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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 145 records · Page 8

Mechanisms of active control in cylindrical fuselage structures

This paper summarizes ongoing efforts to understand and exploit active control techniques for low frequency noise suppression in aerospace applications. Analytical models are utilized in an effort to understand the mechanisms that govern noise transmission into acoustic spaces enclosed by lightweight structures and to examine the results of experimental implementations of active control schemes. Emphasis is placed on attaining global noise reductions using a minimum number of actuators rather than localized control over many subregions. This program has demonstrated the effect of synchrophasing and interface modal filtering, in limiting the modal density within the acoustic space, and how strong reactive effects may occur in two dimensional geometries. Finally, the performance of active control systems utilizing acoustic and vibration actuators is evaluated. Suppressions of 10 to 30 dB are demonstrated in practice, and performance is discussed in relation to the physical mechanisms and parameters of the system.

Silcox, R. J.↗

Structural CNT Composites Part II: Assessment of CNT Yarns as Reinforcement for Composite Overwrapped Pressure Vessels

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are one-dimensional nanomaterials with outstanding electrical and thermal conductivities and mechanical properties. This combination of properties offers routes to enable lightweight structural aerospace components. Recent advances in the manufacturing of CNTs have made bulk forms such as yarns, tapes and sheets available in commercial quantities to permit the evaluation of these materials for aerospace use, where the superior tensile properties of CNT composites can be exploited in tension dominated applications such as composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs). To investigate their utility in this application, aluminum rings were overwrapped with thermoset/CNT yarn composite and their mechanical properties measured. CNT composite overwrap characteristics such as processing method, CNT/resin ratio, and applied tension during CNT yarn winding were varied to determine their effects on the mechanical performance of the CNT composite overwrapped Al rings (CCOARs). Mechanical properties of the CCOARs were measured under static and cyclic loads at room, elevated, and cryogenic temperatures to evaluate their mechanical performance relative to bare Al rings. At room temperature, the breaking load of CCOARs with a 10.8% additional weight due to the CNT yarn/thermoset overwrap increased by over 200% compared to the bare Al ring. The quality of the wound CNT composites was also investigated using x-ray computed tomography.

Kim, Jae-Woo↗

CHEM-Based Self-Deploying Spacecraft Radar Antennas

A document proposes self-deploying spacecraft radar antennas based on cold hibernated elastic memory (CHEM) structures. Described in a number of prior NASA Tech Briefs articles, the CHEM concept is one of utilizing open-cell shape-memory-polymer (SMP) foams to make lightweight structures that can be compressed for storage and can later be expanded, then rigidified for use. A CHEM-based antenna according to the proposal would comprise three layers of microstrip patches and transmission lines interspersed with two flat layers of SMP foam, which would serve as both dielectric spacers and as means of deployment. The SMP foam layers would be fabricated at full size at a temperature below the SMP glass-transition temperature (Tg). The layers would be assembled into a unitary structure, which, at temperature above Tg, would be compacted to much smaller thickness, then rolled up for storage. Next, the structure would be cooled to below Tg and kept there during launch. Upon reaching the assigned position in outer space, the structure would be heated above Tg to make it rebound to its original size and shape. The structure as thus deployed would then be rigidified by natural cooling to below Tg

Sokolowski, Witold↗

Space astrophysics with large structures - CASES and P/OF

Space instruments for remote sensing, of the types used for astrophysics and solar-terrestrial physics among many disciplines, will grow to larger physical sizes in the future. The zero-g space environment does not inherently restrict such growth, because relatively lightweight structures can be used. Active servo control of the structures can greatly increase their size for a given mass. The Pinhole/Occulter Facility, a candidate Space Station attached payload, offers an example: it will achieve 0.2 arc s resolution by use of a 50-m baseline for coded-aperture telescopes for hard X-ray and gamma-ray imagers.

Hudson, Hugh S.↗

Development of Composite Sandwich Bonded Longitudinal Joints for Space Launch Vehicle Structures

The NASA Composite Technology for Exploration (CTE) Project is developing and demonstrating critical composite technologies with a focus on composite bonded joints; incorporating materials, design/analysis, manufacturing, and tests that utilize NASA’s expertise and capabilities. The project has goals of advancing composite technologies and providing lightweight structures to support future NASA exploration missions. In particular, the CTE project will demonstrate weight-saving, performance-enhancing composite bonded joint technology for Space Launch System (SLS)-scale composite hardware. Advancements from the CTE project may be incorporated as future block upgrades for SLS structural components. This paper discusses the details of the development of a composite sandwich bonded longitudinal joint for a generic space launch vehicle structure called the CTE Point Design. The paper includes details of the design, analysis, materials, manufacturing, and testing of sub-element joint test articles to test the capability of the joint design. The test results show that the composite longitudinal bonded joint design significantly exceeds the design loads with a 2.0 factor of safety. Analysis pre-test failure predictions for all sub-element bonded joint test coupons were all within 10% of the average test coupon failure load. This testing and analysis provides confidence in the potential use of composite bonded joints for future launch vehicle structures.

Segal, Kenneth N.↗

Testing and Analysis Correlation of a Large-Scale Composite Sandwich Longitudinal Bonded Joint for Space Launch Vehicle Structures

The NASA Composite Technology for Exploration (CTE) Project is developing and demonstrating critical composite technologies with a focus on composite bonded joints; incorporating materials, design/analysis, manufacturing, and tests that utilize NASA’s expertise and capabilities. The project has goals of advancing composite technologies and providing lightweight structures to support future NASA exploration missions. In particular, the CTE project will demonstrate weight-saving, performance-enhancing composite bonded joint technology for Space Launch System (SLS)-scale composite hardware. Advancements from the CTE project may be incorporated as future block upgrades for SLS structural components. This paper discusses the details of the development of a composite sandwich bonded longitudinal joint for a generic space launch vehicle structure called the CTE Point Design. This paper reports on the large-scale longitudinal bonded joint test articles that were fabricated and tested under axial compressive loading conditions to test the capability of the bonded joint design for buckling and joint failure. Test and analysis correlation of an as-manufactured undamaged longitudinal bonded joint panel are presented in the paper for tests to the onset of buckling and panel failure. Analysis predictions for buckling initiation and panel failure were both within 10% of the longitudinal bonded joint panel test results. This testing and analysis provide confidence in the potential use of composite bonded joints for future launch vehicle structures.

David W Sleight↗

Recent Advances in Structural Carbon Nanotube Composites

Carbon nanotubes (CNT) have been a subject of investigation for more than two decades. Part of the interest in CNTs was driven by CNT tensile mechanical properties at the nanoscale that suggest their potential to outperform state-of-the-art (SOA) lightweight structural materials. Early work on the development of CNT nanocomposites involved the dispersion of CNT powder into polymer matrices. Although low levels of CNT doping resulted in meaningful increases in electrical conductivity to enable applications such as electrostatic charge dissipation, the highest concentrations of CNTs in these lightly doped nanocomposites did not yield mechanical properties that could compete with SOA carbon fiber composites. The maximum concentration of CNTs in lightly doped nanocomposites was limited to about 5% due to increases in viscosity that prevent the fabrication of good quality nanocomposites. At the lower concentrations, properties of the resulting nanocomposites were analogous to those of composites made with very short, chopped carbon fibers. About ten years ago, CNTs became available in continuous fiber form, allowing the investigation of processing methods to incorporate much higher CNT content into composites. Recent developments in CNT composite fabrication have yielded improved mechanical properties and indicate that while some standard carbon fiber composite processing methods can be used, CNTs have unique microstructural features that require techniques tailored to access the hierarchical features of CNTs. This presentation will discuss the evolution of structural CNT mechanical property advancements and collaboration mechanisms for research across federal labs, academia, and industry that accelerated the maturation of structural CNTs.

Carbon Nanotubes↗

System concept for a moderate cost Large Deployable Reflector (LDR)

A study was carried out at JPL during the first quarter of 1985 to develop a system concept for NASA's LDR. Major features of the concept are a four-mirror, two-stage optical system; a lightweight structural composite segmented primary reflector; and a deployable truss backup structure with integral thermal shield. The two-stage optics uses active figure control at the quaternary reflector located at the primary reflector exit pupil, allowing the large primary to be passive. The lightweight composite reflector panels limit the short-wavelength operation to approximately 30 microns but reduce the total primary reflector weight by a factor of 3 to 4 over competing technologies. On-orbit thermal analysis indicates a primary reflector equilibrium temperature of less than 200 K with a maximum gradient of about 5 C across the 20-m aperture. Weight and volume estimates are consistent with a single Shuttle launch, and are based on Space Station assembly and checkout.

Swanson, P. N.↗

Bandwidth Study on Energy Use and Potential Energy Savings Opportunities in U.S. Titanium Manufacturing

Energy bandwidth studies can serve as foundational references in framing the range (or bandwidth) of potential energy savings opportunities in U.S. manufacturing. This bandwidth study is one of a series of six energy bandwidth studies on lightweight structural materials manufacturing. The study examines energy consumption and potential energy savings opportunities in U.S. titanium manufacturing. The study relies on multiple sources to estimate the energy used in the manufacturing of the lightweight material for four application areas (automotive, wind energy, aerospace, and pressure vessels), accounting for approximately 75% of overall U.S. titanium production in 2010. Energy savings opportunities for the three manufacturing subareas studied are based on technologies currently in use or under development.

energy bandwidth study, titanium, advanced manufac↗

Bandwidth Study on Energy Use and Potential Energy Saving Opportunities in U.S. Magnesium Manufacturing

Energy bandwidth studies can serve as foundational references in framing the range (or bandwidth) of potential energy savings opportunities in U.S. manufacturing. This bandwidth study is one of a series of six energy bandwidth studies on lightweight structural materials manufacturing. The study examines energy consumption and potential energy savings opportunities in U.S. magnesium manufacturing. The study relies on multiple sources to estimate the energy used in the manufacturing of the lightweight material for four application areas (automotive, wind energy, aerospace, and pressure vessels), accounting for approximately 32% of overall U.S. magnesium production in 2010. Energy savings opportunities for the four manufacturing subareas studied are based on technologies currently in use or under development.

energy energy bandwidth study, magnesium, advanced↗

Multi-Scale Sizing of Lightweight Multifunctional Spacecraft Structural Components

This document is the final report for the project entitled, "Multi-Scale Sizing of Lightweight Multifunctional Spacecraft Structural Components," funded under the NRA entitled "Cross-Enterprise Technology Development Program" issued by the NASA Office of Space Science in 2000. The project was funded in 2001, and spanned a four year period from March, 2001 to February, 2005. Through enhancements to and synthesis of unique, state of the art structural mechanics and micromechanics analysis software, a new multi-scale tool has been developed that enables design, analysis, and sizing of advance lightweight composite and smart materials and structures from the full vehicle, to the stiffened structure, to the micro (fiber and matrix) scales. The new software tool has broad, cross-cutting value to current and future NASA missions that will rely on advanced composite and smart materials and structures.

Bednarcyk, Brett A.↗

Bandwidth Study on Energy Use and Potential Energy Saving Opportunities in U.S. Aluminum Manufacturing

Energy bandwidth studies can serve as foundational references in framing the range (or bandwidth) of potential energy savings opportunities in U.S. manufacturing. This bandwidth study is one of a series of six energy bandwidth studies on lightweight structural materials manufacturing. The study examines energy consumption and potential energy savings opportunities in U.S. aluminum manufacturing. The study relies on multiple sources to estimate the energy used in the manufacturing of the material for lightweighting applications (automotive and aerospace), accounting for approximately 28% of overall U.S. aluminum production in 2010. Energy savings opportunities for the five manufacturing subareas studied are based on technologies currently in use or under development.

energy energy bandwidth study, aluminum, advanced ↗

Advanced solar concentrator: Executive summary

The preliminary design of a point-focusing solar concentrator, consisting of a steerable space frame structure supporting a paraboloidal mirror glass reflector, is described. A mass production, operation, and maintenance cost assessment is presented. A conceptual evaluation of a modified concentrator design is included. The detailed design of one of the lightweight, structurally efficient reflective elements comprising the paraboloidal reflective surface is given.

Source record↗

Bandwidth Study on Energy Use and Potential Energy Saving Opportunities in U.S. Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Manufacturing

Energy bandwidth studies can serve as foundational references in framing the range (or bandwidth) of potential energy savings opportunities in U.S. manufacturing. This bandwidth study is one of a series of six energy bandwidth studies on lightweight structural materials manufacturing. The study examines energy consumption and potential energy savings opportunities in U.S. carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites manufacturing. The study relies on multiple sources to estimate the energy used in the manufacturing of the lightweight material for four application areas (automotive, wind energy, aerospace, and pressure vessels), accounting for approximately 51% of overall U.S. carbon fiber production in 2010. Energy savings opportunities for the six manufacturing sub-processes studied are based on technologies currently in use or under development.

energy energy bandwidth study, carbon fiber, reinf↗

Bandwidth Study on Energy Use and Potential Energy Saving Opportunities in U.S. Advanced High Strength Steels Manufacturing

Energy bandwidth studies can serve as foundational references in framing the range (or bandwidth) of potential energy savings opportunities in U.S. manufacturing. This bandwidth study is one of a series of six energy bandwidth studies on lightweight structural materials manufacturing. The study examines energy consumption and potential energy savings opportunities in U.S. advanced high strength steel (AHSS) manufacturing. The study relies on multiple sources to estimate the energy used in the manufacturing of the lightweight material for automotive applications, accounting for nearly 100% of U.S. AHSS production in 2010. Energy savings opportunities for the six manufacturing subareas studied are based on technologies currently in use or under development.

energy bandwidth study, advanced high strength ste↗

Bandwidth Study on Energy Use and Potential Energy Saving Opportunities in U.S. Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer Manufacturing

Energy bandwidth studies can serve as foundational references in framing the range (or bandwidth) of potential energy savings opportunities in U.S. manufacturing. This bandwidth study is one of a series of six energy bandwidth studies on lightweight structural materials manufacturing. The study examines energy consumption and potential energy savings opportunities in U.S. glass fiber reinforced polymer composites manufacturing. The study relies on multiple sources to estimate the energy used in the manufacturing of the lightweight material for four application areas (automotive, wind energy, aerospace, and pressure vessels), accounting for approximately 47% of overall U.S. glass fiber production in 2010. Energy savings opportunities for the six manufacturing sub-processes studied are based on technologies currently in use or under development.

energy energy bandwidth study, glass fiber, reinfo↗

Low-Cost Highly Recyclable Structural Composites Utilizing Vitrimers and Natural Fibers (Basalt) Manufactured via a Novel Pultrusion Method for High-Volume Applications

The project’s overall goal is to explore and demonstrate as proof-of-concept that a highly recyclable and repairable composite material system, that is reinforced with natural fibers, can be used to produce lightweight structural components using a low-cost manufacturing process for high-volume automotive applications. More specifically, the project’s objectives will focus on vitrimer resins (which are a hybrid polymeric system of thermoplastics and thermosets) reinforced with basalt fibers and manufactured using pultrusion technologies. Pultrusion, as a method, is well-known to be one of the lowest-cost manufacturing processes for high-volume applications. However, to date, the validity and viability of such attractive objectives have not been demonstrated in support of the automotive industry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Aircraft empennage structural detail design

The purpose of this project is to provide an empennage structural assembly that will withstand the operational loads defined in FAR Part 23, as well as those specified in the statement of work, i.e. snow, rain, humidity, tiedown forces, etc. The goal is to provide a simple yet durable lightweight structure that will transfer the aerodynamic forces produced by the tail surfaces through the most efficient load path to the airframe. The structure should be simple and cost-effective to manufacture and repair. All structures meet or exceed loading and fatigue criteria. The structure provides for necessary stiffness and ease of maintenance.

Lesnewski, David↗