QuesTek Innovations LLC*, of Evanston, Illinois, developed a carburized, martensitic gear steel with an ultra-hard case using a proprietary computa-tional design methodology. QuesTek’s gear steel outperforms, by almost 300 percent, current state-of-the-art alloys used for aviation gears in contact fatigue, according to spur gear fatigue testing performed with a spiral bevel or face gear test rig at GRC’s Mechanical Components Branch. Uses for this new class of steel are limitless in areas needing exceptional strength for high-throughput applications.

Kelly Aerospace Thermal Systems LLC* , located in Willoughby, Ohio, collaborated with GRC scientists on deicing technology with assistance from the SBIR program. This collaboration, combined with earlier work, contributed to the development of a lightweight, easy-to-install, reliable wing and tail deicing system called Thermawing; a direct-current (dc)-powered air conditioner for single-engine aircraft called Thermacool; and high-output alternators to run them both.

EGC Enterprises Inc.*, of Chardon, Ohio, used GRC’s Icing Research Tunnel to develop a thermo-electric thin-film heater technology to address in-flight icing on aircraft wings. Working with GRC researchers and the original equipment manufacturers of aircraft parts, the company developed the Q•Foil Rapid Response Thin-Film Heater. The product meets all criteria for in-flight use and promises a broad range of applications, including cooking griddles, small cabinet heaters, and several laboratory uses.

United States Thermoelectric Consortium* (USTC), of Chico, California, has found technical research from GRC to be a valuable resource for its line of thermal management solutions. In cooperation with NASA, USTC built a gas emissions analyzer for combustion research, which precipitated hydrocarbon particles, preventing contamination that would hinder precise rocket fuel analysis. USTC work has since provided thermal solutions for computer, radar, laser, microwave, and other systems.

Infrared Imaging Sharpens View in Critical Situations

Innovative Engineering and Consulting Infrared Systems*, of Cleveland, Ohio, worked with electrical and optical engineers from GRC’s Diagnostics and Data Systems Branch to develop a commer-cial infrared imaging system that could differentiate the intensity of heat sources better than other systems. The research resulted in the NightStalkIR and IntrudIR Alert Systems, now being used abroad to locate personnel stranded in emergency situations and also to protect high-value operations. The company is also applying its thermal imaging techniques to medical and pharmaceutical products.

NASA research on corrosion and long-duration coatings has led to several alternate applications for atomic oxygen. GRC researchers found that atomic oxygen removed organic compounds high in carbon (such as soot) from fire-damaged artworks without altering the paint color. By oxidizing primarily hydrogen, carbon, and hydrocarbon polymers at surface levels, atomic oxygen can also be used to remove bacterial contaminants from surgical implants (see ICB Exceptional Cases) and to detect forgeries. Collaborations between the Cleveland Clinic Foundation* and the GRC team have also shown it can improve cell adhesion, which is important for the development of new drugs.

A GRC-developed flattening process that translates a model’s surface geometry to a two-dimensional 2–D template has given Fabric Images Inc.*, of Elgin, Illinois, a competitive edge. Specializing in the printing and manufacturing of fabric tension architecture for the retail, museum, and exhibit/trade show communities, the company utilizes the software to translate 2–D graphics for three dimensional 3–D surfaces. This process has cut production time by nearly 12 percent per project, reduced wasted material, and enabled the company to offer new design services.

Working with GRC, Diversified Services Corporation, of Cleveland, Ohio, developed a nutritional fat replacement and flavor enhancement product called Nutrigras that costs less than the food it replaces and helps manufacturers reduce material costs. The now-commercialized substitute is primarily intended for use as a partial replacement for animal fat in beef patties and other high-fat meat products but can also be used in soups, sauces, bakery items, and desserts. The company is repaying NASA for its help by contributing to food for astronauts on the International Space Station* using the Nutrigras fat substitute as a flavor enhancer and shelf-life extender.    

GRC Spinoffs Lead to Over 200 Products

The editor of Spinoff*, Daniel P. Lockney, has recently reported that GRC has contributed core technologies to over 200 products and processes born from the Center’s aeronautics and space research.

Closer to home for GRC, Spinoff has tracked the progress of over 60 Ohio companies whose products have benefited from collaboration with NASA.