ASRC Aerospace Corporation

About: ASRC Aerospace Corporation is a based out in . It is known for research contribution in the topics: In situ resource utilization & Propulsion. The organization has 194 authors who have published 404 publications receiving 4748 citations.

Fast Detection of Hydrogen at Room Temperature Using a Nanoparticle-integrated Microsensor

Abstract: A novel nanoparticle-integrated hydrogen microsensor with a very fast response time at room temperature is presented in this work. The sensor was developed by integrating indium dioxide (ln2O3) doped polycrystalline tin dioxide (SnO2) nano particles on interdigitated electrodes with a 5 mum spacing. In this sensor, we obtained a sensor response time as fast as 100 seconds with sensitivity as high as 3,700 for room temperature hydrogen detection.

Validating PIV Measurements in Supersonic Jets Using Shadowgraph Optical Imaging

Abstract: Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) is a planar fluid velocity measurement technique, wellestablished worldwide in research and in industry to acquire two or three component planar velocity data in a wide variety of fluid flows. Specifically in this work, 2D PIV was applied to characterize the supersonic flow field of a screech-reducing jet nozzle design on the Nozzle Acoustic Test Rig (NATR) in the Aero-Acoustic Propulsion Lab (AAPL) at NASA Glenn Research Center (GRC). The PIV data were acquired in the stream-wise configuration allowing for mapping the jet plume flow field at numerous locations downstream. Based on a growing experience level and understanding of jet flows, more confidence is being given to Computational Fluid Dynamic (CFD) prediction codes. Typically, PIV as well as other diagnostic measurement tools are used to validate the CFD predictions. Recently, a large difference between the PIV measurements and the CFD predictions of a supersonic jet flow was observed, leading to concerns about accuracy and overall quality of the PIV measurement campaign. In order to alleviate these apprehensions, the shadowgraph optical imaging method was applied to the same flows to provide supplementary supersonic flow field data. Shadowgraph images are completely independent of PIV measurements which provide a robust qualitative PIV validation solution in supersonic flows.

PH and Electrochemical Responsive Materials for Corrosion Smart Coating Applications

Abstract: Corrosion is a costly issue for military operations and civil industries. While most corrosion initiates from localized corrosion form, such as pitting, failure directly caused by localized corrosion is the most dangerous kind, because it is difficult to anticipate and prevent, occurs very suddenly and can be catastrophic. One way of preventing these failures is with a coating that can detect and heal localized corrosion. pH and other electrochemical changes are often associated with localized corrosion, so it is expected that materials that are pH or otherwise electrochemical responsive can be used to detect and control corrosion. This paper will review various pH and electrochemical responsive materials and their potential applications in corrosion smart coatings. Current research results in this field will also be reported.

Visco Jet Joule-Thomson Device Characterization Tests in Liquid Methane

Abstract: Joule-Thomson (J-T) devices have been identified as critical components for Thermodynamic Vent Systems (TVS) planned for future space exploration missions. Lee Visco Jets (The Lee Company) (Ref. 4) are one type of J-T device that may be used for LCH4 propellant systems. Visco Jets have been previously tested and characterized in LN2 and LH2 (Refs. 6 and 7), but have not been characterized in LOX or LCH4. Previous Visco Jet tests with LH2 resulted in clogging of the Visco Jet orifice under certain conditions. It has been postulated that this clogging was due to the presence of neon impurities in the LH2 that solidified in the orifices. Visco Jets therefore require testing in LCH4 to verify that they will not clog under normal operating conditions. This report describes a series of tests that were performed at the NASA Glenn Research Center to determine if Visco Jets would clog under normal operating conditions with LCH4 propellant. Test results from this program indicate that no decrease in flow rate was observed for the Visco Jets tested, and that current equation used for predicting flow rate appears to under-predict actual flow at high Lohm ratings.

Use of Atmospheric Glow Discharge Plasma to Modify Spaceport Materials

Abstract: Numerous materials used in spaceport operations require stringent evaluation before they can be utilized. It is critical for insulative polymeric materials that any surface charge be dissipated as rapidly as possible to avoid Electrostatic Discharges (ESD) that could present a danger. All materials must pass the Kennedy Space Center (KSC) standard electrostatic test [1]; however several materials that are considered favorable for Space Shuttle and International Space Station use have failed. Moreover, to minimize contamination of Mars spacecraft, spacecraft are assembled under cleanroom conditions and specific cleaning and sterilizing procedures are required for all materials. However, surface characteristics of these materials may allow microbes to survive by protecting them from sterilization and cleaning techniques. In this study, an Atmospheric Pressure Glow Discharge Plasma (APGD) [2] was used to modify the surface of several materials. This allowed the materials surface to be modified in terms of hydrophilicity, roughness, and conductivity without affecting the bulk properties. The objectives of this study were to alter the surface properties of polymers for improved electrostatic dissipation characteristics, and to determine whether the consequent surface modification on spaceport materials enhanced or diminished microbial survival.