Engineering Papers⌕ Search

SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “FILAMENTS”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 1,747 records · Page 97
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
DOE OSTI2013

Mechanism of synergistic activation of Arp2/3 complex by cortactin and N-WASP

Nucleation promoting factors (NPFs) initiate branched actin network assembly by activating Arp2/3 complex, a branched actin filament nucleator. Cellular actin networks contain multiple NPFs, but how they coordinately regulate Arp2/3 complex is unclear. Cortactin is an NPF that activates Arp2/3 complex weakly on its own, but with WASP/N-WASP, another class of NPFs, potently activates. We dissect the mechanism of synergy and propose a model in which cortactin displaces N-WASP from nascent branches as a prerequisite for nucleation. Single-molecule imaging revealed that unlike WASP/N-WASP, cortactin remains bound to junctions during nucleation, and specifically targets junctions with a ~160-fold increased on rate over filament sides. N-WASP must be dimerized for potent synergy, and targeted mutations indicate release of dimeric N-WASP from nascent branches limits nucleation. Mathematical modeling shows cortactin-mediated displacement but not N-WASP recycling or filament recruitment models can explain synergy. Our results provide a molecular basis for coordinate Arp2/3 complex regulation.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2018

Microtubules soften due to cross-sectional flattening

We use optical trapping to continuously bend an isolated microtubule while simultaneously measuring the applied force and the resulting filament strain, thus allowing us to determine its elastic properties over a wide range of applied strains. We find that, while in the low-strain regime, microtubules may be quantitatively described in terms of the classical Euler-Bernoulli elastic filament, above a critical strain they deviate from this simple elastic model, showing a softening response with increasing deformations. A three-dimensional thin-shell model, in which the increased mechanical compliance is caused by flattening and eventual buckling of the filament cross-section, captures this softening effect in the high strain regime and yields quantitative values of the effective mechanical properties of microtubules. Our results demonstrate that properties of microtubules are highly dependent on the magnitude of the applied strain and offer a new interpretation for the large variety in microtubule mechanical data measured by different methods.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
DOE OSTI2019

Homogenization theory for the effective permittivity of a turbulent tokamak plasma in the scrape-off layer

There has been a growing interest, over the past few years, on understanding the effect on radio frequency waves due to turbulence in the scrape-off layer of tokamak plasmas. While the far scrape-off layer density width is of the order of centimeters in contemporary tokamaks, in ITER, and in future fusion reactors, the corresponding width will be of the order of tens of centimeters. As such, this could impact the spectral properties of the waves and, consequently, the transport of wave energy and momentum to the core plasma. The turbulence in the scrape-off layer spans a broad range of spatial scales and includes blob and filaments that are elongated along the magnetic field lines. The propagation of radio frequency waves through this tenuous plasma is given by Maxwell's equations. The characteristic properties of the plasma appear as a permittivity tensor in the expression for the current in Ampere's equation. This paper develops a formalism for expressing the permittivity of a turbulent plasma using the homogenization technique. This technique has been extensively used to express the dielectric properties of composite materials that are spatially inhomogeneous, for example, due to the presence of micro-structures. In a similar vein, the turbulent plasma in the scrape-off layer is spatially inhomogeneous and can be considered as a composite material in which the micro-structures are filaments and blobs. The classical homogenization technique is not appropriate for the magnetized plasma in the scrape-off layer, as the radio frequency waves span a broad range of wavelengths and frequencies -- from tens of megahertz to hundreds of gigahertz. The formalism in this paper makes use of the Fourier space components of the electric and magnetic fields of the radio frequency waves for the scattered fields and fields inside the filaments and blobs. These are the eigenvectors of the dispersion matrix which, using the Green's function approach, lead to a homogenized dielectric tensor.

70 PLASMA PHYSICS AND FUSION TECHNOLOGY↗
NASA NTRS1966

Hot-wire detector for chemically active materials used in gas chromatography

Hot-filament detector analyzes chemically active materials used in gas chromatography. The detector reacts chemically with the effluent vapors in the gas chromatographic apparatus to change the electrical resistance of the filament as a function of the affluent composition. Due to the changes produced by chemical action on the filament, the system is often calibrated.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1970

A conceptual current surge protector for incandescent lamps

Negative-temperature coefficient device /thermistor/ in series with a lamp filament alleviates high filament surge current during initial application of power. The thermistor should be selected for a cold resistance approximately equal to one fourth of the normal hot resistance of the filaments to be protected.

Macomber, G. A.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Improved solid-state triode construction

Triode is constructed from rectangular filament made of near-intrinsic n-type silicon. Collector and emitter are formed on opposite faces of filament and are spaced approximately 0.13 mm apart. Gate electrodes are alloyed to filament and extend longitudinally along midsection of other two opposite sides, approximately 0.06 mm apart.

Shumka, A.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Boron aluminum crippling strength shows improvement

Results are presented from an experimental program directed toward improving boron aluminum crippling strength. Laminate changes evaluated were larger filament diameter, improved processing, shape changes, adding steel-aluminum cross plies, reduced filament volume in corners, adding boron aluminum angle plies, and using titanium interleaves. Filament diameter and steel-aluminum cross plies have little effect on crippling. It is shown that better processing combined with appropriate shape changes improved crippling over 50 percent at both room temperature and 600 F. Tests also show that crippling improvements ranging from 20 to 40 percent are achieved using angle plies and titanium interleaves.

Otto, O. R.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Hydraulic concentration of magnetic fields in the solar photosphere. I - Turbulent pumping

Observations suggest that most of the magnetic flux through the solar photosphere is concentrated in vertical filaments in the supergranule boundaries. Each filament appears to contain about 3 times 10 to the 18-th power maxwells, in the form of a field of 500 gauss or more, over a diameter of 700 km or less. The magnetic energy density in the filaments is 100 times the observed kinetic energy density of the observed supergranule motions, but comparable to the kinetic energy density of the granules. Force-free field configurations cannot duplicate the observational numbers, nor can such cooling effects as are believed responsible for the intense fields in sunspot umbrae. We point out a simple hydraulic mechanism (turbulent pumping) that appears to account for the observed concentration of fields.

Parker, E. N.↗
NASA NTRS1974

Low-cost methods for fabrication of aluminum-boron shapes

Deformation processing has not been seriously considered as applicable to composite fabrication, particularly if the filament (e.g., boron) lacks plasticity. When, however, the brittle filament is clad with a ductile matrix such as 6061 Al, the underlying filament is protected from damage even when cold worked severely as in drawing and rolling. These two metal-working processes have been applied successfully to produce seven ply aluminum 50 vol % boron tubes up to 2 in. O.D. by 3 feet in length and flats 1 in. in width by 2 feet in length respectively. Although adequate densification is achieved via drawing and rolling, the former has been given major emphasis. Mechanical properties of rolled and drawn flats and tubes compare favorably with those prepared by static methods. However, the objective of the presentation is to focus on lower processing costs. In specific terms, 2 in. tubes in lengths up to 12 feet can be produced for as little as $150/lb. This is possible only because standard drawbench and carbide dies can be utilized. Furthermore, the major steps including cladding, preform preparation and drawing are conducive to automation.

Divecha, A. P.↗
NASA NTRS1975

The outer structure of the Crab Nebula

Observations of the line emission from the Crab Nebula indicate a structure consisting of dense filaments from which thin clumpy sheets of gas fan out radially. The jet feature noted by van den Bergh (1970) is one of these sheets. The sheets may have been created by the differential acceleration of filaments, or they may be the result of the formation of the dense filaments by the Rayleigh-Taylor instability.

Chevalier, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Fabrication process development of SiC/superalloy composite sheet for exhaust system components

A chemical compatibility study was conducted between SiC filament and the following P/M matrix alloys: Waspaloy, Hastelloy-X, NiCrAlY, Ha-188, S-57, FeCrAlY, and Incoloy 800. None of the couples demonstrated sufficient chemical compatibility to withstand the minimum HIP consolidation temperatures (996 C) or intended application temperature of the composite (982 C). However, Waspaloy, Haynes 188, and Hastelloy-X were the least reactive with SiC of the candidate alloys. Chemical vapor deposited tungsten was shown to be an effective diffusion barrier between the superalloy matrix and SiC filament providing a defect-free coating of sufficient thickness. However, the coating breaks down when the tungsten is converted into intermetallic compounds by interdiffusion with matrix constituents. Waspaloy was demonstrated to be the most effective matrix alloy candidate in contact with the CVD tungsten barrier because of its relatively low growth rate constant of the intermediate compound and the lack of formation of Kirkendall voids at the matrix-barrier interface. Fabrication methods were developed for producing panels of uniaxial and angle ply composites utilizing CVD tungsten coated filament.

Cornie, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Static coefficient test method and apparatus

The static coefficient of friction between contacting surfaces of a plurality of bodies is determined by applying a load to the bodies in a direction normal to the contacting surfaces. Opposite ends of a flexible filament are connected to a load cell and the first of the bodies. A motor continuously moves the second of the bodies away from the load cell at constant velocity at right angles to the force of the normal load so that the first body moves intermittently relative to the second body across a contact surface between them. The load on the surfaces, the nature of the surfaces, and the speed of the first body relative to the load cell are such that the filament is alternately and cyclically tensioned and relaxed as the movement occurs. The maximum tension occurs at the incipient stages of movement of the first body relative to the second body. The load cell derives a series of measurements which are coupled to an x-y recorder, from which the maximum forces of the filament are determined to enable the static coefficient of friction to be determined. From the maximum forces and the normal force, the coefficient is determined. For determining coefficients of friction where there are large compression loads, the normal load is applied with a calibrated compression spring that is deflected by a predetermined amount determined by a spring load vs. deflection calibration curve.

Haehner, C. L.↗
NASA NTRS1975

X-ray method shows fibers fail during fatigue of boron-epoxy laminates

A method proposed for studying progressive fiber fracture in boron-epoxy laminates during fatigue tests is described. It is based on the intensity of X-ray absorption of the tungsten core in the boron filaments as contrasted with that of the boron and epoxy matrix. When the laminate is X-rayed, the image of the tungsten in the born filaments is recorded on a photographic plate. Breaks in the boron laminates can be easily identified by magnifying the photographic plates. The method is suitable for studying broken boron filaments in most matrix materials, and may supply key information for developing realistic fatigue and fracture models.

Roderick, G. L.↗
NASA NTRS1976

Accretion onto magnetized neutron stars - Structure and interchange instability of a model magnetosphere

A self-consistent model is analyzed for the spherical infall of weakly magnetized plasma into the magnetosphere of a slowly rotating, strongly magnetized neutron star. It is shown that spherical infall is probably a good approximation for X-ray sources which accrete from a stellar wind. The location of the standoff shock which halts the hypersonic infall is estimated along with the emission from the shocked layer. The location of the equilibrium magnetopause and the structure of the magnetic field within it are calculated; it is found that the magnetic poles are true cusps and that the entry of gas due to equilibrium flow across a cusp is almost certainly dominated by the interchange instability near the magnetic equator. The energy principle is applied to derive necessary conditions for the occurrence of this instability. The results indicate that the strong magnetic-pressure gradient stabilizes the gas unless moderately strong radiative cooling takes place and that the cooled plasma enters the magnetosphere as long filaments capable of moving between field lines. The rate at which the equilibrium magnetopause can 'absorb' mass and momentum is derived, the validity of the approximations employed is discussed, and the likely evolution of the sinking filaments is outlined to show that the spatial distribution of the plasma is determined mainly by the dynamics and thermodynamics of the filaments rather than the magnetic-field structure.

Arons, J.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Electron dynamics in a plasma focus

Results are presented of a numerical integration of the three-dimensional relativistic equations of motion of electrons subject to given electric and magnetic fields deduced from experiments. Fields due to two different models are investigated. For the first model, the fields are those due to a circular distribution of axial current filaments. As the current filaments collapse toward the axis, large azimuthal magnetic and axial electric fields are induced. These fields effectively heat the electrons to a temperature of approximately 8 keV and accelerate electrons within the radius of the filaments to high axial velocities. Similar results are obtained for the current-reduction phase of focus formation. For the second model, the fields are those due to a uniform current distribution. Both the current-reduction and the compression phases were studied. These is little heating or acceleration of electrons during the compression phase because the electrons are tied to the magnetic field. However, during the current-reduction phase, electrons near the axis are accelerated toward the center electrode and reach energies of 100 keV. A criterion is obtained which limits the runaway electron current to about 400 A.

Hohl, F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

A hot wire radiant energy source for mapping the field of view of a radiometer

The design and performance of a calibration device that allows the measurement of a radiometer's field of view are described. The heart of the device is a heated 0.0254-mm (0.001-inch) diameter filament that provides a variable, isothermal line source of radiant energy against a cold background. By moving this discrete line source across the field of view of a radiometer, the radiometer's spatial response can be completely mapped. The use of a platinum filament provides a durable radiation source whose temperature is stable and repeatable to 10 K over the range of 600 to 1200 K. By varying the energy emitted by the filament, the field of view of radiometers with different sensitivities (or multiple channel radiometers) can be totally mapped.

Edwards, S. F.↗
NASA NTRS1977

Characterization, shaping, and joining of SiC/superalloy sheet for exhaust system components

Hafnium carbide was shown to be virtually inert when in contact with silicon carbide and Waspaloy for at least 200 hr at 1093 C (2000 F). Extensive interaction was noted with other superalloys such as HA-188. A continuous CVD HfC deposition process was developed for deposition of up to 8 microns on .14 mm (.0056 in.) SiC tungsten core filament at rates as high as .6 m/min. The rate can be increased by increasing the length of the reactor and the output of the power supply used in resistive heating of the filament substrate. The strength of HfC coated filament varies with thickness in a Griffith-like manner. This strength reduction was greater for HfC coatings than for tungsten coatings, presumably because of the greater ductility of tungsten.

Cornie, J. A.↗
NASA NTRS1978

The prospects for composites based on boron fibers

The fabrication of boron filaments and the production of composite materials consisting of boron filaments and organic or metallic matrices are discussed. Problem involving the use of tungsten substrates in the filament fabrication process, the protection of boron fibers with diffusion barrier cladings, and the application of alloy additives in the matrix to lessen the effects of diffusion are considered. Data on the kinetics of the boron fiber/matrix interaction at high temperatures, and the influence of the fiber/matrix interaction on the mechanical properties of the composite are presented.

Naslain, R.↗