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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 NTRS1981

Experimental SF6/-//SF6 and Cl/-//CFC13 electron-attachment cross sections in the energy range 0-200 meV

Experimental cross sections for the electron-attachment processes for SF6(-)/SF6 and Cl(-)/CFl3 are reported in the energy range 0-200 meV by normalizing each attachment line shape to measurement of a thermal rate coefficient. When the same ion states are detected, good agreement is found between present values, for which a monoenergetic electron source is used, and swarm-unfolded results. The present data constitute a new limit for cross sections reported at high resolution at the lowest electron energy.

Chutjian, A.↗

NASA NTRS1992

Rate calculations for the simultaneous vibrational relaxation and dissociation of nitrogen

Experimental data on vibrational relaxation and dissociation rates in highly nonequilibrium gases are scarce. Recently there have been several attempts at generating these rates by direct calculation of inelastic collision cross-sections. Some issues that need to be considered if such calculations are to be used as a basis for analysis and design are examined. In particular, the following are examined: (1) collinear vs 3D scattering models, (2) accurate intermolecular potentials, (3) closed channels and acceleration schemes, (4) thermal averaging and thermal rates, and (5) code validation. It has been necessary to confront these issues during the course of N2-N2 and N2-N inelastic cross-section calculations.

Gonzales, David A.↗

NASA NTRS2001

Latchup in CMOS analog-to-digital converters

Heavy-ion latchup is investigated for analog-to-digital converters. Differences in cross section for various ions shows that charge is collected at depths beyond 50 um, causing the cross section to be underestimated unless long-range ions are used. Current distributions and thermal imaging were used to identify latchup-sensitive regions. Latchup in one of the circuittypes was catastrophic, even when the power was turned off within 10 ms of a latchup event.

latchup space radiation CMOS analog-to-digital con↗

NASA NTRS2023

DDFRG2: Double-Differential FRaGmentation Model with Pion Production

A set of Double-Differential FRaGmentation (DDFRG) models for production of fragments from nucleon-nucleus and nucleus-nucleus collisions, relevant to space radiation, is currently being developed. DDFRG1 was a previous model developed for production of protons and light ions. A new model for pion production is developed in the present work and is called DDFRG2, which is based upon thermal production of pions from a central fireball source. The Lorentzinvariant double-differential cross section is calculated in the central fireball frame, and is Lorentz transformed to the laboratory frame, which results in a closed-form analytic formula involving no numerical integration, and which can be run very efficiently in radiation transport codes. The Lorentz-invariant double-differential cross section is then integrated over angle to give the singledifferential energy spectral distribution. Two versions of the DDFRG2 pion production are developed, namely DDFRG2-SIMPLE and DDFRG2-FULL. Both versions produce pion production Lorentz-invariant double-differential cross sections and also pion production single-differential spectral (energy) distributions. The SIMPLE version contains only one adjustable parameter. The FULL version contains three additional adjustable parameters. Both DDFRG2 versions are compared to over 1,000 data points. The SIMPLE version describes the p + 12 C → π − much better than the current HZETRN pion model. For other reactions, the SIMPLE version is of comparable quality to the current HZETRN pion model compared to data. For both the p + 12 C → π − reaction and all other reactions, DDFRG2-FULL describes the data much more accurately than the current HZETRN pion model.

John W. Norbury↗

NASA NTRS2014

Precision Control of Thermal Transport in Cryogenic Single-Crystal Silicon Devices

We report on the diffusive-ballistic thermal conductance of multi-moded single-crystal silicon beams measured below 1 K. It is shown that the phonon mean-free-path is a strong function of the surface roughness characteristics of the beams. This effect is enhanced in diffuse beams with lengths much larger than, even when the surface is fairly smooth, 510 nm rms, and the peak thermal wavelength is 0.6 microns. Resonant phonon scattering has been observed in beams with a pitted surface morphology and characteristic pit depth of 30 nm. Hence, if the surface roughness is not adequately controlled, the thermal conductance can vary significantly for diffuse beams fabricated across a wafer. In contrast, when the beam length is of order, the conductance is dominated by ballistic transport and is effectively set by the beam cross-sectional area. We have demonstrated a uniformity of +/-8% in fractional deviation for ballistic beams, and this deviation is largely set by the thermal conductance of diffuse beams that support the micro-electro-mechanical device and electrical leads. In addition, we have found no evidence for excess specific heat in single-crystal silicon membranes. This allows for the precise control of the device heat capacity with normal metal films. We discuss the results in the context of the design and fabrication of large-format arrays of far-infrared and millimeter wavelength cryogenic detectors.

multi-moded single-crystal silicon beams↗

NASA NTRS1989

The nucleus of Comet P/Tempel 2

Simultaneous optical photometry and IR radiometry of Comet P/Tempel 2 are presented. Periodic variations of brightness are present and in phase at all wavelengths. Because the optical and thermal rotational light curves are in phase, it is concluded that the variations are caused by the changing apparent cross section of an elongated nucleus rotating with a period near 8.9 h. The variation of flux with aperture makes it possible to separate the contributions of the nucleus and the coma. The contribution by the coma is about 25 percent at maximum light in the optical and undetectable at the level of 10 percent at all times in the thermal IR.

A'Hearn, Michael F.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Terahertz Computed Tomography of NASA Thermal Protection System Materials

A terahertz axial computed tomography system has been developed that uses time domain measurements in order to form cross-sectional image slices and three-dimensional volume renderings of terahertz-transparent materials. The system can inspect samples as large as 0.0283 cubic meters (1 cubic foot) with no safety concerns as for x-ray computed tomography. In this study, the system is evaluated for its ability to detect and characterize flat bottom holes, drilled holes, and embedded voids in foam materials utilized as thermal protection on the external fuel tanks for the Space Shuttle. X-ray micro-computed tomography was also performed on the samples to compare against the terahertz computed tomography results and better define embedded voids. Limits of detectability based on depth and size for the samples used in this study are loosely defined. Image sharpness and morphology characterization ability for terahertz computed tomography are qualitatively described.

Roth, D. J.↗

NASA NTRS1979

Gimbal bearing design considerations and friction control

The design considerations of bearing selection, bearing fits, bearing installation, and thermal control are discussed for a gimbal with a high stiffness, low friction torque requirement. Tradeoffs between a quad set of small diameter spread apart or a large diameter bearing pair resulted in a cleaner, lighter, stiffer unit with the latter selection. Bearing fits were designed to eliminate clearances with tolerances of .00127 mm 00005 in) on the bearing shafts and housings. The problems in metrology are discussed and a perferred technique for measurement of small cross-section bearings described. A technique for installation to assure proper seating of the bearing is offered. Where transient thermal conditions are involved, a method of controlling bearing friction by active control of bearing temperature gradients including the use of bearing unload test curves is described.

Kramer, N. R.↗

NASA NTRS1993

Electromagnetic fluctuations for anisotropic media and the generalized Kirchhoff's law

In this paper the polarimetric emission parameters for anisotropic media are derived using the generalized Kirchhoff's law for media with a uniform temperature and the fluctuation-dissipation theory for media with a temperature profile. Both finite-size objects and half-space media are considered. When the object has a uniform temperature across its body, the Kirchhoff's law, based on the condition of energy conservation in thermal equilibrium is generalized to obtain the emission parameters of an anisotropic medium, which can be interpreted as the absorptivity or the absorption cross section of the complementary object with a permittivity that is the transpose of the original object. When the medium has a nonuniform temperature distribution, the fluctuation-dissipation theory is applied for deriving the covariances between vector components of the thermal currents and, consequently, the covariances of the polarizations of electric fields radiated by the thermal currents. To verify the formulas derived from the fluctuation-dissipation theory, we let the temperature of the object be a constant and show that the results reduce to those obtained from the generalized Kirchhoff's law.

Yueh, Simon H.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Heat Transfer Computations of Internal Duct Flows With Combined Hydraulic and Thermal Developing Length

This study investigated the Navier-Stokes computations of the surface heat transfer coefficients of a transition duct flow. A transition duct from an axisymmetric cross section to a non-axisymmetric cross section, is usually used to connect the turbine exit to the nozzle. As the gas turbine inlet temperature increases, the transition duct is subjected to the high temperature at the gas turbine exit. The transition duct flow has combined development of hydraulic and thermal entry length. The design of the transition duct required accurate surface heat transfer coefficients. The Navier-Stokes computational method could be used to predict the surface heat transfer coefficients of a transition duct flow. The Proteus three-dimensional Navier-Stokes numerical computational code was used in this study. The code was first studied for the computations of the turbulent developing flow properties within a circular duct and a square duct. The code was then used to compute the turbulent flow properties of a transition duct flow. The computational results of the surface pressure, the skin friction factor, and the surface heat transfer coefficient were described and compared with their values obtained from theoretical analyses or experiments. The comparison showed that the Navier-Stokes computation could predict approximately the surface heat transfer coefficients of a transition duct flow.

Wang, C. R.↗

NASA NTRS1967

Transport coefficients of partially ionized argon.

Properties of partially ionized Ar computed via Chapman-Enskog-Burnett expressions noting ambipolar diffusion coefficient, electron-atom momentum, electrical and thermal conductivity, etc

TRANSPORT COEFFICIENT↗

NASA NTRS1971

Transfer of thermal microwaves in the atmosphere, volume 2

Figures and tabular information that are supplemental to a study on transfer of thermal microwaves in the atmosphere are presented. The numerical values for the absorption and scattering cross sections of a pure, liquid, water drop are given for drop diameters ranging up to 6 mm, and for various drop temperatures. These values were obtained through the Mie theory. For a Marshall-Palmer distribution of drop sizes, the volume absorption and scattering coefficients of rain are given for the same temperatures and microwave frequencies shown above and for contents of liquid water in the rain mass. Also, scattergrams are given of the katabatic and upwelling brightness temperatures of up to 582 model atmospheres over a calm ocean versus the equivalent depths of liquid water in cloud form, rain form, or combined cloud and rain form.

Paris, J. F.↗

NASA NTRS1973

Vertical distribution of vibrational energy of molecular nitrogen in a stable auroral red arc and its effect on ionospheric electron densities

Previous solutions of the problem of the distribution of vibrationally excited molecular nitrogen in the thermosphere have either assumed a Boltzmann distribution and considered diffusion as one of the loss processes or solved for the energy level populations and neglected diffusion. Both of the previous approaches are combined by solving the time dependent continuity equations, including the diffusion process, for the first six energy levels of molecular nitrogen for conditions in the thermosphere corresponding to a stable auroral red arc. The primary source of molecular nitrogen excitation was subexcitation, and inelastic collisions between thermal electrons and molecular nitrogen. The reaction rates for this process were calculated from published cross section calculations. The loss processes for vibrational energy were electron and atomic oxygen quenching and vibrational energy exchange. The coupled sets of nonlinear, partial differential equations were solved numerically by employing finite difference equations.

Newton, G. P.↗

NASA NTRS2011

Geochemical Mapping of 4 Vesta Begins

By December, the NASA Dawn spacecraft will have descended to a low altitude mapping orbit (LAMO), where the Gamma Ray and Neutron Detector (GRaND) will acquire global mapping data for up to four months. Measurements by GRaND will help answer elusive questions about how Vesta differentiated and the nature of processes that shaped Vesta s surface. The data will be analyzed to determine the abundances of Mg, Si, Fe, K, Th, and H at a spatial resolution of roughly 300 km full-width-at-half-maximum from a 465 km radius orbit. Thermal and fast neutron counting data will be analyzed to determine the neutron macroscopic absorption cross section and average atomic mass, providing constraints on additional elements, such as Ca and Al. GRaND will quantify the elemental composition of coarse spatial units identified by Dawn s Framing Camera (FC) and the Visible & Infrared Spectrometer (VIR). In addition, GRaND will map the mixing ratio of compositional end members selected from the howardite, eucrite and diogenite (HED) meteorites, determine the relative proportions of plagioclase and mafic minerals, and search for compositions that are absent or under-represented in the meteorite collection. While it is generally thought that Vesta s crust on a regional scale should be well-represented by linear mixing of HED whole-rock compositions, there are hints that Vesta may be more diverse than implied by this model. For example, the discovery of K-rich impact glasses in howardites suggests that K-rich rocks may be present on a portion of Vesta s surface, and the analysis of diogenites indicates considerable variability in the magmatic processes that formed them. The chemical composition of materials within Vesta s south polar structure may provide further clues to how it formed. An impact might have exposed mantle and lower crustal materials, which should have a distinctive compositional signature. We present the analysis of data acquired by GRaND from cruise through the descent to LAMO, including GRaND s sensitivity to different elements and geochemical processes.

Prettyman, Thomas H.↗

NASA NTRS2008

The Formation of Coronal Loops by Thermal Instability in Three Dimensions

Plasma loops in solar active regions have been observed in EUV and soft X-rays for decades. Their formation mechanism and properties, however, are still not fully understood. Predictions by early models, based on 1D hydrostatic equilibria with uniform plasma heating, are not consistent with high-resolution measurements. In this Letter, we demonstrate, via 3D simulations, that a class of heating models can lead to the dynamic formation of plasma loops provided the plasma is heated sufficiently to match SXT soft X-ray measurements. We show that individual flux tubes in a 3D magnetic structure tend to stand out against their neighbors. The loops have large aspect ratios and nearly uniform cross sections in the corona, similar to those observed by EIT and TRACE. The coronal EUV emission from these thermally unstable solutions is roughly consistent with EIT measurements. The solution oscillates in time through a large-amplitude, nonlinear cycle, leading to repeated brightening and fading of the loops.

Mok, Yung↗

NASA NTRS1978

Large space deployable antenna systems

The design technology is described for manufacturing a 20 m or larger space erectable antenna with high thermal stability, high dynamic stiffness, and minimum stowed size. The selected approach includes a wrap rib design with a cantilever beam basic element and graphite-epoxy composite lenticular cross section ribs. The rib configuration and powered type operated deploying mechanism are described and illustrated. Other features of the parabolic reflector discussed include weight and stowed diameter characteristics, structural dynamics characteristics, orbit thermal aperture limitations, and equivalent element and secondary (on axis) patterns. A block diagram of the multiple beam pattern is also presented.

Source record↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development and Application of Weld Track Thermal Analysis for the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit

NASA is studying the next generation of space suit for safe operations in space, from the International Space Station to the lunar surface as part of the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit project. The backplate structure of the portable life support system (PLSS) serves as the attachment point for assembly of the PLSS and contains embedded cooling channels. The thermal loop plumbing assembly and backplate are combined into a single component such that the fluid lines run through the midplane of the backplate. The manufacturing of the Ti-6Al-4V backplate consists of machining channels into a plate, welding cover plates on each channel using an electron beam, and additional machining for excess material removal and final detail. Careful control of the electron beam weld process is necessary to completely seal cover plates, produce consistent weld tracks, and produce channels with uniform cross sections free of debris and defects. The backplate contains multiple weld channels with unique geometries. The weld process parameters include choosing the beam current and focus, accelerating voltage, travel speed, pause times between weld tracks, and sequence of weld tracks. A transient finite element thermal analysis was developed to provide support for choosing and controlling the weld process parameters to maintain a consistent melt pool along each of the weld tracks. A moving distributed heat source is modeled to represent the heat input generated by the electron beam. The heat source model is a critical input to the analysis for accurate temperature predictions during the weld process. A modified conical heat source was developed to account for the change in working distance between the backplate and cover plates. The geometry of the material being welded must be accounted for by the heat source model to define the correct energy input. The weld process control is designed according to the predicted thermal history and melt pool dimensions for each of the weld channels. The analysis model, modified heat source, temperature and melt pool predictions, application of the thermal data to the weld parameters, and comparison with micrograph cross-sections from weld trials will be discussed in this presentation.

Electron Beam Welding↗

NASA NTRS1973

Automated Shell Theory for Rotating Structures (ASTROS)

Computer program can be used to analyze any disk or shell of revolution of arbitrary cross section under inertial loads caused by rotation about shell axis and under various static loads, including thermal gradients. Geometric shapes incorporated in program are ellipsoidal, spherical, ogival, toroidal, conical, circular plate, cylindrical, and parabolic.

Foster, B. J.↗