Tech Briefs Magazine - October 2021 - 34

Test & Measurement
agents range from simple units that use
colorimetric techniques - wherein the
presence of a chemical substance is
indicated by a specific color change -
to more complex systems that use special
equipment. Unfortunately, most
colorimetric-based products such as
paper detection products or gas detection
tubes can be highly susceptible to
chemical interference, which can result
in false positive and false negative re -
sults as well as poor sensitivity.
A kit packages the chemical components
into a simple, pen-like construct;
an easy-to-use point-and-touch detection;
and a spray-based formulation of
the same technology.
For more information, contact the U.S.
The product accurately detects chemical weapons at low concentration levels. (U.S. Army)
Macroflash Cup Cryostat
The compact instrument measures thermal conductivity of materials at below ambient
temperatures.
John F. Kennedy Space Center, Florida
ccurate thermal performance in -
formation, including effective thermal
conductivity data, are needed as a result of
advances in polymers and composites,
along with growing industrial needs in
below ambient temperature applications.
NASA Kennedy developed a method
for measuring thermal performance of
materials at below ambient temperatures
or those subjected to a large temperature
difference. The technology uses liquid
A
nitrogen as a direct heat energy meter
and is applicable to testing at a wide
range of temperatures from 373 K down
to 77 K and under an ambient pressure
environment.
The Macroflash follows the guidelines
of technical standard ASTM C1774
(Annex A4) and provides a cost-effective,
field-representative methodology to test
any material for below ambient temperature
applications. From engineered systems
to research testing to quality control
in manufacturing, the technology provides
utility for the fields of energy, transportation,
construction, and environment.
The Macroflash can test solids, foams, or
powders that are homogeneous or layered
in composition. Test specimens are typically
75 mm in diameter and 6 mm in thickness.
The cold side is maintained by liquid
nitrogen at 77 K while a heater disk maintains
a steady warm-side temperature from
ambient up to 373 K. The steady boiloff of
the liquid nitrogen provides a direct measure
of the heat energy transferred through
the thickness of the test specimen.
Nitrogen or other gas is supplied to the
instrument to establish a stable, moisturefree,
ambient pressure environ ment. Dif -
ferent compression loading levels can also
be conveniently applied to the test specimen
as needed for accurate, field-representative
thermal performance data. The
Macroflash is calibrated from approximately
10 mW/m-K to 800 mW/m-K using
well-characterized materials.
The Macroflash can test solids, foams, or powders that are homogeneous or layered in composition.
34
Cov
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ToC
NASA is actively seeking licensees to commercialize
this technology. Please contact
NASA's Licensing Concierge at Agency-PatentLicensing@mail.nasa.gov
or call us at 202358-7432
to initiate licensing discussions.
Follow this link for more information:
https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/KSCTOPS-22.
Tech
Briefs, October 2021
Army CCDC Army Research Laboratory
Pub lic Affairs at 703-693-6477.

https://technology.nasa.gov/patent/KSC-TOPS-22 http://www.techbriefs.com http://info.hotims.com/79418-936

Tech Briefs Magazine - October 2021

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