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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 1,657 records · Page 92
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1986

Counterface effects on the tribological properties of polyimide composites

Graphite fiber reinforced polyimide composite pins were slid against seven different counterfaces to determine the effect of material type on the tribological properties of polymer composites. In addition, the effect of sliding a new pin on a pre-established transfer film was investigated. The results indicated that almost a five order of magnitude difference in composite wear rate can occur just by varying the counterface material. An attempt to make all surfaces as smooth as possible was made, but due to differences in material composition this was not possible and a range of surface roughnesses were obtained. The results indicate that the smoother the surface, the lower the composite wear rate; but that small protrusions (not discernible with arithmetic surface roughness measurements) can markedly increase wear rates. A pre-established transfer film improved both run in and steady state wear rates.

Fusaro, Robert L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Evaluating Solid-Lubricant Films

Report describes experimental techniques for measuring properties of solid-lubricant films. Discusses experimental parameters. Reviews basic pin-on-disk configurations and methods of preparing disks and applying solid lubricants. Techniques for constant-temperature testing, low-contact-stress testing, and temperature-versus-time testing presented. Suggests methods of measuring pin-wear volume and recommends ways of presenting data.

Fusaro, Robert L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Spark Igniters Fit In Correct Locations Only

Pins create interference if incorrect assembly is attempted. When two different types of spark igniters must be used on same engine simple expedient ensures that each igniter is inserted in correct hole. Damage to engine and consequent failure are thereby avoided. Pins in base of spark igniter allow part to be inserted in any type hole.

Wendland, Fred J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Structure and grain coarsening during the processing of engineering ceramics

Studies have been made of three ceramic systems (Al2O3, Y2O3/MgO, and SiC/C/B), both to explore a surface area/density diagram approach to examining the coarsening processes during sintering and to explore an alternative coarsening parameter, i.e., the grain boundary surface area (raising it at a given value of the density) and not the pore surface area; therefore, pinning of the grain boundaries by solid-solution drag is the only function evidenced by these results. The importance of such pinning even at densities as low as 75% of theoretical is linked to the existence of microstructural inhomogeneities. The early stages of sintering of Y2O3 powder have been examined using two techniques, BET surface area analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Each has given some insight into the process occurring and, used together, have provided some indication of the effect of MgO on coarsening during sintering. Attempts to further elucidate effects of MgO on the coarsening behavior of Y2O3 by the surface area/density diagram approach were unsuccessful due to masking effects of contaminating reactions during sintering and/or thermal etching. The behavior of the undoped SiC which only coarsens can be clearly distinguished by the surface area/density diagram from that of SiC/C/B which also concurrently densifies. Little additional information was obtainable by this method due to unfavorable sample etching characteristics. The advantages, disadvantages, and difficulties of application of these techniques to the study of coarsening during sintering are discussed.

Shaw, Nancy J.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Magnetic drive coupling

The driving and driven members of a magnetic drive are separated by en enlarged gap to provide clearance for a conduit or other member. Flux pins in the gap maintain the torque transmitting capability of the drive. The spacing between two of the flux pins is increased to provide space for the conduit.

Carter, Edward L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Material tradeoffs to minimize flooding reactivity

In the GE 100 KWe SP-100 design, the array of fuel pins in the core was surrounded by a thin neutron barrier made of a mixture of Nb-1 percent Zr and 20 percent B4C. The purpose of this barrier was to prevent the return to the reactor of thermalized neutrons in the event of a reactor flooding accident. Neutronically, the barrier produced a reduction in k sub eff of 15 percent. However, a mixture of Nb-1 percent Zr and B4C is a development item and may not be possible to produce. Several alternatives to this design were investigated. These include the use of W-26 percent Re for the fuel barrier and the introduction of fuel pin ducts made of Ta-8 percent W-2 percent Hf, Hf-10 percent Nb or pure Re. The use of W-26 percent Re for the fuel barrier material in place of W, and the use of T111, Hf-10 percent Nb, or Re duct material in place of Nb-1 percent Zr or Nb-1 percent Zr-20 percent B4C were found to substantially decrease k sub eff in the flooding situation. The best choice neutronically for duct material is Hf-10 percent Nb, because of its small impact on the k sub eff of the normal core.

Protsik, R.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Mobile remote manipulator system for a tetrahedral truss

The mobile remote manipulator system (MRMS) was initially developed for transit about the trusses of the delta space station; however, it can be utilized just as easily for transit about the trusses of the dual keel station. The MRMS is comprised of a mobile platform having a rail system formed of transversely disposed T-shaped tracks, which engage with guide pins located at the nodes of the trusses. The guide pins form a grid and the tracks are so designed as to permit travel in either of two orthogonal directions. The present invention provides a near-uniform traversing velocity with minimal dynamic loading on the system. Pivoting changers move the platform from one face to another.

Wesselski, Clarence J.↗
NASA NTRS1988

High effectiveness contour matching contact heat exchanger

There is a need in the art for a heat exchanger design having a flexible core providing contour matching capabilities, which compensates for manufacturing tolerance and distortion buildups, and which accordingly furnishes a relatively uniform thermal contact conductance between the core and external heat sources under essentially all operating conditions. The core of the heat exchanger comprises a top plate and a bottom plate, each having alternate rows of pins attached. Each of the pins fits into corresponding tight-fitting recesses in the opposite plate.

Blakely, Robert L.↗
NASA NTRS1987

Mechanical strength and tribological behavior of ion-beam-deposited boron nitride films on non-metallic substrates

An investigation was conducted to examine the mechanical strength and tribological properties of boron nitride (BN) films ion-beam deposited on silicon (Si), fused silica (SiO2), gallium arsenide (GaAs), and indium phosphide (InP) substrates in sliding contact with a diamond pin under a load. The results of the investigation indicate that BN films on nonmetallic substrates, like metal films on metallic substrates, deform elastically and plastically in the interfacial region when in contact with a diamond pin. However, unlike metal films and substrates, BN films on nonmetallic substrates can fracture when they are critically loaded. Not only does the yield pressure (hardness) of Si and SiO2 substrates increase by a factor of 2 in the presence of a BN film, but the critical load needed to fracture increases as well. The presence of films on the brittle substrates can arrest crack formation. The BN film reduces adhesion and friction in the sliding contact. BN adheres to Si and SiO2 and forms a good quality film, while it adheres poorly to GaAs and InP. The interfacial adhesive strengths were 1 GPa for a BN film on Si and appreciably higher than 1 GPa for a BN film on SiO2.

Miyoshi, Kazuhisa↗
NASA NTRS1988

Tribological properties of polymer films and solid bodies in a vacuum environment

The tribological properties of ten different polymer based materials were evaluated in a vacuum environment to determine their suitability for possible lubrication applications in a space environment, such as might be encountered on the proposed Space Station. A pin-on-disk tribometer was used and the polymer materials were evaluated either as solid body disks or as films applied to 440C HT stainless steel disks. A 440C HT stainless steel hemispherically tipped pin was slid against the polymer materials. For comparison, similar tests were conducted in a controlled air atmosphere of 50 percent relative humidity air. In most instances, the polymer materials lubricated much better under vacuum conditions than in air. Thus, several of the materials show promise as lubricants for vacuum applications. Friction coefficients of 0.05 or less and polymer material wear rates of up to 2 orders of magnitude less than in air were obtained. One material showed considerable promise as a traction drive material. Relative high friction coefficients (0.36 to 0.52) and reasonably low wear rates were obtained in vacuum.

Fusaro, Robert L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Calibration of a Mode II test specimen

Mode II and Mode I calibrations of the NASA Lewis Research Center Mode II fatigue specimen were performed experimentally over crack length to specimen width ratios (a/W) of 0.5 to 0.9. Mode II displacements were measured both at the specimen notch mouth and at the intersection of the notch with the centerline of the loading pin holes. Mode I displacements were measured across the span of the specimen at the loading pins' centerline. Analytical stress intensity factor coefficients for both Mode II and Mode I are also presented.

Buzzard, Robert J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Photodiode-Coupled Light Modulator

Absorption of one light beam controls transmission of another. High-performance monolithic light modulator comprised of p-doped/intrinsic/n-doped (PIN) GaAs photodiode grown directly over InAs/GaAs PIN multiple-quantum-well (MQW) diode. Photodiode-coupled multiple-quantum-well modulator includes advanced semi-conductor microstructures enhancing electro-optical properties. Using standard lithographic and etching techniques for defining picture elements, structures fabricated into two-dimensional arrays for use as spatial light modulators.

Maserjian, Joseph↗
NASA NTRS1989

Magnetic Coupling Delivers Increased Torque

Fixed magnetic pins reduce reluctance of gap in magnetic coupling. Concentrate flux and increase torque transmitted. Coupling arranged as face or radial drive. Addition of flux pins to gap between magnetically coupled shafts in bioreactor experiment increases transferred torque by almost 50 percent.

Carter, Edward L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Effects Of Pyrotechnically Generated Shocks

Research program provides better understanding of pyrotechnic phenomenon for design purposes. Evaluating potential for damage to spacecraft by activation of pyrotechnic mechanisms, pyrotechnic-shock tests conducted on three configurations: pin pullers on orthogonal double Hopkinson bar arrangement; pin pullers on mockup of Halogen Occultation Experiment (HALOE) structure; and section of separation joint on single Hopkinson bar. Strains and accelerations measured. Strains converted to output stresses, forces, and moments. Acceleration shock-response spectra obtained for both acceleration and force signals. Results of research useful to designers in making comparison and evaluation tests before committing to costly spacecraft hardware.

Bement, Laurence J.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Structurally-Tailorable, Nonlinear, Snap-Through Spring

Abrupt change in load/deflection response controllable and predictable. Structurally-tailorable, nonlinear, snap-through spring (STNSTS) exhibits controllable and predictable abrupt change in load/deflection response and based upon known phenomenon of snap-through structural response. Composed of pin-connected two-bar linkage which depicts combined tension/compression springs. As load applied to STNSTS, stiffness is function of internal spring and bending stiffness of pin-connected bars. As load increases, bars deform laterally until they collapse and snap through. Has application in passively-tailored rotor-blade flap, pitch, and lag response, to improve aerodynamic performance and stability characteristics of rotors; in aerodynamically- and aeroelastically-tailored wing spars and ribs, to produce tailored deformation state for improved effectiveness in maneuvering, aerodynamic performance, and stability characteristics; and in energy absorbers for automobile bumpers and aircraft land

Starnes, James H., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Research and development of HgZnTe as an infrared material

Interfacial morphology and Fermi level pinning behavior at the interfaces of Al, Ag, and Pt with UHV-cleaved CdTe and ZnTe have been studied using X-ray and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopies. Results are compared to metal/HgCdTe interface formation, where the weak HgTe bond and consequent ease of Hg loss strongly influence semiconductor disruption and metal-semiconductor intermising. For Al/CdTe, the strong Al-Te reaction yields a significantly more extensive Al-Te reacted region than has been observed for HgCdTe. The Al/ZnTe interface is observed to be more abrupt than Al/CdTe. The final Fermi level pinning positions, Ef-Evbm for Al, Ag, and Pt on p-type CdTe and p-ZnTe have been determined. Efi is found to be roughly the same for both CdTe and ZnTe, with the value for ZnTe lying approximately 0.2 eV closer to the VBM for all three metals. From these results, one would expect Schottky barriers of about the same height for these metals on p-CdTe and p-ZnTe; and also that, in principle, metal interfaces with the two alloys HgCdTe and HgZnTe would have the same properties. Comparisons and implications for electrical behavior of metal contacts to the alloys are discussed.

Wahi, A. K.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Simulation and control problems in elastic robots

Computational issues associated with modeling and control of robots with revolute joints and elastic arms are considered. A manipulator with one arm and pinned at one end is considered to investigate various aspects of the modeling procedure and the model, and the effect of coupling between the rigid-body and the elastic motions. The rigid-body motion of a manipulator arm is described by means of a reference frame attached to the shadow beam, and the linear elastic operator denoting flexibility is defined with respect to this reference frame. The small elastic motion assumption coupled with the method of assumed modes is used to model the elasticity in the arm. It is shown that only terms up to quadratic in these model amplitudes need to be retained. An important aspect of the coupling between the rigid-body and the elastic motion is the centrifugal stiffening effect. This effect stiffens the elastic structure, as to be expected on physical grounds, gives rise to a time-varying inertia term for the rigid-body motion, and, in general, results in an effective inertia term smaller than the rigid-body inertia term. Simulation results are presented for an elastic beam pinned at one end and free at the other, and rotating in a horizontal plane, and control issues such as the order of the model, number of sensors, and modal extraction are examined within this context.

Tadikonda, S. S. K.↗
NASA NTRS1989

A new test machine for measuring friction and wear in controlled atmospheres to 1200 C

This paper describes a new high temperature friction and wear test apparatus (tribometer) at NASA Lewis Research Center, Cleveland, Ohio. The tribometer can be used as a pin-on-disk or pin-on-ring configuration and is specially designed to measure the tribological properties of ceramics and high temperature metallic alloys from room temperature to 1200 C. Sliding mode can be selected to be either unidirectional at velocities up to 22 m/sec or oscillating at frequencies up 4.5 Hz and amplitudes up to + or - 60 deg. The test atmosphere is established by a controlled flow rate of a purge gas. All components within the test chamber are compatible with oxidizing, inert, or reducing gases.

Sliney, Harold E.↗