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At least 829 records · Page 46

Manufacturing processes for fabricating graphite/PMR 15 polyimide structural elements

Investigations were conducted to obtain commercially available graphite/PMR-15 polyimide prepreg, develop an autoclave manufacturing process, and demonstrate the process by manufacturing structural elements. Controls were established on polymer, prepreg, composite fabrication, and quality assurance, Successful material quality control and processes were demonstrated by fabricating major structural elements including flat laminates, hat sections, I beam sections, honeycomb sandwich structures, and molded graphite reinforced fittings. Successful fabrication of structural elements and simulated section of the space shuttle aft body flap shows that the graphite/PMR-15 polyimide system and the developed processes are ready for further evaluation in flight test hardware.

Sheppard, C. H.↗

Space processing applications rocket project SPAR 4, engineering report

The materials processing experiments in space, conducted on the SPAR 4 Black Brant VC rocket, are described and discussed. The SPAR 4 payload configuration, the rocket performance, and the flight sequence are reported. The results, analyses, and anomalies of the four experiments are discussed. The experiments conducted were the uniform dispersions of crystallization processing, the contained polycrstalline solidification in low gravity, the containerless processing of ferromagnetic materials, and the containerless processing technology. The instrumentation operations, payload power relay anomaly, relay postflight operational test, and relay postflight shock test are reported.

Reeves, F.↗

Data reduction by computer processing

The automated analysis of remote sensing data, specifically digital processing of LANDSAT or other image data in numerical form was considered in a technical workshop which covered the teaching of digital image processing, including both theoretical and applied subjects and laboratory experience, and also reviewed NASA developed image processing software, and hardware/software systems employed at NASA-Ames Research Center in support of the Western Regional Applications Program (WRAP). A course titled Image Processing Lab, one of two courses required for a graduate minor in remote sensing at Arizona is examined as well as the rationale, content, and hardware/software support for this course.

Lumb, D. R.↗

Clarification process: Resolution of decision-problem conditions

A model of a general process which occurs in both decisionmaking and problem-solving tasks is presented. It is called the clarification model and is highly dependent on information flow. The model addresses the possible constraints of individual indifferences and experience in achieving success in resolving decision-problem conditions. As indicated, the application of the clarification process model is only necessary for certain classes of the basic decision-problem condition. With less complex decision problem conditions, certain phases of the model may be omitted. The model may be applied across a wide range of decision problem conditions. The model consists of two major components: (1) the five-phase prescriptive sequence (based on previous approaches to both concepts) and (2) the information manipulation function (which draws upon current ideas in the areas of information processing, computer programming, memory, and thinking). The two components are linked together to provide a structure that assists in understanding the process of resolving problems and making decisions.

Dieterly, D. L.↗

Development and demonstration of manufacturing processes for fabricating graphite/LARC-160 polyimide structural elements, part 4, paragraph B

A quality assurance program was developed which included specifications for celion/LARC-160 polyimide materials and quality control of materials and processes. The effects of monomers and/or polymer variables and prepeg variables on the processibility of celion/LARC prepeg were included. Processes for fabricating laminates, honeycomb core panels, and chopped fiber moldings were developed. Specimens and conduct tests were fabricated to qualify the processes for fabrication of demonstration components.

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Characterization of silicon-gate CMOS/SOS integrated circuits processed with ion implantation

Progress in developing the application of ion implantation techniques to silicon gate CMOS/SOS processing is described. All of the conventional doping techniques such as in situ doping of the epi-film and diffusion by means of doped oxides are replaced by ion implantation. Various devices and process parameters are characterized to generate an optimum process by the use of an existing SOS test array. As a result, excellent circuit performance is achieved. A general description of the all ion implantation process is presented.

Woo, D. S.↗

Cogeneration Technology Alternatives Study (CTAS). Volume 3: Industrial processes

Cogenerating electric power and process heat in single energy conversion systems rather than separately in utility plants and in process boilers is examined in terms of cost savings. The use of various advanced energy conversion systems are examined and compared with each other and with current technology systems for their savings in fuel energy, costs, and emissions in individual plants and on a national level. About fifty industrial processes from the target energy consuming sectors were used as a basis for matching a similar number of energy conversion systems that are considered as candidate which can be made available by the 1985 to 2000 time period. The sectors considered included food, textiles, lumber, paper, chemicals, petroleum, glass, and primary metals. The energy conversion systems included steam and gas turbines, diesels, thermionics, stirling, closed cycle and steam injected gas turbines, and fuel cells. Fuels considered were coal, both coal and petroleum based residual and distillate liquid fuels, and low Btu gas obtained through the on site gasification of coal. An attempt was made to use consistent assumptions and a consistent set of ground rules specified by NASA for determining performance and cost. Data and narrative descriptions of the industrial processes are given.

Palmer, W. B.↗

Internal processes affecting surfaces of low-density satellites - Ganymede and Callisto

Possible significant physical processes on low-density (icy) satellites, particularly Ganymede and Callisto, are outlined, and the relations of these interior processes to the formation and evolution of satellite surfaces are discussed. A variety of mechanisms is shown to lead to interior melting in early satellite history and a configuration characterized by a predominantly water ice lithosphere overlying a mantle containing liquid water. Physical processes capable of affecting the lithosphere of an ice-silicate body and thus creating observable surface features are assessed, including tectonic stresses from tidal deformation and volume changes, gravitational effects on density differences and water volcanism. The residence time of surface features on icy bodies produced by the outlined processes and by impact cratering is considered, and a tentative outline of the geologic history of Ganymede and Callisto is presented. Observations from Voyager and Galileo are expected to provide evidence on the evolution and geologic history of low-density satellites.

Parmentier, E. M.↗

Materials processing in space: Future technology trends

NASA's materials processing in space- (MPS) program involves both ground and space-based research and looks to frequent and cost effective access to the space environment for necessary progress. The first generation payloads for research are under active design and development. They will be hosted by the Space Shuttle/Spacelab on Earth orbital flights in the early 1980's. hese missions will focus on the acquisition of materials behavior research data, the potential enhancement of Earth based technology, and the implementation of space based processing for specialized, high value materials. Some materials to be studied in these payloads may provide future breakthroughs for stronger alloys, ultrapure glasses, superior electronic components, and new or better chemicals. An operational 25 kW power system is expected to be operational to support sustained, systematic space processing activity beyond shuttle capability for second generation payload systems for SPACELAB and free flyer missions to study solidification and crystal growth and to process metal/alloys, glasses/ceramics, and chemicals and biologicals.

Barter, N. J.↗

Materials processing in space: Early experiments

The characteristics of the space environment were reviewed. Potential applications of space processing are discussed and include metallurgical processing, and processing of semiconductor materials. The behavior of fluid in low gravity is described. The evolution of apparatus for materials processing in space was reviewed.

Naumann, R. J.↗

Anti-reflection coatings applied by acid leaching process

The Magicote C process developed by S.M. Thompsen was evaluated for use in applying an antireflective coating to the cover plates of solar panels. The process uses a fluosilicic acid solution supersaturated with silica at elevated temperature to selectively attack the surface of soda-lime glass cover plates and alter the physical and chemical composition of a thin layer of glass. The altered glass layer constitutes an antireflective coating. The process produces coatings of excellent optical quality which possess outstanding resistance to soiling and staining. The coatings produced are not resistant to mechanical abrasion and are attacked to some extent by glass cleansers. Control of the filming process was found to be difficult.

Pastirik, E.↗

A Module Experimental Process System Development Unit (MEPSDU)

The purpose of this program is to demonstrate the technical readiness of a cost effective process sequence that has the potential for the production of flat plate photovoltaic modules which met the price goal in 1986 of $.70 or less per watt peak. Program efforts included: preliminary design review, preliminary cell fabrication using the proposed process sequence, verification of sandblasting back cleanup, study of resist parameters, evaluation of pull strength of the proposed metallization, measurement of contact resistance of Electroless Ni contacts, optimization of process parameter, design of the MEPSDU module, identification and testing of insulator tapes, development of a lamination process sequence, identification, discussions, demonstrations and visits with candidate equipment vendors, evaluation of proposals for tabbing and stringing machine.

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Effect of production processes on the fracture strength of silicon solar cells

Fracture of Czochralski silicon wafers during processing is an important factor in solar cell yield and cost. A fracture-mechanics test and analysis program was developed to evaluate fracture strength changes in the in-process wafer-to-cell processing at different stages on a manufacturer's production line. The strength data were described by Weibull statistical analysis and can be interpreted with the surface-flaw distribution of each of the process steps.

Chen, C. P.↗

The composing process in technical communication

The theory and application of the composing process in technical communications is addressed. The composing process of engineers, some implications for composing research for the teaching and research of technical communication, and an interpretation of the processes as creative experience are also discussed. Two areas of technical communications summarized concern: the rhetorical features of technical communications, and the theoretical background for a process-based view, a problem-solving approach to technical writing.

Masse, R. E.↗

Silicon production process evaluations

Chemical engineering analysis was continued for the HSC process (Hemlock Semiconductor Corporation) in which solar cell silicon is produced in a 1,000 MT/yr plant. Progress and status are reported for the primary engineering activities involved in the preliminary process engineering design of the plant base case conditions (96%), reaction chemistry (96%), process flow diagram (85%), material balance (85%), energy balance (60%), property data (60%), equipment design (40%), major equipment list (30%) and labor requirements (10%). Engineering design of the second distillation column (D-02, TCS column) in the process was completed. The design is based on a 97% recovery of the light key (TCS, trichlorosilane) in the distillate and a 97% recovery of the heavy key (TET, silicon tetrachloride) in the bottoms. At a reflux ratio of 2, the specified recovery of TCS and TET is achieved with 20 trays (equilibrium stages, N=20). Respective feed tray locations are 9, 12 and 15 (NF sub 1 = 9, NF sub 2 = 12,, and NF sub 3 = 15). A total condenser is used for the distillation which is conducted at a pressure of 90 psia.

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A Module Experimental Process System Development Unit (MEPSDU)

Design work for a photovoltaic module, fabricated using single crystal silicon dendritic web sheet material, resulted in the identification of surface treatment to the module glass superstrate which improved module efficiencies. A final solar module environmental test, a simulated hailstone impact test, was conducted on full size module superstrates to verify that the module's tempered glass superstrate can withstand specified hailstone impacts near the corners and edges of the module. Process sequence design work on the metallization process selective, liquid dopant investigation, dry processing, and antireflective/photoresist application technique tasks, and optimum thickness for Ti/Pd are discussed. A noncontact cleaning method for raw web cleaning was identified and antireflective and photoresist coatings for the dendritic webs were selected. The design of a cell string conveyor, an interconnect feed system, rolling ultrasonic spot bonding heat, and the identification of the optimal commercially available programmable control system are also discussed. An economic analysis to assess cost goals of the process sequence is also given.

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Image processing applied to gravity and topography data covering the continental United States

The applicability of fairly standard image processing techniques to processing and analyzing large geologic data sets in addressed. Image filtering techniques were used to interpolate between gravity station locations to produce a regularly spaced data array that preserves detail in areas with good coverage, and that produces a continuous tone image rather than a contour map. Standard image processing techniques were used to digitally register and overlay topographic and gravity data, and the data were displayed in ways that emphasize subtle but pervasive structural features. The potential of the methods is illustrated through a discussion of linear structures that appear in the processed data between the midcontinent gravity high and the Appalachians.

Arvidson, R. E.↗

Mathematical and physical modelling of materials processing

Mathematical and physical modeling of turbulence phenomena in metals processing, electromagnetically driven flows in materials processing, gas-solid reactions, rapid solidification processes, the electroslag casting process, the role of cathodic depolarizers in the corrosion of aluminum in sea water, and predicting viscoelastic flows are described.

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