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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 1,225 records · Page 68
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2006

Test and Analysis Correlation of High Speed Impacts of Ice Cylinders

During the space shuttle return-to-flight preparations following the Columbia accident, finite element models were needed that could predict the threshold of critical damage to the orbiter s wing leading edge from ice debris impacts. Hence, an experimental program was initiated to provide crushing data from impacted ice for use in dynamic finite element material models. A high-speed drop tower was configured to capture force time-histories of ice cylinders for impacts up to approximately 100 ft/s. At low velocity, the force-time history depended heavily on the internal crystalline structure of the ice. However, for velocities of 100 ft/s and above, the ice fractured on impact, behaved more like a fluid, and the subsequent force-time history curves were much less dependent on the internal crystalline structure.

Fasanella, Edwin L.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Crash Test of Three Cessna 172 Aircraft at NASA Langley Research Center's Landing and Impact Research Facility

During the summer of 2015, three Cessna 172 aircraft were crash tested at the Landing and Impact Research Facility (LandIR) at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). The three tests simulated three different crash scenarios. The first simulated a flare-to-stall emergency or hard landing onto a rigid surface such as a road or runway, the second simulated a controlled flight into terrain with a nose down pitch on the aircraft, and the third simulated a controlled flight into terrain with an attempt to unsuccessfully recover the aircraft immediately prior to impact, resulting in a tail strike condition. An on-board data acquisition system captured 64 channels of airframe acceleration, along with acceleration and load in two onboard Hybrid II 50th percentile Anthropomorphic Test Devices, representing the pilot and co-pilot. Each test contained different airframe loading conditions and results show large differences in airframe performance. This paper presents test methods used to conduct the crash tests and will summarize the airframe results from the test series.

Littell, Justin D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Crash tests of four identical high-wing single-engine airplanes

Four identical four place, high wing, single engine airplane specimens with nominal masses of 1043 kg were crash tested at the Langley Impact Dynamics Research Facility under controlled free flight conditions. These tests were conducted with nominal velocities of 25 m/sec along the flight path angles, ground contact pitch angles, and roll angles. Three of the airplane specimens were crashed on a concrete surface; one was crashed on soil. Crash tests revealed that on a hard landing, the main landing gear absorbed about twice the energy for which the gear was designed but sprang back, tending to tip the airplane up to its nose. On concrete surfaces, the airplane impacted and remained in the impact attitude. On soil, the airplane flipped over on its back. The crash impact on the nose of the airplane, whether on soil or concrete, caused massive structural crushing of the forward fuselage. The liveable volume was maintained in both the hard landing and the nose down specimens but was not maintained in the roll impact and nose down on soil specimens.

Vaughan, V. L., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Oxidation of Reinforced Carbon-Carbon Subjected to Hypervelocity Impact

Results of arc-jet tests conducted at the NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) on Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) samples subjected to hypervelocity impact are presented. The RCC test specimens are representative of RCC component used on the Space Shuttle Orbiter. The objective of the arc jet testing was to establish the oxidation characteristics of RCC when hypervelocity projectiles, simulating meteoroid/orbital debris (MOD), impact the RCC material. In addition, analytical modeling of the increased material oxidation in the impacted area, using measured hole growth data, to develop correlations for use in trajectory simulations is also discussed.

Curry, Donald M.↗
NASA NTRS2018

Demonstration of a 600 Watt Hybrid Iodine-Xenon Electric Propulsion System

This paper reviews recent iodine compatible electric propulsion technologies evaluated at the NASA Glenn Research Center. The work culminated in a 1,174-hour hybrid iodine-xenon propulsion system durability demonstration (iodine fed thruster with xenon fed cathode). The test demonstrated that (i) a Hall-effect thruster operates with nearly identical performance whether employing iodine or xenon propellant, (ii) careful selection of propulsion system materials and coatings can result in durable iodine-compatible hardware, and (iii) implementation of appropriate facility improvements and procedures can limit negative impacts of iodine on test hardware and ground support equipment. The work was motivated by advancements in capability of very dense small-spacecraft (<500 kg), but spacecraft still lacking very dense in-space propulsion to provide the large delta-v capabilities (3 to 10 km/s) required for many high-value NASA exploration and science missions. Volume limitations of small-spacecraft not only require dense propulsion systems, but more so dense propellants. NASA identifies xenon and iodine as having both favorable storage densities and propulsive properties to enable many NASA small-spacecraft mission scenarios. While xenon is inert and well-proven in spaceflight applications, iodine has triple the storage density of xenon and stores at low pressures, permitting use of conformal tank designs. Unlike xenon, iodine does raise concerns related to its reactivity with most materials, potential spacecraft-propellant interactions, impact on ground test facilities, and challenges to acceptance test iodine propulsion systems prior to flight. This work begins to address these challenges. This work was conducted under the Advanced In-Space Propulsion (AISP) project funded through the Game Changing Development (GCD) program within NASA's Science Technology Mission Directorate (STMD).

Benavides, G. F.↗
NASA NTRS2010

Cabin Noise Studies for the Orion Spacecraft Crew Module

Controlling cabin acoustic noise levels in the Crew Module (CM) of the Orion spacecraft is critical for adequate speech intelligibility, to avoid fatigue and to prevent any possibility of temporary and permanent hearing loss. A vibroacoustic model of the Orion CM cabin has been developed using Statistical Energy Analysis (SEA) to assess compliance with acoustic Constellation Human Systems Integration Requirements (HSIR) for the on-orbit mission phase. Cabin noise in the Orion CM needs to be analyzed at the vehicle-level to assess the cumulative acoustic effect of various Orion systems at the crewmember's ear. The SEA model includes all major structural and acoustic subsystems inside the CM including the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS), which is the primary noise contributor in the cabin during the on-orbit phase. The ECLSS noise sources used to excite the vehicle acoustic model were derived using a combination of established empirical predictions and fan development acoustic testing. Baseline noise predictions were compared against acoustic HSIR requirements. Key noise offenders and paths were identified and ranked using noise transfer path analysis. Parametric studies were conducted with various acoustic treatment packages in the cabin to reduce the noise levels and define vehicle-level mass impacts. An acoustic test mockup of the CM cabin has also been developed and noise treatment optimization tests were conducted to validate the results of the analyses.

Dandaroy, Indranil↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

A Statistical Analysis of Impact Ice Adhesion Strength Data Acquired with a Modified Lap Joint Test

Numerous methodologies have been utilized to measure the adhesion strength of impact ice, and the data reported in the literature varies significantly from method to method. In order to initiate an investigation to determine the cause of this disparity, a lap-joint shear test methodology that was recently developed was utilized in the Icing Research Tunnel at the NASA Glenn Research Center. Data was obtained while varying the temperature, test section velocity, liquid water content, and cloud droplet median volumetric diameter, among other parameters, over five campaigns. A new data set acquired using this new test method is presented. The results are analyzed with standard statistical methodologies and demonstrate a strong correlation between the apparent adhesion strength of ice and temperature, annealing time, and heating time. Observations during the test and analysis of the results suggest the presence of large residual stresses in the samples, which is in agreement with prior work. Due to the nature of the test methodology, and all known ice adhesion test methodologies, the measured, or apparent, adhesion strength is geometry dependent, a fact emphasized by the results presented here. The data was organized both cumulatively and independently by result code. Trends in the data are discussed in the context of causal physical mechanisms. The data shows the apparent adhesion strength was not linear with temperature, liquid water content, annealing time, and other variables. Short-term heating of the samples was shown to have negligible effect, and the apparent adhesion strength had a flat trend with velocity.

Ice Adhesion↗
DOE OSTI2025

Impact of threading dislocations on the V-defect assisted lateral carrier injection and recombination in InGaN quantum well LEDs

The nonuniform hole distribution between InGaN quantum wells (QWs) of light emitting diodes (LEDs) has a negative impact on LED efficiency. The uniformity can be increased by using lateral hole injection through sidewalls of V-defects, which form at threading dislocations. However, the inherent coupling between the V-defects and dislocations might affect efficiency of the hole injection and nonradiative recombination. In this work, we have tested the possible impact of the dislocations on the injection and recombination by means of scanning near-field electroluminescence and photoluminescence spectroscopy on single green-emitting InGaN QW LEDs containing large (∼0.5 μm) V-defects. The measurements have not provided any evidence of a lower hole injection efficiency or enhanced nonradiative recombination at the dislocations located at the V-defect facets or their apexes. This shows that large V-defects are excellent volumetric injectors for long wavelength InGaN LEDs. Furthermore, it was established that V-defects are preferential hole injectors even in single quantum well devices. Compared to vertical injection, the V-defect injection allows lowering the operating voltage, which should contribute to an enhanced wall plug efficiency.

42 ENGINEERING↗
NASA NTRS1959

Exploratory Investigation of Advanced-Temperature Nickel-Base Alloys

An investigation was conducted to provide an advanced-temperature nickel-base alloy with properties suitable for aircraft turbine blades as well as for possible space vehicle applications. An entire series of alloys that do not require vacuum melting techniques and that generally provide good stress-rupture and impact properties was evolved. The basic-alloy composition of 79 percent nickel, 8 percent molybdenum, 6 percent chromium, 6 percent aluminum, and 1 percent zirconium was modified by a series of element additions such as carbon, titanium, and boron, with the nickel content adjusted to account for the additives. Stress-rupture, impact, and swage tests were made with all the alloys. The strongest composition (basic alloy plus 1.5 percent titanium plus 0.125 percent carbon) displayed 384- and 574-hour stress-rupture lives at 1800 F and 15,000 psi in the as-cast and homogenized conditions, respectively. All the alloys investigated demonstrated good impact resistance. Several could not be broken in a low-capacity Izod impact tester and, on this basis, all compared favorably with several high-strength high-temperature alloys. Swaging cracks were encountered with all the alloys. In several cases, however, these cracks were slight and could be detected only by zyglo examination. Some of these compositions may become amenable to hot working on further development. On the basis of the properties indicated, it appears that several of the alloys evolved, particularly the 1.5 percent titanium plus 0.125 percent carbon basic-alloy modification, could be used for advanced- temperature turbine blades, as well as for possible space vehicle applications.

Freche, John C.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

An Overview of the NASA Lift+Cruise eVTOL Crash Test

Introduction – NASA RVLT Project Impact Dynamics / Crash Safety Task - Task Objective: “To improve the crashworthiness and impact safety of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) vehicle and provide data to simplify the certification process. Efforts will include development of validated computational models of these vehicles, as well as other impacting bodies such as birds and drones. Efforts will also focus on developing and evaluating energy absorbing and crush properties of emerging and non-traditional composite materials and processes. Finally, occupant protection will be addressed using computational models and physical assets as it pertains to all rotorcraft environments.” - Problem Statement: “There currently is a lack of data for requirements regarding the crashworthy performance of UAM vehicles and impact loads generated by a bird strike. To address this technology gap, NASA will develop test guidelines, adopt modeling methodologies demonstrating capability for ‘certification by analysis’, acquire vehicle and occupant data on full-scale representative vehicles, and provide data/guidance to consensus standards organizations and the UAM community.” - 4 Main focus points - The investigation of occupant injury using physical and computational assets - The development of energy absorbing technology - The generation of data from sub- and full-scale crash test data - The execution of advanced finite element modelling techniques

evtol↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Ignition of Metals in Heated Supersonic Particle Impact with Inert Particulate

The conventional understanding of particle impact ignition characteristic elements relies on the following principles: 1) flammable particulate (except in the case of titanium and aluminum target materials); 2) gas velocity greater than 100 ft/s; 3) Impact point ranging from 45° to perpendicular to the path of the particle [1]; 4) flammable target material. To test assumptions about particulate flammability being necessary for particle impact ignition of less reactive target materials, such as Inconel 718, testing was performed with inert particulate. Supersonic particle impact testing was conducted with heated gas and 1500-µm sapphire particulate on various target materials: 304 stainless steel, wrought and selective laser melted Inconel 718, and Monel 400. Posttest characterization of impact craters was performed on each type of metallic target sample, including surface characterization performed by light optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy. Full consumption of the stainless steel and wrought Inconel 718 targets were noted to occur with sequential impacts. The results of testing will be discussed in detail, as well as recommendations for updating the understanding of the particle impact ignition mechanism.

Particle Impact↗
NASA NTRS1995

Effects of stitching on fracture toughness of uniweave textile graphite/epoxy laminates

The effects of through-the-thickness stitching on impact damage resistance, impact damage tolerance, and Mode 1 and Mode 2 fracture toughness of textile graphite/epoxy laminates were studied experimentally. Graphite/epoxy laminates were fabricated from AS4 graphite uniweave textiles and 3501-6 epoxy using Resin Transfer Molding. The cloths were stitched with Kevlar(tm) and glass yarns before resin infusion. Delamination was implanted during processing to simulate impact damage. Sublaminate buckling tests were performed in a novel fixture to measure Compression After Impact (CAI) strength of stitched laminates. The results show that CAI strength can be improved up to 400% by through-the-thickness stitching. Double Cantilever Beam tests were performed to study the effect of stitching on Mode 1 fracture toughness G(sub 1c). It was found that G(sub 1c) increased 30 times for a low stitching density of 16 stitches/sq in. Mode 2 fracture toughness was measured by testing the stitched beams in End Notch Flexure tests. Unlike in the unstitiched beams, crack propagation in the stitched beams was steady. The current formulas for ENF tests were not found suitable for determining G(sub 2C) for stitched beams. Hence two new methods were developed - one based on crack area measured from ultrasonic C-scanning and the other based on equivalent crack area measured from the residual stiffness of the specimen. The G(sub 2c) was found to be at least 5-15 times higher for the stitched laminates. The mechanisms by which stitching increases the CAI strength and fracture toughness are discussed.

Sankar, Bhavani V.↗
NASA NTRS2011

The J-2X Fuel Turbopump - Turbine Nozzle Low Cycle Fatigue Acceptance Rationale

The J-2X Fuel Turbopump (FTP) turbine, which drives the pump that feeds hydrogen to the J-2X engine for main combustion, is based on the J-2S design developed in the early 1970 s. Updated materials and manufacturing processes have been incorporated to meet current requirements. This paper addresses an analytical concern that the J-2X Fuel Turbine Nozzle Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF) analysis did not meet safety factor requirements per program structural assessment criteria. High strains in the nozzle airfoil during engine transients were predicted to be caused by thermally induced stresses between the vane hub, vane shroud, and airfoil. The heritage J-2 nozzle was of a similar design and experienced cracks in the same area where analysis predicted cracks in the J-2X design. Redesign options that did not significantly impact the overall turbine configuration were unsuccessful. An approach using component tests and displacement controlled fracture mechanics analysis to evaluate LCF crack initiation and growth rate was developed. The results of this testing and analysis were used to define the level of inspection on development engine test units. The programmatic impact of developing crack initiation/growth rate/arrest data was significant for the J-2X program. Final Design Certification Review acceptance logic will ultimately be developed utilizing this test and analytical data.

Hawkins, Lakiesha V.↗
NASA NTRS2017

Evidence of Collisional Histories of Asteroids, Comets and Meteorites: Comparisons with Shocked Minerals

Evidence of the collisional history of comets and asteroids has been emerging from analyses of cometary forsterite and enstatite returned from Comet Wild 2 by the Stardust mission (Keller et al.Geochim. Cosmochim. Acta 72, 2008; Tomeoka et al. MAPS 43, 2008; Jacobs et al. MAPS 44, 2009). Likewise, shock metamorphism is observed in many meteoritic forsterites and enstatites (McCausland et al. AGU, 2010), suggesting similar collisional histories for asteroids. Further exploration of the effects of collisions is slated for the upcoming Asteroid Impact Mission/Double Asteroid Redirection Test (AIM/DART) mission, expected for launch in 2020. DART will impact Didymoon, the companion of the larger 65803 Didymos (1996 G2) asteroid, and AIM will use its instrumentation to characterize the impact. A suite of relevant impact experiments have been carried out in the Experimental Impact Laboratory at the NASA Johnson Space Center at velocities ranging from approx. 2.0 - 2.8 km/s and temperatures from 25 C to -100 C. Targets include a suite of minerals typically found in cometary dust and in asteroids and meteorites: Mg-rich forsterite (olivine), enstatite (orthopyroxene), diopside (clinopyroxene), magnesite (Mg-rich carbonate), and serpentine (phyllosilicate). Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) imaging indicates evidence of shock similar to that seen in forsterite and enstatite from Comet Wild 2. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy will also be used for comparisons with meteorite spectra. A quantitative analysis of the shock pressures required to induce planar dislocations and spectral effects with respect to wavelength will also be presented.

Lederer, Susan M.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Impact of Powder Supply Variation on Mechanical Properties for Additive Manufacture of Alloy 718

The Additive Manufacturing Structural Integrity Initiative (AMSII) examined how a number of different Alloy 718 powder lots can create variation in microstructure and mechanical properties in parts fabricated using Laser Powder Bed Fusion. Being a common alloy, Alloy 718 powder can be found in a variety of compositions, fabrication techniques, and powder size distribution. Sixteen virgin powders, and three recycled powders were used to build samples for microstructure analysis, fatigue and tensile testing. The major impacts of the different powders manifested in variations in the microstructure, such as minor phases and grain size variation. There were corresponding variations in mechanical properties. A down-selection of powders were chosen for additional analysis, and a powder recyclability study was completed to look at the effect of reused powder.

Alloy 718↗
DOE OSTI2024

The impact of hot-press conditions on the durability of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells

The proton exchange membrane integrity can be compromised during hot-press fabrication of membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) causing premature cell failures during operation. In this work, infrared (IR) thermography was used as a diagnostic tool to spatially visualize hydrogen (H 2 ) crossover and identify process-induced-membrane irregularities (PIMs). These irregularities were identified as seed locations for MEA failures. Fine tuning of hot-press conditions was used to mitigate premature cell failures informed by accelerated stress testing (AST). The impact of PIMs on the initial performance, high-frequency resistances, open-circuit voltage, and H 2 crossover are reported. Nafion XL and 212 membranes, hot-pressed with a force of 16 kg/cm 2 and temperature of 120°C, were found to be consistently irregularity-free. Irregularity-free MEAs using Nafion 211, 212, and XL membranes demonstrated AST lifetime improvements of 58, 64 and 400%, respectively, compared to those fabricated with non-optimized conditions. In conclusion, this work highlights the importance of fabrication parameters on premature cell failures.

08 HYDROGEN↗
NASA NTRS1983

Impact damage of composite plates

A simple model to study low velocity transverse impact of thin plates made of fiber-reinforced composite material, in particular T300/5208 graphite-epoxy was discussed. This model predicts the coefficient of restitution, which is a measure of the energy absorbed by the target during an impact event. The model is constructed on the assumption that the plate is inextensible in the fiber direction and that the material is incompressible in the z-direction. Such a plate essentially deforms by shear, hence this model neglects bending deformations of the plate. The coefficient of restitution is predicted to increase with large interlaminar shear strength and low transverse shear modulus of the laminate. Predictions are compared with the test results of impacted circular and rectangular clamped plates. Experimentally measured values of the coefficient of restitution are found to agree with the predicted values within a reasonable error.

Lal, K. M.↗