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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
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1989

Wind tunnel balance

A flow-through balance is provided which includes a non-metric portion and a metric portion which form a fluid-conducting passage in fluid communication with an internal bore in the sting. The non-metric and metric portions of the balance are integrally connected together by a plurality of flexure beams such that the non-metric portion, the metric portion and the flexure beams form a one-piece construction which eliminates mechanical hysteresis between the non-metric and the metric portion. The system includes structures for preventing the effects of temperature, pressure and pressurized fluid from producing asymmetric loads on the flexure beams. A temperature sensor and a pressure sensor are located within the fluid-conducting passage of the balance. The system includes a longitudinal bellows member connected at two ends to one of the non-metric portion and the metric portion and at an intermediate portion thereof to the other of (1) and (2). A plurality of strain gages are mounted on the flexure beams to measure strain forces on the flexure beams. The flexure beams are disposed so as to enable symmetric forces on the flexure beams to cancel out so that only asymmetric forces are measured as deviations by the strain gages.

Horne, Warren L.↗
DOE OSTI2021

Data Processing Package for Cyclic Integrated Reversible Bending Fatigue Testing

A data processing software package has been introduced. The package was developed using MATLAB with the aid of the Curve Fitting Toolbox. The package is made up of four modules: pre-processing, data processing for static testing, data processing for monitoring, and data processing for measurements. CIRFT data are structured with multiple levels of architecture involving group, specimen, session, and scan/block. The degree of complexity of the data structure depends on whether a test is static or cyclic.The test results are presented in figures, scatter plots, and tables. For static testing, the output in tables provides bending mechanical properties and characteristic points of moment–curvature relation: flexural rigidities in linear segments of loading and unloading stages, intersection points between characteristic segments of the curve, and equivalent stress and strain quantities. For cyclic testing, the table output lists control and fatigue life and responsive/dependent quantities including moment, curvature, flexural rigidity, flexural hysteresis, rigidity phase angle, and equivalent stresses and strains. In addition, derivatives such as half-gage length and sensor spacing correction are included. The output also provides standard deviations of the reported quantities when they are applicable or available. The data processing package can serve as a fundamental characterization tool in mechanical study of materials. The package is intended primarily for data processing for the CIRFT process and can also be used in applications for which similar testing requirements exist.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
DOE OSTI2024

A discretized representation for Monte Carlo simulation of deformed semiflexible chains

In this study, we present a novel orientation discretization approach based on the rhombic triacontahedron for Monte Carlo simulations of semiflexible polymer chains, aiming at enhancing structural analysis through rheo-small-angle scattering (rheo-SAS). Our approach provides a more accurate representation of the geometric features of semiflexible chains under deformation, surpassing the capabilities of traditional lattice structures. Validation against the Kratky–Porod chain system demonstrated superior consistency, underscoring its potential to significantly improve the precision of uncovering geometric details from rheo-SAS data. Further, this approach opens new avenues for investigating the conformations of semiflexible polymers and mechanically induced phase transitions in more complex polymer structures, offering deeper insights into their behavior under various conditions.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
NASA NTRS2018

Cracking Problems and Mechanical Characteristics of PME and BME Ceramic Capacitors

Most failures in MLCCs are caused by cracking that create shorts between opposite electrodes of the parts. A use of manual soldering makes this problem especially serious for space industry. Experience shows that different lots of ceramic capacitors might have different susceptibility to cracking under manual soldering conditions. This simulates a search of techniques that would allow revealing capacitors that are most robust to soldering-induced stresses. Currently, base metal electrode (BME) capacitors are introduced to high-reliability applications as a replacement of precious metal electrode (PME) parts. Understanding the difference in the susceptibility to cracking between PME and BME capacitors would facilitate this process. This presentation gives a review of mechanical characteristics measured in-situ on MLCCs that includes flexural strength, Vickers hardness, indentation fracture toughness, and the board flex testing and compare characteristics of BME and PME capacitors. A history case related to cracking in PME capacitors that caused flight system malfunctions and mechanisms of failure are considered. Possible qualification tests that would allow evaluation of the resistance of MLCCs to manual soldering are suggested and perspectives related to introduction of BME capacitors discussed.

Reliability↗
NASA NTRS2018

Spacecraft Common Deployable Boom Hinge Deploy and Latching Mechanisms

JPL is developing deployable radio frequency (RF) reflector booms for spaceflight usage on two different earth orbiter projects scheduled to launch in the early 2020’s. The static alignment and thermal stability requirements for these RF reflector booms are challenging. A common mechanism design has been developed for the deployment and latching of boom hinges which avoids significant parasitic loads on the alignment critical structures after completion of mechanism function. The mechanism design includes a high-aspect ratio torsion spring with viscous damper for hinge closure as well as an actuator-driven flexured hook and roller latch for joint preloading. This paper describes noteworthy mechanism design details, test results, challenges, and lessons learned during the development effort.

Renson, Marcel↗
NASA NTRS1976

Development of polyphenylquinoxaline graphite composites

Six polyphenylquinoxalines (PPQ) containing pendant cyano (CN) groups were synthesized. The polymers were characterized in terms of inherent viscosity, glass transition temperature, softening temperature and weight loss due to aging in air at 316 C (600 F). The potential for crosslinking PPQs by trimerization of pendant CN groups was investigated. A polymer derived from 1 mole 3,3,4,4 -tetraaminobenzophenone, .2 mole p-bis(p -cyanophenoxyphenylglyoxalyl)benzene and .8 mole p-bis(phenylglyoxalyl)benzene was selected for more extensive characterization in HM-S graphite fiber-reinforced composites. Mechanical properties were determined using composites made from HM-S fiber and polymer and composites made from HM-S fiber, polymer and a potential CN group trimerization catalyst. Composite mechanical properties, inter-laminar shear strength and flexure properties, were determined over the temperature range of +21 C to 316 C.

Shdo, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Fiber release from impacted graphite reinforced epoxy composites

Carbon fibers released from composites by aircraft fires and crashes can cause electrical shorts and consequent equipment damage. This report investigates less vigorous release mechanisms than that previously simulated by explosive burn/blast tests. When AS/3501-6 composites are impacted by various head and weight configurations of a pendulum impactor, less than 0.2 percent by weight of the original sample is released as single fibers. Other fiber release mechanisms studied were air blasts, constant airflow, torsion, flexural, and vibration of composite samples. The full significance of the low single fiber release rates found here is to be evaluated by NASA in their aircraft vulnerability studies.

Babinsky, T. C.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Adjusting the Contour of Reflector Panels

Postfabrication adjustment of contour of panels for reflector, such as parabolic reflector for radio antennas, possible with simple mechanism consisting of threaded stud, two nuts, and flexure. Contours adjusted manually.

Palmer, W. B.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Development and demonstration of manufacturing processes for fabricating graphite/Larc-160 polyimide structural elements, part 4, paragraph B

Progress in the development of processes for production of Celion/LARC-160 graphite-polyimide materials, quality control, and the fabrication of Space Shuttle composite structure components is reported. Liquid chromatographic analyses of three repeatibility batches were performed and are compared to previous Hexcel standard production and to variables study LARC-160 intermediate resins. Development of processes for chopped fiber molding are described and flexural strength, elastic modulus, and other physical and mechanical properties of the molding are presented.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1959

Factors Affecting the Plasticity of Sodium Chloride, Lithium Fluoride, and Magnesium Oxide Single Crystals

A study was made of the relative magnitude of the effects of various factors on the ductility of single crystals of sodium chloride (NaCl), lithium fluoride (LiF), and magnesium oxide (MgO). Specimen treatments included water-polishing, varying cleavage rate, annealing, quenching, X-irradiation, surface coating, aging, and combinations of some of these treatments. The mechanical behavior of the crystals was studied in flexure and in compression, the latter study being performed at both constant strain rate and constant load. Etch-pit studies were carried out to provide some pertinent information on the results of pretreatment on the dislocation concentration and distribution in the vicinity of the surface. The load deformation curves for these ionic single crystals show an initial region of very low slope which proved to be due to anelastic deformation. The extent of initial anelastic deformation is modified by specimen pretreatment in a way that suggests that this deformation is the result of expansion of cleaved-in dislocation loops, which can contract on the removal of the stress. The effects of the various pretreatments on the load and deflection at fracture are in accord with the prediction one might make with regard to their effect on the nucleation of fatal surface cracks. For NaCl, increases in ductility are always accompanied by increases in strength. The creep constants for NaCl are a function of treatments which affect the bulk structure but are not a function of treatments which only affect the surface.

Stearns, Carl A.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Buckling Behavior of Long Anisotropic Plates Subjected to Elastically Restrained Thermal Expansion and Contraction

An approach for synthesizing buckling results for thin balanced and unbalanced symmetric laminates that are subjected to uniform heating or cooling and elastically restrained against thermal expansion or contraction is presented. This approach uses a nondimensional analysis for infinitely long, flexural anisotropic plates that are subjected to combined mechanical loads. In addition, stiffness-weighted laminate thermal-expansion parameters and compliance coefficients are derived that are used to determine critical temperatures in terms of physically intuitive mechanical-buckling coefficients. Many results are presented for some common laminates that are intended to facilitate a structural designer s transition to the use of the generic buckling design curves. Several curves that illustrate the fundamental parameters used in the analysis are presented, for nine contemporary material systems, that provide physical insight into the buckling response in addition to providing useful design data. Examples are presented that demonstrate the use of the generic design curves.

Nemeth, Michael P.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Double Cantilever Beam and End Notched Flexure Fracture Toughness Testing of Two Composite Materials

Two different unidirectional composite materials were provided by NASA Langley Research Center and tested by the Composite Materials Research Group within the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wyoming. Double cantilever beam and end notched flexure tests were performed to measure the mode I (crack opening) and mode II (sliding or shear) interlaminar fracture toughness of the two materials. The two composites consisted of IM7 carbon fiber combined with either RP46 resin toughened with special formulation of LaRC IA resin, known as JJS1356; or PES chain extended thermoplastic resin known as JJS1361. Double Cantilever Beam Specimen Configuration and Test Methods As received from NASA, the test specimens were nominally 0.5 inch wide, 6 inches long, and 0.2 inch thick. A 1 inch long Kapton insert at the midplane of one end of the specimen (placed during laminate fabrication) facilitated crack initiation and extension. It was noted that the specimens provided were smaller than the nominal 1.5 inch wide, 9.0 inch long configuration specified. Similarly, the Kapton inserts were of greater length than those in the present specimens. Hence, the data below should not be compared directly to those generated with the referenced methods. No preconditioning was performed on the specimens prior to testing. In general, the methodology was used for the present work. Crack opening loads were introduced to the specimens via piano hinges attached to the main specimen faces at a single end of each specimen. Hinges were bolted to the specimens using the technique presented. The cracks were extended a small distance from the end of the Kapton insert prior to testing. Just before precracking, the sides of the specimens were coated with water-soluble typewriter correction fluid to aid in crack visualization. Scribe marks were then made in the coating at half-inch intervals.

Kessler, Jeff A.↗
NASA NTRS2022

Design of Flexures for Deployable Reflectarrays Using High Strain Composites

This paper presents a novel flexure design for small scale refelectarrays, specifically CubeSats, that requires high level of deployment precision. Advantages of using a HSC flexure includes additional thermal stability, lesser part count and passive deployment mechanism using the stored strain energy. The proposed design is to use two flat HSC strips of thickness ℎ, length 2𝐿ℎ, width 𝑊ℎ that attach to the core-reflector panel interface. The flexure satisfies two main requirements: ability to fold to a specific compaction 𝑑 without material failure and sufficient stiffness in the deployed configuration. The elastica analysis was implemented to identify the maximum strains in the flexure when folded and provide relations that combine Δ, ℎ, 𝐿ℎ with the maximum allowable strain. A simplified analysis was performed of the vibration of a panel-flexure combination using a two degree of freedom system. The vibration analysis reveals a dimensionless length parameter 𝛽 = (𝐿ℎ/𝐿𝑃) (Δ/ℎ) that determines the transition between bending and shear modes. A non-dimensional relationship was obtained between the natural frequency and 𝛽 that captures the impact of each parameter on the response of the structure. Our current work involves fabricating and testing of the proposed flexures using High Strain Composite materials, with plans to build a prototype for a deployable reflectarray.

López Jiménez, Francisco↗
DOE OSTI2024

Aging of Limestones and Silane–Siloxane-Based Protective Hydrophobics: The Impact of Heating–Cooling and Freeze–Thaw Cycles

Stones are traditionally used in construction and architectural applications as building elements due to their aesthetic and technical/structural performance. Like other environmental factors (rain, humidity, moisture, salt presence, biological activity, etc.), heating–cooling and freeze–thaw cycles significantly threaten the longevity of stone materials. Hence, considering the socio-economic and cultural value of stones, preventive actions such as hydrophobic coatings are applied to prevent or mitigate damage. The scope of this study is the performance assessment of limestones with different characteristics and the efficiency of various commercial silane/siloxane-based hydrophobic coatings when exposed to thermal variation and freeze–thaw. For that purpose, the standards EN 14066:2013 (determination of resistance to aging by thermal shock) and EN 12371:2010 (determination of frost resistance) were followed. Open porosity and static contact angles were estimated to assess the stone durability and water protection capabilities of the hydrophobics. Additionally, sound speed propagation velocity, quality of building material index, elastic modulus and flexural strength were measured to evaluate the variation of mechanical properties. Static contact angle revealed that the coatings maintained an efficient level of hydrophobicity even after thermal-shock and freeze–thaw weathering tests. The study also revealed a critical interaction between freeze–thaw cycles, hydrophobic coatings and structural integrity of the stones, mostly on more porous ones. When they are subjected to harsh environmental conditions, untreated porous limestones keep structural cohesion, allowing for the natural absorption and release of water during freezing and thawing. On the contrary, when limestones are treated, the hydrophobic coatings can moderately obstruct the water release due to the partial saturation of the porous framework by the products. It also probably resulted from the different mechanical behavior between the inner matrix and layer of stone coated, resulting in a premature breakout and mechanical damage of the stone.

Lisci, Carla (ORCID:000000032179130X)↗
NASA NTRS1990

The effect of thermal damage on the mechanical properties of polymer regrinds

Reprocessed polymers are subjected to high processing temperatures that result in the breakdown of molecular chains and changes in the molecular structures. These phenomena are reflected in the mechanical properties of materials. Practically every regrind is seen as a new material. These experiments deal with the molding, regrinding, and reprocessing of test specimens for the study of their mechanical properties. The comparative test data from each recycled material would give students an insight of the molecular structures and property degradation. Three important rheological and mechanical properties such as melt flow, impact strength, and flexural strength are to be determined. These properties play key roles in the selection of engineering materials. The material selected for demonstration was Makrolon 3000L, a polycarbonate thermoplastic from Bayer AG. The thermal degradation due to repeated processing is reflected in the decrease in molecular weight and breakdown of molecular chains causing increase in melt flow. The Izod-impact resistance and the flexural strength deteriorate gradually.

Kundu, Nikhil K.↗
NASA NTRS1995

A water blown urethane insulation for use in cryogenic environments

Thermal Protection Systems (TPS) of NASA's Space Shuttle External Tank include polyurethane and polyisocyanurate modified polyurethane foam insulations. These insulations, currently foamed with CFC 11 blowing agent, serve to maintain cryogenic propellant quality, maintain the external tank structural temperature limits, and minimize the formation of ice and frost that could potentially damage the ceramic insulation on the space shuttle orbiter. During flight the external tank insulations are exposed to mechanical, thermal and acoustical stresses. TPS must pass cryogenic flexure and substrate adhesion tests at -253 C, aerothermal and radiant heating tests at fluxes up to approximately 14 kilowatts per square meter, and thermal conductivity tests at cryogenic and elevated temperatures. Due to environmental concerns, the polyurethane insulation industry and the External Tank Project are tasked with replacing CFC 11. The flight qualification of foam insulations employing HCFC 141b as a foaming agent is currently in progress; HCFC 141b blown insulations are scheduled for production implementation in 1995. Realizing that the second generation HCFC blowing agents are an interim solution, the evaluation of third generation blowing agents with zero ozone depletion potential is underway. NASA's TPS Materials Research Laboratory is evaluating third generation blowing agents in cryogenic insulations for the External Tank; one option being investigated is the use of water as a foaming agent. A dimensionally stable insulation with low friability, good adhesion to cryogenic substrates, and acceptable thermal conductivity has been developed with low viscosity materials that are easily processed in molding applications. The development criteria, statistical experimental approach, and resulting foam properties will be presented.

Blevins, Elana↗
DOE OSTI2022

Mechanically strengthened heterogeneous Sm-Co sintered magnets

Samarium-cobalt sintered magnets offer excellent magnetic properties, thermal stability, and corrosion resistance. They are used in a variety of defense and civilian applications, especially when elevated operation temperatures (e.g., 200 ºC to 550 ºC) are required. However, the utilization of these materials is restricted by their brittleness. Improving their mechanical resilience would make them more cost-effective, efficient, and robust in decarbonization and other function-related applications while reducing the pressure on critical material supply chains. In this paper, we engineer a series of novel heterogeneous microstructures, such as laminated coarse grain (CG)/fine grain (FG) and core/shell CG/FG microstructures, to produce unprecedented combinations of superior mechanical and magnetic properties without altering the chemical compositions of the magnets or common heat treatment procedures. Further, a 60% flexural strength enhancement is obtained using heterogeneous Sm 2 (CoFeCuZr) 17 sintered magnets with little impact on their magnetic properties. The mechanically robust heterogeneous Sm-Co sintered magnets have a minor (e.g., less than 4.6%) reduction in the energy product (BH) max due to a slightly reduced squareness of the demagnetization curve, with no decrease in either the remanence (B r ) or the intrinsic coercivity (H ci ). The flexural strengths of these heterogeneous Sm-Co magnets depend on the volume ratios and mean grain sizes of the FG/CG regions, as well as their microstructural architectures. The fine-grained regions act as mechanical strengthening sites, which can be strategically used when designing the magnet for different applications. This technology is highly compatible with existing magnet manufacturing processes and thus can be adopted readily by the magnet industry.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗