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At least 1,495 records · Page 83

Acoustic containerless experiment system: A non-contact surface tension measurement

The Acoustic Containerless Experiment System (ACES) was flown on STS 41-B in February 1984 and was scheduled to be reflown in 1986. The primary experiment that was to be conducted with the ACES module was the containerless melting and processing of a fluoride glass sample. A second experiment that was to be conducted was the verification of a non-contact surface tension measurement technique using the molten glass sample. The ACES module consisted of a three-axis acoustic positioning module that was inside an electric furnace capable of heating the system above the melting temperature of the sample. The acoustic module is able to hold the sample with acoustic forces in the center of the chamber and, in addition, has the capability of applying a modulating force on the sample along one axis of the chamber so that the molten sample or liquid drop could be driven into one of its normal oscillation modes. The acoustic module could also be adjusted so that it could place a torque on the molten drop and cause the drop to rotate. In the ACES, a modulating frequency was applied to the drop and swept through a range of frequencies that would include the n = 2 mode. A maximum amplitude of the drop oscillation would indicate when resonance was reached and from that data the surface tension could be calculated. For large viscosity samples, a second technique for measuring surface tension was developed. The results of the ACES experiment and some of the problems encountered during the actual flight of the experiment will be discussed.

Elleman, D. D.↗

Static tensile and tensile creep testing of five ceramic fibers at elevated temperatures

Static tensile and tensile creep testing of five ceramic fibers at elevated temperature was performed. J.P. Stevens, Co., Astroquartz 9288 glass fiber; Nippon Carbon, Ltd., (Dow Corning) nicalon NLM-102 silicon carbide fiber; and 3M Company Nextel 312, 380, and 480 alumina/silica/boria fibers were supplied in unsized tows. Single fibers were separated from the tows and tested in static tension and tensile creep. Elevated test temperatures ranged from 400 C to 1300 C and varied for each fiber. Room temperature static tension was also performed. Computer software was written to reduce all single fiber test data into engineering constants using ASTM Standard Test Method D3379-75 as a reference. A high temperature furnace was designed and built to perform the single fiber elevated temperature testing up to 1300 C. A computerized single fiber creep apparatus was designed and constructed to perform four fiber creep tests simultaneously at temperatures up to 1300 C. Computer software was written to acquire and reduce all creep data.

Zimmerman, Richard S.↗

Design, fabrication, and performance of brazed, graphite electrode, multistage depressed collectors with 500-W, continuous wave, 4.8- to 9.6-GHz traveling-wave tubes

A small, isotropic graphite electrode, multistage depressed collector (MDC) was designed, fabricated, and evaluated in conjunction with a 500-W, continuous wave (CW), 4.8- to 9.6-GHz traveling-wave tube (TWT). The carbon electrode surfaces were used to improve the TWT overall efficiency by minimizing the secondary electron emission losses in the MDC. The design and fabrication of the brazed graphite MDC assembly are described. The brazing technique, which used copper braze filler metal, is compatible with both vacuum and the more commonly available hydrogen atmosphere brazing furnaces. The TWT and graphite electrode MCC bakeout, processing, and outgassing characteristics were evaluated and found to be comparable to TWT's equipped with copper electrode MDC's. The TWT and MDC performance was optimized for broadband CW operation at saturation. The average radiofrequency (RF), overall, and MDC efficiencies were 14.9, 46.4, and 83.6 percent, respectively, across the octave operating band. A 1500-hr CW test, conducted without the use of an appendage ion pump, showed no gas buildup and excellent stability of the electrode surfaces.

Ramins, Peter↗

Acoustic levitation technique for containerless processing at high temperatures in space

High temperature processing of a small specimen without a container has been demonstrated in a set of experiments using an acoustic levitation furnace in the microgravity of space. This processing technique includes the positioning, heating, melting, cooling, and solidification of a material supported without physical contact with container or other surface. The specimen is supported in a potential energy well, created by an acoustic field, which is sufficiently strong to position the specimen in the microgravity environment of space. This containerless processing apparatus has been successfully tested on the Space Shuttle during the STS-61A mission. In that experiment, three samples wer successfully levitated and processed at temperatures from 600 to 1500 C. Experiment data and results are presented.

Rey, Charles A.↗

Dynamic fracture toughness of ceramic composites

The dynamic fracture toughness vs crack velocity relationships of TiB2 particulate-reinforced SiC-matrix and SiC whisker-reinforced Al2O3-matrix composites were determined at both room temperature and 1200 C with impacted, single-edge notched three-point bend specimens. Rapid crack initiation and propagation were monitored by a laser interferometric-displacement gage system. A FEM model that transmitted the measured outside-impact load to the specimen within the furnace was used to characterize the entire loading system-specimen unit. Small differences were measured between the room temperature and 1200 C dynamic responses.

Yang, K. H.↗

Theoretical study of the dipole moment function of the X2Sigma(+) state of CN

The X2Sigma(+) state dipole moment function of CN is determined from accurate ab initio calculations. The calculated Einstein coefficient of 13.0 /s for the fundamental 1-0 vibrational band is in excellent agreement with the value measured by Treffers (1975) using a King furnace. The theoretical vibrational band strengths should be valuable in interpreting the fluorescence spectrum of CN in comets.

Langhoff, Stephen R.↗

Acoustic temperature profile measurement technique for large combustion chambers

Measurement of times of flight of sound waves can be used to determine temperatures in a gas. This paper describes a system, based on this principle, that is capable of giving the temperature profile in a nonisothermal gas volume, for example, prevalent in a large furnace. The apparatus is simple, rugged, accurate, and capable of being automated for process control applications. It is basically an acoustic waveguide where the outside temperature profile is transferred to a chosen gas contained inside the guide.

Venkateshan, S. P.↗

Convective Evaporation Of Clusters Of Drops

Report presents results of continuing theoretical research in behaviors of sprayed liquid fuels at temperatures characteristic of furnaces. Two earlier papers arising from this investigation described in "Evaporation of Dense Fuel Sprays" (NPO-16954).

Bellan, Josette↗

Three-Zone Programmable Temperature Controller

Microprocessor-based controller regulates electrical power supplied to heater in each zone of three-zone directional-solidification furnace. Intended primarily for use in microgravity experiments aboard KC-135 airplane, controller also used on ground. Offers advantage of low electrical noise and consequent minimal interference with low-level signals put out by thermocouples and other sensors used in experiments. Achieved by heating with direct (instead of alternating) current and not pulsing heating current.

Smith, Guy A.↗

FTIR Monitoring Of Curing Of Composites

Infrared-sensing optical fiber system developed to monitor principal infrared absorption bands resulting from vibrations of atoms and molecules as chemical bonds form when resin cured. System monitors resin chemistry more directly. Used to obtain Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum from graphite fiber/polyimide matrix resin prepreg. Embedded fiber optic FTIR sensor used to indicate state of cure of thermosetting composite material. Developed primarily to improve quality of advanced composites, many additional potential applications exist because principal of operation applicable to all organic materials and most inorganic gases. Includes monitoring integrities of composite materials in service, remote sensing of hazardous materials, and examination of processes in industrial reactors and furnaces.

Druy, Mark A.↗

Space Station Freedom: A foothold on the future

An overview of the Space Station Freedom is given. Its modules are discussed and illustrated along with its microgravity research facilities. These facilities include the advanced protein crystal growth facility, the containerless processing facility, a furnace facility, a combustion facility, and a fluid physics/dynamics facility. The topic of living in space is also addressed.

Source record↗

Preparation of 110K (Bi, Pb)-Sr-Ca-Cu-O superconductor from glass precursor

The Bi1.5Pb0.5Sr2Ca2Cu3O(x) glass, prepared by rapid quenching of the melt, showed T(sub g) of 383 C, crystallization temperature of approx. 446 C, melting temperature of approx. 855 C, and bulk density of 5.69 g/cu. cm. in air. The as-quenched glass was oxygen deficient. On heating in O2, it showed a slow, irreversible, and continuous weight gain starting at approx. 530 C. The influence of annealing conditions on the formation of various phases was investigated by XRD and electrical resistivity measurements. The 110K-T(sub c) phase did not form below 840 C. The amount of this phase increased with the sintering time at 840 C. A sample annealed at 840 C for 243 h in air and furnace cooled showed the highest T(sub c)(R=0) of 107.2K and transition width delta T(sub c)(10 to 90 percent) of approx. 2 K.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

Superconducting Bi1.5Pb0.5Sr2Ca2Cu3O(x) ceramics by rapid melt quenching and glass crystallization

A glass of nominal Bi(1.5)Pb(0.5)Sr2Ca2Cu3O(x) composition, prepared by rapid quenching of the melt, showed a glass transition temperature of 383 C, crystallization temperature of 446 C, melting temperature of 855 C, and bulk density of 5.69 g/cu cm in air. The activation energy for crystallization of the glass was estimated to be 292kJ/mol from non-isothermal DSC. On heating in oxygen, the glass showed a slow and continuous weight gain starting at approximately 530 C which reached a plateau at approximately 820 C. The weight gained during heating was retained on cooling to ambient conditions indicating an irreversible oxidation step. The influence of annealing conditions on the formation of various phases in the glass has been investigated. The Bi(2)Sr(2)Ca(0)Cu(1)O(6) phase crystallized out first followed by formation of other phases at higher temperatures. The high-T(sub c) phase, isostructural with Bi(2)Sr(2)Ca(2)Cu(3)O(10) was not detected below 840 C, but its fraction increased with the annealing time at 840 C. A sample annealed at 840 C for 243h in air and furnace cooled showed the highest T(sub c)(R=0) of 107.2K and a narrow transition width, delta T(sub c)(10 to 90 percent), of approximately 2 K. The high T(sub c) phase does not seem to crystallize out directly from the glass but is rather produced at high temperature by reaction between the phases formed at lower temperatures. The kinetics of 110K phase formation was sluggish. It appears that the presence of lead helps in the formation and/or stabilization of the 110 K phase.

Bansal, Narottam P.↗

Non-contact temperature measurement requirements

The Marshall Space Flight Center is involved with levitation experiments for Spacelab, Space Station, and drop tube/tower operations. These experiments have temperature measurement requirements, that of course must be non-contact in nature. The experiment modules involved are the Acoustic Levitator Furnace (ALF), and the Modular Electromagnetic Levitator (MEL). User requirements of the ALF and drop tube are presented. The center also has temperature measurement needs that are not microgravity experiment oriented, but rather are related to the propulsion system for the STS. This requirement will also be discussed.

Higgins, D. B.↗

A multicolor imaging pyrometer

A multicolor imaging pyrometer was designed for accurately and precisely measuring the temperature distribution histories of small moving samples. The device projects six different color images of the sample onto a single charge coupled device array that provides an RS-170 video signal to a computerized frame grabber. The computer automatically selects which one of the six images provides useful data, and converts that information to a temperature map. By measuring the temperature of molten aluminum heated in a kiln, a breadboard version of the device was shown to provide high accuracy in difficult measurement situations. It is expected that this pyrometer will ultimately find application in measuring the temperature of materials undergoing radiant heating in a microgravity acoustic levitation furnace.

Frish, Michael B.↗

Superconductivity in the Sn-Ba-Sr-Y-Cu-O system

Since Bednorz and Muller discovered high-T(sub c) superconductivity in the La-Ba-Cu-O compound, several families of superconducting oxides have been synthesized. Here, researchers report the results of search for superconductivity in the compounds based on tin, which has a lone electron pair like Bi, Tl, Pb. The following compounds were synthesized: Sn1Ba1Sr1Cu3Ox, Sn1Ba1Ca1Cu3Ox, Sn1Ba1Mg1Cu3Ox, Sn1Sr1Ca1Cu3Ox, Sn1Sr1Mg1Cu3Ox, Sn1Ca1Mg1Cu3Ox. The initial components were oxides and carbonates of the appropriate elements. Standard firing-grinding procedure was used. Final heating was carried out at 960 C during 12 hours. Then the samples were cooled inside the furnace. All the synthesis cycles were carried out in air atmosphere. Among the synthesized compounds only Sn1Ba1Sr1Cu3Ox showed remarkable conductivity. Other compounds were practically dielectrics. Presence of a possible superconductivity in Sn1Ba1Sr1Cu3Ox was defined by using the Meissner effect. At low temperature a deviation from paramagnetic behavior is observed. The hysteresis loops obtained at lower temperatures undoubtly testify to the presence of a superconductive phase in the sample. However, the part of the superconductive phase in the Sn1Ba1Sr1Cu3Ox ceramic turned out to be small, less than 2 percent, which agrees with the estimation from magnetic data. In order to increase the content of the superconductive phase two-valent cations Ba, Sr were partially substituted by univalent (K) and three-valent ones (Y).

Aleksandrov, K. S.↗

Failure processes within ceramic coatings at high temperatures

Plasma sprayed coatings have a complex structure which is produced by the overlaying of many molten or semi-molten particles in the diameter range of 20 to 120 microns. The failure behavior of coatings has been characterized by using acoustic emission (AE) methodology. Coatings of NiCrAlY bond coat with a zirconia-12 wt pct yttria overlay were applied to disk-shaped specimens of U-700 alloy. A waveguide of 1-mm diameter platinum was TlG welded to the specimen and allowed it to be suspended in a tubular furnace. The specimen was thermally cycled to 1150 C and the AE monitored. Analyses have been carried out with the aim of establishing parameters which are related to the crack size population. These studies have been used to postulate types of cracking mechanisms which may occur in plasma sprayed coatings during thermal cycling. It is shown that microcracking gave rise to a large amount of AE. However, this coating still survived more thermal cycles than a coating which exhibited macrocracking events.

Berndt, Christopher↗

Electron beam flash evaporation for YBaCuO and BiCaSrCuO thin films

An electron beam flash evaporation technique is described which reproduces the stoichiometry of superconducting YBa(2)Cu(3)O(x) (123), Bi(2)CaSr(2)Cu(2)O(y) (2122), and Bi(2)Ca(2)Sr(2)Cu(3)O(z) (2223) source powders. Films of each material deposited with this technique exhibit zero resistance temperatures of 78 K or above when furnace annealed; 75 K zero temperatures are obtained for 123 films in situ annealed with atomic oxygen at 775 C. Transport critical current densities are 10,000 A/sq cm in 25-micron stripes patterned from 123 films, and 60,000 A/sq cm in 1-mm stripes of 2122 and 2223 films using a 1-microV/mm measurement criteria. Typical normal state resistivities are 700 micro-ohm cm for 2122 and 2223 films and 5 micro-ohm cm for 123 films. The 2122 films are highly textured with the c axis normal to the substrate. All results are for films deposited on MgO.

Davis, Matthew F.↗