| PROPOSAL NUMBER: | 02-II B1.02-8784 (For NASA Use Only - Chron: 023215 ) |
| PHASE-I CONTRACT NUMBER: | NAS8-03017 |
| SUBTOPIC TITLE: | Gravitational Effects on Biotechnology and Materials Sciences |
| PROPOSAL TITLE: | Enhanced Blackbody Sensors for the Quench Module Insert |
SMALL BUSINESS CONCERN:
(Firm Name, Mail Address, City/State/ZIP, Phone)
Plasma Processes, Inc.
4914 Moores Mill Road
Huntsville , AL 35811 - 1558
(256 ) 851 - 7653
PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR/PROJECT MANAGER:
(Name, E-mail, Mail Address, City/State/ZIP, Phone)
Scott ODell
scottodell@plasmapros.com
4914 Moores Mill Road
Huntsville , AL 35811 - 1558
(256 ) 851 - 7653
TECHNICAL ABSTRACT (LIMIT 200 WORDS)
Experiment Modules (EM) such as the Quench Module Insert (QMI) must be comprised of robust components to minimize the need for recalibration and refurbishment/replacement on the International Space Station. A critical aspect for proper operation of the QMI is thermal performance monitoring by blackbody sensors (BBS). Significant improvements in the ability of the sensor to monitor thermal performance can be realized by improving the joint quality between BBS rings and tantalum sheathed thermocouples. Modification of the sensor rings' surface properties to increase emissivity benefits thermal performance. In Phase I, novel laser brazing techniques have been developed for the production of robust joints between tantalum sheathed thermocouples and BBS rings. Additionally, an ultra high temperature tantalum carbide emissivity coating has been developed for use with tantalum sensor rings for improved radiative heat transfer properties. Thermal cycle testing demonstrated excellent joint quality of the enhanced BBS and the bond between TaC emissivity coatings and tantalum sensor rings. During Phase II, the techniques will be optimized such that enhanced flight quality BBS will be fabricated for testing in QMI furnaces at Marshall Space Flight Center.
POTENTIAL NASA COMMERCIAL APPLICATION(S) (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Much emphasis is currently being placed on the development of high temperature, robust joining techniques for refractory metals, ceramics and composite materials for numerous commercial applications. The joining techniques developed during this research can be used for many of these applications including, but not limited to, high temperature furnace and retort components, rocket motor throat inserts, radiation shields, heat pipes, power generation equipment, nuclear components, turbines, combustion chambers, incinerators, and deposition equipment.
POTENTIAL NON-NASA APPLICATION(S) (LIMIT 150 WORDS)
Laser brazing of thermal couples and sensors has immediate commercial use in furnaces, ovens, boilers, combustion engines, rocket motors, waste processing, fuel cells, water heaters, etc.. High emissivity coatings increase performance of high temperature transfer devices such as furnaces, ovens, boilers, combustion engines, rocket motors, incinerators, etc..