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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 271 records · Page 15
All sourcesNASA NTRSDOE OSTI
NASA NTRS1985

Radiation damage in high-resistivity silicon solar cells

High-resistivity silicon solar cells exhibit reduced radiation damage when light is incident on the gridded back surface. Under back illumination, radiation damage decreases as cell resistivity increases; under front illumination, radiation damage increases as cell resistivity increases. Thin back-illuminated cells outperform conventional 10 omega cm 50 and 200 micron cells at low 1-MeV electron fluences. However, at higher fluences, the conventional cells exhibit superior radiation resistance. This is attributed to the low BOL diffusion lengths observed in the thin, sack-illuminated cell. These results are discussed in terms of injected charge distributions, electric fields in the cell base, and the effects of a dominant boron-oxygen defect.

Weinberg, I.↗
NASA NTRS1986

On the determination of the origin of linear anomaly in the macrostructure of VPPA welded 2219-T87 aluminum alloy: Preliminary report

The cause and significance of the weld radiograph enigma, which is a linear anomaly in the features of the X-ray film is examined. By observing features on available radiographs and in studying published reports of similar features, it was possible to conclude that there are many manifestations of the enigma, and that they are all specific features of fine structure in radiographs due to natural processes connected with welding and to specific X-ray absorption and diffraction phenomena. These processes include the thermal distribution and liquid metal flow in welding, the development of microstructure, morphology, second phase particles and porosity due to the solidification process, and to the pattern of residual stresses after the weld metal has cooled to the ambient temperature. Microdensitometer traces were made across weld radiographs of standard enigmatic types. Similar patterns were produced by computer simulation. These show that the enigma is a relatively low contrast feature compared to real weld defects, such as undercuts or centerline cracks. The enigma can be distinguished from weld defects by these microdensitometer traces. The enigma effect on weld properties is not known but is expected to be minor.

Jemian, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

On the determination of the origin of linear anomaly in the macrostructure of VPPA welded 2219-T87 aluminum alloy

The objective was to determine the cause and significance of the weld radiograph enigma, which is a linear anomaly in the features of the X-ray film. By observing features on available radiographs and in studying published reports of similar features it was possible to conclude that there are many manifestations of the enigma, and that they are all specific features of fine structure in radiographs due to natural processes connected with welding and to specific X-ray absorption and diffraction phenomena. These processes include the thermal distribution and liquid metal flow in welding, the development of microstructure, morpohology, second phase particles and porosity due to the solidification process and to the pattern of residual stresses after the weld metal has cooled to the ambient temperature. Microdensitometer traces were made across weld radiographs of standard and enigmatic types. Similar patterns were produced by computer simulation. These show that the enigma is a relatively low contrast feature compared to real weld defects, such as undercuts or centerline cracks. The enigma can be distinguished from weld defects by these microdensitometer traces. The enigma effect on weld properties is not known but is expected to be minor.

Jemian, W. A.↗
NASA NTRS1986

Growth and characterization of Hg(1-x)Zn(x)Se

Hg sub 1-xZn sub xSe alloys of composition x=0.10 were grown in a Bridgman-Stockbarger growth furnace at translation rates of 0.3 and 0.1 micron sec. The axial and radial composition profiles were determined using precision density measurements and IR transmission-edge-mapping, respectively. A more radially homogeneous alloy was produced at the slower growth rate, while the faster growth rate produced more axially homogeneous alloys. A determination of the electrical properties of the Hg sub 1-xZn sub xSe samples in the temperature range 300K-20K was also made. Typical carrier concentrations were on the order of magnitude of 10 to the 18th power cu/cm, and remained fairly constant as a function of temperature. A study was also made of the temperature dependence of the resistivity and Hall mobility. The effect of annealing in a selenium vapor on both the IR transmission and the electrical properties was determined. Annealing was effective in reducing the number of native donor defects and at the resulting lower carrier concentrations, charge carrier concentration was shown to be a function of temperature. Annealing caused the mobility to increase, primarily at the lower temperature, and the room temperature resistivity to increase. Annealing was also observed to greatly enhance the % IR transmittance of the samples. This was due primarily to the effect of annealing on decreasing the charge carrier concentration.

Andrews, R. N.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Schwarz-Based Algorithms for Compressible Flows

We investigate in this paper the application of Schwarz-based algorithms to compressible flows. First we study the combination of these methods with defect-correction procedures. We then study the effect on the Schwarz-based methods of replacing the explicit treatment of the boundary conditions by an implicit one. In the last part of this paper we study the combination of these methods with Newton-Krylov matrix-free methods. Numerical experiments that show the performance of our approaches are then presented.

Tidriri, M. D.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Chromosomal Aberrations in DNA Repair Defective Cell Lines: Comparisons of Dose Rate and Radiation Quality

Chromosome aberration yields were assessed in DNA double-strand break repair (DSB) deficient cells after acute doses of gamma-rays or high-LET iron nuclei, or low dose-rate (0.018 Gy/hr) gamma-rays. We studied several cell lines including fibroblasts deficient in ATM (product of the gene that is mutated in ataxia telangiectasia patients) or NBS (product of the gene mutated in the Nijmegen breakage syndrome), and gliomablastoma cells that are proficient or lacking in DNA-dependent protein kinase, DNA-PK activity. Chromosomes were analyzed using the fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) chromosome painting method in cells at the first division post-irradiation and chromosome aberrations were identified as either simple exchanges (translocations and dicentrics) or complex exchanges (involving >2 breaks in 2 or more chromosomes). Gamma radiation induced higher yields of both simple and complex exchanges in the DSB repair defective cells than in the normal cells. The quadratic dose-response terms for both chromosome exchange types were significantly higher for the ATM and NBS defective lines than for normal fibroblasts. However, the linear dose-response term was significantly higher only for simple exchanges in the NBS cells. Large increases in the quadratic dose response terms indicate the important roles of ATM and NBS in chromatin modifications that facilitate correct DSB repair and minimize aberration formation. Differences in the response of AT and NBS deficient cells at lower doses suggests important questions about the applicability of observations of radiation sensitivity at high dose to low dose exposures. For all iron nuclei irradiated cells, regression models preferred purely linear and quadratic dose responses for simple and complex exchanges, respectively. All the DNA repair defective cell lines had lower Relative biological effectiveness (RBE) values than normal cells, the lowest being for the DNA-PK-deficient cells, which was near unity. To further investigate the sensitivity differences for low and low high doses, we performed chronic low dose-rate irradiation, and have begun studies with ATM and Nibrin inhibitors and siRNA knockout of these proteins. Results support the conclusion that for the endpoint of simple chromosomal aberrations (translocation or dicentrics), the increased radiation sensitivity of AT cells found at high doses (>1 Gy) does not carry over to low doses or doserates, while NBS cells show increased sensitivity for both high and low dose exposures.

George, K. A.↗
NASA NTRS1971

Recombination luminescence in irradiated silicon-effects of uniaxial stress and temperature variations.

Demonstration that luminescence in irradiated silicon consists of a spectral group between 0.80 and 1.0 eV which seems to be independent of impurities, while a lower energy group between 0.60 and 0.80 eV is seen only in pulled crystals. The small halfwidth and temperature dependence of the sharp zero-phonon lines observed in these spectra indicate that the luminescence arises from a bound-to-bound transition. A model is proposed for the transition mechanism. Stress data taken on the 0.79-eV zero-phonon line in pulled crystals can be fit by either a tetragonal 100 (in brackets) defect symmetry or by conduction-band splitting effects. It is suggested that the 0.79-eV zero-phonon line and the 0.60- to 0.80-eV spectral group arise from the EPR G-15 center. Stress data on a zero-phonon line at 0.97 eV associated with the 0.80- to 1.0-eV spectral group can be explained by a trigonal 111 (in brackets) defect. The divacancy is tentatively suggested as responsible for this luminescence spectra.

Jones, C. E.↗
NASA NTRS1990

Establishing a communications-intensive network to resolve artificial intelligence issues within NASA's Space Station Freedom research centers community

MITRE Corporation's, A Review of Space Station Freedom Program Capabilities for the Development and Application of Advanced Automation, cites as a critical issue the following situation, extant at the NASA facilities visited in the course of preparing the review: The major issues noted with regard to design and research facilities deal with cooperative problem solving, technology transfer, and communication between these facilities. While the authors were visiting lab and test beds to collect information, personnel at many of these facilities were interested in any information they could collect on activities at other facilities. A formal means of gathering this information could not be identified by these personnel. While communication between some facilities was taking place or was planned, for technology transfer or coordination of schedules (e.g., for SADP demonstrations), poor communication between these facilities could lead to a lack of technical standards, duplication of effort, poorly defined interfaces, scheduling problems, and increased cost. Formal mechanisms by which effective communication and cooperative problem solving can take place, and information can be disseminated, must be defined. A solution is proposed for the communications aspects of the issues addressed above; and offered at the same time a solution which can prove effective in dealing with some of the problems being encountered with expertise being lost via retirement or defection to the private sector. The proffered recommendations are recognizably cost-effective and tap the rising sector of expert knowledge being produced by the American academic community.

Howard, E. Davis, III↗
NASA NTRS1971

Behavior of lithium in irradiated solar cells.

The current state of the art in radiation resistant lithium-doped silicon solar cells is reviewed. Fabrication techniques are reviewed. Characteristics of lithium-doped cells are discussed. Behavior of lithium-doped cells during 1 MeV electron irradiation are studied for various types of cells. Effects of variations in lithium and oxygen concentration are shown and discussed. Capacitance measurements at various voltages, frequencies and temperatures are used to detect charges in lithium donor concentration and the formation of defects during irradiation. Physical models to explain the observed effects are presented.

Carter, J. R., Jr.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Ballistic-electron-emission microscopy of subsurface defects at the Au-GaAs(100) interface

The application of ballistic-electron-emission microscopy (BEEM) to a study of the influence of GaAs(100) substrate conditions on the formation of a multidefect structure at the Au-GaAs(100) Schottky barrier interface is described. Interfaces prepared on both melt-grown GaAs(100) wafer substrates and MBF-deposited GaAs(100) buffer layers are considered. As a comparison to the study of Au-GaAs(100) interfaces, BEEM imaging is performed on Au-Si(100) interfaces. It is noted that Au-GaAs(100) interface formation is relatively insensitive to the effects of substrate surface condition and substrate bulk defect density, and that the combination of BEEM imaging and BEEM spectroscopy indicates that the heterogeneous interface defects are the result of diffusion between the Schottky barrier electrodes.

Hecht, M. H.↗
NASA NTRS1991

Analysis of foil bearings for high speed operation in cryogenic applications

The general objective of this project is to develop analysis tools which are required for the design of foil bearings to be used in cryogenic applications. During the second year of this project, a general analysis approach and code for journal bearings operating under steady state conditions will be completed. This will be followed by the initiation of an investigation into transient behavior of foil bearings to determine their performance in rotor systems. Foil bearings have been proposed as an alternative to rolling element bearings for use in cryogenic turbopumps in liquid propellant rocket engines. This type of bearing offers several advantages over rolling element bearings since they would use the cryogenic pump fluid for a lubricant and have structural flexibility. These bearings have the potential of high reliability and long life. The bearing surface is constructed of a 'foil' which resists deflection by a combination of bending, membrane, and elastic foundation effects. The relative motion between the rotating shaft and the foil causes pressure in the fluid film to develop. This pressure deflects the the foil surface away from the shaft. Once a full fluid film is established between the foil and the rotor shaft, contact no longer takes place and there is no subsequent wear of the surfaces. The flexible foil structure of the bearing allows it to compensate for minor tolerance and manufacturing defects. This same flexibility also has a significant effect on the dynamic performance of the rotor-bearing system.

Carpino, Marc↗
NASA NTRS1986

Characterization of hydrogen embrittlement in nickel base superalloy single crystals

In order to study the role of CMSX2 single crystal microstructure on the combined stress-hydrogen environment effects, hydrogen was introduced by cathodic charging. Concentration measurements were carried out to investigate the dependence of hydrogen solubility and trapping on microstructure. Mechanical properties were measured at room temperature on smooth tensile specimens as a function of heat treatment, crystal orientation and H charging conditions. SEM and TEM allow to study H induced cracks initiation and propagation. A large amount of hydrogen can be dissolved and trapped in CMSX2 single crystals when exposed to a high hydrogen fugacity environment. The strong H trapping evidenced in voids explains the predominant role of these defects as crack initiation sites. The strong detrimental effect of hydrogen on the material tenacity is discussed.

Chene, J.↗
NASA NTRS2003

Advanced Multi-Component Defect Cluster Oxide Doped Zirconia-Yttria Thermal Barrier Coatings

The advantages of using ceramic thermal barrier coatings in gas turbine engine hot sections include increased fuel efficiency and improved engine reliability. However, current thermal barrier coatings will not have the low thermal conductivity and necessary sintering resistance under higher operating temperatures and thermal gradients required by future advanced ultra efficient and low emission aircraft engines. In this paper, a novel oxide defect cluster design approach is described for achieving low thermal conductivity and excellent thermal stability of the thermal barrier coating systems. This approach utilizes multi-component rare earth and other metal cluster oxide dopants that are incorporated in the zirconia-yttna based systems, thus significantly reducing coating thermal conductivity and sintering resistance by effectively promoting the formation of thermodynamically stable, essentially immobile defect clusters and/or nanoscale phases. The performance of selected plasma-sprayed cluster oxide thermal barrier coating systems has been evaluated. The advanced multi-component thermal barrier coating systems were found to have significantly lower initial and long-term thermal conductivities, and better high temperature stability. The effect of oxide cluster dopants on coating thermal conductivity, sintering resistance, oxide grain growth behavior and durability will be discussed.

Zhu, Dongming↗
NASA NTRS1990

Advanced Multi-Component Defect Cluster Oxide Doped Zirconia-Yttria Thermal Barrier Coatings

The advantages of using ceramic thermal barrier coatings in gas turbine engine hot sections include increased fuel efficiency and improved engine reliability. However, current thermal barrier coatings will not have the low thermal conductivity and necessary sintering resistance under higher operating temperatures and thermal gradients required by future advanced ultra-efficient and low-emission aircraft engines. In this paper, a novel oxide defect cluster design approach is described for achieving low thermal conductivity and excellent thermal stability of the thermal barrier coating systems. This approach utilizes multi-component rare earth and other metal cluster oxide dopants that are incorporated in the zirconia-yttria based systems, thus significantly reducing coating thermal conductivity and sintering resistance by effectively promoting the formation of thermodynamically stable, essentially immobile defect clusters and/or nanoscale phases. The performance of selected plasma-sprayed cluster oxide thermal barrier coating systems has been evaluated. The advanced multi-component thermal barrier coating systems were found to have significantly lower initial and long-term thermal conductivities, and better high temperature stability. The effect of oxide cluster dopants on coating thermal conductivity, sintering resistance, oxide grain growth behavior and durability will be discussed.

Zhu, Dongming↗
NASA NTRS1990

Defect Clustering and Nano-Phase Structure Characterization of Multi-Component Rare Earth Oxide Doped Zirconia-Yttria Thermal Barrier Coatings

Advanced oxide thermal barrier coatings have been developed by incorporating multi- component rare earth oxide dopants into zirconia-yttria to effectively promote the creation of the thermodynamically stable, immobile oxide defect clusters and/or nano-scale phases within the coating systems. The presence of these nano-sized defect clusters has found to significantly reduce the coating intrinsic thermal conductivity, improve sintering resistance, and maintain long-term high temperature stability. In this paper, the defect clusters and nano-structured phases, which were created by the addition of multi-component rare earth dopants to the plasma- sprayed and electron-beam physical vapor deposited thermal barrier coatings, were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The defect cluster size, distribution, crystallographic and compositional information were investigated using high-resolution TEM lattice imaging, selected area diffraction (SAD), and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis techniques. The results showed that substantial defect clusters were formed in the advanced multi-component rare earth oxide doped zirconia-yttria systems. The size of the oxide defect clusters and the cluster dopant segregation was typically ranging fiom 5 to 50 nm. These multi-component dopant induced defect clusters are an important factor for the coating long-term high temperature stability and excellent performance.

Zhu, Dongming↗
NASA NTRS2002

Issues and Consequences of Atomic Oxygen Undercutting of Protected Polymers in Low Earth Orbit

Hydrocarbon based polymers that are exposed to atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit are slowly oxidized which results in recession of their surface. Atomic oxygen protective coatings have been developed which are both durable to atomic oxygen and effective in protecting underlying polymers. However, scratches, pin window defects, polymer surface roughness and protective coating layer configuration can result in erosion and potential failure of protected thin polymer films even though the coatings are themselves atomic oxygen durable. This paper will present issues that cause protective coatings to become ineffective in some cases yet effective in others due to the details of their specific application. Observed in-space examples of failed and successfully protected materials using identical protective thin films will be discussed and analyzed. Proposed approaches to prevent the failures that have been observed will also be presented.

Banks, Bruce A.↗
NASA NTRS2009

Shuttle Wing Leading Edge Root Cause NDE Team Findings and Implementation of Quantitative Flash Infrared Thermography

Comparison metrics can be established to reliably and repeatedly establish the health of the joggle region of the Orbiter Wing Leading Edge reinforced carbon carbon (RCC) panels. Using these metrics can greatly reduced the man hours needed to perform, wing leading edge scanning for service induced damage. These time savings have allowed for more thorough inspections to be preformed in the necessary areas with out affecting orbiter flow schedule. Using specialized local inspections allows for a larger margin of safety by allowing for more complete characterizations of panel defects. The presence of the t-seal during thermographic inspection can have adverse masking affects on ability properly characterize defects that exist in the joggle region of the RCC panels. This masking affect dictates the final specialized inspection should be preformed with the t-seal removed. Removal of the t-seal and use of the higher magnification optics has lead to the most effective and repeatable inspection method for characterizing and tracking defects in the wing leading edge. Through this study some inadequacies in the main health monitoring system for the orbiter wing leading edge have been identified and corrected. The use of metrics and local specialized inspection have lead to a greatly increased reliability and repeatable inspection of the shuttle wing leading edge.

Burke, Eric R.↗