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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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At least 1,009 records · Page 56
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Non-contact heat flux measurement using a transparent sensor

A working non-contact heat flux sensor was demonstrated using a transparent material (sapphire) and a multiwavelength pyrometer. The pyrometer is used to measure the temperatures of the two surfaces of the sensor from the spectrum of radiation originating from them. The heat conducted through the material is determined from the temperature difference of the two surfaces and the thermal conductivity of the material. The measured heat flux is equal to the incident heat flux within experimental error indicating that no calibration would be necessary. A steady state heat flux of 100 kW/sq m was easily achieved.

Ng, Daniel↗
NASA NTRS1992

On accurate determination of contact angle

Methods are proposed that exploit a microgravity environment to obtain highly accurate measurement of contact angle. These methods, which are based on our earlier mathematical results, do not require detailed measurement of a liquid free-surface, as they incorporate discontinuous or nearly-discontinuous behavior of the liquid bulk in certain container geometries. Physical testing is planned in the forthcoming IML-2 space flight and in related preparatory ground-based experiments.

Concus, P.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Contact stress analysis of spiral bevel gears using nonlinear finite element static analysis

A procedure is presented for performing three-dimensional stress analysis of spiral bevel gears in mesh using the finite element method. The procedure involves generating a finite element model by solving equations that identify tooth surface coordinates. Coordinate transformations are used to orientate the gear and pinion for gear meshing. Contact boundary conditions are simulated with gap elements. A solution technique for correct orientation of the gap elements is given. Example models and results are presented.

Bibel, G. D.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Free volume in contact lens polymers

We have measured the free volume and gas permeability in several contact lens specimens as part of a Space Commercialization Program. Free volume was measured using positron lifetime spectroscopy, while permeability for O2, N2, and CO2 gases was measured using mass spectrometry and polarography. It has been noted that permeability for all gases increases with the mean free volume cell size in the test samples. As might be expected, the specimens with the highest free volume fraction also exhibit the lowest Rockwell Hardness Number. An interesting corollary of this study is the finding that the presence of fluorine atoms in the lens chemical structure inhibits filling up of their free volume cells. This is expected to allow the lenses to breathe freely while in actual use.

Singh, Jag J.↗
NASA NTRS1952

Investigation of Wear and Friction Properties Under Sliding Conditions of Some Materials Suitable for Cages of Rolling-Contact Bearings

An investigation of wear and friction properties of a number of materials sliding against SAE 52100 steel was conducted. These materials included brass, bronze, beryllium copper, monel, nichrome v, 24s-t aluminum, nodular iron, and gray cast iron. The metals investigated may be useful as possible cage (separator or retainer) materials for rolling-contact bearings of high-speed turbine engines. The ability of materials to form surface films that prevent welding is a most important factor in both dry friction and boundary lubrication. On the basis of wear and resistance to welding only, the cast irons were the most promising materials investigated; they showed the least wear and the least tendency to surface failure when run dry, and when boundary lubricated they showed the highest load capacity. On the basis of mechanical properties, nodular iron is superior to gray cast iron. Bronze had the lowest friction coefficient under dry sliding conditions. The results with brass, beryllium copper, and aluminum were poor and these materials do not appear, with regard to friction and wear, to be suitable for cages.

Johnson, Robert L↗
NASA NTRS1990

A unified approach to the analysis and design of elasto-plastic structures with mechanical contact

With structural design in mind, a new unified variational model has been developed which represents the mechanics of deformation elasto-plasticity with unilateral contact conditions. For a design problem formulated as maximization of the load carrying capacity of a structure under certain constraints, the unified model allows for a simultaneous analysis and design synthesis for a whole range of mechanical behavior.

Bendsoe, Martin P.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Quantitative Mapping of Pore Fraction Variations in Silicon Nitride Using an Ultrasonic Contact Scan Technique

An ultrasonic scan procedure using the pulse-echo contact configuration was employed to obtain maps of pore fraction variations in sintered silicon nitride samples in terms of ultrasonic material properties. Ultrasonic velocity, attenuation coefficient, and reflection coefficient images were obtained simultaneously over a broad band of frequencies (e.g., 30 to 110 MHz) by using spectroscopic analysis. Liquid and membrane (dry) coupling techniques and longitudinal and shear-wave energies were used. The major results include the following: Ultrasonic velocity (longitudinal and shear wave) images revealed and correlated with the extent of average through-thickness pore fraction variations in the silicon nitride disks. Attenuation coefficient images revealed pore fraction nonuniformity due to the scattering that occurred at boundaries between regions of high and low pore fraction. Velocity and attenuation coefficient images were each nearly identical for machined and polished disks, making the method readily applicable to machined materials. Velocity images were similar for wet and membrane coupling. Maps of apparent Poisson's ratio constructed from longitudinal and shear-wave velocities quantified Poisson's ratio variations across a silicon nitride disk. Thermal wave images of a disk indicated transient thermal behavior variations that correlated with observed variations in pore fraction and velocity and attenuation coefficients.

Roth, Don J.↗
NASA NTRS1993

The friction and wear of ceramic/ceramic and ceramic/metal combinations in sliding contact

The tribological characteristics of ceramics sliding on ceramics are compared to those of ceramics sliding on a nickel based turbine alloy. The friction and wear of oxide ceramics and silicon-based ceramics in air at temperatures from room ambient to 900 C (in a few cases to 1200 C) were measured for a hemispherically-tipped pin on a flat sliding contact geometry. In general, especially at high temperature, friction and wear were lower for ceramic/metal combinations than for ceramic/ceramic combinations. The better tribological performance for ceramic/metal combinations is attributed primarily to the lubricious nature of the oxidized surface of the metal.

Sliney, Harold E.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Process for non-contact removal of organic coatings from the surface of paintings

The present invention discloses a method of removing organic protective coatings from a painting. In the present invention degraded protective coatings such as lacquers, acrylics, natural resins, carbons, soot, and polyurethane are safely removed from the surface of a painting without contact to the surface of the painting. This method can be used for restoration of paintings when they have been damaged, through age, fire, etc.

Banks, Bruce A.↗
NASA NTRS1994

The friction and wear of ceramic/ceramic and ceramic/metal combinations in sliding contact

The tribological characteristics of ceramics sliding on ceramics are compared to those of ceramics sliding on a nickel-based turbine alloy. The friction and wear of oxide ceramics and silicon-based ceramics in air at temperatures from room ambient to 900 C (in a few cases to 1200 C) were measured for a hemispherically-tipped pin on a flat sliding contact geometry. In general, especially at high temperature, friction and wear were lower for ceramic/metal combinations than for ceramic/ceramic combinations. The better tribological performance for ceramic/metal combinations is attributed primarily to the lubricious nature of the oxidized surface of the metal.

Sliney, Harold E.↗
NASA NTRS1992

On canonical cylinder sections for accurate determination of contact angle in microgravity

Large shifts of liquid arising from small changes in certain container shapes in zero gravity can be used as a basis for accurately determining contact angle. Canonical geometries for this purpose, recently developed mathematically, are investigated here computationally. It is found that the desired nearly-discontinuous behavior can be obtained and that the shifts of liquid have sufficient volume to be readily observed.

Concus, Paul↗
NASA NTRS1995

Tool Indicates Contact Angles In Bearing Raceways

Tool devised for use in measuring contact angles between balls and races in previously operated ball bearings. Used on both inner and outer raceways of bearings having cross-sectional widths between approximately 0.5 and 2.0 in. Consists of integral protractor mounted in vertical plane on bracket equipped with leveling screws and circular level indicator. Protractor includes rotatable indicator needle and set of disks of various sizes to fit various raceway curvatures.

Akian, Richard A.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Diffusion-Barrier Contacts For Solar Cells

Electrically conductive diffusion barriers of TaSiN prevent diffusion of metal from overlying metal contacts into underlying silicon during processing at high temperature, improving performance during subsequent use in low-intensity light at low temperature.

Stella, Paul M.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Sensing Position With Approximately Constant Contact Force

Computer-controlled electromechanical system uses number of linear variable-differential transformers (LVDTs) to measure axial positions of selected points on surface of lens, mirror, or other precise optical component with high finish. Pressures applied to pneumatically driven LVDTs adjusted to maintain small, approximately constant contact forces as positions of LVDT tips vary.

Sturdevant, Jay↗
NASA NTRS1996

Free-Surface and Contact Line Motion of Liquid in Microgravity

This project involves fundamental studies of the role of nonlinearity in determining the motion of liquid masses under the principal influences of surface tension, viscosity and inertia. Issues to be explored are relevant to aspects of terrestrial processes, as well as being immediately applicable to fluid management in a low-gravity environment. Specific issues include: (1) the mechanic's of liquid masses in large-amplitude motions, (2) the influence of bounding surfaces on the motion, and (3) the ability of such surfaces to control liquid motion by wetting forces, especially when they are augmented by various surface treatments. Mathematical techniques include asymptotic analysis of the governing equations, for problem simplification, and numerical simulation, using both boundary-element and finite-difference methods. The flow problem is divided into an 'outer' or inviscid potential-flow region and one or more inner, or viscous dominated, regions. Relevant to one inner region, the vicinity of the contact line, we discuss time-dependent simulation of slow droplet motion, on a surface of variable wettability, using the lubrication approximation. The simulation uses a disjoining pressure model and reproduces realistic wetting-dewetting behavior.

Schwartz, Leonard W.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Sliding Contact Bearings for Service to 700 C

Cylindrical, sliding contact bearings made entirely of a self-lubricating powder metallurgy composite (PM212) or of super alloy shells lined with clad PM212 were tested in an oscillating mode at temperatures from 25 to 700 C. Tests of 100 hr duration or longer were conducted at a bearing unit load of 3.45 Mpa (500 psi). Shorter duration tests at various unit loads up to 24.1 Mpa (3500 psi) were also conducted. In comparison tests, bearings lubricated with PM212 had superior anti-wear characteristics compared to the baseline, unlubricated, super alloy bearings: no galling of PM212-lubricated bearings occurred, while severe surface damage including galling occurred, especially at high loads, during the baseline tests. A heat treatment procedure, which dimensionally stabilizes PM212 and thereby minimizes clearance changes during high temperature bearing operation, is described.

Sliney, Harold E.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Technology Transfer: A Contact Sport

Technology transfer is a dynamic process, involving dynamic people as the bridge between NASA Langley Research Center and the outside world. This bridge, for nonaerospace applications, is known as the Technology Applications Group. The introduction of new innovations and expertise where they are needed occurs through a 'push' and 'pull' process. A 'push' occurs when a new technology is first developed with high commercial potential and then a company is found to licence or further develop the technology. The 'pull' process occurs through problem statements. A company or group will submit a written statement of what they need and the shortcomings of commercially available technology. The Technology Transfer Team (T3) reviews these problem statements and decides where NASA LaRC can offer assistance. A researcher or group of researchers are then identified who can help solve the problem and they are put in contact with the company. Depending upon the situation in either method, a Space Act Agreement (SAA), or outline of the responsibilities for each party, is developed.

Paynter, Nina P.↗