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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

The 1987 Airborne Antarctic Ozone Experiment: the Nimbus-7 TOMS Data Atlas

Total ozone data taken by the Nimbus-7 Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS) played a central role in the successful outcome of the 1987 Airborne Antarctic Ozone Experiment. The near-real-time TOMS total ozone observations were suppled within hours of real time to the operations center in Punta Arenas, Chile, over a telecommunications network designed specifically for this purpose. The TOMS data preparation and method of transfer over the telecommunications links are reviewed. This atlas includes a complete set of the near-real-time TOMS orbital overpass data over regions around the Palmer Peninsula of Antarctica for the period of August 8 through September 29, 1987. Also provided are daily polar orthographic projections of TOMS total ozone measurements over the Southern Hemisphere from August through November 1987. In addition, a chronology of the salient points of the experiment, along with some latitudinal cross sections and time series at locations of interest of the TOMS total ozone observations are presented. The TOMS total ozone measurements are evaluated along the flight tracks of each of the ER-2 and DC-8 missions during the experiment. The ozone hole is shown here to develop in a monotonic progression throughout late August and September. The minimum total ozone amount was found on 5 October, when its all-time lowest value of 109 DU is recorded. The hole remains well defined, but fills gradually from mid-October through mid-November. The hole's dissolution is observed here to begin in mid-November, when it elongates and begins to rotate. By the end of November, the south pole is no longer located within the ozone hole.

Krueger, Arlin J.↗

New secondary batteries utilizing electronically conductive polymer cathodes

The objectives of this project are to characterize the transport properties in electronically conductive polymers and to assess the utility of these films as cathodes in lithium/polymer secondary batteries. During this research period, progress has been made in a literature survey of the historical background, methods of preparation, the physical and chemical properties, and potential technological applications of polythiophene. Progress has also been made in the characterization of polypyrrole flat films and fibrillar films. Cyclic voltammetry and potential step chronocoulometry were used to gain information on peak currents and potentials switching reaction rates, charge capacity, and charge retention. Battery charge/discharge studies were also performed.

Martin, Charles R.↗

Tissue simulating gel for medical research

A tissue simulating gel and a method for preparing the tissue simulating gel are disclosed. The tissue simulating gel is prepared by a process using water, gelatin, ethylene gylcol, and a cross-linking agent. In order to closely approximate the characteristics of the type of tissue being simulated, other material has been added to change the electrical, sound conducting, and wave scattering properties of the tissue simulating gel. The result of the entire process is a formulation that will not melt at the elevated temperatures involved in hyperthermia medical research. Furthermore, the tissue simulating gel will not support mold or bacterial growth, is of a sufficient mechanical strength to maintain a desired shape without a supporting shell, and is non-hardening and non-drying. Substances were injected into the tissue simulating gel prior to the setting-up thereof just as they could be injected into actual tissue, and the tissue simulating gel is translucent so as to permit visual inspection of its interior. A polyurethane spray often used for coating circuit boards can be applied to the surface of the tissue simulating gel to give a texture similar to human skin, making the tissue simulating gel easier to handle and contributing to its longevity.

Companion, John A.↗

Effect of Polymer Electrode Morphology on Performance of a Lithium/Polypyrrole Battery

A variety of conducting polymer batteries were described in the recent literature. In this work, a Li/Polypyrrole secondary battery is described. The effect of controlling the morphology of the polymer on enhancement of counterion diffusion in the polymer phase is explored. A method of preparing conducting polymers was developed which yields high surface area per unit volume of electrode material. A porous membrane is used as a template in which to electrochemically polymerize pyrrole, then the membrane is dissolved, leaving the polymer in a fibrillar form. Conventionally, the polymer is electrochemically polymerized as a dense polymer film on a smooth Pt disk electrode. Previous work has shown that when the polymer is electrochemically polymerized in fribrillar form, charge transport rates are faster and charge capacities are greater than for dense, conventionally grown films containing the same amount of polymer. The purpose is to expand previous work by further investigating the possibilities of the optimization of transport rates in polypyrrole films by controlling the morphology of the films. The utility of fibrillar polypyrrole as a cathode material in a lithium/polymer secondary battery is then assessed. The performance of the fibrillar battery is compared to the performance of an analogous battery which employed a conventionally grown polypyrrole film. The study includes a comparison of cyclic voltammetry, shape of charge/discharge curves, discharge time and voltage, cycle life, coulombic efficiencies, charge capacities, energy densities, and energy efficiencies.

Nicholson, Marjorie Anne↗

The Way to Increased Airplane Engine Power

The purpose of this paper is to give an outline of the present state of development and point out the possibilities available for the further increase in the power/displacement ratio, the economy, and the reliability of the engine. Some of the aspects discussed are methods of increasing take-off power, the various methods of preparation of the fuel mixture and their effect on power, economy, and safety.

Vohrer, Eugen↗

Ceramic silicon-boron-carbon fibers from organic silicon-boron-polymers

Novel high strength ceramic fibers derived from boron, silicon, and carbon organic precursor polymers are discussed. The ceramic fibers are thermally stable up to and beyond 1200 C in air. The method of preparation of the boron-silicon-carbon fibers from a low oxygen content organosilicon boron precursor polymer of the general formula Si(R2)BR(sup 1) includes melt-spinning, crosslinking, and pyrolysis. Specifically, the crosslinked (or cured) precursor organic polymer fibers do not melt or deform during pyrolysis to form the silicon-boron-carbon ceramic fiber. These novel silicon-boron-carbon ceramic fibers are useful in high temperature applications because they retain tensile and other properties up to 1200 C, from 1200 to 1300 C, and in some cases higher than 1300 C.

Riccitiello, Salvatore R.↗

Spacecraft maximum allowable concentrations for selected airborne contaminants, volume 1

As part of its efforts to promote safe conditions aboard spacecraft, NASA requested the National Research Council (NRC) to develop guidelines for establishing spacecraft maximum allowable concentrations (SMAC's) for contaminants, and to review SMAC's for various spacecraft contaminants to determine whether NASA's recommended exposure limits are consistent with the guidelines recommended by the subcommittee. In response to NASA's request, the NRC organized the Subcommittee on Guidelines for Developing Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations for Space Station Contaminants within the Committee on Toxicology (COT). In the first phase of its work, the subcommittee developed the criteria and methods for preparing SMAC's for spacecraft contaminants. The subcommittee's report, entitled Guidelines for Developing Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations for Space Station Contaminants, was published in 1992. The executive summary of that report is reprinted as Appendix A of this volume. In the second phase of the study, the Subcommittee on Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations reviewed reports prepared by NASA scientists and contractors recommending SMAC's for 35 spacecraft contaminants. The subcommittee sought to determine whether the SMAC reports were consistent with the 1992 guidelines. Appendix B of this volume contains the first 11 SMAC reports that have been reviewed for their application of the guidelines developed in the first phase of this activity and approved by the subcommittee.

National Research Council↗

Electrically conducting polyimide film containing tin complexes

Disclosed is a thermally-stable SnO2-surfaced polyimide film wherein the electrical conductivity of the SnO2 surface is within the range of about 3.0 x 10(exp -3) to about 1 x 10(exp -2) ohms(exp -1). Also disclosed is a method of preparing this film from a solution containing a polyamic acid and SnCl4 (DMSO)2.

St.clair, Anne K.↗

Simultaneous Luminescence Pressure and Temperature Measurement System for Hypersonic Wind Tunnels

Surface pressures and temperatures are determined from visible emission brightness and green-to-red color ratioing of induced luminescence from a ceramic surface with an organic dye coating. A ceramic-dye matrix of porous silica ceramic with an adsorbed dye is developed for high-temperature pressure sensitivity and stability (up to 150 C). Induced luminescence may be excited using a broad range of incident radiation from visible blue light (488-nm wavelength) to the near ultraviolet (365 nm). Ceramic research models and test samples are fabricated using net-form slip-casting and sintering techniques. Methods of preparation and effects of adsorption film thickness on measurement sensitivity are discussed. With the present 8-bit imaging system a 10% pressure measurement uncertainty from 50 to 760 torr is estimated, with an improvement to 5% from 3 to 1500 torr with a 12-bit imaging system.

Buck, Gregory M.↗

Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations for Selected Airborne Contaminants

As part of its efforts to promote safe conditions aboard spacecraft, NASA requested the National Research Council (NRC) to develop guidelines for establishing spacecraft maximum allowable concentrations (SMACs) for contaminants, and to review SMACs for various spacecraft contaminants to determine whether NASA's recommended exposure limits are consistent with the guidelines recommended by the subcommittee. In response to this request, the NRC first developed criteria and methods for preparing SMACs for spacecraft contaminants, published in its 1992 report Guidelines for Developing Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations for Space Station Contaminants . Since then, the Subcommittee on Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations has been reviewing NASA's documentation of chemical-specific SMACs as described in the Introduction to this volume. This report is the third volume in the series Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations for Space Station Contaminants . The first volume was published in 1994 and the second in 1996.

National Research Council↗

Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations for Selected Airborne Contaminants

As part of its efforts to promote safe conditions aboard spacecraft, NASA requested the National Research Council (NRC) to develop guidelines for establishing spacecraft maximum allowable concentrations (SMACs) for contaminants, and to review SMACs for various spacecraft contaminants to determine whether NASA's recommended exposure limits are consistent with the guidelines recommended by the subcommittee. In response to NASA's request, the NRC organized the Subcommittee on Guidelines for Developing Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations for Space Station Contaminants within the Committee on Toxicology (COT). In the first phase of its work, the subcommittee developed the criteria and methods for preparing SMACs for spacecraft contaminants. The subcommittee's report, entitled Guidelines for Developing Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations for Space Station Contaminants , was published in 1992. The executive summary of that report is reprinted as Appendix A of this volume. In the second phase of the study, the Subcommittee on Spacecraft Maximum Allowable Concentrations reviewed reports prepared by NASA scientists and contractors recommending SMACs for approximately 35 spacecraft contaminants. The subcommittee sought to determine whether the SMAC reports were consistent with the 1992 guidelines. Appendix B of this volume contains the SMAC reports for 12 chemical contaminants that have been reviewed for their application of the guidelines developed in the first phase of this activity and approved by the subcommittee. This report is the second volume in the series Spacecraft McLrimum Allowable Concentrations for Space Station Contaminants . The first volume was published in 1994.

National Research Council↗

Aromatic Diamines and Polyimides Based on 4,4'-Bis-(4-Aminophenoxy)-2,2' or 2,2',6,6'- Substituted Biphenyl

This invention relates the novel diamines. the polyimide oligomers and the polyimides derived therefrom and to the method of preparing the diamines, oligomers and the polyimides. The thermoplastic polyimides derived from the aromatic diamines of this invention are characterized as having a high glass transition temperature. good mechanical properties and improved processability in the manufacture of adhesives. electronic and composite materials for use in the automotive and aerospace industry. The distinction of the novel aromatic diamines of this invention is the 2.2',6.6substituted biphenyl radicals which exhibit noncoplanar conformation that enhances the solubility of the diamine as well as the processability of the polyimides. while retaining a relatively high glass transition temperature and improved mechanical properties at useful temperature ranges.

Chuang, Chun-Hua K.↗

Aromatic Diamines and Polyimides Based on 4,4'-Bis-(4-Aminophenoxy)-2,2' or 2,2',6,6'- Substituted Biphenyl

This invention relates the novel diamines, the polyimide oligomers and the polyimides derived therefrom and to the method of preparing the diamines, oligomers and the polyimides. The thermoplastic polyimides derived from the aromatic diamines of this invention are characterized as having a high glass transition temperature, good mechanical properties and improved processability in the manufacture of adhesives, electronic and composite materials for use in the automotive and aerospace industry. The distinction of the novel aromatic diamines of this invention is the 2,2',6,6'-substituted biphenyl radicals which exhibit noncoplanar conformation that enhances the solubility of the diamine as well as the processability of the polyimides, while retaining a relatively high glass transition temperature and improved mechanical properties at useful temperature ranges.

Chun-Hua K Chuang↗

Segmented Thermal Barrier Coating

An article coated with a thermal barrier coating system, and method for preparation of a coated article. The article has a macro-segmented thermal barrier coating due to the presence of a pattern of three-dimensional features. The features may be a series of raised ribs formed on the substrate surface and being spaced from 0.05 inches to 0.30 apart. The ribs have a width W ranging from 0.005 inches to 0.02 inches, and a height R ranging from 25% to 100% of the thickness of the barrier coating. Alternately, the features may be a similar pattern of grooves formed in the surface of the substrate. Other embodiments provide segmentation by grooves or ribs in the bond coat or alternately grooves formed in the thermal barrier layer.

James L Smialek↗

Biological Visualization, Imaging and Simulation(Bio-VIS) at NASA Ames Research Center: Developing New Software and Technology for Astronaut Training and Biology Research in Space

The Bio- Visualization, Imaging and Simulation (BioVIS) Technology Center at NASA's Ames Research Center is dedicated to developing and applying advanced visualization, computation and simulation technologies to support NASA Space Life Sciences research and the objectives of the Fundamental Biology Program. Research ranges from high resolution 3D cell imaging and structure analysis, virtual environment simulation of fine sensory-motor tasks, computational neuroscience and biophysics to biomedical/clinical applications. Computer simulation research focuses on the development of advanced computational tools for astronaut training and education. Virtual Reality (VR) and Virtual Environment (VE) simulation systems have become important training tools in many fields from flight simulation to, more recently, surgical simulation. The type and quality of training provided by these computer-based tools ranges widely, but the value of real-time VE computer simulation as a method of preparing individuals for real-world tasks is well established. Astronauts routinely use VE systems for various training tasks, including Space Shuttle landings, robot arm manipulations and extravehicular activities (space walks). Currently, there are no VE systems to train astronauts for basic and applied research experiments which are an important part of many missions. The Virtual Glovebox (VGX) is a prototype VE system for real-time physically-based simulation of the Life Sciences Glovebox where astronauts will perform many complex tasks supporting research experiments aboard the International Space Station. The VGX consists of a physical display system utilizing duel LCD projectors and circular polarization to produce a desktop-sized 3D virtual workspace. Physically-based modeling tools (Arachi Inc.) provide real-time collision detection, rigid body dynamics, physical properties and force-based controls for objects. The human-computer interface consists of two magnetic tracking devices (Ascention Inc.) attached to instrumented gloves (Immersion Inc.) which co-locate the user's hands with hand/forearm representations in the virtual workspace. Force-feedback is possible in a work volume defined by a Phantom Desktop device (SensAble inc.). Graphics are written in OpenGL. The system runs on a 2.2 GHz Pentium 4 PC. The prototype VGX provides astronauts and support personnel with a real-time physically-based VE system to simulate basic research tasks both on Earth and in the microgravity of Space. The immersive virtual environment of the VGX also makes it a useful tool for virtual engineering applications including CAD development, procedure design and simulation of human-system systems in a desktop-sized work volume.

Smith, Jeffrey↗

Efficient Synthesis of 4,8-Ditoluoyl-1,5-Dihydroxynaphthalene

4,8-Ditoluoyl-1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene was synthesized in quantitative yield from the corresponding methylenequinone via base-catalyzed hydration. Alkaline treatment gives the title compound in one step with a 99% yield, an improvement of 80% compared to the acidic, two step literature method for preparing 4,8-dibenzoyl-1,5-dihydroxynaphthalene.

Tyson, Daniel S.↗

Partial gene sequences for the A subunit of methyl-coenzyme M reductase (mcrI) as a phylogenetic tool for the family Methanosarcinaceae

Representatives of the family Methanosarcinaceae were analyzed phylogenetically by comparing partial sequences of their methyl-coenzyme M reductase (mcrI) genes. A 490-bp fragment from the A subunit of the gene was selected, amplified by the PCR, cloned, and sequenced for each of 25 strains belonging to the Methanosarcinaceae. The sequences obtained were aligned with the corresponding portions of five previously published sequences, and all of the sequences were compared to determine phylogenetic distances by Fitch distance matrix methods. We prepared analogous trees based on 16S rRNA sequences; these trees corresponded closely to the mcrI trees, although the mcrI sequences of pairs of organisms had 3.01 +/- 0.541 times more changes than the respective pairs of 16S rRNA sequences, suggesting that the mcrI fragment evolved about three times more rapidly than the 16S rRNA gene. The qualitative similarity of the mcrI and 16S rRNA trees suggests that transfer of genetic information between dissimilar organisms has not significantly affected these sequences, although we found inconsistencies between some mcrI distances that we measured and and previously published DNA reassociation data. It is unlikely that multiple mcrI isogenes were present in the organisms that we examined, because we found no major discrepancies in multiple determinations of mcrI sequences from the same organism. Our primers for the PCR also match analogous sites in the previously published mcrII sequences, but all of the sequences that we obtained from members of the Methanosarcinaceae were more closely related to mcrI sequences than to mcrII sequences, suggesting that members of the Methanosarcinaceae do not have distinct mcrII genes.

NASA Discipline Number 52-30↗