Abstract: A method for the manufacture of articles such as heat exchangers, heat absorbers, thermal skins, rocket engine components and the like which method comprises providing a substrate or mold, etching or cutting cooling channels therein, filling said channels and processing to form a part which is then fabricated into the final article. In the production method a unique filler or core material comprising a strontium composition is utilized thus rendering a product of high quality and net-shape finish.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a micro-passage heat exchanger includes preparing a substrate of multiple square tubes, configuring multiple layers of the square tubes in a vertical plane, interposing between each layer a braze alloy to form a core, bonding the multiple layers of multiple tubes to form a core mass, forming in alternate tube layers counter flow fluid channels, providing the core mass with sides and manifolds, and brazing the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A reactor for producing hot hydrogen in vacuo which in turn drives a power-generating device such as a turbine is disclosed. Within the reactor are injected heat-generating reactants such as beryllium and oxygen. The reactants heat hydrogen which in turn is delivered to a power-generating device such as a turbine.

Abstract: A variable pressure passive regenerative fuel cell system is provided wherein both the fuel cell and electrolyzer are designed to operate under variable pressure conditions.

Abstract: A variable pressure passive regenerative fuel cell system is provided wherein both the fuel cell and electrolyzer are designed to operate under variable pressure conditions.

Abstract: A dilution cooled lithium reactor for producing hot hydrogen which in turn drives a power-generating device such as a turbine is disclosed. Within the reactor are injected heat-generating reactants such as liquid lithium and liquid oxygen. The reactants combine to heat hydrogen which in turn is filtered and delivered to a power-generating device such as a turbine.

Abstract: An electrode is provided comprising a metal base and, on at least a portion of the metal base, a conductive material comprising a metallic mixture of antimony and lithium. This electrode may be utilized in an apparatus for electrochemical treatment of radioactive waste.

Abstract: An electric pump comprises a housing (22) that encloses a stack of waveplates (18) in which electrically created traveling waves forcefully move fluid (20) from an inlet duct (24) to an outlet duct (26). Each waveplate is made of shear type transducer material that is segmented by film electrodes, the electrode planes lying perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow. Electrode sets are stimulated by a multiphase electrical power source. The pressure at wave crest contacts is electrically controlled to hermetically trap fluid portions between waves, thereby achieving high throughput against high pressure differential. Rubbing is essentially absent throughout the pump, life shortening mechanisms being few and benign. High electromechanical efficiency obtains when waveplates are stimulated by electrically resonant frequencies. Pump variants include variable wavelength, variable wave amplitude, and tapered waveplates for improved effectiveness with compressible fluids.

Abstract: The present invention is useful for quickly releasing an object which is being moved by an actuator. Generally actuators of the piezoelectric type move objects slowly. For applications where an object must be quickly moved such as when releasing brakes or reinserting a control rod in a reactor core an actuator should have a quick release feature. The invention uses a set of actuators which contact a bolt and moves the bolt with smooth walking motion. The bolt in turn is driven by the actuators such that it engages an object with smooth walking motion to move or position the object. When the object is to be released the actuators are removed from contact from the bolt thereby releasing the object.

Abstract: A bearing assembly includes a bearing characterized by a gradated composition such that the bearing transitions from a metallic substrate such as high strength steel to an inner layer of silver, ceramics, or diamond-like material wherein the thermal coefficient of expansion as between the bearing and a rolling element or shaft is matched.

Abstract: A precipitation hardening, high strength alloy, having a composition comprising in weight percent, 25.0% nickel, 15.0% chromium, 1.25% molybdenum, 0.25% vanadium, 2.65% titanium, 0.25% aluminum, 0.005% carbon, and the balance iron with incidental impurities.

Abstract: A precipitation hardening, high strength alloy, characterized by a low, controlled co efficient of thermal expansion and resistance to hydrogen environment embrittlement.

Abstract: The compound 7-amino-4,6-dinitrobenzofuroxan is prepared by reacting 2,3,4,6-tetranitroaniline in a solvent with aqueous sodium azide under controlled exotherm conditions.

Abstract: A bearing assembly including an inner race element and an outer race element each having raceways therein, the gradated race matrixes making up the composition of the race elements such that each race element transitions from a metallic substrate such as steel to an outer wear resistant layer such as silicon nitride.

Abstract: A flex-joint assembly (36) having a pair of identical flex joints (102,104) between three sections of shaft, front (88), center (86) and rear (90). Each flex joint, i.e., (102), consists of a pair of substantially semi-cylindrical bearings (89,93) and a trunnion block (92). The block (92) is a double wedge having long arcuate edges (106,108) at opposite sides thereof, the two edges being orthogonal to each other. The edges (106,108) fit into the bearings (89,93), and the bearings (89,93) and trunnion block (92) fit into complementarily shaped end-sections (91,95) in the facing ends of their associated shafts (88,86). The shafts (88,86,90), the bearings (89,93) and (98,100), and the blocks (92) and (94) are formed with a central bore (121) in which a wire (96) is placed. The wire (96) is placed under tension and affixed at the ends of the front and rear shafts (88) and (90).

Abstract: A heat pipe system is provided in which the working fluid is selected to enhance operation of the heat pipe by utilizing a salt compound having a boiling point of about 600.degree. K. at one atmosphere.

Abstract: A refractory solid-state heat pipe assembly, or heat shield, capable of solid-state operation at high and low extreme temperature ranges in hostile environments, with particular application found in hypersonic vehicle surfaces, is provided.

Abstract: A solvent-free molten salt method for the synthesis of glycidyl azide polymer.

Abstract: A family of ultra high-energy gun propellant systems based upon a nitrocellulose binder matrix, and containing a variety of azide components to provide a formulation having reduced isochoric flame temperatures and ultra-high mass impetus.

Abstract: A thrust nozzle assembly for selective deployment and retraction of an extendible nozzle for a rocket engine.