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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 NTRS1995

Preliminary Evaluation of PS300: A New Self-Lubricating High Temperature Composite Coating for Use to 800 C

This paper introduces PS300, a plasma sprayed, self-lubricating composite coating for use in sliding contacts at temperatures to 800 C. PS300 is a metal bonded chrome oxide coating with silver and BaF2/CaF2 eutectic solid lubricant additives. PS300 is similar to PS200, a chromium carbide based coating, which is currently being investigated for a variety of tribological applications. In pin-on-disk testing up to 650 C, PS300 exhibited comparable friction and wear properties to PS200. The PS300 matrix, which is predominantly chromium oxide rather than chromium carbide, does not require diamond grinding and polishes readily with silicon carbide abrasives greatly reducing manufacturing costs compared to PS200. It is anticipated that PS300 has potential for sliding bearing and seal applications in both aerospace and general industry.

Dellacorte, C.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Ionospheric plasma bubble encounters or F region bottomside traversals?

Data from in situ Atmospheric Explorer (AE) measurements and ground-based ionosonde measurements of the ion composition and concentration in the equatorial plasma bubbles are analyzed. The ionosonde produced data on the bottomside electron density (NE) profiles and aided in ascertaining the satellite measurements as being in the topside or bottomside of the F layer. The AE data were taken during low latitude evening conditions at various altitudes, and revealed ion compositions consistent with plasma bubbles originating at the altitude of the steep F region bottomside ionization gradient. The lifetimes of NO ions were observed to be short even if the ions were dominant in the regions where the bubbles form. Vertical distortions of tens of kilometers in the equatorial F region occurred in the unstable postsunset period to the extent that the bubble formation area and the bottomside plasma region became virtually indistinguishable.

Benson, R. F.↗
NASA NTRS1985

Enhanced ion outflows measured by the DE 1 high altitude plasma instrument in the dayside plasmasphere during the recovery phase

Ion flow velocities both parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic field, and including the effects of spacecraft charging and spacecraft velocity, have been measured during the recovery phase of two large magnetic storms on October 14 and 21 of 1981. These measurements were made both inside and outside the plasmasphere and indicate unreported yet substantial outflows of ions within the dayside plasmasphere (October 14). Combined data from instruments on board the Dynamics Explorer satellite, including the high altitude plasma instrument, the energetic ion composition spectrometer, the retarding ion mass spectrometer, and the plasma wave instrument, indicate that these ions are most likely dominantly O(+) at energies at least as low as 5 eV. The nightside pass (October 21), which occurred during the recovery phase of a similar storm, showed no plasmaspheric outflows. The results indicate that a large contribution to the outflux into the dayside plasmasphere during the recovery period is due to E greater than 5 eV ions.

Menietti, J. D.↗
NASA NTRS1989

Plasma deposited silicon nitride for indium phosphide encapsulation

The composition and the annealing characteristics of plasma-deposited silicon-nitride encapsulating films on the ion-implanted InP substrates were investigated, using two different substrate-cleaning procedures (organic solvents and HF or HIO3 solutions) prior to encapsulation. The effect of plasma deposition of silicon nitride on the InP substrates was assessed through the current-voltage characteristics of Schottky diodes. Results of XPS analyses showed that the cleaning procedure that employed HF solution left less oxygen on the InP surface than the procedure involving HIO3. No chemical interaction between the film and the substrate was observed before or after annealing.

Valco, G. J.↗
NASA NTRS1995

Sensitivity of the 6300 A twilight airglow to neutral composition

The field line interhemispheric plasma (FLIP) model is used to study the 6300 A line intensity measured during three morning twilights from the McDonald Observatory in Texas. The Imaging Spectrometric Observatory (ISO) measured the 6300 A intensity during the winter of 1987 and the spring and summer of 1988. The FLIP model reproduces the measured intensity and its variation through the twilight well on each day using neutral densities from the MSIS-86 empirical model. This is in spite of the fact that different component sources dominate the integrated volume emission rate on each of the days analyzed. The sensitivity of the intensity to neutral composition is computed by varying the N2, O2, and O densities in the FLIP model and comparing to the intensity computed with the unmodified MSIS-86 densities. The ion densities change self-consistently. Thus the change in neutral composition also changes the electron density. The F2 peak height is unchanged in the model runs for a given day. The intensity changes near 100 deg SZA are comparable to within 10% when either (O2), (N2), or (O) is changed, regardless of which component source is dominant. There is strong sensitivity to changes in (N2) when dissociative recombination is dominant, virtually no change in the nighttime (SZA greater than or equal to 108 deg) intensity with (O2) doubled, and sensitivity of over 50% to doubling or halving (O) at night. When excitation by conjugate photoelectrons is the dominant nighttime component source, the relative intensity change with (O) doubled or halved is very small. This study shows the strong need for simultaneous measurements of electron density and of emissions proportional to photoelectron fluxes if the 6300 A twilight airglow is to be used to retrieve neutral densities.

Melendez-Alvira, D. J.↗
NASA NTRS1979

Hot plasma environment at Jupiter - Voyager 2 results

Preliminary results are reported from measurements made with the low-energy charged particle (LECP) instrument on Voyager 2 as it approached and traversed the Jovian magnetosphere. The primary objectives of the LECP instrument were to make measurements of the hot plasma (no less than about 20 keV and no less than about 28 keV for electrons and ions, respectively), to characterize the composition of the hot plasma and energetic-particle population, and to determine the particle flows and spatial distributions. In addition, the effects associated with the possible wake of Ganymede are discussed. Attention is given to inbound and outbound passes, along with Jovian plasma characteristics. The results suggest that the Jovian magnetosphere is confined by a plasma boundary rather than a conventional magnetopause. Inside the plasma boundary there exists a discontinuity at about 50-60 Jupiter radii, and the region inside this discontinuity is termed the 'inner plasmasphere'.

Krimigis, S. M.↗
DOE OSTI2024

Reply to Comment on ‘Deuterium supersaturated surface layer in tungsten: ion energy dependence’

Abstract We reply to the comment by Li et al (submitted to Nucl. Fusion with this response) on our recent paper Nishijima et al (2023 Nucl. Fusion 63 126003). In this response, we address the existence of an incident ion energy, E i , threshold for the deuterium (D) supersaturated surface layer (DSSL) formation with a newly conducted D plasma exposure experiment at E i ∼ 20 eV. It is also further demonstrated, based on new experiments where the ion flux, fluence, and sample temperature are scanned, that non-kinetic (ballistic) processes play a role in the DSSL formation and growth. In addition, the effect of impurities in our plasma is discussed also with a new analysis of the surface composition made after a D plasma exposure.

Nishijima, D. (ORCID:0000000231194827)↗
NASA NTRS1990

Ulysses - An investigation of the polar regions of the heliosphere

This paper describes the Ulysses mission, a cooperative NASA/ESA mission for exploring the heliosphere within 1 to 2 AU of the sun. The nine instruments of the Ulysses spacecraft will collect information continuously, recording and compressing data for a playback through NASA's Deep Space Network. Prominent features of the Ulysses include the 1.65-m parabolic high-gain antenna pointing continuously toward earth, which will provide the earth-to-spacecraft communications link; the Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator; and the 5.5-m radial boom which will provide an electromagnetically clean environment for certain experiments. Individual studies will include investigations of solar-wind plasma, solar-wind ion composition, cosmic dust, magnetic field, solar X-rays/cosmic gamma ray bursts, energetic-particle composition, low energy ions and electrons, cosmic rays/solar particles, radio and plasma waves, coronal plasma sounding, and gravitational waves.

Meeks, Willis G.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Global Core Plasma Model

Over 40 years of ground and spacecraft plasmaspheric measurements have resulted in many statistical descriptions of plasmaspheric properties. In some cases, these properties have been represented as analytical descriptions that are valid for specific regions or conditions. For the most part, what has not been done is to extend regional empirical descriptions or models to the plasmasphere as a whole. In contrast, many related investigations depend on the use of representative plasmaspheric conditions throughout the inner magnetosphere. Wave propagation, involving the transport of energy through the magnetosphere, is strongly affected by thermal plasma density and its composition. Ring current collisional and wave particle losses also strongly depend on these quantities. Plasmaspheric also plays a secondary role in influencing radio signals from the Global Positioning System satellites. The Global Core Plasma Model (GCPM) is an attempt to assimilate previous empirical evidence and regional models for plasmaspheric density into a continuous, smooth model of thermal plasma density in the inner magnetosphere. In that spirit, the International Reference Ionosphere is currently used to complete the low altitude description of density and composition in the model. The models and measurements on which the GCPM is currently based and its relationship to IRI will be discussed.

Gallagher, Dennis L.↗
NASA NTRS1999

Empirical Modeling of the Plasmasphere

Over 40 years of ground and spacecraft plasmaspheric measurements have resulted in many statistical descriptions of plasmaspheric properties. In some cases, these properties have been represented as analytical descriptions that are valid for specific regions or conditions. For the most part, what has not been done is to extend regional empirical descriptions or models to the plasmasphere as a whole. In contrast, many related investigations depend on the use of representative plasmaspheric conditions throughout the inner magnetosphere. Wave propagation, involving the transport of energy through the magnetosphere, is strongly affected by thermal plasma density and its composition. Ring current collisional and wave particle losses also strongly depend on these quantities, Plasmaspheric also plays a secondary role in influencing radio signals from the Global Positioning System satellites. The Global Core Plasma Model (GCPM) is an attempt to assimilate previous empirical evidence and regional models for plasmaspheric density into a continuous, smooth model of then-nal plasma density in the inner magnetosphere. In that spirit, the International Reference Ionosphere is currently used to complete the low altitude description of density and composition in the model. The models and measurements on which the GCPM is currently based and its relationship to IRI will be discussed.

Gallagher, Dennis L.↗
NASA NTRS1983

The ISPM solar-wind ion composition spectrometer

The International Solar Polar Mission (ISPM) Solar-Wind Ion Composition Spectrometer which determines elemental and ionic-charge composition, and the temperatures and mean speeds of all major solar-wind ions, from H through Fe, at solar wind speeds ranging from 145 km/sec (protons) to 1352 km/sec (Fe+8) is described. The instrument, which covers an energy per charge range from 110 eV/q to 66.7 keV/q in 13 min, combines an electrostatic analyzer with postacceleration, followed by a time-of-flight and energy measurement. Conditions and processes in the region of the corona where the solar wind is accelerated; location of the source regions of the solar wind in the corona; coronal heating processes; the extent and causes of variations in the composition of the solar atmosphere; plasma processes in the solar wind; acceleration of energetic particles in the solar wind; the thermalization and acceleration of interstellar ions in the solar wind, and their composition; and the composition and behavior of the plasma in the Jovian magnetosphere are studied.

Gloeckler, G.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Composition of Upstream Flow for Titan's Interaction with Saturn's Magnetosphere during T9 Flyby

As described in Bertucci et al. [2007] Saturn's magnetic field is stretched out into a magnetodisk configuration where the field is confined near the equatorial plane with Titan below the current sheet. As discussed in Maurice et al. [1996] for Jupiter's outer magnetosphere where magnetodisk configuration applies the heavy ions are confined within 2 deg of the current sheet and at higher latitudes protons dominate. We show compositional evidence from the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS) Ion Mass Spectrometer (IMS) that protons dominate the ion composition for the upstream flow, while in pickup region H2+ and protons dominate. If true, then we expect a far different interaction between Saturn's magnetosphere and Titan's upper atmosphere and exosphere, where heavy ions are essentially absent.

Sittler, Edward C.↗
NASA NTRS2006

Lecture on Thermal Radiation

This lecture will cover solar thermal radiation, particularly as it relates to the high energy solar processes that are the subject of this summer school. After a general review of thermal radiation from the Sun and a discussion of basic definitions, the various emission and absorption mechanisms will be described including black-body emission, bremsstrahlung, free-bound, and atomic line emissions of all kinds. The bulk of the time will be spent discussing the observational characteristics of thermal flare plasma and what can be learned about the flare energy release process from observations of the thermal radiation at all wavelengths. Information that has been learned about the morphology, temperature distribution, and composition of the flare plasma will be presented. The energetics of the thermal flare plasma will be discussed in relation to the nonthermal energy of the particles accelerated during the flare. This includes the total energy, the radiated and conductive cooling processes, and the total irradiated energy.

Dennis, Brian R.↗
DOE OSTI2025

Improving adhesive bonding of short carbon fiber thermoplastic composites to aluminum alloys with a hybrid laser-plasma surface modification strategy

This study investigates hybrid laser–plasma surface modification strategies for metal–CFRTP (carbon-fiber-reinforced thermoplastic polymer) dissimilar joints to improve their bonding performance, in contrast to existing literature that mostly focuses on either plasma or laser treatment alone. By conducting double cantilever beam (DCB) tests on adhesively-bonded AA5052 and CFRPA66 (carbon-fiber-reinforced polyamide 66) joints, as an example of metal–CFRTP joints, it was found that laser engraving on the metal surface combined with plasma treatment on the CFRTP surface significantly improved the specific fracture energy of the joint by 187% and 31% compared to as-received and plasma-treated-only joints, respectively. However, the hybrid treatment of laser engraving and plasma on the investigated CFRTP surface did not improve the bonding performance of the joints. The underlying mechanisms related to hybrid laser-plasma surface modification strategies were further investigated by examining the surface and cross-sectional morphologies after DCB testing using microscopy. Computational modeling was performed to elucidate the interaction between grooves on the metal substrate and the CFRTP–adhesive interfacial bonding in metal–CFRTP joints. This study provides new insights into developing surface modification methods for achieving strong metal–CFRTP adhesive joints, aimed at lightweighting structural components in automotive, aerospace, and other applications.

Adhesive bonding↗
DOE OSTI2024

Modulation of dielectric properties of hexagonal/cubic boron nitride composites

In this work, we synthesized mixed-phase hexagonal-boron nitride (h-BN)/cubic-BN (c-BN) composites with varying ratios and investigated their frequency and temperature-dependent dielectric properties. As the ratio of c-BN increased, we observed a corresponding increase in the dielectric constant of the composites. Furthermore, we used spark-plasma sintering (SPS) to treat the mixed-phase composite, which resulted in a phase transformation from mixed phase to pure h-BN phase. Remarkably, the composite exhibited an increase in dielectric constant after the SPS process, which can be attributed to the densification of the composite and the enhancement in grain size. Our approach presents a promising strategy for effectively modulating the dielectric properties of BN, which is crucial for advanced electronics.

Physics↗
DOE OSTI2024

Role of gas composition in weakened nonlinear standing wave excitation and improved plasma radial uniformity in very-high-frequency asymmetric capacitive Ar/CF 4 discharges

Abstract The higher harmonics generated by nonlinear sheath motion would enhance the standing wave effect, and thus lead to center-peaked plasma density profile in very-high-frequency (VHF) capacitive discharges. In this work, a nonlinear transmission line (NTL) model introduced in Zhouet al(2021Plasma Sources Sci. Technol.30125017) has been extended, with radial transport of various particles and nonlinear sheath motion into account, to investigate the effects of CF 4 fraction α on the nonlinear standing wave excitation and plasma radial uniformity in VHF (60 MHz) capacitively coupled Ar/CF 4 plasmas at 3 Pa. The results indicate that for pure Ar discharges (i.e. α = 0%), the nonlinearly excited harmonics with short wavelength significantly enhance the electron power absorption at the radial center, resulting in a pronounced central-high plasma density profile. As α increases, the high-order harmonics are gradually damped due to the increase of resistance, as well as the longer wavelength caused by thicker sheath thickness. Thus, the radial profile of the electron absorbed power density shifts from center-peak to edge-high. Besides, at the radial center, the electron density and Ar + ion density decrease with α , CF 3 + ion density shows an increasing trend, while F − ion density initially rises and then decreases. Moreover, the density profiles of all the species become more uniform at higher CF 4 fraction, due to the suppressed nonlinear standing wave excitation and the longer wavelength of the nonlinear harmonics.

Physics↗