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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

Measurement and evaluation of the radiative properties of a thin solid fuel

Accurate modeling of combustion systems requires knowledge of the radiative properties of the system. Gas phase properties are well known, but detailed knowledge of surface properties is limited. Recent work has provided spectrally resolved data for some solid fuels, but only for the unburned material at room temperature, and for limited sets of previously burned and quenched samples. Due to lack of knowledge of the spectrally resolved properties at elevated temperatures, as well as processing limitations in the modeling effort, graybody values are typically used for the fuels surface radiative properties. However, the spectrally resolved properties for the fuels at room temperature can be used to give a first-order correction for temperature effects on the graybody values. Figure 1 shows a sample of the spectrally resolved emittance/absorptance for a thin solid fuel of the type commonly used in combustion studies, from approximately 2 to 20 microns. This plot clearly shows a strong spectral dependence across the entire range. By definition, the emittance is the ratio of the emitted energy to that of a blackbody at the same temperature. Therefore, to determine a graybody emittance for this material, the spectrally resolved data must be applied to a blackbody curve. The total area under the resulting curve is ratioed to the total area under the blackbody curve to yield the answer. Due to the asymmetry of the spectrally resolved emittance and the changing shape of the blackbody curve as the temperature increases, the relative importance of the emittance value at any given wavelength will change as a function of temperature. Therefore, the graybody emittance value for a given material will change as a function of temperature even if the spectral dependence of the radiative properties remains unchanged. This is demonstrated in Figures 2 and 3, which are plots of the spectrally resolved emittance for KimWipes (shown in Figure 1) multiplied by the blackbody curves for 300 K (Figure 2) and 800 K (Figure 3). Each figure also shows the blackbody curve for that temperature. Ratioing the areas under the curve for each of these figures give a graybody emittance of 0.64 at 300 K, and 0.46 at 800 K. It is recognized that materials undergoing pyrolysis will change in composition as they heat up, and that the radiative properties of the materials may have inherent temperature dependence. Both of these effects will contribute to changes in the radiative characteristics of a given material, and are not accounted for here. However, this paper demonstrates the temperature dependence of graybody radiative properties, and provides a method for a first-order correction (for temperature) to the graybody values if the spectrally resolved properties are known.

Pettegrew, Richard↗

Power

The space station requires an increase in power or energy of at least several orders of magnitude compared to previous space missions. With the requirement up in the range of 10 kilowatt hours, this obviiously requires the development of new technology. Although the power area is very well integrated in the spacecraft itself, it represents a diverse set of components necessary for energy conversion, electronics, and energy distribution. Considerable work is ongoing at NASA Lewis in the power devices development area, including transformers, large area solid-state chips, transistors, and fast recovery diodes. This work is oriented toward eventual application to both AC and DC power conversion approaches. In the energy storage area, there are many options available to fit into the space station representing various degrees of risk and leverage combination, such as the near-term integral-pressure-vessel nickel hydrogen battery, an advanced Ni-H2 battery concept, and the regenrative hydrogen-oxygen system utilizing essentially the Shuttle orbiter type of fuel cell.

Corbett, R.↗

Development of mid-infrared solid state lasers for spaceborne lidar

This semiannual progress report covers work performed during the period from April 13, 1988 to October 13, 1988 under NASA grant number NAG-1-877 entitled, Development of mid-infrared solid state lasers for spaceborne lidar. We have designed a flashlamp-pumped Cr3(+);GSAG laser of pulsed laser energy greater than 200 mJ and of pulse width of 1 ms FWHM to simulate a high-power laser diode in pumping mid-infrared laser crystals such as Tm3(+), Er3(+), and/or Ho3(+)-ion doped YAG, YLF or other host materials. This Cr3(+);GSAG laser will be used to determine optimum conditions for laser diode pumped mid-infrared lasers, maximum energy extraction limit with longitudinal pumping, thermal damage limit, and other problems related to high power laser diode pumping. We have completed a modification of an existing flashlamp-pumped and liquid nitrogen cooled rare earth laser system for 60 J electrical input energy and a 500 micron pulse width, and have carried out preliminary experiments with a Ho(+):Er3(+):Tm3(+):YAG crystal to test the system performance. This flashlamp-pumped rare earth laser system will be used to determine optimum Tm3(+)-ion concentration in Ho3(+):Cr3(+):Tm3(+):YAG crystal in the remaining research period.

Whitney, Donald A.↗

Mechanisms for the adhesion of silver to glow discharge sensitized perfluorinated ethylene propylene (PEP)

Details are given for the deposition of silver onto FEP for a batch coater capable of handling 864 square inches at a time. The effectiveness of the glow discharge is shown to be optimum when the FEP faces the anode. Using solid state theory based upon the work function difference, and the heuristic assumption that the surface of FEP is populated with fluoride ions, it is argued that an anode sensitized surface develops states receptive to electron transfer from silver, whereas a cathode sensitized surface is polarized only, and as a result cannot permanently trap charge. Thermodynamic arguments given show that an order of magnitude of 10 to the 9th power electrons are transferred into states to a depth of 10 nm.

Schutt, J. B.↗

STS-26: Preparations for Launch

Preparations for launch of STS-26 are shown. They include: (1) VAB to OPF high bay rollover; (2) Main engine unpacking and installation; (3) OMS pod installation; (4) Crew hatch removal; (5) Modified crew hatch installation; (6) Nose cap installation; (7) 17 inch disconnect work; (8) Ku-band antenna stow and deploy; (9) Tile work; (10) Oasis payload installation; (11) Solid rocket boosters arrival, preps and stacking; (13) Modified SRB segments: Arrival via train at KSC RPSF; (14) AFT segment rotation to vertical in RPSF; (15) AFT skirt to AFT segment mating; (16) SRB grain inspection; (17) Lift AFT segment; and (18) Lift and mate external tank.

Source record↗

Finite Rotation Analysis of Highly Thin and Flexible Structures

Deployable space structures such as sunshields and solar sails are extremely thin and highly flexible with limited bending rigidity. For analytical investigation of their responses during deployment and operation in space, these structures can be modeled as thin shells. The present work examines the applicability of the solid shell element formulation to modeling of deployable space structures. The solid shell element formulation that models a shell as a three-dimensional solid is convenient in that no rotational parameters are needed for the description of kinematics of deformation. However, shell elements may suffer from element locking as the thickness becomes smaller unless special care is taken. It is shown that, when combined with the assumed strain formulation, the solid shell element formulation results in finite element models that are free of locking even for extremely thin structures. Accordingly, they can be used for analysis of highly flexible space structures undergoing geometrically nonlinear finite rotations.

Clarke, Greg V.↗

Computers Take Flight: A History of NASA's Pioneering Digital Fly-By-Wire Project

An overview of the NASA F-8 Fly-by Wire project is presented. The project made two significant contributions to the new technology: (1) a solid design base of techniques that work and those that do not, and (2) credible evidence of good flying qualities and the ability of such a system to tolerate real faults and to continue operation without degradation. In 1972 the F-8C aircraft used in the program became he first digital fly-by-wire aircraft to operate without a mechanical backup system.

Tomayko, James E.↗

Laboratory Studies of Ethane Ice Relevant to Outer Solar System Surfaces

Oort Cloud comets, as well as TNOs Makemake (2045 FYg), Quaoar, and Pluto, are known to contain ethane. However, even though this molecule is found on several outer Solar System objects relatively little information is available about its amorphous and crystalline phases. In new experiments, we have prepared ethane ices at temperatures applicable to the outer Solar System, and have heated and ion-irradiated these ices to study phase changes and ethane's radiation chemistry using mid-IR spectroscopy (2.2 - 16.6 microns). Included in our work is the meta-stable phase that exists at 35 - 55 K. These results, including newly obtained optical constants, are relevant to ground-based observational campaigns, the New Horizons mission, and supporting laboratory work. An improved understanding of solid-phase ethane may contribute to future searches for this and other hydrocarbons in the outer Solar System.

Moore, Marla H.↗

Evolution of Geometric Sensitivity Derivatives from Computer Aided Design Models

The generation of design parameter sensitivity derivatives is required for gradient-based optimization. Such sensitivity derivatives are elusive at best when working with geometry defined within the solid modeling context of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) systems. Solid modeling CAD systems are often proprietary and always complex, thereby necessitating ad hoc procedures to infer parameter sensitivity. A new perspective is presented that makes direct use of the hierarchical associativity of CAD features to trace their evolution and thereby track design parameter sensitivity. In contrast to ad hoc methods, this method provides a more concise procedure following the model design intent and determining the sensitivity of CAD geometry directly to its respective defining parameters.

Jones, William T.↗

Evaluation of Polymer Hermetically Sealed Tantalum Capacitors

Polymer cathode tantalum capacitors have lower ESR (equivalent series resistance) compared to other types of tantalum capacitors and for this reason have gained popularity in the electronics design community. Their use allows improved performance of power supply systems along with substantial reduction of size and weight of the components used. However, these parts have poor thermal stability and can degrade in humid environments. Polymer hermetically sealed (PHS) capacitors avoid problems related to environmental degradation of molded case parts and can potentially replace current wet and solid hermetically sealed capacitors. In this work, PHS capacitors manufactured per DLA LAM DWG#13030 are evaluated for space applications. Several lots of capacitors manufactured over period from 2010 to 2014 were tested for the consistency of performance, electrical and thermal characteristics, highly accelerated life testing, and robustness under reverse bias and random vibration conditions. Special attention was given to analysis of leakage currents and the effect of long-term high temperature storage on capacitors in as is condition and after hermeticity loss. The results show that PHS capacitors might be especially effective for low-temperature applications or for system requiring a cold start-up. Additional screening and qualification testing have been recommended to assure the necessary quality of capacitors for space projects.

ferrite beads↗

Testing Densities and Refractive Indices of Extraterrestrial Ice Components Using Molecular Structures - Organic Compounds and Molar Refractions

The use of infrared spectra to determine molecular abundances of icy astronomical objects and to study their chemistry requires laboratory measurements of reference spectra and related quantities, such as the index of refraction (n) and density (p) of candidate ices. Here we present new n and p measurements on ices involving over 30 C-, H-, and O-containing compounds, both acyclic and cyclic, representing seven chemical families. We examine the results in a way that is rare in the astrochemical literature, namely one in which data from an ice formed from molecules of a particular chemical family are compared to measurements on another member of the same family, such as of a homologous series or a pair of isomers. Apart from the intrinsic usefulness of the n and data, a structure-based comparison can help establish trends and identify possibly spurious results. As liquid-phase data sometimes are used in low-temperature astrochemical work in the absence of solid-phase measurements, we compare our new ice results to those for the corresponding room-temperature liquids. We emphasize the use of our n and p data to compute the molar refraction (RM) for each of our ices, and how the resulting RM values compare to those expected from molecular structures. The use of calculated RM values and measured n values to calculate ice densities, in the absence of direct measurements, is also addressed.

Hudson, Reggie L.↗

Genetic Algorithm Optimization of a Cost Competitive Hybrid Rocket Booster

Performance, reliability and cost have always been drivers in the rocket business. Hybrid rockets have been late entries into the launch business due to substantial early development work on liquid rockets and later on solid rockets. Slowly the technology readiness level of hybrids has been increasing due to various large scale testing and flight tests of hybrid rockets. A remaining issue is the cost of hybrids vs the existing launch propulsion systems. This paper will review the known state of the art hybrid development work to date and incorporate it into a genetic algorithm to optimize the configuration based on various parameters. A cost module will be incorporated to the code based on the weights of the components. The design will be optimized on meeting the performance requirements at the lowest cost.

Story, George↗

Fluctuations of thermal conductivity and morphological stability

Compositional fluctuations of the binary alloy result in the corresponding fluctuations of the thermal conductivity of the material. During crystal growth, these fluctuations can significantly modify the local temperature fields at the liquid-solid interface. This, in turn, will affect the morphological stability of the growing interface. In this work, the temperature dependence of the thermal conductivity of the solid phase has been included into the Mullins-Sekerka formalism. A significant effect on the onset of the instability of planar interface has been predicted. It has been found, in particular, that for binary systems with the segregation coefficient above unity a flat interface is always unstable. The shape of the interface fluctuation should have a single harmonic character with a well defined wavelength.

Mazuruk, K.↗

In-situ Raman Instrumentation and Measurements in Supercritical Water Oxidation Systems

Due to the advent of recent advances in reactor designs and operational procedures, renewed attention has been given to a host of supercritical water oxidation (SCWO) technology applications. This includes resource recovery, water reclamation, and solid waste destruction. SCWO is often recognized as a “green technology” because of its ability to extract useful energy while producing benign products from environmentally challenging waste streams (e.g., wet organic wastes, pharmaceutical wastes, military wastes). The present work was motivated by NASA’s interests in solid waste management and water recovery for long-duration space missions. To that end, the main focus of this paper is to present work on characterizing the behavior of supercritical water oxidation systems utilizing state of the art laser Raman spectroscopy. The main benefit of Raman diagnostics is its ability to identify chemical composition and to measure concentrations of the compounds involved in the reaction. Two separate Raman systems for SCWO measurements that have been developed for this study will be described. The first system is a 2-D traversing system useful for making in-situ measurements in conditions where spatial gradients of species and temperature are important and has been successfully utilized in making species (ethanol, oxygen, water, nitrogen and carbon dioxide) concentrations and temperature measurements in ethanol hydrothermal jet flames. The second system is a packaged modular Raman probe unit for portable deployment to different reactors and is more suitable for relatively homogeneous systems such as a batch reactor. The design, development, and examples of obtained results from both systems will be presented for various reactant streams. Reaction rate and fuel conversion estimates from chemistry models will also be presented.

supercritical water oxidation↗

Analyses of Noise from Reusable Solid Rocket Motor (RSRM) Firings

NASA s Space Launch Vehicle (SLS) program has chosen the Reusable Solid Rocket Motor V (RSRMV) as the booster system for initial flights. Lift off acoustics continue to be a consideration in overall vehicle vibroacoustic evaluations and launch pad modifications. Work started with the Ares program to understand solid rocket noise mechanisms is continuing through SLS program in conjunction with BYU/Blue Ridge Research Consulting.

Gee, Kent L.↗

Characterization of Thermal and Mechanical Impact on Aluminum Honeycomb Structures

This study supports NASA Kennedy Space Center's research in the area of intelligent thermal management systems and multifunctional thermal systems. This project addresses the evaluation of the mechanical and thermal properties of metallic cellular solid (MCS) materials; those that are lightweight; high strength, tunable, multifunctional and affordable. A portion of the work includes understanding the mechanical properties of honeycomb structured cellular solids upon impact testing under ambient, water-immersed, liquid nitrogen-cooled, and liquid nitrogen-immersed conditions. Additionally, this study will address characterization techniques of the aluminum honeycomb's ability to resist multiple high-rate loadings or impacts in varying environmental conditions, using various techniques for the quantitative and qualitative determination for commercial applicability.

Robinson, Christen M.↗

Water recovery and solid waste processing for aerospace and domestic applications

The work is described accomplished in compiling information needed to establish the current water supply and waste water processing requirements for dwellings, and for developing a preliminary design for a waste water to potable water management system. Data generated was used in formulation of design criteria for the preliminary design of the waste water to potable water recycling system. The system as defined was sized for a group of 500 dwelling units. Study tasks summarized include: water consumption, nature of domestic water, consumer appliances for low water consumption, water quality monitoring, baseline concept, and current and projected costs.

Murawczyk, C.↗

Theoretical studies of the transport properties in compound semiconductors

This final report is an overview of the work done on Cooperative Agreement NCC 3-55 with the Solid State Technology Branch of the NASA-Lewis Research Center (LeRC). Over the period of time that the agreement was in effect, the principal investigator and, in the last three years, the co-principal investigator worked on a significant number of projects and interacted with members of the Solid State Technology (SST) branch in a number of different ways. For the purpose of this report, these efforts will be divided into five categories: 1) work directly with experimental electrical transport studies conducted by members of the SST branch; 2) theoretical work on electrical transport in compound semiconductors; 3) electronic structure calculations which are relevant to the electrical transport in polytypes of SiC and SiC-AlN alloys; 4) the electronic structure calculations of polar interfaces; and 5) consultative and supportive activities related to experiments and other studies carried out by SST branch members. Work in these categories is briefly discussed.

Segall, Benjamin↗