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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 1,063 records · Page 59
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

High-pressure creep tests

The automotive Stirling engine, presently being developed by the U.S. Department of Energy and NASA, uses high-pressure hydrogen as a working fluid; its long-term effects on the properties of alloys are relatively unknown. Hence, creep-rupture testing of wrought and cast high-temperature alloys in high-pressure hydrogen is an essential part of the research supporting the development of the Stirling cycle engine. Attention is given to the design, development, and operation of a 20 MPa hydrogen high-temperature multispecimen creep-rupture possessing high sensitivity. This pressure vessel allows for the simultaneous yet independent testing of six specimens. The results from one alloy, XF-818, are presented to illustrate how reported results are derived from the raw test data.

Bhattacharyya, S.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Using the ET for gamma-ray astronomy

A gamma-ray-telescope design is presented which makes use of the normally spent external tank (ET) of the Space Shuttle as the spacecraft and Cerenkov pressure vessel. The ET would be configured into the telescope once onorbit, using the Space Station as the base of operations for carrying out the assembly activities. The telescope provides a continuation to the NASA program in high-energy astrophysics, providing for follow-on observations to the survey work of the EGRET instrument on GRO. The most important features of the gamma-ray imaging telescope system are its collecting area of 250,000 sq cm per ET (40 times that of the EGRET instrument) and its ability to locate point sources to within several arc minutes.

Koch, D.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Design Principles for Nickel/Hydrogen Cells and Batteries

Individual-pressure-vessel (IPV) nickel/hydrogen cells and bipolar batteries developed for use as energy-storage subsystems for satelite applications. Design principles applied draw upon extensive background in separator technology, alkaline-fuel-cell technology and several alkaline-cell technology areas. Principals are rather straightforward applications of capillary-force formalisms, coupled with slowly developing data base resulting from careful post-test analyses. Based on preconceived assumptions relative to how devices work and how to be designed so they display longer cycle lives at deep discharge.

Thaller, Lawrence H.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Acceptance criteria for welds in ASTM A106 grade B steel pipe and plate

Based on the RECERT Program findings, NASA-Langley funded a fatigue study of code-unacceptable welds. Usage curves were developed which were based on the structural integrity of the welds. The details of this study are presented in NASA CR-178114. The information presented is a condensation and reinterpretation of the information in NASA CR-178114. This condensation and reinterpretation generated usage curves for welds having: (1) indications 0.20 -inch deep by 0.40-inch long, and (2) indications 0.195-inch deep by 8.4-inches long. These curves were developed using the procedures used in formulating the design curves in Section VIII, Division 2 of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

Hudson, C. M.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Initial performance of advanced designs for IPV nickel-hydrogen cells

Advanced designs for individual pressure vessel nickel-hydrogen cells have been conceived which should improve the cycle life at deep depths-of-discharge and improve thermal management. Features of the designs which are new and not incorporated in either of the contemporary cells (Air Force/Hughes, Comsat) are: (1) use of alternate methods of oxygen recombination, (2) use of serrated edge separators to facilitate movement of gas within the cell while still maintaining required physical contact with the wall wick, and (3) use of an expandable stack to accommodate some of the nickel electrode expansion. The designs also consider electrolyte volume requirements over the life of the cells, and are fully compatible with the Air Force/Hughes design.

Smithrick, John J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

High temperature solid oxide regenerative fuel cell for solar photovoltaic energy storage

A hydrogen-oxygen regenerative fuel cell (RFC) energy storage system based on high temperature solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) technology is described. The reactants are stored as gases in lightweight insulated pressure vessels. The product water is stored as a liquid in saturated equilibrium with the fuel gas. The system functions as a secondary battery and is applicable to darkside energy storage for solar photovoltaics.

Bents, David J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Effect of component compression on the initial performance of an IPV nickel-hydrogen cell

An experimental method was developed for evaluating the effect of component compression on the charge and discharge voltage characteristics of a 3 1/2 in. diameter boiler plate cell. A standard boiler plate pressure vessel was modified by the addition of a mechanical feedthrough on the bottom of the vessel which permitted different compressions to be applied to the components without disturbing the integrity of the stack. Compression loadings from 0.94 to 27.4 psi were applied by suspending weights from the feedthrough rod. Cell voltages were measured for 0.96-C, 55-min charge and for 1.37-C, 35-min and 2-C, 24-min discharges. An initial change in voltage performance on both charge and discharge as the loading increased was attributed to seating of the components. Subsequent variation of the compression from 2.97 to 27.4 psi caused only minor changes in either the charge or the discharge voltages. Several one month open-circuit voltage stands and 1100 cycles under LEO conditions at the maximum loading have produced no change in performance.

Gahn, Randall F.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Effect of impregnation method on cycle life of the nickel electrode

The nickel electrode has been identified as the life limiting component for individual pressure vessel (IPV) nickel-hydrogen cells when cycled under a low earth orbit (LEO) cycle regime at deep depths of discharge. As a part of an overall program to develop a long life nickel electrode for nickel-hydrogen cells, the effect of two different methods of electrochemical impregnation on the cycle life of the nickel electrode was investigated. One method was the Pickett (aqueous/ethanolic) process. The other was the modified Bell (aqueous) process. The plaques for both impregnation methods were made by sintering dry carbonyl nickel powder in a reducing atmosphere. The plaques contain a nickel screen substrate. Electrodes made from both processes were cycle tested in Air Force design IPV nickel-hydrogen cells. The only factor different for this test was the method of plaque impregnation; all other factors were the same. The cells were cycled to failure under a 90 min LEO cycle regime at a deep depth of discharge (80 percent DOD). Failure for this test was defined to occur when the cell voltage degraded to 1.0 V prior to the completion of the 35 min discharge.

Smithrick, J. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Case histories involving fatigue and fracture mechanics; Proceedings of the Symposium, Charleston, SC, Mar. 21, 22, 1985

Papers are presented on cracking at nozzle corners in the nuclear pressure vessel industry, applied fracture mechanics for assessing defect significance in a crude oil pipeline, failure analysis of a large wind-tunnel compressor blade, analysis of a compressor-wheel failure, and preventing fracture by inspection and analysis. Consideration is also given to the fatigue crack growth predictions of welded aircraft structures containing flaws in the residual stress field, the fatigue and fracture mechanics analysis of a compression loaded aircraft structure, fracture of an aircraft horizontal stabilizer, fatigue life analysis of fuel tank skins under combined loads, and aircraft structural maintenance recommendations based on fracture mechanics analysis. Additional papers discuss an analysis of two metal-forming die failures, an analysis of a failed saw arbor, and the role of fracture mechanics in assessing the effect on fatigue life of design changes in welded fabrications.

Hudson, C. Michael↗
NASA NTRS1988

Stiffening Rings For Rocket-Case Joints

Loss of seal preventable. Rotation of components joint reversed from that caused by normal outward bulge at joint, or else eliminated. Elimination or reversal of rotation by suitable amount prevents opening of gap on O-ring, thus preserving seal. Applicable to segmented terrestrial pressure vessels.

Thompson, Bryce W.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Effect of NASA advanced designs on thermal behavior of Ni-H2 cells

As part of an overall effort to advance the technology of nickel-hydrogen batteries for low Earth orbit (LEO) applications, advanced designs for individual pressure vessel (IPV) nickel-hydrogen cells have been conceived. These designs incorporate alternative methods of oxygen recombination which affect the thermal behavior of the cells. The effect of these oxygen recombination methods on the cell temperature profiles is examined.

Gonzalez-Sanabria, Olga D.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Failure analysis of a 3.5 inch, 50 ampere-hour nickel-hydrogen cell

The 3.5 inch, 50 ampere-hour nickel-hydrogen cell was on a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) test regime and was being cycled at 10 C and 60 percent depth of discharge. At cycle number 511 the Automatic Control and Data Acquisition System (ACDAS) terminated the test when the end of discharge voltage dropped below the 1.00 volt cutoff. Upon removal of the stack assembly from the pressure vessel, portions of the zircar separator were found to be completely missing. Upon further examination portions of both the positive and negative plates were found to be missing from its substrate and several gas screens were damaged due to excessive heat which caused fusing. The postulated cause of failure is free electrolyte in the cell which caused oxygen channelization resulting in localized recombination which degraded the stack components.

Fuhr, Kenneth H.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Effect of LEO cycling at shallow depths of discharge on MANTECH IPV nickel-hydrogen cells

An individual pressure vessel nickel-hydrogen battery is being considered as an alternate for a nickel-cadmium battery on the Hubble Space Telescope. The space telescope battery will primarily be operating at a shallow depth of discharge (10 percent DOD) with an occasional 40 percent DOD. This shallow DOD raises several issues: (1) What is the cycle life. It is projected to be acceptable; however, there is no reported real time data base for validation. (2) The state of charge of the nickel electrode at the beginning of charge is 90 percent. Will this cause an acceleration of divergence in the battery individual cell voltages. (3) After prolonged cycling at 10 percent DOD, will there be enough capacity remaining to support the 40 percent DOD. (4) Is the state of charge really 90 percent during cycling. There is no reported real time data base at shallow depths of discharge. A data base to address the above issues was initiated.

Smithrick, John J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Effect of component compression on the initial performance of an IPV nickel-hydrogen cell

An experimental method was developed for evaluating the effect of component compression on the charge and discharge voltage characteristics of a 3 1/2 in. diameter boiler plate cell. A standard boiler plate pressure vessel was modified by the addition of a mechanical feedthrough on the bottom of the vessel which permitted different compressions to be applied to the components without disturbing the integrity of the stack. Compression loadings from 0.94 to 27.4 psi were applied by suspending weights from the feedthrough rod. Cell voltages were measured for 0.96-C, 55-min charge and for 1.37-C, 35-min and 2-C, 24-min discharges. An initial change in voltage performance on both charge and discharge as the loading increased was attributed to seating of the components. Subsequent variation of the compression from 2.97 to 27.4 psi caused only minor changes in either the charge or the discharge voltages. Several one month open-circuit voltage stands and 1100 cycles under LEO conditions at the maximum loading have produced no change in performance.

Gahn, Randall F.↗
NASA NTRS1988

A telescope for high energy gamma-ray measurements in the Space Station era

This paper describes the concept of a large gamma-ray imaging telescope system (GRITS) which will provide sufficient sensitivity for the identification of faint objects to be catalogued by the Gamma-Ray Observatory. The technique used in this telescope for the detection of gamma rays is based on the conversion of the incident gamma ray into an electron-positron pair which subsequently produces Cherenkov radiation. The gamma ray is identified by a unique signature based on a sequence of time-delayed coincidence events. The GRITS telescope will use the extended Shuttle external tank, ET, as the pressure vessel necessary for the gas-Cherenkov process. Astronauts from the Shuttle or the Space Station performing EVA will convert ET to an autonomous spacecraft and install the telescope inside the ET.

Koch, David G.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Long-life assurance for Space Station - Is it an issue?

Various issues related to the long-life assurance (LLA) of the Space Station (SS) are discussed. The effects of exposure to atomic oxygen, radiation, thermal cycling, micrometeoroid and debris damage, and the physical aging of polymers on the SS materials are examined. The proper design of the SS truss system and pressure vessels, electronic systems, mechanical systems, and software for LLA is addressed.

Cruse, T. A.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Computing Viscoplastic Behavior Of A Material

Finite-element implementation developed for Robinson's unified model of viscoplasticity. Implemented via MARC general-purpose finite-element computer program by incorporating all of nonlinearity of material into initial load vector and treating vector as pseudo body force in finite-element equilibrium equations. In technique, each finite increment split into several equal subincrements, constitutive equations integrated by explicit Euler forward-difference method. HYPELA subroutine in MARC includes adaptive integration scheme selecting optimal sizes of subincrements. Spline function smooths discontinuous boundaries in Robinson's model to facilitate finite-element numerical calculations. Method used to calculate elastic, plastic, and creep deformations in solid materials at various temperatures; also used to study thermomechanical behavior of such things as hot pressure vessels and highly stressed components in engines.

Arya, V. K.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Applying Elastomeric Insulation Inside A Round Case

Elastomer wound onto inside surface in continuous strip. Technique being developed to apply elastomeric insulation to inner surfaces of axisymmetric cases. Requires modification of machine wrapping strip of elastomer on outside of rotating mandrel. Intended for coating insides of rocket-motor cases, technique also used to install elastomeric linings in pressure vessels, containers for chemical, and environmental chambers.

Russell, Peter G.↗