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At least 757 records · Page 42

The International Space Station Solar Alpha Rotary Joint Anomaly Investigation

The Solar Alpha Rotary Joint (SARJ) is a single-axis pointing mechanism used to orient the solar power generating arrays relative to the sun for the International Space Station (ISS). Approximately 83 days after its on-orbit installation, one of the two SARJ mechanisms aboard the ISS began to exhibit high drive motor current draw. Increased structural vibrations near the joint were also observed. Subsequent inspections via Extravehicular Activity (EVA) discovered that the nitrided case-hardened steel bearing race on the outboard side of the joint had extensive damage to one of its three rolling surfaces. A farreaching investigation of the anomaly was undertaken. The investigation included metallurgical inspections, coupon tests, traction kinematics tests, detailed bearing measurements, and thermal and structural analyses. The results of the investigation showed that the anomaly had most probably been caused by high bearing edge stresses that resulted from inadequate lubrication of the rolling contact. The profile of the roller bearings and the metallurgical properties of the race ring were also found to be significant contributing factors. To mitigate the impact of the damage, astronauts cleaned and lubricated the race ring surface with grease. This corrective action led to significantly improved performance of the mechanism both in terms of drive motor current and induced structural vibration.

Harik, Elliot P.↗

Ogo 5 observations of LHR noise, emissions, and whistlers near the plasmapause at several earth radii during a large magnetic storm.

On May 15, 1969, Ogo 5 crossed the plasmapause during a major storm that produced severe geomagnetic disturbances (Kp up to 8-), large and rapid variations in ring-current intensity (as measured by Dst), intense low-latitude aurora, and persistent SAR arcs. Near the highly structured plasmasphere boundary, the electric- and magnetic-field sensors on Ogo 5 detected lower-hybrid-resonance noise bursts, whistlers, ELF hiss, and other discrete signals or emissions. Some LHR noise bursts were associated with whistlers, and these high-altitude phenomena resembled the corresponding ionospheric ones. This report contains a description of the VLF observations. We also show that intense ULF magnetic signals were present near the plasmapause, and we attempt to relate these observations to the predictions of various theories of proton ring-current decay and SAR-arc formation.

Scarf, F. L.↗

Conformal Cryogenic Tank Trade Study for Reusable Launch Vehicles

Future reusable launch vehicles may be lifting bodies with non-circular cross section like the proposed Lockheed-Martin VentureStar(tm). Current designs for the cryogenic tanks of these vehicles are dual-lobed and quad-lobed tanks which are packaged more efficiently than circular tanks, but still have low packaging efficiencies with large gaps existing between the vehicle outer mold line and the outer surfaces of the tanks. In this study, tanks that conform to the outer mold line of a non-circular vehicle were investigated. Four structural concepts for conformal cryogenic tanks and a quad-lobed tank concept were optimized for minimum weight designs. The conformal tank concepts included a sandwich tank stiffened with axial tension webs, a sandwich tank stiffened with transverse tension webs, a sandwich tank stiffened with rings and tension ties, and a sandwich tank stiffened with orthogrid stiffeners and tension ties. For each concept, geometric parameters (such as ring frame spacing, the number and spacing of tension ties or webs, and tank corner radius) and internal pressure loads were varied and the structure was optimized using a finite-element-based optimization procedure. Theoretical volumetric weights were calculated by dividing the weight of the barrel section of the tank concept and its associated frames, webs and tension ties by the volume it circumscribes. This paper describes the four conformal tank concepts and the design assumptions utilized in their optimization. The conformal tank optimization results included theoretical weights, trends and comparisons between the concepts, are also presented, along with results from the optimization of a quad-lobed tank. Also, the effects of minimum gauge values and non-optimum weights on the weight of the optimized structure are described in this paper.

Rivers, H. Kevin↗

Sculpturing, forming, and spinning of large components for launch vehicles

At .the beginning of the S-IC booster contract, it was evident that certain manufacturing techniques would have to be developed before the proposed design could be put into full production. Much of the development activity that has been accomplished was initiated because the size of booster components was greater than the capacities of available equipment. This paper describes some of the more significant methods that have evolved from this development activity, and which demonstrate how the capability to manufacture S-IC components such as bulkhead gore segments, tank skins, Y-rings, and lox tunnels, has been acquired. The fabrication methods used to transform 2219 aluminum alloy plate into the large, sculptured, and contoured parts that make up the structural surfaces of the booster include hydraulic bulge forming, age forming, and adaptations of conventional skin milling and chemical milling processes. The importance of fixturing and the machining sequence related to fabrication of the Y-ring are pointed out. The shear-spinning process that is used to produce a seamless, one-piece lox tunnel 40 feet long from a cylindrical blank only 62 inches long is described. The presentation is concluded with a synopsis of the current design changes that are being implemented to improve strength-to-weight ratios. A brief statement of possible future activity is included.

Milling↗

HST imaging of quasi-stellar objects with WFPC2

Early images were taken with the optically corrected WFPC2 camera of the Hubble Space Telescope of the low-redshift quasars(QSOs) 1229+204 and 2141+175, which are radio-quiet and radio-loud, respectively. We discuss image restoration on the data. The objects were chosen on the basis of structure seen with 0.5 sec resolution with the Canada-France-Hawaii-Telescope (CFHT) high-resolution camera (HRCAM). 1229+204 was known to be a barred spiral with an asymmetrical extra blue feature: this is now resolved into a ring of knots which are probably young stellar populations in the tidal debris of a small gas-rich companion. There are also shell-like structures along the bar. 2141+175 has a faint smooth curved tidal arm without knots which extends on both sides of a compact elliptical-shaped central galaxy. There is also a short jetlike feature emerging from the nucleus. We discuss the properties and implications of these morphological details.

Hutchings, J. B.↗

Molecular clouds and galactic spiral structure

Two large-scale 2.6 mm CO surveys of the galactic plane, one in the first quadrant (l = 12 to 60 deg, b = -1 to +1 deg), the other in the second (l = 105 to 139 deg, b = -3 to +3 deg), have provided evidence that, contrary to previous findings, molecular clouds constitute a highly specific tracer of spiral structure. Molecular counterparts of five of the classical 21-cm spiral arms have been identified: the Perseus arm, the local arm (including Lindblad's local expanding ring), the Sagittarius arm, the Scutum arm, and the 4-kpc arm. The region between the local arm and the Perseus arm is apparently devoid of molecular clouds, and the interarm regions of the inner Galaxy appear largely so. CO spiral structure implies that the mean lifetime of molecular clouds cannot be greater than 100 million years, the time required for interstellar matter to cross a spiral arm. Conservation of mass then sets a limit on the fraction of the interstellar medium in the form of molecular clouds: it cannot exceed one-half at any distance from the galactic center in the range 4-12 kpc.

Cohen, R. S.↗

Load transfer in the stiffener-to-skin joints of a pressurized fuselage

Structural analyses are developed to determine the linear elastic and the geometrically nonlinear elastic response of an internally pressurized, orthogonally stiffened, composite material cylindrical shell. The configuration is a long circular cylindrical shell stiffened on the inside by a regular arrangement of identical stringers and identical rings. Periodicity permits the analysis of a unit cell model consisting of a portion of the shell wall centered over one stringer-ring joint. The stringer-ring-shell joint is modeled in an idealized manner; the stiffeners are mathematically permitted to pass through one another without contact, but do interact indirectly through their mutual contact with the shell at the joint. Discrete beams models of the stiffeners include a stringer with a symmetrical cross section and a ring with either a symmetrical or an asymmetrical open section. Mathematical formulations presented for the linear response include the effect of transverse shear deformations and the effect of warping of the ring's cross section due to torsion. These effects are important when the ring has an asymmetrical cross section because the loss of symmetry in the problem results in torsion and out-of-plane bending of the ring, and a concomitant rotation of the joint at the stiffener intersection about the circumferential axis. Data from a composite material crown panel typical of a large transport fuselage structure are used for two numerical examples. Although the inclusion of geometric nonlinearity reduces the 'pillowing' of the shell, it is found that bending is localized to a narrow region near the stiffener. Including warping deformation of the ring into the analysis changes the sense of the joint rotation. Transverse shear deformation models result in increased joint flexibility.

Johnson, Eric R.↗

Zircon, Baddeleyite, and Reidite Found in Ries Crater Suevite

Introduction: Impact events can generate superheated impact melts and even vapor [1]. In the past decade, evidence of the high temperatures and high pressures of the impact process has been found in the impact melt from terrestrial craters (e.g., Mistastin Lake [2], Meteor Crater [3]) and even on the Moon [4–5]. Often, these studies involve zircon or zirconium-bearing phases. Zircon is a particularly useful mineral, due to its robustness and durability against weathering. It is used principally for chronology, but it has a multitude of geologic applications, including geothermometry and fingerprinting magma sources. Here we focus on its capability of recording impact conditions. Grains of zircon (ZrSiO4) are converted at high temperature and/or pressure during an impact event to reidite (a high-pressure polymorph of ZrSiO4) or to tetragonal-ZrO2 + SiO2 [6]. Reidite and tertragonal-ZrO2 leave identifying relicts in the rocks, markers of the high pressures and/or temperatures these rocks underwent. Ries Crater is a 26-km-diameter peak ring crater in southern Germany that formed approximately 15 Ma [7–9]. Ries is the type locality of the polymict impact breccia known as suevite. Here, we report a microanalytical study of suevite from the Ries impact structure. These analyses are used to inform our understanding of the pressure and temperature conditions involved in creating a polymict impact breccia such as suevite in a peak ring crater. Sample Description: The sample, denoted 16RS08, originates from Otting Quarry, at 48.8777° N, 10.7921° E, approximately 17 km from the center of the Ries Crater in Germany (approximately 4 km outside the crater rim). The material recorded in sample 16RS08 is therefore considered an outer suevite. The outer suevite is a discontinuous layer of polymict impact breccia that occurs outside the central ring of Ries, up to 22 km from the center of the crater [9]. Lithic clasts in the outer suevite consist primarily of crystalline basement rocks (gneiss, granite, amphibolite), with less than 5% of lithic clasts being overlying sedimentary rocks (limestone, sandstone, shale) [9]. The thin section studied contains variably shocked lithic and mineral clasts, impact glass, and interstitial minerals that make up the matrix of the breccia (Fig. 1) [9]. Methods: We used a Cameca SX100 electron probe microanalyzer (EPMA) located in the Kuiper Materials Imaging and Characterization Facility (KMICF) at the University of Arizona to obtain 15 elemental X-ray maps of 16RS08. We next used the JEOL 7900F SEM at the Astromaterials Research & Exploration Science (ARES) at NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) to obtain electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) maps and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) maps of select portions of the section. The EBSD data were collected under beam conditions of 20 kV, and ~9 μA, with step sizes varying from 0.05 to 2 μm. Following EBSD data collection, we processed the data using AZtecCrystal and MTEX, a free MATLAB toolbox. Results: We used the elemental X-ray maps to identify the areas of interest in the section, particularly phosphates and Zr-bearing grains. These areas of interest were then targeted for follow up EBSD and EDS analyses. We have identified, through combined EBSD and EDS analysis, the presence of zircon, reidite, and monoclinic-ZrO2 (baddeleyite) in 16RS08. In 16RS08, we have found singular grains of zircon, zircon with a vermicular baddeleyite halo (Fig. 2a), and granular zircon with reidite (Fig. 2b). The different Zr-rich phases and their corresponding textures signifies that this sample underwent a broad spectrum of pressure and temperature conditions during the impact event. For example, zircons surrounded by a vermicular baddeleyite and SiO2 intergrowth (i.e., Fig. 2a) have been shown to preserve evidence of the extremely high temperatures of impact melt, upwards of 2370 °C [2, 6]. Similarly, reidite and granular zircon (i.e., Fig. 2b) have been shown to preserve evidence of high pressure, as the transition to reidite occurs >30 GPa [3, 6]. Future Work: Next, we will process the EBSD and EDS data for these Zr-rich grains, specifically looking for indicators of cubic- or tetragonal-ZrO2 in the baddeleyite remnants and of shock-precursors to the reidite. To further inform our work, we will also obtain BSE images of these grains using a Hitachi S-4800 SEM in KMICF at the University of Arizona, as well as geochemical spot analyses via EPMA. The data collected will be used to constrain the formation conditions of the Ries Crater outer suevite. Acknowledgments: We thank Ken Domanik and Jerry Chang for their support with data collection. This work was supported by a University of Arizona RII Core Facilities Pilot Program grant and start-up funds to JJB. TME thanks A. Cavosie and N. Timms for assistance during field sampling. We acknowledge support from NASA’s Planetary Science Research program for analysis performed at JSC. References: [1] Melosh H. J. (1989) Oxf. U. Press. [2] Timms et al. (2017) EPSL 477, 52–58. [3] Cavosie et al. (2016) Geology 44:9, 703–706. [4] White et al. (2020) Nature Astr. 4, 974–978. [5] Crow C. A. et al. (2017) GCA 202, 264–284. [6] Timms et al. (2017) Earth-Sci. Rev. 165, 185–202. [7] Schmieder M. et al. (2018) GCA 220, 146–157. [8] Schwarz W. H. et al. (2020) M&PS 55:2, 312–325. [9] Stöffler et al. (2013) M&PS 43:4, 515–589.

Zircon↗

An aperture synthesis study of Saturn and its rings at 3.71-cm wavelength

Aperture synthesis maps of Saturn and its ring system are presented. The maps are free from most of the assumptions about the brightness structure of Saturn that were used in a previous model-fitting analysis. Generally, the maps confirm the model-fitting results, with the exception that the brightness temperature of the planet determined by the models is greater than it needs to be in order to match the contours in the map. This discrepancy is attributed to random errors in the phase of the visibility function.

Schloerb, F. P.↗

The planetary nebula NGC 6826

Monochromatic photographs have established the NGC 6826 nebula as the third member of a group of very rare triple-shell planetaries (Feibelman, 1971, 1974). Kaler (1974) also characterized NGC 6826 as a giant halo planetary. Numerous errors and confusing statements regarding its size, structure and stratification are discussed, and the correct dimensions of the nebula are reported: the inner ring is 12.7 arcsec x 8.7 arcsec (Feibelman, 1971); the outer ring is 27 arcsec x 24 arcsec according to Curtis (1918), 25.7 arcsec x 24.4 arcsec according to Feibelman (1971), and 36 arcsec x 36 arcsec according to Coleman et al. (1975). The halo measurements range in diameter from 110 arcsec (Duncan, 1937) to 130 arcsec (Kaler, 1974) to 142 arcsec (Millikan, 1974). Values for the distance of NGC 6826 range from 0.75-1.16 kpc (Cahn and Kaler, 1971) to 2.265 kpc (Cudworth, 1974).

Feibelman, W. A.↗

Studies of extended planetary atmospheres

Telescopic observations were made of gases and plasmas in the Jupiter system, and related phenomena such as the recently-discovered sodium atmosphere of Mercury. Sodium absorption in Io's atmosphere was observed to distances as large as 5 Io radii during the mutual-eclipse season of the Jovian satellites. Analysis of Jovian disk spectra has proceeded, as planned, from an emphasis on the H2 ortho-para ratio to analysis of methane absorptions and determination of cloud structure. Several 2-channel photometers were constructed in 1978 for the Uranus event at which the rings were discovered and a smaller, single-channel unit was built more recently. Although the photometers themselves are still fully usable, the data-acquisition systems have major deficiencies.

Hunten, D. M.↗

Nonlinear shell analyses of the space shuttle solid rocket boosters

A variety of structural analyses have been performed on the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB's) to provide information that would contribute to the understanding of the failure which destroyed the Space Shuttle Challenger. This paper describes nonlinear shell analyses that were performed to characterize the behavior of an overall SRB structure and a segment of the SRB in the vicinity of the External Tank Attachment (ETA) ring. Shell finite element models were used that would accurately reflect the global load transfer in an SRB in a manner such that nonlinear shell collapse and ovalization could be assessed. The purpose of these analyses was to calculate the overall deflection and stress distributions for these SRB models when subjected to mechanical loads corresponding to critical times during the launch sequence. Static analyses of these SRB models were performed using a snapshot picture of the loads. Analytical results obtained using these models show no evidence of nonlinear shell collapse for the pre-liftoff loading cases considered.

Knight, Norman F., Jr.↗

Energetic charged particles in the magnetosphere of Neptune

The Voyager 2 cosmic ray system (CRS) measured significant fluxes of energetic greater than or equal to about 1 megaelectron volt (MeV) trapped electrons and protons in the magnetosphere of Neptune. The intensities are maximum near a magnetic L shell of 7, decreasing closer to the planet because of absorption by satellites and rings. In the region of the inner satellites of Neptune, the radiation belts have a complicated structure, which provides some constraints on the magnetic field geometry of the inner magnetosphere. Electron phase-space densities have a positive radial gradient, indicating that they diffuse inward from a source in the outer magnetosphere. Electron spectra from 1 to 5 MeV are generally well represented by power laws with indices near 6, which harden in the region of peak flux to power law indices of 4 to 5. Protons have significantly lower fluxes than electrons throughout the magnetosphere, with large anisotropies due to radial intensity gradients. The radiation belts resemble those of Uranus to the extent allowed by the different locations of the satellites, which limit the flux at each planet.

Stone, E. C.↗

Nonlinear shell analysis of the Space Shuttle Solid Rocket Boosters

A variety of structural analyses have been performed on the Solid Rocket Boosters (SRB's) to provide information that would contribute to the understanding of the failure which destroyed the Space Shuttle Challenger. This paper describes nonlinear shell analyses that were performed to characterize the behavior of an overall SRB structure and a segment of the SRB in the vicinity of the External Tank Attachment (ETA) ring. Shell finite element models were used that would accurately reflect the global load transfer in an SRB in a manner such that nonlinear shell collapse and ovalization could be assessed. The purpose of these analyses was to calculate the overall deflection and stress distributions for these SRB models when subjected to mechanical loads corresponding to critical times during the launch sequence. Static analyses of these SRB models were performed using a 'snapshot picture' of the loads. Analytical results obtained using these models show no evidence of nonlinear shell collapse for the pre-liftoff loading cases considered.

Knight, N. F., Jr.↗

Satellite Repair Program

NASA-Goddard's Satellite Repair Program counts among its major achievements the successful use of welding in servicing equipment employed in the Flight Support System (FSS) structures addressed by the the Solar Maximum Repair Mission of 1984. The FSS berthing and positioning ring will again be employed with the Space Shuttle for the anticipated upgrading of the Hubble Space Telescope; the Explorer Platform (EP) mission will also use the FSS during the planned on-orbit exchange of the EUV Explorer payload for an X-ray Timing Explorer payload. The EP, to which attention is presently given, is the first spacecraft designed to be entirely serviceable by intravehicular activity or EVA.

Davis, Robert E.↗

Origin of the Vredefort structure, South Africa: Impact model

A model is presented for the evolution of the Vredefort structure, based on reasoned constraints on the original size of the Vredefort structure from observational data and comparison with other terrestrial impact craters. The models for complex craters (ring and multi-ring basins) of Croft, Grieve, and co-workers, and Schultz and co-workers, were used to reconstruct the Vredefort impact event, using a final crater diameter of 300 km, as estimated by Therriault. The sequence of events (stages 2-5) is illustrated diagramatically. The stages are: initial penetration, excavation and compression, dynamic rebound and uplift, maximum radial growth and collapse, and final crater form.

Therriault, A. M.↗

Alternatives to Silicon Rubber Thermal Barrier in RSRM Nozzle Joints

Thiokol Propulsion encountered a situation where gas path can form in the Filler material in joints between the phenolic in the Space Shuttle Reusable Solid Rocket Motor nozzle. An investigation determined that the method for injecting the filler material into the joint created a pressurized pocket of air that forced its way to the surface while the filler was curing. The path that the air took remained open some situations leaving a path for hot gas to get deep into the joint. The condition that created the gas path has been corrected by modifications to the manufacturing process, but a design solution that would reduce processing time is being pursued. A strip of open cell installed deep into the joint, can serve as a barrier to the Filler material. Testing indicates that the foam eliminates the pressure pocket, and does not prevent detection of leakage of the o-ring seals during leak test. Open cell foam does not have thermal resistance capability and mechanical structure, which would be required in the event of a gas path. A replacement to open cell foam is now being considered. Braided carbon fiber rope has the permeability characteristics of foam and it has thermal resistance characteristics as well. Braided carbon fiber rope (BCFR) has been tested in simulated joints in subscale rocket motor. Results of the testing indicate that braided carbon fiber rope can significantly reduce gas temperature by as much es 3000 F in a nozzle joint configuration. BCFR can be installed as a barrier to stop the joint filler material or it can used as the thermal barrier alone.

Totman, Peter D.↗