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At least 1,333 records · Page 74

Stress-Rupture of New Tyranno Si-C-O-Zr Fiber Reinforced Minicomposites

Minicomposites consisting of two varieties of Zr containing SiC-based fibers from Ube (Tyranno) with BN interphases and CVI SiC matrices were studied. The two fiber-types were the ZMI and ZE fiber-types that contain approximately 8 and 2% oxygen, respectively. The minicomposites were precracked and tested under constant load testing at temperatures ranging from 700 to 1200 C. The data were then compared to the rupture behavior of Hi- Nicalon (TM) fiber reinforced minicomposites tested under identical conditions. It was found that the Ube fiber-types had stress rupture life equivalent to Hi- Nicalon (TM) over the entire temperature range. A potential benefit of the ZMI fiber-type is that it offers rupture properties almost as good as Hi-Nicalon (TM) at the cost of ceramic grade Nicalon (TM).

Morscher, Gregory N.↗

Room and Elevated Temperature Tensile Properties of Single Tow Hi-Nicalon, Carbon Interphase, CVI SiC Matrix Minicomposites

Single tow Hi-Nicalon(TM), C interphase, CVI SiC matrix minicomposites were tested in tension at room temperature, 700 C, 950 C, and 1200 C in air. Monotonic loading with modal acoustic emission monitoring was performed at room temperature in order to determine the dependence of matrix cracking on applied load. Modal acoustic emission was shown to correlate directly with the number of matrix cracks formed. Elevated temperature constant load stress-rupture and low-cycle fatigue experiments were performed on precracked specimens. The elevated temperature rupture behavior was dependent on the precrack stress, the lower precrack stress resulting in longer rupture life for a given stress. It was found that the rupture lives of C-interphase Hi-Nicalon(TM) minicomposites were superior to C-interphase Ceramic Grade Nicalon(TM) minicomposites and inferior to those of BN-interphase Hi-Nicalon(TM) minicomposites.

Martinez-Fernandez, J.↗

A High Energy 2-microns Laser for Multiple Lidar Applications

Solid-state 2-microns laser has been receiving considerable interest because of its eye-safe property and efficient diode pump operation, It has potential for multiple lidar applications to detect water vapor. carbon dioxide and winds. In this paper, we describe a 2-microns double pulsed Ho:Tm:YLF laser and end-pumped amplifier system. A comprehensive theoretical model has been developed to aid the design and optimization of the laser performance. In a single Q-switched pulse operation the residual energy stored in the Tm atoms will be wasted. However, in a double pulses operation mode, the residual energy stored in the Tm atoms will repopulate the Ho atoms that were depleted by the extraction of the first Q-switched pulse. Thus. the Tin sensitized Ho:YLF laser provides a unique advantage in applications that require double pulse operation, such as Differential Absorption Lidar (DIAL). A total output energy of 146 mJ per pulse pair under Q-switch operation is achieved with as high as 4.8% optical to optical efficiency. Compared to a single pulse laser, 70% higher laser efficiency is realized. To obtain high energy while maintaining the high beam quality, a master-oscillator-power-amplifier 2-microns system is designed. We developed an end-pumped Ho:Tm:YLF disk amplifier. This amplifier uses two diode arrays as pump source. A non-imaging lens duct is used to couple the radiation from the laser diode arrays to the laser disk. Preliminary result shows that the efficiency of this laser can be as high as 3%, a factor of three increases over side-pump configuration. This high energy, highly efficient and high beam quality laser is a promising candidate for use in an efficient, multiple lidar applications.

Yu, Jirong↗

Tunable Single-Frequency Near IR Lasers for DIAL Applications

Tunable single-frequency sources in the 2-4 micron wavelength region are useful for remote DIAL measurements of chemicals and pollutants. We are developing tunable single-frequency transmitters and receivers for both direct and coherent detection lidar measurement applications. We have demonstrated a direct-diode-pumped PPLN-based OPO that operates single frequency, produces greater than 10 mW cw and is tunable over the 2.5 - 3.9 micron wavelength region. This laser has been used to injection seed a pulsed PPLN OPO, pumped by a 1.064 micron Nd:YAG laser, producing 50-100 microJoule single-frequency pulses at 100 Hz PRF near 3.6 micron wavelength. In addition, we have demonstrated a cw Cr:ZnSe laser that is tunable over the 2.1 - 2.8 micron wavelength region. This laser is pumped by a cw diode-pumped Tm:YALO laser and has produced over 1.8 W cw. Tm- and Tm, Ho-doped single-frequency solid-state lasers that produce over 50 mW cw and are tunable over approximately 10 nm in the 2 -2.1 micron band with fast PZT tuning have also been demonstrated. A fast PZT-tunable Tm, Ho:YLF laser was used for a direct-detection column content DIAL measurement of atmospheric CO2. Modeling shows that that all these cw and pulsed sources are useful for column-content coherent DIAL measurements at several km range using topographic targets.

Henderson, Sammy W.↗

Polyimide Composites from 'Salt-Like' Solution Precursors

Four NASA Langley-developed polyimide matrix resins, LaRC(TM)-IA, LaRC(TM)-IAX, LaRC(TM)-8515 and LaRC(TM)-PETI-5, were produced via a 'saltlike' process developed by Unitika Ltd. The salt-like solutions (65% solids in NMP) were prepregged onto Hexcel IM7 carbon fiber using the NASA LaRC multipurpose tape machine. Process parameters were determined and composite panels fabricated. The temperature dependent volatile depletion rates, the thermal crystallization behavior and the resin rheology were characterized. Composite molding cycles were developed which consistently yielded well consolidated, void-free laminated parts. Composite mechanical properties such as the short beam shear strength; the longitudinal and transverse flexural strength and flexural modulus; the longitudinal compression strength and modulus; and the open hole compression strength and compression after impact strength were measured at room temperature and elevated temperatures. The processing characteristics and the composite mechanical properties of the four intermediate modulus carbon fiber/polyimide matrix composites were compared to existing data on the same polyimide resin systems and IM7 carbon fiber manufactured via poly(amide acid) solutions (30-35% solids in NMP). This work studies the effects of varying the synthetic route on the processing and mechanical properties of the polyimide composites.

Cano, Roberto J.↗

Quantifying BRDF Effects in Comparing Landsat-7 and AVIRIS Near-Simultaneous Acquisitions for Studies of High Plains Vegetation Cover

Approximately 100,000 sq. km of the High Plains of the central United States are covered by sand dunes and sand sheets deposited during the Holocene. Soil-dating evidence shows that there were at least four periods of dune reactivation during major droughts in the last 10,000 years. The dunes in this region are anchored by vegetation. We have undertaken a study of land-use change in the High Plains from 1985 to the present using Landsat 5 TM and Landsat 7 ETM+ images to map variation in vegetation cover during wet and dry years. Mapping vegetation cover of less than 20% is important in modeling potential surface reactivation since at this level the vegetation no longer sufficiently shields sandy surfaces from movement by wind. Landsat TM data have both the spatial resolution and temporal coverage to facilitate vegetation cover analysis for model development and verification. However, there is still the question of how accurate TM data are for the measurement of both growing and senescent vegetation in and and semi-arid regions. AVIRIS provides both high spectral resolution as well as high signal-to-noise ratio and can be used to test the accuracy of Landsat TM and ETM+ data. We have analyzed data from AVIRIS flown nearly concurrently with a Landsat 7 overpass. The comparison between an AVIRIS image swath of 11 km width subtending a 30 deg. angle and the same area covered by a 0.8 deg. angle from Landsat required accounting for the BRDF. A normalization technique using the ratio of the reflectances from registered AVIRIS and Landsat data proved superior to the techniques of column averaging on AVIRIS data alone published previously by Kennedy et al. This technique can be applied to aircraft data covering a wider swath angle than AVIRIS to develop BRDF responses for a wide variety of surfaces more efficiently than from ground measurements.

Goetz, A. F. H.↗

Macromolecular Crystal Growth by Means of Microfluidics

We have performed a feasibility study in which we show that chip-based, microfluidic (LabChip(TM)) technology is suitable for protein crystal growth. This technology allows for accurate and reliable dispensing and mixing of very small volumes while minimizing bubble formation in the crystallization mixture. The amount of (protein) solution remaining after completion of an experiment is minimal, which makes this technique efficient and attractive for use with proteins, which are difficult or expensive to obtain. The nature of LabChip(TM) technology renders it highly amenable to automation. Protein crystals obtained in our initial feasibility studies were of excellent quality as determined by X-ray diffraction. Subsequent to the feasibility study, we designed and produced the first LabChip(TM) device specifically for protein crystallization in batch mode. It can reliably dispense and mix from a range of solution constituents into two independent growth wells. We are currently testing this design to prove its efficacy for protein crystallization optimization experiments. In the near future we will expand our design to incorporate up to 10 growth wells per LabChip(TM) device. Upon completion, additional crystallization techniques such as vapor diffusion and liquid-liquid diffusion will be accommodated. Macromolecular crystallization using microfluidic technology is envisioned as a fully automated system, which will use the 'tele-science' concept of remote operation and will be developed into a research facility for the International Space Station as well as on the ground.

vanderWoerd, Mark↗

High Energy Directly Pumped Ho:YLF Laser

The most commonly used crystal architecture to produce 2 micrometer laser is co-doping Ho and Tm into a single host crystal. In this method, the stored energy transfer from the Tm (3)F4 to the Ho (5)I7 manifold is not fast enough to warrant high efficiency for short pulse applications. By separating the Ho and the Tm ions and doping the Tm in YALO3 and the Ho in YLF, we were able to directly pump the Ho (5)I7 manifold with 1.94 micrometers. The Ho:YLF laser has produced 33 mJ at 2.062 micrometers with a quantum efficiency of 0.88. The performance of each laser will be presented.

Petros, Mulugeta↗

Noninvasive assessment of mitral inertness: clinical results with numerical model validation

Inertial forces (Mdv/dt) are a significant component of transmitral flow, but cannot be measured with Doppler echo. We validated a method of estimating Mdv/dt. Ten patients had a dual sensor transmitral (TM) catheter placed during cardiac surgery. Doppler and 2D echo was performed while acquiring LA and LV pressures. Mdv/dt was determined from the Bernoulli equation using Doppler velocities and TM gradients. Results were compared with numerical modeling. TM gradients (range: 1.04-14.24 mmHg) consisted of 74.0 +/- 11.0% inertial forcers (range: 0.6-12.9 mmHg). Multivariate analysis predicted Mdv/dt = -4.171(S/D (RATIO)) + 0.063(LAvolume-max) + 5. Using this equation, a strong relationship was obtained for the clinical dataset (y=0.98x - 0.045, r=0.90) and the results of numerical modeling (y=0.96x - 0.16, r=0.84). TM gradients are mainly inertial and, as validated by modeling, can be estimated with echocardiography.

NASA Discipline Cardiopulmonary↗

ADS-B within a Multi-Aircraft Simulation for Distributed Air-Ground Traffic Management

Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) is an enabling technology for NASA s Distributed Air-Ground Traffic Management (DAG-TM) concept. DAG-TM has the goal of significantly increasing capacity within the National Airspace System, while maintaining or improving safety. Under DAG-TM, aircraft exchange state and intent information over ADS-B with other aircraft and ground stations. This information supports various surveillance functions including conflict detection and resolution, scheduling, and conformance monitoring. To conduct more rigorous concept feasibility studies, NASA Langley Research Center s PC-based Air Traffic Operations Simulation models a 1090 MHz ADS-B communication structure, based on industry standards for message content, range, and reception probability. The current ADS-B model reflects a mature operating environment and message interference effects are limited to Mode S transponder replies and ADS-B squitters. This model was recently evaluated in a Joint DAG-TM Air/Ground Coordination Experiment with NASA Ames Research Center. Message probability of reception vs. range was lower at higher traffic levels. The highest message collision probability occurred near the meter fix serving as the confluence for two arrival streams. Even the highest traffic level encountered in the experiment was significantly less than the industry standard "LA Basin 2020" scenario. Future studies will account for Mode A and C message interference (a major effect in several industry studies) and will include Mode A and C aircraft in the simulation, thereby increasing the total traffic level. These changes will support ongoing enhancements to separation assurance functions that focus on accommodating longer ADS-B information update intervals.

Barhydt, Richard↗

Geopositional Accuracy Assessment of EarthSat Geocover Landsat Orthorectified Imagery

NASA purchased EarthSat GeoCover orthorectified Landsat imagery of global land areas covering three historical frames: (1) mid-1970's imagery from the Landsat Multispectral Scanner (MSS); (2) late 1980's-early 1990's imagery from the Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM); and (3) year 2000 imagery from the Landsat Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+). Because of the distinct time frames covered by these datasets, this imagery is valuable to land cover change research. Because geopositional accuracy plays a critical role in this area of scientific research. NASA performed an independent assessment of the geopositional accuracy of each EarthSat dataset using an independent set of government-provided ground control points (GCPs). These points were instrumental in the geopositional accuracy assessment of the TM imagery. Because of the orthorectification processes of the MSS imagery and the MSS pixel size, the aforementioned GCPs could not be used, and an alternate relative assessment procedure using the previously validated TM imagery as a "truth" dataset was used for the MSS data. Finally, the ETM data specification was defined in both an absolute sense with respect to ground coordinated and relative to the previously validated TM dataset. Therefore, two separate methods were used in validating the ETM-data. Results of the NASA independent assessments showed that the accuracies of the EarthSat GeoCover datasets met the defined specifications or were within the error and limitations of the verification methods employed.

Smith, Charles M.↗

Wireless Data-Acquisition System for Testing Rocket Engines

A prototype wireless data-acquisition system has been developed as a potential replacement for a wired data-acquisition system heretofore used in testing rocket engines. The traditional use of wires to connect sensors, signal-conditioning circuits, and data acquisition circuitry is time-consuming and prone to error, especially when, as is often the case, many sensors are used in a test. The system includes one master and multiple slave nodes. The master node communicates with a computer via an Ethernet connection. The slave nodes are powered by rechargeable batteries and are packaged in weatherproof enclosures. The master unit and each of the slave units are equipped with a time-modulated ultra-wide-band (TMUWB) radio transceiver, which spreads its RF energy over several gigahertz by transmitting extremely low-power and super-narrow pulses. In this prototype system, each slave node can be connected to as many as six sensors: two sensors can be connected directly to analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) in the slave node and four sensors can be connected indirectly to the ADCs via signal conditioners. The maximum sampling rate for streaming data from any given sensor is about 5 kHz. The bandwidth of one channel of the TM-UWB radio communication system is sufficient to accommodate streaming of data from five slave nodes when they are fully loaded with data collected through all possible sensor connections. TM-UWB radios have a much higher spatial capacity than traditional sinusoidal wave-based radios. Hence, this TM-UWB wireless data-acquisition can be scaled to cover denser sensor setups for rocket engine test stands. Another advantage of TM-UWB radios is that it will not interfere with existing wireless transmission. The maximum radio-communication range between the master node and a slave node for this prototype system is about 50 ft (15 m) when the master and slave transceivers are equipped with small dipole antennas. The range can be increased by changing to larger antennas and/or greater transmission power. The battery life of a slave node ranges from about six hours during operation at full capacity to as long as three days when the system is in a "sleep" mode used to conserve battery charge during times between setup and rocket-engine testing. Batteries can be added to prolong operational lifetimes. The radio transceiver dominates the power consumption.

Lin, Chujen↗

Analysis of International Space Station Vehicle Materials on MISSE 6

The International Space Station Materials and Processes team has multiple material samples on MISSE 6, 7 and 8 to observe Low Earth Orbit (LEO) environmental effects on Space Station materials. Optical properties, thickness/mass loss, surface elemental analysis, visual and microscopic analysis for surface change are some of the techniques employed in this investigation. Results for the following MISSE 6 samples materials will be presented: deionized water sealed anodized aluminum; Hyzod(tm) polycarbonate used to temporarily protect ISS windows; Russian quartz window material; Beta Cloth with Teflon(tm) reformulated without perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and electroless nickel. Discussion for current and future MISSE materials experiments will be presented. MISSE 7 samples are: more deionized water sealed anodized aluminum, including Photofoil(tm); indium tin oxide (ITO) over-coated Kapton(tm) used as thermo-optical surfaces; mechanically scribed tin-plated beryllium-copper samples for "tin pest" growth (alpha/beta transformation); and beta cloth backed with a black coating rather than aluminization. MISSE 8 samples are: exposed "scrim cloth" (fiberglass weave) from the ISS solar array wing material, protective fiberglass tapes and sleeve materials, and optical witness samples to monitor contamination.

Finckenor, Miria↗

Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance (STOP) Model Development and Analysis of a Field-widened Michelson Interferometer

An integrated Structural-Thermal-Optical-Performance (STOP) model was developed for a field-widened Michelson interferometer which is being built and tested for the High Spectral Resolution Lidar (HSRL) project at NASA Langley Research Center (LaRC). The performance of the interferometer is highly sensitive to thermal expansion, changes in refractive index with temperature, temperature gradients, and deformation due to mounting stresses. Hand calculations can only predict system performance for uniform temperature changes, under the assumption that coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) mismatch effects are negligible. An integrated STOP model was developed to investigate the effects of design modifications on the performance of the interferometer in detail, including CTE mismatch, and other three- dimensional effects. The model will be used to improve the design for a future spaceflight version of the interferometer. The STOP model was developed using the Comet SimApp'TM' Authoring Workspace which performs automated integration between Pro-Engineer®, Thermal Desktop®, MSC Nastran'TM', SigFit'TM', Code V'TM', and MATLAB®. This is the first flight project for which LaRC has utilized Comet, and it allows a larger trade space to be studied in a shorter time than would be possible in a traditional STOP analysis. This paper describes the development of the STOP model, presents a comparison of STOP results for simple cases with hand calculations, and presents results of the correlation effort to bench-top testing of the interferometer. A trade study conducted with the STOP model which demonstrates a few simple design changes that can improve the performance seen in the lab is also presented.

Scola, Salvatore J.↗

Flight Testing of a Low Cost De-Orbiting Device for Small Satellites

Use of small and very small spacecraft is rapidly becoming more common. Methods to intentionally deorbit these spacecraft at the end of useful satellite life are required. A family of mass efficient Roll-Out De- Orbiting devices (RODEO"TM") was developed by Composite Technology Development, Inc. (CTD). RODEO"TM" consists of lightweight film attached to a simple, ultra-lightweight, roll-out composite boom structure. This system is rolled to stow within a lightweight launch canister, allowing easy integration to the small satellite bus. The device is released at the end of useful lifetime and the RODEO"TM" composite boom unrolls the drag sail in a matter of seconds. This dramatically increases the deployed surface area, resulting in the higher aerodynamic drag that significantly reduces the time until reentry. A RODEO"TM" flight demonstration was recently conducted as part of the Colorado Space Grant Consortium's (COSGC) RocketSat-8 program, a program to provide students hands-on experience in developing experiments for space flight. The experiment was ultimately a success and RODEO (trademark) is now ready for future CubeSat missions.

Turse, Dana↗

Space Nuclear Propulsion for Space Applications: Multi-Mission Nuclear Thermal Propulsion Vehicle Design

This NASA Technical Memorandum (TM) is intended to capture design work that the Advanced Concepts Office (ACO) at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) performed on behalf of the Space Nuclear Propulsion (SNP) Project during an SNP-driven design and mission analysis initiative in FY2025. Specifically, this TM focuses on several spacecraft design concepts intended to explore the feasibility of nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) for use in a selection of notional, unmanned space missions. While references to the missions will be made in this TM, the primary focus will be on the spacecraft design concepts themselves, the ground rules and assumptions used for designing the spacecraft, a description of the various subsystems and their performance parameters, and the methodologies used to design them. The TM will also highlight areas of future work and additional considerations that may need to be taken into account when evaluating the feasibility of NTP space systems for other applications. The report will discuss the results from ACO’s analysis as they pertain to the different vehicle concepts that were evaluated. Each discipline section in this report will discuss the discipline-specific ground rules and assumptions, the methodology and design approaches employed, and present the results along with any relevant discussion, and highlight areas of future work where applicable.

Mitchell A Rodriguez↗

Materials Data on Tm5(ReO6)2 by Materials Project

Tm5(ReO6)2 crystallizes in the monoclinic C2/m space group. The structure is three-dimensional. there are three inequivalent Tm3+ sites. In the first Tm3+ site, Tm3+ is bonded to seven O2- atoms to form distorted TmO7 pentagonal bipyramids that share corners with two equivalent TmO6 octahedra, an edgeedge with one TmO6 octahedra, edges with two equivalent ReO6 octahedra, and edges with two equivalent TmO7 pentagonal bipyramids. The corner-sharing octahedral tilt angles are 56°. There are a spread of Tm–O bond distances ranging from 2.24–2.39 Å. In the second Tm3+ site, Tm3+ is bonded in a 7-coordinate geometry to seven O2- atoms. There are a spread of Tm–O bond distances ranging from 2.24–2.47 Å. In the third Tm3+ site, Tm3+ is bonded to six O2- atoms to form TmO6 octahedra that share corners with four equivalent ReO6 octahedra, corners with four equivalent TmO7 pentagonal bipyramids, and edges with two equivalent TmO7 pentagonal bipyramids. The corner-sharing octahedral tilt angles are 38°. There are two shorter (2.16 Å) and four longer (2.29 Å) Tm–O bond lengths. Re+4.50+ is bonded to six O2- atoms to form ReO6 octahedra that share corners with two equivalent TmO6 octahedra, edges with two equivalent ReO6 octahedra, and edges with two equivalent TmO7 pentagonal bipyramids. The corner-sharing octahedral tilt angles are 38°. There are four shorter (1.97 Å) and two longer (2.09 Å) Re–O bond lengths. There are four inequivalent O2- sites. In the first O2- site, O2- is bonded to three Tm3+ and one Re+4.50+ atom to form distorted OTm3Re tetrahedra that share corners with ten OTm4 tetrahedra, a cornercorner with one OTm2Re2 trigonal pyramid, edges with three OTm4 tetrahedra, and edges with two equivalent OTm2Re2 trigonal pyramids. In the second O2- site, O2- is bonded to four Tm3+ atoms to form OTm4 tetrahedra that share corners with ten OTm4 tetrahedra, corners with three equivalent OTm2Re2 trigonal pyramids, and edges with four OTm4 tetrahedra. In the third O2- site, O2- is bonded to two Tm3+ and two equivalent Re+4.50+ atoms to form distorted OTm2Re2 trigonal pyramids that share corners with eight OTm4 tetrahedra, edges with four equivalent OTm3Re tetrahedra, and an edgeedge with one OTm2Re2 trigonal pyramid. In the fourth O2- site, O2- is bonded in a 3-coordinate geometry to one Tm3+ and two equivalent Re+4.50+ atoms.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Materials Data on TmBPd3 by Materials Project

TmPd3B is (Cubic) Perovskite structured and crystallizes in the cubic Pm-3m space group. The structure is three-dimensional. Tm is bonded to twelve equivalent Pd atoms to form TmPd12 cuboctahedra that share corners with twelve equivalent TmPd12 cuboctahedra, faces with six equivalent TmPd12 cuboctahedra, and faces with eight equivalent BPd6 octahedra. All Tm–Pd bond lengths are 3.04 Å. Pd is bonded to four equivalent Tm and two equivalent B atoms to form a mixture of distorted corner, edge, and face-sharing PdTm4B2 octahedra. The corner-sharing octahedra tilt angles range from 0–60°. Both Pd–B bond lengths are 2.15 Å. B is bonded to six equivalent Pd atoms to form BPd6 octahedra that share corners with six equivalent BPd6 octahedra and faces with eight equivalent TmPd12 cuboctahedra. The corner-sharing octahedral tilt angles are 0°.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗