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At least 127 records · Page 7
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2010

Economical Fabrication of Thick-Section Ceramic Matrix Composites

A method was developed for producing thick-section [>2 in. (approx.5 cm)], continuous fiber-reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CMCs). Ultramet-modified fiber interface coating and melt infiltration processing, developed previously for thin-section components, were used for the fabrication of CMCs that were an order of magnitude greater in thickness [up to 2.5 in. (approx.6.4 cm)]. Melt processing first involves infiltration of a fiber preform with the desired interface coating, and then with carbon to partially densify the preform. A molten refractory metal is then infiltrated and reacts with the excess carbon to form the carbide matrix without damaging the fiber reinforcement. Infiltration occurs from the inside out as the molten metal fills virtually all the available void space. Densification to <5 vol% porosity is a one-step process requiring no intermediate machining steps. The melt infiltration method requires no external pressure. This prevents over-infiltration of the outer surface plies, which can lead to excessive residual porosity in the center of the part. However, processing of thick-section components required modification of the conventional process conditions, and the means by which the large amount of molten metal is introduced into the fiber preform. Modification of the low-temperature, ultraviolet-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process used to apply interface coatings to the fiber preform was also required to accommodate the high preform thickness. The thick-section CMC processing developed in this work proved to be invaluable for component development, fabrication, and testing in two complementary efforts. In a project for the Army, involving SiC/SiC blisk development, nominally 0.8 in. thick x 8 in. diameter (approx. 2 cm thick x 20 cm diameter) components were successfully infiltrated. Blisk hubs were machined using diamond-embedded cutting tools and successfully spin-tested. Good ply uniformity and extremely low residual porosity (<2 percent) were achieved, the latter being far lower than that achieved with SiC matrix composites fabricated via CVI or PIP. The pyrolytic carbon/zirconium nitride interface coating optimized in this work for use on carbon fibers was incorporated in the SiC/SiC composites and yielded a >41 ksi (approx. 283 MPa) flexural strength.

Babcock, Jason↗
NASA NTRS1989

The ionosphere of Neptune

Limited knowledge of ionospheric processes of the outer planets and practically no information on the upper atmosphere of Neptune result in a range of possible ionospheres for Neptune. Various cases are investigated in order to establish a theoretical framework of the ionospheric structure against which the radio occultation measurements can be evaluated. The peak electron densities could range from 1000/cu cm to 10 to the 6th/cu cm depending on ion loss processes and particle ionization processes. The scale height could also range from 300 km to 2000 km depending on the exospheric temperature. Although various assumptions must be made, it is predicted that an auroral ionosphere with large electron densities and a large scale height will be observed by the ingress radio occultation measurement, and that a compressed ionosphere with small electron densities will be seen during the egress measurement.

Shinagawa, H.↗
DOE OSTI2023

A Hydrogen Iron Flow Battery with High Current Density and Long Cyclability Enabled Through Circular Water Management

The hydrogen‐iron (HyFe) flow cell has great potential for long‐duration energy storage by capitalizing on the advantages of both electrolyzers and flow batteries. However, its operation at high current density (high power) and over continuous cycling testing has yet to be demonstrated. In this article, we discuss our design and demonstration of a water‐management strategy that supports high current and long‐cycling performance of a HyFe flow cell. Water molecules associated with the movement of protons from the iron electrode to the hydrogen electrode are sufficient to hydrate the membrane and electrode at a low current density of 100 mA cm −2 during the charge process. At higher charge current density, more aggressive measures must be taken to counter back‐diffusion driven by the acid concentration gradient between the iron and hydrogen electrodes. Our water‐management approach is based on water vapor feeding in the hydrogen electrode and water evaporation in the iron electrode, thus enabling high current density operation of 300 mA cm −2 .

Yan, Litao↗
DOE OSTI2023

A Hydrogen Iron Flow Battery with High Current Density and Long Cyclability Enabled Through Circular Water Management

The hydrogen‐iron (HyFe) flow cell has great potential for long‐duration energy storage by capitalizing on the advantages of both electrolyzers and flow batteries. However, its operation at high current density (high power) and over continuous cycling testing has yet to be demonstrated. In this paper, we discuss our design and demonstration of a water management strategy that supports high current and long cycling performance of a HyFe flow cell. Water molecules associated with the movement of protons from the iron electrode to the hydrogen electrode are sufficient to hydrate the membrane and electrode at a low current density of 100 mA cm −2 during the charge process. At higher charge current density, more aggressive measures must be taken to counter back‐diffusion driven by the acid concentration gradient between the iron and hydrogen electrodes. Our water management approach is based on water vapor feeding in the hydrogen electrode, and water evaporation in the iron electrode, thus enabling the high current density operation of 300 mA cm −2 .

25 ENERGY STORAGE↗
NASA NTRS1989

Characterization of Venera 15/16 Geologic Units from Pioneer Venus Reflectivity and Roughness Data

Geologic units have been defined for the surface of Venus from Venera 15/16 image data. A characterization of these geologic units is carried out using information on surface properties derived from Pioneer Venus (PV) reflectivity and rms slope data. The geologic context provided by Venera 15/16 units allows additional, more specific interpretations of surface radar properties to be made. Characterization of Venera units results in the definition of four groups of Venera units: (1) smooth rocky units, 2) rough rocky units, (3) rough high dielectric units, and (4) diffusely scattering units. On the basis of correlations of surface morphology to spatial and statistical distributions in rms slope and reflectivity data, we test models for the origin of the surface properties of some units. We conclude that plains and tectonic units can be contrasted in terms of the average roughness of the surface and that tectonic deformation appears to roughen the surface at 0.5- to 10-m and 5- to 50-cm scales. This tectonic weathering process appears to dominate the erosional regime of Venus. Unlike Earth or Mars, production and transport of soils dominates only a small portion (less than or equal to 5%) of the surface. Some of the Venera units display distinctive spatial and statistical distributions of PV radar data. In particular, apparent low reflectivity in the tesserae appears to be caused by small (5-50 cm) rock fragments on the surface which cause diffuse scattering at Pioneer Venus wavelengths. Analysis of models for the formation of these fragments suggests that they are due to the pervasive deformation undergone by the tesserae. Finally, aspects of this study have been used to extend results of Venera image data analysis southward of 30 deg. N lat, resulting in it prediction of the distribution of tessera. Such results can aid in Magellan investigations.

Bindschadler, D. L.↗
DOE OSTI2019

Simulating a Mesoscale Convective System Using WRF with a New Spectral Bin Microphysics: Part 1: Hail vs Graupel

A modified Fast Spectral Bin Microphysics scheme (FSBM-2) embedded into the Weather Research and Forecasting Model (WRF) is used to simulate a mesoscale deep convective system observed during the Midlatitude Continental Convective Clouds Experiment (MC3E). FSBM-2 uses modified source codes as compared to the current FSBM (FSBM-1). In contrast to FSBM-1, FSBM-2 can simulate hail of several cm in diameter and includes additional processes such as spontaneous breakup of raindrops and aerosol regeneration by drop evaporation. It is shown that allowing large hail particles of diameters exceeding about 1 cm substantially increases the agreement between the simulated and observed squall-line structures both in the convective and stratiform regions. In contrast, if graupel particles are used to represent high-density hydrometeors in convective areas, the ratio of convective-to-stratiform areas diverges from the ratio seen in observations and maximum radar reflectivities are substantially underestimated. Analysis of snow size distributions in the stratiform area shows an important link between the ice crystals formed by homogeneous freezing in the convective area to ice particle number concentration in the stratiform region. Simulated raindrop size distributions in the stratiform area below the melting level from FSBM-2 show a good agreement with observations. The regeneration of CCN by droplet evaporation and detrainment of these CCN to the stratiform region increases the concentration of CCN there up to 8-9 km altitude; the additional CCN penetrate clouds and produce new droplets, leading to some convection intensification. Key words: Mesoscale convective systems (MCS), squall lines, spectral bin microphysics, large hail, in-cloud nucleation, size distributions of hydrometeors in MCS.

Shpund, Kobby↗
NASA NTRS1981

Development of large area, low-cost, solar cell processing sequence

A cost effective process based on state-of-the-art technology has been developed for the production of large-area (55 sq cm and larger) solar cells. The process is capable of providing silicon and polysilicon cell efficiencies in excess of 10% at an overall cost of 12 c/watt in 1980 dollars. The process provides large throughputs and is suitable for complete automation with high yields. Various stages of the process development are discussed.

Chitre, S.↗
NASA NTRS1973

A 30-cm thruster power processor test console

The development of a high performance ion propulsion system composed of an ion thruster and its associated power processing equipment, dictates the establishment of a mutually compatible set of electrical characteristics. A 30-cm thruster power processing console has been developed which utilizes power and control circuitry applicable to flight hardware designs, incorporates interface circuitry for optional direct computer control, and has self-contained instrumentation for assessing steady-state and dynamic system behavior. This paper discusses the console's design, utility, performance, and the potential impact of this development effort on future hardware designs.

Herron, B. G.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Solid Modeling of Crew Exploration Vehicle Structure Concepts for Mass Optimization

Parametric solid and surface models of the crew exploration vehicle (CEV) command module (CM) structure concepts are developed for rapid finite element analyses, structural sizing and estimation of optimal structural mass. The effects of the structural configuration and critical design parameters on the stress distribution are visualized, examined to arrive at an efficient design. The CM structural components consisted of the outer heat shield, inner pressurized crew cabin, ring bulkhead and spars. For this study only the internal cabin pressure load case is considered. Component stress, deflection, margins of safety and mass are used as design goodness criteria. The design scenario is explored by changing the component thickness parameters and materials until an acceptable design is achieved. Aluminum alloy, titanium alloy and an advanced composite material properties are considered for the stress analysis and the results are compared as a part of lessons learned and to build up a structural component sizing knowledge base for the future CEV technology support. This independent structural analysis and the design scenario based optimization process may also facilitate better CM structural definition and rapid prototyping.

Mukhopadhyay, Vivek↗
NASA NTRS1994

Asymptotic Giant Branch stars as a source of short-lived radioactive nuclei in the solar nebula

We carried out a theoretical evaluation of the contribution of Asymptotic Giant Branch (AGB) stars to some short-lived (10(exp 6) less than or equal to Tau-bar less than or equal to 2 x 10(exp 7) yr) isotopes in the Interstellar Medium (ISM) and in the early solar system using stellar model calculations for thermally pulsing evolutionary phases of low-mass stars. The yields of s-process nuclei in the convective He-shell for different neutron exposures tau(sub 0) were obtained, and AGB stars were shown to produce several radioactive nuclei (especially Pd-107, Pb-205, Fe-60, Zr-93, Tc-99, Cs-135, and Hf-182) in diferent amounts. Assuming either contamination of the solar nebula from a single AGB star or models for continuous injection and mixing from many stars into the ISM, we calculate the ratios of radioactive to stable nuclei at the epoch of the Sun's formation. The dilution factor between the AGB ejecta and the early solar system matter is obtained by matching the observed Pd-107/Pd-108 and depends on the value of tau(sub 0). It is found that small masses M(sub He) of He-shell material (10(exp -4)-10(exp -7) solar mass) enriched in s-process nuclei are sufficient to contaminate 1 solar mass of the ISM to produce the Pd-107 found in the early solar system. Predictions are made for all of the other radioactive isotopes. The optimal model to explain several observed radioactive species at different states of the proto-solar nebula involves a single AGB star with a low neutron exposure (tau(sub 0) = 0.03 mbarn(sup -1)) which contaminated the cloud with a dilution factor of M(sub He)/solar mass approximately 1.5 x 10(exp -4). This will also contribute newly synthesized stable s-process nuclei in the amount of approximately 10(exp -4) of their abundances already present in the proto-solar cloud. Variations in the degree of homogenization (approximately 30%) of the injected material may account for some of the small general isotopic anomalies found in meteorites. It is also found that Fe-60 is produced in small but significant quantities that may be sufficient to explain the observations if the time elapsed delta from the contamination of the ISM to the formation of protoplanetary bodies is not higher than delta = 5 x 10(exp 6) yr. If delta is longer, up to 10 x 10(exp 6) yr, this would require the single AGB star to experience enhanced neutron densities (n(sub n) approximately 3 x 10(exp 9)n/cu cm) in the s-processing zone in order to compensate for the branching at Fe-59. The alternative model of long-term continuous ejection of matter from many AGB stars does not appear to match the observations. We also estimate the Al-26 production from the H-shell and find that the Al-26 abundance in the early solar system may be readily explained in a self-consistent manner. Moreover, Al-26 from AGB stars may contribute substantially to the galactic Al-26 gamma-source, while no significant gamma-flux from Co-60 (deriving from Fe-60 decay) is to be expected.

Wasserburg, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1986

6 CM OH absorption in megamaser galaxies

Absorption in the 2Pi sub 1/2 J = 1/2 Lambda doublet transitions of OH, 182 K above the ground state, is detected in the megamaser galaxies IC 4553 (Arp 220), MK 231, MK 273, MGC 3690, and IRAS 17208-0014. The 4660, 4751, and 4766 MHz lines have intensity ratios moderately deviating from the LTE values (1:2:1). The OH rotational temperatures appear to be close to the temperature of the dust, approx. 60 K. The common characteristics of these galaxies (absence of 6 cm inversion, the optical depths, the infrared properties, the systematic trends in the line parameters, and the rotational temperatures) all suggest that the same pump process is responsible for the 18 cm line inversion in the five megamaser sources. The inversion is probably not due to an excitation mechanism involving collisions with HI or H2. While excitation via photodissociation of H2O cannot entirely be ruled out, the most likely mechanism is considered to be to be a combination of the intense FIR field (populating higher excited OH rotational states) and the non-thermal radiation from the nuclei of the parent galaxies (affecting the excitation within the Lambda -doublets). According to an LVG model of the OH excitation of IC4553, the OH-cloud(s) have to be located close, within 200 to 300 pc, to the center of the galaxy. The excitation of the individual 18 cm lines depends critically on the effective background radiation field and hence on the galactocentric distance of the masing clump. With increasing distance first the 1720 MHz and then the 18 cm main line inversion is quenched, while 1612 MHz inversion is obtained up to approx. 600 pc. The 1612 MHz satellite line is predicted to be more intense than the 1720 MHz line. A critical test for our excitation model is to observe the 2 Pi 3/2 J = 5/2 Lambda-doublet transitions which are predicted to be detectable in absorption.

Henkel, C.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Carbonaceous chondrites. II - Carbonaceous chondrite phyllosilicates and light element geochemistry as indicators of parent body processes and surface conditions

Petrographic analyses of CM matrices characterized four phyllosilicates in Murray and Murchison meteorites and Fe- and Mg-serpentines in Nogoya. All phyllosilicates and bulk matrices show enrichment of K relative to Na when compared with bulk meteorites; the loss of Na and some Cl, and the addition of H2O, CO2, and water-soluble organics during alteration indicates a partially open system. Synthesis of soluble organic materials may have occurred in CM matrices before aqueous alteration of the precursive phases. Nogoya was 95% altered and has a bulk C content of 5.2%, higher than any meteorite; also, it has the lowest measured C-13/C-12 ratio of any carbonaceous chondrite except for Karoonda.

Bunch, T. E.↗
NASA NTRS1995

FTIR instrumentation to monitor vapors from Shuttle tile waterproofing materials

The Space Shuttle Thermal Protection System (TPS) tiles and blankets are waterproofed using DimethylEthoxySilane (DMEX) in the Orbiter Processing Facilities (OPF). DMES has a Threshold Limit Value (TLV) for exposure of personnel to vapor concentration in air of 0.5 ppm. The OPF high bay cannot be opened for normal work after a waterproofing operation until the DMES concentration is verified by measurement to be below the TLV. On several occasions the high bay has been kept closed for up to 8 hours following waterproofing operations due to high DMES measurements. In addition, the Miran 203 and Miran 1 BX infrared analyzers calibrated at different wavelengths gave different readings under the same conditions. There was reason to believe that some of the high DMES concentration readings were caused by interference form water and ethanol vapors. The Toxic Vapor Detection Laboratory (TVDL) was asked to test the existing DMES instruments and identify the best qualified instrument. In addition the TVDL was requested to develop instrumentation to ensure the OPF high bay could be opened safely as soon as possible after a waterproofing operation. A Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectrophotometer instrument developed for an earlier project was reprogrammed to measure DMES vapor along with ethanol, water, and several common solvent vapors. The FTIR was then used to perform a series of laboratory and field tests to evaluate the performance of the single wavelength IR instruments in use. The results demonstrated that the single wavelength IR instruments did respond to ethanol and water vapors, more or less depending on the analytical IR wavelength selected. The FTIR was able to separate the responses to DMES, water and ethanol, and give consistent readings for the DMES vapor concentration. The FTIR was then deployed to the OPF to monitor real waterproofing operations. The FTIR was also used to measure the time for DMES to evaporate from TPS tile under a range of humidity conditions in controlled laboratory tests. The combination of laboratory and field tests with the FTIR instrument demonstrated superior sensitivity, ability to reject interference from water and ethanol vapors, ruggedness to be transported from the lab to the OPF and set up without special procedures or degradation of performance. The multiple component vapor analysis algorithm was developed at KSC and incorporates automatic baseline correction and shape fitting of the spectra. The analysis for DMES, TetraMethylDiSiloxane (TMDS), ethanol, methanol, isopropanol, and baseline parameters uses 161 points per sample at 4 cm(exp -1) resolution, and processes an eight scan sample every ten seconds. The standard deviation of the measurements is 0.013 ppm and the upper linear limit is 125 ppm DMES. Based on successful demonstration of capabilities we produced three mobile instrument carts to be used in each OPF to support future waterproofing operations. The design and building of the 'DMES Carts' were accomplished in Fiscal year 1995.

Mattson, C. B.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Large scale fabrication of lightweight Si/SiC lidar mirrors

An up-scalable CVD process has been used to fabricate 7.5-cm models of lightweight Si/SiC mirrors consisting of an f/1.6 concave face-plate of SiC coated with CVD Si, in conjunction with a lightweight backup structure of SiC. Due to CVD chamber fabrication, no bonding agent was required to attach the SiC backup structure to the face-plate. Upon up-scaling, the SiC deposition process has been able to produce 40-cm diameter f/1.6 concave mirror face-plates. The mirrors were polished to a 1/5-wave figure and 10 A rms surface finish. There appear to be no intrinsic physical limits to further up-scaling of this mirror-fabrication process.

Goela, Jitendra Singh↗
DOE OSTI2022

Pulling thin single crystal silicon wafers from a melt: The new leading-edge solar substrate

The Floating Silicon Method (FSM) has been established as a viable, stable method for growing single crystal ribbons directly from a silicon melt. With intense helium jet cooling to drive the linear progress of a [111] facet, pulled in the <110> direction, ribbons in the 0.6 – 3.0 mm thickness range can be grown at linear growth rates from 0.3 mm/s to >6 mm/s as reported in the literature. We report on recent progress towards growing (100) oriented ribbons with a net thickness of less than 200 microns and a ribbon width up to 18 cm using a stable, continuous process in the Leading Edge prototype furnace. Here, the 3D details of the single crystal growth are explained by extending the mechanics of the Limit Cycle Theory, with novel Internal Side Effect morphology described by a proposed Facet Flow Theory. Grown-in crystalline defect distributions are described as well as values of critical impurities like oxygen, carbon, dopants, and metals that are relevant for use as wafers for solar cells.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗
NASA NTRS1971

Process for producing molybdenum foil and collapsible tubing

Manufacturing process produces molybdenum foil 0.002 cm thick and 305 m long, and forms foil into high-strength, thin-walled tubing which can be flattened for storage on a spool. Desirable metal properties include high thermal conductivity stiffness, yield and tensile stress, and low thermal expansion coeffecient.

Bretts, G. R.↗
NASA NTRS1978

LSSA large area silicon sheet task continuous Czochralski process development

A Czochralski crystal growing furnace was converted to a continuous growth facility by installation of a premelter to provide molten silicon flow into the primary crucible. The basic furnace is operational and several trial crystals were grown in the batch mode. Numerous premelter configurations were tested both in laboratory-scale equipment as well as in the actual furnace. The best arrangement tested to date is a vertical, cylindrical graphite heater containing small fused silicon test tube liner in which the incoming silicon is melted and flows into the primary crucible. Economic modeling of the continuous Czochralski process indicates that for 10 cm diameter crystal, 100 kg furnace runs of four or five crystals each are near-optimal. Costs tend to asymptote at the 100 kg level so little additional cost improvement occurs at larger runs. For these conditions, crystal cost in equivalent wafer area of around $20/sq m exclusive of polysilicon and slicing was obtained.

Rea, S. N.↗
NASA NTRS1980

The use of radar and LANDSAT data for mineral and petroleum exploration in the Los Andes region, Venezuela

A geological study of a 27,500 sq km area in the Los Andes region of northwestern Venezuela was performed which employed both X-band radar mosaics and computer processed Landsat images. The 3.12 cm wavelength radar data were collected with horizontal-horizontal polarization and 10 meter spatial resolution by an Aeroservices SAR system at an altitude of 12,000 meters. The radar images increased the number of observable suspected fractures by 27 percent over what could be mapped by LANDSAT alone, owing mostly to the cloud cover penetration capabilities of radar. The approximate eight fold greater spatial resolution of the radar images made possible the identification of shorter, narrower fractures than could be detected with LANDSAT data alone, resulting in the discovery of a low relief anticline that could not be observed in LANDSAT data. Exploration targets for petroleum, copper, and uranium were identified for further geophysical work.

Vincent, R. K.↗