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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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At least 217 records · Page 12

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NASA NTRS1987

Thermoelectric Properties of Lanthanum Sulfide

Report describes measurement of Seebeck coefficient, electrical resistivity, thermal conductivity, and Hall effect in gamma-phase lanthanum sulfide with composition of La3-x S4. Results of study, part of search for high-temperature thermoelectric energy-conversion materials, indicate this sulfide behaves like extrinsic semiconductor over temperature range of 300 to 1,400 K, with degenerate carrier concentration controlled by stoichiometric ratio of La to S.

Wood, C.↗

NASA NTRS1988

Research at Palomar Observatory in planetary astronomy

A wide range of observational studies are carried out to improve our understanding of the bodies of the outer solar system. Using the 200-inch Hale telescope, near-infrared observations are made of Uranus, Neptune, and the Pluto-Charon system. High time resolution occultation observations of the Uranus Ring system are used to study in detail the dynamics of this system. Occultation studies of Neptune are probing this intriguing ring-arc system. Occulation observations of the Pluto-Charon system probe the surface properties of these distant bodies. In addition, the plate material of the PSSII servey is being used to search for new comets and asteroids. Researchers observed one Neptune stellar occultation in July 1987 and completed the analysis of a series of seven separate Neptune occultation observations in conjunction with Nicholson et al., of Cornell. The analysis has shown that minimum of three ring arcs, at radii ranging from 54,000 km - 67,000 km are required to account for the high quality ring events. Current theoretical models can account for these data. Of two observations scheduled of Pluto-Charon mutual occulations scheduled for the 200-inch, the Charon eclipse event was successfully observed (the other was clouded out).

Soifer, B. T.↗

NASA NTRS1994

Efficient, full-spectrum, long-lived, non-toxic microwave lamp for plant growth

Fusion Systems Corporation has developed a mercury-free, low infrared, efficient microwave lamp using a benign sulfur based fill optimized for visible light. Our literature search and discussions with researchers directed us to enhance the bulbs red output. We have demonstrated a photosynthetic efficacy of over 2 micro-moles per microwave joule which corresponds to over 1.3 micro-moles per joule at the power main. Recent work has shown we can make additional increases in overall system efficiency. During the next two years, we expect to demonstrate a system capable of producing more than 1.5 micro-moles/joule measured at the power main with significantly less IR than alternative lamp systems. We determined optimal plant growth light requirements via a literature search and researcher input. We surveyed candidate lamp fill materials to be used in combination with sulfur and explored several methods of increasing photosynthetic efficacy.

Maclennan, Donald A.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Skutterudites for Thermoelectric Applications

ct given. Summary - This paper says an exploratory search at JPL for new, high-performance thermoelectric materials identified a skutterudite family. Skutterudites might be of interest for electronics, and other applications. Several skutterudites have shown very interesting properties: very low thermal conductivity, very high p-type mobility values, large n-type Seebeck values, large number of isostructural materials. A systematic investigation of skutterudites found: it's necessary to understand trends in properties, and the goal should be to determine the best approach for high ZT.

materials↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Hierarchical screening for Li-based solid electrolytes using fast, interpretable machine-learned potentials

Li-based solid-state electrolyte materials enable safer, all-solid-state batteries but the computational search for candidates with favorable stability and Li-ion conductivity is challenging due to the size of the search space and the cost of evaluating transport properties with ab initio methods. The prohibitive cost of high-throughput screening with DFT has lead to the development of surrogate models using geometric analysis, empirical potentials, and descriptors for ionic transport. Here, I will discuss a hierarchical screening approach for identifying promising materials using a combination of density functional theory, bond-valence methods, and machine learning potentials generated with the Ultra-Fast Force Fields (UF3) framework. We show how the inexpensive bond-valence method can be used to guide the generation of training samples for machine learning, in addition to filtering candidates. Finally, we apply the hierarchical workflow to screen for ionic conductivity across a database of Li-containing compounds.

Materials discovery↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Hierarchical Screening for Li-Based Solid Electrolytes Using Fast, Interpretable Machine-Learned Potentials

Materials discovery↗

NASA NTRS1999

Identifying Fossil Bacteria in Martian Materials

Within the next decade, robotic missions are going to Mars with the search for evidence for extant and extinct life as at least one of the mission objectives. Moreover, the first Martian samples will be returned to Earth in 2008. It is therefore imperative that we can be certain that we can identify life in Martian rocks. In this paper we will not be discussing extant life but will concentrate on fossil life.

Westall, F.↗

NASA NTRS2006

Thermal and Evolved Gas Analysis of Geologic Samples Containing Organic Materials: Implications for the 2007 Mars Phoenix Scout Mission

The Thermal and Evolved Gas Analyzer (TEGA) instrument scheduled to fly onboard the 2007 Mars Phoenix Scout Mission will perform differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and evolved gas analysis (EGA) of soil samples and ice collected from the surface and subsurface at a northern landing site on Mars. We have been developing a sample characterization data library using a laboratory DSC integrated with a quadrupole mass spectrometer to support the interpretations of TEGA data returned during the mission. The laboratory TEGA test-bed instrument has been modified to operate under conditions similar to TEGA, i.e., reduced pressure (e.g., 100 torr) and reduced carrier gas flow rates. We have previously developed a TEGA data library for a variety of volatile-bearing mineral phases, including Fe-oxyhydroxides, phyllosilicates, carbonates, and sulfates. Here we examine the thermal and evolved gas properties of samples that contain organics. One of the primary objectives of the Phoenix Scout Mission is to search for habitable zones by assessing organic or biologically interesting materials in icy soil. Nitrogen is currently the carrier gas that will be used for TEGA. In this study, we examine two possible modes of detecting organics in geologic samples; i.e., pyrolysis using N2 as the carrier gas and combustion using O2 as the carrier gas.

Lauer, H. V., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS2004

Determination of Aromatic Ring Number Using Multi-Channel Deep UV Native Fluorescence

The in situ detection of organic material on an extraterrestrial surface requires both effective means of searching a relatively large surface area or volume for possible organic carbon, and a more specific means of identifying and quantifying compounds in indicated samples. Fluorescence spectroscopy fits the first requirement well, as it can be carried out rapidly, with minimal or no physical contact with the sample, and with sensitivity unmatched by any other organic analytical technique. Aromatic organic compounds with know fluorescence signatures have been identified in several extraterrestrial samples, including carbonaceous chondrites, interplanetary dust particles, and Martian meteorites. The compound distributions vary among these sources, however, with clear differences in relative abundances by number of aromatic rings and by degree of alkylation. This relative abundance information, therefore, can be used to infer the source of organic material detected on a planetary surface.

Bhartia, R.↗

NASA NTRS1996

Separator Materials Used in Secondary Alkaline Batteries Characterized and Evaluated

Nickel-cadmium (Ni/Cd) and nickel-hydrogen (Ni/H2) secondary alkaline batteries are vital to aerospace applications. Battery performance and cycle life are significantly affected by the type of separators used in those batteries. A team from NASA Lewis Research Center's Electrochemical Technology Branch developed standardized testing procedures to characterize and evaluate new and existing separator materials to improve performance and cycle life of secondary alkaline batteries. Battery separators must function as good electronic insulators and as efficient electrolyte reservoirs. At present, new types of organic and inorganic separator materials are being developed for Ni/Cd and Ni/H2 batteries. The separator material previously used in the NASA standard Ni/Cd was Pellon 2505, a 100-percent nylon-6 polymer that must be treated with zinc chloride (ZnCl2) to bond the fibers. Because of stricter Environmental Protection Agency regulation of ZnCl2 emissions, the battery community has been searching for new separators to replace Pellon 2505. As of today, two candidate separator materials have been identified; however, neither of the two materials have performed as well as Pellon 2505. The separator test procedures that were devised at Lewis are being implemented to expedite the search for new battery separators. The new test procedures, which are being carried out in the Separator Laboratory at Lewis, have been designed to guarantee accurate evaluations of the properties that are critical for sustaining proper battery operation. These properties include physical and chemical stability, chemical purity, gas permeability, electrolyte retention and distribution, uniformity, porosity, and area resistivity. A manual containing a detailed description of 12 separator test procedures has been drafted and will be used by the battery community to evaluate candidate separator materials for specific applications. These standardized procedures will allow for consistent, uniform, and reliable results that will ensure that separator materials have the desired properties for long life and good performance in secondary alkaline cells.

Source record↗

NASA NTRS2012

Chemical Mapping of Vesta and Ceres

Following successful science operations at Vesta, the Dawn spacecraft is headed for an encounter with Ceres in 2015. What have we learned at Vesta? And, what do we expect to learn by comparing Vesta and Ceres? We will address these questions from the standpoint of geochemistry. Dawn's Gamma Ray and Neutron Detector (GRaND) is sensitive to the elemental composition of surface materials to depths of a few decimeters [1]. Gamma rays and neutrons, produced by the steady bombardment of galactic cosmic rays and by the decay of naturally ]occurring radioisotopes (K, Th, U), provide a chemical fingerprint of the regolith. Analysis of planetary radiation emissions enables mapping of specific elements (such as Fe, Mg, Si, Cl, and H) and compositional parameters (such as average atomic mass), which provide information about processes that shaped the planet1s surface and interior. Dawn has exceeded operational goals for GRaND at Vesta, accumulating an abundance of nadir-pointed data during five months in a 210 km, low altitude mapping orbit around Vesta (265-km mean radius). Chemical information from gamma ray and neutron measurements was used to test the connection between Vesta and the howardite, eucrite, and diogenite (HED) meteorites [2]. Additionally, GRaND searched for evolved, igneous lithologies [3], mantle and upper crustal materials exposed in large impact basins, mesosiderite compositions, and hydrogen in Vesta1s bulk regolith. Results of our analyses and their implications for thermal evolution and regolith-processes will be presented. The possibility of a subcrustal ocean [4, 5] and lack of cerean meteorites makes water-rich Ceres a compelling target of exploration [6]. If Ceres underwent aqueous differentiation, then crustal overturn or gas driven volcanism may have significantly modified its primitive surface; and products of aqueous alteration (e.g. [7]) would detectable by GRaND [1]. For example, the presence of Cl in salts, associated with liquid-water-processes, would have a profound effect on the thermal neutron leakage flux. GRaND is sensitive to H and H-layering, which may be in the form of endogenic water ice or hydrous minerals on Ceres. Ammonia ice (e.g., from recent cryovolcanism) would produce a distinctly different neutron signature than water ice [1]. Prospective results for GRaND at Ceres will be presented in the context of what we have learned about Vesta.

Prettyman, Thomas H.↗

NASA NTRS2017

A New Method of Absorption-Phase Nanotomography for 3D Observation of Mineral-Organic-Water Textiles and its Application to Pristine Carbonaceous Chondrites

Pristine carbonaceous chondrites contain fine-grained matrix, which is composed largely of amorphous silicates, sub-micron silicate and sulfide crystals, and organic materials. They are regarded as primitive dust in the early Solar System that have suffered minimal alteration in their parent bodies. The matrix generally has different lithologies; some of them are unaltered but some are more or less aqueously altered. Their textures have been examined in 2D usually by FE-SEM/EDS, TEM/EDS, nano-SIMS and micro-XRD. Observation of their complex fine textures, such as spatial relation between different lithologies in 3D, is important for understanding aggregation and alteration processes. Synchrotron radiation (SR)-based X-ray tomography reveals 3D structures nondestructively with high spatial resolution of approximately greater than 100 nm. We have developed a new technique using absorption contrasts called "dual-energy tomography" (DET) to obtain 3D distribution of minerals at SPring-8, SR facility in Japan, and applied successfully to Itokawa particles. Phase and absorption contrast images can be simultaneously obtained in 3D by using "scanning-imaging x-ray microscopy" (SIXM) at SPring-8, which can discriminate between void, water and organic materials. We applied this technique combined with FIB micro-sampling to carbonaceous chondrites to search for primitive liquid water. In this study, we combined the DET and SIXM to obtain three dimensional submicron-scale association between minerals, organic materials and water and applied this to pristine carbonaceous chondrites.

Tsuchiyama, A.↗

NASA NTRS1997

Eddy Current Method for Fatigue Testing

Flux-focusing electromagnetic sensor using a ferromagnetic flux-focusing lens simplifies inspections and increases detectability of fatigue cracks and material loss in high conductivity material. A ferrous shield isolates a high-turn pick-up coil from an excitation coil. Use of the magnetic shield produces a null voltage output across the receiving coil in presence of an unflawed sample. Redistribution of the current flow in the sample caused by the presence of flaws. eliminates the shielding condition and a large output voltage is produced, yielding a clear unambiguous flaw signal. Maximum sensor output is obtained when positioned symmetrically above the crack. By obtaining position of maximum sensor output, it is possible to track the fault and locate the area surrounding its tip. Accuracy of tip location is enhanced by two unique features of the sensor; a very high signal-to-noise ratio of the probe's output resulting in an extremely smooth signal peak across the fault, and a rapidly decaying sensor output outside a small area surrounding the crack tip enabling the search region to be clearly defined. Under low frequency operation, material thinning due to corrosion causes incomplete shielding of the pick-up coil. Low frequency output voltage of the probe is therefore a direct indicator of thickness of the test sample. Fatigue testing a conductive material is accomplished by applying load to the material, applying current to the sensor, scanning the material with the sensor, monitoring the sensor output signal, adjusting material load based on the sensor output signal of the sensor, and adjusting position of the sensor based on its output signal.

Simpson, John W.↗

NASA NTRS1995

The effect of sample holder material on ion mobility spectrometry reproducibility

When a positive detection of a narcotic occurs during the search of a vessel, a decision has to be made whether further intensive search is warranted. This decision is based in part on the results of a second sample collected from the same area. Therefore, the reproducibility of both sampling and instrumental analysis is critical in terms of justifying an in depth search. As reported at the 2nd Annual IMS Conference in Quebec City, the U.S. Coast Guard has determined that when paper is utilized as the sample desorption medium for the Barringer IONSCAN, the analytical results using standard reference samples are reproducible. A study was conducted utilizing papers of varying pore sizes and comparing their performance as a desorption material relative to the standard Barringer 50 micron Teflon. Nominal pore sizes ranged from 30 microns down to 2 microns. Results indicate that there is some peak instability in the first two to three windows during the analysis. The severity of the instability was observed to increase as the pore size of the paper is decreased. However, the observed peak instability does not create a situation that results in a decreased reliability or reproducibility in the analytical result.

Jadamec, J. Richard↗

NASA NTRS1997

In Situ identification of mineral resources with an X-ray-optical "Hand-Lens" instrument

Marshall, J.↗

NASA NTRS1999

In Situ Identification of Mineral Resources with an X-Ray-Optical "Hands-Lens" Instrument

The recognition of material resources on a planetary surface requires exploration strategies not dissimilar to those employed by early field geologists who searched for ore deposits primarily from surface clues. In order to determine the location of mineral ores or other materials, it will be necessary to characterize host terranes at regional or subregional scales. This requires geographically broad surveys in which statistically significant numbers of samples are rapidly scanned from a roving platform. To enable broad-scale, yet power-conservative planetary-surface exploration, we are developing an instrument that combines x-ray diffractometry (XRD), x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), and optical capabilities; the instrument can be deployed at the end of a rover's robotic arm, without the need for sample capture or preparation. The instrument provides XRD data for identification of mineral species and lithological types; diffractometry of minerals is conducted by ascertaining the characteristic lattice parameters or "d-spacings" of mineral compounds. D-spacings of 1.4 to 25 angstroms can be determined to include the large molecular structures of hydrated minerals such as clays. The XRF data will identify elements ranging from carbon (Atomic Number = 6) to elements as heavy as barium (Atomic Number = 56). While a sample is being x-rayed, the instrument simultaneously acquires an optical image of the sample surface at magnifications from lx to at least 50x (200x being feasible, depending on the sample surface). We believe that imaging the sample is extremely important as corroborative sample-identification data (the need for this capability having been illustrated by the experience of the Pathfinder rover). Very few geologists would rely on instrument data for sample identification without having seen the sample. Visual inspection provides critical recognition data such as texture, crystallinity, granularity, porosity, vesicularity, color, lustre, opacity, and so forth. These data can immediately distinguish sedimentary from igneous rocks, for example, and can thus eliminate geochemical or mineral ambiguities arising, say between arkose and granite. It would be important to know if the clay being analyzed was part of a uniform varve deposit laid down in a quiescent lake, or the matrix of a megabreccia diamictite deposited as a catastrophic impact ejecta blanket. The unique design of the instrument, which combines Debye-Scherrer geometry with elements of standard goniometry, negates the need for sample preparation of any kind, and thus negates the need for power-hungry and mechanically-complex sampling systems that would have to chip, crush, sieve, and mount the sample for x-ray analysis. Instead, the instrument is simply rested on the sample surface of interest (like a hand lens); the device can interrogate rough rock surfaces, coarse granular material, or fine rock flour. A breadboard version of the instrument has been deployed from the robotic arm of the Marsokhod rover in field trials at NASA Ames, where large vesicular boulders were x-rayed to demonstrate the functionality of the instrument design, and the ability of such a device to comply with constraints imposed by a roving platform. Currently under development is a flight prototype concept of this instrument that will weigh 0.3 kg, using about 4500 J of energy per sample analysis. It requires about 5 min. for XRD analysis, and about 30 min. for XRF interrogation. Its small mass and rugged design make it ideal for deployment on small rovers of the type currently envisaged for the exploration of Mars (e.g., Sojourner-scale platforms). The design utilizes a monolithic P-N junction photodiode pixel array for XRD, a Si PIN photodiode/avalanche photodiode system for XRF, and an endoscopic imaging camera system unobtrusively embedded between the detectors and the x-ray source (the endoscope with its board-mounted camera can be adapted for IR light in addition to visible wavelenths. A rugged, miniature (7 cu cm) x-ray source for the instrument has already been breadboarded.

Marshall, J.↗

NASA NTRS2022

Science Objectives for Flagship-Class Mission Concepts for the Search for Evidence of Life at Enceladus

Cassini revealed that Saturn's Moon Enceladus hosts a subsurface ocean that meets the accepted criteria for habitability with bio-essential elements and compounds, liquid water, and energy sources available in the environment. Whether these conditions are sufficiently abundant and collocated to support life remains unknown and cannot be determined from Cassini data. However, thanks to the plume of oceanic material emanating from Enceladus’ south pole, a new mission to Enceladus could search for evidence of life without having to descend through kilometers of ice. In this article, we outline the science motivations for such a successor to Cassini, choosing the primary science goal to be determining whether Enceladus is inhabited and assuming a resource level equivalent to NASA's Flagship-class missions. We selected a set of potential biosignature measurements that are complementary and orthogonal to build a robust case for any life detection result. This result would be further informed by quantifications of the habitability of the environment through geochemical and geophysical investigations into the ocean and ice shell crust. This study demonstrates that Enceladus’ plume offers an unparalleled opportunity for in situ exploration of an Ocean World and that the planetary science and astrobiology community is well equipped to take full advantage of it in the coming decades.

Enceladus↗

NASA NTRS2004

Seismic Search for Strange Quark Matter

Two decades ago, Witten suggested that the ground state of matter might be material of nuclear density made from up, down and strange quarks. Since then, much effort has gone into exploring astrophysical and other implications of this possibility. For example, neutron stars would almost certainly be strange quark stars; dark matter might be strange quark matter. Searches for stable strange quark matter have been made in various mass ranges, with negative, but not conclusive results. Recently, we [D. Anderson, E. Herrin, V. Teplitz, and I. Tibuleac, Bull. Seis. Soc. of Am. 93, 2363 (2003)] reported a positive result for passage through the Earth of a multi-ton "nugget" of nuclear density in a search of about a million seismic reports, to the U.S. Geological Survey for the years 1990-93, not associated with known Earthquakes. I will present the evidence (timing of first signals to the 9 stations involved, first signal directions, and unique waveform characteristics) for our conclusion and discuss potential improvements that could be obtained from exploiting the seismologically quieter environments of the moon and Mars.

Teplitz, Vigdor↗