​

 

​

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center . . . . . Jacobs Space Exploration Group . . . . . May 2007 – 2025

Subject Matter Expert III – Advanced Nonmetallic Materials Science , Corrosion Science & Metal Finishes

 

• “Overview of 2-D and n-D Advanced Composites, Constituent Properties and Treatments, Fabrication Options, Chemistry, Thermal Degradation and Gradient SiC Conversion”, Randy Lee, October 2011

​

• “Technology Overview of Reinforced Carbon-Carbon (RCC) Composites for the Space Shuttle Leading Edge Panels Covering the Materials, Processing and Characterization of RCC”, Randy Lee, October 2007, (Ref. LTV tenure 1982-1988)

​

• “Density, Porosity and Constituent Fractions in Carbon-Carbon (C-C) Composites, SIC Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC) and Phenolic Carbon-Fiber Ablatives – Extended Review”, Randy Lee, June 2009

​​

• “Synthesis, Reactions and Mechanisms of Polycarbosilane and Other Preceramic Polymers, SiC and Si3N4 Polymer Precusors for Composite Matrices, Coatings and Bonding Agents”, Randy Lee, July 2009

​

• “Contrast the Differences in Interlaminar Nesting Effects for Composites based on Carbonized PAN Fabric and Carbonized Rayon Fabric – Quick Review”, Randy Lee, January 2010

​

• “Quad Chart Summaries of Original Research Ideas and Proposals for Consideration of Future Endeavors at NASA aimed at New and Advanced Nonmetallic Materials and Related Technologies”, Randy Lee, March 2010​

​

• “Original Interlaminar Strengthening Concepts for Advanced Polymer Matrix Composites Covering Processing Attributes, Mechanical and Chemical Mechanisms”, Randy Lee, June 2014

​

• “Synthetic Routes for Polyimides, Aramids and Polybenzimidazoles (PBI) with Emphasis on the PBI Ablator Liner in Solid Rocket Booster (SRB) Motors”, Randy Lee, November 2009

​

• “Carbon-Carbon-SiC Ceramic Hybrid Composite Components in Failed Launch Abort Motor Trial HT-7 Covering the Fabrication, Thermal Properties and Decomposition – Extended Review”, Randy Lee, June 2008

​

• “Carbon-Carbon (C-C)/Silicon Carbide (SiC) Hybrid n-D Composite Components in Launch Abort Motor HT-6 Covering Processing, Performance, Thermal and Physical Properties – Analysis of Post-Fire Images”, Randy Lee, November 2009

​

• “Carbon-Carbon (C-C)/Silicon Carbide (SiC) Hybrid n-D Composite Components in Launch Abort Motor HT-7 Covering Possible Attributes Leading to Failure – Survey of EDX Results”, Randy Lee, September 2008

​

• “Carbon-Carbon/Silicon Carbide (SiC) bimatrix n-D Composite Structures in Launch Abort Motor HT-7 Citing Possible Failure Contributors Relative to the n-D Architecture and Machining Damage”, Randy Lee, September 2008​

​

 

• “Ablative Composites - Char and Erosion Decomposition Mechanisms Covering the Thermal Ablation of Phenolic/Carbon Fabric Ablatives Used in SRB Nozzle Cones, Part 1”, Randy Lee, February 2011

 

• “Ablative Composites - Char and Erosion Decomposition Mechanisms Covering the Thermal Ablation of Phenolic/Carbon Fabric Ablatives Used in SRB Nozzle Cones Part 2”, Randy Lee, February 2011

 

• “Ablative Composites - Char and Erosion Decomposition Mechanisms Covering the Thermal Ablation of Phenolic/Carbon Fabric Ablatives Used in SRB Nozzle Cones and the PBI/NBR Liner– Extended Review”, Randy Lee, February 2011

 

• “PAN-Based C-C/SiC Hybrid Composites via Preceramic Polymers for Possible Use in New Space Telescope Systems Covering Fabrication, Properties and Performance Attributes – Memo1”, Randy Lee, August 2011

 

• “PAN-Based C-C/SiC Hybrid Composites via Preceramic Polymers for Possible Use in New Space Telescope Systems Covering Fabrication, Properties and Performance Attributes – Memo2”, Randy Lee, August 2011

 

• “Reactions and Mechanisms of Phenolic Resoles Used in Ablative Rocket Nozzle Liners Covering Synthesis, Curing, Carbonization, Thermal Kinetics, Free Radical Decomposition, and Erosion During Firing/Pyrolysis”, Randy Lee, July 2007

​

• “Analysis of RCC Leading Edges for Mission STS-120 Covering Craze Cracking Defects in the SiC Gradient Conversion Coating Caused by the CTE C-C Substrate-to-Coating Differential”, Randy Lee, October 2007

​

• “Analysis of RCC Leading Edge Panels for Mission STS-120 Examining Craze Cracking Defects by Applying Principles Developed During the Author's Tenure at LTV Aerospace, Producer of the RCC Panels – Addendum to October 2007 Report ”, Randy Lee, November 2007

 

• “Analysis RCC Leading Edge panels Evaluating Possible Causes for Delaminations Along the C-C Substrate-to-Coating Interface Covering Lay-Up and Fabrication Factors and CTE Differential Effects Between the C-C Substrate and the SiC Coating”, Randy Lee, November 2008

 

• “Short Survey of Carbon and Glass Fiber Surface Chemistry, Sizings and Treatments that Interact with Polymer Matrix Functional Groups in Composites”, Randy Lee, October 2009

 

• “Material Development of Faraday Cup Grids for the Solar Probe Plus Mission”, Investigation team of six researchers headed by Dr. M.P. Voltz, Randy Lee provided expertise in the areas of graphite, β-SiC and CVD, June 2011

 

• “Short Refresher of Epoxy Resin Chemistry Highlighting Synthesis, Pre-Polymer Formation, Crosslinking, Resin Advancement and Amine Catalyst Crosslinking”, Randy Lee, October 2009

 

• “A Rough Estimation for Possible Heat of Reaction Values in the PBI-NBR Elastomer Booster Liner by Request Using Literature Resources and Comparisons to Other Polymer Systems”, Randy Lee, April 2010

 

• “Functional Gradient Conversions and Transitions Joining Different Material Phases Using Graded Ceramicized Coatings on Carbon/Carbon Composites as a Reference – Unfinished Report”, Randy Lee, January 2009

 

• “Possible Damaging Effects of Machining Fiber/Fabric Fiber-Reinforced Composites During Trimming, Cutting and Shaping Operations – Unfinished Report”, Randy Lee, April 2010

 

​​

New Construction Building Lay-Out, Facility and Equipment Requirements for NASA’s state-of-art laboratory and prototype R&D center – Selected by NASA's Director of Advanced Nonmetallic Materials Department as a team member to provide facility requirements, design lay-outs, and work with building managers regarding nonmetallic labs and processing areas . . . 2009 – 2011

 

• Processing Facility for Carbon-Carbon (C-C) Composites, Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMC), C-C/CMC Composite Hybrids, New and Alternative Hybrids, Room 1178 – Final Layout

​

• Processing Facility for C-C, CMCs, C-C/CMC Hybrids, New and Alternative Hybrids, Room 1177 – Initial Layout

 

• Building 4602 Laboratory Drawings, Initial Building Specifications, Room Assignments, Naming Designations and Layout

 

• Elastomer & Polymer Processing Facility, Room 1175 – Initial Layout

 

• Community Furnace Area, Room 1132 – Final Layout

 

• Bonding Lab, Room, 1142 – Final Layout

 

• Composites Machine Shop and Sample Prep, Room 1176 – Final Layout

 

• Microscope Requirements & Assignments, Room 1157

 

• Building 4602, Laboratory Design Criteria for Selected Areas

 

• Building 4602 Move-in Plan Mtg Agenda

 

• Building 4602 Access Control Locations Rev 1

 

• Building 4602 Electrical Drawings

 

• Building 4602 Piping Drawings

 

​

Electrochemical and Crevice Corrosion Laboratory Investigations of selected metal candidates for use in the Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) on board the International Space Station (ISS) – Principal Investigator . . . . 2012 – 2024

 

All reports included here include original sections covering the “Application of Special Tools For Enhanced Characterization of Polarization Effects, Passive Oxide Compositions, Repassivation After Breakdown, Susceptibilities for Pitting, and n-p Pseudo Semiconductor Behavior, Oxide Breakdown”.  Refinement and improvement of these tools continued with each project report in the sequence of studies submitted for publication in the NASA STI (scientific and technical information) Repository below.

 

• “Electrochemical Investigations of Passive Noble Metals and Super Alloys for the ISS ECLSS”, Randy Lee, October 2014

​

• “Electrochemical Investigations of Passive Noble Metals and Super Alloys for the ISS ECLSS”, Randy Lee, April 2015

​

• “Electrochemical Investigations of Passive Noble Metals and Super Alloys for the ISS ECLSS” , Randy Lee, March 2016

​

• “Electrochemical Investigations of Passive Noble Metals and Super Alloys for the ISS ECLSS” , Randy Lee, May 2017

​

• “Electrochemical Investigations of Passive Noble Metals and Super Alloys for the ISS ECLSS” , Randy Lee, November 2018

​

​

Bell Helicopter Textron . . . . June 2004 – August 2006

​

• “Effects of Temperature-Humidity Variations on the Formation of Voids in V-22 (Osprey) Composite Blade and Spar Assemblies During Factory Operations Using Epoxy/Phenolic-Based Bonding Agents”, Randy Lee, December 2004

 

• “Field Corrosion of Model 212 Main Rotor Blades – Analysis of EDX Results Including a Chemical Review of the Chromate Conversion Coating Process Applied During Blade Assembly”, Randy Lee, May 2005

​

​

Freelance Activities . . . . April 2000 – November 2011

 

• “Review of Experiences Covering Carbon-Carbon Composite Technology, SiC generation from Graphite, CVD (via Methyl Trichlorosilane) and Preceramic Polymers”, Based on tenures at LTV Aerospace and Poco Graphite, Randy Lee, April 2000

 

• “Reactions of Polyester Resins and the Effects of Natural Lignin Fillers in Glass Fiber-Polyester Composites”, Hands-on study conducted for the company Composite Technology Inc., Randy Lee, January 2001

 

• “Electroless Nickel Formulation and Plating Concepts”, Based on experiences acquired during the late 1970s prior to receiving degree from UTA, Randy Lee, January 2001

 

• “Background Experiences in Composite Materials, Coatings, Adhesives and Manufacturing Starting as a Preteen and Throughout the Author's Career – Prior to NASA Marshall Space Flight Center”, Randy Lee, June 2007

​

​

Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Co . . . . January 1998 – April 2000

 

• “Comprehensive Analysis and Estimations of the Materials, Processing, Cost and Labor Requirements for Effective Fuel Containment and Fuel Sealing on the Joint Strike Fighter Concept (F-35) via Extensive Research and Involvement in Shop Practices for the F-16 and F-22 – Final Report”, Randy Lee, September 1999

 

• “Comprehensive Analysis and Estimations of the Materials, Processing, Cost and Labor Requirements for Metallic and Nonmetallic Shimming of Gaps within Substructures for the JSF Concept via Industry Practices and Shop Involvement with the F-16 and F-22 Programs – Preliminary Report”, Randy Lee, December 1999

 

• “Brief Overview of the Various Fuel Containment Options Evaluated Summarizing Total Projected Costs for Each Option”, Final estimates were proprietary at the time as the JSF competition was still underway, Randy Lee, January 2000

 

​

Poco Graphite Inc . . . . August 1996 – December 1997

 

• “Overview of Crude Mesophase, Graphite, Soft Carbons and Glassy Carbon Covering Molecular Structures and Associated Reactions During Thermal Conversions as well as Thermal/Physical Properties of the Various Carbon Forms”, Randy Lee, February 1997

​

• “Development of SiC from Graphite and Investigation of Preceramic Polymers as Bonding Agents, CVD/CVI Processes for Graphite Substrates and Associated Chemical Reactions and for SiC Ceramic Precursors”, Randy Lee, September 1997

​

• "Overview of SiC Preceramic and Reaction Bonding of Graphite Articles - Final Brief", Randy Lee, October 1997

​

​

Graham Magnetics Inc . . . . February 1992 – August 1996

​

• “Experimental Investigation of Coating Formulations Utilizing Chromium Dioxide Particles”, Randy Lee, February 1994

​

• “Experimental Investigation of Coating Formulations Utilizing Ferric Oxide Particles”, Randy Lee, August 1992

​

• “Formulation Additives Experimentally Evaluated for Solvent and Water-Based Formulations”, Randy Lee, 1992 – 1996

​

• “Surfactant Science - Agents for Particle Dispersion, Latex Emulsion and Film Adhesion”, Randy Lee, 1993 – 1995, Re-printed and formatted in 1997

​

​

LTV Aerospace & Defense Co . . . . September 1982 – April 1988

 

Many handwritten reports were generated throughout this period since we did not have access to personal computers or secretarial support which were reserved for high level managers and directors.

 

• “Relationships in Composite Fabrication, Carbon-Carbon Densification and Phenolic-Impregnated Carbon Ablators, An Analytical Model to Estimate the Physical and Constituent Properties from the Lay-Up Stage, Resin Impregnation and 1500°F Pyrolysis through the Fully Densified State”, Randy Lee, 1986, Reprinted and formatted in 2001

 

• “Fabrication & Characterization of Stitched 2-D C-C Compression Panels, Advanced Carbon-Carbon (ACC) Material Characterization Test Specimen Design and Fabrication Preparation of Stitched and Non-Stitched Compression Panels”, R.O Scott, Randy Lee, June 1987, Bob Scott was my supervisor and mentor throughout my tenure at LTV.  He was the principal inventor and developer of the original ablative nose cone for the Apollo spacecraft, reinforced carbon-carbon (RCC) and then advanced carbon-carbon (ACC).  I became his close associate during the RCC and ACC periods and beyond.

​

• “Analysis of Phenolic Resins for Dry Fabric Impregnation and Carbon-Carbon Composite Densification", Randy Lee, April 1987