Any NASA people here?

[Ready4Change]

I was watching a Discovery Channel show tonight on the efforts to return the SPace Shuttle Fleet to service.

I've some questions regarding the microbubbles in the "goo" which makes up part of one of the potential heat sheild repair methods.

Anyone involved, know anything about these?

BTW, I may not be back on DU till tomorrow AM.

[FreedomAngel82]

1. Sorry

My grandfather worked for NASA but I don't know anything about them.

[Ready4Change]

2. Thanks.

I actually know some people at NASA and Goddard, but it's kinda late to contact them at the moment, plus I don't think they are involved with the Shuttles. I'm just rolling the dice to see if someone may be up at this odd hour.

[lapfog_1]

3. I worked for NASA for over 10 years....

And I know a few things about the heat shield "tiles" on the
shuttle. But not much. Your question clearly goes beyond my
level of knowledge. I believe that there are a few other NASA
folks here (even one named "NASAguy" who may be able to help you.

What's your specific question?

Even if I don't know, I might be able to call some of my ex
coworkers and ask around.

[Ready4Change]

5. Ok, here goes:

Part of the show discussed how there are problems with bubbles forming in the repair "goo." The bubbles apparently are occuring because, as the goo flows through a nozzle astronauts use to deposit it on damaged areas, some of the "microbubbles" within the goo are breaking.

I'm wondering if these microbubbles are the same as those used in the construction of many composite homebuilt aircraft? Extremely small, air filled glass beads? They are used as fill material in aircraft for their lightness, and perhaps in this shuttle application for their insulative abilities?

If so, more specifically, are they created in a sea level pressure environment? If so, they would face quite a bit of stress when exposed to zero pressure.

So, can the microbubbles be manufactured in a lower pressure environment? This would decrease the size of bubble formed if they break, and decrease the chances of one breaking in the first place. (Because they would be under less stress to begin with.)

This all could be moot if the microbubbles NASA is using in this application of beeb specially created in as low a pressure environment as possible.

[seriousstan]

4. We use these at work. They are hollow glass bubbles that are

about 75 microns in diameter. You have to be careful opening the can because they become airborne very easily. Inhalation is a bad thing.


Ask me anything.

[Ready4Change]

6. Those are what I'm thinking of.

See my "Ok, here goes" message above for my thoughts.

And yah, I'd heard from some home builders that breathing them is supposed to be very, VERY bad.

[Ready4Change]

7. Off to bed. I'll check this thread in the AM.

G'night, all.

:boring:

[Ready4Change]

8. Good Morning.

:donut:

No connections generated overnight. Ah well. Just curious if I've got a clue on this. I'll see if my other connections know anything in this area.

Thanks all! Have a donut. :)

[seriousstan]

9. We use these as a filler in an epoxy. The don't decrease the strength

of the bond but they reduce the overall weight.