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Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

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NASA NTRS2017

Unique, Non-Earthlike, Meteoritic Ion Behavior in Upper Atmosphere of Mars

Abstract Interplanetary dust particles have long been expected to produce permanent ionospheric metal ion layers at Mars, as on Earth, but the two environments are so different that uncertainty existed as to whether terrestrial-established understanding would apply to Mars. The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission made the first in situ detection of the continuous presence of Na+, Mg+, and Fe+ at Mars and indeed revealed non-Earthlike features/processes. There is no separation of the light Mg+ and the heavy Fe+ with increasing altitude as expected for gravity control. The metal ions are well-mixed with the neutral atmosphere at altitudes where no mixing process is expected. Isolated metal ion layers mimicking Earths sporadic E layers occur despite the lack of a strong magnetic field as required at Earth. Further, the metal ion distributions are coherent enough to always show atmospheric gravity wave signatures. All features and processes are unique to Mars.

Meteoritic↗

NASA NTRS1994

Cool zero-metallicity stellar atmospheres

Very low mass stars and brown dwarfs have low effective temperatures and their atmospheric opacities are provided by heavy elements which form a host of strongly absorbing molecules. We present a study of the atmospheres and emergent spectra of these objects in the limiting case of zero metallicity. A grid of atmosphere models is presented, based on updated opacities for H/He mixtues, in particular for the collision-induced absorption by H2 which plays an important role in these atmospheres. The emergent spectra bear little resemblance to the corresponding blackbody emission and become bluer as the effective temperature is lowered. The atmosphere models are coupled with interior calculations to obtain accurate physical and photometric characteristics for the low-mass end of the zero-metallicity main sequence. This provides a useful boundary in the Hertzsprung-Russel diagram to interpret observations of low-metallicity stars.

Saumon, D.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Feasibility of modern airships - Design definition and performance of selected concepts

Three promising modern airship system concepts and their associated missions were studied: (1) a heavy-lift airship, employing a nonrigid hull and a significant amount of rotor lift, used for short-range transporting and positioning of heavy military and civil payloads; (2) a VTOL (vertical take-off and landing), metal-clad, partially buoyant airship used as a short-haul commercial transport; (3) a fully-buoyant airship used for long-endurance Navy missions. The heavy-lift airship concept offers a dramatic increase in vertical lift capability over existing systems at significantly lower costs per ton-mile. The VTOL airship transport concept appears to be economically competititve with other VTOL aircraft concepts but can attain significantly lower noise levels. The fully-buoyant airship concept can provide an airborne platform with long endurance that satisfies many Navy mission requirements.

Huston, R. R.↗

NASA NTRS1987

Quadrupolar Kondo effect in uranium heavy-electron materials?

The possibility of an electric quadrupole Kondo effect for a non-Kramers doublet on a uranium (U) ion is a cubic metallic host is demonstrated by model calculations showing a Kondo upturn in the resistivity, universal quenching of the quadrupolar moment, and a heavy-electron anomaly in the electronic specific heat. With inclusion of excited crystal-field levels, some of the unusual magnetic-response data in the heavy-electron superconductor UBe13 may be understood. Structural phase transitions at unprecedented low temperatures may occur in U-based heavy-electron materials.

Cox, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS2015

Mineralogical Comparison of Olivine in Shergottites and A Shocked L Chondrite: Implications for Shock Histories of Brown Olivine

Most Martian meteorites are heavily shocked, exhibiting numerous shock features, for example undulatory extinction of olivine and pyroxene, the presence of diaplectic glass ("maskelynite") and the formation of shock melt. Among these shock features, olivine darkening ("brown" olivine) is unique in Martian meteorites because no other meteorite group shows such a feature. Although the presence of brown olivine in shergottites was reported thirty years ago, detailed observation by TEM has not been performed until the NWA 2737 chassignite was discovered, whose olivine is darkened, being completely black in hand specimen. Fe metal nano-particles were found in NWA 2737 olivine which are considered to have been formed by olivine reduction during heavy shock. Subsequently, magnetite nano-particles were also found in other Martian meteorites and the coexistence of Fe metal and magnetite nano-particles was reported in the NWA 1950 shergottite and some Fe metal nano-particles were mantled by magnetite. Therefore, the formation process of nano-particles seems to be complex. Because "brown" olivine is unique to Martian meteorites, they have a potential to constrain their shock conditions. In order to better understand the shock history of Martian meteorites, we compared olivine in several shergottites with that in a highly-shocked L chondrite which contains ringwoodite.

Takenouchi, A.↗

NASA NTRS2000

Thermoelectric materials with filled skutterudite structure for thermoelectric devices

A class of thermoelectric compounds based on the skutterudite structure with heavy filling atoms in the empty octants and substituting transition metals and main-group atoms. High Seebeck coefficients and low thermal conductivities are achieved in combination with large electrical conductivities in these filled skutterudites for large ZT values. Substituting and filling methods are disclosed to synthesize skutterudite compositions with desired thermoelectric properties. A melting and/or sintering process in combination with powder metallurgy techniques is used to fabricate these new materials.

Fleurial, Jean-Pierre↗

NASA NTRS2002

Thermoelectric materials with filled skutterudite structure for thermoelectric devices

Fleurial, Jean-Pierre↗

NASA NTRS2003

Thermoelectric devices based on materials with filled skutterudite structures

Fleurial, Jean-Pierre↗

NASA NTRS2018

Metal Abundances in Hot White Dwarfs with Signatures of a Superionized Wind

About a dozen hot white dwarfs with effective temperatures T(sub eff) = 65000−120000 K exhibit unusual absorption features in their optical spectra. These objects were tentatively identified as Rydberg lines of ultra-high excited metals in ionization stages v–x, indicating line formation in a dense environment with temperatures near 106 K. Since some features show blueward extensions, it was argued that they stem from a superionized wind. A unique assignment of the lines to particular elements is not possible, although they probably stem from C, N, O, and Ne. To further investigate this phenomenon, we analyzed the ultraviolet spectra available from only three stars of this group; that is, two helium-rich white dwarfs, HE 0504–2408 and HS 0713+3958 with spectral type DO, and a hydrogen-rich white dwarf, HS 2115+1148 with spectral type DAO. We identified light metals (C, N, O, Si, P, and S) with generally subsolar abundances and heavy elements from the iron group (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni) with solar or oversolar abundance. The abundance patterns are not unusual for hot WDs and can be interpreted as the result of gravitational settling and radiative levitation of elements. As to the origin of the ultra-high ionized metals lines, we discuss the possible presence of a multicomponent radiatively driven wind that is frictionally heated.

K Werner↗

NASA NTRS1994

Nebular properties from far-infrared spectrosopy

We describe a semiempirical methodology-based on measurements of far-infrared (FIR) lines-that yields information on electron densities in regions where various ionic species exist, effective temperatures (T(sub eff)) for stars ionizing H II regions, and gas-phase heavy element abundances. Although this capability has long been available via optical data, the special features of FIR lines-relative insensitivity to extinction and electron temperature variations-extend the analysis ability. Several line ratios serve as diagnostics of electron density, N(sub e), probing different ionization conditions and different density regimes. The more N(sub e)-diagnostic observations made, the more reliable will be the deciphering of the actual variation in density throughout a nebula. A method to estimate T(sub eff) from the FIR (N III)/(N II) line ratio requires that the nebula be ionization bounded and that substantially all of the flux from the revevant lines be observed. However, to estimate T(sub eff) by a second method that uses the ratio of FIR (S III)/(O III) lines, an ionization-bounded nebula is a sufficient, but not necessary, condition. These restrictions are unnecessary for estimating densities and heavy element abundances. We show that a fairly general determination of metallicity, via the S/H ratio, may be made for H II regions with observations of just two lines-(S III) 19 micron and a hydrogen recombination line (or appropriate substitute). These techniques are applied to recent FIR data for the G333.6-0.2 H II region, including application to the recently measured (N II) 122 and 205 micron lines.

Rubin, Robert H.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Phosphates in pallasite meteorites as probes of mantle processes in small planetary bodies

Trace element analyses of the phosphates minerals in stony-iron pallasite meteorites are used here to investigate the magmatic history of the silicate portions of pallasites. In Eagle Station and seven other pallasites, the phosphates have relatively low concentrations of REEs and are strongly enriched in heavy relative to light REE. These patterns are consistent with formation of phosphate by subsolidus reactions between metal and silicate, in which phosphate inherits the REE pattern of olivine. In Springwater and Santa Rosalia, calcium-rich phosphates have higher concentrations of REE, are enriched in light relative to heavy REE, and have negative europium anomalies. These patterns are consistent with crystallization of phosphate from a europium-depleted chondritic liquid. This is unlikely to have happened near the base of the differentiating parent-body mantle; it suggests that some pallasites may come from regions of their parent bodies much nearer the surface than the core-mantle boundary.

Davis, Andrew M.↗

NASA NTRS2019

A New Look at Aubrites: Investigating 3D Modal Mineralogy with X-Ray Computed Tomography

The aubrites (approximately 30 known meteorites) are a unique group of differentiated meteorites that formed on asteroids with oxygen fugacities (ƒO2) from approximately 2 to approximately 6 log units below the iron-wustite buffer. At these highly reduced conditions, elements deviate from the geochemical behavior exhibited at terrestrial ƒO2, forming FeO-poor silicates and exotic sulfides. While previous studies have described the petrology and 2D modal abundances of aubrites, this work investigates the 3D modal mineralogies of silicate, metal, and sulfide phases in aubrite samples, which are then compared to the available 2D data. In addition to 3D modal mineralogies, we have examined the geochemistry of fourteen aubrites, including mineral major-element compositions, bulk-rock compositions, and oxygen isotopic compositions to understand their formation and evolution at extreme ƒO2 conditions. We utilize X-ray computed tomography (XCT) to non-destructively analyze the distribution and abundances of mineral phases in aubrites and locate composite clasts of sulfide grains for future analytical study. In order to better constrain elemental behavior under reduced conditions, we specifically target minerals phases that comprise moderately volatile elements (i.e. oldhamite [CaS], caswellsilverite [NaCrS2] and djerfisherite [K6Na(Fe,Cu,Ni)25S26Cl]) as it has been shown that their geochemical behavior changes as a function of ƒO2. Currently, we have produced 3D scans of the Norton County aubrite. The results of the XCT data have allowed for the determination of the abundances of silicate groundmass (i.e., enstatite, forsterite, albite, and diopside), light (based on electron density) sulfides (i.e. alabandite [MnS] and daubréelite [FeCr2S4]), heavy (based on electron density) sulfides (i.e., troilite [FeS]), and Fe,Ni metal by segmenting a density histogram in Volume Graphics Studio software. XCT scans of additional aubrites are underway. By combining the 3D representation of the exotic phases found in aubrites with existing 2D characterizations, we are able to better determine modal abundances. By integrating 3D and 2D modal abundances and geochemistry, we can ultimately better constrain aubrite petrogenesis and elemental partitioning under reduced conditions. Furthermore, application of this new 3D approach offers the opportunity to identify and select clasts for future study prior to cutting the sample, which will minimize sample loss of this precious material.

Wilbur, Zoe↗

NASA NTRS1985

Heavy doping effects in high efficiency silicon solar cells

The use of a (silicon)/(heavily doped polysilicon)/(metal) structure to replace the conventional high-low junction (or back-surface-field, BSF) structure of silicon solar cells was examined. The results of an experimental study designed to explore both qualitatively and quantitatively the mechanism of the improved current gain in bipolar transistors with polysilicon emitter contact are presented. A reciprocity theorem is presented that relates the short circuit current of a device, induced by a carrier generation source, to the minority carrier Fermi level in the dark. A method for accurate measurement of minority-carrier diffusion coefficients in silicon is described.

Lindholm, F. A.↗

NASA NTRS1990

Combination Light

The Rayovac TANDEM is an advanced technology combination work light and general purpose flashlight that incorporates several NASA technologies. The TANDEM functions as two lights in one. It features a long range spotlight and wide angle floodlight; simple one-hand electrical switching changes the beam from spot to flood. TANDEM developers made particular use of NASA's extensive research in ergonomics in the TANDEM's angled handle, convenient shape and different orientations. The shatterproof, water resistant plastic casing also draws on NASA technology, as does the shape and beam distance of the square diffused flood. TANDEM's heavy duty magnet that permits the light to be affixed to any metal object borrows from NASA research on rare earth magnets that combine strong magnetic capability with low cost. Developers used a NASA-developed ultrasonic welding technique in the light's interior.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS1973

Measurements of heavy solar wind and higher energy solar particles during the Apollo 17 mission

The lunar surface cosmic ray experiment, consisting of sets of mica, glass, plastic, and metal foil detectors, was successfully deployed on the Apollo 17 mission. One set of detectors was exposed directly to sunlight and another set was placed in shade. Preliminary scanning of the mica detectors shows the expected registration of heavy solar wind ions in the sample exposed directly to the sun. The initial results indicate a depletion of very-heavy solar wind ions. The effect is probably not real but is caused by scanning inefficiencies. Despite the lack of any pronounced solar activity, energetic heavy particles with energies extending to 1 MeV/nucleon were observed. Equal track densities of approximately 6000 tracks/cm sq 0.5 microns in length were measured in mica samples exposed in both sunlight and shade.

Walker, R. M.↗

NASA NTRS1974

Main sequence models for massive zero-metal stars

Zero-age main-sequence models for stars of 20, 10, 5, and 2 solar masses with no heavy elements are constructed for three different possible primordial helium abundances: Y=0.00, Y=0.23, and Y=0.30. The latter two values of Y bracket the range of primordial helium abundances cited by Wagoner. With the exceptions of the two 20 solar mass models that contain helium, these models are found to be self-consistent in the sense that the formation of carbon through the triple-alpha process during premain sequence contraction is not sufficient to bring the CN cycle into competition with the proton-proton chain on the ZAMS. The zero-metal models of the present study have higher surface and central temperatures, higher central densities, smaller radii, and smaller convective cores than do the population I models with the same masses.

Cary, N.↗

NASA NTRS2026

List of Commercial and Advanced Developmental Niobium-Based Alloys of the Space Age

This report compiles a list of commercial and developmental niobium-based alloys developed during the Space Age (late 1950s through mid-1970s) for extreme-temperature applications, including rocket engine thrust chambers, hypersonic re-entry thermal protection systems, and space fission reactor loops. Niobium (Nb) was widely pursued because it provided the lowest density (~8.6 g/cc) among the primary refractory metals, a high melting temperature (~2470°C), exceptional low-temperature ductility, good formability, and compatibility with liquid alkali metals. An evaluation of physical metallurgy mechanisms, focusing on solid-solution strengthening via heavy refractory solutes (W, Mo, Ta), dual-purpose reactive solutes (Hf, Zr, Ti), and dispersion strengthening using carbides, nitrides, and oxides is presented. Additionally, the report compares Western and Soviet Union metallurgical approaches, explaining how supply chain factors and manufacturing infrastructure influenced element selection, interstitial chemistry, and alloy identification/naming conventions. Cataloging these historical alloy chemical compositions serves as a foundational reference for modern alloy additive manufacturing, thermodynamic CALPHAD modeling, and machine-learning discovery pipelines for next-generation extreme-environment niobium-based alloys.

Physical Metallurgy↗

NASA NTRS2010

SSME - Materials and Methods for Addressing High-Pressure Hydrogen Embrittlement

From the humid, corrosion-friendly atmosphere of KSC, to the extreme heat of ascent, to the cold vacuum of space, the Space Shuttle faced one hostile environment after another. One of those harsh environments the hydrogen environment existed within the shuttle itself. Liquid hydrogen was the fuel that powered the shuttle s complex, powerful, and reusable main engine. Hydrogen provided the high specific impulse the bang per pound of fuel needed to perform the shuttle s heavy lifting duties. Hydrogen, however, was also a potential threat to the very metal of the propulsion system that used it. The diffusion of hydrogen atoms into a metal can make it more brittle and prone to cracking a process called hydrogen embrittlement. This effect can reduce the toughness of carefully selected and prepared materials. A concern that exposure to hydrogen might encourage crack growth was present from the beginning of the Space Shuttle Program, but the rationale for using hydrogen was compelling. This paper outlines the material characterization, anomaly resolution, and path to understanding of hydrogen embrittlement on superalloys through the course of the SSME program. Specific examples of nickel alloy turbine housings and single crystal turbine blades are addressed. The evolution of fracture mechanics analytical methods is also addressed.

Matejczk, Daniel↗