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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 19 records
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1992

Probabilistic material degradation model for aerospace materials subjected to high temperature, mechanical and thermal fatigue, and creep

A probabilistic general material strength degradation model has been developed for structural components of aerospace propulsion systems subjected to diverse random effects. The model has been implemented in two FORTRAN programs, PROMISS (Probabilistic Material Strength Simulator) and PROMISC (Probabilistic Material Strength Calibrator). PROMISS calculates the random lifetime strength of an aerospace propulsion component due to as many as eighteen diverse random effects. Results are presented in the form of probability density functions and cumulative distribution functions of lifetime strength. PROMISC calibrates the model by calculating the values of empirical material constants.

Boyce, L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Novel oxygen atom source for material degradation studies

Physical Sciences Inc. (PSI) has developed a high flux pulsed source of energetic (8 km/s) atomic oxygen to bombard specimens in experiments on the aging and degradation of materials in a low earth orbit environment. The proof-of-concept of the PSI approach was demonstrated in a Phase 1 effort. In Phase 2 a large O-atom testing device (FAST-2) has been developed and characterized. Quantitative erosion testing of materials, components, and even small assemblies (such as solar cell arrays) can be performed with this source to determine which materials and/or components are most vulnerable to atomic oxygen degradation. The source is conservatively rated to irradiate a 100 sq cm area sample at greater than 10(exp 17) atoms/s, at a 10 Hz pulse rate. Samples can be exposed to an atomic oxygen fluence equivalent to the on-orbit ram direction exposure levels incident on Shuttle surfaces at 250 km during a week-long mission in a few hours.

Krech, R. H.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Development of Surveillance Test Articles for Materials Degradation Management in MSR Environments

Materials in molten salt reactors (MSR) undergo accelerated degradation from corrosion, irradiation, and cyclic loads at elevated temperatures. Establishing a materials surveillance program to enable the assessment of material deterioration is critical to assure structural integrity of MSRs components. This presentation summarizes recent efforts towards the development of surveillance test articles for collecting various damages for monitoring materials degradation. Surveillance test articles with reduced dimensions were designed to capture creep-fatigue damage from cyclic loading at elevated temperatures. The strain evolution of test articles during thermal cycling was analyzed both numerically and experimentally. Out-of-reactor thermal cycling demonstrated successful capture of strain range for materials assessment. Moreover, test articles were subject to both mechanical loads and molten salt exposure, and the damage due to stress and corrosion was investigated. Additionally, damage inference models were developed to predict the remaining life of materials based on the accumulated damage in surveillance test articles.

36 - MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
NASA NTRS1992

Computational simulation of coupled material degradation processes for probabilistic lifetime strength of aerospace materials

The research included ongoing development of methodology that provides probabilistic lifetime strength of aerospace materials via computational simulation. A probabilistic material strength degradation model, in the form of a randomized multifactor interaction equation, is postulated for strength degradation of structural components of aerospace propulsion systems subjected to a number of effects or primative variables. These primative variable may include high temperature, fatigue or creep. In most cases, strength is reduced as a result of the action of a variable. This multifactor interaction strength degradation equation has been randomized and is included in the computer program, PROMISS. Also included in the research is the development of methodology to calibrate the above described constitutive equation using actual experimental materials data together with linear regression of that data, thereby predicting values for the empirical material constraints for each effect or primative variable. This regression methodology is included in the computer program, PROMISC. Actual experimental materials data were obtained from the open literature for materials typically of interest to those studying aerospace propulsion system components. Material data for Inconel 718 was analyzed using the developed methodology.

Boyce, Lola↗
NASA NTRS1991

Ground and space based optical analysis of materials degradation in low-Earth-orbit

There is strong interest in being able to accurately and sensitively monitor materials degradation in both ground-based and space-based environments. Two optical techniques for sensitive degradation monitoring are reviewed: spectroscopic ellipsometry and photothermal spectroscopy. These techniques complement each other in that ellipsometry is sensitive to atomically thin surface and subsurface changes, and photothermal spectroscopy is sensitive to local defects, pin-holes, subsurface defects, and delamination. Progress in applying these spectroscopies (both ex situ and in situ) to atomic oxygen degradation of space materials is reviewed.

Woollam, John A.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Materials degradation in low earth orbit (LEO); Proceedings of the Symposium, 119th Annual Meeting of the Minerals, Metals, and Materials Society, Anaheim, CA, Feb. 17-22, 1990

The current understanding of the effect of space environment on materials and the development of protective coatings is examined in reviews and reports. Consideration is given to hyperthermal atomic oxygen reactions, the effect of atomic oxygen on altered and coated Kapton surfaces for spacecraft applications in LEO, silicon dioxide space coatings studied ellipsometrically, atomic oxygen effects on spacecraft materials, atomic oxygen beam source for erosion simulation, and atomic oxygen effects on refractory materials. Particular attention is given to ellipsometric analysis of materials degradation in space, studies of the interaction of 8 km/s oxygen atoms with selected materials, characterization and calibration of the EOIM-III flight mass spectrometer in a high velocity oxygen atom beam, the reaction efficiency of thermal energy oxygen atoms with polymeric materials, and effects of simulated space environments on the properties of selected materials.

Srinivasan, V.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Geospatial modeling of near subsurface temperatures of the contiguous United States for assessment of materials degradation

Abstract Understanding subsurface temperature variations is crucial for assessing material degradation in underground structures. This study maps subsurface temperatures across the contiguous United States for depths from 50 to 3500 m, comparing linear interpolation, gradient boosting (LightGBM), neural networks, and a novel hybrid approach combining linear interpolation with LightGBM. Results reveal heterogeneous temperature patterns both horizontally and vertically. The hybrid model performed best achieving a root mean square error of 2.61 °C at shallow depths (50–350 m). Model performance generally decreased with depth, highlighting challenges in deep temperature prediction. State-level analyses emphasized the importance of considering local geological factors. This study provides valuable insights for designing efficient underground facilities and infrastructure, underscoring the need for depth-specific and region-specific modeling approaches in subsurface temperature assessment.

Science & Technology - Other Topics↗
NASA NTRS1986

High intensity 5 eV O-atom exposure facility for material degradation studies

An atomic oxygen exposure facility was developed for studies of material degradation. The goal of these studies is to provide design criteria and information for the manufacture of long life (20 to 30 years) construction materials for use in low Earth orbit. The studies that are being undertaken will provide: (1) absolute reaction cross sections for the engineering design problems, (2) formulations of reaction mechanisms for use in the selection of suitable existing materials and the design of new more resistant ones, and (3) the calibration of flight hardware (mass spectrometers, etc.) in order to directly relate experiments performed in low Earth orbit to ground based investigations. The facility consists of a CW laser sustained discharge source of O-atoms, an atomic beam formation and diagnostics system, a spinning rotor viscometer, and provision for using the system for calibration of actual flight instruments.

Cross, J. B.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Quantification of uncertainties in coupled material degradation processes - High temperature, fatigue and creep

This paper describes the development of methodology that provides for quantification of uncertainties in lifetime strength of aerospace materials subjected to a number of diverse effects. A probabilistic material degradation model, in the form of a randomized multifactor interaction equation, has been postulated for lifetime strength degradation of structural components of aerospace propulsion systems. The model includes effects that typically reduce lifetime strength and may include temperature, mechanical fatigue, creep and others. The paper also includes the analysis of experimental data from the open literature for Inconel 718. These data are used to provide an initial check for model validity, as well as for calibration of the model's empirical material constants. The model validity check and calibration is carried out for three effects, namely, high temperature, mechanical fatigue and creep.

Boyce, L.↗
DOE OSTI2025

On-line Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Reveals Material Degradation Dynamics of Au and Cu Catalysts during Electrochemical CO 2 Reduction

A significant challenge in commercializing electrochemical CO 2 reduction (CO 2 R) is achieving catalyst durability. Here, in this study, online inductively coupled mass spectrometry (ICP–MS) was used to investigate catalyst degradation via nanoparticle detachment and/or dissolution into metal ions under CO 2 R operating conditions in 0.1 M KHCO 3 . We developed an experimental framework with ex situ characterization to validate the online ICP–MS method for in situ evaluation of degradation from metal foils. By varying the applied potential and microenvironment (CO 2 vs N 2 -saturated electrolyte), we gained insights into the degradation of Au and Cu foils under CO 2 R and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) conditions. While both Au and Cu foils were observed to be stable to dissolution in these regimes, degradation via nanoparticle detachment from the foil surface at the femtogram scale was observed as a function of reaction conditions, providing new insights into material degradation mechanisms. When applying potential steps at −0.1 and −1.0 V vs the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE), Au was found to degrade via nanoparticle detachment under CO 2 R operating conditions more than under HER conditions, while Cu was found to degrade via nanoparticle detachment in similar amounts during both reactions. Au lost ∼1.8× more mass and ∼7.5× more nanoparticles than Cu under CO 2 R operating conditions. This study demonstrates the use of online ICP–MS to gain insight into the degradation of Au and Cu, the importance of studying unconventional degradation mechanisms such as nanoparticle detachment, and that online ICP–MS can be further utilized to gain fundamental understanding of catalyst durability for a variety of reaction systems.

Yan, Katherine [Stanford Univ., CA (United States)↗
NASA NTRS1987

Energetic oxygen atom material degradation studies

As part of a study designed to test potential Shuttle surface materials for the extents of degradation and mass loss expected to be suffered in space from the velocity impacts of ambient oxygen atoms, a novel technique was developed for generation of a high flux of energetic oxygen atoms. The generation technique involves laser-induced breakdown of molecular oxygen followed by a rapid expansion of energetic oxygen atoms. The high-velocity streams developed in an evacuated hypersonic nozzle have average O-atom velocities of about 5 to 13 km/s, with an estimated total production of 10 to the 18th atoms per pulse over pulse durations of several microseconds. Results on preliminary material degradation tests conducted with this test facility have been reported by Caledonia et al. (1987). Diagrams of the experimental setup are included.

Caledonia, George E.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Development of a high flow source of energetic oxygen atoms for material degradation studies

A technique for the generation, in the laboratory, of thermally 'cold', high flux of energetic oxygen atoms is presented. The flux of nearly mono-energetic oxygen atoms is obtained after a laser-induced breakdown of oxygen molecules followed by a rapid expansion of the recombining plasma. The experimental apparatus, the optical and spectral measurements, the O-atom source characterization, and the material degradation studies are discussed. Average oxygen atom velocities of about 5 to 13 km/s are measured with an estimated flux of 10 to the 18th per pulse, over pulse durations of several microseconds. The flow of the O2 gas for about 200 microseconds before applying the laser pulse is found to give best results. It is also found that the energetic O-atom irradiation of sample targets such as Al, Fe, and polyethylene, induces mass removal. In addition, spectral scans of the radiation reveals the existence of two main spectral subsets.

Caledonia, G. E.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Mass-Loss Buttons Monitor Material Degradation

Small button-sized samples attached to parent materials are simple way of monitoring degradation of parent in harsh environments. Samples determine effects of multiple exposures to environmental extremes without disturbing fit or function of parent. They are less costly and more convenient than complex instrumentation normally required to measure complete temperature/pressure time history of parent component.

Webster, C. N.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Probabilistic material degradation under high temperature, fatigue, and creep

A methodology has been developed and embodied in two computer codes for quantitatively characterizing the material strength degradation of aerospace propulsion system structural components that are subjected to various random effects over the course of their service lives. The codes, PROMISS and PROMISC, constitute a material-resistance model that is used in the NESSUS aerospace structural-reliability program. NESSUS addresses the service life-reducing effects of high temperature, mechanical fatigue, and creep.

Boyce, L.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Mechanisms of atomic oxygen induced materials degradation

This paper includes discussions of mechanisms by which atomic oxygen may attack materials being flown in low earth orbit (LEO), suggestions for development of materials intrinsically resistant to the harsh LEO environment, and results of an Arrhenius fit to mass loss of Kapton under exposure to thermal atomic oxygen in a laboratory environment. Oxygen atoms are powerful oxidizing agents which can rapidly degrade many types of polymeric materials. The process details depend upon the specific material, its detailed bonding, the thermodynamic stability of potential products, temperature, and particle dynamics. With regard to spacecraft, many effects associated with atomic oxygen may be explained simply by ordinary thermal oxidation processes and by the fact that the oxygen has a preferred direction of impingement.

Pippin, H. G.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Study of balloon and thermal control material degradation aboard LDEF

The initial results of analysis performed on a number of polymeric materials which were exposed aboard the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) are discussed. These materials include two typical high altitude balloon films (a polyester and a polyethylene) and silver-backed Teflon from thermal control blanket samples. The techniques used for characterizing changes in mechanical properties, chemical structure and surface morphology include Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic mechanical analysis.

Letton, Alan↗
DOE OSTI2025

Materials Degradation in Extreme Environments: Novel In-situ Measurements of Cracking in Molten Salt

The safety and reliability of next-gen reactors, i.e. molten salt reactors (MSR), depends on materials performance and longevity in extreme environments, yet no in-situ, validated measurement techniques for environmentally assisted cracking (EAC), one potential degradation mechanism, exist for these conditions. This project combined the use of in-situ direct current potential drop (DCPD) crack growth rate determination applied to a horizontal load frame with high temperature fittings and novel sample geometries to enable evaluation in MSR environments and develop a full in-situ SCC measurement capability for extreme environments (high conductivity and elevated T), necessary to predict materials reliability. A successful demonstration of DCPD measurement in molten NaNO 3 /KNO 3 salts at 340 o C was accomplished and validated through post-test fractography imaging. This is the first ever public example, to the authors knowledge, of an in-situ crack growth rate measurement in a molten salt environment.

22 GENERAL STUDIES OF NUCLEAR REACTORS↗
NASA NTRS1984

Balloon materials degradation (S1006)

The objective of this experiment is to assess the effects of long-term exposure of candidate balloon films, tapes, and lines to the hostile environment above the Earth's atmosphere. Degradation of mechanical and radiometric properties will be observed by a series of tests on exposed materials. The experiment is passive and will test candidate balloon films, tapes, and lines. The experiment will occupy one-third of a 3-in.-deep peripheral tray. Two additional identical sets of material will be prepared. The first set will be tested immediately and the second will be held in a controlled environment until the recovery of the samples placed on orbit. Tests will then be performed on this second set to determine any effects of aging. The specimens that are recovered from the Long Duration Exposure Facility will also be tested and the effects of long-duration exposure noted. In addition to these specimens, another set of specimens will be exposed at an accelerated exposure facility and the results will be compared with those of specimens exposed in situ.

Allen, D. H.↗