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At least 919 records · Page 51

Graphite/polyimide tension tests at elevated and cryogenic temperatures

Interim results for characterizing tension properties of graphite/polyimide laminates are reported. Existing test procedures for resin-matrix composites were evaluated for use through the extreme temperature range indicated above. Of particular concern was the performance of resistance strain gages at the elevated temperatures and tests were carried out to compare their performance against that of a capacitive strain gage. Limited design data are reported for graphite/polyimide laminates which are being produced through the CASTS Project.

Chapman, A. J.↗

Low cycle fatigue properties of MAR-M-246 Hf in hydrogen

The transverse, low cycle fatigue properties were determined for directionally solidified and single crystal samples of a cast nickel-base alloy proposed for use in space propulsion systems in pure or partial high pressure hydrogen environments at elevated temperatures. The test temperature was 760 C (1400F) and the pressure of the gaseous hydrogen was 34.5 MPa (5000 psig). Low cycle fatique life was established by strain controlled testing using smooth specimens and a servohydraulic closed-loop test machine modified with a high pressure environmental chamber. Results and conclusions are discussed.

Warren, J. R.↗

Radiative transfer of X-rays in the solar corona

The problem of resonance scattering of X-ray emission lines in the solar corona is investigated. For the resonance lines of some helium-like ions, significant optical depths are reached over distances small compared with the size of typical coronal features. A general integral equation for the transfer of resonance-line radiation under solar coronal conditions is derived. This expression is in a form useful for modeling the complex three-dimensional temperature and density structure of coronal active regions. The transfer equation is then cast in a form illustrating the terms which give rise to the attenuation or enhancement of the resonance-line intensity. The source function for helium-like oxygen (O VII) under coronal conditions is computed and discussed in terms of the relative importance of scattering.

Acton, L. W.↗

Longitudinal shear behavior of several oxide dispersion strengthened alloys

Two commercial oxide dispersion strengthened (ODS) alloys, MA-753 and MA-754, and three experimental ODS alloys, MA-757E, MA-755E, and MA-6000E, were tested in shear at 760 C. Comparisons were made with other turbine-blade and vane alloys. All of the ODS alloys exhibited less shear strength than directionally solidified Mar-M 200 + Hf or than conventionally cast B-1900. The strongest ODS alloy tested, MA-755E, was comparable in both shear and tensile strength to the lamellar directionally solidified eutectic alloy gamma/gamma-prime - delta. Substantial improvements in shear resistance were found for all alloys tested when the geometry of the specimen was changed from one generating a transverse tensile stress in the shear area to one generating a transverse compressive stress. Finally, 760-C shear strength as a fraction of tensile strength was found to increase linearly with the log of the transverse tensile ductility.

Glasgow, T. K.↗

FASOR - A second generation shell of revolution code

An integrated computer program entitled Field Analysis of Shells of Revolution (FASOR) currently under development for NASA is described. When completed, this code will treat prebuckling, buckling, initial postbuckling and vibrations under axisymmetric static loads as well as linear response and bifurcation under asymmetric static loads. Although these modes of response are treated by existing programs, FASOR extends the class of problems treated to include general anisotropy and transverse shear deformations of stiffened laminated shells. At the same time, a primary goal is to develop a program which is free of the usual problems of modeling, numerical convergence and ill-conditioning, laborious problem setup, limitations on problem size and interpretation of output. The field method is briefly described, the shell differential equations are cast in a suitable form for solution by this method and essential aspects of the input format are presented. Numerical results are given for both unstiffened and stiffened anisotropic cylindrical shells and compared with previously published analytical solutions.

Cohen, G. A.↗

Effect of a chromium-containing fuel additive on hot corrosion

Four cast superalloys (one cobalt-base and three nickel-base) were tested at 900 C for 100 h in Mach 0.3 combustion gases. 5 ppm of synthetic sea salt were added to the gases in the combustion chamber. Several types of thermal cycle and washing procedures were employed. Similar tests were made with the addition of 300 ppm of a chromium-containing fuel additive. In both sets of tests the extent of hot corrosion was evaluated by specific weight change and metal recession. In general, the chromium additive in the fuel reduced the extent of hot (salt) corrosion but did not eliminate it. The percentage reduction of hot corrosion attack was similar for all four alloys. As great a reduction of hot corrosion was achieved by reducing the number of thermal cycles during the test from 100 to 5 or 6. The effect of washing the alloys every ten cycles as opposed to the end of the test was erratic; some alloys were attacked slightly more, others somewhat less. A NiCrAlY coating was found to be more effective in reducing hot corrosion than either the fuel additive or the washing schedule.

Lowell, C. E.↗

Qualitative and quantitative flow visualization technique using ozone

The paper describes a new flow-visualization technique based on the absorption of ultraviolet light by ozone. Ozone is an excellent tracer, because as a gas it has the same effective physical properties as air. Ozone strongly absorbs the principal line (253.7 nm) of a mercury lamp, so that when an ozone-traced flow passes between a mercury lamp and a fluorescent screen, a sharp, shadow-like image of the ozone tracer is cast on the screen. Quantitative photometry can be carried out by replacing the screen with ultraviolet detectors that yield the path-integrated column density of ozone in the flow. High-speed quantitative point monitoring (10 Hz at 10 ppb O3) is possible with capillary probes and chemiluminescent analysis.

Dickerson, R. R.↗

Determination of muscle mass changes in legs from K-40 measurements

The K-40 content of the upper legs was periodically measured in several subjects whose injured legs had been in a cast for 6 weeks or more. As the subjects began using the leg again, the K-40 content increased as the muscle tissue was replaced. A 25% increase in K-40 content in 6 months is typical for a normal leg use and recovery. This is equivalent to an original muscle mass loss of 20%. By measuring specific body regions, such as arms or legs, with a high-efficiency detector system, muscle mass changes which exceed a few percent can be measured. These methods could be used in space flight and bedrest studies, and in studying nutritional deficiencies due to disease or diet.

Palmer, H. E.↗

Forming complex cavities in clear plastic

Metal casting "lost wax" process is used to mold plastic parts. Highly economical technique produces optically-clear components of complex shapes, which can be used in complex combustion and manifold systems.

Riley, T.↗

Reduced gravity favors columnar crystal growth

In zero gravity, alined columnar microstructures form at expense of equiaxed growth. Preferential crystal growth occurs in solidification chamber consisting of semicylindrical copper chill block brazed to stainless steel top plate. Method is best utilized in castings where directional dependence of physical properties is beneficial, as in turbine blades.

Kattamis, T. Z.↗

Silicon Solar Cell Process Development, Fabrication and Analysis, Phase 1

Solar cells from RTR ribbons, EFG (RF and RH) ribbons, dendritic webs, Silso wafers, cast silicon by HEM, silicon on ceramic, and continuous Czochralski ingots were fabricated using a standard process typical of those used currently in the silicon solar cell industry. Back surface field (BSF) processing and other process modifications were included to give preliminary indications of possible improved performance. The parameters measured included open circuit voltage, short circuit current, curve fill factor, and conversion efficiency (all taken under AM0 illumination). Also measured for typical cells were spectral response, dark I-V characteristics, minority carrier diffusion length, and photoresponse by fine light spot scanning. the results were compared to the properties of cells made from conventional single crystalline Czochralski silicon with an emphasis on statistical evaluation. Limited efforts were made to identify growth defects which will influence solar cell performance.

Yoo, H. I.↗

Directional solidification at ultra-high thermal gradient

A high gradient controlled solidification (HGC) furnace was designed and operated at gradients up to 1800 C/cm to continuously produce aluminum alloys. Rubber '0' rings for the water cooling chamber were eliminated, while still maintaining water cooling directly onto the solidified metal. An HGC unit for high temperature ferrous alloys was also designed. Successful runs were made with cast iron, at thermal gradients up to 500 C/cm.

Flemings, M. C.↗

Evaluation of feasibility of prestressed concrete for use in wind turbine blades

A preliminary evaluation of the feasibility of the use of prestressed concrete as a material for low cost blades for wind turbines was conducted. A baseline blade design was achieved for an experimental wind turbine that met aerodynamic and structural requirements. Significant cost reductions were indicated for volume production. Casting of a model blade section showed no fabrication problems. Coupled dynamic analysis revealed that adverse rotor tower interactions can be significant with heavy rotor blades.

Leiblein, S.↗

Novel approaches for alleviation of electrical hazards of graphite-fiber composites

Four basically different approaches were considered: gasification of fibers, retention in the matrix, clumping to prevent entrainment, and electrical insulation of fibers. The techniques used to achieve them are described in some detail. These involved surface treatment of fibers to improve the wettability of fibers and coating the fibers with the selected substances before laying them up for composite fabrication. Thermogravimetric analyses were performed on the plain and treated fibers in inert (nitrogen, argon) and reactive (air) atmospheres. The treated fibers embedded in epoxy were ignited in a Bunsen flame to determine the efficiency of these treatments. A simple apparatus was assembled to detect the time for the first short circuit (in a typical electrical circuit) when exposed to the combustion products from a graphite fiber composite fire. The state-of-the-art and treated fibers cast in typical epoxy were burned and ranked for potential success. It was inferred that the gasification schemes appear promising when reduction or oxidation is tried. It was also found that some very promising candidates were available for the clumping and for the electrical insulation of fibers.

Ramohalli, K.↗

Advanced rotary engine studies

A review of rotary engine developments relevant to a stratified charge rotary aircraft engine is presented. Advantages in module size and weight, fuel efficiency, reliability, and multi-fuel capability are discussed along with developments in turbocharging, increased mean effective pressure, improved apex seal/trochoid wear surfacing materials, and high strength and temperature aluminum casting alloys. A carbureted prototype aircraft engine is also described.

Jones, C.↗

Coronal heating by stochastic magnetic pumping

Recent observational data cast serious doubt on the widely held view that the Sun's corona is heated by traveling waves (acoustic or magnetohydrodynamic). It is proposed that the energy responsible for heating the corona is derived from the free energy of the coronal magnetic field derived from motion of the 'feet' of magnetic field lines in the photosphere. Stochastic motion of the feet of magnetic field lines leads, on the average, to a linear increase of magnetic free energy with time. This rate of energy input is calculated for a simple model of a single thin flux tube. The model appears to agree well with observational data if the magnetic flux originates in small regions of high magnetic field strength. On combining this energy input with estimates of energy loss by radiation and of energy redistribution by thermal conduction, we obtain scaling laws for density and temperature in terms of length and coronal magnetic field strength.

Sturrock, P. A.↗

Space Processing Application Rocket project, SPAR 5

Post flight results and analysis are presented on the following experiments: 'Agglomeration in Immiscible Liquids', 'Contained Polycrystalline Solidification in Low G', 'The Direct Observation of Dendrite Remelting and Macrosegregation in Casting', and 'Uniform Dispersion by Crystallization'. An engineering report on the performance of the SPAR Black Brant rocket is also included. Much useful data and information were accumulated for directing and developing experimental techniques and investigations toward an expanding commercially beneficial program of materials processing in the coming shuttle era.

Reeves, F.↗