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At least 145 records · Page 8
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1993

Explosive component acceptance tester using laser interferometer technology

Acceptance testing of explosive components requires a reliable and simple to use testing method that can discern less than optimal performance. For hot-wire detonators, traditional techniques use dent blocks or photographic diagnostic methods. More complicated approaches are avoided because of their inherent problems with setup and maintenance. A recently developed tester is based on using a laser interferometer to measure the velocity of flying plates accelerated by explosively actuated detonators. Unlike ordinary interferometers that monitor displacement of the test article, this device measures velocity directly and is commonly used with non-spectral surfaces. Most often referred to as the VISAR technique (Velocity Interferometer System for Any Reflecting Surface), it has become the most widely-accepted choice for accurate measurement of velocity in the range greater than 1 mm/micro-s. Traditional VISAR devices require extensive setup and adjustment and therefore are unacceptable in a production-testing environment. This paper describes a new VISAR approach which requires virtually no adjustments, yet provides data with accuracy comparable to the more complicated systems. The device, termed the Fixed-Cavity VISAR, is currently being developed to serve as a product verification tool for hot-wire detonators and slappers. An extensive data acquisition and analysis computer code was also created to automate the manipulation of raw data into final results.

Wickstrom, Richard D.↗
NASA NTRS2011

Explosive Bolt Dual-Initiated from One Side

An explosive bolt has been developed that has a one-sided dual initiation train all the way down to the pyro charge for high reliability, while still allowing the other side of the bolt to remain in place after actuation to act as a thermal seal in an extremely high-temperature environment. This lightweight separation device separates at a single fracture plane, and has as much redundancy/reliability as possible. The initiation train comes into the explosive bolt from one side.

Snow, Eric↗
NASA NTRS2015

Background-Oriented Schlieren for Large-Scale and High-Speed Aerodynamic Phenomena

Visualization of the flow field around a generic re-entry capsule in subsonic flow and shock wave visualization with cylindrical explosives have been conducted to demonstrate sensitivity and applicability of background-oriented schlieren (BOS) for field experiments. The wind tunnel experiment suggests that BOS with a fine-pixel imaging device has a density change detection sensitivity on the order of 10(sup -5) in subsonic flow. In a laboratory setup, the structure of the shock waves generated by explosives have been successfully reconstructed by a computed tomography method combined with BOS.

Mizukaki, Toshiharu↗
NASA NTRS2009

Superconducting Hot-Electron Submillimeter-Wave Detector

A superconducting hot-electron bolometer has been built and tested as a prototype of high-sensitivity, rapid-response detectors of submillimeter-wavelength radiation. There are diverse potential applications for such detectors, a few examples being submillimeter spectroscopy for scientific research; detection of leaking gases; detection of explosive, chemical, and biological weapons; and medical imaging. This detector is a superconducting-transition- edge device. Like other such devices, it includes a superconducting bridge that has a low heat capacity and is maintained at a critical temperature (T(sub c)) at the lower end of its superconducting-transition temperature range. Incident photons cause transient increases in electron temperature through the superconducting-transition range, thereby yielding measurable increases in electrical resistance. In this case, T(sub c) = 6 K, which is approximately the upper limit of the operating-temperature range of silicon-based bolometers heretofore used routinely in many laboratories. However, whereas the response speed of a typical silicon- based laboratory bolometer is characterized by a frequency of the order of a kilohertz, the response speed of the present device is much higher characterized by a frequency of the order of 100 MHz. For this or any bolometer, a useful figure of merit that one seeks to minimize is (NEP)(tau exp 1/2), where NEP denotes the noise-equivalent power (NEP) and the response time. This figure of merit depends primarily on the heat capacity and, for a given heat capacity, is approximately invariant. As a consequence of this approximate invariance, in designing a device having a given heat capacity to be more sensitive (to have lower NEP), one must accept longer response time (slower response) or, conversely, in designing it to respond faster, one must accept lower sensitivity. Hence, further, in order to increase both the speed of response and the sensitivity, one must make the device very small in order to make its heat capacity very small; this is the approach followed in developing the present device.

Karasik, Boris↗
NASA NTRS1991

Ultrasonic Device Would Open Pipe Bombs

Piezoelectric ultrasonic transducer, energized by frequency generator and power supply, vibrates shell of pipe bomb while hardly disturbing explosive inner material. Frequency-control circuitry senses resonance in shell and holds generator at that frequency to induce fatigue cracking in threads of end cap. In addition to disarming bombs, ultrasonically induced fatigue may have other applications. In manufacturing, replaces some machining and cutting operations. In repair of equipment, cleanly and quickly disassembles corroded parts. In demolition of buildings used to dismember steel framework safely and controllably.

El-Raheb, Michael S.↗
NASA NTRS1980

A study of the comparative performance of six lightning warning systems

An analysis of mining explosive accident reports indicates a need for clear and ample warning of approaching electrical storms to reduce injuries/fatalities due to lightning induced premature detonation. Six lightning warning devices were comparatively evaluated at three test sites. The devices tested were: (1) flash counter, (2) corona point, (3) radioactive probe, (4) field mill, (5) azimuth/range locator, and (6) triangulation locator. The test sites were chosen to provide system evaluation under varied thunderstorm conditions. The devices were tested at San Antonio, Texas, Kennedy Space Center, Florida and Langmuir Laboratory, New Mexico. Comparative performance is reviewed in terms of alarm reliability, false alarm, and failure to alarm probabilities. Lightning warning system requirements and methods of relating warning criteria to explosive hazard are discussed.

Johnson, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Shockwave Consolidation of Nanostructured Thermoelectric Materials

Nanotechnology based thermoelectric materials are considered attractive for developing highly efficient thermoelectric devices. Nano-structured thermoelectric materials are predicted to offer higher ZT over bulk materials by reducing thermal conductivity and increasing electrical conductivity. Consolidation of nano-structured powders into dense materials without losing nanostructure is essential towards practical device development. Using the gas atomization process, amorphous nano-structured powders were produced. Shockwave consolidation is accomplished by surrounding the nanopowder-containing tube with explosives and then detonating. The resulting shock wave causes rapid fusing of the powders without the melt and subsequent grain growth. We have been successful in generating consolidated nano-structured bismuth telluride alloy powders by using the shockwave technique. Using these consolidated materials, several types of thermoelectric power generating devices have been developed. Shockwave consolidation is anticipated to generate large quantities of nanostructred materials expeditiously and cost effectively. In this paper, the technique of shockwave consolidation will be presented followed by Seebeck Coefficient and thermal conductivity measurements of consolidated materials. Preliminary results indicate a substantial increase in electrical conductivity due to shockwave consolidation technique.

Prasad, Narasimha S.↗
NASA NTRS2003

NASA Microgravity Combustion Science Research Plans for the ISS

A peer-reviewed research program in Microgravity Combustion Science has been chartered by the Physical Sciences Research Division of the NASA Office of Biological and Physical Research. The scope of these investigations address both fundamental combustion phenomena and applied combustion research topics of interest to NASA. From this pool of research, flight investigations are selected which benefit from access to a microgravity environment. Fundamental research provides insights to develop accurate simulations of complex combustion processes and allows developers to improve the efficiency of combustion devices, to reduce the production of harmful emissions, and to reduce the incidence of accidental uncontrolled combustion (fires, explosions). Through its spacecraft fire safety program, applied research is conducted to decrease risks to humans living and working in space. The Microgravity Combustion Science program implements a structured flight research process utilizing the International Space Station (ISS) and two of its premier facilities- the Combustion Integrated Rack of the Fluids and Combustion Facility and the Microgravity Science Glovebox - to conduct space-based research investigations. This paper reviews the current plans for Microgravity Combustion Science research on the International Space Station from 2003 through 2012.

Sutliff, Thomas J.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Lead-Free Propellant for Propellant Actuated Devices

Naval Surface Warfare Center, Indian Head Division's CAD/PAD Department has been working to remove toxic compounds from our products for about a decade. In 1992, we embarked on an effort to develop a lead-free double base propellant to replace that of a foreign sole source. At the time there were availability concerns. In 1995, the department developed a strategic proposal to include a wider range of products. Efforts included such efforts as removing lead sheathing from linear explosives and replacing lead azide and lead styphnate compounds. This paper will discuss efforts specifically related to developing non-leaded double base propellant for use in various Propellant Actuated Devices (PADs) for aircrew escape systems. The propellants can replace their leaded counterparts, mitigating lead handling, processing, or toxic exposure to the environment and personnel. This work eliminates the use of leaded compounds, replacing them with a more environmentally benign metal-organic salt. Historically double-base propellants have held an advantage over other families of energetic materials through their relative insensitivity of the burning rate to changes in temperature and pressure. This desirable ballistic effect has been obtained with the use of a lead-organic salt alone or in a physical mixture with a copper-organic salt, or more recently with a lead-copper complex. These ballistic modifiers are typically added to the double-base 'paste' prior to gelatinization on heated calendars or one type or another. The effect of constant burning rate over a pressure range is called a 'plateau' while an even more beneficial effect of decreasing burning rate with increasing pressure is termed a 'mesa.' The latter effect results in very low temperature sensitivity of the propellant burning rate. Propellants with such effects are ideal tactical rocket motor propellants. The use of lead compounds poses a concern for the environment and personnel safety due to the metal's toxic nature when introduced into the atmosphere by propellant manufacturing, rocket firings, and disposal. Two separate programs are underway at Indian Head to replace the leaded ballistic modifiers in NOSIH-AA-2 and KU propellants. Although the system requirements were very different, the programs gained valuable information from one another throughout their course.

Goodwin, John L.↗
NASA NTRS2014

An Experimental Study of Unconfined Hydrogen/Oxygen and Hydrogen/Air Explosions

Development tests are being conducted to characterize unconfined Hydrogen/air and Hydrogen/Oxygen blast characteristics. Most of the existing experiments for these types of explosions address contained explosions, like shock tubes. Therefore, the Hydrogen Unconfined Combustion Test Apparatus (HUCTA) has been developed as a gaseous combustion test device for determining the relationship between overpressure, impulse, and flame speed at various mixture ratios for unconfined reactions of hydrogen/oxygen and hydrogen/air. The system consists of a central platform plumbed to inject and mix component gasses into an attached translucent bag or balloon while monitoring hydrogen concentration. All tests are ignited with a spark with plans to introduce higher energy ignition sources in the future. Surrounding the platform are 9 blast pressure "Pencil" probes. Two high-speed cameras are used to observe flame speed within the combustion zone. The entire system is raised approx. 6 feet off the ground to remove any ground reflection from the measurements. As of this writing greater than 175 tests have been performed and include Design of Experiments test sets. Many of these early tests have used bags or balloons between approx. 340L and approx. 1850L to quantify the effect of gaseous mixture ratio on the properties of interest. All data acquisition is synchronized between the high-speed cameras, the probes, and the ignition system to observe flame and shock propagation. Successful attempts have been made to couple the pressure profile with the progress of the flame front within the combustion zone by placing a probe within the bag. Overpressure and impulse data obtained from these tests are used to anchor engineering analysis tools, CFD models and in the development of blast and fragment acceleration models.

Richardson, Erin↗
NASA NTRS1989

Lunar deep drill apparatus

Proposed as a baseline configuration, this rotary drill apparatus is designed to produce 100-mm diameter holes in the lunar surface at depths up to 50 meters. The drill is intended to acquire samples for scientific analysis, mineral resource location, calibration of electronic exploration devices, and foundation analysis at construction sites. It is also intended to prepare holes for emplacement of scientific instruments, the setting of structural anchors, and explosive methods in excavation and mining activities. Defined as a deep drill because of the modular drill string, it incorporates an automatic rod changer. The apparatus is teleoperated from a remote location, such as earth, utilizing supervisory control techniques. It is thus suitable for unmanned and man-tended operation. Proven terrestrial drilling technology is used to the extent it is compatible with the lunar environment. Augers and drive tubes form holes in the regolith and may be used to acquire loose samples. An inertial cutting removal system operates intermittently while rock core drilling is in progress. The apparatus is carried to the work site by a three-legged mobile platform which also provides a 2-meter feed along the hole centerline, an off-hole movement of approximately .5 meters, an angular alignment of up to 20 deg. from gravity vertical, and other dexterity required in handling rods and samples. The technology can also be applied using other carriers which incorporate similar motion capabilities. The apparatus also includes storage racks for augers, rods, and ancillary devices such as the foot-plate that holds the down-hole tooling during rod changing operations.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS2005

Visible-Near Infrared Imaging Spectrometer Data of Explosion Craters

In a continuing study to capture a realistic terrain applicable to studies of cratering processes and landing hazards on Mars, we have obtained new high resolution visible-near infrared images of several explosion craters at the Nevada Test Site. We used the Airborne Visible-Infrared Imaging Spectrometer (AVIRIS) to obtain images in 224 spectral bands from 0.4-2.5 microns [1]. The main craters that were imaged were Sedan, Scooter, Schooner, Buggy, and Danny Boy [2]. The 390 m diameter Sedan crater, located on Yucca Flat, is the largest and freshest explosion crater on Earth that was formed under conditions similar to hypervelocity impact cratering. As such, it is effectively pristine, having been formed in 1962 as a result of the detonation of a 104 kiloton thermonuclear device, buried at the appropriate equivalent depth of burst required to make a "simple" crater [2]. Sedan was formed in alluvium of mixed lithology [3] and subsequently studied using a variety of field-based methods. Nearby secondary craters were also formed at the time and were also imaged by AVIRIS. Adjacent to Sedan and also in alluvium is Scooter, about 90 m in diameter and formed by a high-explosive event. Schooner (240 m) and Danny Boy (80 m, Fig. 1) craters were also important targets for AVIRIS as they were excavated in hard welded tuff and basaltic andesite, respectively [3, 4]. This variation in targets will allow the study of ejecta patterns, compositional modifications due to the explosions, and the role of craters as subsurface probes.

Farr, T. G.↗
NASA NTRS2004

High Resolution Digital Elevation Models of Pristine Explosion Craters

In order to effectively capture a realistic terrain applicable to studies of cratering processes and landing hazards on Mars, we have obtained high resolution digital elevation models of several pristine explosion craters at the Nevada Test Site. We used the Airborne Terrain Mapper (ATM), operated by NASA's Wallops Flight Facility to obtain DEMs with 1 m spacing and 10 cm vertical errors of 4 main craters and many other craters and collapse pits. The main craters that were mapped are Sedan, Scooter, Schooner, and Danny Boy. The 370 m diameter Sedan crater, located on Yucca Flat, is the largest and freshest explosion crater on Earth that was formed under conditions similar to hypervelocity impact cratering. As such, it is effectively pristine, having been formed in 1962 as a result of a controlled detonation of a 100 kiloton thermonuclear device, buried at the appropriate equivalent depth of burst required to make a simple crater. Sedan was formed in alluvium of mixed lithology and subsequently studied using a variety of field-based methods. Nearby secondary craters were also formed at the time and were also mapped by ATM. Adjacent to Sedan and also in alluvium is Scooter, about 90 m in diameter and formed by a high-explosive event. Schooner (240 m) and Danny Boy (80 m) craters were also important targets for ATM as they were excavated in hard basalt and therefore have much rougher ejecta. This will allow study of ejecta patterns in hard rock as well as engineering tests of crater and rock avoidance and rover trafficability. In addition to the high resolution DEMs, crater geometric characteristics, RMS roughness maps, and other higher-order derived data products will be generated using these data. These will provide constraints for models of landing hazards on Mars and for rover trafficability. Other planned studies will include ejecta size-frequency distribution at the resolution of the DEM and at finer resolution through air photography and field measurements, correlation of ejecta size and composition with radar and visible-thermal IR remote sensing signatures, and comparison of these results with similar measurements of Mars. The final DEMs, ancillary data sets, and derived data products will be made available to the community.

T G Farr↗
NASA NTRS1991

Detection of small molecules with a flow immunosensor

We describe the development of an easy-to-use sensor with widespread applications for detecting small molecules. The flow immunosensor can analyze discrete samples in under one minute or continuously monitor a flowing stream for the presence of specific analytes. This detection system is extremely specific, and achieves a level of sensitivity which meets or exceeds the detection limits reported for rival assays. Because the system is also compact, transportable, and automated, it has the potential to impact diverse areas. For example, the flow immunosensor has successfully detected drugs of abuse and explosives, and may well address many of the needs of the environmental community with respect to continuous monitoring for pollutants. Efforts are underway to engineer a portable device in the field.

Kusterbeck, Anne W.↗
NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Accuracy of Center of Pressure Determination via Motion Capture

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to support the stability assessment for tasks in lunar gravity and exercises on a Vibration Isolation and Stabilization (VIS) system in microgravity based on the dynamic feasibility criterion of whether the calculated position of the center of pressure (COP) falls within the base of support (BOS) which outlines the subject’s feet. Motion capture data combined with biomechanical modeling and simulation allows the forces and moments between the human and the VIS platform to be computed and the position of the COP as well as the location and shape of the BOS to be determined. The goal of this study was to assess the accuracy of the COP trajectory calculated using motion capture-based data. METHODS AND RESULTS: To obtain the dynamic quantities from which COP is calculated, motion capture data is first collected in the 1g lab environment by recording the trajectories of passive retroreflective markers placed on a subject during exercise or performance of a given task. The OpenSim [1] inverse kinematics (IK) tool is used to fit a scaled subject model to recorded marker trajectories while minimizing marker error to obtain joint angles. Then, a custom OpenSim plugin [2] is used to determine the subject’s time-varying moment of inertia and its time derivative, center of mass (CM) position, velocity, and acceleration, as well as the angular momentum and its time derivative relative to the subject’s CM. Some of these quantities are not needed for modeling tasks performed on a stationary lunar surface but, due to the moving exercise platform, are needed to model VIS response to the subject’s motion. Hand positions, used in calculating a cable force if present, are recorded as well. These quantities are used to calculate the total force (F ⃗^((plate) )) and moment (M ⃗^((plate) )) exerted by the lunar surface or the VIS plate on the subject’s shoe soles. COP is then calculated from the following equations: r_x^((cop) )= M_z^((plate) )/F_y^((plate) ) and r_z^((cop) )= 〖-M〗_x^((plate) )/F_y^((plate) ), where the y axis is normal to the surface. COP accuracy for feasibility assessments is then determined by whether it falls within the BOS, which is also computed by the plugin. To study the accuracy of COP calculated from motion capture, we first investigated whether COP remained within the BOS, as it must, for exercises performed in the 1g lab environment. Standard exercises such as back squat and deadlift were analyzed, as well as more explosive exercises including hang clean and press. Cases in which the COP exited the BOS indicated that COP accuracy required further investigation. In this study, an exercise device with cables was used, so cable force modeling accuracy should also be considered. In a separate study, we collected motion capture and force plate data for twenty-seven motions not involving an exercise device. About a third were genuine countermeasures exercises (e.g., hang clean and press), some were relevant for lunar tasks (e.g., object pick up), and the rest were of a “unit test” nature (e.g., swaying back and forth or side to side). Motion capture-based COP positions were compared with force plate measured COP. We found that while force plate measured COP remained within the BOS, motion capture-based COP was observed to briefly exit the BOS on occasion. Techniques to mitigate IK artifacts and filtering of calculated data could be used to improve the agreement of calculated and measured results, resolving excursions from the BOS within this dataset. The mean error between calculated and measured COP was found to be less than 6 mm. Additionally, we derived and investigated equations for the COP in terms of the cable force, cable location, as well as the human CM position, acceleration, and angular momentum with respect to the CM, and analyzed them for sensitivity to errors in individual quantities. Several were found, but the most significant one was that when the vertical force on the feet approaches zero, indicating a near-detachment or ‘jump off’ condition, errors are amplified. This is consistent with the observation that in the absence of pressure, the concept of the center of pressure would become meaningless.

C A Bell↗
NASA NTRS1972

Fault determinations in electroexplosive devices by nondestructive techniques

Several nondestructive test techniques were developed for electroexplosive devices. The bridgewire responds, when pulsed with a safe level current, by generating a characteristic heating curve. The response is indicative of the electrothermal behavior of the bridgewire-explosive interface. Bridgewires which deviate from the characteristic heating curve were dissected and examined to determine the cause of the abnormality. Deliberate faults were fabricated into squibs. The relationship of the specific abnormality and the fault associated with it is demonstrated.

Menichelli, V. J.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Interrelationship of nondestructive testing to fault determination.

Several nondestructive test techniques have been developed for electroexplosive devices. The bridgewire will respond, when pulsed with a safe level current, by generating a characteristic heating curve. The response is indicative of the electrothermal behavior of the bridgewire-explosive interface. Bridgewires which deviate from the characteristic heating curve have been dissected and examined to determine the cause for the abnormality. Deliberate faults have been fabricated into squibs. The relationship of the specific abnormality and the fault associated with it is discussed.

Menichelli, V. J.↗