Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “solubility determination”

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.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 253 records · Page 14
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS2004

Determining the Thermal Properties of Space Lubricants

Many mechanisms used in spacecrafts, such as satellites or the space shuttle, employ ball bearings or gears that need to be lubricated. Normally this is not a problem, but in outer space the regular lubricants that are used on Earth will not function properly. Regular lubricants will quickly vaporize in the near vacuum of space. A unique liquid called a perfluoropolyalkylether (PFPE) has an extremely low vapor pressure, around l0(exp -10) torr at 20 C, and has been used in numerous satellites and is currently used in the space shuttle. Many people refer to the PFPEs as "liquid Teflon". PFPE lubricants however, have a number of problems with them. Lubricants need many soluble additives, especially boundary and anti-wear additives, in them to function properly. All the regular known boundary additives are insoluble in PFPEs and so PFPEs lubricate poorly under highly loaded conditions leading to many malfunctioning ball bearings and gears. JAXA, the Japanese Space Agency, is designing and building a centrifuge rotor to be installed in the International Space Station. The centrifuge rotor is part of a biology lab module. They have selected a PFPE lubricant to lubricate the rotor s ball bearings and NASA bearing experts feel this is not a wise choice. An assessment of the centrifuge rotor design is being conducted by NASA and part of the assessment entails knowing the physical and thermal properties of the PFPE lubricant. One important property, the thermal diffusivity, is not known. An experimental apparatus was set up in order to measure the thermal diffusivity of the PFPE. The apparatus consists of a constant temperature heat source, cylindrical Pyrex glassware, a thermal couple and digital thermometer. The apparatus was tested and calibrated using water since the thermal diffusivity of water is known.

Maldonado, Christina M.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Localized and Areally Extensive Alterations in Marathon Valley, Endeavour Crater Rim, Mars

Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity is exploring the rim of 22 km diameter, Noachian-aged Endeavour crater. Marathon Valley cuts through the central region of the western rim providing a window into the local lower rim stratigraphic record. Spectra from the Compact Reconnaissance Imaging Spectrometer for Mars show evidence for the occurrence of Fe-Mg smectite in this valley, indicating areally extensive and distinct lithologic units and/or styles of aqueous alteration. The Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer has determined the compositions of 59 outcrop targets on untreated, brushed and abraded surfaces. Rocks in the Marathon Valley region are soft breccias composed of mm- to cm-sized darker clasts set in a lighter-toned, finegrained matrix. They are basaltic in non-volatile-element composition and compositionally similar to breccias investigated elsewhere on the rim. Alteration styles recorded in the rocks include: (1) Enrichments in Si, Al, Ti and Cr in more reddish-colored rock, consistent with leaching of more soluble cations and/or precipitation of Si +/- Al, Ti, Cr from fluids. Coprecipitation of Ge-rich phases with Si occurred in the western area only; high water:rock is indicated. Pancam multispectral observations indicate higher nanophase ferric oxide contents, but the rocks have lower Fe contents. The highly localized nature of the red zones indicate they cannot be the source of the widespread smectite signature observed from orbit. (2) Outcrops separated by approximately 65 m show common compositional changes between brushed and abraded (approximately 1 mm deep) targets: increases in S and Mg; decreases in Al, Cl and Ca. These changes are likely due to relatively recent, surface-related alteration of valley rocks and formation of surface coatings under low water:rock. (3) One target, from the center of a region of strong CRISM smectite signature, shows modest differences in composition (higher Si, K; lower Mn) compared to most Marathon Valley rocks, while another target approximately 40 cm away on the same outcrop does not; a change towards smectite bulk compositions is not observed. The smectite signature likely resulted from alteration under low water:rock such that primary minerals were partially altered to phyllosilicates, but wholesale leaching of cations by fluids did not occur.

Mittlefehldt, David W.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Gas phase hydrogen permeation in alpha titanium and carbon steels

Commercially pure titanium and heats of Armco ingot iron and steels containing from 0.008-1.23 w/oC were annealed or normalized and machined into hollow cylinders. Coefficients of diffusion for alpha-Ti and alpha-Fe were determined by the lag-time technique. Steady state permeation experiments yield first power pressure dependence for alpha-Ti and Sievert's law square root dependence for Armco iron and carbon steels. As in the case of diffusion, permeation data confirm that alpha-titanium is subject to at least partial phase boundary reaction control while the steels are purely diffusion controlled. The permeation rate in steels also decreases as the carbon content increases. As a consequence of Sievert's law, the computed hydrogen solubility decreases as the carbon content increases. This decreases in explained in terms of hydrogen trapping at carbide interfaces. Oxidizing and nitriding the surfaces of alpha-titanium membranes result in a decrease in the permeation rate for such treatment on the gas inlet surfaces but resulted in a slight increase in the rate for such treatment on the gas outlet surfaces. This is explained in terms of a discontinuous TiH2 layer.

Johnson, D. L.↗
NASA NTRS2002

Fabrication and Electromagnetic Characterization of Novel Self-Metallized Thin Films

Unique, self-metallized films were investigated for deployable reflector antenna applications at L-band. Polyamic acid resins or soluble polyimides were doped with metal complexes, cast into films, and thermally cured. Each resulting film had a metallic layer on one side, adhering unfailingly to the polymer. Metallization was successful for silver or palladium in 3,3',4,4'-benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride (BTDA) and 4,4'- oxydianiline and for gold in BTDA and 2,2-bis[4-(4- aminophenoxy)phenyl]hexafluoropropane (4-BDAF) or the space durable polyimide, 2,2-bis(3,4-dicarboxyphenyl)- hexafluoropropane dianhydride and 4-BDAF (LaRCCP1). Reflectivity, transmissivity, and emissivity were determined, using an HP 8510 Vector Network Analyzer, to within 0.001 precision and accuracy. A custom-made test fixture/positioner, a thru-reflect-line calibration, and calculated reflection coefficients were used. The Ag film proved most suitable for further study, with 0.9957 reflectivity and 0.0042 emissivity. The Pd films were 0.89 reflective and 0.11 emissive; both Au films tested entirely transmissive. Transmission and scanning electron micrographs, S-parameters, and power coefficients are shown.

Mackenzie, Anne I.↗
NASA NTRS2015

Nutrient Recovery of Plant Leachates Under Thermal, Biological, and Photocatalytic Pretreatments

Nutrient recovery has always been a problem for long distance and long-term space missions. To allow humans to man these missions, a steady source of oxygen, water, and food are necessary for survival beyond Earth's atmosphere. Plants are currently an area of interest since they are capable of providing all three resources for life sustainability. We are currently interested in nutrient recovery for future plant growth and simple aqueous leachate extractions can recover some of the nutrients. However, leaching plants also removes water-soluble organic plant wastes, which inhibits plant growth if not separated properly. To combat the issues with waste and maximize nutrient recovery, we are attempting to pre-treat the plant matter using biological, thermal, and photocatalytic methods before subjecting the solution with variable-strength acid digestion. For the biological method, the inoculums: mixed heterotrophic/nitrifying bioreactor effluent and Trichoderma vessei are used in an attempt to liberate more nutrients from the plant matter. For the thermal method, plants are subjected to varying temperatures at different retention times to determine nutrient recovery. Lastly, the photocatalytic method utilizes TiO (sub 2)'s oxidizing abilities under specific pHs and retention times to reduce organic wastes and improve nutrient gains. A final acid digestion serves to liberate nutrients even further in order to maximize recovery. So far, we have tested ideal acid digestion variables for practicality and performance in our experiments. We found that a low retention time of 10 minutes and a high acid concentration of 0.1 and 1 mole HCl were the most effective at nutrient recovery. For space travel purposes, 0.1 mole currently looks like a viable acid digestion to use since it is relatively effective and sustainable from a mass and energy balance if acid recovery can be performed on waste brines. Biological pretreatments do not look to be too effective and the thermal and photocatalytic methods may be preferred since they show a potential to recover more than 70 percent of the nutrients.

Photocatalytic↗
NASA NTRS1973

Studies related to primitive chemistry. A proton and nitrogen-14 nuclear magnetic resonance amino acid and nucleic acid constituents and a and their possible relation to prebiotic

Preliminary proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies were made to determine the applicability of this technique for the study of interactions between monomeric and polymeric amino acids with monomeric nucleic acid bases and nucleotides. Proton NMR results for aqueous solutions (D2O) demonstrated interactions between the bases cytosine and adenine and acidic and aromatic amino acids. Solutions of 5'-AMP admixed with amino acids exhibited more complex behavior but stacking between aromatic rings and destacking at high amino acids concentration was evident. The multisite nature of 5'-AMP was pointed out. Chemical shift changes for adenine and 5'-AMP with three water soluble polypeptides demonstrated that significant interactions exist. It was found that the linewidth-pH profile of each amino acid is unique. It is concluded that NMR techniques can give significant and quantitative data on the association of amino acid and nucleic acid constituents.

Manatt, S. L.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Collagen telopeptides (cross-linking sites) play a role in collagen gel lattice contraction

Solubilized interstitial collagens will form a fibrillar, gel-like lattice when brought to physiologic conditions. In the presence of human dermal fibroblasts the collagen lattice will contract. The rate of contraction can be determined by computer-assisted planemetry. The mechanisms involved in contraction are as yet unknown. Using this system it was found that the rate of contraction was markedly decreased when collagen lacking telopeptides was substituted for native collagen. Histidinohydroxylysinonorleucine (HHL) is a major stable trifunctional collagen cross-link in mature skin that involves a carboxyl terminal, telopeptide site 16c, the sixteenth amino acid residue from the carboxy terminal of the telopeptide region of alpha 1 (I) in type I collagen. Little, if any, HHL was present in native, purified, reconstituted, soluble collagen fibrils from 1% acetic acid-extracted 2-year-old bovine skin. In contrast, HHL cross-links were present (0.22 moles of cross-link per mole of collagen) in lattices of the same collagen contracted by fibroblasts. However, rat tail tendon does not contain HHL cross-links, and collagen lattices made of rat tail tendon collagen are capable of contraction. This suggests that telopeptide sites, and not mature HHL cross-links per se, are essential for fibroblasts to contract collagen lattices. Beta-aminopropionitrile fumarate (BAPN), a potent lathyrogen that perturbs collagen cross-linking by inhibition of lysyl oxidase, also inhibited the rate of lattice cell contraction in lattices composed of native collagen. However, the concentrations of BAPN that were necessary to inhibit the contraction of collagen lattices also inhibited fibroblast growth suggestive of cellular toxicity. In accordance with other studies, we found no inhibition of the rate of lattice contraction when fibronectin-depleted serum was used. Electron microscopy of contracted gels revealed typical collagen fibers with a characteristic axial periodicity. The data provide evidence that collagen telopeptide sites play a role in collagen gel lattice contraction.

Non-NASA Center↗
NASA NTRS2004

Enzymatic Properties of an Alkaline and Chelator Resistant Proportional to alpha-Amylase from the Alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. Isolate L1711

An alkaliphilic amylase producing bacterium, Bacillus sp. strain L1711, was selected among 13 soda lakes isolates. When grown at pH 10.5 and 370 C, strain L1711 produced multiple forms of amylases in the culture broth. One of these, BAA, was purified from the culture supernatant by QAE column chromatography and preparative native gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight of BAA was determined to be 51 kDa by denaturing gel electrophoresis. The pH optima for activity below and above 40 C were 9.5-10.0 and 7.0-7.5 respectively. BAA was stable in the pH range 6-11 and was completely inactivated at 55?C. The thermostability was not increased in the presence of Ca(2+). The enzyme was strongly inhibited by Ca(2+), Zn(2+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), Ba(2+) and Cu(2+), whereas the presence of Na(+), Co2+ and EDTA (10 mM) enhanced enzymatic activity. The K(sub m) and specific activity of BAA on soluble starch were 1.9 mg/ml and 18.5 U/mg respectively. The main end products of hydrolysis were maltotetraose, maltose and glucose .

Bernhardsdotter, Eva C. M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Pumping power considerations in the designs of NASA-Redox flow cells

Pressure drop data for six different cell geometries of various flow port, manifold, and cavity dimensions are presented. The redox/energy/storage system uses two fully soluble redox couples as anode and cathode fluids. Both fluids are pumped through a redox cell, or stack of cells, where the electrochemical reactions take place at porous carbon felt electrodes. Pressure drop losses are therefore associated with this system due to the continuous flow of reactant solutions. The exact pressure drop within a redox flow cell is directly dependent on the flow rate as well as the various cell dimensions. Pumping power requirements for a specific set of cell operating conditions are found for various cell geometries once the flow rate and pressure drop are determined. These pumping power requirements contribute to the overall system parasitic energy losses which must be minimized, the choice of cell geometry becomes critical.

Hoberecht, M. A.↗
NASA NTRS2004

Enzymatic Properties of an Alkaline and Chelator Resistant alpha-amylase from the Alkaliphilic Bacillus sp. Isolate L1711

An alkaliphilic amylase producing bacterium, Bacillus sp. strain L 711, was selected among 13 soda lakes isolates. When grown at pH 10.5 and 37 C, strain L711 produced multiple forms of amylases in the culture broth. One of these, BAA, was purified from the culture supernatant by QAE column chromatography and preparative native gel electrophoresis. The molecular weight of BAA was determined to be 51 kDa by denaturing gel electrophoresis. The pH optima for activity below and above 40 C were 9.5 - 10.0 and 7.0 - 7.5 respectively. BAA was stable in the pH range 6-11 and was completely inactivated at 55 C. The thermostability was not increased in the presence of Ca(2+). The enzyme was strongly inhibited by Ca(2+), Zn(2+), Mg(2+), Mn(2+), Ba(2+) and Cu(2+), whereas the presence of Na(+), Co(2+) and EDTA (10 mM) enhanced enzymatic activity. The K(sub m), and specific activity of BAA on soluble starch were 1.9 mg/ml and 18.5 U/mg respectively. The main end products of hydrolysis were maltotetraose, maltose and glucose.

Bernhardsdotter, Eva C. M. J.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Methods development for total organic carbon accountability

This report describes the efforts completed during the contract period beginning November 1, 1990 and ending April 30, 1991. Samples of product hygiene and potable water from WRT 3A were supplied by NASA/MSFC prior to contract award on July 24, 1990. Humidity condensate samples were supplied on August 3, 1990. During the course of this contract chemical analyses were performed on these samples to qualitatively determine specific components comprising, the measured organic carbon concentration. In addition, these samples and known standard solutions were used to identify and develop methodology useful to future comprehensive characterization of similar samples. Standard analyses including pH, conductivity, and total organic carbon (TOC) were conducted. Colorimetric and enzyme linked assays for total protein, bile acid, B-hydroxybutyric acid, methylene blue active substances (MBAS), urea nitrogen, ammonia, and glucose were also performed. Gas chromatographic procedures for non-volatile fatty acids and EPA priority pollutants were also performed. Liquid chromatography was used to screen for non-volatile, water soluble compounds not amenable to GC techniques. Methods development efforts were initiated to separate and quantitate certain chemical classes not classically analyzed in water and wastewater samples. These included carbohydrates, organic acids, and amino acids. Finally, efforts were initiated to identify useful concentration techniques to enhance detection limits and recovery of non-volatile, water soluble compounds.

Benson, Brian L.↗
NASA NTRS1988

Characterization of microcomposite polyimide films

Thermally stable microcomposite polyimide films were prepared by the homogeneous incorporation of either a soluble metal salt or a metal complex into a poly(amide-acid)/N,N-dimethylacetamide solution. The thermal processing of films solvent cast onto glass substrates and cured in an appropriate atmosphere yields films containing not only a fairly uniform dispersion of submicrometer particles, but also a new surface layer of metal or metal oxide. These polymeric systems have been characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy with depth profiling via argon ion etching, transmission electron microscopy of ultramicrotomed cross-sections, scanning electron microscopy, elemental analysis, thermal analysis, and variable temperature electrical resistivity determinations. The data from these techniques were used cooperatively to develop a model for these microcomposite polyimide films.

Rancourt, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1974

The gamma-gamma prime region of the Ni-Al-Cr-Ti-W-Mo system at 850 C

The compositional limits of gamma and gamma-prime phases in nickel-base superalloys are determined experimentally. It is found that gamma-prime had the following range of compositions for the various elements contained in this phase: 72.1 to 78.0 at.% Ni; 7.8 to 17.3 at.% Al; 1.5 to 8.9 at.% Cr; 0.3 to 13.9 at.% Ti, 0.0 to 3.9 at.% Mo, and 0.0 to 7.2 at.% W. The composition of gamma varied as follows: Ni is balanced; 1.9 to 15.4 at.% Al; 6.6 to 30.7 at.% Cr; 0.0 to 3.1 at.% Ti; 0.0 to 8.7 at.% Mo; and 0.0 to 5.0 at.% W. W additions to the gamma appeared to increase somewhat the solubility of Al in this phase. Mo and W added together decreased the solubility of Al in gamma.

Dreshfield, R. L.↗
NASA NTRS1992

Thermodynamics, Solubility, and Diffusivity of Oxygen in Titanium and Ti-Al Alloys

Titanium aluminides and titanium aluminide-based composites are attractive candidate materials for high-temperature structural applications. As these materials may be exposed to oxidizing environments durine their use at elevated temperatures, it is essential that they possess a good oxidation resistance. Previous studies have shown that the oxidation resistance of Al-rich alloys in the Ti-Al system is superior to that of the Ti-rich alloys. The scales formed on the surface of the Al-rich and Ti-rich alloys have been reported to be predominantly Al2O3 and TiO2, respectively. Since the relative stabilities of the oxides of Al and Ti at various temperatures and oxygen pressures can be assessed from their thermodynamic data, it is possible, With the help of thermodynamic calculations, to determine the compositions of the alloys which would form scales of Al2O3, TiO(x) or a ternary oxide such as TiAl2O5 during oxidation at a given temperature. The thermodynamic calculations require reliable activity data for the Ti-Al system. These data have not been determined for the entire composition and temperature range of interest. Using the data available in the literature, recently performed thermodynamic calculations and concluded that the stable oxide changed from TiO to Al2O3 in the existence region of the tial phase. In the case of titanium aluminide-based composites, another major concern is the mutual chemical compatibility of the matrix material with the reinforcement phase. Fibers of SiC, TiB2 and Al2O3 are currently being investigated for reinforcement of titanium aluminide matrices.

Mehrotra, Gopal M.↗
NASA NTRS1984

Experimental and theoretical study of the formation of the 2AB, 3AB, and 9A meteorite chemical groups from the parent liquid

Segregation of solute elements was measured in plane front solidified Fe-Ni-S-P alloys of meteoritic composition containing Ir, Ge and/or Cu. The Ni and P contents reach maximum values of 10.5 wt% and 1.1 wt%, respectively, in austenite (taenite) at the end of primary solidification. Distribution coefficients of Ni, P, Ir, Ge and Cu were determined from the solidified alloys. The distribution coefficients vary with the S and P content of the liquid. In addition the distribution coefficients of Ni, P, Ir and Ge increase and the distribution coefficient of Cu decreases with the S to P ratio. Equations that describe the concentration dependence of the distribution coefficients were developed and used to calculate solute redistribution during the solidification of IIAB, IIIAB and IVA parent bodies. The calculated P vs Ni, Ir vs Ni and Ge vs Ni trends are in good agreement with the observed meteoritic data. Since the calculated value of the maximum solid solubility of P agrees well with the observed maximum P composition data for IIAB and IIIAB irons, it is concluded that complete crystallization of the parent liquids of IIAB and IIIAB had occurred before any fragmentation of the solidified body.

Sellamuthu, R.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The measurement of the stacking fault energy in copper, nickel and copper-nickel alloys

The relationship of hydrogen solubility and the hydrogen embrittlement of high strength, high performance face centered cubic alloys to the stacking fault energy of the alloys was investigated. The stacking fault energy is inversely related to the distance between the two partial dislocations which are formed by the dissociation of a perfect dislocation. The two partial dislocations define a stacking fault in the crystal which offers a region for hydrogen segregation. The distance between the partial dislocations is measured by weak beam, dark field transmission electron microscopy. The stacking fault energy is calculated. Pure copper, pure nickel and copper-nickel single crystals are used to determine the stacking fault energy.

Leighly, H. P., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1984

High temperature properties of equiatomic FeAl with ternary additions

The aluminide intermetallic compounds are considered potential structural materials for aerospace applications. The B2 binary aluminide FeAl has a melting point in excess of 1500 K, is of simple cubic structure, exits over a wide range of composition with solubility for third elements and is potentially self-protecting in extreme environments. The B2 FeAl compound has been alloyed with 1 to 5 at % ternary additions of Si, Ti, Zr, Hf, Cr, Ni, Co, Nb, Ta, Mo, W, and Re. The alloys were prepared by blending a third elemental powder with prealloyed binary FeAl powder. Consolidation was by hot extrusion at 1250 K. Annealing studies on the extruded rods showed that the third element addition can be classified into three categories based upon the amount of homogenization and the extent of solid solutioning. Constant strain rate compression tests were performed to determine the flow stress as a function of temperature and composition. The mechanical strength behavior was dependent upon the third element homogenization classification.

Titran, R. H.↗
NASA NTRS1972

Mechanisms of deterioration of intermediate moisture food systems

A study of shelf stability in intermediate moisture foods was made. Major efforts were made to control lipid oxidation and nonenzymatic browning. In order to determine means of preventing these reactions, model systems were developed having the same water activity content relationship of intermediate moisture foods. Models were based on a cellulose-lipid and protein-lipid system with glycerol added as the humectant. Experiments with both systems indicate that lipid oxidation is promoted significantly in the intermediate moisture range. The effect appeared to be related to increased mobility of either reactants or catalysts, since when the amount of water in the system reached a level where capillary condensation occurred and thus free water was present, the rates of oxidation increased. With added glycerol, which is water soluble and thus increases the amount of mobile phase, the increase in oxidation rate occurs at a lower relative humidity. The rates of oxidation were maximized at 61% RH and decreased again at 75% RH probably due to dilution. No significant non-enzymatic browning occurred in the protein-lipid systems. Prevention of oxidation by the use of metal chelating agents was enhanced in the cellulose system, whereas, with protein present, the lipid soluble chain terminating antioxidants (such as BHA) worked equally as well. Preliminary studies of foods adjusted to the intermediate moisture range bear out the results of oxidation in model systems. It can be concluded that for most fat containing intermediate moisture foods, rancidity will be the reaction most limiting stability.

Labuza, T. P.↗