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At least 721 records · Page 40

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NASA NTRS1974

Design and fabrication of a boron reinforced intertank skirt

Analytical and experimental studies were performed to evaluate the structural efficiency of a boron reinforced shell, where the medium of reinforcement consists of hollow aluminum extrusions infiltrated with boron epoxy. Studies were completed for the design of a one-half scale minimum weight shell using boron reinforced stringers and boron reinforced rings. Parametric and iterative studies were completed for the design of minimum weight stringers, rings, shells without rings and shells with rings. Computer studies were completed for the final evaluation of a minimum weight shell using highly buckled minimum gage skin. The detail design is described of a practical minimum weight test shell which demonstrates a weight savings of 30% as compared to an all aluminum longitudinal stiffened shell. Sub-element tests were conducted on representative segments of the compression surface at maximum stress and also on segments of the load transfer joint. A 10 foot long, 77 inch diameter shell was fabricated from the design and delivered for further testing.

Henshaw, J.↗

NASA NTRS1986

Rotary Joint for Heat Transfer

Rotary joint exchanges heat between two heat pipes - one rotating and one stationary. Joint accommodates varying heat loads with little temperature drop across interface. According to concept, heat pipe enters center of disklike stationary section of joint. There, wicks in central artery of heat pipe separate into multiple strands that lead to concentric channels on rotaryinterface side of stationary disk. Thin layer of liquid sodium/potassium alloy carries heat from one member of rotary joint to other. Liquid conducts heat efficiently while permitting relative motion between members. Polypropylene rings contain liquid without interfering with rotation.

Shauback, R.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Reduced Cost NiTi-Alloy Bearings Made Via Near Net Shape Powder Metallurgy Processes

NiTi alloys are emerging as an attractive bearing race material for bearings exposed to high static loads and highly corrosive environments. One obstacle yet to be overcome is the intrinsically high relative cost of these materials compared to traditional bearing steels. Traditional net-shape powder metallurgy methods, such as cold-press and sinter, are not applicable to NiTi alloys because they require hot isostatic pressing (HIP) to achieve full density, flaw free microstructures. Recently, innovative powder metallurgy processing has been successful in forming bearing ring blank shapes through the use of geometrically tailored HIP containers. Microstructural evaluations show that ring blanks made from this process are comparable to material made using conventional HIP containers while substantially reducing material usage.

bearings↗

DOE OSTI2019

Nanostructured Thermoset/Thermoset Blends Compatibilized with an Amphiphilic Block Copolymer

Blends of thermoset polymers offer an avenue to combine the mechanical properties of complementary high glass transition temperature systems. An epoxy resin with high tensile strength and modulus, composed of the diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A cured with an anhydride, was combined with polydicyclopentadiene, cured via ring-opening metathesis polymerization, to improve the toughness. An amphiphilic block copolymer, poly(1,4-butadiene-b-ethylene oxide), where 1,4-polybutadiene has a strong affinity for polydicyclopentadiene and poly(ethylene oxide) has a strong affinity for the epoxy resin, was added to control phase separation and manipulate the morphology of the thermoset blend, analogous to compatibilization in thermoplastic blends. A systematic study of the influence of block copolymer loading and blend composition on the structural morphology was performed, using a combination of ultrasmall-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). As the block copolymer content was increased, the thermoset/thermoset blend morphology transitioned from a phase-separated surface fractal type morphology to finer dispersed spherical domains, until a critical particle size was reached at which blend mechanical properties were optimum. The resultant mechanical properties for select compatibilized blends showed a strong positive influence of the morphology on the fracture properties while maintaining the well-behaved tensile properties observed in the uncompatibilized system.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

2 Kelvin helium distribution system for the Electron Ion Collider’s 10 o’clock satellite refrigerator

The Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) at Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL) will involve superfluid helium cooling of superconducting magnets and Superconducting Radio Frequency (SRF) cavities at several sites around the existing Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) accelerator tunnel. While the majority of the cooling power for these loads is provided by BNL’s central cryogenic plant, Jefferson Lab is designing satellite equipment which augments the central plant and enables 2 Kelvin operation. The 2 K cryogenic distribution system for the collider’s 10 o’clock location (Interaction Region 10 or IR10) includes all necessary interfaces to the IR10 Satellite Refrigerator, to the overall EIC cryogenic distribution system, and to 12 SRF cryomodules for the electron and hadron storage rings. In addition to providing the required cooling capacities in all operating modes, the IR10 2 K cryogenic distribution system also stabilizes the supply temperature and enables safe connection and disconnection of individual IR10 cryomodules. Moreover, the layout of the IR10 2 K cryogenic distribution system copes with challenging spatial constraints and adapts to the process configuration and routing of existing RHIC cryogenic distribution components which will be re-used for EIC. This paper gives a full overview of the IR10 satellite cryogenic distribution system design, and highlights some of the challenges encountered.

Laverdure, Nathaniel [Thomas Jefferson National Ac↗

DOE OSTI2026

Persistent Elevated Soot Emissions Induced by Clustered Stochastic Preignition Events

Stochastic Preignition (SPI) is an abnormal combustion phenomenon that can occur in spark-ignition engines particularly under high-load operation. SPI is characterized by uncontrolled initiation of combustion prior to spark discharge, an abnormal combustion process that can lead to severe knock events and significant engine damage. SPI has been associated with fuel properties, lubricant composition, and engine design and operation. Here, in this work, a single-cylinder test engine with a dry-sump oil system was utilized to study the SPI response of E10 and E25 fuels with a range of Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP). An automated test procedure was employed, consisting of ten square-waved load profile segments, with each segment composed of 5 min of low-load operation followed by 25 min of sustained high-load operation. These tests were replicated across multiple days of testing including a lubricant triple flush between tests, and an online Fuel in Oil diagnostic measurement. Exhaust particulate emissions were continuously measured by an AVL microsoot sensor (MSS). Elevated particulate matter emissions were observed to occur concurrently with SPI events as blooms of soot. Particularly after clustered events (i.e., multiple SPI cycles occurring within 10 consecutive engine cycles), high soot emissions were observed to persist over several days of sequential operation despite daily lubricant changes, a complete warm-up procedure, and sustained low-load operation between test segments. This result implies that the particulate emissions trends may be dominated by deposit-based effects, where higher load operation is needed to alter deposition and formation processes. The observed soot blooms were also found to correspond to a reduction in the engine fueling and the fuel engine oil dilution rate despite the engine exhaust remaining at stoichiometric exhaust operation. These observations suggest that post-SPI events, pathways for lubricant migration and consumption into the combustion chamber may occur until these pathways are closed from deposit formation or ring dynamics during extended operation. These observed sooting propensity persisted with all fuels tests, but a linear correlation was observed between the summation of soot and particulate matter index (PMI) value for each fuel as well as SPI events, proving that PMI is a crucial fuel property for reducing SPI.

Splitter, Derek [Oak Ridge National Laboratory (OR↗

NASA NTRS1986

Feasibility study of a discrete bearing/roller drive rotary joint for the space station

The most critical mechanism on board the proposed space station is the continously rotating joint which must accurately align the solar power units with the sun during earth orbit. The feasibility of a multiple, discrete bearing supported joint driven by a self-loading, pinch drive actuator was investigated for this application. This concept appears to offer greater protection against catastrophic jamming, less sensitivity to adverse thermal gradients, greater accessibility to inorbit servicing or replacement and greater adaptability to very large (5 m) truss members than to more conventional continuous support bearing/gear reducer joints. Analytical trade studies performed herein establish that a discrete cam roller bearing support system having eight hangers around a continuous ring would provide sufficient radial and bending stiffness to prevent any degradation in the fundamental frequencies of the solar wing structure. Furthermore, it appears that the pinch roller drive mechanism can be readily sized to meet or exceed system performance and service life requirements. Wear life estimates based on experimental data for a steel roller coated with an advanced polyimide film show a continuous service life more than two orders of magnitude greater than required for this application.

Loewenthal, S. H.↗

DOE OSTI2017

Pore-Engineered Metal–Organic Frameworks with Excellent Adsorption of Water and Fluorocarbon Refrigerant for Cooling Applications

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are found to be promising sorbents for adsorption cooling applications. Using organic ligands with 1, 2, and 3 phenylene rings, we construct moisture-stable Ni-MOF-74 members with adjustable pore apertures. These pore-engineered materials exhibit excellent sorption capabilities towards water and fluorocarbons. The adsorption patterns for these materials differ significantly and are attributed to variances in the hydrophobic/hydrophilic pore character, associated with differences in pore size. Complementary ex situ characterizations and in situ FTIR spectra are deployed to understand the correlations between the mechanisms of gas loadings and the pore environment of the MOFs.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

DOE OSTI2023

Radiation Damage Analysis of FNSF Components Using McCad and MCNP

The Fusion Energy System Studies Fusion Nuclear Science Facility (FESS-FNSF) concept represents a transitional step between ITER and a commercial fusion power plant. The FNSF is a conceptualized D-T fueled tokamak with 518 MW of fusion power that has been extensively used to explore and optimize design features. The energetic 14.1-MeV neutrons can produce significant localized heating and activations, and can cause damage to plasma-facing components, which can determine maintenance/outage scheduling needs and also impact the lifetime of the device as a whole. This study illustrates a neutronics analysis that was conducted on a 22.5-degree symmetric sector of the FNSF with the goal of understanding the neutron heating and radiation damage that can be characterized by quantifying the displacements per atom (dpa). Concurrently, this study also focused on the development of analysis capabilities by converting a three-dimensional computer-aided design model of the FNSF into MCNP6.2 input using the McCad code. Accordingly, some confirmatory results on tritium production and the tritium breeding ratio (TBR) are provided to support model validation. The results produced by MCNP6.2 simulations showed that the highest heating and damage occurred in the outboard region, which concentrated approximately 290 MW of the total nuclear heating, in contrast to 97 MW within the inboard region. These results are consistent with previous studies that employed earlier versions of the FNSF concept and different modeling approaches. Furthermore, this study also provides additional details on neutron wall loading, as well as total heating from neutrons and gammas, results which show the total heating of the device (16 sectors) is approximately 477.83 ± 0.80% MW, indicating a neutron energy multiplication factor of 1.15. Additionally, the capability to calculate hydrogen and helium production, as well as dpa, is illustrated. Finally, the neutronics effects of using alternative materials to tungsten carbide were evaluated for the vacuum vessel, low-temperature shield, and structural ring components, which showed that compounds like YH 2 , Mg(BH 4 ) 2 , and ZrH 2 could reduce the total heating on the magnet and also reduce the TBR.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗

NASA NTRS1992

Ring current instabilities in the magnetohydrodynamic frequency range

This report summarizes recent theoretical developments in ring current plasma instabilities in the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) frequency range but with the effect of finite Larmor radius, and discusses its relevance to satellite-based observations. Possible instabilities are the bounce resonant instabilities caused by a humped energy distribution, the drift mirror instability caused by an anisotropic pressure and the drift wave type instability caused by a combination of drift-bounce resonance and reduced Alfven frequency due to a high beta loading of the flux tube. Here, beta is proportional to plasma/magnetic pressures. Mechanisms leading to turbulence are also discussed.

Hasegawa, A.↗

DOE OSTI2016

SU-G-206-08: How Should Focal Spot Be Chosen for Optimized CT Imaging with Dose Modulation?

Purpose: To choose the preferred focal spot for achieving optimized CT image quality with balanced tube heating considerations. Methods: An anthropomorphic pelvic phantom was scanned using a GE Discovery CT750 HD at 120 and 140kVp, 0.8s rotation time, and pitch of 0.984. “Smart mA” was enabled to simulate a routine abdomen–pelvis CT scan. Permissible mA values at 120 and 140 kVp were obtained from the Serial Load Rating table (for mimicking a busy CT clinical operation) in the scanner Technical Reference Manual. At each kVp station and two Noise Index levels, the mA Upper Limit was set above/below the permissible mA values. Scanned mA values and focal spot (FS) used were obtained from the DICOM header of each image, and the FS-mA relationship was analyzed. For visual confirmation beyond recorded FS information, a CatPhan with a fat-ring attached for mimicking patient size/shape was scanned at 120kVp. A group of radiologists/physicists compared a pair of CatPhan images qualitatively. Lastly, a number of patient cases were evaluated to confirm the FS-mA relationship. Results: When preset Upper Limit values were above the permissible mA values, the Large FS (labeled 1.2) was used in scans, even if the maximum scanned mA values were much lower than the permissible values at both 120 and 140 kVp. Otherwise the Small FS (labeled 0.7) was used. Visual evaluation of the high contrast module of CatPhan and additional analysis of patient cases further confirmed that the preset Upper Limit determines which focal spot is to be used, not the actual maximum mA value to be scanned. Conclusion: Specific FS can be selected by setting up appropriate mA Upper Limit in a protocol. CT protocols could be optimized by selecting appropriate FS for improving patient image quality, especially benefiting the small size and pediatric patients.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

NASA NTRS1977

Development of procedures for calculating stiffness and damping properties of elastomers in engineering applications. Part 4: Testing of elastomers under a rotating load

A test rig designed to measure stiffness and damping of elastomer cartridges under a rotating load excitation is described. The test rig employs rotating unbalance in a rotor which runs to 60,000 RPM as the excitation mechanism. A variable resonant mass is supported on elastomer elements and the dynamic characteristics are determined from measurements of input and output acceleration. Five different cartridges are considered: three of these are buttons cartridges having buttons located in pairs, with 120 between each pair. Two of the cartridges consist of 360 elastomer rings with rectangular cross-sections. Dynamic stiffness and damping are measured for each cartridge and compared with predictions at different frequencies and different strains.

Darlow, M. S.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Vibration and buckling of general periodic lattice structures

A method is presented for vibration and buckling analysis of arbitrary lattice structures having repetitive geometry in any combination of coordinate directions. The approach is based on exact member theory for representing the stiffness of an individual member subject to axial load, and in the case of vibration, undergoing harmonic oscillation. The method is an extension of previous work that was limited to specific geometries. The resulting eigenvalue problem is of the size associated with the repeating element of the structure. A computer program has been developed incorporating the theory and results are given for vibration of rectangular platforms and a large antenna structure having rotational symmetry. Buckling and vibration results for cable-stiffened rings are also given.

Anderson, M. S.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Residual Stress Measurements After Proof and Flight: ETP-0403

The intent of this testing was to evaluate the residual stresses that occur in and around the attachment details of a case stiffener segment that has been subjected to flight/recovery followed by proof loading. Not measured in this test were stresses relieved at joint disassembly due to out-of-round and interference effects, and those released by cutting the specimens out of the case segment. The test article was lightweight case stiffener segment 1U50715, S/N L023 which was flown in the forward stiffener position on flight SRM 14A and in the aft position on flight SRM24A. Both of these flights were flown with the 3 stiffener ring configuration. Stiffener L023 had a stiffener ring installed only on the aft stub in its first flight, and it had both rings installed on its second flight. No significant post flight damage was found on either flight. Finally, the segment was used on the DM-8 static test motor in the forward position. No stiffener rings were installed. It had only one proof pressurization prior to assignment to its first use, and it was cleaned and proof tested after each flight. Thus, the segment had seen 3 proof tests, two flight pressurizations, and two low intensity water impacts prior to manufacturing for use on DM-8. On DM-8 it received one static firing pressurization in the horizontal configuration. Residual stresses at the surface and in depth were evaluated by both the x-ray diffraction and neutron beam diffraction methods. The x-ray diffraction evaluations were conducted by Technology for Energy Corporation (TEC) at their facilities in Knoxville, TN. The neutron beam evaluations were done by Atomic Energy of Canada Limited (AECL) at the Chalk River Nuclear Laboratories in Ontario. The results showed general agreement with relatively high compressive residual stresses on the surface and moderate to low subsurface tensile residual stresses.

Webster, Ronald L..↗

NASA NTRS1980

Elastic-plastic analysis using a triangular ring element in NASTRAN

An elastic plastic triangular ring element is implemented in NASTRAN computer program. The plane strain problem of partially plastic thick walled cylinder under internal pressure is solved and compared with the earlier finite difference solution. A very good agreement has been reached. In order to demonstrate its application to more general problems, an overloaded thread problem for the British Standard Buttress is examined. The maximum axial and principal stresses are located and their values are determined as functions of loadings.

Chen, P. C. T.↗

DOE OSTI2021

Instabilities driven by the fundamental crabbing mode

The Electron Ion Collider (EIC) requires crab cavities to correct for crossing angle effects. These cavities produce a time varying horizontal kick that makes the collision head on in the center of mass frame of the bunches. This results in a luminosity that is very close to the the luminosity obtained without a crossing angle. Producing the kick requires a transverse RF field. This field requires a superconducting resonator and reasonable power levels require loaded quality factors of order a million. This results is a very large transverse impedance for the crabbing mode. The horizontal beta function is large and this, coupled with the large transverse impedance of the resonator can lead to strong instabilities. In the first section of the paper a simple model is used to describe the situation without feedback. There are large ranges of tune leading to strong instabilities in both the electron and hadron storage rings of the EIC. These estimates are confirmed with simulations. In the second section, RF feedback is used to reduce the apparent impedance of the crabbing mode. Simulating the actual feedback would require both a significant rewrite of the tracking code and a significant reduction in computational speed. Instead, the apparent impedance is fitted using one pole filters, which allows use of the existing simulation code. In the third section a transverse damping system is outlined.

43 PARTICLE ACCELERATORS↗

NASA NTRS1982

Space shuttle solid rocket booster water entry cavity collapse loads

Solid rocket booster cavity collapse flight measurements included external pressures on the motor case and aft skirt, internal motor case pressures, accelerometers located in the forward skirt, mid-body area, and aft skirt, as well as strain gages located on the skin of the motor case. This flight data yielded applied pressure longitudinal and circumferential distributions which compare well with model test predictions. The internal motor case ullage pressure, which is below atmospheric due to the rapid cooling of the hot internal gas, was more severe (lower) than anticipated due to the ullage gas being hotter than predicted. The structural dynamic response characteristics were as expected. Structural ring and wall damage are detailed and are considered to be attributable to the direct application of cavity collapse pressure combined with the structurally destabilizing, low internal motor case pressure.

Keefe, R. T.↗

NASA NTRS2011

A Magnetically Coupled Cryogenic Pump

Historically, cryogenic pumps used for propellant loading at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) and other NASA Centers have a bellows mechanical seal and oil bath ball bearings, both of which can be problematic and require high maintenance. Because of the extremely low temperatures, the mechanical seals are made of special materials and design, have wearing surfaces, are subject to improper installation, and commonly are a potential leak path. The ball bearings are non-precision bearings [ABEC-1 (Annular Bearing Engineering Council)] and are lubricated using LOX compatible oil. This oil is compatible with the propellant to prevent explosions, but does not have good lubricating properties. Due to the poor lubricity, it has been a goal of the KSC cryogenics community for the last 15 years to develop a magnetically coupled pump, which would eliminate these two potential issues. A number of projects have been attempted, but none of the pumps was a success. An off-the-shelf magnetically coupled pump (typically used with corrosive fluids) was procured that has been used for hypergolic service at KSC. The KSC Cryogenics Test Lab (CTL) operated the pump in cryogenic LN2 as received to determine a baseline for modifications required. The pump bushing, bearings, and thrust rings failed, and the pump would not flow liquid (this is a typical failure mode that was experienced in the previous attempts). Using the knowledge gained over the years designing and building cryogenic pumps, the CTL determined alternative materials that would be suitable for use under the pump design conditions. The CTL procured alternative materials for the bearings (bronze, aluminum bronze, and glass filled PTFE) and machined new bearing bushings, sleeves, and thrust rings. The designed clearances among the bushings, sleeves, thrust rings, case, and case cover were altered once again using experience gained from previous cryogenic pump rebuilds and designs. The alternative material parts were assembled into the pump, and the pump was successfully operated meeting all expected operating parameters. Unique pump sub-assembly parts were designed and manufactured by the CTL using specialized materials determined to be superior for cryogenic thermal applications under the pump design conditions. This work is a proof-of-concept/proof-of-operation of the pump only. Other known internal design modifications to the pump should be accomplished for the long-term use of the pump. An upscaled version of this pump, which is under development and testing at the CTL, can be used either for current or future vehicle loading or for vehicle replenishment. Scaling of this pump can be easily accomplished.

Hatfield, Walter↗