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At least 811 records · Page 45

Properties of autoclaved Gr/PI composites made from improved tack PMR-15 prepreg

Autoclave processing studies were conducted, using improved tack PMR-15 prepreg, to determine the effect of tack enhancing PMR resin modifications on composite processability and mechanical properties. Improved tack graphite fiber reinforced PMR-15 prepregs were prepared and exposed to ambient conditions for various times and then autoclave molded into composites. Composite specimens were prepared and tested for flexural and interlaminar shear strengths at room temperature and 316 C. The retention of flexural and interlaminar shear strength as a function of exposure in air at 316 C was also determined. The results show that the modified PMR resin solutions provide prepreg with improved tack and drape retention characteristics without adversely affecting processability or mechanical properties of autoclave molded graphite fiber reinforced PMR-15 composites.

Vannucci, R. D.↗

The Cooperative Huntsville Meteorological Experiment (COHMEX)

The Satellite Precipitation and Cloud Experiment, the Microburst and Severe Thunderstorm, and the FAA Lincoln Laboratories Operational Weather Studies of the COHMEX are described. The precipitation and cloud experiment focuses on the prestorm period in order to observe the physical processes leading to the formation of small convective systems. Aircraft, remote sensing and rewinsonde data are utilized to determine various storm/environment characteristics. Doppler velocity and reflectivity of microburst clouds are studied to evaluate the three-dimensional structure of microbursts from thunderstorms. The weather studies are designed to develop and test automatic algorithms for wind shear detection using Doppler weather radars. The application of satellite systems to data collection for these experiments is discussed.

Dodge, J.↗

Space Bioreactor Science Workshop

The first space bioreactor has been designed for microprocessor control, no gaseous headspace, circulation and resupply of culture medium, and a slow mixing in very low shear regimes. Various ground based bioreactors are being used to test reactor vessel design, on-line sensors, effects of shear, nutrient supply, and waste removal from continuous culture of human cells attached to microcarriers. The small (500 ml) bioreactor is being constructed for flight experiments in the Shuttle middeck to verify systems operation under microgravity conditions and to measure the efficiencies of mass transport, gas transfer, oxygen consumption, and control of low shear stress on cells. Applications of microcarrier cultures, development of the first space bioreactor flight system, shear and mixing effects on cells, process control, and methods to monitor cell metabolism and nutrient requirements are among the topics covered.

Morrison, Dennis R.↗

Suspension cell culture in microgravity and development of a space bioreactor

NASA has methodically developed unique suspension type cell and recovery apparatus culture systems for bioprocess technology experiments and production of biological products in microgravity. The first space bioreactor has been designed for microprocessor control, no gaseous headspace, circulation and resupply of culture medium, and slow mixing in very low shear regimes. Various ground based bioreactors are being used to test reactor vessel design, on-line sensors, effects of shear, nutrient supply, and waste removal from continuous culture of human cells attached to microcarriers. The small (500 ml) bioreactor is being constructed for flight experiments in the Shuttle middeck to verify systems operation under microgravity conditions and to measure the efficiencies of mass transport, gas transfer, oxygen consumption, and control of low shear stress on cells.

Morrison, Dennis R.↗

On the prediction of equilibrium states in homogeneous turbulence

A comparison of several commonly used turbulence models (including the Kappa-epsilon and two second-order closures) is made for the test problem of homogeneous turbulent shear flow in a rotating frame. The time evolution of the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate is calculated for a variety of models and comparisons are made with previously published experiments and numerical simulations. Particular emphasis is placed on examining the ability of each model to accurately predict equilibruim states for a range of the parameter Omega/S (the ratio of the rotation rate to the shear rate). It is found that none of the commonly used second-order closure models yield substantially improved predictions for the time evolution of the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate over the somewhat defective results obtained from the simpler Kappa-epsilon model for the turbulent flow regime. There is also a problem with the equilibrium states predicted by the various models. For example, the Kappa-epsilon model erroneously yields equilibrium states that are independent of Omega/S while the Launder, Reece, and Rodi model predicts a flow relaminarization when Omega/S is greater than 0.39 - a result which is contrary to numerical simulations and linear spectral analysis which indicate flow instability for at least the range 0 less than or = Omega/S less than or = 0.5. The physical implications of the results obtained from the various turbulence models considered here are discussed in detail along with proposals to remedy the deficiencies based on a dynamical systems approach.

Speziale, Charles G.↗

Human cell culture in a space bioreactor

Microgravity offers new ways of handling fluids, gases, and growing mammalian cells in efficient suspension cultures. In 1976 bioreactor engineers designed a system using a cylindrical reactor vessel in which the cells and medium are slowly mixed. The reaction chamber is interchangeable and can be used for several types of cell cultures. NASA has methodically developed unique suspension type cell and recovery apparatus culture systems for bioprocess technology experiments and production of biological products in microgravity. The first Space Bioreactor was designed for microprocessor control, no gaseous headspace, circulation and resupply of culture medium, and slow mixing in very low shear regimes. Various ground based bioreactors are being used to test reactor vessel design, on-line sensors, effects of shear, nutrient supply, and waste removal from continuous culture of human cells attached to microcarriers. The small Bioreactor is being constructed for flight experiments in the Shuttle Middeck to verify systems operation under microgravity conditions and to measure the efficiencies of mass transport, gas transfer, oxygen consumption and control of low shear stress on cells.

Morrison, Dennis R.↗

On the prediction of equilibrium states in homogeneous turbulence

A comparison of several commonly used turbulence models (including the Kappa-epsilon and two second-order closures) is made for the test problem of homogeneous turbulent shear flow in a rotating frame. The time evolution of the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate is calculated for a variety of models and comparisons are made with previously published experiments and numerical simulations. Particular emphasis is placed on examining the ability of each model to accurately predict equilibrium states for a range of the parameter Omega/S (the ratio of the rotation rate to the shear rate). It is found that none of the commonly used second-order closure models yield substantially improved predictions for the time evolution of the turbulent kinetic energy and dissipation rate over the somewhat defective results obtained from the simpler Kappa-epsilon model for the turbulent flow regime. There is also a problem with the equilibrium states predicted by the various models. For example, the Kappa-epsilon model erroneously yields equilibrium states that are independent of Omega/S while the Launder, Reece, and Rodi model predicts a flow relaminarization when Omega/S is greater than 0.39 - a result which is contrary to numerical simulations and linear spectral analysis which indicate flow instability for at least the range 0 less than or = Omega/S less than or = 0.5. The physical implications of the results obtained from the various turbulence models considered here are discussed in detail along with proposals to remedy the deficiencies based on a dynamical systems approach.

Speziale, C. G.↗

Alert generation and cockpit presentation for an integrated microburst alerting system

Alert generation and cockpit presentation issues for low-level wind shear (microburst) alerts are investigated. Alert generation issues center on development of a hazard criterion which allows integration of both ground-based and airborne wind shear detection systems to form an accurate picture of the aviation hazard posed by a particular wind shear situation. A methodology for testing of hazard criteria through flight simulation has been developed, and has been used to examine the effectiveness and feasibility of several possible criteria. Also, an experiment to evaluate candidate graphical cockpit displays for microburst alerts using a piloted simulator has been designed.

Wanke, Craig↗

Study of novel concepts of power transmission gears

Two concepts in power transmission gear design are proposed which provide a potential for large noise reduction and for improving weight to payload ratio due to use of advanced fiber reinforced and ceramic materials. These concepts are briefly discussed. Since both concepts use ultrathin layered rubber-metal laminates for accommodating limited travel displacements, properties of the laminates, such as their compressive strength, compressive and shear moduli were studied. Extensive testing and computational analysis were performed on the first concept gears (laminate coated conformal gears). Design and testing of the second conceptual design (composite gear with separation of sliding and rolling motions) are specifically described.

Rivin, Eugene I.↗

Boundary conditions for direct simulations of compressible viscous flows

The present consideration of procedures for the definition of boundary conditions for the Navier-Stokes equations emphasizes the derivation of boundary conditions that are compatible with nondissipative algorithms applicable to direct simulations of turbulent flows. A novel formulation for the Euler equations is derived on the basis of characteristic wave relations through boundaries; this formulation is generalized to the Navier-Stokes equations. The method, which applies to both sub- and supersonic flows, is used in reflecting and nonreflecting boundary-condition treatments. Attention is given to practical implementations involving inlet and outlet boundaries and slip and nonslip walls, as well as the test cases of a ducted shear layer, vortices propagating through boundaries, and Poiseuille flow.

Poinsot, T. J.↗

A simulated RTM process for fabricating polyimide (AMB-21) carbon fiber composites

An experimental polyimide matrix, AMB-21 - supplied by NASA/LeRC, was especially formulated to be non-carcinogenic. It was also expected to be amenable to a Resin Transfer Molding Process (RTM). AMB-21 is a solid at room temperature and must be heated to a very high temperature to obtain a fluid state. However, even after heating it to a realistic high temperature, it was found to be too viscous for use in a RTM process. As a result, a promising approach was experimented leading to the introduction of the resin into a solvent solution in order to obtain a viscosity suitable for RTM. A mixture of methanol and tetrahydroferone was found to be a suitable solvent mixture. The matrix solution was introduced into carbon-fiber preform using two techniques: (1) injection of matrix into a Resin Transfer Mold after positioning the preform into the 'mold cavity', and (2) infiltration of matrix into the preform using the 'autoclave through-the-thickness transfer process'. After completing the resin transfer (infiltration) process, the 'filled' preform was heated to 300 F for one hour to reduce the solvent content. The temperature was then increased to 400 F under a vacuum to complete the solvent evaporation and to remove volatile products of the polyimide imidization. The impregnated preform was removed from the mold and press-cured at 200 psi and 600 FF for two hours. The resulting panel was found to be of reasonably good quality. This observation was based on the results obtained from short beam shear strength (700-8000 psi) tests and microscopic examination of the cross-section indicating a very low level of porosity. Further, the flash around the molded panels from the compression molding was free of porosity indicating the removal of volatiles, solvents, and other imidization products. Based on these studies, a new RTM mold containing a diaphragm capable of applying 200 psi at 600 F has been designed and constructed with the expectation that it will allow the incorporation of all of the above processing steps, including the consolidation with the preform in the mold cavity. Moreover, the new diaphragm design will enable to process larger preform panels. Processing studies with the diaphragm mold are being initiated.

Avva, V. Sarma↗

Surface Imaging Skin Friction Instrument and Method

A surface imaging skin friction instrument allowing 2D resolution of spatial image by a 2D Hilbert transform and 2D inverse thin-oil film solver, providing an innovation over prior art single point approaches. Incoherent, monochromatic light source can be used. The invention provides accurate, easy to use, economical measurement of larger regions of surface shear stress in a single test.

Brown, James L.↗

Characterization of Composites Response at High Rates of Loading

The objective of the proposed research is to experimentally study the effect of strain rate on mechanical response (deformation and failure) carbon fiber/epoxy matrix composites. The experimental data provide the information needed for the development of a nonlinear, rate dependent deformation and strength models that can subsequently be used in design. This year effort was directed into testing the epoxy resin. Two types of epoxy were tested each in tension and shear at various strain rate that ranges from 5x10(exp -5), to 700/s. The results show that both the strain rate and the mode of loading affect the epoxy response.

Gilat, Amos↗

CFD Code Validation of Wall HeatFluxes for a GO2/GH2 Single Combustor

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is becoming an important component of injector design in the rocket industry. Injector designers who use CFD in the design process need to understand the accuracy level of the particular code being used for certain aspects of the design. This paper represents a recent effort to demonstrate the accuracy of two CFD codes to calculate the wall heat flux for a single element injector. The FDNS and Loci- CHEM codes currently in use at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center were evaluated. The test case was a single shear coaxial element with gaseous oxygen and hydrogen in a chamber instrumented with coaxial heat flux gauges on the chamber wall down the axis. The data were taken at Penn State University. Measured wall temperatures were used as boundary conditions for the CFD calculations. Calculations were compared to experimental data at chamber pressures of 300,450 600, and 750 psia. The accuracy level of both codes was assessed.

Lin, Jeff↗

Novel Materials for Prosthetic Liners

Existing materials for prosthetic liners tend to be thick and airtight, causing perspiration to accumulate inside the liner and potentially causing infection and injury that reduce quality of life. The purpose of this project was to examine the suitability of aerogel for prosthetic liner applications. Three tests were performed on several types of aerogel to assess the properties of each material. Moisture vapor permeability was tested by incubating four aerogel varieties with an artificial sweat solution at 37.0 C and less than 20% relative humidity for 24 hours. Two aerogel varieties were eliminated from the study due to difficulties in handling the material, and further testing proceeded with Pyrogel in 2.0 and 6.0 mm thicknesses. Force distribution was tested by compressing samples under a load of 4448 N at a rate of 2.5 mm/min. Biofilm formation was tested in a high-shear CDC Biofilm Reactor. Results showed that 2.0 mm Pyrogel blanket allowed 55.7 plus or minus 28.7% of an artificial sweat solution to transpire, and 35.5 plus or minus 27.8% transpired through 6.0 mm Pyrogel blanket. Samples also outperformed the load-bearing capabilities of existing liner materials. No statistically significant difference was found between the two Pyrogel thicknesses for either moisture vapor permeability or force distribution. In addition, biofilm formation results showed no change between the two Pyrogel thicknesses. The breathability and load bearing properties of aerogel make it a suitable material for application to prosthetic liners.

Ragolta, Carolina I.↗

CFD Simulations of the IHF 13-Inch Nozzle Flow: 55° Sphere-Cone Model, Manufactured Fences and Gaps

Introduction to Arc-Jets and Testing - Arc-jets are primary facilities to test the performance of thermal protection systems (TPS) in an aerothermodynamic heating environment - Free jet test configuration with stagnation coupon or wedge models—conical nozzles - Semi-free jet test configuration with panel test articles—semi-elliptical nozzles A large-scale sphere-cone model, though similar to stagnation models, enables testing TPS materials in combinations of heat flux, pressure and shear different from those accessible in various stagnation and wedge tests

Arc-jets↗

Dark Energy Survey Year 1 Results: Joint Analysis of Galaxy Clustering, Galaxy Lensing, and CMB Lensing Two-point Functions

We perform a joint analysis of the auto and cross-correlations between three cosmic fields: the galaxy density field, the galaxy weak lensing shear field, and the cosmic microwave background (CMB) weak lensing convergence field. These three fields are measured using roughly 1300 sq. deg. of overlapping optical imaging data from first year observations of the Dark Energy Survey and millimeter-wave observations of the CMB from both the South Pole Telescope Sunyaev-Zel'dovich survey and Planck. We present cosmological constraints from the joint analysis of the two-point correlation functions between galaxy density and galaxy shear with CMB lensing. We test for consistency between these measurements and the DES-only two-point function measurements, finding no evidence for inconsistency in the context of flat $\Lambda$CDM cosmological models. Performing a joint analysis of five of the possible correlation functions between these fields (excluding only the CMB lensing autospectrum) yields $S_{8}\equiv \sigma_8\sqrt{\Omega_{\rm m}/0.3} = 0.782^{+0.019}_{-0.025}$ and $\Omega_{\rm m}=0.260^{+0.029}_{-0.019}$. We test for consistency between these five correlation function measurements and the Planck-only measurement of the CMB lensing autospectrum, again finding no evidence for inconsistency in the context of flat $\Lambda$CDM models. Combining constraints from all six two-point functions yields $S_{8}=0.776^{+0.014}_{-0.021}$ and $\Omega_{\rm m}= 0.271^{+0.022}_{-0.016}$. These results provide a powerful test and confirmation of the results from the first year DES joint-probes analysis.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗