum outside interference. The approach of using magnetic suspension technology guarantees mechanical isolation since there are no contacting surfaces. This isolation reduces vibration transmission and mechanical wear which in turn extends the life of the payload and of the carrier. It should be noted that ASPS has a high pointing accuracy along the line of 0.01 arc-second. This research will be done in a laboratory setting by incorporating five bearing stations and one motion control station. We will attempt to suspend an object of dead weight similar to that of a solar panel. The long term applications may include deep-space navigation, fire control in weapon systems, and an improved mass transit system.

Skowronski, Lori↗

NASA NTRS1994

Interaction of chronic reatine depletion and muscle unloading effects on postural and locomotor muscles

In this study, creatine depletion was induced separately and in combination with non-weight-bearing activity to determine if the response to lowering this metabolite would counter the MHC transitions expected from non-weight-bearing. Creatine depletion was induced by feeding rats a diet supplemented with the creatine analogue beta-guanidinopropionic acid (beta-GPA). Animals were fed a diet containing the creatine analogue for 68 days. Hindlimb non-weight-bearing in BS and NS animals was accomplished by tail suspension for the final 30 days of this period. Beta-GPA feeding lowered the creatine content of muscles sampled by 65%. Creatine depletion resulted in a 16% increase in citrate synthase activity in the soleus (SOL) and a 24% increase in the plantaris (PLN). In two postural muscles, the SOL and vastus intermedius (VI), tail suspension resulted in large decreases in the type I MHC expression and increases in type IIx and IIb MHCs. In two locomotor muscles, the PLN and medial gastrocnemius, type I MHC declined and type IIb increased with suspension. Creatine depletion did not prevent the suspension-induced decline in type I MHC in any of these muscles. The increase in type IIb MHC was either prevented or reduced by creatine depletion before and during suspension in the SOL, VI, and PLN. Creatine depletion alone resulted in small increases in type I and IIa MHCs in the two locomotor muscles, but it had no effect on the MHC profile of the postural muscles studied. These results indicate that the mechanical signal generated by the hindlimb non-weight-bearing state dominated over the metabolic stimulus of creatine depletion with respect to the primary adaptation involving a reduction in type I MHC.

Adams, Gregory R.↗