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At least 199 records · Page 11

SEP Time-to-Maximum (TTM) Studies and the Ionic Charge States of Solar Heavy Ions

1. We published a report on the TTM method and presented the results at the 28 International Cosmic Ray Conference. Included in this paper were our results on the energy-dependent charge state of Fe in the 200 1 April 15 ground- level event, the largest of Cycle 23. We showed that our results agreed well with direct measurements from SAMPEX in this event. We also presented results for the 2001 April 14 event, one of the largest impulsive events of Cycle 23. 2. We extracted TTM values for protons and ions of various energies in approx. 50 SEP events in Cycle 23, using time profiles measured by ACE, Wind, GOES, IMPS, SOHO, and SAMPEX. This event sample included many large gradual events, as well as several impulsive events. The TTM analyses typically yielded approx. 300 datapoints per event. 3. We used these data to make preliminary event classifications according to: (a) shapes of the rigidity and/or speed dependence of TTMs in each event; (b) behavior of proton TTMs compared to that of heavier ions; and (c) the behavior of Fe TTMs compared to that of lighter Z greater than I ions. 4. We cross-checked proton fluence and TTM values from 8 instruments on 6 satellites, so as to understand the origin of systematic instrument-to-instrument discrepancies. By also comparing the observed proton spectra, it was possible to extract correction factors to the nominal proton energy bins that removed or greatly reduced the instrument-to-instrument spread among proton TTMs. 5. We began comparisons of proton and He-4 TTM values in some particularly well measured, large SEP events measured by IMP8 in Cycles 21 and 22 when the instruments onboard were functioning better. It is hoped that these data will provide a better understanding of event-to-event variation in the functional dependence of TTMs on velocity and rigidity.

Tylka, Allan J.↗

Nonlinear dynamic theory for photorefractive phase hologram formation

A nonlinear dynamic theory is developed for the formation of photorefractive volume phase holograms. A feedback mechanism existing between the photogenerated field and free-electron density, treated explicitly, yields the growth and saturation of the space-charge field in a time scale characterized by the coupling strength between them. The expression for the field reduces in the short-time limit to previous theories and approaches in the long-time limit the internal or photovoltaic field. Additionally, the phase of the space charge field is shown to be time-dependent.

Kim, D. M.↗

IUE spectra and optical imaging of the oxygen-rich supernova remnant N132D

We present new optical Charge Coupled Devices (CCD) interference filter imagery and International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) spectroscopy for the oxygen-rich supernova remnant N132D in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The optical images show a wealth of structure, and comparison with an archival Einstein High Resolution Imager (HRI) X-ray image shows that a few optical features have X-ray counter-parts, but in general there is little correlation between X-ray and optical features. The IUE spectra at two positions show strong lines of carbon and oxygen, with lines of neon, magnesium, silicon, and helium also present and variable in relative intensities. We use optical data for N132D from Dopita & Tuohy (1984) with our UV observations to compare with shock models (both with and without thermal conduction) and X-ray photoionization model calculations. While none of the model fits is entirely satisfactory, the generally weak UV emission relative to optical disagrees with the general character of shock model predictions and indicates that photoionization is the dominant excitation mechanism for the UV/optical emission. This conclusion is similar to what was found for E0102 - 7219, the oxygen-rich remnant in the Small Magellanic Cloud. We derive rough abundances for the emitting material in N132D, compare to stellar nucleosynthesis models, and discuss the implications for its precursor. A precursor near 20 solar mass is consistent with the data.

Blair, William P.↗

Oxygen in the heliosphere

Oxygen within the heliosphere, whether neutral or ionized, comes from both the external source in the local interstellar medium (LISM) and internal sources. If transient cometary sources are neglected, Jupiter is the strongest of the internal sources by virtue of its corotation and charge exchange driven neutral wind. O(+) pickup ions are born where the penetrating neutrals lose an electron as a result of photoionization, charge exchange with solar wind protons, or solar wind electron impact ionization. The region of the heliosphere from which these pickup ions arise depends on the phase of the solar cycle as well as on the velocities of the neutrals. The present model of neutral O populations and their ionization suggests that Jovian pickup ions can dominate the inner heliospheric O(+) population if the LISM neutrals are strongly filtered at the heliopause, or are excluded by strong ionizing fluxes from the Sun. Other heliospheric species such as sulfur and nitrogen may have similar origins. These planetary sources need to be taken into account in the interpretation of interplanetary gas and ion composition observations.

Luhmann, J. G.↗

Growth Of Delta-Doped Layer On Silicon CCD

Response to ultraviolet light enhanced. Back-side-illuminated silicon charge-coupled device fabricated exhibiting nearly 100 percent internal quantum efficiency in near ultraviolet, by using molecular beam epitaxy to grow thin crystalline-silicon layer containing high concentration of boron (p-type dopant). By confining dopant atoms to one or few atomic layers in silicon lattice, concentration-vs.-depth profile made to resemble Dirac delta function, and resulting silicon layer said to be "delta-doped."

Hoenk, Michael E.↗

Information Requirements for Supervisory Air Traffic Controllers in Support of a Wake Vortex Departure System

Closely Space Parallel Runway (CSPR) configurations are capacity limited for departures due to the requirement to apply wake vortex separation standards from traffic departing on the adjacent parallel runway. To mitigate the effects of this constraint, a concept focusing on wind dependent departure operations has been developed, known as the Wake Turbulence Mitigation for Departures (WTMD). This concept takes advantage of the fact that crosswinds of sufficient velocity blow wakes generated by aircraft departing from the downwind runway away from the upwind runway. Consequently, under certain conditions, wake separations on the upwind runway would not be required based on wakes generated by aircraft on the downwind runway, as is currently the case. It follows that information requirements, and sources for this information, would need to be determined for airport traffic control tower (ATCT) supervisory personnel who would be charged with decisions regarding use of the procedure. To determine the information requirements, data were collected from ATCT supervisors and controller-in-charge qualified individuals at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport (STL) and George Bush Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH). STL and IAH were chosen as data collection sites based on the implementation of a WTMD prototype system, operating in shadow mode, at these locations. The 17 total subjects (STL: 5, IAH: 12) represented a broad-base of air traffic experience. Results indicated that the following information was required to support the conduct of WTMD operations: current and forecast weather information, current and forecast traffic demand and traffic flow restrictions, and WTMD System status information and alerting. Subjects further indicated that the requisite information is currently available in the tower cab with the exception of the WTMD status and alerting. Subjects were given a demonstration of a display supporting the prototype systems and unanimously stated that the WTMD status information they felt important was represented. Overwhelmingly, subjects felt that approving, monitoring and terminating the WTMD procedure could be integrated into their supervisory workload.

Lohr, Gary W.↗

Radiation Protection Effectiveness of Polymeric Based Shielding Materials at Low Earth Orbit

Correlations of limited ionizing radiation measurements onboard the Space Transportation System (STS; shuttle) and the International Space Station (ISS) with numerical simulations of charged particle transport through spacecraft structure have indicated that usage of hydrogen rich polymeric materials improves the radiation shielding performance of space structures as compared to the traditionally used aluminum alloys. We discuss herein the radiation shielding correlations between measurements on board STS-81 (Atlantis, 1997) using four polyethylene (PE) spheres of varying radii, and STS-89 (Endeavour, 1998) using aluminum alloy spheres; with numerical simulations of charged particle transport using the Langley Research Center (LaRC)-developed High charge (Z) and Energy TRaNsport (HZETRN) algorithm. In the simulations, the Galactic Cosmic Ray (GCR) component of the ionizing radiation environment at Low Earth Orbit (LEO) covering ions in the 1< or equals Z< or equals 28 range is represented by O'Neill's (2004) model. To compute the transmission coefficient for GCR ions at LEO, O'Neill's model is coupled with the angular dependent LaRC cutoff model. The trapped protons/electrons component of LEO environment is represented by a LaRC-developed time dependent procedure which couples the AP8min/AP8max, Deep River Neutron Monitor (DRNM) and F10.7 solar radio frequency measurements. The albedo neutron environment resulting from interaction of GCR ions with upper atmosphere is modeled through extrapolation of the Atmospheric Ionizing Radiation (AIR) measurements. With the validity of numerical simulations through correlation with PE and aluminum spheres measurements established, we further present results from the expansion of the simulations through the selection of high hydrogen content commercially available polymeric constituents such as PE foam core and Spectra fiber(Registered TradeMark) composite face sheet to assess their radiation shield properties as compared to generic PE.

Badavi, Francis F.↗

Performance and Safety Characteristics of Sanyo NiCd Cells

NiCd batteries are widely used for high drain applications like power tools and also in other portable equipment like cameras, PCs, etc. NASA and Dreamtime Holdings, Inc. worked together to have the capability of a High Definition TV (HDTV) on the ISS and Space Shuttle. The Sanyo HD camcorder was used on the STS 105 fight in July, 2001 . The camcorder used two versions of a NiCd battery. One was a cOlnmercial off-the-shelf Sony BP90 battery pack that had Sanyo NiCd D cells. The other was a modified battery (FBP-90) made by Frezzi Energy, which also had the same Sanyo NiCd D cells. The battery has 10 NiCd D cells in series to form a 12 V pack with 5.0 Ah capacity. Our current study involved the perforn1ance and abuse tests on the Sanyo NiCd 5.0 Ah D cells. The best combination of charge/discharge current rate is 0.3C for charge and 1/2e for discharge within 200 cycles. No significant changes in capacity were observed in 200 cycles. The cell also showed capability of 5C (25.0A) high rate discharge. In overcharge and overdischarge tests, all tested cells passed the tests without venting. In imbalance tests, the battery pack could be charged and discharged only at relatively low current. At charge current of 1.0A or less, the imbalanced cells in the battery pack displayed relatively high temperatures during charge or discharge. The cells functioned normally during internal short and no mishap occurred during external short. Cells passed exposure tests at 80 C and no leakage till 150 C during heat-tovent tests.

Deng, Yi↗

The International Reference Ionosphere Today and in the Future

The international reference ionosphere (IRI) is the internationally recognized and recommended standard for the specification of plasma parameters in Earth's ionosphere. It describes monthly averages of electron density, electron temperature, ion temperature, ion composition, and several additional parameters in the altitude range from 60 to 1,500 km. A joint working group of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) and the International Union of Radio Science (URSI) is in charge of developing and improving the IRI model. As requested by COSPAR and URSI, IRI is an empirical model being based on most of the available and reliable data sources for the ionospheric plasma. The paper describes the latest version of the model and reviews efforts towards future improvements, including the development of new global models for the F2 peak density and height, and a new approach to describe the electron density in the topside and plasmasphere. Our emphasis will be on the electron density because it is the IRI parameter most relevant to geodetic techniques and studies. Annual IRI meetings are the main venue for the discussion of IRI activities, future improvements, and additions to the model. A new special IRI task force activity is focusing on the development of a real-time IRI (RT-IRI) by combining data assimilation techniques with the IRI model. A first RT-IRI task force meeting was held in 2009 in Colorado Springs. We will review the outcome of this meeting and the plans for the future. The IRI homepage is at http://www.IRI.gsfc.nasa.gov

Bilitza, Dieter↗

Direct Measurement of the Spectral Structure of Cosmic-Ray Electrons+Positrons in the Tev Region With Calet on the International Space Station

Detailed measurements of the spectral structure of cosmic-ray electrons and positrons from 10.6 GeV to 7.5 TeV are presented from over 7 years of observations with the CALorimetric Electron Telescope (CALET) on the International Space Station. The instrument, consisting of a charge detector, an imaging calorimeter, and a total absorption calorimeter with a total depth of 30 radiation lengths at normal incidence and a fine shower imaging capability, is optimized to measure the all-electron spectrum well into the TeV region. Because of the excellent energy resolution (a few percent above 10 GeV) and the outstanding e/p separation (10 5 ), CALET provides optimal performance for a detailed search of structures in the energy spectrum. The analysis uses data up to the end of 2022, and the statistics of observed electron candidates has increased more than 3 times since the last publication in 2018. By adopting an updated boosted decision tree analysis, a sufficient proton rejection power up to 7.5 TeV is achieved, with a residual proton contamination less than 10%. The observed energy spectrum becomes gradually harder in the lower energy region from around 30 GeV, consistently with AMS-02, but from 300 to 600 GeV it is considerably softer than the spectra measured by DAMPE and Fermi-LAT. At high energies, the spectrum presents a sharp break around 1 TeV, with a spectral index change from −3.15 to −3.91, and a broken power law fitting the data in the energy range from 30 GeV to 4.8 TeV better than a single power law with 6.9 sigma significance, which is compatible with the DAMPE results. The break is consistent with the expected effects of radiation loss during the propagation from distant sources (except the highest energy bin). We have fitted the spectrum with a model consistent with the positron flux measured by AMS-02 below 1 TeV and interpreted the electron+positron spectrum with possible contributions from pulsars and nearby sources. Above 4.8 TeV, a possible contribution from known nearby supernova remnants, including Vela, is addressed by an event-by-event analysis providing a higher proton-rejection power than a purely statistical analysis.

O. Adriani↗

Are Soft Short Tests Good Indicators of Internal Li-ion Cell Defects?

The self discharge test at full state of charge, may not be a good one to detect subtle defects since the li-ion chemistry has the highest self discharge at full state of charge. One should characterize self discharge versus storage time for each cell manufacturer/design to differentiate between normal self discharge and that due to a subtle manufacturing defect. The various soft short test methods indicate that if this test is carried out at full discharge (0% SOC) with all capacity removed (by lowering the current load in a stepwise manner to the same end of discharge voltage), then the cells need to be placed in storage for more than 72 hours to get a good analysis on the presence of subtle defects since it takes more than 72 hours to achieve voltage stabilization. If the cells are to be charged up even to a small percentage (ex. 1%), 72 hours are sufficient to determine issues. However, the pass/fail criteria should be based on a valid OCV decline. Less than 10 mV voltage decline is not a good method to detect subtle defects. As mentioned in the first bullet, self discharge is a competing reaction when a charge is introduced and hence a characterization of the self discharge versus storage time is required to fully correlate voltage decline to a failure due to a subtle defect. Soft short test method cannot be relied on for defect detection because cells with and without voltage decline seemed to have similar defects and characteristics. Screening methods such as internal resistance and capacity as well as a 3-sigma range for OCV, mass and dimensions should be used to screen out outliers. A very critical aspect in the understanding of subtle defects is to carry out destructive analysis of cells from every lot to confirm the quality of production and screen all cells and batteries in a stringent manner to have a high quality set of flight cells. Self Discharge Test: Fully charged cells shall be placed in Open circuit stand for 72 hours (OCV measurement twice a day); continue for total of 14 days with 1 reading per day 2. Soft Short Test 1: Fully charge; cells discharged to manufacturer's end of disch. Voltage (EODV) cutoff at C/5 rate; stand for 30 minutes; discharge with C/500 to the same EODV. stand for another 30 minutes; discharge the cells again using C/1000 current to the same EODV. OCV measurements twice a day for 72 hours and then for total of 14 days (data collection same as in 1.) 3. Soft Short Test 2: Fully charge; cells discharged to the manuf. EODV with a C/13 constant current; provide a 10 hour rest, discharge again to the same EODV with a current of C/250, provide a 10 hour rest, discharge again using a C/250 rate, provide a 24 hour rest, charge using C/250 to 3.15 V (for ~12 hours). OCV measurements twice a day for at 72 hours. (data collection same as in 1.) 4. Soft Short Test 3: Fully charge; cells shall be discharged using C/10 current to manuf. EODV. Allow the cell to remain at Open circuit for 10 seconds. Discharge the cell at C/20 rate to the same EODV, hold open circuit for 24 hours. Discharge the cells at C/200 rate to the same end of voltage cutoff and hold open circuit for 24 hours. Discharge the cells one more time at C/200 rate to the same EODV and hold open circuit for 36 hours. Charge at C/200 rate to 3.15 V and hold for 3 days. Record OCV during the open circuit stand periods every 12 hours and at the beginning and end of the 3 day hold (include the 12 hour OCV recording during this time also). Capacity Cycling: Cells with declining voltages - one cell from each manufacturer chosen for cycling Destructive Physical Analysis (DPA): Cells with and without decline chosen from each lot for DPA.

Jeevarajan, J.↗

Artemis IV Docking in Radiation Belt Charging Environment

NASA’s Artemis IV mission is planned to deliver the International Habitation Module (I-Hab) to the Gateway space station in lunar orbit. The I-Hab will be launched aboard the Space Launch System (SLS) vehicle as a co-manifested payload with the Orion spacecraft. After translunar injection begins, the Orion spacecraft will separate from the SLS Exploration Upper Stage (EUS) and then dock with the I-Hab to extract it from the EUS. Because of the altitude, orientation, and time for this to occur, the vehicle-to-vehicle potential between the I-Hab/EUS vehicle and Orion spacecraft could exceed several thousand volts. The docking of these two spacecrafts with such large differential potentials presents a challenge for the vehicles. This presentation describes the space environments at the docking altitude, the calculated vehicle-to-vehicle potential, and the possible impacts of the resulting voltage and current transients occurring at first contact. Additionally, possible risk mitigation tests to demonstrate compatibility with the transient current and voltages will be presented.

Matthew Mccollum↗

Spacecraft Charging Current Balance Model Applied to High Voltage Solar Array Operations

Spacecraft charging induced by high voltage solar arrays can result in power losses and degradation of spacecraft surfaces. In some cases, it can even present safety issues for astronauts performing extravehicular activities. An understanding of the dominant processes contributing to spacecraft charging induced by solar arrays is important to current space missions, such as the International Space Station, and to any future space missions that may employ high voltage solar arrays. A common method of analyzing the factors contributing to spacecraft charging is the current balance model. Current balance models are based on the simple idea that the spacecraft will float to a potential such that the current collecting to the surfaces equals the current lost from the surfaces. However, when solar arrays are involved, these currents are dependent on so many factors that the equation becomes quite complicated. In order for a current balance model to be applied to solar array operations, it must incorporate the time dependent nature of the charging of dielectric surfaces in the vicinity of conductors1-3. This poster will present the factors which must be considered when developing a current balance model for high voltage solar array operations and will compare results of a current balance model with data from the Floating Potential Measurement Unit4 on board the International Space Station.

Willis, Emily M.↗

Ion beam plume and efflux characterization flight experiment study

A flight experiment and flight experiment package for a shuttle-borne flight test of an 8-cm mercury ion thruster was designed to obtain charged particle and neutral particle material transport data that cannot be obtained in conventional ground based laboratory testing facilities. By the use of both ground and space testing of ion thrusters, the flight worthiness of these ion thrusters, for other spacecraft applications, may be demonstrated. The flight experiment definition for the ion thruster initially defined a broadly ranging series of flight experiments and flight test sensors. From this larger test series and sensor list, an initial flight test configuration was selected with measurements in charged particle material transport, condensible neutral material transport, thruster internal erosion, ion beam neutralization, and ion thrust beam/space plasma electrical equilibration. These measurement areas may all be examined for a seven day shuttle sortie mission and for available test time in the 50 - 100 hour period.

Sellen, J. M., Jr.↗

Preliminary analyses of space radiation protection for lunar base surface systems

Radiation shielding analyses are performed for candidate lunar base habitation modules. The study primarily addresses potential hazards due to contributions from the galactic cosmic rays. The NASA Langley Research Center's high energy nucleon and heavy ion transport codes are used to compute propagation of radiation through conventional and regolith shield materials. Computed values of linear energy transfer are converted to biological dose-equivalent using quality factors established by the International Commision of Radiological Protection. Special fluxes of heavy charged particles and corresponding dosimetric quantities are computed for a series of thicknesses in various shield media and are used as an input data base for algorithms pertaining to specific shielded geometries. Dosimetric results are presented as isodose contour maps of shielded configuration interiors. The dose predictions indicate that shielding requirements are substantial, and an abbreviated uncertainty analysis shows that better definition of the space radiation environment as well as improvement in nuclear interaction cross-section data can greatly increase the accuracy of shield requirement predictions.

Nealy, John E.↗

Auroral interactions with ISSA

Due to its high inclination orbit, International Space Station Alpha (ISSA) will occasionally experience surface charging by the high energy electrons of the auroral environment. This study looks at the frequency of these occurrences and recapitulates a charging model. ISSA should expect about 80 auoral encounters annually. If the plasma contactor is not run continuously, the vehicle may charge several hundred volts. Charge storage on standard space station coatings should not be a problem, but care must be taken that materials are not introduced inadvertently that cannot bleed off accumulated charge in a reasonable time. A conductivity requirement may be used to ensure surface materials do not charge to high voltages, or store charge for long periods of time.

Purvis, Carolyn K.↗

Sputtering Threshold Energies of Heavy Ions

Sputter erosion in ion thrusters has been measured in lifetests at discharge voltages as low as 25 V. Thruster operation at this discharge voltage results in component erosion rates sufficiently low to satisfy most mission requirements. It has been recognized that most of the internal sputtering in ion thrusters is done by doubly charged ions. Knowledge of the sputtering threshold voltage of a xenon molybdenum system would be beneficial in understanding the sputtering process as well as making more accurate calculations of the sputtering rates of ion thruster components. Sputtering threshold energies calculated from various formulations found in the literature results in values ranging from 28 to 200 eV. It is evident that some of these formulations cannot be relied upon to provide sputtering thresholds with any degree of accuracy. This paper re-examines the threshold energies measurements made in the early sixties by Askerov and Sena, and Stuart and Wehner. The threshold voltages as derived by Askerov and au have been reevaluated by using a different extrapolation method of sputter yields at low ion energies. The resulting threshold energies are in general similar to those measured by Stuart and Wehner. An empirical relationship is derived,for mercury and xenon ions for the ratio of the sputtering threshold energy to the sublimation energy as a function of the ratio of target to ion atomic mass.

Mantenieks, Maris A.↗