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At least 1,099 records · Page 61

Design, Fabrication, and Testing of a TiN Ti TiN Trilayer KID Array for 3mm CMB Observations

Kinetic inductance detectors (KIDs) are a promising technology for astronomical observations over a wide range of wavelengths in the mm and sub-mm regime. Simple fabrication, in as little as one lithographic layer, and passive frequency-domain multiplexing, with readout of up to 1000 pixels on a single line with a single cold amplifier, make KIDs an attractive solution for high-pixel-count detector arrays. We are developing an array that optimizes KIDs for optical frequencies near 100GHz to expand their usefulness in mm-wave applications, with a particular focus on CMBB-mode measurement efforts in association with the QUBIC telescope. We have designed, fabricated, and tested a 20-pixel prototype array using a simple quasi lumped microstrip design and pulsed DC reactive magnetron-sputtered TiNTiTiN trilayer resonators, optimized for detecting 100GHz (3mm) signals. Here we present a discussion of design considerations for the array, as well as preliminary detector characterization measurements and results from a study of TiN trilayer properties.

passive frequency-domain multiplexing↗

Ni-Ti Alloys for Tribological Applications: The Effects of Serendipity on Research and Development

Novel superelastic materials based upon Nickel-Titanium (NiTi) alloys are an emerging technology that almost escaped recognition. Though steel is the dominant material of choice for mechanical components (bearings and gears) it has intrinsic limitations related to corrosion and plastic deformation. In 2004, at the request of a small manufacturing firm, Nitinol 60 was assessed as an alternative to bearing steel. Early investigations showed it to be hard and impervious to aqueous corrosion but its tribological properties were not fully explored. Conventional wisdom in the field of tribology suggests that alloys rich in titanium are poor candidate bearing materials but NiTi, an intermetallic, demonstrates that such thinking can be and often is, wrong. Though early stage tests reveal acceptable friction and wear behavior, extensive materials engineering and processing development was essential in producing the precision microstructures needed for long-life bearings and gears. In the course of exploring this new material system other game-changing and unexpected properties, such as superelastic resilience, were observed. Today, the aerospace community is exploiting the unique characteristics of the NiTi alloy materials to solve problems on earth, underwater and in space. A fortunate decision to acknowledge a single industrial request turned out to be the key to an entirely new technology.

engineering↗

Ni-Ti Next Generation Bearings for Space Applications

NASA applications challenge traditional bearing materials. The rigors of launch often include heavy shock loads and exposure to corrosive environments (e.g., salt spray). Unfortunately, ball and roller bearings made from hardened steels are vulnerable to Brinell denting and rust which can limit performance and life. Ceramic materials can eliminate corrosion concerns but their high stiffness and extreme hardness actually makes denting problems worse. In this presentation, an emerging superelastic alloy, NiTi, is introduced for rolling element bearing applications. Through a decade of RD, NiTi alloy bearings have been put through a comprehensive series of life and performance tests. Hardness, corrosion, strength, stiffness, and rolling contact fatigue tests have been conducted and reported. Ball bearings ranging in size from 12 to 50mm bore have been successfully engineered and operated over a wide range of speeds and test conditions including being submerged in water. The combination of high hardness, moderate elastic modulus, low density, and intrinsic corrosion immunity provide new possibilities for mechanisms that operate under extreme conditions. Recent preliminary tests indicate that bearings can be made from NiTi alloys that are easily lubricated by conventional oils and greases and exhibit acceptable rolling contact fatigue resistance. This presentation introduces the NiTi materials systems and shows how NASA is using it to alleviate several specific problems encountered in advanced space applications.

bearings↗

Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU): Electron Beam Welding of the Portable Life Support System (PLSS) Ti-6Al-4V Backplate with Integrated Cooling Channels

The Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU) is the first clean sheet redesign of the astronaut spacesuit in approximately 40 years. NASA Langley Research Center’s electron beam welding team, of which the author is a member, is leading the development of the weld technology required to manufacture the backplate component of the Portable Life Support System (PLSS). This backplate will provide both structural support and integral cooling for the life support systems, communications, and other electronics inside the spacesuit.

electron beam welding↗

Observations of Keyhole Porosity and Comparisons to Analytical Models for Ti-6Al-4V Powder Bed Fusion

Keyhole porosity defects are a common concern in powder bed fusion (PBF) processing. Keyhole porosity prediction models have generally fallen into two categories – high fidelity computational fluid dynamics simulations and low fidelity analytical or empirical models based on keyhole vibration dynamics. The low computational cost of low fidelity models allows them to better approach part-scale predictions. However, studies on low fidelity modeling techniques are limited by the lack of experimental data to assess the validity of the calibration over a wide range of processing conditions. This work extracts and quantifies keyhole porosity across 14 laser velocities, two laser powers, and six+ repetitions for a total of 176 independent trials. The measured porosity data are compared to low fidelity keyhole models to assess their success in predictive porosity occurrence. This work impacts the field by providing independent validation of keyhole porosity models for PBF for use in part-scale defect prediction.

powder bed fusion↗

Erosion Behavior of Ti-hBN Multifunctional Coatings in A Custom-Made Planetary Test Rig at Extreme Lunar Temperatures

Spacecraft landings and takeoffs on the lunar surface, along with extreme temperature variations between day and night (-196 to 150° C), cause high-velocity dust impacts and erosion, resulting in the premature failure of structures. Ti/2 vol% hBN coatings were deposited using atmospheric (APS) and vacuum plasma spray (VPS) using cryo-milled powder feedstock to protect the structural components. The erosion performance of coatings at extreme lunar temperature regimes (-150 to 150° C) was evaluated in a custom-made planetary erosion test rig (PETR) at low (50 mph) and high impact velocities (250 mph). The mass loss of VPS coatings was reduced by 50% compared to the APS coatings and 40% compared to the Ti6Al4V substrate. The cryogenic temperature induces brittleness in the material, rendering it susceptible to extreme conditions of material loss. The particle impact-deformation behavior was captured using a high-speed camera to study the erosion mechanism. This analysis revealed chipping in substrates and brittle APS coatings, while particles rebounding and embedding were observed in VPS coatings. Energy calculations, aided by particle trajectory tracking from the high-speed camera, have conclusively shown that VPS coatings absorb 5–10% more energy than APS coatings during erosion tests. A modified erosion index was developed incorporating the fracture toughness and temperatures. New erosion models for brittle and ductile target materials are proposed for developing erosion-resistant material systems.

Abhijith Kunneparambil Sukumaran↗