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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

Phosphazene diamines

The synthesis of a specific phosphazene diamine was optimized, other phosphorus-containing diamines were prepared, and their effect upon certain characteristics of epoxy resins, prepared via reaction with MY 720, in particular, char yield at elevated temperatures was evaluated. The synthesis of the phosphazene diamine resulting from the interaction of methylenedianline with 4,4'-bis(diphenylphosphino)biphenyl was simplified into a one step process giving 77 percent yield of the pure product. Using this procedure, a related diamine containing bis(diphenylphosphino)methane was obtained in a 70 percent yield. Preparation of another class of phosphorus containing amines based upon p-aminophenyldiphenyl-phosphine was unsuccessful; the inability to produce p-aminophenylithlum was responsible for this failure. Seven epoxy resins employing Araldite MY 720, diaminodiphenylsulfone, and two of the phosphorus containing diamines were prepared, characterized, and their char yield capacity at elevated temperatures assessed. Based on these investigations, the resins containing phosphorus appear to exhibit significantly better char formation characteristics than materials hardened using conventional amines, without impairing the other properties measured.

Paciorek, K. L.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Photochemistry of CO and H2O - Analysis of laboratory experiments and applications to the prebiotic earth's atmosphere

The role photochemical reactions in the early earth's atmosphere played in the prebiotic synthesis of simple organic molecules was examined, extending an earlier calculation of formaldehyde production rates to more reduced carbon species, such as methanol, methane, and acetaldehyde. The experimental results of Bar-Nun and Chang (1983) are simulated as an aid in the construction of the photochemical scheme and as a way of validating the model. The results indicate that some fraction of CO2 and H2 present in the primitive atmosphere could have been converted to simple organic molecules. The exact amount is dependent on the partial pressure of CO2 and H2 in the atmosphere and on what assumptions are made concerning the shape of the absorption spectra of CO2 and H2O.

Wen, Jun-Shan↗

NASA NTRS1990

Bis (4-(3,4-dimethylene-pyrrolidyl)-phenyl) methane

The primary objective is to prepare high temperature polymeric materials, especially linear aromatic polyimides, which maintain their integrity and toughness during long exposure times at elevated temperatures. The attained benefits are obtained by first providing the bis (exocyclodiene) bis (4-(3,4-dimethylene-pyrrolidyl)-phenyl) methane, which is a novel material formed from the monomer N-phenyl-3,4-dimethylene-pyrrolidine. This compound undergoes Diels-Alder reaction with a bismaleimide, without the evolution of gaseous by-products, to form the aromatic polyimide bis (4-(3,4-dimethylene-pyrrolidyl)-phenyl) methane.

Ottenbrite, Raphael M.↗

NASA NTRS1991

Global biomass burning - Atmospheric, climatic, and biospheric implications

On a global scale, the total biomass consumed by annual burning is about 8680 million tons of dry material; the estimated total biomass consumed by the burning of savanna grasslands, at 3690 million tons/year, exceeds all other biomass burning (BMB) components. These components encompass agricultural wastes burning, forest burning, and fuel wood burning. BMB is not restricted to the tropics, and is largely anthropogenic. Satellite measurements indicate significantly increased tropospheric concentrations of CO and ozone associated with BMB. BMB significantly enhances the microbial production and emission of NO(x) from soils, and of methane from wetlands.

Levine, Joel S.↗

NASA NTRS2019

Exploring Oxidation in the Remote Free Troposphere: Insights From Atmospheric Tomography (ATom)

Earth's atmosphere oxidizes the greenhouse gas methane and other gases, thus determining their lifetimes and oxidation products. Much of this oxidation occurs in the remote, relatively clean free troposphere above the planetary boundary layer, where the oxidation chemistry is thought to be much simpler and better understood than it is in urban regions or forests. The NASA airborne Atmospheric Tomography study (ATom) was designed to produce cross sections of the detailed atmospheric composition in the remote atmosphere over the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans during four seasons. As part of the extensive ATom data set, measurements of the atmosphere's primary oxidant, hydroxyl (OH), and hydroperoxyl (HO2) are compared to a photochemical box model to test the oxidation chemistry. Generally, observed and modeled median OH and HO2 agree to within combined uncertainties at the 2σ confidence level, which is ~±40%. For some seasons, this agreement is within ~±20% below 6-km altitude. While this test finds no significant differences, OH observations increasingly exceeded modeled values at altitudes above 8 km, becoming ~35% greater, which is near the combined uncertainties. Measurement uncertainty and possible unknown measurement errors complicate tests for unknown chemistry or incorrect reaction rate coefficients that would substantially affect the OH and HO2 abundances. Future analysis of detailed comparisons may yield additional discrepancies that are masked in the median values.

atmosphere's primary oxidant, hydroxyl (OH), and h↗

NASA NTRS1989

Advanced Launch System propulsion focused technology liquid methane turbopump technical implementation plan

This program will focus on the integration of all functional disciplines of the design, manufacturing, materials, fabrication and producibility to define and demonstrate a highly reliable, easily maintained, low cost liquid methane turbopump as a component for the STBE (Space Transportation Booster Engine) using the STME (main engine) oxygen turbopump. A cost model is to be developed to predict the recurring cost of production hardware and operations. A prime objective of the program is to design the liquid methane turbopump to be used in common with a LH2 turbopump optimized for the STME. Time phasing of the effort is presented and interrelationship of the tasks is defined. Major subcontractors are identified and their roles in the program are described.

Csomor, A.↗

NASA NTRS2014

Novel Catalysts and Processing Technologies for Production of Aerospace Fuels from Non-Petroleum Raw Materials

Transportation fuels production (including aerospace propellants) from non-traditional sources (gases, waste materials, and biomass) has been an active area of research and development for decades. Reducing terrestrial waste streams simultaneous with energy conversion, plentiful biomass, new low-cost methane sources, and/or extra-terrestrial resource harvesting and utilization present significant technological and business opportunities being realized by a new generation of visionary entrepreneurs. We examine several new approaches to catalyst fabrication and new processing technologies to enable utilization of these nontraditional raw materials. Two basic processing architectures are considered: a single-stage pyrolysis approach that seeks to basically re-cycle hydrocarbons with minimal net chemistry or a two-step paradigm that involves production of supply or synthesis gas (mainly carbon oxides and H2) followed by production of fuel(s) via Sabatier or methanation reactions and/or Fischer-Tröpsch synthesis. Optimizing the fraction of product stream relevant to targeted aerospace (and other transportation) fuels via modeling, catalyst fabrication and novel reactor design are described. Energy utilization is a concern for production of fuels for either terrestrial or space operations; renewable sources based on solar energy and/or energy efficient processes may be mission enabling. Another important issue is minimizing impurities in the product stream(s), especially those potentially posing risks to personnel or operations through (catalyst) poisoning or (equipment) damage. Technologies being developed to remove (and/or recycle) heteroatom impurities are briefly discussed as well as the development of chemically robust catalysts whose activities are not diminished during operation. The potential impacts on future missions by such new approaches as well as balance of system issues are addressed.

space processing↗

NASA NTRS2014

Novel Catalysts and Processing Technologies for Production of Aerospace Fuels from Non-Petroleum Raw Materials

Transportation fuels production (including aerospace propellants) from non-traditional sources (gases, waste materials, and biomass) has been an active area of research and development for decades. Reducing terrestrial waste streams simultaneous with energy conversion, plentiful biomass, new low-cost methane sources, and/or extra-terrestrial resource harvesting and utilization present significant technological and business opportunities being realized by a new generation of visionary entrepreneurs. We examine several new approaches to catalyst fabrication and new processing technologies to enable utilization of these non-traditional raw materials. Two basic processing architectures are considered: a single-stage pyrolysis approach that seeks to basically re-cycle hydrocarbons with minimal net chemistry or a two-step paradigm that involves production of supply or synthesis gas (mainly carbon oxides and hydrogen) followed by production of fuel(s) via Sabatier or methanation reactions and/or Fischer-Tropsch synthesis. Optimizing the fraction of product stream relevant to targeted aerospace (and other transportation) fuels via modeling, catalyst fabrication and novel reactor design are described. Energy utilization is a concern for production of fuels for either terrestrial or space operations; renewable sources based on solar energy and/or energy efficient processes may be mission enabling. Another important issue is minimizing impurities in the product stream(s), especially those potentially posing risks to personnel or operations through (catalyst) poisoning or (equipment) damage. Technologies being developed to remove (and/or recycle) heteroatom impurities are briefly discussed as well as the development of chemically robust catalysts whose activity are not diminished during operation. The potential impacts on future missions by such new approaches as well as balance of system issues are addressed.

propellants↗

NASA NTRS1980

Impact of a global warming on biospheric sources of methane and its climatic consequences

Most of atmospheric methane originates by bacterial processes in anaerobic environments within the soil which are found to become more productive with increases in ambient temperature. A warming of climate, due to increasing levels of industrial gases resulting from fossil fuel burning, is thus likely to increase methane abundance within the atmosphere. This may lead to further heating of the atmosphere, since both methane and ozone (which is generated in the troposphere from reactions of methane) have greenhouse effects. This feedback mechanism has been explored with the use of a coupled climate-chemical model of the troposphere, by the calculation of the impact of the predicted global warming due to increased emissions of carbon dioxide and other industrial gases on the biospheric sources of methane.

Hameed, S.↗

NASA NTRS1977

The production and treatment of gaseous pollutants in an electrostatic precipitator

The production of ozone and nitric oxides and the oxidation of two organic contaminants, methane and acetylene, were studied in the corona discharge of a model cylindrical electrostatic precipitator. Both air and oxygen streams were passed through the discharge while current, voltage, electrode/wall radius ratio, residence time and wall temperature were varied. Under all conditions using air, much more ozone was produced in the negative than in the positive corona, in agreement with qualitative data reported in the literature. However, using oxygen, as much as three to four times more ozone is produced by the positive corona. Over a wide range of conditions ozone production is proportional to current. Limited analyses of nitric oxides formation in air indicated that levels were higher in the negative than in the positive corona. In contrast to previous work using an RF discharge, methane contamination was not removed by the corona discharge. However, the oxidation of acetylene was affected by the discharge and could not be accounted for by homogeneous ozonation alone.

Flamm, D. L.↗

NASA NTRS2016

Foundational Methane Propulsion Related Technology Efforts, and Challenges for Applications to Human Exploration Beyond Earth Orbit

Current interest in human exploration beyond earth orbit is driving requirements for high performance, long duration space transportation capabilities. Continued advancement in photovoltaic power systems and investments in high performance electric propulsion promise to enable solar electric options for cargo delivery and pre-deployment of operational architecture elements. However, higher thrust options are required for human in-space transportation as well as planetary descent and ascent functions. While high thrust requirements for interplanetary transportation may be provided by chemical or nuclear thermal propulsion systems, planetary descent and ascent systems are limited to chemical solutions due to their higher thrust to weight and potential planetary protection concerns. Liquid hydrogen fueled systems provide high specific impulse, but pose challenges due to low propellant density and the thermal issues of long term propellant storage. Liquid methane fueled propulsion is a promising compromise with lower specific impulse, higher bulk propellant density and compatibility with proposed in-situ propellant production concepts. Additionally, some architecture studies have identified the potential for commonality between interplanetary and descent/ascent propulsion solutions using liquid methane (LCH4) and liquid oxygen (LOX) propellants. These commonalities may lead to reduced overall development costs and more affordable exploration architectures. With this increased interest, it is critical to understand the current state of LOX/LCH4 propulsion technology and the remaining challenges to its application to beyond earth orbit human exploration. This paper provides a survey of NASA's past and current methane propulsion related technology efforts, assesses the accomplishments to date, and examines the remaining risks associated with full scale development.

Brown, Thomas↗

NASA NTRS2022

Global benefits of non-continuous flooding to reduce greenhouse gases and irrigation water use without rice yield penalty

Non-continuous flooding is an effective practice for reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) and irrigation water use (IRR) in rice fields. However, advancing global implementation is hampered by the lack of comprehensive understanding of GHGs and IRR reduction benefits without compromising rice yield. Here, we present the largest observational data set for such effects as of yet. By using Random Forest regression models based on 636 field trials at 105 globally georeferenced sites, we identified the key drivers of effects of non-continuous flooding practices and mapped maximum GHGs or IRR reduction benefits under optimal non-continuous flooding strategies. The results show that variation in effects of non-continuous flooding practices are primarily explained by the UnFlooded days Ratio (UFR, that is the ratio of the number of days without standing water in the field to total days of the growing period). Non-continuous flooding practices could be feasible to be adopted in 76% of global rice harvested areas. This would reduce the global warming potential (GWP) of CH4 and N2O combined from rice production by 47% or the total GWP by 7% and alleviate irrigation water use by 25%, while maintaining yield levels. The identified UFR targets far exceed currently observed levels particularly in South and Southeast Asia, suggesting large opportunities for climate mitigation and water use conservation, associated with the rigorous implementation of non-continuous flooding practices in global rice cultivation.

climate change mitigation↗

NASA NTRS1975

Aminonitriles - Possible role in chemical evolution

The formation of HCN, ammonium cyanide, alkylnitriles, aminoacetonitrile and its C- and N-methyl homologs was demonstrated earlier in a simulated Jovian atmosphere. The polymeric material resulting in these experiments was shown to give glycine, alanine, sarcosine, aspartic acid and some imino dibasic acids on acid hydrolysis, suggesting thereby the participation of the monomeric nitriles in the formation of the polymeric product(s). Further examination of products resulting from semicorona and arc discharge through a mixture of methane and ammonia has provided evidence for the formation of alkylaminopropionitriles as a complex mixture and also some pyridyl and pyrimidyl type heterocyclic compounds. A gas chromatograph/mass spectrometer examination of the heterocyclics showed resemblance with those found in some carbonaceous chondrites. The significance of these findings in relation to chemical evolution is discussed.

Chadha, M. S.↗

NASA NTRS1977

Hydrogen fueled subsonic aircraft - A prospective

The performance characteristics of hydrogen-fueled subsonic transport aircraft are compared with those of aircraft using conventional aviation kerosene. Results of the Cryogenically Fueled Aircraft Technology Program sponsored by NASA indicate that liquid hydrogen may be particularly efficient for subsonic transport craft when ranges of 4000 km or more are involved; however, development of advanced cryogenic tanks for liquid hydrogen fuel is required. The NASA-sponsored program also found no major technical obstacles for international airports converting the liquid hydrogen fueling systems. Resource utilization efficiency and fuel production costs for hydrogen produced by coal gasification or for liquid methane or synthetic aviation kerosene are also assessed.

Witcofski, R. D.↗

NASA NTRS1984

Measured ion-molecule reaction rates for modelling Titan's atmosphere

Rate coefficients for several two- and three-body ion-molecule reactions involving hydrocarbons have been determined at thermal energies and above using drift tube-mass spectrometer techniques. The measured rates for clustering and breakup reactions involving CH5(+) and C2H5(+) ions in methane are found to be strongly temperature dependent in the range from 80 to 240 K. The equilibrium constants determined for these reactions differ somewhat from those of Hiraoka and Kebarle (1975). Rate coefficients for two-body reactions of CH5(+), C2H5(+), N(+), H(+), and D(+) ions with methane and/or ethane have been measured. The results indicate that the product yields of several of the fast ion-molecule reactions depend strongly on ion energy (temperature), and therefore previous room-temperature results may be of limited value for model calculations of Titan's atmosphere.

Dheandhanoo, S.↗

NASA NTRS1989

Instrumentation systems for the Langley Research Center 8-foot high temperature tunnel

A description is presented of the 8-foot high-temperature tunnel, a Mach 7 blowdown-type facility in which methane is burned in air under pressure, with the resulting combustion products utilized as the test medium. The instrumentation environment and requirements are identified, and instrumentation design, including wiring, sensors, and data acquisition system are described. The design and installation of a fast oxygen monitoring system to maintain the partial pressure of oxygen at 21 percent in the tunnel test section is included. Also, the new data acquisition system hardware details and data-reduction capabilities are defined.

Walsh, James J., Jr.↗

NASA NTRS1992

The photolysis of NH3 in the presence of substituted acetylenes - A possible source of oligomers and HCN on Jupiter

An NMR spectral study is presently conducted of NH3 photolysis in the presence of substituted acetylenes with NMR spectra and gas chromatography. Quantum yields and percentage conversions to products are reported. It is shown that acetylenic hydrocarbons generated during methane photolysis in Jupiter's stratosphere can react with radicals formed by NH3 photolysis to yield nonvolatile, yellow-brown polymers, alkylnitriles, and in due course, HCN, as observed on Jupiter.

Ferris, James P.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Composition and Climate Impacts of Increasing Launches to Low Earth Orbit

We present simulations of an Earth system model in which launch vehicles inject gaseous and particulate combustion products into the stratosphere. We considered two plausible scenarios representative for the year 2050, one with 1000 launches per year and another with 10 times more, all of which assuming heavy lift (80 tons to low Earth orbit; LEO) launches using methane as a proxy for liquefied natural gas (LNG) fuel. An industry-standard plume flowfield model was used to predict emission of gaseous species including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and water vapor. Black carbon was introduced assuming vacuum emission equal 25% of equivalent kerosene engine. The gas emissions showed marginal or insignificant changes in atmospheric composition, while the black carbon emission was found to be the most influential component. Feedbacks involve tropopause and stratospheric warming, followed by a moistening of the stratosphere via tropospheric water vapor intrusions, together with a reduction in global albedo. The fact that LNG-fueled rockets could be a concern from aerosol emissions in our simulations, despite burning more efficiently than conventional fuels, underscores the need to better understand actual black carbon emissions from rocket engines in order to accurately predict the global impacts of launch vehicles on future climate.

Earth system model↗