Engineering topics

Morris, V. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Morris, V. R..

5 records

NASA NTRS1997

Calibration of the QCM/SAW Cascade Impactor for Measurement of Ozone

The Quartz Crystal Microbalance Surface Acoustic Wave (QCM/SAW) cascade impactor is an instrument designed to collect size-fractionated distributions of aerosols on a series of quartz crystals and employ SAW devices coated with chemical sensors for gas detection. We are calibrating the cascade impactor in our laboratory for future deployment for in-situ experiments to measure ozone. Experiments have been performed to characterize the QCM and SAW mass loading, saturation limits, mass frequency relationships, and sensitivity. The characteristics of mass loading, saturation limits, mass-frequency relationships, sensitivity, and the loss of ozone on different materials have been quantified.

Williams, Cassandra K.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Mass Loading Characteristics of Crystal Clock Oscillators

The 10-MHz piezoelectric quartz-crystal microbalance (QCM) has been used extensively for stratospheric aerosol sampling. We have undertaken laboratory studies of the QCM response to mass loading by trace gases. However, this device requires dual oscillator circuitry and the mass sensitivity can often be affected by the electronics. The coatings on the quartz crystals are sometimes difficult to remove after they have reacted with a particular gas and a disposable crystal system would be desirable. The cost of the dual oscillator-based QCM makes this a prohibitive option. Since our goal is to develop a cost-effective microbalance system with stable electronics we have begun testing of crystal clock oscillators, which are assembled with their own circuitry. We have been using chemically specific coatings for ozone to determine if the sensitivity and mass-frequency ratios are comparable to that of the 10-MHz QCM.

Cobb, Janel↗

NASA NTRS1997

Characteristic of Nitron for Use as a Chemical Sensor in Studies of the Upper Atmosphere

We are investigating the use of nitron as a potential chemical sensor for nitric acid and other electron deficient nitrogen oxides. Solutions of nitron in 1-propanol, toluene, and chloroform have been tested for use on a piezoelectric quartz crystal microbalance. We are testing various solvents and metal cations which can maximize the lifetime and reaction specificity of nitron so that they may be used as chemical coatings for stratospheric measurement of trace gases. Results of the work to date will be shown, and future direction discussed.

Meadows, Kapres↗

NASA NTRS1997

Calibration of the QCM/SAW Cascade Impactor for Measurement of Ozone in the Stratosphere

The Quartz Crystal Microbalance Surface Acoustic Wave (QCM/SAW) cascade impactor collects size-fractionated distributions of aerosols on a series of 10 MHz quartz crystals and employs SAW devices coated with chemical sensors for gas detection. Presently, we are calibrating the ER-2 certified QCM/SAW cascade impactor in the laboratory for the detection of ozone. Experiments have been performed to characterize the QCM and SAW mass loading, saturation limits, mass frequency relationships, and sensitivity. We are also characterizing sampling efficiency by measuring the loss of ozone on different materials. There are parallel experiments underway to measure the variations in the sensitivity and response of the QCM/SAW crystals as a function of temperature and pressure. Results of the work to date will be shown.

Wright, Cassandra K.↗

NASA NTRS1997

New Polymer Coatings for Chemically Selective Mass Sensors

There is a current need to develop sensitive and chemically specific sensors for the detection of nitric acid for in-situ measurements in the atmosphere. Polymer coatings have been synthesized and tested for their sensitivity and selectivity to nitric acid. A primary requirement for these polymers is detectability down to the parts per trillion range. The results of studies using these polymers as coatings for quartz crystal microbalances (QCM) and surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices will be presented.

Sims, S. C.↗