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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 253 records · Page 14
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NASA NTRS1980

New Look at the Old Moon

The decade of 1969-1979 is seen as the time when lunar science emerged from the dark ages as a result of the geophysical and sample investigations made possible by the Apollo flights to the moon. After a brief summary of the Apollo missions and laboratory investigative techniques, the film treats the major epochs in lunar history uncovered by the investigations. Finally, the moon is depicted as having a practical role in the future of science and technology, as well as serving as the pattern for the future exploration of space.

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NASA NTRS1970

Moon: Old and New

This video presents the moon as studied by man for more than 20 centuries. It reviews the history of lunar studies before the first moon landing, the major things learned since Apollo 11, and closes with a resume of lunar investigations scientists would like to undertake in the future.

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NASA NTRS1994

BVRJK observations of Northern Hemisphere old novae

BVR photometry has been accomplished for 65 objects in the Duerbeck atlas along with J photometry of 52 and K of 30 objects. The (B - V), (V - R), and (V - J) colors are compiled with those available in the literature to assess the color change of novae as a function of time since outburst. Using available reddening values results in a list of 42 (B - V), 28 (V - R), and 38 (V - J) dereddened colors for novae that are from 1 to 319 years past outburst. The results indicate all the colors cluster about zero, with no obvious transition to red values as would be expected for novae undergoing a hibernation scenario. This indicates the accretion disk is sustained for at least 200 years after outburst. It is also apparent that red novae with giant secondaries and/or unusual properties readily stand out from the normal novae in color.

Szkody, Paula↗
NASA NTRS1994

Mineralogy and Ar-39 - Ar-40 of an old pristine basalt: Thermal history of the HED parent body

Previous investigations of mineral chemistry and Rb-Sr and Sm-Nd ages indicated that clast,84 from eucrite Yamato 75011 had preserved the pristine nature of its initial crystallization during an early stage of the HED parent body. Microscale mineralogy and Ar-39-Ar-40 ages of this clast, however, revealed local disturbance of microtextures and partially reset ages. This evidence suggests that, in addition to initial crystallization and rapid cooling, the Y75011,84 clast experienced shock deformation, reheating of short duration at higher temperature, and brecciation. These characteristics suggest two or more impact events. Fe-rich olivine filling fractures in pyroxene may have been introduced during the accompanying shock fracturing. The inferred Ar-39-Ar-40 degassing ages for Y75011 matrix and clast, 84 are 3.94 +/- 0.04 Ga and 3.98 +/- 0.03 Ga, respectively. The suggested degassing age for a clast from Y790020, believed to be paired with Y75011, is approximately 4.03 Ga, but could be younger. We consider it likely that all three samples experienced a common degassing event 3.95 +/- 0.05 Ga ago, but we cannot rule out two or more events spaced over a approximately 0.1 Ga interval. Higher temperature extractions of the two clast samples show significantly older apparent ages up to approximately 4.5 Ga and suggest that the time/temperature regime of this event was not sufficient to degas Ar totally. Most likely, the K-Ar ages were reset by thermal metamorphism associated with one or more impact events associated with shock fracturing, formation of Fe-rich olivine veins, and/or meteorite brecciation. The pyroxene annealing that commonly occurs in many eucrites is likely to be a much earlier process than the impact-produced textural changes and reset K-Ar ages observed in these meteorites. The existence of mineralogical and chronological evidence for metamorphism in an otherwise pristine eucrite suggests that the HED parent body experienced an extensive degree of early cratering.

Takeda, Hiroshi↗
NASA NTRS1994

On sound generation by turbulent convection: A new look at old results

We have revisited the problem of acoustic wave generation by turbulent convection in stellar atmospheres. The theory of aerodynamically generated sound, originally developed by Lighthill and later modified by Stein to include the effects of stratification, has been used to estimate the acoustic wave energy flux generated in solar and stellar convection zones. We correct the earlier computations by incorporating an improved description of the spatial and temporal spectrum of the turbulent convection. We show the dependence of the resulting wave fluxes on the nature of the turbulence, and compute the wave energy spectra and wave energy fluxes generated in the Sun on the basis of a mixing-length model of the solar convection zone. In contrast to the previous results, we show that the acoustic energy generation does not depend very sensitively on the turbulent energy spectrum. However, typical total acoustic fluxes of order F(sub A) = 5 x 10(exp 7) ergs/sq cm/s with a peak of the acoustic frequency spectrum near omega = 100 mHz are found to be comparable to those previously calculated. The acoustic flux turns out to be strongly dependent on the solar model, scaling with the mixing-length parameter alpha as alpha(exp 3.8). The computed fluxes most likely constitute a lower limit on the acoustic energy produced in the solar convection zone if recent convection simulations suggesting the presence of shocks near the upper layers of the convection zone apply to the Sun.

Musielak, Z. E.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Plasmasphere dynamics in the duskside bulge region: A new look at old topic

Data acquired during several multiday periods in 1982 at ground stations Siple, Halley, and Kerguelen and on satellites Dynamics Explorer 1, International Sun Earth Explorer 1, and GEOS 2 have been used to investigate thermal plasma structure and dynamics in the duskside plasmasphere bulge region of the Earth. The distribution of thermal plasma in the dusk bulge sector is difficult to describe realistically, in part because of the time integral manner in which the thermal plasma distribution depends upon on the effects of bulk cross-B flow and interchange plasma flows along B. While relatively simple MHD models can be useful for qualitatively predicting certain effects of enhanced convection on a quiet plasmasphere, such as an initial sunward entrainment of the outer regions, they are of limited value in predicting the duskside thermal plasma structures that are observed. Furthermore, use of such models can be misleading if one fails to realize that they do not address the question of the formation of the steep plasmapause profile or provide for a possible role of instabilities or other irreversible processes in plasmapause formation. Our specific findings, which are based both upon the present case studies and upon earlier work, include the following: (1) during active periods the plasmasphere appears to become divided into two entities, a main plasmasphere and a duskside bulge region. (2) in the aftermath of an increase in convection activity, the main plasmasphere tends (from a statistical point of view) to become roughly circular in equatorial cross section, with only a slight bulge at dusk; (3) the abrupt westward edge of the duskside bulge observed from whistlers represents a state in the evolution of sunward extending streamers; (4) in the aftermath of a weak magnetic storm, 10 to 30% of the plasma 'removed' from the outer plasmasphere appears to remain in the afternoon-dusk sector beyond the main plasmasphere. (5) outlying dense plasma structures may circulate in the outer duskside magetosphere for many days following an increase in convection, unless there is extremely deep quieting; (6) a day-night plasmatrough boundary may be identified in equatorial satellite data; (7) factor-of-2-to-10 density irregularities appear near the plasmatrough from the ionosphere at L = 4.6, predominantly bidirectional field aligned and equatorially trapped light ion pitch angle distributions give away to a predominantly isotropic distribution (as seen by DE 1) when the plasma density reaches a level a factor of about 3 below the satured plasmasphere level; (9) some outlying dense plasma structures are effectively detached from the main plasmasphere, while others appear to be connected to that body.

Carpenter, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Soft-short management and remediation in 10-year-old NiCds in Geo orbit

After 10 years in Geo orbit, during the spring 1993 eclipse season, soft shorts occurred in cells of two of the three batteries on the F2R spacecraft On battery #1, the cell soft short turned suddenly into a hard short; the resulting sudden 1.2V fall in battery voltage and rise in temperature was observed via telemetry. On battery #3, the deleterious impact of its soft short increased day by day, manifesting itself as a drop in battery voltage part-way through each eclipse, causing high loading on the remaining good battery. This paper reports how by planned charge management, including applying (against-the-book) overcharge ratios (C/D) exceeding 1.75, the battery #3 cell soft short was 'built down' until the cell voltage fade ceased. The problem with the battery #3 soft-shorted cell was fought with partial success throughout the latter half of the fall 93 season, and the lessons learned were applied to alleviate the problem during the spring 94 and fall 94 eclipse seasons. The life of the spacecraft was successfully prolonged until it was retired in March 1995.

Flordeliza, Nicanor A.↗
NASA NTRS1997

Vela-like Pulsars: A Bridge Between Young and Old

This grant was in support of a guest observation using the ASCA satellite of the young, spin-powered pulsar PSR B1706-44. The pulsar is interesting for several reasons: 1) it is young and shares many similar characteristics with the Vela pulsar, 2) it is one of a few pulsars which has been detected by the EGRET detector aboard the CGRO satellite, and 3) it is one of the confirmed sources of TeV gamma-rays discovered with ground based telescopes. The goals of the observation were to search for pulsations in the X-ray domain and to study the near stellar environment to determine if the pulsar is embedded within a compact nebula as in the case of the Vela pulsar.

Finley, John P.↗
NASA NTRS2000

The X-Ray Spectrum of an Isolated Old Neutron Star

This grant supported the analysis of an ASCA observation of RXJ185635-3754. The data were obtained without problem, and the spectra showed what we expected. We have presented the data at a number of forums, and the final paper is in draft form and will be submitted to the ApJ in early 2000. The delay in publishing the final results are solely due to our desire to incorporate the ASCA data in a multi-wavelength context, along with other X-ray, EUV, and optical data.

Walter, Frederick M.↗
NASA NTRS2000

MECA Electrometer: An Old Instrument Finds a New Application

The Mars '01 binder contains an electrometer designed to evaluate the electrostatic nature of the Martian regolith (soil) and atmosphere. The electrometer is part of MECA (Mars Environmental Compatibility Assessment) project. The objective is to gain a better understanding of the hazards related to the human exploration of Mars. The electrometer was designed to fit into the heel of the scoop of the robotic arm. The instrument has four sensor types: (a) triboelectric field, (b) electric-field, (c) ion current, and (d) temperature. The triboelectric field sensor array contains five insulating materials to determine material charging effects as the scoop is dragged through the Martian regolith. The sensor has an electric field sensitivity of 35 kV/cm-V and room temperature drift of approx.3 micro V/sec. The sensor has been operated as low as -60 C where the drift is undetected. This talk with focus on the operating principles of the triboelectric sensors and present some of test results.

Buehler, Martin↗
NASA NTRS1999

One Year Old and Growing: A Status Report on the International Space Station and Its Partners

The first elements of the International Space Station have been launched and docked together, and are performing well on-orbit. The Station is currently being operated jointly by NASA and Russian space organizations. In May 1999, the Space Shuttle was the first vehicle to dock to the International, Space Station. A crew of seven U.S. and Russian astronauts delivered 4000 pounds of supplies, made repairs to communications and battery systems, and installed external hardware during an EVA. The next module, the Russian Service Module, is due to join the orbital complex this year. This will initiate a period of rapid growth, with new modules and equipment continually added for the next five to six years, through assembly complete. The first crew is scheduled to begin permanent occupation of the International Space Station early next year. Hardware is being developed by Space Station partners and participants around the world and is largely on schedule for launch. Mission control centers are fully functioning in Houston and Moscow, with operations centers in St. Hubert, Darmstadt, Tsukuba, Turino, and Huntsville going on line as they are required. International crews are selected and in training. Coordination efforts continue with each of the five partners and two participants, involving 16 nations. All of them continue to face their own challenges and have achieved their own successes. This paper will discuss the status of the ISS partners and participants, their contributions and accomplished milestones, and upcoming events. It will also give a status report on the developments of the remainder of the ISS modules and components by each partner and participant. The ISS, the largest and most complicated peacetime project in history, is flying, and, with the help of all the ISS members, will continue to grow.

Bartoe, John-David F.↗
NASA NTRS1999

An Inexpensive Radiosonde Chilled Mirror Sensor: An Old Technology With New Impact

The availability of an inexpensive chilled mirror dewpoint sensor has made improved atmospheric relative humidity measurements accessible. Comparisons between the chilled mirror sensor and routine radiosonde sensors have provided new information on the limitation and reliability of the routine measurements. The chilled mirror has observed detailed moisture profiles at cirrus cloud levels when cirrus was not visible, a feature that routine sensors fail to observe. Comparison measurements between the chilled mirror, the carbon resistive (hygristor) and, the capacitive sensors will be discussed. Measurements from three locations (Wallops Island; Andros Island, Bahamas; and Camborne, UK) will be highlighted. It is conceivable that the chilled mirror sensor, when its capability is fully understood, may be sufficiently reliable to serve as a reference.

Schmidlin, F. J.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Sampling the Old and the New: Landing Site Proposals for the Dichotomy Boundary (6 S,210 W) and the Ares Vallis Headlands (2 S,18 W)

One of the goals of the Mars Pathfinder mission was to sample a diversity of rocks deposited by the Ares and Tiu Vallis floods. It was hoped that ancient highlands and younger lowlands material could be studied, as well as a diversity of rocks within these regions. Although Pathfinder found rocks that exhibited a number of textures and morphologies, several factors precluded the identification of a petrologic suite of rocks, if it was present. Namely among these were 1) The lack of geologic context for the rocks examined, 2) instrument limitations, and 3) pervasive dust and possible weathering finds. Based on the Pathfinder experience and incorporating recent results from Mars Global Surveyor and previous missions, two landing sites are proposed that can potentially overcome this problem and offer samples of ancient and recent Martian rock. The first site is at the dichotomy boundary, where ancient highlands and more recent lowlands meet. The second site is at the Ares Vallis headlands, where some of the source materials for the Pathfinder landing site may have been derived. Both of these sites meet the remote sensing and elevation constraints of the 2001 Lander mission but exhibit significant slopes and potential hazards in places. However, a properly placed ellipse can alleviate much of the concern, thereby offering two exciting sites that otherwise would not be chosen.

Bridges, N. T.↗
NASA NTRS2000

Hubble Identifies Source of Ultraviolet Light in an Old Galaxy

This videotape is comprised of four segments: (1) a Video zoom in on galaxy M32 using ground images, (2) Hubble images of galaxy M32, (3) Ground base color image of galaxies M31 and M32, and (4) Black and white ground based images of galaxy M32.

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NASA NTRS2001

Performance and Abuse Testing of 5 Year Old Low Rate and Medium Rate Lithium Thionyl Chloride Cells

Most cells survived the 3 amp (A) over-discharge at room temperature for 2 hours. The cell that failed was the LTC-114 after high rate discharge of 500 mA similar to the results of the 1 A over-discharge test. Most cells opened during 0.05 Ohm short circuit test without incident but three LTC-111 cells exploded apparently due to a lack of a thermal cutoff switch. The LTC-114 cells exposed to a hard short of 0.05 Ohms recovered but the LTC-114 cells exposed to a soft short of 1 Ohm did not. This is probably due to the activation of a resetable fuse during a hard short. Fresh cells tend to survive exposure to higher temperatures than cells previously discharged at high rate (1 Amp). LTC-111 cells tend to vent at lower temperatures than the all LTC-114 cells and the LTC-115 cells that were previously discharged at rates exceeding 1 Amp.

Frerker, Rick↗
NASA NTRS2001

Pulsars Old and Close in Space: Hot Polar-Caps of Magnetospheric Emission

During the investigation period, we have analyzed the achieve (X-ray Multi Mirror) XMM data. Based on our analysis, we have submitted the following proposals for the Cycle-2 XMM observation period: 1) Two Possible Supernova Remnants in the Carina Dwarf Spheroidal Galaxy; and 2) The Nature of the Ultraluminous X-ray Source in the Nearby Galaxy Dwingeloo 1.

Zhang, Shuang Nan↗
NASA NTRS2003

Spherule Beds 3.47-3.24 Billion Years Old in the Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa: A Record of Large Meteorite Impacts and Their Influence on Early Crustal and Biological Evolution

Four layers, S1-S4, containing sand-sized spherical particles formed as a result of large meteorite impacts, occur in 3.47-3.24 Ga rocks of the Barberton Greenstone Belt, South Africa. Ir levels in S3 and S4 locally equal or exceed chondritic values but in other sections are at or only slightly above background. Most spherules are inferred to have formed by condensation of impact-produced rock vapor clouds, although some may represent ballistically ejected liquid droplets. Extreme Ir abundances and heterogeneity may reflect element fractionation during spherule formation, hydraulic fractionation during deposition, and/or diagenetic and metasomatic processes. Deposition of S1, S2, and S3 was widely influenced by waves and/or currents interpreted to represent impact-generated tsunamis, and S1 and S2 show multiple graded layers indicating the passage of two or more wave trains. These tsunamis may have promoted mixing within a globally stratified ocean, enriching surface waters in nutrients for biological communities. S2 and S3 mark the transition from the 300-million-year-long Onverwacht stage of predominantly basaltic and komatiitic volcanism to the late orogenic stage of greenstone belt evolution, suggesting that regional and possibly global tectonic reorganization resulted from these large impacts. These beds provide the oldest known direct record of terrestrial impacts and an opportunity to explore their influence on early life, crust, ocean, and atmosphere. The apparent presence of impact clusters at 3.26-3.24 Ga and approx. 2.65-2.5 Ga suggests either spikes in impact rates during the Archean or that the entire Archean was characterized by terrestrial impact rates above those currently estimated from the lunar cratering record.

Lowe, Donald R.↗