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At least 1,117 records · Page 62

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NASA NTRS1992

Microstructure characterization by angle-resolved scatter and comparison to measurements made by other techniques

The theory and measurement of angle-resolved scatter are described. Values of rms roughness that were obtained by using this technique to characterize four different materials are compared with values that were obtained by using a total integrated scatter measuring instrument, an optical profiler, and a mechanical profiler. The spatial frequency bandwidths and modulation transfer functions of the four instruments are different, and results are described in light of these differences.

Jacobson, R. D.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Thermoviscoplastic response of thin plates subjected to intense local heating

A finite element method is employed to investigate the thermoviscoplastic response of a half-cylinder to intense localized transient heating. Thermoviscoplastic material behavior is characterized by the Bodner-Partom constitutive model. Structure geometry is modeled with a three-dimensional assembly of CST-DKT plate elements incorporating the large deflection von Karman assumptions. The paper compares the results of a dynamic analysis with a quasi-static analysis for the half-cylinder structure with a step-function transient temperature loading similar to that which may be encountered with shock wave interference on a hypersonic leading edge.

Byrom, Ted G.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Development of dispersion-strengthened XD (trademark) Cu alloys for high heat-flux applications

In a previous effort sponsored by NASA LeRC, the XD(trademark) process was used to produce ZrB2 particulate reinforcements in Cu and the resulting extruded material was microstructurally characterized and evaluated in tension over a range of temperatures. A problem that was encountered in that study was microstructural inhomogeneity resulting from the frequent presence of 'ZrB2 agglomerates' that were several microns in size. The presence of these agglomerates was attributed to improper mixing of powders in the green compact used in the XD process for elemental boron powder segregation. In this program, several milling parameters were examined in an effort to optimize this processing step; two levels of ZrB2 reinforcements were considered (7 vol. percent and 15 vol. percent). Microstructures of the reacted powder mass were examined to verify the absence of these agglomerates. Larger bathes of powder were then mixed, reacted, machined to size, canned, and extruded. The microstructure and tensile properties of these extrusions were examined, and the measured properties were correlated with the observed microstructure. Large unreacted or partially reacted Zr particles were present. These particles affected the mechanical properties deleteriously, and their presence is attributed to insufficient heat of reaction during XD synthesis. Alternate processing routes are recommended.

Kumar, K. Sharvan↗

NASA NTRS1992

Room temperature synthesis of copper indium diselenide in non-aqueous solution using an organoindium reagent

A novel two-phase synthesis of CuInSe2 at 25 C from Cu2Se and Cp3In in 4-methylpyridine has been discovered. Characterization of the material produced shows it to be platelet-shaped crystallites with an average particle size of 10 microns, less than 2 percent C and H, with a small amount of unidentified crystalline impurity. The results demonstrate that it is possible to produce from solution a material that is ordinarily synthesized in bulk or films at much higher temperatures or using extraneous reagents and/or electrons. The use of a solid-state reagent as a starting material which is converted to another solid-state compound by an organometallic reagent has tremendous potential to produce precursors for a wide range of solid-state materials of interest to the electronics, defense, and aerospace communities.

Hepp, Aloysius F.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Guided waves in cladded composite tubes

The objectives of this program are as follows: modelling of dynamics of composite tubular space structure truss members; and utilization of ultrasonic waves as probes for material and defect characterization. This discussion is presented in viewgraph format.

Kohl, Thomas↗

NASA NTRS1996

Smart Materials and Structures Applications at the NASA Langley Research Center

This overview of the presentation covers Langley's smart materials infrastructure, materials research, applications, and summary. Langley's infrastructure consists of fabrication and characterization of smart structures. Materials researched include ceramics, polymers, and polymer-ceramic composites. Applications include interior aircraft noise suppression, aircraft engine noise reduction, active flutter damping of aircraft wings for better performance, active shape control of polymeric reflectors, and aircraft wing distortion to eliminate control surfaces.

Horner, Garnett↗

NASA NTRS1997

Advances in Thin Film Sensor Technologies for Engine Applications

Advanced thin film sensor techniques that can provide accurate surface strain and temperature measurements are being developed at NASA Lewis Research Center. These sensors are needed to provide minimally intrusive characterization of advanced materials (such as ceramics and composites) and structures (such as components for Space Shuttle Main Engine, High Speed Civil Transport, Advanced Subsonic Transports and General Aviation Aircraft) in hostile, high-temperature environments and for validation of design codes. This paper presents two advanced thin film sensor technologies: strain gauges and thermocouples. These sensors are sputter deposited directly onto the test articles and are only a few micrometers thick; the surface of the test article is not structurally altered and there is minimal disturbance of the gas flow over the surface. The strain gauges are palladium-13% chromium based and the thermocouples are platinum-13% rhodium vs. platinum. The fabrication techniques of these thin film sensors in a class 1000 cleanroom at the NASA Lewis Research Center are described. Their demonstration on a variety of engine materials, including superalloys, ceramics and advanced ceramic matrix composites, in several hostile, high-temperature test environments are discussed.

Lei, Jih-Fen↗

NASA NTRS1998

Thin Film Sensors for Minimally-Intrusive Measurements in Harsh High Temperature Environment

Advanced thin film sensors are being developed to provide accurate surface temperature, heat flux and strain measurements for components used in hostile propulsion environments. These sensors are sputter deposited and microfabricated directly onto the test articles with no additional bonding agent. The thickness of the sensors is only a few micrometers which creates minimal disturbance of the gas flow over the test surface. Thus thin film sensors have the advantage over conventional wire- based sensors by providing minimally intrusive measurement and having a faster response. These thin film sensors are being developed for characterization of advanced materials and structures in hostile, high-temperature environments, and for validation of design codes. This paper presents the advances of three high temperature thin film sensor technologies developed at NASA Lewis Research Center: thermocouples, heat-flux gages and strain gages. The fabrication techniques of these thin film sensors which include physical vapor deposition, photolithography patterning and lead Wire attachment are described. Sensors demonstrations on a variety of engine materials, including superalloys, ceramics and advanced ceramic matrix composites, in several hostile, high-temperature test environments are presented. The advantages and limitations of thin film sensor technology are also discussed.

Lei, Jih-Fen↗

NASA NTRS1999

Investigating the Martian Environment with the Mars Global Surveyor Thermal Emission Spectrometer

The Thermal Emission Spectrometer (TES) onboard Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) is being used to investigate the surface and atmosphere of Mars and the martian moons Phobos and Deimos. As such, it builds upon infrared observations obtained by previous spacecraft, e.g.. Mariner 9 and Viking Orbiters. The objectives of the TES experiment are: (1) determine and map surface minerals. rocks. and ices; (2) study the atmospheric dust composition. particle size, and spatial and temporal distribution; (3) investigate condensate clouds, CO2 and H2O, location. temperature, and height; (4) investigate polar cap deposits, e.g., growth, retreat, and energy balance; (5) measure the thermo-physical properties of surface materials; and (6) characterize the atmospheric structure and dynamics. The TES instrument is based upon a Michelson interferometer and collects data in the 1700-200 per cm region (about 6-50 micron at 5 or 10 per cm resolution. There are also broad-band bolometric (4.5100 microns and solar reflectance (0.3-2.7 microns) channels. The TES was designed to have a noise equivalent spectral radiance of 1.2 x l0(exp -8) per W per square cm per sr per cm corresponding to a signal-to-noise ratio of 490 at 1000 per cm (10 mm) for a 270 K scene and preflight data suggest a radiometric accuracy of about 1.2 x 10(exp -8) per W per square cm per sr per cm. In-flight observations indicate a small systematic calibration offset of about 1.2 x 10(exp -7) per W per square cm per sr per cm is present in the TES data. MGS achieved Mars orbital insertion September 11, 1997, and entered the initial aerobraking phase. MGS should have reached a circular orbit by early 1998. However, structural damage to one solar panel occurred during its deployment in the cruise phase and ultimately required an assessment of the extent of the damage and a much slower aerobraking period. This has delayed reaching the final circular orbit until March 1999. TES and the other MGS science instruments began operating just after orbital insertion and continued to obtain data until November 1998 when the TES was turned off to reduce power consumption on the spacecraft. TES data obtained during orbits 2 to 53 have previously been published and clearly illustrate the variety of scientific questions that can be addressed with them.

Roush, T. L.↗

NASA NTRS1998

Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) Spectroscopy of Atmospheric Trace Gases HCl, NO and SO2

Fourier Transform Infrared (FT-IR) spectral data have been recorded in the spectral region 400-4000/cm of hydrogen chloride and sulfur dioxide with I/cm resolution and of nitric oxide with 0.25 cm-i resolution, under quasi-static conditions, when the sample gas was passed through tubings of aluminum, copper, stainless steel and teflon. The absorbance was measured for the rotational lines of the fundamental bands of (1)H(35)Cl and (1)H(37)Cl for pressures in the range 100-1000 Torr and for the (14)N(16)O molecule in the range 100-300 Torr. The absorbance was also measured for individual rotational lines corresponding to the three modes of vibrations (upsilon(sub 1) - symmetric stretch, upsilon(sub 2) - symmetric bend, upsilon(sub 3) - anti-symmetric stretch) of the SO2 molecule in the pressure range 25-150 Torr. A graph of absorbance versus pressure was plotted for the observed rotational transitions of the three atmospherically significant molecules, and it was found that the absorbance was linearly proportional to the pressure range chosen, thereby validating Beer's law. The absorption cross-sections were determined from the graphical slopes for each rotational transition recorded for the HCl, NO and SO2 species. Qualitative and quantitative spectral changes in the FT-IR data will be discussed to identify and characterize various tubing materials with respect to their absorption features.

Haridass, C.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Infrared Communications for Small Spacecraft: From a Wireless Bus to Cluster Concepts

Nanosatellites operating singly or in clusters are anticipated for future space science missions. To implement this new communications paradigm, we are approaching cluster communications by first developing an infrared (IR) intra-craft wireless bus capability, following initially the MIL-STD-1553B protocol. Benefits of an IR wireless bus are low mass, size, power, and cost, simplicity of implementation, ease of use, minimum EMI, and efficient and reliable data transfer. Our goals are to maximize the reliable link margin in order to afford greater flexibility in receiver placement, which will ease technology insertion. We have developed a concept demonstration using a high-speed visible-band silicon PIN photodiode and a high-efficiency visible LED operating at a data rate up to 4 Mb/sec. In designing an internal IR wireless bus, we have characterized various candidate materials, emitters, and geometries, assuming a single reflection. Thus, we have measured the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) for five different materials characteristic of typical spacecraft structures, which range from nearly Lambertian to highly specular. We have fit our data to empirical BRDF functions and modeled the detected irradiance anywhere in the plane of incidence for a divergent (LED) emitter. We have also determined the angular limits on the link geometry to remain within the required bit error rate by determining the received signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) for minimum values of irradiance received at the detector.

Webb, Suzanne C.↗

NASA NTRS2002

Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Biomorphic Silicon Carbide Ceramics Fabricated from Wood Precursors

Silicon carbide based, environment friendly, biomorphic ceramics have been fabricated by the pyrolysis and infiltration of natural wood (maple and mahogany) precursors. This technology provides an eco-friendly route to advanced ceramic materials. These biomorphic silicon carbide ceramics have tailorable properties and behave like silicon carbide based materials manufactured by conventional approaches. The elastic moduli and fracture toughness of biomorphic ceramics strongly depend on the properties of starting wood preforms and the degree of molten silicon infiltration. Mechanical properties of silicon carbide ceramics fabricated from maple wood precursors indicate the flexural strengths of 3441+/-58 MPa at room temperature and 230136 MPa at 1350C. Room temperature fracture toughness of the maple based material is 2.6 +/- 0.2 MPa(square root of)m while the mahogany precursor derived ceramics show a fracture toughness of 2.0 +/- 0.2 Mpa(square root of)m. The fracture toughness and the strength increase as the density of final material increases. Fractographic characterization indicates the failure origins to be pores and chipped pockets of silicon.

Singh, Mrityunjay↗

NASA NTRS2002

Optimization of Designs for Nanotube-based Scanning Probes

Optimization of designs for nanotube-based scanning probes, which may be used for high-resolution characterization of nanostructured materials, is examined. Continuum models to analyze the nanotube deformations are proposed to help guide selection of the optimum probe. The limitations on the use of these models that must be accounted for before applying to any design problem are presented. These limitations stem from the underlying assumptions and the expected range of nanotube loading, end conditions, and geometry. Once the limitations are accounted for, the key model parameters along with the appropriate classification of nanotube structures may serve as a basis for the design optimization of nanotube-based probe tips.

Harik, V. M.↗

NASA NTRS2003

Real-Time Optical Monitoring and Simulations of Gas Phase Kinetics in InN Vapor Phase Epitaxy at High Pressure

Understanding the kinetics of nucleation and coalescence of heteroepitaxial thin films is a crucial step in controlling a chemical vapor deposition process, since it defines the perfection of the heteroepitaxial film both in terms of extended defect formation and chemical integrity of the interface. The initial nucleation process also defines the film quality during the later stages of film growth. The growth of emerging new materials heterostructures such as InN or In-rich Ga(x)In(1-x)N require deposition methods operating at higher vapor densities due to the high thermal decomposition pressure in these materials. High nitrogen pressure has been demonstrated to suppress thermal decomposition of InN, but has not been applied yet in chemical vapor deposition or etching experiments. Because of the difficulty with maintaining stochiometry at elevated temperature, current knowledge regarding thermodynamic data for InN, e.g., its melting point, temperature-dependent heat capacity, heat and entropy of formation are known with far less accuracy than for InP, InAs and InSb. Also, no information exists regarding the partial pressures of nitrogen and phosphorus along the liquidus surfaces of mixed-anion alloys of InN, of which the InN(x)P(1-x) system is the most interesting option. A miscibility gap is expected for InN(x)P(1-x) pseudobinary solidus compositions, but its extent is not established at this point by experimental studies under near equilibrium conditions. The extension of chemical vapor deposition to elevated pressure is also necessary for retaining stoichiometric single phase surface composition for materials that are characterized by large thermal decomposition pressures at optimum processing temperatures.

Dietz, Nikolaus↗

NASA NTRS2004

PETI-298 Prepared by Microwave Synthesis: Neat Resin and Composite Properties

PETI-298 is a high temperature/high performance matrix resin that is processable into composites by resin transfer molding (RTM), resin infusion and vacuum assisted RTM techniques. It is typically synthesized in a polar aprotic solvent from the reaction of an aromatic anhydride and a combination of diamines and endcapped with phenylethynylphthalic anhydride. Microwave synthesis of PETI-298 was investigated as a means to eliminate solvent and decrease reaction time. The monomers were manually mixed and placed in a microwave oven for various times to determine optimum reaction conditions. The synthetic process was subsequently scaled-up to 330g. Three batches were synthesized and combined to give 1 kg of material that was characterized for thermal and rheological properties and compared to PETI-298 prepared by the classic solution based synthetic method. The microwave synthesized PETI-298 was subsequently used to fabricate flat laminates on T650 carbon fabric by RTM. The composite panels were analyzed and mechanical properties determined and compared with those fabricated from PETI-298 prepared by the classic solution method. The microwave synthesis process and characterization of neat resin and carbon fiber reinforced composites fabricated by RTM will be presented. KEY WORDS: Resin Transfer Molding, High Temperature Polymers, Phenylethynyl Terminated Imides, Microwave Synthesis

Smith, Joseph G.↗

NASA NTRS2004

A parametric study of single-wall carbon nanotube growth by laser ablation

Results of a parametric study of carbon nanotube production by the double-pulse laser oven process are presented. The effect of various operating parameters on the production of single-wall carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is estimated by characterizing the nanotube material using analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis and Raman spectroscopy. The study included changing the sequence of the laser pulses, laser energy, pulse separation, type of buffer gas used, operating pressure, flow rate, inner tube diameter, as well as its material, and oven temperature. It was found that the material quality and quantity improve with deviation from normal operation parameters such as laser energy density higher than 1.5 J/cm2, pressure lower than 67 kPa, and flow rates higher than 100 sccm. Use of helium produced mainly small diameter tubes and a lower yield. The diameter of SWCNTs decreases with decreasing oven temperature and lower flow rates.

Nanotubes, Carbon/chemistry↗

NASA NTRS2005

High-Power, High-Temperature Superconductor Technology Development

Since the first discovery of high-temperature superconductors (HTS) 10 years ago, the most promising areas for their applications in microwave systems have been as passive components for communication systems. Soon after the discovery, experiments showed that passive microwave circuits made from HTS material exceeded the performance of conventional devices for low-power applications and could be 10 times as small or smaller. However, for superconducting microwave components, high-power microwave applications have remained elusive until now. In 1996, DuPont and Com Dev Ltd. developed high-power superconducting materials and components for communication applications under a NASA Lewis Research Center cooperative agreement, NCC3-344 "High Power High Temperature Superconductor (HTS) Technology Development." The agreement was cost shared between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency's (DARPA) Technology Reinvestment Program Office and the two industrial partners. It has the following objectives: 1) Material development and characterization for high-power HTS applications; 2) Development and validation of generic high-power microwave components; 3) Development of a proof-of-concept model for a high-power six-channel HTS output multiplexer.

Bhasin, Kul B.↗

NASA NTRS2005

Oxide Ceramic Films Grown on 60 Nitinol for NASA and Department of Defense Applications

Both the NASA Glenn Research Center and the U.S. Army Research Laboratory, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) have worked to develop oxide ceramic films grown on 60 nitinol (60-wt% nickel and 40-wt% titanium) to decrease friction and increase wear resistance under unlubricated conditions. In general, oxide and nonoxide ceramic films have unique capabilities as mechanical-, chemical-, and thermal-barrier materials in diverse applications, including high-temperature bearings and gas bearings requiring low friction, wear resistance, and chemical stability. All oxide ceramic films grown on 60 nitinol were furnished by ARDEC, and materials and surface characterization and tribological experiments were conducted at Glenn.

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa↗